The View From Mt. Nebo

Above is the view of the "promise land" from the top of Mt. Nebo... just as lush and green as you imagined, right? I'd also like to remind you that this picture was taking just after the rainy season.

I am so grateful for having received this opportunity to spend a semester in Israel. The majority of my days were eye opening, mind blowing, and life changing. I’ve experience more in these short months than I have in my entire life previous. And I’m sure the remaining years God decides to grant me on this earth will be spent unpacking this incredible experience. The reality of my time in this land surpassed all of my expectations, and the gratitude I feel right now is more than overwhelming. Every time I look across the landscape of Jerusalem from the rooftop view of my room, I feel unworthy of such a grace and can only imagine the grace stored up for me in the age to come if this is the grace granted to me now. I can’t express my appreciation for all the thoughts and prayers of my friends and family back home. I definitely believe it was those prayers that made this experience what it was –difficult, challenging, uncomfortable, haunting, sleepless, weighty, and full of joy. I can’t thank you enough.

This trip was truly a wilderness experience for me (that is the best way I know how to describe it). Like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus, Jesus going into the wilderness after his baptism, and Paul spending 3 years in the wilderness of Arabia after his Damascus road conversion, I too felt drawn into such a wilderness season. Detached from all familiarity and normality, God took me into the wilderness to teach me the path of a disciple. And very quickly, I leaned the only path of a true disciple of Christ is the Calvary road. I had often hoped that this semester would be a sort of mystical, spiritual high, but the reality was much different. This semester was real and grounding, as I felt a consistency of the Spirit moving, purging, and refining within me throughout all of my days in Israel. But now I am leaving the wilderness and plunging back into the realities of everyday life. Like Moses, I stand on Mt. Nebo, gazing into the land of promise; and if God allows, I will leave this wilderness and enter the land. But I am filled with much uncertainty, because everything I’ve learned in the wilderness will now tested. My season of preparation is over. The time has come for me take action; the time has come for me to enter the land. And if I’ve learned anything from my experience in Israel, it is this –the “promise land” is not a promise of God giving his children everything they want, but a promise of God caring for his children no matter what. And with the promise of such a faithful God despite the faithlessness of his children, I can boldly enter the land.

Confident in the promise,
Danny

The End

I just finished all my work after a Greek and Hebrew test today…. I couldn’t feel better. It’s the completion of my first almost real semester of college. We’ll have to wait till next year for a real semester of college completed.

This will be my last blog post. I’ll be in Jordan from Saturday till Thursday, then leaving for home on Friday afternoon and get in late in the day to Cleveland the same day. So for this last one, I wanted to thank you all for following and for praying. God has been revealing, convicting, encouraging and strengthening me while being away, and I think I will always look back on this time as shaping and valuable- intellectually, but especially spiritually.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned about God, and in my relation to him is just how far I am from being the Godly man I desire to be. I’ve realized I don’t even know where to start but on my knees when it comes to that. I don’t know how to lead, but I desire to grow in that area. I want to be a fearless, bold, humble, meek leader of men. I want to “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let everything you do be done in love” as Paul commanded the Corinthians. That’s my vision, but I’ve realized I’m lost in that pursuit. I’m striving with all I am towards that goal, and hope you continue to pray for me in that effort. I’ve made a lot of plans this summer to be taught many leadership lessons from people I highly respect, so hopefully God continues to mold and shape me into this.

During this last week, I just have one more prayer request of you. Just as an aside, I was reading yesterday, and read about how Paul constantly asked for prayers for himself and his ministry. I wonder how much power Paul possessed was due to the prayers of the saints for Paul. If Paul, who had such spiritual power and influence, pleads with prayer, I figure I should get in that habit early. But anyway, I ask you to pray for this last week to continue to renew and refresh my vision of God and His mission for me. God’s been incredibly gracious in answering that prayer thus far, but I always long for more of Him, and would love the Spirit to pour into and out of me as I return home. So, not only for this last week, but for the transition period as well- that I’ll continue hold Him in preeminence in my life.

Thanks again for all your prayers and all your support.

Looking forward to see you soon.
Sos

Christ, Our Passover Lamb

Yesterday, Danny and I had the privilege of attending the Samaritan’s Passover sacrifice. As I was standing, observing on the fence beforehand, a couple things hit me in the face about the process of sacrifice. But a few clarifying comments first.

First, the Samaritans are a people group that never departed from Samaria (North of Jerusalem) because they believed that’s where God’s temple should be. In the first 5 books of the Bible, Jerusalem is never mentioned, but the area of Samaria is. So they’ve never departed from that. Now, there are about 700 citizens of this village and they are fairly exclusive.

Secondly, Christ as being slaughter as a lamb probably sounds weird to those outside the faith, and common to those inside. So, as a brief overview to those outside, here are a few comments. There’s a Jewish festival celebrating the Exodus when God brought the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. They had to sacrifice a lamb and put the blood on their door posts, so that the Lord would “pass over” there house and have mercy on their firstborn. This was just a shadow of what was to come. Christ came to fulfill this shadow with a true reality of forgiveness and covering. His blood covers us, so that God’s wrath passes over us on the Day of Judgment. God sees Christ’s blood and righteousness, and not our own sin and dirtiness. By His blood we are made clean.

Now some notes on the sacrifice. We actually did not get to see the deed done, which was disappointing. The highlight though was them bringing the dead, skinned, gutted sheep and set them up and cleaned them literally right in front of me. The similarities of the sacrifice and of Jesus’ sacrifice came before the slaughter, mainly because that’s all I saw. The parallels could be more modern, or they could reach back to antiquity. Anyway, before the sacrifice the people were mocking the sheep and afflicting them. They beat them and slapped them. They lifted up and carried them by their fur. They were making a show of it, just as they did to Jesus. Even though they were supposed to show remorse for their sin, it was more of a celebration. Also, the sheep almost strangely knew something was going down. They tried skirting away. They were making noises. I see this in Jesus’ prayer in the garden. If there was a way out, He asked for it. But there wasn’t. So he didn’t try to run, because there wasn’t another way. Isaiah says,
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?"

For the joy set before him, he endured the shame and embarrassment of the cross. He said not a word to Pilate under accusation. He knew the path he had to walk, and He walked it obediently. He did not try to escape. He raised not his voice.
Maybe this is a more modern comparison, or maybe this tradition was passed down. Either way, I think it provides some good insights to what Biblical Passover may have looked like- and more fully what and why Jesus’ crucifixion was described as it was.

