The Mission of God: the mission of nations

The Nation - July 2009

Slowly but inexorably the world of Western academic theology is becoming aware of the rest of the world. The impact of missiology has brought to the attention of the theological community in the West the wealth of theological and hermeneutical perspectives that are, in some cases at least, the product of the success of mission over the past centuries. Mission has transformed the map of global Christianity. (Wright, Pg. 38)

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When you think of a “missionary” what first comes to mind? If the answer is “white” or “Western” then you are mistaken, for the face of “the missionary” is changing. While white and western missionaries are still quite prominent and formative, according to Christopher J.H. Wright, the fact is that over half of Christian missionaries are not white and western. (Wright, pg. 43) It is quite the opposite and now wonderfully common to witness the increasing diversity of missional people. The face of the missionary is as diverse as this world, which Wright states in The Mission of God is a direct fulfillment of the promises of God. For, as it says in Isaiah 11:10: “In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

For too long, the “missionary” has become a vocation of man, in particular the white and western man, and is considered the distinct role of the Christian man. But, as Wright strongly asserts, the mission of the Christian man is not simply his command from God. Rather, the mission of man is first the mission of God, which is clearly threaded throughout the whole of scripture. The theology of God and the mission of man have become separated when Wright stresses the need to reunite God’s theology and mission into one unifying theme.

The stress on God’s redemptive plan for his people is what bind’s Wright’s Mission of God and what he states as “liberating” the entire gospel from the stereotype of binding and bland legalism. Instead, he states, “a broadly missional reading of the whole Bible […] actually subsumes liberationist readings into itself:”

Where else does the passion for justice and liberation that breaths into these various theologies come from if not from the Biblical revelation of the God who battles with injustice, oppression, and bondage throughout history right to the eschaton? Where else but from the God who triumphed climatically over all such wickedness and evil (human, historical, and cosmic) in the cross and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ? Where else, in other words, but from the mission of God? (Wright, pg. 44)

While acknowledging the stereotypical damage done by the “white” and “western,” who have obviously not represented correctly God’s prevailing battle with injustice, Wright also commends those who have represented well the mission of God. Of course, there is much needed improvement, in particular amongst the Western Protestant theological academy which “has been slow to give ear to those of other cultures who choose to read the Scriptures through their own eyes.” (Wright, pg 38)

Wright sees God’s mission as the fundamental basis of the Christian faith and with his theological mastery of scripture beautifully demonstrates this evidence throughout the Bible. It is vital to strongly grasp the importance that “the God of Israel, whose declared mission was to make himself known to the nations through Israel, now wills to be known to the nations through the Messiah, the one who embodies Israel with his own person and fulfills the mission of Israel to the nations.” (Wright, pg 123)

“To the nations.” Perhaps, it is what Paul writes of in Romans 15:7 when he says, “therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” If we are to welcome the nations, as Paul suggests, then Psalm 117 is all the more beautiful in God’s command to “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all people! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!”

These verses are never more poignant to me than when I reflect on what it means for one nation in particular to praise the Lord. The Yakama Reservation of Eastern Washington, home to the Yakama Nation, is riddled with alcoholism and drug abuse, broken families, and an extremely high percentage of homelessness, crime, and suicide. Yet, through the work of Sacred Road Ministries there are those of the Yakama Nation who now declare Christ as their Lord and Savior! Theirs is a nation fraught with the damage of years upon years of brokenness (much brought about by the very government that declares “liberty and justice for all”), yet by the grace of God true change is appearing on “the rez.”

In 10 or 20 years’ time, what will the Yakama church look like? Sound like? Preach like? Minister like? Though it is not yet to its full fruition, its church will certainly not look “white” or “western” but will fully reflect the beautiful diversity of its culture. Christ’s sacrifice will be equated to that of the salmon’s yearly sacrifice (He is the Ultimate Salmon), worship will consist of their flute and drum, and all will take place in the community of the longhouse. May it be so!

This is what Wright clearly desires through God’s mission. If Yahweh is the one true God, if Jesus is the embodiment of Yahweh and his desire to be known to the nations, then how can we but aid in this mission? How can we say no to those suffering injustice, oppression, and bondage? God does not say no, therefore we must not. “If then,” Wright concludes, “it is in Christ crucified and risen that we find the focal point of the whole Bible’s grand narrative, and therein also the focal point of the whole mission of God, our response is surely clear.” (Wright, pg. 535)

Surely it is, for as we “kneel with Thomas before Christ and confess, ‘my Lord and my God’” we are also submitting to this mission of God. If we refuse to submit to this mission, then we are not submitting to God. And, if we are not submitting to God, I think it is clear we are no longer of God’s people, of his nations, of his mission. We are instead denying what the post-modern world dreams of:

The Bible which glories in diversity and celebrates multiple human cultures, the Bible which builds its most elevated theological claims on utterly particular and sometimes local events, the Bible which sees everything in relational, not abstract, terms, and the Bible which does the bulk of its work through the medium of stories. […] The story. (Wright, pg. 47)

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“Turn to me and be saved,

all the ends of the earth!

For I am God, and there is no other.

By myself I have sworn;

from my mouth has gone out in righteousness

a word that shall not return:

‘To me every knee shall bow,

every tongue shall swear allegiance.

"Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me,

are righteousness and strength;

to him shall come and be ashamed

all who were incensed against him.

