There's a Monster at the End of This Book

            Have you ever read as a kid or to your kids the book There is a Monster at the End of this Book with Grover from Sesame Street? Spoiler Alert Ahead: The whole time Grover is in fear that a monster will be at the end of book and so he tries to stop you from reading the book so you don’t get to the end. But when you get to the end you realize there was really nothing to be scared of and there really was no monster. This is how some people see the book of Revelation, it is the monster at the end of the Book. It is seen as a scary and horrible book that doesn’t make sense as it seems to be filled with disease, destruction and death. The book of Revelation use to scare me.

            Yet the book of Revelation is also intriguing. Books like The Late Great Planet Earth and the Left Behind Series have caused people to have a greater interest into this mysterious book. People try to interpret it in many different ways. The most popular way to read Revelation is to read it literally and try to interpret the events by the current world situations. What will the mark of the beast be? (Could it be a microchip or another mark)? What do the numbers 666 mean? (I once heard that the www of the internet somehow equaled 666). Does the book describe a nuclear holocaust? (People get nervous when they hear of countries like Iran and North Korea possibly having nuclear weapons). Who is the antichrist? (It was thought it could be Hitler, today some say President Obama could be the antichrist). Interesting note: the word antichrist is not found in the book of Revelation at all and is only found 4 times in the Bible overall in 1 and 2 John.

            But what did the author of Revelation have in mind when he wrote this book? First, he would not have taken his work as literal. He did not picture a nuclear holocaust. He did not see modern day objects and then try to interpret them in the language of the day (example: Locusts were actually a symbol for a helicopter but since he did not know what it was he used words that were familiar to him). The pictures were symbolic and were taken from other prophetic works like Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The author also referred to other non-biblical works such as the apocryphal book of Enoch (which includes similar pictures of the judgment of the wicked and a new heaven and earth).

            Second, the book of Revelation had a political edge to it. Many of the pictures and descriptions were symbolic of Rome. They referenced the Emperors, its systems and other parts of the Roman Empire (example: the number 666 was likely a cryptic way of referring to the Emperor Nero who persecuted Jews and Christians). This leads to why the author wrote his book.

            Third, the book was written was written to comfort the people who would read it. John (not the disciple John but a different John) had witnessed the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the scattering and torture of many of the Jewish people. He had seen Rome victorious over the people of the one true God. He saw Rome brag about its conquests and its power. He would have questioned just as other Jews did: Where was God when this happened? Why didn’t God protect his people? These were the same questions asked years earlier when other empires overtook Israel and caused the people to be carried off to other nations.

            So what answers are given to these questions? The first is that Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not. While there may not be a specific answer, the readers are to believe that regardless of all that happened that Jesus is greater than Roman rulers. Second God’s kingdom that began through the resurrection of Jesus is greater than the kingdom of Rome. Rome may brag now but in the end God’s justice will spring forth, the world will be put right and all will see the greatness of God’s kingdom. This leads to the third answer which speaks to a new heaven and earth. God will restore the earth and his creation to the way it should have been, the way it looked in the Garden of Eden before sin entered the world. Sin will be completely defeated. The sick will be restored (when Jesus healed people it was not for show but was a sign and picture of what restoration will look like when God’s full kingdom will come).God will reign forever in the New Jerusalem, which will never be destroyed again.

            How can we apply this to the world in which we live today? First, Jesus is the true Lord and any other leader or government system is not. Although it may not look like this is the case we must look by faith and say Jesus is Lord. Second, God’s kingdom is at work in the world even if the full reality of it has not yet been revealed. Third, there is hope of a future in which the world is restored, evil is destroyed and we will be with God forever and ever. God will not blow up his world but rather restore it and his people to the way they should be, the way it should have looked before sin entered the world.

            When read in this new light, the book of Revelation is no longer the monster at the end of the book. In fact I find hope and excitement in Revelation. I see that Jesus is Lord even if things do not look like it. And it gives me hope to look forward to a time when Jesus will right all wrongs, bring restoration and healing and we will reign with him forever.

A Fish's Heart, Liver and Gall: A Story of Comfort

            Here’s a cool story I learned recently. There was a man who was devoted to God and his ways. This man was so devoted to God and his ways that he followed the law of God even when the government and others close to him told him to stop. Even though he is devoted to God he ends up going blind when bird droppings fall into his eyes. He prays that God would take him away. At the same time a woman named Sarah is introduced. She has been married seven times but each time on the couple’s wedding night an evil spirit comes and kills the husband. She is made fun of by those close to her and she prays that God would allow her to die. Both of these prayers come before God and he decides to move on their behalf.

            The father commands his son to go to a foreign land (where Sarah happens to be) and collect some possessions before he passes away. The son does so and is accompanied by what he believes is a relative but is really an angel of God. On the first night of their journey they camp by a lake where a fish attacks the son. The angel tells him not to throw the fish away but rather take the heart, liver and gall of the fish. The heart and liver can ward off evil spirits and the gall can restore sight. Eventually the son meets Sarah, falls in love with her and they get married. He then burns the fish heart and liver which wards off the evil spirit and she is free. They eventually travel back to the son’s hometown where he greets his blind father, puts the gall on his eyes and he is healed. The family rejoices over the son’s marriage and the fathers healing.

            The son’s family throws a party for the son and his new bride. During the party the traveling companion of the son (really an angel) finally reveals his true identity to the father and son. They are shocked by this announcement and when the angel leaves, they praise God for all that he has done for them.

            Pretty crazy story. However the meaning behind the story is really inspirational. The father and the women Sarah both have troubles and both pray to God. God hears both of their prayers but rather than answer them the way they want he sends an angel who fulfills the purpose of God, to bring healing and restoration to both individuals.