Praising the Perfect Sacrifice,
Sos

Frightening Leadership Lessons on Mt Nebo

The last stop on the last day had us at Mount Nebo- Moses last stop and ours- fitting. It was a really good time of reflection and looking forward while remembering what’s behind.
One idea was in my mind as I looked at a similar view, if not the same view Moses had of the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 34.1-6. I can imagine Moses excitement of seeing this site. “We’re here! This is it! God is faithful! I can finally enter in!” God shows Moses the Promised Land and says, “This is it. And you’re going to die on the top of this mountain.” Wow… Moses, God’s chosen leader, dies not receiving the promise himself. The rest of the Tanakh constantly refers to Moses as a servant of the Lord- almost every time is mentions Moses again. There are some important leadership lessons in this- lessons that put the fear of God in me as I prepare to be a leader of God’s people. It’s truly frightening and awe-inspiring.

God says Moses died and could not enter the Promised Land for two reasons- “because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel” (Deuteronomy 32.51). Two sins inclined God to kill him. Seems harsh. On top of this, Moses is the one that saved the whole race of people through his intercession! “And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them? I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they” (Numbers 14.11). God says step aside Moses, I’m going to kill all these fools and start over with you. But Moses pleads with God and saves the whole nation. Moses could have been the only one entering the Promised Land, but because of His prayer, he saves a people.

Leading God’s people is a terrifying task for me. Hebrews 13.17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” On top of this, James 3.1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” I’m going to give an account and be judged with greater strictness as a leader of God’s people. Not many should presume to be teachers and leaders for sure. I’m not saying I’m better, and that’s why I’m doing it. There would be a thousand others things that would be easier or more comfortable. But God used those things to call me to ministry. God’s called me to this, so I’m going to chase after it. That’s scary, but God has promised me grace through the race. Oh how I need His grace.

Two things I learn from Moses- 1. He is a servant of the Lord. That makes him adept for leadership. A bit of an oxymoron- but true. Serving the Lord will equip me for leadership to people. 2- He was still able to bless the Lord at the end of His life. Why? He lived in obedience. In Deuteronomy 33, he blessed God and the people. He was not bitter. He ran the race and was satisfied with God, not His success in ministry. I hope that can be me at the end of my life and race.

In need of much grace,

Sos

Petra

The third day started with 6 hours in Petra. You may not know how much time we spend at each site usually, but it’s 2 hours max. Soooo…. You can imagine how incredible this site was and all there was to see. Just for background information, this was a Nabotean city of the first century mainly, and absolutely incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this place. Again, words will not do justice, pictures come closer, but you really just need to go there yourself. (Sorry!) But I’ll do the best I can to try to explain, and hopefully I can put pictures to accompany this post, but no promises. Again, you might just have to wait for facebook pictures. It’s one of the 7 man-made wonders of the world. So pretty big deal.

Walking up to the main entrance, on both sides there are intricately designed, stunning carvings into the rock. The Naboteans were incredible rock carvers. They would carve these things into the mountain face themselves. So it’s not like they took it down and carved it and put it somewhere. They carved the rock face itself. How they knew where and how to cut to get these visual affects while hanging down and having little knowledge of where they were respectively, I have no clue. But they were master craftsmen.

Their entrance to the city was ridiculous. It’s called the Siq. It’s basically a continuous canyon that is 1 kilometer long and 500 feet high- winding and turning in a narrow passage the whole time. I don’t know if you know how long a kilometer is, but it’s no small distance. This thing was incredible. Walking in the canyon, there is an aqueduct running on the sides that used to carry rainwater to the city. Carved into the rock face and over and in the aqueduct were again intricate, splendid designs- the most famous is a man leading a camel caravan. It’s faded, but it’s there. Wild.

The Siq opened up into a courtyard area with an indescrible structure called the Treasury. This was in one of the Indian Jones movies, but it’s been a while for me so I don’t know which one, but that’s what I hear. The Treasury was just a super huge, elaborate designed, amazing building/carving/tomb- I don’t know what to call it. Here words truly can’t describe it and you need to see a picture. This thing was massive and so detailed in the design and carving.

The rest of the site included more of the same- carvings I can’t describe in words and majestic views. It was a lot of climbing to high places, but again, some sites that I will probably never experience again in majesty and grandeur. God is big, I am small, but he still cares for me and orders and sustains the universe. I don’t understand and it’s a simple thing that everyone repeats, but I’m constantly shocked that he’s shown regard for me.

Blown Away by mercies,

Sos

Jabbok River

"So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, 'For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.' The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip." -Genesis 32:30-31

Danny

Limping in the Jabbok

During the second half of the second day, we made a fairly quit stop at the Jabbok river wadi. Just for clarification purposes, a wadi is a river cut valley that water flows through continuously, or just when it rains. It’s basically a valley. They create some pretty awesome views.

The significance of this story comes in the story of Jacob wrestling with the man/angel/God in Genesis 32. If you are a faithful follower, you know that this was referenced in my first post in preparation for coming here, so it had a special place in my heart. It was fitting that I would start with this passage, and on the last trip, actually see it.

Here’s the gist of the story. Throughout Jacob’s whole life, he was a deceiver. That’s what Jacob literally means in Hebrew. Some call it cheating, some call it cleverness, but he was deceitful. The context of this story has to do with Jacob’s deceiving coming back to bite him in the butt. Jacob deceived Esau for the birth right by disguising himself as Esau, so that Isaac would bless him first. Thus, he holds the inheritance of his father. After this, Esau wants to kill him, naturally, and Jacob flees. After about 12 years, he’s on his way back through the land, and a messenger tells Jacob that Esau is on his way towards him with a large people group. Jacob sends forth most of his belongings in succession, and finally his own wife and children, as he stays alone at night in the Jabbok wadi. This being the only water source in the area, the animals (lions, etc) come down at night to catch easy prey. You could imagine his fear and anticipation that night as he sits alone at the bottom of this huge valley. You could also imagine his hurt and anger at God for bringing this upon him- his deceitfulness has finally caught up with him. What characterized him- his name literally- has caught up with him. It always hurts when what is most deeply engrained in you is exposed and shown- that’s never a pleasant experience- especially when that’s a sin and not anything Godly. But Jacob wrestles violently with God that night until morning. He won’t let go of God until he blesses him. And then there’s this line- Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” What defined Jacob- his name and character- is changed. His essence and what was so deeply engrained in him is changed- how? By wrestling with God. And notice what it’s changed to- Israel- to strive with God. He is no longer going against God in a deceitful manner, but is striving- determined, motivated, ruthless- running with God. He wasn’t satisfied with his sin. He wasn’t content. He wanted more of himself and of God. His sin was exposed and he hated it. He wanted God’s blessing and victory.

I’m not going to give myself a self-proclaimed nickname, but I do hope that I have been striving with God and striving for God and against sin and all things evil. Sometimes sin’s exposure is all that can do that- as painful as that is. And for that I’m thankful. God came and wrestled with me, and like Jacob, I am changed forever by an experience with God and now walk with a limp- of God’s power and my sin.