In the Lord all the offspring of Israel

shall be justified and shall glory."

Isaiah 45:22-25 (ESV)

When Women Are Named.

“When women are named [in the Bible], something unusual is afoot and we should be asking why.” (Richter, 2008, p. 28)

It is fair to say that the Bible is a collection of texts which are primarily male dominated. Written in a patriarchal society, it is not out of the ordinary that the dominate characters in the historical narrative are male, though it often seen in a negative light in today’s post-modern society. But within the context of ancient Middle Eastern culture, it is no accident that God ordains Moses and other learned men to write what now consists of the Bible. Men were educated in these ways; therefore they would naturally be the ones to write. And, as stated by King and Steger, “[…] the Bible was written and compiled by males who had no special interest in women’s roles. They focused primarily on the male aspects of life […] in which women were not directly involved or to which they contributed only minimally.” (Life in Biblical Israel, p. 49)

Therefore, as stated by Richter in The Epic of Eden, the fact that women are mentioned in scripture is something to pay attention to. Eve, Sarah, Rebecca, Rahab, Tamar, Ruth, Esther, Bathsheba…these are just a few of the women named in the Old Testament alone. That they are mentioned by name and given considerable space in the text to their story means that the writer has something to say. Often, it is a commentary on “how God’s way of doing things often stands in opposition to the cultural norms of his people and how redemption’s story critiques every human culture.” (Richter, 2008, p. 30)

One woman, in particular, is given her name in the Book of Hosea. In another story given another context, she most likely wouldn’t have been given reference, much less her name. For, she is what Hosea calls “a woman of whoredom.” Whether this means a prostitute, an adulterer, or both, the wording is clear. Gomer is not a woman of respectable profession and honor. In fact, what respectability she is given by her marriage to the prophet Hosea is shed the moment she returns to her wayward ways. “‘Go, take yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom,” the Lord commands Hosea, “for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.” (Hosea 1:2)

Following the Lord’s instruction, Hosea obeys, takes Gomer as his wife and loves her as his own. Yet, she forsakes the love and safety of her husband’s home for another. Imagine the anger and hurt Hosea must have experienced…having done the Lord’s bidding he is now left with three children (two of which may not be his own), and fully within his rights to have her put to death (Life in Biblical Israel, p. 60). Yet, consider Hosea 3:

And the Lord said to me, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins." So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley. And I said to her, "You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you." For the children of Israel shall dwell many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the LORD their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the LORD and to his goodness in the latter days. (Hosea 3:

This is what the author of Hosea wants the reader to understand. Hosea’s marriage is a physical representation of God’s covenant with Israel and the harlotry Israel plays against the Lord. And God is warning the people of Israel in as dramatic method as he can.

In a sermon series on this very book, Dr. Robert S. Rayburn spends considerable time expounding on this very serious reality. God will exact his punishment…it is clearly stated in Hosea. However, and this is a weighty “however,” there is more to the story. Just as Hosea redeemed Gomer, so God intends to redeem Israel:

This is the promise of the last two verses of chapter 1--fulfilled at least in large part, as we know from the use of these verses in the New Testament, in the gathering of the Gentiles into the church after Pentecost. It is this promise of restoration which is prophetically enacted in Hosea's relationship with Gomer, presumably subsequent to her bearing the three children. So we read in chapter 3 of a continuing relationship, but without intimacy or consummation, between Hosea and Gomer, suggestive of that time of punishment God will bring upon Israel, before he restores her to himself. (Rayburn, 1988)

With both “impending doom and eventual restoration” on Hosea’s lips, the story of Hosea and Gomer is bitter sweet with God’s righteous anger and unconditional love expelled in one breath. This unconditional love is not of fairy tales, Hollywood movies, or passionate self-interest where Love has become god. Rather, it is the love in the form of self-sacrifice though the death of God’s very own that man is rightfully redeemed; God is love, rather than Love is god.

Idolatry was the main root of evil in Israel, says Mark Dever in his sermon titled “What is love?” “Israel has forgotten her true maker…and instead the people were kissing the idols and killing people.” They were in direct opposition to the world God had intended with creation and his covenant. (Audio file .mp3)

Yet, Dever makes it clear; if this disgusts you, do not look to Israel in anger, but look to yourself. This text is not for you to sit comfortably in your pew and scoff at other’s misdeeds. Just as Israel was manifested in the woman Gomer, so we, the modern church, are also a Gomer. We are Israel. Self-examination and repentance and human responsibility are what both Pastors Rayburn and Dever stress upon. If anyone is to be pitied in the story, let it not be Gomer, for she was redeemed by Hosea. Let those be pitied be ourselves, for our idolatry, but ultimately, our sorrow ought to be returned to the Lord, for we have turned from him.

This is a painful story to read, yet, as Dever, Rayburn, and Richter, all conclude with, ultimately, the Book of Hosea is about God’s steadfastness; his redeeming, unconditional love. God was (and is) fully within his rights to exact the punishment of death upon those who turn from his promises…yet as we know, this death is not laid upon our heads. Instead of redemption via silver and gold, we are redeemed by the blood of Christ. If he can love the whore who has spit in his face, what then is our response?

