Head For The Hills!

He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.”
(Matthew 14:23b)
Where are the mountains to which we run to find solitude with God? Perchance they’re difficult to unearth in the arid plains of ear-buds, iPods/iPhones, telephones, text messages, radios, televisions, computers, the internet, e-mails, Facebook, Blackberries, and Twittering. Perhaps they’re all but leveled from the dust storm aftermath of soccer games, business meetings, grocery buying, music lessons, doctor’s appointments, homework, commuting, paying bills, grooming, sleeping and even ministry. The technological and hectic pace of our culture and just life itself has not only flattened our divine landscape, but also compressed some of us into a crevasse where we’re sandwiched into a perceptible position of intercessory immobility.
But need we be paralyzed by our by our environs as if we were powerless to pursue intimacy with God? Maybe the first place to begin is whether we long to break free and solo the mountain ascent to commune with Him at all. Some of us have become desensitized to the high-tech and frenzied pace of American life to such a degree that we no longer sense the need for seclusion with Him. Jesus’ three years of persistent public ministry made Him one of the busiest to ever live, yet He saw the necessity and sought it out, even if it meant leaving others behind. Yearning for the Preeminent at the expense of the paramount has got to captivate our desires over our demands. This happens when we see the beauty of our Savior as more appealing than the immediacy of our tasks.  And just how beautiful is this Christ that overshadows everything placed within our eyes’ view? So breathtaking that we simply cannot help but remember the blindness of our former darkness against the radiance of His marvelous light (cf. I Peter 2:9). So captivating that we cannot wait for the next moment to dine alone at the feast of His banqueting table rather than eat among the throngs of aliens and from their corruptible crumbs that fall to the ground. So magnificent that we allow the lightning speed of our hyper-connective and loaded lives easily pass us by in exchange for a solemn roadside rest stop that’s coupled to endless supplies of living water (John 4:10).
While “… the Christian… belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes”, (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together), so too the Christian belongs not in the sociality of a margin-less life but in segregation with God. These are not mutually exclusive, but inclusive, meaning that we need not seek to always run away from the industriousness of our humanity, and yet at the same time we need to routinely run to, or head for the hills of insular and peaceful moments with God in the midst of our humanity. Why? Because man cannot “live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”. (Matthew 4:4b)
So just where might we find those hills of detachment?  They’re sought after in the boundless sea of busyness and, when discovered on the still horizon, they’re fought for just like the WWII American offensive “Battle of Iwo Jima” (ironically codified “Operation Detachment”). For some of us that will mean a disciplined early morning rise to contemplate the Lord while smelling and feeling the fresh, cool air as the early dawn of light peeks over the treetops. For others it will mean a regimented lunch hour away from the office or studies where a leisurely walk even among the masses clears the cluttered mind and ruminates upon God. And for even others it will mean an hour behind closed doors after the evening meal, sheltered from all distractions, to read and pray about and to the One who sustained us throughout the day. Whenever the time and whatever the occasion, a faithful walk in the Spirit all day long requires quiet communion with God lingering moments long. It’s a fool’s errand to merely attempt to squeeze Him into the cracks of our days as if He were simply another casual acquaintance, then off to the next thing.
Remember that it was unto the hills to which the Psalmist lifted his eyes from whence his help came (cf. Psalm 121:1).  And why would he look there for aid and not somewhere else?  Yes, Zion sits upon a hill and provides a vantage point that overlooks the surrounding countryside which freely permits the populace to see much further than what’s visible from the valley floor. But also when in danger it was there from the hills which the liberation forces would ride, come and arrive to release the captives. The hills were conspicuous from the encampment and supplied a sense of hope when no other escape seemed evident.  And it is there on those same hills that our hope also resides when we’re burdened by the heavy yoke of an impacted and compressed schedule.  It’s there that we once more find the gospel of Jesus and the liberating truth that looses the shackles and sets the prisoner free (cf. Nahum 1:13; Psalm 146:7).  And it was there that the Psalmist said his help came from the Lord (cf. Psalm 121:2).  Only let us not just look, but run to those hills and meet our Rescuer there that He might surround us with an armor of protection against the perilous pitfall of obligation and duty.  Then after basking in the safety of His embrace may we again delight in duty, rejuvenated by a transfusion of love that carries us in a peaceful estate even among the most pressing of demands.  Sometimes the comfort of the familiar and busy routine will hinder our gait, but let that be a bellwether that we need all the more to pick up our pace and press through the slumber.  As aptly stated by Charles Spurgeon with such eloquence as penned by none other, “Dwellers in valleys are subject to disorders for which there is no cure but a sojourn in the uplands, and it is well when they shake off their lethargy and resolve upon a climb.” (The Treasury of David, Volume 3)
So let us look up and when we survey the golden hills of our terrain, head for those hills unaccompanied and then rest with our Creator at the crest’s edge. After savoring at the summit, may we descend and venture through the flatlands with vigor and in victory.
-Tom Kruggel

