Walking in Darkness

"Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me.  Since I live, you also will live." John 14:19

I'm taking a detour from my normal posts about Science Fiction to write down a vision I had many years ago.  I'm not sure why I keep going back to this, as I normally don't remember my dreams.  This one was so vivid, that I just felt compelled to write about it.

I find myself standing in a darkly lit room; large; drafty.  It's noisy and there are many people milling about.  They don't seem to be moving toward any specific place and there appears to be no exit from this place.  Just a dark room with people milling about.  I try to figure out what is going on, when I notice each person who is milling about carries a package.  It seems like a heavy package, and it has some kind of wrapping around it, like a gift.  The packages are identical, and every person in the room, milling about carries this package.  I look down, and I realize I am carrying that package too.  I ask someone what is in the package, and they merely look at me, and continue to wander.  The package is compelling.  I wonder what is inside.  I can't wait to open the package.  I find myself obsessing about the package and no longer pay attention to the people.  Then I notice I can't breathe under the weight of the package, and I put the package down.

Suddenly, I see a bright beam of light shining down into the middle of the room! It is a single beam of light.  I don't know why I didn't see it before.  It is so obvious to me now.  I want to go to the light.  I'm tired of wandering around in the dark.  So, I pick up the package and get ready to go to the light.  But, the light is gone.  It is dark again.  Where did the light go?  I am panicking.  I run to the other people and ask, "Did you see it?" But they just look at me blankly and continue to wander.  I want the light.  I want that light so much more than I have ever wanted anything.  I am saddened that it is gone, and I put the package down to get ready to sit down and cry, when the light reappears!

It dawns on me, that somehow, I was blinded to the light so long as I carried that package, but as soon as I put it down, I could see it.  I run to the light, now unencumbered and free.  Just as I get ready to get into the light, I look back.  There they were.  All those people, still burdened by that package they carried.  They could not see what I could see.  I then realize my responsibility is to help those people see the light, so that they may be saved.  I have to help them be free from the burdens they carry.

Let's explore some of the components of this vision.  Ephesians 5:8 indicates that we once were full of darkness, but now have light from the Lord.  John 3:19-20 says that God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.  All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed (NLT).  I think the people milling about were carrying the burden of sin, all wrapped up as a package they desired.  Because the sin package was what they focused on and desired, they could not see the light that is God.  They were blind.  What can we do to help people recognize God's light, when they are so consumed by sin?

How can we show them the beauty of God?

"But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." John 3:21 NLT

Rebellion or Responsibility?

Luke prepares to fight the evil Emperor 

I know... two posts about Star Wars in a row!  Bear with me.  I'm a huge fan.

This morning in my Bible study, I was struck by some actions taken by disciples after the ascension of Jesus.  In the book of Acts, we read about Peter refusing to obey the commands of religious leaders, and then being thrown in jail.  We are taught as Christians to obey the laws of our land.  When is it ever okay to refuse?  Was Peter wrong to disobey?  Consider the law they disobeyed: they continued to teach in the name of Jesus, even after being warned.

This made me remember about Daniel's friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  They refused to obey the king's order to worship the gold statue.  They were ordered to go into a fiery furnace as punishment for this disobedience.  But, God protected them.  Why? After all, they broke the law.

The movie series Star Wars portrays many people disobeying the laws set by the evil galactic empire.  When we learn how evil the emperor is, we then acknowledge that the laws set by him were not laws to obey.  We then take the side of the rebels.  When the laws of the government in control contradict the actions of believers to share the gospel and worship the one true God, we have a responsibility to obey our God.  This means we may be disobeying the law(s) of our government.  The Bible warns us that in the end times, we will be martyred for refusing to obey laws that require us to renounce our Lord and savior.

It is important to know our leaders and know the laws they put into action.  We are held responsible for upholding those laws.  Be careful to know who we are voting to put into power.  There may come a time that those in power will seek to limit our ability to proclaim the gospel.  Will we be ready?

"So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.  And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for Him.  With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News." ~2Timothy 1:8 NLT

Wisdom and Understanding

"Yes, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice." ~Yoda

Yoda is a central character in the Star Wars series.  We are first introduced to him in 1980 as a backwards creature in a swamp world that Luke stumbles upon.  Little did Luke know he was talking to the great Jedi Master that trained so many Jedi in his years.  He had disregarded him until he finally recognized him for who he is.  

Have you ever met someone and quickly formed an opinion of them (maybe based on age or appearance)?  When you took the time to get to know them personally, did your opinion change? I had the good fortune to meet and get to know several individuals like this.  I love finding out the hidden wisdom in each of these individuals' experiences.  There is so much we can learn from those who walk before us.  Why is it that I didn't pay attention to their lessons they shared when I was young?  Why is it now, in my middle years that I recognize and value their thoughts and feelings?

I have been going through the gospels and reading about the different people Jesus interacted with.  I am struck by the words of Simeon and Anna when they encountered the child Jesus in the Temple.  Both were aging, but still had the hope you see in children.  Both were so excited to meet the Messiah, whom they had waited all their lives.  What wisdom they had, if only the religious leaders had taken the time to listen!

Let's take a few minutes to sit down with the generation(s) before us.  We might be surprised at the lessons we can learn from their experiences.

"Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old." (Job 12:12 NLT)

Beware of False Prophets

I just recently watched the movie Avengers this week, as it was released on Blu-Ray.  I admit, I didn't get to watch it on the big screen this summer, so I was a bit behind the general public.  This movie was well worth the wait!  As I watched it, I saw so many good lessons to learn.  Today, I want to discuss the power and lure of false prophets.  Loki, brother of Thor (Norse god of thunder), came to earth with the intention of ruling the world we know.  He used a scepter of power that could turn men's hearts and mind to his will.  Men like Dr. Selvig and Barton were lured by Loki's scepter (and Loki).  

Evil prophets are not limited to fictional movies and books.  Our history can remember very powerful men who claimed deity and ultimate power.  Our Bible warned us even in Jesus's day; indeed, even in the days of Adam and Eve, that there were evil men.  Today, they walk among us.  Consider the words of Peter in his letter, "But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there are false teachers among you." (2Peter 2:1a NLT)  

How can we know who is real and who is a false prophet?  Jude tell us how to recognize them, "These people - who claim authority from their dreams - live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings.  These people scoff at things they do not understand.  Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so bring about their own destruction." (Jude 8,10)

How will we know how to defeat them when they are among us?  Jude also tells us what to do, "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life.  In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love." (Jude 20-21)

Do you remember the scene in the movie when Natasha (aka Black Widow) encountered a deceived Barton (aka Hawkeye)? If you don't remember, picture how she knocked some sense into him (literally!)  Did you know that is exactly what we are to do for each other when we are deceived?  Consider more advice from Jude, "And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.  Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgement.  Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." (Jude 22-23)

We know false prophets exist, and that they walk among us.  Stay alert, mindful of the truth that comes from the Word, and rescue others who are or begin to be deceived.  Be like the Avengers and save the world from the evil ones.

Great Power, Great Responsibility

"With great power comes great responsibility"

Who doesn't love Spiderman?  The story is a familiar one; one that gets told in a variety of ways.  Little geeky guy who loves justice, but can't seem to get a break, gets a gifting that renders him exceptional.  Little geeky guy suddenly is able to do many things he couldn't do before, but now faces temptation to succumb to worldly treasures he didn't have access to.  Little geeky guy makes a choice to use his power to serve justice, at the expense of those worldly treasures.

Spiderman gave up his worldly dream of love with his friend, Mary Jane.  In this version, you hear that familiar line, "With great power comes great responsibility," as he walks away from her (to protect her).  I think this way of illustrating responsibility really hits home.  He was willing to walk away from her, to let her move on, to help her be safe and protected, but at great personal pain.

Paul writes about the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12-14.  Paul declares that there are different gifts given by the Spirit, and that we should use our gifts to help each other.  What is really neat is that he takes the time to really emphasize love as he discusses the gifts.  We need love to be able to use the gifts that were given to us by the Spirit.  If we don't have love, we are nothing.  Our gifts would be useless.  We have a responsibility to love others.  Really love them.

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1Corinthians 13:7 NLT)

Struggling to Find Balance

Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) first aired 46 years ago Friday.  I've been a fan of the various series that have been part of the franchise since I was a little girl.  Of the characters of TOS, my favorite is Mr. Spock.

Spock is a being who cherishes logic and order, and does not always appreciate emotions.  Half-human, half-Vulcan, he struggles to bring balance to his world.  His character is the one I can most identify with.  Like Spock, I really like things in a orderly way, and when problems are laid out in an orderly manner, I can usually find a solution.  When things are highly charged with emotions and chaos, I am not as functional.  Spock had a deeply seated emotional center, and struggled to keep his emotions hidden.  I do this too.  Some days I even wonder if I even have emotions.  However, on the days I am faced with multiple illogical problems, I find that emotions can overwhelm me.

I find solace in Jesus Christ, who died once and rose again to save us.  I am able to see the logic of the gospel message, and from there, see the emotions of what the ultimate sacrifice was for me. Daily prayer and reading keeps me centered on the things that are important.  This has become a needed ritual for me.  This could be the answer for you, if you find yourself becoming "illogical."

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." ~Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Spiritual Drought?

As weather conditions in my part of the United States continue to deteriorate into record drought conditions, more and more people are talking about the need for rain.  Rain is essential to the growth of our crops.  Rain is needed for our replenishment of water sources for home and industrial uses.  Rain is what we all are praying for.  These current conditions led me to reflect on a people from a desert planet in the self-titled movie, Dune.  The people had adapted to the harsh living conditions, conserving all available water, including their own body fluids.  They learned to live in the dry conditions, but they never lost hope for their messiah, who would bring rain to their desert planet.

I have started to compare the drought conditions of the weather outside to my spiritual condition.  During the spring season, I experienced a great spiritual growth, with a constant watering from the Lord that renewed continual growth.  But, now in the later summer season, that watering seems to have disappeared.  Where is my lord, I wondered?  I pray for rain, but none comes.  This is a dangerous place to be.  I am obedient, but I lack hope.

I think I will go back to the psalms and the prophesies of promises, as the people in the movie did.  There are many words in the Bible that point to times of dryness, but promises hope for believers in the end.  I cannot stop praying to my God who supplies all my needs.  I cannot stop walking toward Him, for to stop walking in the desert means a sure death without water and without hope.

It will rain again.  In the meantime, I will read, pray and hope.

"O God, when you led your people out from Egypt,

When you marched through the dry wasteland,

The earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain

Before you, the God of Sinai,

Before God, the God of Israel.

You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land." 

(Psalm 68: 7-9 NLT)