Our response ought to be a response to him. This is redemption; this is love, unconditional love. It is, as Rayburn concludes, the joy of a sinner, “it is the Bible’s universal testimony that there is no greater joy than the joy of a sinner under conviction of his sin who discovers and who experiences God’s forgiveness and God’s mercy.” (Series on Hosea, No. 13)

Gomer recieved this very forgiveness and mercy. Whether she experienced the joy that follows is unclear, for her story ends in Chapter 3 of Hosea without complete resolution. Perhaps this is intentional, for our story is not yet resolved either. Until that story is complete, may we heed the author of Hosea for when a woman is named it in indeed a point to take. May it be so.

Taste Treat #1

"The figure of the enthusiast who has just discovered jogging or a new way to fix tofu can be said to stand or, more accurately, to tremble on the threshold of conversion, as the representative American.”

- Lewis H.Lapham

The following is a new installment I like to call, "What Joelle is eating." Or, to those who will get the joke, "Taste Treat #1." ;)

Sautéed tofu atop a bed of red leaf lettuce.

Let me tell you, this is very complicated to put together...slice and dice 1 tomato, half an avocado, and a little cucumber. Place lovingly atop a bed of red leaf lettuce (shown above). Add the still warm, sautéed (extra firm) tofu, garnish with sea salt and black pepper, and enjoy.

Presentation points: Eh...

Delicious points: Amazing.

Bon appetit!

- Joelle

A humble reminder.

Author's notes:

1) I've given up on correcting "Mrs." into "Miss." If you find out a solution that gets through to your students let me know.

2) Second grade soccer is a sight to behold.

3) At times, seminary saps all from my heart as I fill my head. Thankfully, I realized that, in a rather timely way, on a little soccer field...

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Kelsey was inconsolable. It all started with an accidental bump that sent her sprawling on the blacktop and, in typical second grade style, she assumed the worst and with her tiny fists pummeled back on the surprised Charlie.

After a considerable time-out I could still detect sniffles coming from the sidelines…a red-faced, but now subdued Kelsey sat cross-legged in the grass, picking at her shoelaces.

I joined her on the grass, keeping a careful eye on the hoard of second graders descending upon a pint-sized soccer ball.

“My parents don’t love me,” was all she said before dissolving into tears once again.

Oh Lord, that was not what I was expecting.

As she poured out her little broken heart I struggled to find words of comfort…while also tweeting my whistle at an aggressive Brad kicking more than just the soccer ball…oh, and there’s Katie gathering acorns on the far side of the field. ..and, oh gosh, Zach is absent mindedly picking his nose.

*sigh*

How do I explain to this seven-year-old the delicate world of sibling rivalry? How do I reassure her that her parents do love her and her big sister equally? How do I validate her feelings while maintaining her parent’s authority? There are so many facets to that one little phrase she first uttered…how do I even begin to explain it all? And, will she even remember this gut-wrenching sorrow at this same time tomorrow?

Each sob was like a brick dropping on my heart

Oh.

Inwardly I slapped my forehead. Sometimes I am such an idiot...this child doesn't need a lecture!

“Kelsey.”

I waited for another pause in the sobs.

“Kelsey.”

I put my arm around her slumped shoulders.

“Kelsey, I want to tell you something.”

Watery eyes looked up at me, expectant and incredulous all at once. My gosh, I’d forgotten the depth of a seven-year-old’s soul.

“I know your parents love you very much, even if you feel like they don’t…sometimes parents have a hard time remembering that they need to tell you.”

She nodded knowingly.

“So, I want to remind you that I love you very much and I am very glad you are in my class. It makes me so happy to see you every week for P.E. and I would be very sad if you weren’t here…ok?”

I meant every single word. And the transformation was incredible. Eyes dry, a smile on her face, Kelsey returned the hug.

We stood up as I blew my whistle, sending her classmates careening towards the school entrance.

“Are you ready to go home?”

She nodded, grinning broadly. “Yes, Mrs. Arkin.” One last hug and she ran to join her classmates.

Wow. That was all she needed. Here I am, Miss Arkin...the grown-up...the teacher...the seminarian...and I almost forgot the most important thing of all....

Telling my students that I love them.

I will always have much to learn...

"...even if no one gives their heart to Christ, I will give Him mine."

The Apologetic Approach of Sandra L. Richter

     It has often been the case for myself that I spend a lot of time apologizing for Christians. Whether naïve, but well-meaning, or judgmental and bitter, the words and actions of “Christians” run the gamut to which I am expected to bear the wrath of the offended before me. I’m expected to take on many forms such as a verbal punching bag, or a laughable clown, or the most daunting of all, theological professor and at once defend my faith, apologize for the wrong-doings of past Christians, and, if I’m lucky, part on cordial terms with the accuser.

     It is a wearying cycle wracked with anger, guilt, and defeat. Just as Christ himself overturned the tables of the money-changers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) so I wish I could do the same to those who pollute and misrepresent the Gospel. At other times, guilt turns me into a continual apologizer, rather than a gentle apologist and more often than not, I simply give up in defeat. However, when questions or accusations come my way, I ought to be prepared to share this story of redemption, which is also my story, as Sandra Richer of The Epic of Eden writes. The “Gospel story” dwells not only in the New Testament, but is laced throughout all of scripture…yes, the Old Testament is our story of redemption as well.

