Role Models

Recently I have been listening to a handful of Tim Keller sermons on all sorts of pertinent topics, but for this post I wanted to focus on one small point in one of his messages. The point he made was that Joseph is not so much an example for us to follow in the footsteps of, but what he really does is point us to Christ. That's a theme throughout all of Scripture.

If we go back to Genesis 37 Joseph has dreams that suggest that his brother and father are to bow down to him, and when it's all said and done he seems like a brat in some sense. His angered brothers sell him into slavery and he's sent off to Egypt. It's a story full of familial turmoil and, in reality, sin. But if we look at the end of the story, Joseph dreams actually do come to fruition, just not in the way he was expecting. God humbled him, molded him, and ultimately used him for his own glory. He does end up being the savior to his family and his story is yet another precursor to Christ. But the key point is it was all according to God's purpose, for His glory.

All that to say that Joseph's story points (not to Joseph) but to Jesus and I think that's a simple conclusion that I do not always acknowledge. Humanism, individualism, and self-actualization are part of the framework of our society after all.  Athletes, rock stars, actors, actresses, politicians, humanitarians are all looked up to by someone. I'm no different, I would name John Wooden, Mr. Rogers (yes), and Jackie Robinson as a few figures I've always held in high esteem. That's not inherently a bad thing certainly. But as a culture, we are so infatuated with role models and people we can put up on a pedestal, because of what they have done. We could even go out on  a slight limb and call them idols. That's not often far from the truth. We want them to be perfect. We want someone who is free from the bondage of all the sin and suffering in our world. That's an impossible expectation and so why do you think we have so many fallen idols? All people, even the "superstars," are human. Take a name out of the tabloids and you get the idea.

Even if we look at a place like Hebrews 11 it is easy to be in awe of all these Christian and Biblical heroes in the text, but really who are they? Why did they even do what they did? They were God's handiwork created to do good works which God prepared in advance for them to do (Ephesians 2). Thus, we shouldn't necessarily get caught up in emulating role models, because everyone falls. Everyone is besmirched and sinful except for Christ. And everything and everyone else points to Him and is for His glory.

To take a recent example, the "rediscovered" book by Harper Lee "Go Set a Watchman" supposedly paints a picture of an older Atticus Finch as a narrow-minded racist, who seems like a far cry from the man played by Gregory Peck in the film version of To Kill a Mockingbird. For over 50 years he stood majestically as one of the perfect role models put before humanity. I certainly thought so and now this new wrinkle puts his character in a different light, suggesting that even a literary character is not safe. I will admit that even this turn of events troubled me and made me a little angry. Why Atticus? He was so good! He was so moral! He was my idol! Exactly... It hammers home that absolutely no one is a perfect role model, even in fiction. We need someone else.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. - Ephesians 5:1-2

All the glory be His.

A Nice Reunion

I got to spend a nice week in San Luis Obispo with some friends and it turned out to be a nice little reunion of our time in Puerto Rico last summer. It's crazy how even a few days can be so rejuvenating to my heart and soul. Being in proximity with these people fills me with joy, not only because of who they are, but how much they strive to follow Christ. Their presence are infectious, since they challenge me and make me want to continue to grow in my own faith.

They help show me what beautiful potential there is if you have a Christ-centered community. They show me how to love others well.There can be laughter, excitement, vulnerability, growth, and immense joy. I can sleep on their couch, they can drop wisdom, or simply make me laugh. Unfortunately, some of these folks I don't get to see too often now (which makes me sad), but it is great being to live life with them once more and I am thankful to call them my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Now as I am back at home I am excited to continue in my disciplines so the growth and joy can continue. Also, I'm excited for my friends in Puerto Rico as they wrap up their last week. Let the Lord bless them and keep them in these final days on the island.

All the glory to Him.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" - Hebrews 10:24-25

A Year Later

It’s still crazy to think that a year ago today something totally earth shattering happened in my life that I would never have expected. It would have never crossed my mind. I didn’t see it coming. A lot has happened since then. Another year of school. Classes. New challenges. New struggles. New friendships. And I still don’t always understand why we go through certain things. I ask why Lord either in prayer or implicitly. Why?

I’ve been reading through the Gospel of John and specifically chapter 11 which talks about the raising of Lazarus. Usually what I’ve been drawn to is this passage is the fact that Jesus is deeply troubled. He weeps because all is not right with the world. However, death will not have the final say. That’s powerful stuff.

But I realized in looking at this passage, the reactions of the other players. The disciples, like us so often, seem like they’re on a different wavelength entirely. First, they’re concerned about safety (which I would be too) and then when Christ says Lazarus is sleeping they take him literally. They just don’t seem to get it (like we often don’t get it). And yet if you watch Jesus He works through the circumstances despite what they think or know. Christ says that he does it so they might believe and ultimately we can guess that it did have an effect on them, because they saw him working.

There’s also the reaction of Mary who has complete faith that if Jesus had  been around, her brother would have been saved. There’s faith but also probably regret and some bitterness. And yet she willingly takes Jesus to the place Lazarus died, and this whole scenario deeply moves Jesus. He can see the anguish in Mary.

The most troubling response though is probably from the Jews or those in the community. Some see how much Jesus loved Lazarus and are moved. But some of the more cynical ones question his actions and his omnipotence. Why didn’t he do anything about this or that? I have that same response often.

As we see He obviously silences them with his response and it’s something to ponder. God is hardly ever silent. Sometimes we just aren’t on the same wavelength and we cannot understand. But often out of the ashes beauty can and will rise. I cling to the words that He is the Resurrection and the life and whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. That is good news!

All the Glory to Him.