Tiring of the Word "Allegedly"

I was just reading a report of a man who killed a woman by running over her a couple times. The word "allegedly" appeared too many times, and was used "wrongly." :)

Honestly, if witnesses watched it actually happen when it actually happened, then there is nothing about what they witnessed that is "alleged." They witnessed an actual event. Interpretations may vary, but one cannot dismiss what they witnessed by the word "alleged," as if they may or may not have witnessed it.

What is alleged is the man's motivation for what they witnessed: he may or may not have done this intentionally or unintentionally. But to report that "Two witnesses allegedly saw this occur" is insulting. … allegedly.

Jesus Is Not a Burger King

And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."      —Revelation 19:11-16

Most people know the name Jesus Christ. Most probably don't realize that the term "Christ" was interpreted by the Jews (Luke 23:2) to mean "King." When Pontius Pilate directly asked Jesus if He were a king, Jesus did not deny the claim (John 18:33-37). 

Westerners don't know much about kings. We read our history books, and wonder how anyone could be loyal to death to one person. We're acclimated to the concepts of temporary influence and rule—our American presidents can only serve 2 terms, or 8 years; and we've only had one exception.

A lot of people who quickly identify themselves as "Christians" actually offer service based mostly upon their own ideas of submission. We read or hear what Jesus commands, but we'd rather put our own spin on these things.

For example, marriage: We know the divine rules (one man and one woman for life), but we'd rather bend the rule to our own views. This is willful sin. God said, "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). How many books have been written to say that this is not what He really meant?

In Mark's gospel account, we read: "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery" (Mark 10:11-12). It's simple, until we deceive ourselves into thinking it's not. 

There are other issues: worship services! A lot of people will claim to follow Jesus, but absolutely refuse—for whatever excuses offered—to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). And how dare anyone put a subjective spin on Hebrews 10:24-27?

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

If we have the attitude that Jesus is King, then we will unreservedly and without hesitation follow His commands (John 14:15, 23-24; 15:14). But when we know His will, and simply brush it off because we esteem Him like any other man suggesting what we're to do, then we are woefully deceived and in danger of eternal damnation. 

I know many scoff at God's eternal rule. But one day He will come in perfect judgment. Wouldn't we rather err on the side of loyalty and mindful obedience to the King of kings? Why are we so willful? 

Jesus is not a symbol of prosperity! He's not a joker! He's not a hippie! He's not a gimmick! He is King of kings, and Lord of lords!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.      —Isaiah 9:6-7

Observations While Growing A Beard

I used to grow a beard annually. There was really no occasion for it, I just used the cooler temps as an excuse not to shave.

Now, of course, there's No Shave November—a method of raising awareness (and money) for men's cancer. I didn't begin the No Shaving until November 5th for reasons irrelevant to this post.

So here I'm on Day 13. And it's already been interesting:

1. People who do not like beards are not afraid to tell you. And it's almost like it's a moral problem for you to be growing a beard (especially if they haven't seen your face covered in hair). Funny thing: I did not choose to grow a beard to offend; it's my hair growing on my face.
2. People who like beards tell you you're not growing it fast enough. As if there were some control over that anyway. (And, yes, I realize there's this thing called testosterone, but one is not truly less of a man because his beard doesn't pop out in three days full and bushy. I prefer not having thick hair on my back and knuckles, bro.)
3. God created MEN to grow beards. (Yes, there are exceptions, but oh my please shut up). So, when someone tells me they don't really like it, I have occasionally replied with this point that God designed men to grow beards and I'm doing what God designed me to do as a man. The replies are stunning because to some, they consider beards ungodly. And I'm not kidding.
4. Jesus may have had a beard. Yes, I went there. Actually, I'm pretty convinced He did: "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" (Isaiah 50:6). And please, I'm not making this a religious issue, but maybe I should (Matthew 7:1–2).

Veterans Day: An Emotional Day

Yesterday was Veterans Day. I have been privileged to know many who have served in our country’s various armed forces. My maternal grandfather and my dad were sailors. I spent time on Parris Island and near Camp Lejeune working among Marines, and to this day I find myself standing straighter whenever I come across a sailor or Marine — retired or active duty.

I am thankful our country finally seems to be on board in supporting our country’s servicemen. Most of those with whom I am familiar are humble and don’t seek notoriety at all, but I am glad they receive it, even if it may be once annually.

Last night we went to a hockey game. Many of the pregame activities focused on Veterans Day stories. I realize the older I have become that the more freely emotional I have become: I sat there through pregame with hot tears streaming down my cheeks.

For years I have had a hard time getting through our National Anthem or Eternal Father (Navy Hymn) without tears welling up, but last night was much more emotional.