No swagger Sos

Baptism and Sactification

Baptism has always been something I have ignored. I came to faith at a very young age, but I've always neglected baptism because of its serious implication I read in Scripture. I remember having a conversation about baptism a few months ago with my Messianic Rabbi, Matt Koons, which definitely planted a seed in me as I began to ponder the nature and the implications of baptism. It's such a strange thing. I mean, I like to go swimming, and I shower every 3-4 days sometimes... So how is baptism any different? Why is baptism a biblical command? Does baptism change anything? Or is it just an outward sign of an inward change? And if that's true, why is baptism such a big deal? These were some of the questions I began to wrestle with as I thought about baptism. And I don't know if I have any clear answers, but like Sos said in his post, the Spirit does move in baptism. And I believe totally in the power and the gifts of the Spirit.

This past week I have been meditating hard on Romans 6 and how baptism relates to sanctification, because Romans 6 is clearly making a connection between the two. There is a logical shift in Paul's train of thought when the book gets to chapter 6, as he moves from talking about justification to talking about sanctification. And the imagery of baptism is then woven all throughout the chapter.

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." -Romans 6:3-4

Like Sos, I do not believe there is any magic in the waters. But I do believe there is power in the Spirit. More than a baptism in water, I desire a baptism in the fires of the Holy Spirit. The water is only a outward proclamation of my desire to be baptized and sanctified by the Spirit. So baptism is not only an expression of the justification I have received in Christ, but it is also an act of submitting myself to the Spirit for the purpose of sanctification.

So, if anybody actually reads this blog, my request is this -that you would read Romans 6 and pray Romans 6 for me. Pray that Romans 6 would happen in me. Pray that my baptism would portray my death in the death of Christ, and my newness of life in the resurrection of Christ. That is what I want my baptism to proclaim tomorrow. I love you all, and know that your prayers mean the world to me.

Uniting myself with Christ,
Danny

Jordan Experience

So we’re back from Jordan and finished the last of my journeys for our Physical Settings class. We go back to Jordan for Cultural Backgrounds at the end of the semester, but this is the last trip of the learning, tested semester. Sad, but I learned a lot and it was really fun to travel and see pretty much all of the big spots in the Biblical world. What an incredible experience. Just from reading the Bible today, I can finally put names of places with spots and locations that I never knew before. Now I just need to go to Asia Minor and Greek to finish up sometime.

This trip was a lot more relaxed than the other ones. It was a lot more site seeing than learning, which was a nice change of pace. I liked just relaxing a bit and seeing some incredible things- sites and views. There are INCREDIBLE views in Jordan. I was surprised by so many majestic, awesome views. I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, but I think I could compare some sites with that- or at least that would be most comparable.

I thought entering Jordan was going to be like going to Iraq or Syria, since these countries border Jordan. But Jordan wasn’t so bad. It had some relatively nice spots and cities. The hotels we stayed in were actually really nice. The first night we stayed in Ammon, which was a HUGE city. The second night we stayed in Petra, and the third night we stayed in Kirak, which is right outside of a Crusader castle that we saw the next day.

Jordan had a lot more Roman influence in the New Testament period than I imagined or knew of. It had some pretty incredible cities. The first day we went to a city called Gadara. It was a pretty incredible Roman city. I wish I could describe these thins better, but you just need to see pictures, or see it yourself. It had a bunch of Corinthian columns, had the Cardo (the center Roman road of the city) intact, a couple temples, an amphitheater, etc. It had some pretty incredible views overlooking the Sea of Galilee, too. I thought this was really cool, but the next day we went to Gerasa. This place was like Gadara on steroids. It’s called the city of a thousand columns, and there were probably more. It’s said to be the most put together of the ancient Roman cities in the world- even Rome itself. There was a hippodrome, two theater, preserved streets, stairways, churches, temples, you name it. Again, only pictures can describe. I hope I can upload them, but you may just have to wait till they hit facebook.

Well, that was the first day and a half. More coming.

Sos

Prayer for Baptism

I had a hard time thinking of what to write this week, so I decided for a prayer request. Our baptism is coming up on Thursday. This is going to reveal some of the charismaniac in me, but I’ll go for it anyway. I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church, but now I’m going under again for the believer’s baptism, which I believe to be Biblical. Double-dunk just to be safe either way.

The fruit of the Spirit is love. 1 Corinthians 13, the great “love” chapter is about fruits of the Spirit. A lot of people desire gifts, but the truest test of the Spirit is love for souls and the fruits listed in Galatians 5, among other places. So my prayer is that the Spirit will change my character and heart, more than an external gift. I earnestly desire a great love for souls and their eternal destiny.

The other thing I’ve been praying for is the spiritual gift of prophecy. I know that’s goofy. I know there’s nothing magic about the water. I know that this will not make me complete or perfectly sanctified. But I do know the Spirit works in baptism. He’s working all up in Acts. There have been two texts that I’ve been thinking about in regards to my baptism. The first is in Acts 19. It reads, “And he said to them,“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying” (2-6). So obviously, baptism is a means where the Spirit can work, as long with the gift of prophecy. The other text in regard to this is in 1 Corinthians. “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but x even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up” (14.1,5). Right after the Spirit of love chapter, it speaks of the gift of prophecy by the Spirit. This is the basis of my prayer.

I know spiritual gifts always run the risk of spiritual pride. So I’ve also been praying that this gift of love and prophecy will be used properly- to build up the church and to glorify God. So I know it’s goofy and a little different, but these are my prayers and thoughts on my baptism. I’m asking you to join with me in this end. I desire great spiritual revival and renewal, and that He is glorified. I know more than the gift, I have Him, and He’s enough.