Cause for Pause

Ed McMahon, Entertainer, Died June 23rd,
Farrah Fawcett, Hollywood Actress, Died June 25th,
Michael Jackson, “King of Pop” Singer, Died June 25th,
Billy Mays, Infomercial Pitchman, Died June 28th,
Karl Malden, Hollywood Actor, Died July 1st,
Steve McNair, Football Athlete, Died July 4th

The deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson both on the same day, about 48 hours after Ed McMahon died, stunned America (and other parts of the world) for more than just a moment. Shortly there- after the death of Billy Mays, Karl Malden and Steve McNair followed. These were all societal icons that many grew up with in their younger years, or they represented some level of prominence among the mainstream. Regardless of their past lifestyle or character, the recent death of these fairly well known cultural celebrities necessitates some cause for pause.
Although we might speculate on the eternal state of these men and this woman that have gone into the earth, we cannot affirm with absolute certainty, just as those who never heard the last words of the converted criminal on the cross could know that he would be with Jesus in Paradise (cf. Luke 23:43). Assuming the most dreadful of outcomes, we would be remiss to exult in their passing as the Lord GOD Himself has “no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies” (Ezekiel 18:32a). If they went to the grave without saving faith in the one and only mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ, then their judgment will lead to an everlasting separation from their Creator resulting in torment that exceeds even our worst imaginations. This is cause for pause.
For a few of these infamous people their passing came as a shocking surprise, perhaps much earlier in life than anyone might have considered, especially to themselves. One was an athlete whose fitness was formidable, but with the lightning quick sound of ignited gunpowder against a trigger-hammer his life was immediately terminated. The days of man are determined (cf. Job 14:5), and they rest in the palms of the Almighty. We “are just a vapor that appears for awhile and then vanishes away” (James 4:14b). Some may have thought they were immortal, or like most did not give much thought at all to life after death. They have now found, like we all shall, that life is eternal, and possibly even sadly to their chagrin. This is cause for pause.
There’s no question that all of these well-known people were looked up to and admired by many. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to state that some were revered, idolized, and even worshipped. Popularity, prestige, prominence, power, personality and prosperity were characterized in all of them, with some to greater degrees than others. When these gifts are elevated above the preeminence of God, the creation and even its corruption take a place of distinction where only the Creator belongs.  These are not the lifestyles Christians are called to emulate or put on a pedestal.  Rather, we’re to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life (cf. I Thessalonians 4:11), to flee from “desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction” (I Timothy 6:9c), and to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness” (I Timothy 6:11b).  This is cause for pause.
When people of notoriety die, the world often wakes up, grieves, sometimes ponders their own mortality and gives the deceased a place of legendary status. But everyday about 26,000 children die from causes related to their poverty. Those numbers are staggering, and most of these children go to their grave without a soul knowing of their existence except their mommy and daddy, if they’re alive. Every human life, every image-bearer of the Creator is of inestimable value regardless of their class or renowned place in human history. Yet the population at large will typically honor the former over the later everyday of the week because their publicized persona was newsworthy and their standard of living attractive. After all, what’s attractive about starvation, respiratory infection, malaria and HIV/AIDS? “God sees not as man sees” (I Samuel 16:7b), and o’ that our hearts would feel compassion for the things that Jesus feels compassion for. This is cause for pause.
God has a way of moving through human history to maximize His glory no matter what the cost. His means are often times inexplicable, especially when they involve pain, suffering and death, even among those who are unregenerate. When it comes to salvation, all enter into His presence under the same condition; that of being a sinner that will eventually suffer a terrible fate save the God of the universe dispenses His pardoning mercy and unmerited grace. Jesus said that “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”. (Luke 13:5b) Maybe, just perhaps the Lord has purposed to open avenues to speak of life, death and our eternal state to others as a result of the sorrowful fatality of all these celebrities or others like them. Mankind’s hearts and minds are often softened by these blows, and more malleable than in times of idleness and order. This is cause for pause.
These pauses do have cause, for we who esteem Jesus above all else are to mourn with those who mourn (cf. Romans 12:15), “making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16), following the example and observing those who walk according to faith (cf. Philippians 3:17), feeling compassion for the distressed and downcast (cf. Matthew 9:36), and taking advantage of these divine opportunities (cf. Colossians 4:5) to give an answer for the hope that lies within us (cf. I Peter 3:15).
Take pause, and make cause.
-Tom Kruggel

Do Not Be Afraid, Only Believe

“A Global Spread of Swine Flu”, “Defaults Hit Record in Region”, “Fear Grips… as Search for Killer Intensifies”, “Stocks Drop… Over Worries on Earnings”, “Deadly Battles Persist on Streets of Bangkok”, Many Foreclosures…”, “Homeless Shelter Fire Kills 21, Injures 20”.

