Cast Your Anxiety

First Peter 5

Cast your anxiety

Without a doubt in my mind, when we take the time to dig into God’s Word, we are drawn to the verses that connect to our lives at the moment.  That’s just one of the reasons why you can continually go back to the Bible and read it over and over and always gain fresh insights and unearth new gold nuggets that you missed before.  The Word of God doesn’t change, but our life situations certainly do.

And so the verse that practically launched itself at me is verse seven where Peter writes: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  It’s not a random impression.  Why not just admit it?  We are facing times that could be described as anxious.  Now I have to admit that I feel a little guilty even mentioning it.  I mean - I know people who are either unemployed or so far under-employed that they are having a hard time making ends meet.  Now that’s anxiety.  I have other people I know who are battling illness – illness that is playing for keeps.  Now that’s anxiety.  I could keep going with people who are struggling with addictions, or feeling left battered and bruised after a relationship went sour.  Compared to any of these, I’m not sure my anxious thoughts even qualify.

And yet those words that Peter shared really hit home.  They spoke to my heart and made me keenly aware that this uneasiness in my spirit is real, and yet, I’m doing anything but casting it on Him.  I fear that somewhere deep within me, I’m forgetting those words as quickly as I read them.  If I’d listen, there’s probably some little voice in my head drowning them out with something like: “Why would you cast it on Him?  Doesn’t He already have plenty on His plate?” 

But as I reread the chapter, I saw that nowhere does it state that you have to reach a minimum anxiety level before you begin casting it on Him, nor does Peter hint that there’s a maximum amount on His plate that we dare not exceed.  It’s just a simple promise – a prayerful conversation that goes something like this:

God:      You have anxiety? 

Me:        Why yes, God, I do. 

God:      Then cast it on me.  You tired of trying to wrestle it to the ground? 

Me:        Why yes, Lord, I am. 

God:      Then cast it on me. 

So I’m casting.  If I’m honest, a better description is that I’m casting, and then I’m retrieving.  Then I’m casting gain, and retrieving.  Sounds like fly fishing - I know, but sometime soon, I’m praying I’ll learn a whole lot more about casting and leaving than casting and retrieving.  After all, He cares for me.  That’s right, He cares for me.  And He cares for you too.   Maybe that’s where we both need to begin.

Somewhere in Between

First Peter 4

Somewhere in Between …

As I read and reread this fourth chapter, I kept coming back to two verses in particular. The first comes early in the chapter. Peter is calling the followers of Christ to live distinctively different than those who worship gods of a totally different kind. He goes on to add the result of such living won’t go unnoticed. In fact it may even puzzle those wh...o encounter them to the point that Peter writes: “They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation.” In other words, they just don’t understand why Christians don’t buy into an “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die” kind of philosophy.

Then in a completely different direction, Peter encourages followers of Christ to adopt a way of thinking where they can “rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” In other words, we see Christ at work in us even in times of great struggle.

I started to speak those two verses out loud – one after the other, and the thought that kept reoccurring is that I’m somewhere in between. On one hand, I have long since left the days where I was tempted to give into a blatant “let’s party” philosophy of life. Anette and I have reconnected with a few friends after many years and some of them still are there. I have to be honest. I don’t get that. In fact, while we’ve shared some history together, it’s like we’re speaking two different languages.

On the other hand, there’s a part of me that wishes I were at such a place in my faith where I can say those words that Peter writes with complete honest passion. That being said, I’ve already given away the fact that I’m not always there either. In fact there are times when I get quite frustrated over the pettiest inconvenience. It doesn’t take a major set back in my life to get my mind questioning God about why He’s allowed my suffering. Compared to what the Christians were facing in their walk with Jesus, my issues pale in comparison. I know Peter wasn’t writing nice religious fiction. This is the same disciple who would suffer and die on our cross – just like His Savior did for him.

So once again I find myself somewhere in between. Certainly not waving the white flag of surrender to the world, and yet hearing Peter’s words of admonition and realizing I’m not there yet. So where does that leave me? In the same place it always does … on my knees. I crying out with prayers for God’s mercy, thanksgiving for His grace, and asking Him to empower me to live more like Christ.

Be Prepared ...