     But, too often Christians are ill-equipped with proper knowledge and understanding of the Gospel, resulting in the spread of legalism, heresy, or a white-centric dominating culture (just to name a few offenses). While not making excuses for these wrongs, Richer names the “dysfunctional closet syndrome” as a key component to Christians who simply do not know their Bible. The Old Testament is left out of preaching and teaching (therefore two-thirds of the redemption story), leaving bits and pieces of the New Testament to be dimly understood. Simply put, most Christians have an amazingly cluttered and mismatched “closet” (i.e. understanding) of the Gospel, which has unfortunately manifested itself in most harmful ways.

     It is with this in mind that Richter wrote The Epic of Eden, in which she adeptly tackles key elements the cluttered Christian needs to properly understand the Bible as a whole. She asks the reader to rework in their mind what needs to be undone, offering a gentle apologetic defense of the full redemptive story.

     Biblical history itself is the bulk to her defense and framework structure to “decluttering” the closet; she refers to the “real space” and “real time” of the Old Testament patriarchs, painting a vivid picture of Israelite life. In particular, the common custom of covenant-making is given new meaning, Richter stresses, when it is a covenant between God and man. Often “covenant” is spoken from the pulpit, but reaches the congregation’s ears in an abstract form, yet Richter’s words bring this covenant to life into a realistic, understandable, and relatable relationship between God and man. When God “cut a berit” with Abram in Genesis 15:18 it is he who passes between the bloodied, sacrificed animals, rather than the lesser, Abram. “The Lord of the cosmos traversed the bloody ally in order to announce to Abram and his offspring that he would not fail.” Yet, man does fail, so “whose flesh was torn to pay the price for this broken covenant? […] It was the God-man, Jesus Christ—the representative of humanity and the embodiment of Yahweh—whose flesh was torn to appease the broken stipulations of the oaths taken.” (Richter – 79) The direct correlations to Christians today cannot be easily lost.

     Therefore, when God makes this covenant with Abram, he also renews it with Moses and the people of Israel. But, a key distinction Richter makes is that these are not a “perfect” people with whom God renews his covenant. Rather, by God’s covenant “a rabble of slaves was transformed, and the most amazing drama of redemptive yet known to human history occurred.” (Richter – 82)

     And in this rabble are included women, many of whom are specifically named throughout the narrative of the Old Testament, which represent a unique literary device in Richter’s mind…when the likes of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba are directly named the authors of the Bible are trying to tell us something…something important. All of these women are foreigners, some prostitutes, some poor, some widowed, yet all have been grafted into God’s covenant...and are the in the direct genealogical line to David. And, as the mothers of David, they too are the mothers of Jesus Christ.

     This is the nature of the deliverance that is promised with Christ. “This deliverance is for all people. Not just the Jews. Not just the righteous. Rather, the unclean, the foreigner, the sinner—if they will believe as Rahab did—are welcome. Not merely welcome into the new community, but welcome even into the lineage of the Christ.” (Richter – 29)

     The implications of these Old Testament women for the New Testament (and today!) are considerable. For, just as these women were declared righteous before God and grafted into his kingdom, so are we considered today. If we “will believe as Rahab did” then God will also extend the berit to us. Christ is the final berit, one who is for the lowly and downtrodden today, just as Yahweh was for the women of the Old Testament.

     This final berit, as Richter puts it, is the beginning of the end. Or, another way to put it would be is this berit is transformation of the beginning (meaning Eden) to the end. It is the full redemptive story coming full circle. From the fall of Adam and Eve to the redeeming work of Christ to the reinstating of Eden on Earth, the whole of the Old and New Testaments are enveloped in this complete story.

     In Chapter 4 of The Epic of Eden, Richter spends incredible detail on what Eden was supposed to be for us as God’s creation, and what we lost with the fall. One can only imagine what it must have been like for Adam and Eve to relate to their children and grandchildren (and great-great-great grandchildren!) why no one could approach the garden beyond the flaming sword of the cherubim. Perhaps apologetic, maybe angry at times, and most certainly guilty…the shame they held was heavy.

     Yet, just Adam and Eve had one story to tell, we have another; that of their redemption, and God’s promise of the new Eden…the New Jerusalem. (Richter – 127) Just as man falls, God redeems with his covenant, with the promise of the Eden to come.

     The final implications of the full-circle covenant are made clear in the opening pages of The Epic of Eden, when Richter poignantly states “Human, rather than recognizing the trappings of their own culture (and that their culture may in fact be very different from someone else’s), tend to assume that other societies are just like their own.” (Richter - 21) Yet, as the author makes clear, it is not through the Israelite culture, nor Western culture, that God’s redemption ultimately takes place. Rather, through time and space amidst culture, God’s redemptive work is accomplished.

     “The Bible is the saga of Yahweh and Adam, the prodigal son and his ever gracious heavenly father; humanity in their rebellion and God in his grace. This narrative begins with Eden and does not conclude until the New Jerusalem is firmly in place. It is all one story. And if you are a believer, it is your entire story.” (Richter – 15)

     If it is indeed all our story…which I am inclined to agree with (considering Richter’s years of knowledge and scripture itself!) then even the egregious mistakes of our forefathers are amended, when the future of a new Eden is considered. The fall of man is in effect today, just as it was in the garden, in the desert, and in Jerusalem, yet Christ’s fulfillment of the berit is also in effect...glory be to God.

*click*click*click*

To whom it may concern,

ohmygoodness.

To keep myself from turning this post into a stress-rant I'll keep it short. Needless to say, this semseter is gettin' crazy with things called mid-terms, papers, work, and, oh yeah, planning for my future. AND, my computer is dead...not mostly dead (which is slightly alive), but all dead.