Longing for the Spirit,
Sos

Meditations on Maundy Thursday

I love Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. But Danny… What about Easter Sunday? Yeah, I like that too, but I’m more of a Lenten season kind of guy than an Easter Sunday kind of guy. The celebration of Easter Sunday would be nothing without the lament, mourning, silent contemplation, reverence, and awe of the days leading up to it. The light of Easter Sunday shines most brightly when it is contrasted with the darkness of the Lenten season. The more terrible the darkness, the more glorious the light.
On the night of Maundy Thursday, I went to a service in the Old City where we took Communion and then walked out of the city to the Mt. of Olives to mediate on the betrayal of Christ. And I don’t think my mind and my imagination have ever been more stirred by the spirit. Never have I been more in tune with the mind of Christ and the disciples, thinking and feeling that fateful night. I had such agonizingly glorious thoughts that my words will only be a shadow of them.
As we left the Church after our remembrance of the Passover feast and headed for the Mt. of Olives, I could see it all so clearly. Truly I was walking in the footsteps of Christ. I imagined myself a disciple, following Jesus to the solitude of the Mt. of Olives. I could hear their conversation, whispering to each other as Jesus walked silently in front of them. The questions that must have follow that Passover meal! The bread is his body and the wine is his blood? Are we cannibals? New covenant? The only covenant we know is the one from Mt. Sinai. And why are we going to the Mt. of Olives? We just came from there. Why are we leaving the city? It’s been days; we should have overthrown the city by now. Jesus is the Messiah, what is he waiting for? And what was all that talk about betrayal? Surely not! Why did he say, “Where I am going you cannot follow me”? For three years we have followed him. We are his loyal disciples; we would follow him to the depths of hell. Are we going outside the city to plan our attack? Why hasn’t Judas returned? He was only going to buy food for the feast, and we will need him when the Messiah rises up. This has been a strange Passover, unlike the last couple we have shared with him.
Meanwhile, I could only imagine the war being silently fought in the mind of Jesus as he walked to the Mt. of Olives to fulfill the Scriptures. He was in a completely different world than the disciples, for he knew the pain that was to come. His eyes have been fixated on this moment ever since the transfiguration, ever since the incarnation, ever since the foundations of universe were laid! And now the time has come for the Son of Man to deliver himself into the hands of men. The stage has been set for the greatest slaughter in human history.
What could have been going through the mind of Christ as he walked to Gethsemane? Surely it was an inconceivable agony to a point greater than death. And last Thursday, as I walked under the full moon, I could almost feel it. The fear and the anguish screaming inside of him, but if he loses his composure now, all will be lost. The shortness of his breath as he descended into the Kidron Valley and the heaviness in his legs as he climbed the Mt. of Olives. Every step seeming like an impossibility, but somehow he took another, and another, and another. The night air was cool, but the sweat of his inner garment was soon to be mingled with the drops of blood falling on his outer garment. And telling his disciples to keep watch and pray, Jesus disappears into the olive grove of Gethsemane. Now, the real battle begins. Alone, he staggers through the garden, the fresh scent of flowers and trees filling the air, but only the stench of death fills his nostrils. Eventually his legs give out, and falling to the dirt he cries, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
Now is his moment of greatest temptation. He is alone, outside the city, on the Mt. of Olives, he could easily escape down the backside of the mountain and within minutes be in the emptiness of the Judean wilderness. Nobody would ever be able to find him. One of the most inconceivable things Jesus ever did was rise from his knees and return to his disciples in Gethsemane. How could he possess such courage and strength? What kind of man is this? How is that even possible? Well, according to Hebrews 12, “For the joy set before him, he endured the cross.” But what joy? How could there be any joy in this moment? What is the joy that caused Jesus to return to the sleeping disciples and not flee to the wilderness? I would say that it was the promise of future joy that allowed Christ to suffer the cross. A hope in future joy. Presently, there would be only pain and sorrow, but he was not without the hope of an everlasting future joy. He was not blinded by the moment because he had the perspective of the promises of the Father. He could endure the cross with joy because his death meant the reconciliation of creation back to God. It meant that God was just and his wrath was satisfied. It meant victory over the grave and a propitiation for the sins of all those born of God. And it meant not only clemency, but also the perfect righteousness of Christ. For that joy, Christ felt the sting of Judas’ kiss, so that we would never have to feel the sting of death.

Hoping in future joy,
Danny

Jesus Day

Day 4 in Galilee we finally got to talking about Jesus. Our Jesus day was long over due. I’ve learned way more about rock types than I have about Our Rock. (Pretty good play on words, right?) Anyway, it was one of my favorite days yet. The sites may have been a little less interesting and intriguing in look, but the historical value and significance was much higher for me.

We started out taking a boat on the sea of Galilee, which was pretty awesome. I mean being on any lake is sweet, but the backdrop and horizon of Galilee is awesome. Not to mention that’s it’s THE SEA OF GALILEE!! So that got me pretty psyched.

Then we really just talked about Jesus the whole day and went to a couple significant sites. We went to the place where it is “remembered” that Jesus cast the demons into the swine and they ran off the cliff. Then we went to the place it is “remembered” where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. The latter spot is especially significant for me. I’ve studying the Sermon on the Mount while I’ve been here in Israel and it’s been some really valuable time. I’ve been supplementing my study with reading Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by The Doctor Martyn Lloyd-Jones. I recommend it to anyone and everyone. I won’t forget that spot for a while. (A little word about “remembering” a spot where something happened- there’s no way to tell where a lot of things happened, but the Orthodox churches just build a church at a “good spot.” Regardless, it’s nice for me, not as historical veracity, but as reflecting on what happened or what Jesus did. It’s just nice to put a picture to some event. The Orthodox churches I’m pretty sure believe that it is the exact spot. Oh, and by Orthodox I mean Eastern Orthodox- not orthodoxy in the sense of right doctrine.)

The final stop was Capernaum. Finally! A real spot where Jesus was for sure! I loved being here. There was a first century synagogue foundation (on top was a 2nd century synagogue) where Jesus would have taught. And then 50 feet away was Peter’s house. So when Luke writes, “And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house” I can picture that short walk over. I could imagine the authority of Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue and the reaction of the people. I could walk the rocky shoreline and imagine a dock, and imagine Jesus scanning it and calling out the raggedy, dumb fishermen out from casting their nets to be “fisher’s of men.” I could have stayed there for hours. I could picture Jesus waking up in the morning and looking out over the sea, walking from spot to spot teaching- it was all surreal. I would have loved to stay and just read about Jesus’ work and miracles and teaching, but when you have 4 days in the Galilee, you can only do so much. But that was the Galilee trip. Next week is a four day trip to Jordan. I'll probably have a midweek blog before then about Easter or something else.

Be blessed,

Sos

Day 3 In Galilee

Day 3 in Galilee started with an 18 mile run at 4:15 in the AM. Soooooo… it was going to be a long day. It actually wasn’t that bad. Running around the Galilee thinking of Jesus’ ministry while listening to angst-filled, Christ-centered music about Jesus is a pretty moving experience. I would recommend it. Plus, the Galilee is flat. Jerusalem is not flat. I like running on flat ground. It’s a nice change of pace (no pun intended, but pun intended).

There were two highlights for me on Day 3. One was standing overlooking the town of Nazareth and the other was at Tel Dan. First, the view from the “Nazareth Ridge” was pretty awesome. It overlooks the Jezreel Valley where a lot of Bible stories took place- Gideon thinning out his army, Elijah’s and Elisha’s ministry, etc. Plus you can view other significant sites on mount’s Gilboa, Tabor, and Carmel. You can picture Jesus being taught by His rabbi overlooking all of these places and learning about them. We stood on the mount where Jesus is “remembered” to have walked through the crowd as the people cornered him and tried to throw him off. We got into this long conversation about how Jesus would have walked through the crowd, and how that appears strange. The “legend” is that he flew off to another mount, which someone brought up as a viable option. Another said he might have just ran off and scurried away off the side of the mountain. I’m going to stick with the Bible on this one and say he walked right through the midst of him- how? By walking on his two feet through the midst of them. I don’t have the patience or time to speculate about what might have happened. The Bible says he walked through them, so he walked through them. Liberal unbelief is something that irritates, so sorry for waiting. There’s other thing you can’t describe by reading into the Bible- like the Resurrection, or walking on water, or raising Lazarus, or healing a blind man.

