42 Steps Ahead: Day 1

Day 1: Luke 1 (Getting Ready for Jesus)

When a product is ready to be released publicly, a flood of advertising is packaged in a media blitz. By the time a movie hits the theaters, we’ve seen the trailer enough to quote some of the actors’ lines!

So when you think about God sending His only Son to earth, can you imagine this historical event taking place with no advertising? Promotion is a way to give us a sneak peak at what’s coming. There are actually many places in the Old Testament that give us specific details about the life and purpose of Jesus.

In Luke 1, God sends an angel (Gabriel) to advertise the coming of two important people: John the Baptists and Jesus. Gabriel appears to John’s father, Zechariah, and Jesus’ mother, Mary. Take note of the response to both of these parents-to-be: they break out in song – a natural response to God’s movement in our life.

Here is the link for Luke 1.

Cliffnotes

                Gabriel divulges Zachariah and Mary will produce children, they react differently. John the Baptist is born, there is a lot of singing and praise.

My Thoughts

The initial thing I observed was that this is partially the Christmas story. I have not read the Bible in its totality, but I have glanced over the beginning of John and Matthew. I find it remarkable how they all exhibit some manner of how Jesus came into play. Matthew and Luke appear to discuss about the tangible individual whereas John tells about Jesus as He was before we were created; ‘In the beginning’.

The Christmas story fascinates me chiefly because it is ordinarily told wrong. (The wise men were not truly there for the birth, for instance.) It appears as though there is much more significance than meets the eye. Was the manger required? Why did Jesus not cry? Why had the wise men or shepherds been part of the story? I would imagine Jesus is immense enough of a main character to not need them.

Also, who is Theophilus? My roommate, Rodney (Bible Encyclopedia Extraordinaire), imparts that Theophilus is who Luke and Acts is addressed to. This may be, but that does not say who he is and why letters like this were written to him.

I did not comprehend John the Baptist’s background. I have skimmed through John in the past and never really fathomed he was sort of a prophet. It is radical how Jesus and John were so attached (and related). I speculate sometimes if this has some unseen implication that I do not understand. Why does Gabriel say John will never have alcohol? Another phrase I do not quite grasp is “He will turn the hearts of the Fathers back to their children.”  It is in a funky style of text so I can distinguish it is quoting the Old Testament. A swift Google search uncovers it is Malachi 4.

After a cursory read, it seems it is directly prophesying John the Baptist. I deduce this is what Steve meant in his little write-down, that there was a heap of ‘advertising’ before Jesus. Even John got some recognition. The actual verse still confounds me a mite, but I imagine if I ever get to Malachi I will be able to think on that more in depth.

Zacharias does something that I suspect I would have done, inquired if God was sure. It is very simple when an unfavorable answer arrives from God to question it. This reminds me of a verse I was examining in my @ group. “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing todo and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17). It is a little hard to swallow at first, much like Gabriel’s news. It is challenging to not simply say, “How will I know this for certain?”

It also feels like causing the man to be mute is a bit extreme. It makes me consider the Ark of the Covenant in that if it were touched or dropped, people would die. I am not certain why sometimes God seems to have disproportionate responses, though there surely is a reason. In this case, I can see later on when he regains the ability to talk, it comes to the glory of God. He speaks praise and the people around him notice.

On the opposite side of reactionville, Mary took the news in stride. But why did she leave to Elizabeth? Why did she remain three months? Also of note is every time it says “Filled with the spirit”, there is some outpouring of love for God. Elizabeth and Mary have an outpouring, and so does Zacharias; each with the funky styled text again designating Old Testament scripture. I am not looking these up; I presume it is prophesy again.

Though, one verse is really cool. I believe it is talking about Jesus and says, “To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.” Is that not neat to ruminate about, the picture it paints? Someone sitting in pitch black darkness, not even comprehending where he is or what he should do, lingering until Jesus comes and shines his light to show the path to life.