These are all news headlines directly quoted from the San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal and Contra Costa Times over the last few weeks. Similar messages usually hit us square between the eyes almost every morning when we wake up and read the paper. We hear comparable things on the radio when we are driving to work, school or running various errands for the day. After arriving at our destinations, the atmosphere can be fairly morose with an air of what seems like nothing but doom and gloom forecasts on the horizon. Watching the evening news or checking the internet before we go to bed doesn’t close the day out much different than when it started. Every once in awhile we’ll find a glimmer of light pronounced in the form of a dramatic rise in the stock market, a new governmental administration that promises change, a cure for a plaguing disease, or a cease fire and even perhaps an end to a war. Invariably these heartening encouragements are quickly followed by more disheartening discouragements, sometimes the very next day or very next hour. So, as Christians, how are we to react to this onslaught of negativity? I sometimes find myself overwhelmed, dispirited and downcast after being bombarded with these media infiltrations. Is this the hopeful response of the redeemed?

I’ve determined that it isn’t, and ironically I’ve found that it’s actually in the bad news that an expectant and confident response can arise. We just need to look beyond the black and white print and peer behind \what’s written or spoken to notice it. Here’s what I’ve recently discovered hidden in the background of those dreadful words from our news sources.

1. The Dominion of God’s Domain is Dominant – “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3) – God is not constrained by anything outside of Himself.  There’s nothing directing God but Him alone. No force, action or reaction on earth or in the universe is influencing or overriding anything within His domain, and He has dominion over all. (cf. Psalm 103:19)

2. The Parameters of God’s Presence Are Preeminent – “If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there.” (Psalm 139:8) – In the highest of heavens and depths of the earth, God is there and He fills them. (cf. Jeremiah 23:23-24) Space cannot contain Him, and the parameters of His whereabouts are unsurpassed and unlimited.

3. The Awesomeness of God’s Awareness is Amazing – “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.” (Psalm 139:6) – God knows all people and all things. He’s not only aware of them externally, but is also intimately acquainted with their souls, as well as the cause and effect of every situation. There are no secrets that can be kept from Him, and nothing clandestinely occurs without His full and complete knowledge. The depth of His comprehension is incomprehensible. (cf. Romans 11:33)

4. The Primacy of God’s Power is Purposeful – “… The Everlasting God, the LORD, the ruler of the kings of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.” (Isaiah 40:28) – God is God Almighty. (cf. Genesis 17:1) Nothing, absolutely nothing can stop Him from accomplishing His purposes. His power supersedes all other powers, and any powers that do exist only have their being by and from Him.

5. The Rule of Jesus’ Reign is Royal –  “… Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.” (Revelation 1:5) – Jesus is the ultimate Ruler of all kings on earth. All presidents, prime ministers, emperors and anyone else reigning in positions of earthly authority, including dictators and chief executive officers, are subject and subordinate to the Ruler of all rulers, Jesus. He also overrules all they do, and He’s royal throughout the world.

6. The Authority of Jesus’ Advancement is Auspicious – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18b) – Regardless of what appears to be oppression by some ruling authorities, Jesus possesses all power and authority to call whom He will save unto His own. The advancement of His Kingdom is unstoppable, even if tyranny, repression and world affairs appear overwhelming.

7. The Triumph of Jesus’ Travail is Toppling – “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings,” (Revelation 17:14a) – The saving work of Jesus’ reign will be victorious, and He will triumph. All kings and rulers will eventually topple and die, except the King of kings and Lord of lords.

8. The Growth of Jesus’ Gospel is Gaining – “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.” (Matthew 24:14) – The good news of the gospel of grace will stretch across the whole world, to every people and nation, and it’s gaining a foothold as the end draws near. There’s nothing that will permanently interfere or thwart that red-hot and overarching purpose of God to glorify Himself by His means.