First Peter 3

Be Prepared to Give an Answer …

Note: Since I’ll probably get asked, I’m choosing not to talk about the first section in this chapter – but not for the reason you might guess.  I’m not afraid to discuss the relationship between husband and wife.  I know Peter uses the “s” word (submissive - depending on the translation you’re using), but we’re talking about respecting one’s husband in a way that allows them to see the love of Christ in their wives.  But it doesn’t mean being a doormat that lacks a mind or a voice.  While we’re at it, I agree totally with Peter that if a woman’s beauty is only skin deep, that’s a sad thing.  (P.S. I don’t consider it a condemnation of wearing make-up or jewelry or nice clothes, but that those things can’t cover up an ugly heart – male or female). And I have no problem with Peter saying that husbands should treat their wives with respect as the “weaker” partner (or vessel in some translations).  And before the ladies reading this challenge me to an arm wrestling match and embarrass me, let me say that the word for “weaker” here talks about being more sensitive (i.e. in touch with their feelings) and tender-hearted.  And while there are exceptions to this description, I’m sure, overall the women I have encountered are more tender-hearted and compassionate than the men I have known (again there are exceptions).  So in a day and a time within the Roman empire when women were most often thought of just another “piece” of property, Peter was busy being subversive to the culture – whether we recognize it or not. 

So while I’m not afraid to share some thoughts on Peter’s controversial words, I can’t help but talk about a different verse.  Peter says: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” That’s the verse that really popped for me in this chapter.

I have to admit, part of the reason this verse jumps out at me is that this is my wife (Anette’s) favorite verse.  In fact, I believe she’d tell you that it is her life verse (that is a theme verse to who she is), and who am I to argue?  It’s a powerful verse to be sure. 

“Always be prepared to give an answer,” is at the center.  There was a time in my life that this simply meant a theological answer.  There’s an area of theology called “apologetics” which most often means that you learn Biblical and philosophical responses to people’s objections against Christianity.  Don’t get me wrong, getting to know people’s objections, taking them seriously, and learning to respond to them is not a bad thing.  It’s just not the only thing.

Today I simply see more to that answer than apologetics alone.  This answer also includes heart talk.  It begins because in our hearts, Jesus reigns as Lord – set apart as holy.  And from His reign within us, we begin to “ooze” Christ.  He begins to permeate all of our being.  He transforms our minds and how we think about ourselves, others, and the great questions of life.  He renovates our hearts and how we feel about things and love deeply.  He corrects our eyes to see beyond the temporary to the eternal. 

I don’t say this theologically, even though theologically, this is absolutely true.  I say this experientially.  In my day to day life, this is how I think, I talk, I feel, I love, I see things and I live.  I want to be prepared to give an answer.  As a pastor I want to be prepared to give an answer – even if that answer is, “I don’t know.  Let me dig into that and get back with you.”  Or even if the answer is, “I don’t know.  God hasn’t revealed that in His Word, so I can’t answer that which he’s chosen to remain a mystery in this life.”  But as a man of God, I want to be ready to give you an answer of why I have hope, even in the face of struggle and suffering.  And that answer will always land on Jesus.

Where Do I Belong?

First Peter 2

Where do I Belong?

In this second chapter, Peter takes us a little deeper into some of the themes he talks about in chapter one.  That theme of being strangers in this world reappears, but while “stranger” is something that tends to tell us what we’re not, in chapter 2, Peter gives us pretty awesome phrases to describe who we ARE because of our connection to Christ.  Among others, we are described as “living stones – being built in a spiritual house.”  We are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” 

While I could write a page on any of the names used here, the first thing that strikes me is that all of the descriptions that God gives Peter have a commonality to them – they describe us in terms of community rather than individually.  Most of our culture is based on the individual.  We are a nation of lone rangers who happen to occupy a certain geography located between the Atlantic and the Pacific. 

But the word “lone” and “lonely” aren’t as different as one might think.  Plain and simple, we all need a sense of “belonging” to prevent the slide from “lone” to “lonely.”  The word “belonging” in terms of humans (rather than pens or cars) has connotations of relationship and acceptance.  I see it constantly as I hang out with children, tweens and teens.  When children are very young, watch them on the playground.  They may have never met before but when you’re three years old, who cares?  There’s sand and swings and why not just play together?  But as they get older, the question of “do I belong?” begins to dominate the playground.  Suddenly there’s a whole new field of play at work, and it’s no longer simple or easy.