Now, what was the point of Luke 1? Sometimes I feel there is not always a concise lesson in a chapter, but sometimes there might be many. What did I absorb from Luke 1? There was a lot of advertising for Jesus, God does not change and He did not spring this on the world. You get advance warning. Whenever I find myself in a predicament and cry, “How did I get here?” There were likely some signs I did not heed. Also, remember to be obedient to the Lord.

42 Steps Ahead Introduction

                My undertaking of reading the bible book by book, once a week, was a noticeably substantial burden to bear for me. As an avid not-reader of the bible, my aspirations quickly faded and left me with only the inkling of failure. I hesitantly abandoned the endeavor as I recognized my own personal development was more imperative than affording the misconception I was well learned. However, that didn’t solve the averseness for reading. I can’t say the planets have aligned and I’ve overhauled it, but I’ve arrived to the conclusion that I need to accomplish this. Lethargy be darned, I’m going to do this.

                Presently I’m still in debate of my objective. I do desire to read the unabridged bible cover to cover, but I question if that is the best thing to do at first; particularly with such a rigid timeline. My church has a small section on their website for new Christians entitled “Grow in the Bible”.  It advocates a pamphlet made by our pastor, Steve McCoy, called 42 Steps Ahead. One of my friends, Clay, was able to procure one for me even though when I had searched they were in short supply. I asked permission from Steve to utilize his handiwork, so ladies and gentlemen – 42 Steps Ahead!

 

The Bible can be overwhelming at first glance and if you have no idea of where to start, you’re not alone. 42 Steps Ahead is written for those who are just getting a start in the Bible.
Each day, there is a suggested chapter to read along with some background info given for each reading. These selected chapters will give you a bigger picture of the Bible and how it flows – they start with the story of Jesus, then moves to the beginning experiences of the early church, followed by some highlights of the Old Testament (before Christ). 

If you are no familiar with the Bible and don’t know where each book can be found, just use the Table of Contents in the front of your Bible. Like anything else, the more time you spend in God’s words, the better you’ll be able to navigate. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while; give it some time and you’ll be moving around the Scriptures with no problem. 

A critical part of growing spiritual is knowing God and there is no better way to do this than spending time in the Bible. The Scriptures are not simply ancient words on a page; God uses them to grow us spiritually. The word of God is alive and active. (Hebrews 4:12) 

God reveals himself to us through his words. The unfolding of your words gives light. (Psalm 119:130) No one understands everything in the Bible, but without questions, God will reveal to us what he wants for us to see. Every time I open the bible, I simply pray these words: Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your word. (Psalm 119:18)I am jazzed for you as you begin this journey in God’s word! Whatever chapter you are living right now, God’s hope for you is to move ahead. And this is my hope for you, too… as you take 42 steps ahead.

That was the first page of 42 Steps Ahead. I will strive to read each day and publicize my views. I encourage you to as well! Hopefully with this trial, I will become less Spiritually Outclassed.

Heartbeat and Affinity

                If you weren’t aware, I recently traveled on a whirlwind adventure to the frozen north. While not technically frozen, Canada is more than enough ‘north’ to fit the description. Indeed it was reasonably warm for my brief jaunt. I departed to visit my fiancé, Chelsea. We see each other ‘irl’ (In Real Life) quite infrequently due to the considerable distance, so it was a welcome event. The nature of our relationship dictates that one or both of us will have to inhabit an unfamiliar territory when we marry, and of late the scale has been tipped further in her direction. I had this in mind during this trip and scanned everything as if I was intending on moving there, which it seems I am. This upset Chelsea, who expressed a feeling of annoyance over my nitpicking.

It’s not as though I was wading through mud huts (or igloos) in the market to purchase sustenance, the culture is relatively the same. The issue is the small differences, whether due to being situated in a foreign country or in a heftier city. One grievance is nearly everything is vastly more expensive in Canada. The first instance that I spotted a 300% markup I was shell shocked. For example, after church my family and usually a few guests will inhabit ‘the’ McDonalds. I will expend $5.00 as a means of procuring a substantial lunch consisting of three sandwiches and a drink. In Canada, $4.39 will net you a whopping single, solitary sandwich (tax not included). Had I chose my traditional feast, it would have rung up in the neighborhood of $20.00. Canadians must have a field day vacationing in the US. “Look dear! These bottles of water are priced in only the double digits!” However, Chelsea was most displeased with me after church.