Anyway, my second highlight was Tel Dan. This sight was pretty cool. It’s been turned into a national sight and has a lot of cool paths going through and following the Jordan. It’s right at the headwaters of the Jordan, so the water is super clear and pure. Not too Biblically significant, but it was just a cool place with awesome trails. I could have wandered for hours.

Day 4 is more exciting. This day was just a day full of a lot of cool, broad sights of the Northern Galilee. Day 4 will be all around the Galilee and all about Jesus. I’m a fan of Jesus, not so much geological structures and rock type.

I'm tying to post Pictures, my either the internet is sucky or the pictures are too big and take forever to upload. But I'm trying and have waited a literal hour for some to load and no luck. Pictures would make what I'm talking about a lot cooler and interesting. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Miss you guys,

Sos

The Gospel Transforms

I want to interrupt my Galilee experience with something cool that happened 2 days ago. I don't think I need to inform you that there is some animosity between the Jews and Arabs in this country. They pretty much hate each other. I'm not sure there's a good parallel I could draw from. It's almost like racism between white and blacks, but more deep-seated and universal- it's lasted for 1300 years. It makes a fairly unhappy place. There are no smiles on the street; no greeting in passing- it just feels nervous and tense. But there is glimmer of light when the Gospel transforms that. We were talking with an Arab-Christian shop keeper the other day, when he said that he makes it a point to meet with his Jewish friend once a month so that their kids can play together and know that they each have a friend of a different race and ethnicity. HOW AWESOME IS THAT! I find that so powerful. The Gospel can overcome the greatest difficulty and cultural boundaries. It's grace, forgiveness, mercy, understanding of the universal church. The Gospel crumbles those walls in place. What other cause can do this? What other source can bring together two people so different and far apart. It reminds me of Paul's ministry in Philippi in Acts 16. The Gospel reconciles three people from 3 extremely different backgrounds. First, Lydia- seller of purple goods, houses in two of the biggest cities in the Ancient World, fashion-ista. She’s rich and well to do, a prominent woman in the city. Next, an unnamed demon-possessed girl- highly emotive and used by others. I think of broke/homeless prostitute. The third one is a Roman jailer- rough and tough, beer-drinking, hard, blue-collar dude. What is going to bring these people together? How could these three people worship the same God under one roof? THE GOSPEL! The Gospel transforms, reconciles and breaks down walls! Only God can do something so ridiculous. He creates unity from the deepest divisions. I love the unity of worshippers. I even see that here worshipping at JUC. There are so many different people- high intellect, high emotive, nice, quiet, loud, goofs, old, young, black, white- and we all can sing and worship the same God in similar and different ways. I love the unity of church in that respect.

Rocked by the Gospel (again),
Sos

The Lost Sheep of Israel

The first stop the second day in Galilee was also my favorite. First century Scytopolis (Old Testament Beth Shean) was probably one of my favorite sights we visited thus far. As I think about it, there have been a lot of really cool sights. This was different in a way from the others though. All the places Herod built (Masada, Caesarea, Herodium) were all pretty gross, but Scytopolis seemed more put together. It was Roman to the core, and there were a lot of remains left. It seemed like more of a Roman city than what I have seen yet.

The significance of this sight for me has to do with Jesus’ ministry. You are probably unfamiliar with the name, because it is never mentioned in the New Testament. Weird, because this was one of the Decapolis cities. Not only was it a huge, booming city; but anytime Jesus traveled to Jerusalem from the Galilee, he would pass through this sight. Anytime Jesus went south from Capernaum in the Galilee, where he did most of his ministry, he would go through Scytopolis. Moreover, there are routes that the Gospel writers include that Jesus must have passed through Scytopolis; however, it is found nowhere. As this question was raised, “why the heck is that?”- such an evident omission, I enjoyed the answer.

Jesus’ ministry was mainly for the “lost sheep of Israel.” Most all of Jesus’ ministry was directed towards the Jews and calling them back to God. “These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10.5-6). He even seems like a jerk in a dialogue in Matthew 15. “He answered “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” (24-25). In the next verse, Jesus seemed to only be testing her faith, and saw that it was great and healed to. More than that, I think Jesus was not probing, so that he would know. He already did know. It was to prove to her that she had faith and believed. The same could go for Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac. But that’s another post- it’s clearly evident that Jesus’ ministry was directed towards Jews. When Greeks came to his disciples asking for him, he responded, “And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” (John 12.23-26). Jesus had a mission. It was not for the Gentiles-yet. Jesus ministry was filled with purpose and intent. He went a place, he healed a person, and moved on. At times, many people came to him to be made well, but he didn’t stay. His mission was the cross. That’s why he came into the world- to die and bear fruit so that you and me could enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Praising God for Jesus’ purpose and mission,
Sos

Peter and Paul in Caesarea

It’s been a busy week. Spending 4 days in the Galilee trying to see as much as you can is pretty exhausting. Not to mention being in the mid-term season with all that goes into that. Nonetheless, I got to spend 4 days in the Galilee. It was incredible. This will be the first of 4 posts describing the time there.

The first stop was at Caesarea Maritime on the shore of the Mediterranean. Herod did it again. Where nature said that it was impossible to build a port there, Herod creates the first cement that hardens under water and builds a harbor out into the sea. And then built his palace out on the water so it looked like it was floating on the sea. Oh yeah, and he had a fresh water pool foundation inside his house. My dude.

This is strange, but I remember seeing this on the History channel, or the discovery channel or something when I was young. Maybe middle school? And I remember thinking how sweet it would be to visit there and see this. There was this hippodrome (horse racing track) that took up a lot of the sight and had stadium seating overlooking the track and the sea. It also had a amphitheater which was pretty awesome as well.

What made this sight more shocking was the Biblical history involved here. It was just a cool, old Roman sight that I remember seeing on TV at first. But the Biblical history here proved to be even more valuable. Both Peter and Paul have deep roots in this sight. First, in Acts 9-10, Peter brings the Gospel to Cornelius here. Peter has a vision telling him to eat the unclean animals. Later he interprets this dream as opening up the salvation invitation beyond the Jews to the “unclean” Gentiles. Immediately after the vision, Cornelius’ servants show up at the place Peter is staying and ask him to come visit their master. Peter does, preaches the Gospel to Cornelius household, they receive the Holy Spirit, and the Gentiles are now included in redemptive history. And I was standing at the place that this all took place. God’s had his eye on this place as the place where the non-Jews would first be included in the salvation message from the beginning of time. I’d like to think He’s still looking over it and over me as I’m visiting the place where all of this went down.

Next, Paul had a long prison captivity here recorded n Acts 24. We were able to stand where he would was thought to be kept as a prisoner. I could only imagine what his thoughts were as he was ministering to this people for over 3 years- the people that came and went; the epistles and letters he wrote to the churches; how the culture there influenced what he said; who had visited him; how he ministered in chains; etc. Arguably the two most effective and influential ministers of the Gospel in history Jesus aside had been standing in the same place less than 2,000 years ago. They served and suffered and obeyed well.