One of the reasons Anette and I have lead children’s and youth drama teams over the years (make that a lot of years) is that we wanted to provide a place where children and youth can know they belong.  It’s not the only way, but it’s been one place we could provide.  We are working on a presentation for a conference on this subject, so we asked a number of our former actors and actresses what they got out of our time together on various drama teams.  They gave us quite a list, but among the most common responses - a sense of belonging.  And if Anette and I were to describe what we experienced by leading those teams – I think “belonging” would be on both of our lists as well.  We don’t ever outgrow that need in our lives.

So here we are – a people belonging to God.  We don’t all look the same, think the same, experience the same things, but when we are in Christ, Peter tells us, we are a people belonging to God.  And through extension, we are also a people belonging to each other.  We have connection.  We have relationship.  We have acceptance.  We even have a purpose as we do life together.  Peter puts it this way: “that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

So I come back to the question … Where do I belong?  Thankfully I can answer that one and more than that, I can say that I’ve experienced that answer.  I am someone who lives among a people belonging to God, and I want my voice to join with others because we have some praises to declare.

Strangers ...

First Peter 1

Strangers in the World …

It didn’t take long for a phrase to jump out at me as I began reading the very first chapter of the first of two letters written by Peter.  As he’s addressing his letter to the followers of Jesus who’ve been scattered throughout the regions he’s listed, he refers to them as “strangers in the world.”  It’s not a description I tend to use when talking about other Christians.  My go to imagery tends to be that of a family of faith, while “strangers in the world,” seems a little … strange.

Why call them (and us) “strangers in the world”?  I tend to think of a stranger as someone who has arrived in a particular place, and yet doesn’t quite fit in.  The stranger isn’t at home there – at least not yet.  Even if the person has a reason to be there, he or she is still not used to the customs and culture of that new location.  For me, feeling like a stranger has been most pronounced when we’ve traveled to other countries and I try to get my bearings. In that circumstance, I really have felt like a “stranger in a strange land.”

One time in particular, when we went to France for the first time to celebrate our 25^th anniversary and spend time with Anette’s brother, his wife and their daughter, I had that sense of being a stranger when we landed.  The metro line headed out to the airport was down, so her brother was very late arriving at the airport.  We landed, de-boarded, got our luggage and had no idea what to do or where to go.  We were left standing in the airport – tired and feeling helpless – like strangers in this world.

And yet Peter doesn’t uses the term, “stranger in the world” in a negative way. There is no sense of feeling lost, abandoned or fearful.  It’s as though he’s saying that we should not get so comfortable in this world, that we forget that we’re only passing through this land.  As great a feeling as coming back “home” after a long trip might be, this place is still only temporary.  We have a home for which our hearts yearn – a place for which we are destined.  So Peter’s reminding us not to become so accustomed to life in this world, that we give up the promise of the life in a world yet to come.

Let me tell you, my brothers and sisters in Christ (notice the family talk), that Peter’s phrase connects deep within me.  On one hand, there are times I experience the brokenness of this world up close and personal and I find myself longing for that “home” Jesus is preparing (John 14).  Or I look upon a culture running so counter to God’s ways, and I once again feel like that helpless stranger in a strange land. 

But perhaps the more troubling thought within my chest is that deep down, I know I’m pretty comfortable in this world.  I speak fluent culture and my moments of feeling like a stranger in a strange land are few and far between.

So it is little wonder that Peter uses this phrase and then has them (and us) focus on the ultimate stranger in a strange land.  This same Jesus who left heaven to come to earth, is the same Jesus who came to bring us a greater inheritance – a promise of a home beyond this home – a hope and a joy that only He can give.  By the time Peter has described all that Jesus came to do for us, suddenly the phrase makes total sense.  We are strangers in this world, but one day, we will be strangers no more.