I hold a few (apparently unique) views on church. Firstly, to me there is a difference between ‘the church’ and the Church. Both of these are important. ‘The church’, pertaining to the building, to the serving of community and others, to the sermon and Sunday morning service, to the programs, and to all of the semi-governmental duties of ‘the church’ to smooth out life and provide a community center is all fine and dandy. However, the Church, or rather the assembly of people who love God and dedicate their life to Him, is of more importance. ‘The church’ only exists to help the Church in my mind. Secondly, I have an issue with Christian traditions. Traditions have a place, but they are not supposed to be in place of God.

My quandaries with Chelsea’s church fall firmly under the realm of ‘not deal breaking’. I held issues with communion occurring each Sunday, the manner in which announcements were stated, and how they received offerings. Inversely, I exceptionally enjoyed the pastor’s messages for both services I attended. I have no complaints on the Church, as I never encountered any members barring those I had known prior (e.g. Chelsea, her grandmother, her uncle, etc.). Though I imagine I am quite spoiled as I possess a church home that complements me wonderfully - the only complaint I have is the (practically) forced standing at every worship song (I am told this is a choice, I disagree). Communion happens less frequently, which makes it rarer. There are no offering plates, you simply deposit if you wish in the back after or before the service. Announcements are quick, and they take special care not to interrupt God as he works in personal lives; they go so far as to allow a few minutes in the beginning for everyone to pray silently and have their moment with God before the service, which is amazing. Because I have discovered a church in which I feel at home and supported, the notion of transferring to a different church places me on edge. I presume my familiarity is the reason I am distressed about small, insignificant things; though that may just be my nature. It’s about the ‘big picture’, right? The ‘big picture’ of… what is their mission statement again? What is their heartbeat?

God calls us to do many different things, from taking care of widows to evangelizing the lost. Usually we come across one distinctive purpose that resonates more with us than the rest, and that’s how we function to bring glory to the Lord. I would define this as your specific heartbeat. Churches have these too, often notated as mission statements. 360 has the statement of ‘Grow relationships small’ as their tagline. To elucidate on that, they mean specifically, ‘small circle relationships’. Chelsea’s church seems to be aimed more at being a mega-church with evangelism (as seen on their “our-dna” page) than a catalyst for relationships. Their tagline states ‘One church, many locations’. This doesn’t mean it’s bad, it just means our heartbeats are dissimilar. I fit in with my current church so well, but will I be as effective in this new church? It’s time to examine my own heartbeat.

I drink the Kool-Aid pretty fervently at my church, and I like to believe that my heartbeat is synchronized with theirs (and God’s). So much so that if you were to inquire as to my thoughts on the meaning of life, I would respond in one word: Relationships. Your relationship with God and your relationships with others are the principal factor in life. That’s where my heartbeat resonates, relationships. I believe that via loving another in a godly manner, everything else transpires. Even Jesus says something akin to this in Matthew 22, and Paul repeats it in Romans 13. Love God and love others, it’s quite straightforward, isn’t it? Even through this, I would have a tricky time truly loving someone who speaks a different language or has a wholly separate set of morals and standards than I do. I’m only human, what do you expect? My heartbeat is for relationships, but due to my affinity I can only relate to certain types of people. 

Forewarning, I’m repurposing the word affinity to serve my needs. For the duration of this article I’m demarcating the definition of ‘affinity’ as such: An experience, trait, hobby, or talent that allows for relatability between individuals. Therefore, one who has an experience with divorce will possess an affinity for those going through difficult marital straits. One who has battled drug addiction will have an affinity for those in the depths of cocaine dependence. This doesn’t necessarily have to be linked with sin however, nor is there only one affinity per person. Those who understand music will strike a chord with those who understand music, for instance. I need to consider my affinity as well as my heartbeat to find what specific, individual purpose I’m given. Some have the heartbeat of giving care to others and the affinity for the inner city, this would equate to inner city ministry. With a heartbeat of evangelism and an affinity for a foreign country, the next step would be missions to tell them the gospel. I suppose we could redefine another word and say that heartbeat plus affinity equals mission. So, what are my defining affinities? Children, please plug your ears and run screaming out of the room at this point. Parents, I am deeply sorry for what I have wrought.