But, I am thankful for this lab computer I am currently hunched over, the cup o' Joe in my hand (yes, I can type and sip at the same time...such skills), and a helpful advisor meeting I just came from. AND, I had a chance to break out my camera this weekend.

In closing I will depart with some favorites from the weekend. Enjoy. :)

Sincerely,

Joelle

Morning dew...

"Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.”

Favorite.

Elephant Rocks State Park

Roommate Christina.

More rocks.

Tee hee.

Modelicious me.

...look away, sing for salvation...

To whom it may concern,

It didn't used to be this way, but I have a hard time getting any work done without the proper music playing in the background. And by proper music I mean something melodious without being terribly distracting, (cue Black Eyed Peas's "Pump It"). Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time reflecting on the works of Calvin with "Turn up the radio, blast your stereo, right now. This joint is fizzlin, it's sizzlin, right."

Right.

Anyway, I blame the ADHD I don't have on the fact I need something playing in the background...but this something can't be just anything. Cue the most awesome collection of study music I have put together:

Sufjan Stevens
Damien Rice
Amos Lee
Andy Juhl
Coldplay
David Gray
Allison Krauss
Edith Piaf
Feist
Brandi Carlile
Billie Holidy
Hey Marseille

Can I just take a moment to highly suggest you check out Hey Marseille (P.S. Seattle-based!) sometime soon? Why yes I can, this is my blog and I shall do as I please...thus sayeth me.

Anywho, if you're on the lookout for some beautifully evocative "folkestra" please give them a listen. I actually bought their album on itunes, which means they must be something special considering the last time I purchased off itunes was probably two years ago. An added bonus is the album is wonderfully and intentionally organized from beginning to end. From the first "Marseille" to the last "Goodbye Versailles" it's rather lovely.

Cheers,
Joelle

Some thoughts on creational law...

Hey Whom,

A review of Albert M. Wolters’ Creation Regained:

“On the one hand, the law is fulfilled in that the shadow is replaced by the substance, and Jewish law is no longer binding for the people of God. On the other hand, the law is fulfilled in that Christ reaffirms its deepest meaning (see Matt 5:17). In other words, insofar as the Mosaic Law is addressed to a particular phase of the history of God’s people it has lost its validity, but insofar as it points to the enduring normativity of God’s creation order it retains its validity.” (Wolters – 40)

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It is a common misconception that in the Bible there are actually two distinct Gods, therefore two distinct Laws. Not only is this idea Humanistic, but it is becoming more and more pervasive in the modern church. God and Law of the Old Testament seems to dramatically contradict the “new” God and Law of the New Testament. Yahweh of the Old Testament is a God of war, bloodshed, and condemnation. Jesus of the New Testament preaches “love your neighbor,” “turn the other cheek,” and “your sins are forgiven.”

How can these two versions of the “one true God” be reconciled? In Albert M. Wolters’ Creation Regained the answer can be found within a Biblical worldview based on God’s creational law. By “law” Wolters is referring to the “totality of God’s ordaining acts toward the cosmos,” not the Mosaic Law nor the New Testament. This law goes beyond the Old or New Testament and instead encompasses both; this law is the “revealed will of God” and “encompasses the whole range of created reality.” (Wolters – 16)

 By approaching scripture in this way, through this reformational worldview, clear connections begin to form between the Old and New Testaments and the consistency of a gracious God is quickly apparent. By the same token, yes, Christ with his grace came to fulfill the law of the Old Testament, but the essence of the law is not invalidated. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law of the Prophets; I have not come to abolish but to fulfill them,” said Christ, quoted in Matthew 5:17. Continuing in 18-19, “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

It is clear within scripture, Wolters is stating, that we are still bound to the Law, the Law of Christ. Yet this idea is often resisted. Is it not often preached that Christ frees from sin? Christians are now free from the bondages of sin and Mosaic Law! Yes and no, Wolters claims for “in Christ we are journeyman builders—still bound to the architect’s explicit directions, but with considerable freedom of implementation as new situations arise.” (Wolters – 41) Bound to the law yet free in the law. It sounds like the biggest oxymoron out there. Yet the truth Wolters writes of becomes clear with his emphasis on the consistent order of the law, its beautifully creative design, and the redemption of the law that comes through Christ.

Yet, what does that mean for me? What does that mean for you, the reader? Where do we fit in this equation? So what if this creational law of God is beautifully designed? If I am bound by it why do I sin? Why is this world wracked with the sins of man if God’s order is so divine and perfect?

The fall of man from God’s law is the key to the question of “why?” The Fall has rendered what God first created as good to dust and ash. “The fall of man was the ruin of the whole earthly realm,” Wolters states. Yet, “the atonement of another man, Jesus, salvages the whole world.” (Wolters – 72)

It is this key distinction on the redeeming work of Christ that transforms a burdensome law into a freedom-inducing life. While man first destroyed his bond with God, it is Christ who has salvaged this creational covenant. Because Christ has restored his creational law I am restored, for I am included in this creation.

Wolters thoughtfully emphasizes at once Christ’s redemptive grace and the beauty that was before the Fall. It cannot be said enough that before the Fall what God created was good. It wasn’t the rough draft or a “better luck next time” creation. It was the final draft and yet, man turned from this beautiful tome.