I hope God is preparing me the same way He did to Peter and Paul so long ago. I hope the Spirit will be poured out again afresh on a new generation. I pray for a revival like the early church where wicked, unbelieving sinners turn to the Gospel for peace and life where God is exceedingly glorified and seen as He is. God come and work.

Hoping God raises up a new generation of saints,
Sos

Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran

I really enjoyed the last day of this 3-day trip. It was like a mini-vacation and packed loaded. We were able to see Herod’s palace at Masada, float in the Dead Sea, see waterfalls at Ein Gedi, and end the day seeing the caves in the huge rock faces at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found- and get back in time for dinner. Again, blessed and incredibly thankful for this experience. It is literally unbelievable.

Herod was my

kind of man. My unsanctified self loves what he’s doing. He just loves hedonistic pleasure- of all sorts, shapes, and sizes. This dude saw a rock face disconnected from the mountain range and near the Dead Sea, and said, “Yeah I’d like to have a palace here in the middle of no where to get away.” And so it went. How he first got up there, I have no clue. But he built a legit palace just for himself overlooking water and in the midst what is comparable to the Grand Canyon. Not a bad sight looking out over his three-stepped palace off one side of this free-standing plateau. I could only imagine the parties under the stars at this legendary palace. In a place that gets less than 4 inches of waterfall a year, he had a swimming pool- in the 1st century. YES! I’m beginning to see why I connect so well with John Piper’s idea of Christian Hedonism.

Herod could float in the Dead Sea (which is awesome, by the way), and go straight for a dip in his pool on top of his own personal mountain house. It’s like Rob and Big on steroids. He could literally do whatever he wanted and he did- all for his own pleasure. Pray for me. I get way to excited about building a house catering to my own wants. Progressive sanctification.

Ein Gedi was also really cool. It is a little oasis in the edge of the desert and wilderness. The best way I could describe it is the Garden of Eden. It’s really incredible; pools of water and waterfalls flowing into them at several different points- all this in the barren wilderness. I especially liked to find little nooks and crannies and just hang out there for a bit- very peaceful. If I were to build my own palace, I might start by waterfalls; or make my own pool with waterfalls into it…. And then a ledge to jump off into the pool!

Keep praying for me….
Well, that ended the 3-day trip. Galilee is next, which I’m super pumped for. Expect 4 posts next week, or over two weeks.

Ready and Super and psyched,

Sos

Walking in the Wilderness

In my little “Daily Bible Reading Plan,” I’m reading in Numbers right now among others. The Israelites are making their way into the Promise Land finally after 40 years. On Sunday, we traveled to the Negev to see where Moses was wondering with his complaining companions for 40 years. When these connections happen, I like to dig into that a little bit to see if God wants me to focus in on this. It’s a good way of getting my attention. Some call it chance; some call it Divine providence. I like to think God is orchestrating all things in the universe to His good plan, even my life. But sometimes this is just coincidence.

While I was walking around in this huge, majestic canyon (with Ethiopians scaling the mountain with no concern for human life, theirs or mine), I began to think about the wilderness of obedience. Moses is out wandering for 40 years in obedience to the Lord. Now I’ve only lived half of that. But that seems like a pretty long time to be in the desert and to not know where to go. The desert is pretty hot and we were there in the winter- very uncomfortable.

In Numbers 10, Moses speaks to his father-in-law, who wants to leave the camp for his own land. Moses entreats him, “Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the LORD has promised good to Israel.” His father-in-law, Hobab, basically said thanks, but no thanks. He’s been waiting and he hasn’t seen this good promised. He’s had enough. This narrative displays the two attitudes we can have when suffering; and two I could imagine while wandering in this short wilderness myself. Right after this conversation, it says, “… the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them three days’ journey, to seek our a resting place for them. And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day, whenever they set out from the camp” (34-35). The Israelites had a cloud covering them from the heat. They had the guidance and safety of the Lord. They ate manna from heaven- all things to be thankful for in these less-than-ideal circumstances. Things stunk, but they could have been a lot worse. Moses takes this route: “… the Lord has promised good to Israel.” The Lord says in the next chapter, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not” (11. 23). Not to ruin the story, but it comes true. (It being feeding the people meat). Hobab just saw the frustration of not being “comfortable.” Of not having everything he wanted. Getting everything we want is the biggest danger God could do for us. He disciplines those he loves (Hebrew 12.6). It shows he cares. The American church (and me in particular) is in danger of getting everything we want. I begin to trust in the gifts, rather than the giver.

The same could be said of these unbelievable views in the wilderness. They could see it and give thanks to the Creator God for the experience; or they could get angry and frustrated that they have to climb out of another canyon. They could see the super bowl and think, “How the heck are we getting past this?” Or they can stop and see the majesty of it. They can see the gift as precious or as a burden. I tend to be more of a realist (some may say pessimist), but I pray for the vision to suffer well and to see the gifts of grace in bad circumstances. I think that’s what made Moses an effective leader and an effective intercessor with God for the people. It made the 40 years bearable. He was able to experience more of God- the main goal of life and especially “wilderness”- whatever the sort.

