7/26/2025
Life should be simple for a child. Children should never see or hear anything disturbing to their innocent sensibilities. They should be protected and guarded from every harmful influence. They should be allowed to grow up happy and free, enjoying the beauty of life, dancing in the sunlight. I see myself, as a child, and I know that although my life had problems, I did not realize it. I am so grateful for that. When my mind, even in the early days, remembers, and I can see myself, I only focus on the things that made me smile. I want that for all children on every continent, in every household. No more digging in trash heaps, drinking filthy water, being awakened by screams and guns firing, or seeing machete blades swinging and homes being burned. No unpleasant dreams, no horror, hatred, and destruction. Lord, why is it that this happens in remote areas, amidst the beauty of Your creation? Why is it, Lord, that I was given a life in a country that where such things are not allowed to exist? We, in America, land of the free, home of the brave, are so blessed. And yet, and yet, even here, hidden behind closed doors, in alleys, in dumpsters, in absolute filth, ugliness and horror exists.
This morning, Pastor Jack shared about his perfect, restful day on Friday. Living in Chino Hills, a suburb of Los Angeles, where a raging war of hatred and crime is ongoing, he exalts God's glory in describing his day as having "a spectacular sunrise, cool temperatures, good visibility, light breezes, coolness in the shade, a touch of heaven, and a strongly blessed day." He may have called it "paradise" a some point, nonetheless, Pastor Jack praised the name of our Lord for the gift of the day. This is as it should be. Glorious, in spite of turmoil, war, crime, and all that befalls a nation and a world. Our five minutes of praying the word back to its Author and Finisher of our faith. God's word is life.
The scripture he shared this morning comes from Ephesians 3:20, but I include verse 21 so it will flow contextually:
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Pastor Jack remarked that Governor Newsom hated the church, and so it appears, in every indication of his outworking, that he does. He tolerates and even exalts every profane thing, welcoming murderers, morally depraved, pedophiles, child traffickers, and every evil contradiction of faith in God to have a heyday in the city. He denies permits for church events, and in the rare occasion that he has already signed a permit allowing the event, at the last minute he withdraws it. By this time every protestor has been loosed in the area or bussed in by instigators. But what really disturbs me is the fact that these protesters are really agitators who perform lewd, promiscuous acts in front of young children, who are innocently attending an event. Why is this permissible? What makes it acceptable to people? Tolerated by anyone with any moral compass. One does not have to be a professing Christian to care about the welfare of their vulnerable, impressionable children.
Today's message at Jacob's Tent was a double portion from Numbers about the journeys and the tribes who were inhabiting the Land of Promise. In short the Torah portion spoke of possessing the inheritance. Bill, our shepherd, reminded us that we would all go up to Mount Moriah on our journey with the Lord. Mount Moriah is the place where Abraham offered up Isaac as a sacrifice to the Lord. It is also the site of the threshing floor that King David purchased for the building of the first temple by his son, Solomon. It is even believed to be the site of the Garden of Eden. Bill also shared that we would also be called to our Gethsemane as the Lord continues to cleanse us and purge the dross, the unacceptable things that are no longer permitted. Gethsemane, you may recall from a previous blog, means "oil press." As a follower of Jesus, as we grow and mature in our faith, things that were permissible will no longer be so, as the Lord guides us. As His followers we are allowed to go through trials that refine our faith, that prune us of anything that takes our attention from or distracts us from God. He presses us, squeezes us, until we are ready for the next step. The process is painful, but it is necessary and beneficial, as our character is being transformed into the likeness of Christ. It's a process, and it is all worthwhile.
Sometimes it seems as if life is unfair. Why are trials of faith necessary? Why is sickness allowed? Only God knows the whys and wherefores of life, because it is His good plan. Maybe it doesn't seem fair, but if we got what we deserved, we'd be in hell. Without Jesus, we would not be redeemed from the curse of destruction. But Jesus said things would happen, life would not be perfect. How could it be unless sin was completely eradicated from this world, and peace reigned. All I can say is give it time, as it will surely come to pass in God's good time. Believe me, His timing is perfect. Don't try to hurry Him along.
Paul spoke of the thorn in his flesh, and although it is never identified, we know that it was distressing to Paul. So much so that he asked God three times to remove the problem, but God said that His grace was sufficient. Now that's tough, and yet He does the same to us, in different ways, but things happen. Listen to Paul and be comforted:
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when i am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Another to consider as we run this race is that we are not only prone to patting ourselves on the back, as may have been a trait Paul hinted at when he said "lest I be exalted above measure," but many times we are never satisfied with our physical appearance or status in life. The appearance part can be something that is very hurtful when dealing with children, especially. I know, because a comment was made to my daughter about clothes she should never wear, and she remembers it to this day. The person who made the remark is now with Jesus, and I know she did not mean to hurt my daughter's feelings, but it did. Young girls are particularly susceptible to negative comments and can be drawn in by too much attention being paid to looks. I think Beth, Bill's wife put it very nicely when she said "Don't criticize God's artwork!" In Psalm 139 David writes:
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfullly and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them." (Psalm 139:13-16)
God planned everything about us, because He knows the plans He has for us. Plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I don't know why children are born with conditions, but I do know that God loves us, and His promises are true. I think of Helen Keller - her life is a testimony to the miracle-working power of God. I just re-watched The Miracle Worker, a movie about Helen's early days. It always brings a feeling of warmth and gratitude, and as Helen laughed at her new found abilities, I rejoiced with tears and laughter as I celebrated her life and memory. Even accidents happen in life, and we ask God "why?" Understandable as in Joni Eareckson Tada's story. She had a hard time, struggling with wanting to live, but through faith in Christ she made it, and she continues to overcome each hurdle thrown her way. These women are two more of my heroes in the faith. So, ladies, and gentlemen, boys and girls, let's stop criticizing God's artwork! When we are weak, then we are strong. I am trying to remember that myself.
I think that's a good way to end my Sabbath rest. Shalom!
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