If only one concept is to be brought away from Creation Regained it ought to be that Christ has not forsaken his creational law, or his creation. This story of redemption encompasses all of creation, from beginning to end. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

How much greater is the magnitude of God when one considers all of creation is redeemed…and I am included in that creation? Everything, and Wolters does stress everything, comes under God’s Law. From Genesis to his return, all of history will come under the scrutiny of this perfect law. Knowing this is the cornerstone to Wolters definition of a Biblical worldview. “A recovery of this dual emphasis in Scripture—in a word, cosmic re-creation in Christ—as the foundation of our Christian analysis and reflection can help us look with fresh eyes at a world we would have been conditioned to interpret in humanistic categories.” (Wolters – 115)

With this worldview firmly in place, we are enabled by God’s grace and mercy to face this fallen world head-on. Wolters’ charge is to not deny the relevance of Scripture in the face of modern humanism and readily points to Christ’s redemption as enabling both Scripture and ourselves for this task.

With the words of Isaiah fresh in my mind, I can confidently attest that by grace, “The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:5-7)

There is no shame in creational law through the lens of Biblical worldview. There is only freedom, enabled by grace, stemming from Christ, who hung on that tree so that his creation may live.

 
 

Saved by grace...yet living on performance...

Dear Whom,

*Note: Transforming Grace  is require reading for one of my classes (Gospel and Life)...the following is a brief bit of writing based on the first few chapters...bear with me as I lazily copy and paste:

In Chapter 1 (The Performance Treadmill) it has been underlined in the book I am borrowing: “He not only purchased your forgiveness of sins and your ticket to Heaven, He purchased every blessing and answer to prayer you will ever receive.” Wow, I honestly had not thought of God’s grace in this way before...if it wasn’t already underlined I would do so myself.

As this semester progresses I am realizing just how much I live on a performance treadmill, certain that I must do the best I can to replace my “debt” to God. I was fairly secure in my walk that I had gotten this beat, that I understood God’s grace and what that looks like in my life. Yes, I acknowledge and thank the Lord for his grace and provision, yet I am painfully realizing that this is not reflected very well in my actions. I am constantly kvetching to myself how I am not good enough…what I failure I am for God’s kingdom.

Bridges points out that this is rooted in two things…that I am afraid if I relinquish control to God that I will slack off AND that I don’t really believe that I am bankrupt. While I agree with the second point, the first point caught me off guard. I have often thought this, that if I rely on God’s grace that I will “slack off,” yet I hadn’t quite read this in print before. What a thing to realize…that even my effort to not slack off is tainted by this selfish center on ME. Even my desire to “do good work” is tainted without Christ.

The debated relationship between grace and works is a long one, to which I am the last person to say I have the best answer. But, it is a question that is currently at the forefront of many minds at my home church, so I have been wrestling with it a lot this weekend.

Bridges’ use of the performance treadmill was helpful for me to sort some things out and form an analogy of my own (note, I do not claim any copyright of this, haha):

I love running, but I hate running on a treadmill. The only thing that keeps me going on that thing is the belt and motor…and my trusty Brooks…and I’ll admit, sometimes the handrails. I am not powering that treadmill, rather, it is powering me to run. God’s grace/the Holy Spirit is that treadmill belt and motor (and the treadmill is the Christian life?). It is by God’s grace that I am running…that I am fulfilling my purpose on that treadmill.

Can you imagine what I would look like running on a treadmill barefoot without the belt going? Sure, I’d be running, of sorts, but not as God has intended. I daresay I would look pretty stupid. And I’d probably fall off.

How ridiculous. Yet, spiritually, I do that every day.

What about you? What does your treadmill look like? How do you combat the urge to unplug the treadmill and go at it yourself?

Glow.

To whom it may concern,

Do you know what a "balloon glow" is? I didn't until last Friday, so it's ok if you don't. Not knowing what such a thing was I had to google it before setting out to Forest Park. Basically it preceeds a hot air balloon race, involves large crowds, music, food, firework (of course), and many children wielding lightsabers. It took a whole lot of will power to not purchase one myself, haha.

The following is a little taste of the night. Enjoy.

 - Joelle

Lightsaber action.

How now shall I blog?

To Whom It May Concern,

Tuesday marked the due-date of my first paper of the semester (see previous post). It's most certainly not the most well-written paper I've ever put together, but perhaps one of the most heartfelt.
I'm just glad the first one is out of the way.

In other news, I'm still baffled as to this whole blogging thing...I'm clutching at the idea that this will somehow benefit myself. Not convinced, but acknowledge that I'm extremely rusty when it comes to writing for the eyes of someone else other than my own...

Because I'm rather exhausted (and a little lazy) I'll simply end with a few things on my mind/what I've discovered/whatever catches my fancy in the next few minutes. Enjoy.

1. If competitive enough 2nd, 3rd and 5th grader boys will cry when their kickball/soccer/Frisbee team loses (even if there isn't a score). I've yet to learn how to console crying boys. Do I hug them? Just a pat on the back? Or turn this moment into a lesson on being a good sport? In all my years of working with kids I've never had to deal with such sporty passion. Will keep you posted.

2. Hulu. Where did this come from? How did I not know about this? Will I be able to resist the infinite entertainment possibilities at my fingertips? Please imdb "Glee." Now.