Next Up ... First and Second Peter

Next Up ... We Begin First and Second Peter Tomorrow

Keep in mind that in the NT 5.1 plan, we don’t read the New Testament straight through from Matthew to Revelation.  Instead we are dividing up the four Gospels and after each of the four, we’ll pick up the books of the Bible that are connected to that Gospel writer.  Since Mark is believed to have been the first of the four Gospel writers to complete his account of “Jesus the Son of God,” (Mark 1:1) and it's also believed that Peter was informing his writing, it only makes sense that we would turn to the two letters written by Peter.

Just to get you ready for tomorrow’s reading, please keep in mind that many believe that these two letters were both written while Peter was living in Rome – the reference in I Peter 5:13 to Babylon is a euphemism for the city where the Caesars rulled.  Many believe he was there during the days of Nero and most likely wrote this letter around the year 62 or 63.  The letter seems to be addressed to Gentiles who have become followers of Christ and gather for worship throughout the provinces he mentions at the beginning of the letter.  The major theme Peter tackles is: “How do I deal with suffering and persecution and still remain faithful to Christ?” 

Just to get you a head start (and since First Peter is only five chapters long), Peter’s second letter is believed by many to be written around 64 AD.  It was written shortly before Peter was put to death because of his faith in Christ, and his refusal to recant his confession that Jesus is Lord – not Caesar.  It was probably written shortly after persecution broke out following the fires that broke out in Rome – and Nero’s decision to blame this disaster on the Christians.  He continues to encourage all who follow Christ to remain faithful – even in the face of such persecution. 

Is This the Ending?

Mark 16

Is This the Ending?

We’ve arrived.  We’ve already reached the last chapter of Mark’s Gospel.  And this is going to sound very, very strange, but the thing that always catches my attention when I come to chapter 16 is a question I can’t help but ask … “Is this the ending?”

If you’re wondering what I mean, then look right there between verses 8 and 9.  In most versions, there’s a note from the editors of your given translation – making a special point of telling you that in many of the ancient manuscripts of Mark’s Gospel, verses 9-20 are missing.  So in these particular New Testaments, this chapter ends with verse 8 – with the women rushing out of the tomb after they’ve heard the angel tell them: “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He is not here; He has risen!”

Now before you call your favorite conspiracy theorist, or try to sell a motion picture idea to director Michael Moore, listen.  If you’re thinking that this brings all the resurrection accounts into question, keep this in mind.  While verses 9-20 are not found in some of the earliest manuscripts, all the other resurrection accounts from Matthew, Luke and John, are found in tact.  Those very same documents that end at verse 8 in Mark 16, include the account of Jesus being mistaken as a gardener by Mary Magdalene, Peter and the other disciples getting a behind locked doors Easter visit in the upper room, and the two disciples meeting up with a stranger on the road to Emmaus. It’s only these twelve verses that are missing.

And yet I can’t help wondering where the ending is really supposed to be.  Did Mark, working in conjunction with that very same Peter who saw Jesus face to face after His resurrection, really mean to leave us hanging with verse 8?  Yes, the angel has told the women that Jesus is alive and that He plans to meet up with Peter and the other disciples.  But it seems so abrupt – so not quite finished. And yet when I really take the time to reflect on this shorter ending, I can relate to it in a way that I can’t with the other endings of Matthew, Luke or John.

Don’t hear me wrong.  I still get swept up on the shore along with Peter as Jesus is cooking fish and asking: “Peter, do you love me?”  My heart also burns as I listen in on Jesus’ conversations with the two disciples walking along the road – heading home to Emmaus. And my eyes still long to peak over Thomas’ shoulder and see those nails in His hands with my own two eyes. 

But I haven’t seen the nail marks in His hands, and I haven’t heard His voice directly calling out to me and asking about my love for Him, nor have seen those two hands break bread at my kitchen table.  I’m more like the women.  I’ve heard that the tomb is empty and that Jesus has risen.  I haven’t seen the risen of Christ face to face … at least … not yet. 

So I ask: “Is this the ending?” And my honest answer is: “I may never know in this life whether Mark ends at verse 8 or verse 20 or somewhere in between.”  But that’s okay, because the real ending of this story of Jesus doesn’t come with the final typed period of punctuation.  This is not the end.  In fact, my end is not the end.  Somewhere deep in my heart you can hear the echoes of the angel.  He is not here!  He has risen!  And that ending means my life won’t have an ending when I reach my end.  I will finally see Christ, and that’s all I need to know.