The economy has ground to a virtual crawl, millions have lost their jobs, nest eggs for retirement have evaporated for many, the financial system has been brought to the brink, wars rage and disasters devastatingly destroy. This is not only bad, but tragic news. But at the risk of trivializing our tribulations (which is sincerely not the intent), is it really that bad? God’s supernaturally executing a perfect plan so grand that if we could see it all, our faces couldn’t behold its majesty. So for now, we must hope with certainty upon what we know to be true, and not allow what we see to cloud reality. I’m comforted by the words of Jesus to a hopeless Jairus after his daughter died, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”  (Mark 5:36c)

-Tom Kruggel

Who Are These People, Anyway

I work in San Francisco; what’s commonly known to us locals as “The City”. I love The City. It’s dynamic, chock-full of an array of people that range from working professionals to street entertainers and preachers. I encounter scores of them throughout my workday; in my office, at my places of lunch, along the streets, etc…  By way of example, my usual path- way home after a long day at the office starts from the “ground zero” building I work in to the BART Station at Embarcadero. It’s a short jaunt, but I invariably encounter along the way a homeless person or two, oftentimes familiar faces to me now. They silently and sheepishly beg for money by holding up a tattered paper coffee cup at about my eye level as I pass by. Every once in awhile I’ll throw some pocket change into the container, but that’s the exception rather than the rule. Regularly I ashamedly walk right by them without giving a second thought. Standing on the escalator as I traverse down into the subway, I sometimes end up pondering why I overlooked them, and may have even intentionally directed my eyes away. While captured by that thought after arriving on the platform, I stand in the midst of hundreds of people waiting to catch a ride home, and then when on the train I’m surrounded by dozens more, strangers I’ve never seen before in my life, nor may I ever again. Frequently I just mosey along my merry way as if they never existed.  And it’s not just them I so often fail to regard, but sadly it’s the ones I know – my neighbors, my work associates, relatives and count- less others. How is it that I, we as radiant light, can be so recurrently dull to people, regardless of whether they’re on the streets, colleagues, family, schoolmates or right next door? They’re image-bearers of the Most High God, and I commonly think and behave as if I were the only one created like that. 

This got me wondering, “Who are all these people anyway?”, and more personally asking, “Why don’t I give more consideration to the condition of their life, their souls and most importantly their eternity?” The Apostle Paul didn’t feel this way. In fact, he felt the exact opposite.  Consider that he stated, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.” (Romans 10:1)  His heart’s desire?  His prayer? And for what? Their salvation? I have to fight for a desire, much less a prayer.  I, we, ought not to be this way. And in light of what we heard from the pulpit last quarter with our “A City On A Hill” series, our evangelism “Two Ways to Live” Sunday School class, and our recent missions emphasis month, it’s apparent that the Lord is now more than ever steering us not just parallel to, but directly toward those without hope.  And while it’s true that we cannot be paralyzed by our feelings or lack thereof, we yearn that our hearts would be stirred to earnestly desire their salvation. So how do we do that? 

First, we identify with them. Paul knew his kinsmen – how they thought, what they felt and where they lived. If we’re to passionately seek the salvation of the lost, we must get into their lives – know their politics, appreciate their sports, take interest in their businesses, spend time with their families and immerse ourselves into their muck, mire, pain and suffering.  This is love in deed and truth, and not just word and speech. (cf. I John 3:18) It’s no wonder fervor over them is void when we continue to prescribe our lives with private and professional isolation. To overcome this we must walk on the world’s razor’s edge, watch- ing over our own souls while being careful to avoid falling off one side or the other.  On the one hand we cannot be so alien- ated from the world that we haven’t got a clue about the darkness around us and thus unable to relate to those in the world among us, and on the other hand we cannot be so immersed in the world that we’re not giving anyone a clue about the Christ within us and thus unable to direct anyone to the world beyond us. As we take steps to force ourselves into positions of love, the genuineness and authenticity of our compassion will escalate with greater confidence in God. Second, memorize and ruminate on John 3:36 (or similar verses like it). “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” In the end, there will be but two verdicts and two sentences; not-guilty and eternally under the grace of God, or guilty and eternally under the wrath of God. And God’s wrath?  Why we cannot even begin to fathom it (read Revelation 19:11-16 to catch a horrifying glimpse), and this is where we all were destined but for God graciously granting sav- ing faith in the blood of the Lamb. That leads me to my third point, to persistently look over your shoulder at where you were and destined for, thereby motivating you to look ahead at what you are and purchased for. Personal reflection upon the underserved mercy of God can be a strong rousing to contemplate 

the perilous plight of those without Jesus.  Fourth and finally, could it be that a zeal for the lost is lacking because we haven’t asked for it, prayed for it?  This desire is a spiritual desire, one that’s not natural to us.  It’s a gift of grace, so shall we pray, “…may the Lord cause you (us) to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men…” (I Thessalonians 3:12). So who are these people anyway? They’re you and me, as we once were. May God have, may God grant mercy (and desire). 

-Thomas Kruggel