3. I've never really considered myself a t-shirt kind of girl untlil I recently discovered Threadless. I now realize I hadn't yet found the right kind of t-shirt for the type of girl I am. Problem solved now. Yay. :)

4. Tomorrow is 4 pm Ultimate. Enough said.

5. Coming up with five items is proving more difficult than it should. Methinks I ought to get back to my "History and Theology of Christian Worship" homework. More on that later. :)

Boo on the waste of a blog. But blessings to you nevertheless.

 - Joelle

Letter Of A Doubter

“Doubting Thomas” – Nickel Creek

“What will be left when I've drawn my last breath,

Besides the folks I've met and the folks who know me,

Will I discover a soul saving love,

Or just the dirt above and below me…

Please give me time to decipher the signs,

Please forgive me for time that I've wasted,

I'm a doubting Thomas,

I'll take your promise,

Though I know nothin's safe,

Oh me of little faith…

~~~~~~~~~~

To Whom It May Concern,


Hello. My name is Joelle and I am a “Doubting Thomas.” I’ve known this for a while now and it hasn’t been easy to accept, but accept it I have. It has taken some time to get used to the idea, considering the stigma attached to this title. I’ve gone through all the stages. I’ve denied it. I’ve acknowledged it with much humiliation. Then came the weeping, the shame, some anger…then acceptance.

I had it all wrong, you see. I thought it shameful to lack belief such as Thomas, to demand physical evidence that Christ had risen from the dead. Does it not say “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” in John 20:29? Thomas was less of an apostle, less of a man, less of a Christian than the others for he only believed after seeing Christ for himself.

And I was just like him. I still am just like him.

I want to touch Christ. To see him, touch his wounds, and bow before his physical presence. But that’s not such a bad thing. In fact, it’s what Michael Williams claims most profoundly in Far As The Curse Is Found as very good. Thomas was incredibly right to want physical evidence. The rest of the disciples received physical evidence, such as Peter and John witnessing Jesus’ empty tomb, or Mary who also saw the Lord. “Jesus Christ bodily risen from the grace, was the crucial item that moved them to believe,” Williams states.

In John 20:28, Thomas finally exclaims “My Lord and my God!” He touches Jesus’ wounds and cries what we all ought to, what I ought to. Turns out I was wrong…it’s ok to need evidence. In fact, it’s right and good to desire God reveal himself.

“Will I discover a soul saving love, or just the dirt above and below me?” sings Chris Thile of the bluegrass band Nickel Creek. Today there are a constant slew of questions on the airwaves, the internet, and the written word. Amidst this age of information a very basic question is, to many, left unanswered. The safety and security of many rests in the need to know there is a God…with soul-saving love.

Why do we think it was anything but the same for those in the ancient Far East? Israel made it a habit of forgetting God’s covenant, slipping into idolatry, and then complaining when things started to go downhill. She forgot...she doubted. Abraham and Isaac, two of Israel’s most revered forefathers, place their wives in danger to save their own skins from powerful kings. “Rather than following God’s lead, responding faithfully to his initiative, both try to force the fulfillment of God’s promise by devious means,” Williams writes. “Both fear the power of kings more than they trust the promise of God. If there is a moral message in the response of the patriarchs, it is the proposition that often the greatest threat to the kingdom of God is the people of God.”

“The people of God.” He held them in his palm yet they forgot his promise. The 21st century is not any different. Fear and doubt reign though Christ is revealed every day. He is revealed within scripture, through the beauty of creation, in his promises kept…and in those still to come.

Adam and Eve doubted. Abraham doubted. Isaac doubted. Moses doubted. I doubt today. But you know what God does? He could throw his hand in the air with a huff and exclaim, “I’m tired of revealing myself to you! Won’t you ever get it?” But he doesn’t. Instead he continually reminds us of his promises. His promises begin with Adam and Eve, Abraham, and Moses. When he reveals the covenant name of “Yahweh,” to Moses he is saying “I am the one who keeps promises. I am the one who is always faithful. I am the one who is there for my people. I am the one who is here for you. I am the one who acts on your behalf.”

This covenant doesn’t end in the Old Testament but simply continues into the New Testament as well. In Mark 9, the story of the man and his demon-possessed son is told. He pleads with Jesus to heal his son, “if you can do anything, have compassion on us.” This man confesses to Jesus himself that he lacks belief….that he doubts.

Jesus heals the man’s son. He could have said no because this man doubted, but just as he did with Moses he does for this man. “I believe; help my unbelief!” cries the man. And that’s just what Jesus does. He helps his unbelief.

Do you see why I am proud to now call myself a “Doubting Thomas”? I could just as well call myself “the doubting father,” “Doubting Moses,” or “Doubting Abraham.” Though I doubt, it is backed by the need for truth, the desire to know God, and confirmation that I somehow fit in His Story. Guess what? I do fit in that story; God fulfills my desire to know him, and reveals his truth daily.

And what is his truth? That Yahweh redeems…that Christ redeems…that God redeems. He redeems and provides…and reigns. Despite my continual doubt, my constant need for reassurance and “proof,” he has kept his covenant! Just as Thomas exclaims “My Lord and my God!” so should I. Every day. From the streets of St. Louis.

What about you? Do you doubt? I’m sure you do. It’s ok…but do you think it might be time to confess “help me with my unbelief!”? What is the worst that can happen? That God will say “YES” to your cry? May it be so!

Thanks for listening “Whom.”

 - Joelle

Too Beautiful To Live

To whom it may concern,