Desiring more of God in the Wilderness,

Sos

Why I think the Garden of Eden was in Jerusalem

The first day I was in Jerusalem one of our Profs, Dr. Paul Wright, was giving an introduction to the land of Israel and told our class that he believed the Garden of Eden was located in Jerusalem. The class laughed it off as a joke, but later I found out that he was completely serious. Last week I heard him discuss the theory, which is popular in classical rabbinic literature, in greater detail; and I have to say, the more I think about it, the more I like it. Now, ultimately, the location of the Garden of Eden is irrelevant to my faith and there is no way of proving the theory correct, but I just get geeked out about stuff like this. I think Sos could care less, but I love the theory. It just makes sense to me logically and biblically. I mean, Mt. Zion seems to be the focal point of the entire biblical narrative, so why would God start that narrative somewhere in ancient Mesopotamia and continue it in Israel?
As an overarching point, I would like to say that during the time of Eden, the universe was the way God intended it to be. After the fall, the universe became broken and fragmented. Since then, God has been redeeming that fallen universe and bringing all of creation back to himself, back to its originally state, back to Eden.
With that in mind, as we hunt for the location of the garden, there are two literary maps we can follow in Scripture. The first is as follows: Archeology tells us that the first civilizations originated around the Nile Delta and ancient Mesopotamia. Excluding Eden, the Bible tells us that the first events in history happen around Mesopotamia (Cain flees to Nod, Noah’s ark lands on Mt. Ararat, Tower of Babel built at Shinar, Abraham coming out of Ur). So naturally, we would put the Garden there as well. Also, Genesis 2 mentions four rivers in proximity to the Garden, the Tigris, Euphrates, Gihon, and Pishon. Two of those rivers flow through Mesopotamia (the Tigris and Euphrates) and the other two are unknown. So the first literary map points to a garden somewhere in ancient Mesopotamia.
But this map excludes an important biblical concept, that God is drawing all of creation back to the way he created it, back to Eden.
The second literary map is as follows: In the language of the Bible, exile means that the people are going east. When something bad happens, the people always go east. All the early biblical events I described in the previous paragraph happen in the east. Even after Cain kills Able, he flees further east; and when the people build the Tower of Babel, they also go further east to build it. On the other hand, when God redeems his people, he seems to be bringing them west, back to the homeland. God takes Abraham west out of Ur to establish his chosen people. Jesus always approaches Jerusalem from the west, over the Mt. of Olives, despite the fact that the city is most accessible from the north. Genesis 3:24 says that God placed a Cherubim at the eastern side of Eden to guard the entrance. Meaning that after the fall, Adam and Eve were exiled from the Garden to go east. So it makes perfect sense that all the early biblical events would happen “in exile” east of Israel in Mesopotamia. This literary map alludes to a Garden somewhere west of Mesopotamia; namely, in the land of Israel.
Also, many scholars have speculated the locations of the Pishon and Gihon rivers, and it is possible that one of these is the ancient name for the Nile River. But most people have neglected the fact that there is a Gihon River running straight through Jerusalem. It's a stone's throw from where I am sitting right now. It’s really more of an ancient spring than a mighty river, but nowhere is Genesis does it say the river has to be a certain size.
It is also interesting to see that many of the Old Testament writers use the language that describes Eden in Genesis 1-3 to describe the promise land; and more specifically, Jerusalem. Even Eden’s geographic and agricultural descriptions match the land of Jerusalem. Not that the biblical authors knew the location of Eden, but at the very least, they did see the connections between Eden and the promise land.
Therefore, in terms of logic and biblical language, it does not follow that God would focus his entire redemptive plan around the land of Israel; yet start that plan somewhere east of Israel in ancient Mesopotamia. If Israel, specifically Jerusalem, is the axis of God’s plan for human history, why would God begin that plan in Mesopotamia? I believe in the unity of the Bible, and a Garden located in Mesopotamia does not seem to align itself with the unity of the Biblical narrative. Remember, God is drawing all of creation back to himself, back to the way he originally created it, back to Eden.

Walking with the LORD God in the cool of the day,
Danny

"The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliver, my God, my Rock, in whom I take Refuge, My shield, and the Horn of my Salvation, my Stronghold"

This past week Danny and I went on the Ramparts walk around Jerusalem- walking around the Old city on the top of the wall. It brought new meaning to the “Lord is my fortress” and the “Lord is my Rock.” It would be never hard not to trust in this massive, amazing, strong structure protecting the city. But the Psalmists hoped in something else- something stronger.

I’ve also been walking around the cemetery some since I’ve been here. It’s actually a really cool place- I’ve seen some missionaries tombs, military soldiers, archeologists; men and women; young and old (and my age); Arab, German, English, American, Irish, all around the world. And most of these graves look like no one has visited them in a long, long time. I realized the short time we have here on earth, and how no one is likely to visit my grave 30 years after I die. It will likely be just like the ones I see in this cemetery: Grown over, decaying, uncared for, etc. There are few people who have their graves visited after their generation. I’m not trying to be morbid or depressing, but that’s just the truth.

I mention this background information, because these two ideas came together for me a little this weekend. Looking at all these huge walls and structures on Saturday at Lachish, Beth Shemesh, etc, I realized how fast things fade. The walls that some people put their hope and trust in quickly came tumbling down and were unvisited for many years. Now there is a small remain of foundation stones remembering all its glory.

What am I living for? Where is my trust and hope? Is anything I do today going to last or be remembered after this week, much less in 100 years? What is my foundation I’m building on? When all comes tumbling in on me, what is left standing up? Where’s my strength? When it comes down to you, if that’s not God who is eternal and everlasting, I’ll have my 70 years if I'm lucky, and then I’m done. Probably never to be known of again.

But my God in whom I my trust is everlasting to everlasting. He is my hope- my rock and my salvation. So day to day activities should be about making much of Him. He will be remembered. This is a movie where I have a ½ second shot where I’m in the background walking about. Jesus is the main character. It’s about Him, not me. Life is fleeting. He is remembered from Creation. He is the author and sustainer of everything. Huge cities will be built. They will come tumbling down and left in ruins. Empires are built and fall to nothing. But my hope is in something stronger- something eternal that cannot be forgotten. God is my fortress and strong tower. Though may life may seem like is has all fallen, He will stand and be my strength.

Small and insignificant, but standing on The Rock,

Sos

Prayer Updates

This will be a busy week for the blog-o-sphere. We went on a three-day trip this weekend, and have to write a page for each, so it’s easy if I just put those on here, with slight modifications to keep you updated. But before that, I wanted to give you some prayer updates.
I’ll give what I asked prayer for, and then give an update.

1. That God would use this time of refreshing and renewing in the Lord. I want to spend a lot of time just alone with the Lord, reflecting on the past and looking forward to my future ministry and work.
This time has been really great. I feel really refreshed and renewed, even with the stress of school and all that goes with that. I’ve really had some sweet times with the Lord. In terms of future, I feel like God’s calling me to a city close to a college campus. Vague, but a little more definite. I want to help super-jacked up people come to know the Lord in a real, effectual way. I get psyched about that.

2. To do this, I need to be in the Word and have a much better prayer life. I limited the books I took (kinda) so I hope and pray (and work for) set time apart to be away with the Lord and meditate.
Goes along with the first. Always need continued prayer here.

3. To engage when I read the Bible and don’t just read to like a newspaper or to check it off. To spend deep time in God’s word.
This has been really helpful. I go through the Bible and write mostly prayers as I read to engage with it. Always continued prayer.

4. For my baptism on April 15- that the Spirit would move powerfully
Still active.

5. College Decisions (Gordon, Asuza, SES)
Gordon is crowned winner. I got accepted last week and feel like that’s where God’s leading.

6. I really just want to be a more Godly man. I don't care to be nicer, or kinder, or friendlier, I want to know God better and more fully. I want to drink more deeply out of His fountain of grace. I wish to grow in Godliness and pursue the Lord with my whole being.
More than anything, I need to love Him more. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up at Paul would say. I’d turn my prayer towards that.

7. With the previous prayer request, I've really been convicted of my sinfulness: cowardness, self-righteousness, and pride. I know the first one doesn't fit in with the other two, but that's how sin works I suppose. I want to be bold and powerful and not simply appeasing like is my default response.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a leader of God’s people. That’s a huge task and I’m seeing more and more of my “unfit-ness” for it. I care way too much about what other people think of me. That’s why I don’t seem approachable at first, why I don’t share the Gospel, why I don’t do a lot of things I should. I need prayer for a holy boldness and courage and strength that stems from God. I need to die to self.