            The story is known as the Book of Tobit, a Jewish story told around 225-175 BC. (The story is found in the Apocrypha which can be found in Bibles just not in many protestant Bibles). The story was told as a reminder during a time when Israel faced difficulties after their return from Exile. They had hoped they would become a sovereign state and would rebuild the temple but that had not happened. The question the people began to ask was where is God during this time? Does he hear our prayers? Why hasn’t God allowed us to be free? This story is a reminder to Israel that God does hear their prayers and is with them even though they might not see him at work.

            How many times have you asked these same questions? I know the Bible teaches many of the same lessons; God will never leave us and he always hears our prayers. But sometimes an outside source speaks to biblical ideas and brings a new and fresh perspective. The Book of Tobit is that for me. I am reminded through this story that God hears my prayer and that even though I might not see God he is there with me and he really is at work.

            So maybe you are asking the same questions that the people of Israel did. Maybe you are experiencing some difficult times in your life and you know that God is with you and hears your prayers but you need a reminder. Take comfort in God’s word. And maybe even find comfort in an unlikely source, the story of Tobit.

Get Real... With God

            There are certain memories I have from my days in college that have stuck with me long after I left. One of those memories was sitting in a leadership class with the president of the university. He told the class that 90% of the things we learned in the classroom we would forget (to which I thought “well lets pack up and go home”). I don’t know if that was comforting or discouraging because I spent hours studying for test material that I would forget. At least he was honest.

            One of the pieces of wisdom I do remember (the 10% if you will) is from a class I took during my sophomore year. I don’t remember the full discussion but I remember that what the professor said has stuck with me till this day. He told us to never be afraid to ask God the big or difficult questions because he is big enough to handle them. I didn’t have big or difficult questions as a sophomore but they would come as I continued through the journey called life.

            One of the biggest problems that we face today is that we are not real. We try to make sure that our lives are in order so that no one sees the flaws we have. People try not to show that their marriage is struggling, or they are facing a financial crisis or a number of other things that would cause others to think less of them. On the outside it seems that they have life all together but on the inside they are desperate, wanting to cry out for help but afraid to do so. We even do this with God where we try to act like we have everything together.

            It may seem scary to take off our mask and be real with God so let me get real and go first. My faith in God has and is not always perfect. I’ve questioned God about hard situations in life. I have yelled at God, been angry with him, and asked him why more times than I could count. There are times I haven’t wanted to talk with him in prayer. There have also been times where I wondered if the walk I had with God was worth it and if I should continue to follow him. Yep, I have dealt with and faced all these things but realize that there is also no reason for me to be phony with God and hide the way I really feel. (Even when I have questioned my walk I realize that it is always worth following God).

            I have come to understand some reasons why I can be real with God. First, I realize that God knows everything and I can’t hide anything from him. He knows my thoughts, when I get up or lie down, and he is familiar with all of my ways. There is nowhere I could run or go to get away from him (Psalm 139). So if he already knows what I am thinking and feeling than why should I hide them from him.

            Second, I have also come to realize that he loves me more than I can comprehend. There is nothing I can do to make him love me more or less. It’s a perfect love. I can love God because he first loved me (1 John 4:19). I know that even before I realized I was a sinner that he loved me and was willing to go to the cross and die for my sins (Romans 5:6-8). I know that his thoughts concerning me are precious and full of love (Psalm 139:17-18) and that even when I am faithless he is faithful because that is his character (2 Timothy 2:13).

            Now it’s your turn. God knows what you are thinking and loves you more than you can comprehend. So can you take the mask off and be honest with God? Can you explain to him the way you truly feel whether you are angry, sad, thankful or happy? It’s ok to let God know (since he knows anyway). He is a big God and he can handle the tough questions. It’s time to get real with God.

           

Eat More Chicken and The Young Generation

            Well now that we are a day removed from Chick Fil A appreciation day I hope everybody enjoyed their chicken and freedom of speech. It was amazing to see all of the people who went to the restaurant. It was also amazing to see the cars wrapped around the building and into the streets. The company said it was a great day and the company made a ton of money. Mike Huckabee said it was beyond anything he could imagine. (No I did not go and no I did not support the appreciation day). But here is the million dollar question: What have we taught the younger generation?

            Working with teens and being one myself I know they can be impressionable. I remember being an 11 year old and telling others why we should vote for George Bush and not Bill Clinton. I did not know what taxes were or any other political issue but I heard it and thought it would be true. If I could have voted then I would have voted for Bush. What impression was burned into the mind of teens that saw this event?

            Let’s face it: Homosexuality is a hot topic button in the United States and in the world today. Youth are not ignorant to what is going on in the world today. Through television shows, music (Katy Perry’s I Kissed a Girl), the internet and social media they hear the comments, both good and bad, made about this issue. One show, Secret Life of the American Teenager, has dealt with this topic over the past few weeks. It is an issue that youth face in their school and amongst their friends.

            There are many teens who are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit. This included one’s sexual orientation. It was not easy for me to be a teen. I didn’t want to stand out and peer pressure was great. Teens coming out in middle school or high school are still not highly accepted. There is fear because it is different. Youth feel like out casts and feel different.

Here are some stats:

- 30% of all teen suicides were related to a teen’s sexual identity

- Homosexuals are five times as likely to be bullied. This leads to 28% of these youth to drop out of school.

- In 2005 the 2^nd reason students were bullied was due to sexual orientation.

- 9 out of 10 LGBT teens have been bullied at least once.

            Bullying is not acceptable! Yes, the appreciation day was a chance for freedom of speech but what did it say to a younger generation? I am not saying that bullying will increase because of this day but what if it did? Would it be worth it?

            Teens are impressionable. What are we teaching them? More importantly what is the church and Christians teaching teens in regards to how one treats someone who is different from them?

            So many went to Eat More Chicken but the question is was it worth it?