Only three blogs in and I'm about to reveal a very kitschy thing about myself. I love talk radio. How much? I chose it over music (which of course I love). Back home, KIRO (97.3) would most likely be streaming from my computer, car radio, or my little hand-held for places I could not take my computer comfortably. I have yet to discover a STL replacement, thus have been consistently streaming KIRO in my little room.

However, even if I manage to find a STL station that rivals the excellence that is KIRO, I will not forgo my first love. It's a security blanket of sorts, enabling me to not lose contact with what ticks in Washington. Yes, I have been following the Kent teacher's strike (so not awesome), Ron and Don's new t-shirt design (rather boring), and even "Gardening with Ciscoe" (oh so awesome). (Note: did you know my dad knows Ciscoe? My claim to fame.)

However, yesterday marked a significant loss to my talk radio life. The best show to ever make it to the airwaves, TBTL (Too Beautiful To Live, for you non-acronymers), has been booted from KIRO's lineup. I waited until today to write anything about it considering yesterday marked something much more devastating than my losing a radio show. TBTL would be the first to say that their move to a podcast should never be compared to 9/11...it's simply an odd coincidence that their last show was yesterday of all days.

For those who have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about, I highly suggest you check out TBTL here. Newbies be warned, TBTL is like a fine wine, getting better with age. If your taste in TV shows consists of Seinfield, The Office, or Arrested Development then you will most certainly "get" TBTL. You are in for a treat. It was (and is!) a breath of sublime fresh air amidst the rest of "serious" or "real" life. TBTL dwells on what really matters, despite how inane it might be. This is a much more eloquent blog on why TBTL matters.

If the remembrance of 9/11 is still bogging you down, or just life in general, I suggest you make TBTL's podcast a regular part of your day. Everyone needs a little self-deprecation humor, chats about nothing (yet, everything), and bands such as Hey Marseilles all the time.

Rawr,

Joelle

Soggy seminary...

To whom it may concern,

Seminary Sundays are the the pits. Ok ok. I retract that statement. The seminary Sunday that was today was pretty miserable (better?)...but it shouldn't have been. After a rather successful visit to The Kirk with some new buddies, a free lunch sitting on the burgundy carpet outside the packed gym, and some laughs on the way home, this Sunday was looking like something wonderful. But after a rest in my lovely white-walled room (I’m in desperate need of photo frames) I awoke to a downpour outside. Rain. Missouri Rain.

In theory I don't have a thing against Missouri rain. The air is warm though fat sheets of rain are ferociously hitting the pavement. The constant hum of crickets is silenced for a time…I can imagine each little buggy is hunkered under a leafy umbrella thankful for the rest to his legs. (They’re at it again tonight btw…the rest did them good apparently.) And when lightning slashes through the sky I can only watch in apprehensive wonder (after giving up on a good photo for the 100th time).

But Missouri rain is not Puget-Sound rain. It’s not batting against the eucalyptus tree against the house…or tinged with the salt of the Sound…or ruefully reminding me that summer is nearing the end. It even smells different after a hard rain. Instead of the scent of freshly clean dirt I catch a wiff of…warm moisture, ha.

Different is usually not a negative. I know this. But today the difference matters. Tomorrow it most likely won’t. I’ll be over it by then.

Actually, I'm getting over it now. I have to, for I've been meaning to write on something a little more important than my rain snobbery. Today marks my third perusing of a STL church and as I hinted last week I’m enjoying the search (despite today’s morose mournings). I’d like to modify my wording though…instead of a search (it's not a church chase afterall), I’d rather view it as a time of observation, a time to grow in maturity and faith, and a time to worship with a new sort of freedom. I'm free to observe the Lord's work from New City-South City to The Kirk and how that is manifested in song, word, and prayer. I'm free to fellowship with complete strangers, yet we're bound by the blood of Christ. And I'm free to look past "worship styles" or sermon topics or communion methods and simple say "here I am Lord. Comfort me. Teach me. Mold me."

Already the Lord has reminded in these three Sundays that it's not in a church that I will find solid footing. It's not the in seminary. It's not "fitting in." It's not getting over the minute differences between Missouri or Washington rain. It's in his Word, his Life, and his Fellowship that I can only find a sure foundation. To borrow from a favorite hymn of mind: "In Christ along my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song..."

Amen? Amen. :)

What do you think? How have you found solace in a particuarily soggy day?

Looking forward to your thoughts, Whom.

Sincerely,

 - Joelle

And so it begins...

To whom it may concern,

I could begin "the first blog" with some pithy snippet to gain your interest. Or an incredibly thoughtful tome infused with every ounce of my heart and soul. Or a list of this, and that, and everything else in between. But, I must be honest. This isn't going to rock anyone's world, as much as I would like to think my every word is like honeyed poetry dripping off a goddess's lips...but it's a start. Perhaps I may live up to the expectations eventually with a new semester (or two!) under my belt.

I've hemmed and hawed over beginning a blog for some time and it is with mixture of intrigue and embarrassment that I do so now...I can't promise much, except to a) refine the writing screaming to stream from my fingertips and/or b) bring some dry/goofy/ridiculous humor to your day  and/or c) post as many seminary notes as possible for friends and folks back home. :)

I shall now close with the incredibly ambiguous teaser: "Coming Soon! My experience at New City Fellowship (http://www.newcity.org/southcity/). The quest for a new church begins (part two)."

Blessings!

 - Joelle