So as an update and summary, my prayer requests:
1. Meaningful time with the Lord refreshing and being washed with His Spirit. Loving Him more, and thus loving others.
2. A Spirit of meekness and approachability. To die to self and be filled with the Spirit. Pride has a lot of work in this. Being a Godly Leader.
3. Continue to make prayer a priority.
4. Baptism on April 15th. Spirit would move like He did in Acts 19.
5. Praise for God’s work thus far.
6. I’m a very judgmental person. Prayer for this. Has a lot to do with #2 and my view of my own sin and pride.
7. That I’ll live the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) and be a certain kind of person before I do certain actions. Growing up into a Godly man.

I miss you guys. Thanks for praying. Posts will be Thursday, Saturday, Monday, then back on schedule. Hope to hear from you and interact a bit. Praying for you guys.

From a very thankful heart,
Sos

Samaritan Church

We went on a trip to Samaria this weekend, and as with all the others, I received a deeper appreciation for the history of this land and these people. It’s so rich in the depth of past events. There is truly nothing like this in America, mainly because it’s only been “around” 300 years. Stuff gets thrown out here that’s 300 years old. That’s a joke to Israelites.

The thing I appreciated most in this field study was actually nothing we went over in class. What I enjoyed most was the Byzantine period church. I was able to stand in the same spot that my spiritual brothers and sisters worshipped nearly 1700 years ago! It was incredible. It brought forth deep passions of worship and praise to the triune God of the universe our deep-rooted history. It made me wonder so many things about this church building. How many people worshipped here? How were the services ordered? What kind of songs did they sing? How did these people pour their lives out for the sake of the Gospel? Were any of these people fruits of Paul or Timothy? Maybe someone’s great-great-grandparent actually saw Jesus. What was the persecution like this church faced? Were there any martyr’s? Who preached here? What was a sermon like back then? Did they experience relative peace? What did their discipleship model look like? Did they need one? What kind of music did they worship to? How strong were their affections in this building? Mine were overflowing with gratitude for our faith father’s that represented the things of Christ and the Gospel well- for the sacrifices they made and the persecution they went through for the Gospel to reach literally the ends of the earth and ultimately me. From Shiloh, Israel, to Cleveland, Ohio, the Gospel has spread and influenced hundreds of millions over the centuries. I was staggering as I thought about the church’s history in this small, ancient, mosaic-filled church.

In awe and wonder,

Sos

Clarifying Comments

As I was thinking about my last post, I thought about how odd that might sound to a person who has not come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. As I went over it, it is a weird deal. Almost cult-ish. It’s ok to think that. It’s ok to realize the goofy-ness of some things Christian. But I wanted to clarify the unique position of Christian evangelicalism towards telling others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ for my readers who might not know Jesus.

The purpose that I, or any other Christian, would want to spread the Gospel is all about God’s glory and our joy. John Piper has said that sharing the Gospel is the most loving thing I can show you. Why? Because with Christ is ultimate joy and satisfaction. I want to invite you into that. Listen, I haven’t gone totally buck-wild, but I’ve been wild enough to know the un-satisfaction and triviality of much of what life has to over. And Christ is better than that. He is better than wine and drunkenness. “For your love is better than wine” (Song 1.2) He brings more joy than drunkenness. “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound” (Psalm 4.7). Drunkenness feels good, but Christ’s love and joy are better. A relationship with Him is better than any other earthly relationship- family, friends, wife, girlfriend, whatever. Christ came to give life and life abundantly (John 10.10). So I want to share the Gospel to satisfy that insatiable desire. I’ve tried to fill it with a bunch of crap, but no matter how big the crap pile is, it’s still crap. CS Lewis says, “"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."- a world beyond this one. Now if I knew this desire, and knew the fulfillment it brought, I would be a very unloving person if I didn’t tell you about God’s love and satisfaction He has for you. If we submit our will in dependence on God, He is glorified. He get’s the glory; we get the joy.

The Gospel: We’ve screwed up countless of times. We are destined for wrath in the presence of God’s perfect holiness. We do not get into heaven by being “good enough” or by “being better than that guy.” Our only hope is by Christ’s imparted righteousness. Christ lived the perfect life and was without sin. He died and bore the wrath and pain I was meant to bear. By faith and believe in His name, we are counted right by God and can spend eternal life loving and enjoying Him. He bore my penalty; I get His positional righteousness before the God of the universe. Wrath is satisfied; relationship is restored. Christ is my only hope.

Hope this might have cleared up some of the strange-ness of sharing the Gospel.

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him,

Sos

Holy through the Cross

A couple weeks ago we visited some monasteries of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Looking at some of these ornate and beautiful buildings, a couple thoughts came to mind. I wish the pictures did justice.

I noticed that a lot of people in our group did not appreciate the unreal designs and intricacies of these buildings completely painted in amazing colors. I realized that Americans have really lost an appreciation for the sacred and beautiful. It’s as if when Jesus died and the Temple was torn, (thus signifying God’s glory and holiness not being contained to a place, but available for all, so that we may come boldly to the throne room of God through the blood of Jesus), it made all things mediocre and uninteresting. Instead of making all things holy, sanctified, and sacred, it’s as if that allowed all things to be uninteresting, mediocre, and average- that holiness and sacredness can no longer be attributed to anything. (I won’t get into the idol worship of the icons, however. Danny and I are going to a theological significance of icons tonight by the way. Should be good.)

There are two main types of church models: attractional and missional. Seeing these churches made me realize a couple things. I’ve always felt called to the missional model: living the Gospel wherever God has placed you- in your neighborhood, school, job, etc. The attractional church model attempts to bring people into the church and in that way they can hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Matt Chandler (if you don’t know him, youtube him), lives out and teaches the missional model, but has said this is not the only way to do church, but this is what he was felt called to, but that that doesn’t negate the attractional model. I always thought that was ridiculous and there was nothing inferior about the attractional model. While I still feel called to the missional model, the attractional model of drawing people in and being an oasis in a culture made more sense to me after this trip. I think the American church is in danger in some ways in the attractional model, because instead of drawing people in with beauty and sacredness, we try to draw people in by catering to them and making them comfortable with reclinable, movie theater seats with espresso machines in every chair, and double-decker basketball courts. I’m not sure that’s the best way to use God’s money. But that’s another post. The fact is that cities were built around these monasteries. They reached people with the Gospel by drawing them in. It was an oasis of holy living and an appreciation for the sacred. People were drawn to that. And just because I feel called to preach and to live out the missional model of going out to reach people doesn’t mean there is anything inferior about drawing people in, as long as it’s by God’s attraction and not comfort attraction. If the good news goes out, that’s good enough for me. I’m amazed at how God uses different means to accomplish the same purpose- drawing people to Himself for ultimate joy and satisfaction. And he even uses unrighteous means to accomplish His righteous purposes.

Continuing to be rocked by the Gospel,

Sos