I will skip over the rather commonplace affinities that I have (video games, computer repair) and mention my most defining affinity as it would relate into ministry (as far as I can anticipate). Unfortunately, it is an experience affinity and is the sin I most struggle with at the moment. Addiction to pornography is my largest vice, though I’m starting to suspect had I been more of a brave young gentleman with the ladies it would have grown in magnitude. It started when I was little, and thanks to my computer savvy I don’t believe I was really ever caught. It took me a long time to even realize it was a sin, much less an addiction. I started quite young, as boys are apt to do, and it proceeded throughout my entire life from that point on. Culture said it was normal and healthy, ‘boys will be boys’ is a phrase I heard commonly. When I finally came to Christ the stigma of acceptance was still hanging on the habit. It wasn’t until after Chelsea and I had started dating that it became an issue. She was not comfortable with me feeding my habit, and I agreed to her demands to stop. Well, if it were that easy it wouldn’t be a story, would it?

I proceeded to lie to her for roughly a year and a half that I had not been looking at pornography. I kept telling myself, “I’ll stop after this time” over and over. ‘Next time’ never came for me. Finally it occurred to me what I had done. Nothing sobers you quite like realizing how far you’ve fallen. I’d constantly been the voice of reason throughout high school, never getting into drugs, alcohol, or sexual promiscuity (is that a word?). I was a clever lad and everyone knew it. My teachers told me I was smart, my parents, my friends, everyone in the world told me I was intelligent. I didn’t get perfect grades, but I was a remarkable young man according to those around me. Why did I all of a sudden feel like I was worthless? I cheated on my wife-to-be and lied to her about it for one and a half years. I was supposed to be the leader, and I obviously did not deserve that designation.

It took me a long time to understand it was an addiction, and even longer still to tell anyone. I was afraid I would lose the only woman who had ever reciprocated interest, and that was scary. The night I decided I would tell her was the only night I ever dropped into a Christian chat room. I couldn’t get a hold of anybody I could talk to, and I needed to talk. I needed advice. I needed validation that I wasn’t worthless. I had always had self-esteem issues, but I didn’t realize it had been built up by Chelsea until I demolished it with this. I asked shakily if anyone would listen to my story and give me advice. A bighearted fellow by the handle of “Hunter” agreed to do so. Though, I suppose the scene was very comical at the time, the server for that particular chat room had been just reset and so in order to do private messaging we all had to register (again for most). Hunter had an issue with this, so it was nearly twenty minutes until I was able to let it out.

I told him about my pornography addiction and my lies that persisted for so long. He told me that God still loved me, which was something I desperately need to hear. He told me of a website that gave out lessons for helping those with addictions in a Christian manner, but would only give me the address if I promised I would finish it. I promised, and with a few more words of kindness I felt composed enough to sleep for the night. I started my first lesson on Setting Captives Free the next day, and then confronted Chelsea. I told her about everything, and my plan to rectify it. She was, shall we say, very displeased with me. How she concluded to stay with me I do not know, but I thank God she did.

Unfortunately, this sin still hangs over our relationship like an unwelcome guest. I have been so far unable to kick this addiction and it has created abundant tension between us. There are still kerfuffles between us due to this (and other things), but generally we are okay. If God always has a plan for events in our life, what was the point of this experience?  Really it’s hard to tell, but I can say that I understand brokenness more now than I had before. I am by no means perfect, or even close. I’m simply a burgeoning young adult who needs to learn to walk more in step with his creator. Even so, now I will be able to understand someone afflicted with addiction. I will be able to walk along side another man that needs to tear down his lies. I will know that no matter how often, consistently, or fantastically I fail, there will always be at least one being that loves me unconditionally. God.

The same applies to you, dear reader. What's more, he gave you the experience for the task ahead. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is custom tailored to you through your heartbeat and affinity. What are they?