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer” (2 Timothy 2:3–4).

Yesterday served as a reminder of those who have served, and those who continue to serve, our great country. We should use opportunities like these to call to mind those who faithfully served the Lord. Most without due recognition because, quite honestly, that is the nature of a servant (Mark 10:44–45).

"Out With Doubt?!" You Better Check That Attitude

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted” (Matthew 28:16-17).

What?! Some of the 11 doubted? I think today we’d toss the doubters out on their ears!

At Corinth (really no surprise there) some did not believe in the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12). Paul does not simply ignore this as he spends a lot of time defending the reality of the resurrection, but he doesn’t withdraw from them either. Today preachers would vilify this church on Facebook. (It takes too much time, effort, and love to talk to people face-to-face.)

I mention these things because doubt is normal, and it may be that we sometimes doubt and feel that if we let anyone know about our doubts that we’d be criticized. The truth is we would probably be criticized, but that’s other people’s problem as they struggle with their own insecurities.

The apostle John said this:

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:18-20)

 “God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”

When we doubt — notice that I said WHEN and not IF — we should trust that God is longsuffering and that his longsuffering is our salvation (2 Peter 3:15). And so, with doubt should hopefully come a desire for a greater comfort: not necessarily more knowledge, but more love, mercy, and faith.

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table'? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:5-10)

Two Funerals In Two Days

It's the way it all happened. One passed away on a Thursday morning, the other on the following Monday morning. But their funeral services were scheduled back-to-back. Two funerals in two days.

It's atypical wisdom suggesting that going to a funeral is a good thing—despite the prefix of the word "funeral" is "fun" (and it's really not a prefix at all).

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of laughter. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:1-5 MKJV).

Life is short. The two who recently passed away and whose funerals were so close together were 85 and 92, respectively. If I knew today that I would live to be 85, that would give me 39 years from this point on. I might want more. Isn't it funny that older people often say things like: "Time flies!"

Hardly anyone needs to have this fact of life's brevity pointed out, but sometimes the reminder is very helpful. And so we should strive to remember this and live by being helpful to others, kind, merciful, loving, and compassionate.

It's easy enough to accept that everyone is going to die, but it's a mighty big step in understanding to get to the point that "I" am going to die. It's going to happen—as Bertrand Russell put it, "There's an amazing statistic among men: one out of every one dies." It really doesn't take someone as SMRT (think Homer Simpson) as Russell to inform us of this truth.

Funerals remind me of the general statement: "Live in such a way that, when you die, and the preacher preaches nice things about you, no one's going to wonder if it was really you."

And in this we shall know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him, that if our heart accuses us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not accuse us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. And he who keeps His commandment dwells in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He gave to us. (1 John 3:19-24 MKJV)

What Color Is God?

I know how racism can be ended! I realize not everyone is going to believe me; and that's all right with me. You don't have to believe me for it to be true—you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

I'll get to the answer in a moment … for now, though, I want to briefly address the truth about racism that many people ignore—IT IS TAUGHT AND LEARNED.

I've watched babies and toddlers of all kinds of races and backgrounds interact, and they don't act racist because they're not! They just see someone else with whom to engage and play with. So at some point racism is TAUGHT and LEARNED.

Unity across races can be achieved when we perceive that we're all the same. From the Bible's perspective we are united in that we have ALL been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). We're also the same as we age because "ALL have sinned" coming short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Therefore, each one of us needs help—"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6 NASB).

Take my white skin off and you'll see bones, muscle, and blood. How stupid many of us are to judge someone because their skin is different! Talk about judging a book by its cover! Jesus taught, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24).

And by the way, when Paul wrote those words, he was addressing a group of people divided over race too—Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16-17; 2:10). There's actually an interesting passage in John 4:9 that tells us "Jews have no dealings with Samaritans"—which was shocking because in that specific context Jesus is talking to a Samaritan woman by the well. The word "dealings" is from the Greek word sugchraomai which means to use together. The point was that Jews didn't drink from the same well as Samaritans, and yet here was Jesus asking for water from a well from which Samaritans drank.

We can learn a lot from Jesus. And we should! Actually, Jesus is the answer to racism.

Years ago I was in Atlanta on the Metro heading to the airport. A group of young men boarded wearing t-shirts declaring that Jesus Was A Black Man. I laughed, of course, and they growled at me. I told them the truth—Jesus was not black, and He was not white either. He was a Jew. Nothing much else was said.

Racism is probably not going to disappear—certainly not by legislation—because people are teaching and learning it. Racism is sin! And each one of us must decide what we are going to do to contribute to racism's demise.