Author: Jon Partlow

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Sent: Beyond a Mere Errand

For years I considered the sentence a “throw-a-way” line with very little meaning or purpose. When Jesus heals the man born blind, he did so by spitting on the ground, fashioning some mud and rubbing it on the blind man’s eyes. He then instructed the man to go wash himself in the Pool of Siloam. It’s here where John inserts himself into the text with his own commentary, “Siloam means Sent” (Jn. 9:7).

For years I’ve read that line and thought nothing of the comment. To be honest, I couldn’t quite figure out why John needed to break the story to pass on that information.  Was he kind of a trivia geek? Did he think Alex Trebek and Jeopardy might use it as an answer? With tongue-n-cheek humor, It makes me wonder . . .

“The Apostle John tells us this body of water means ‘Sent.’”
“What is the Pool of Siloam?”

The first thing that should have tipped me off was that my bible capitalizes “Sent,” and after a quick pursuing of various bibles, and you find that almost every translation follows suite. Capitalizing a word in mid-sentence brings significance to the word. At least the translators are telling us this word is important.

Then in a prior study, I realized that the word “sent” is used at least a dozen times in John’s gospel. For instance, only six verses into his gospel, the apostle tells us that the Baptist was “sent” by God, whose purpose was to testify about the Christ. And a significant key verse, and popular one at that, is followed by the clarification of Jesus’ mission.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (Jn. 3:17).

The purpose for Jesus’ arrival on earth was to save the world. Condemning the world was never in his mandate. Actually, humanity had accomplished great feats in terms of condemning ourselves. We’ve never needed help from God in the “condemning” arena. We’re selfish, prideful, sharp-tongued, immoral, unrepentant, hard hearted, judgmental, and the list goes on and on. At the center of our core we have very little redeeming qualities and are in great need of redemption. Where we needed help was in the salvation arena. That help came from God who sent his Son on a redemptive mission to seek and to save. None of us were good enough, that was already proven. All of us were in dire straits. So God sent his Son to seek and to save the lost, which was his mission’s mandate.

So while John tells us that the Pool of Siloam means “Sent,” he actually does not explain its significance. Maybe because most of his readers knew that this pool was built during the time of Hezekiah and the water was “sent” to the pool by a channel from the Gihon spring. The water was used for the Feast of Lights and rumor was that it contained healing properties.

 That’s why we read that verse as some throw-away-comment that means nothing to us. But when we consider the larger picture, the moment become a window into the larger picture of Jesus’ ministry and mission. He is “sent” to save. While in the process of saving and healing, he “sends” a blind man to a pool to wash. Upon cleansing the mud from his eyes, he’s healed and able to see.

All this because Jesus was sent on a mission that was far more than just a simple errand.

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)

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CHURCH: As Was His Custom

Christian living is filled with power as well as weakness, mountain top experiences along with valley occurrences, promises accompanied by fulfillments, and exhilarating moments together with mundane ones. Such is seen in a “throwaway” kind of statement Luke makes when Jesus returned to his hometown, Nazareth.

As Jesus entered the town, the Spirit was powerfully working in/through him (Lk. 4:14). One can only imagine what Luke meant. Jesus’ ministry had yet to begin (at least as laid out by Luke), so what demonstration of “power” is on him? Clearly, we can point to his baptism (3:21-22) and his defeat of Satan in the wilderness (4:1-13). And as Jesus’ ministry unfolds, we’ll note his miracles, his teachings, his love for folks, his insightfulness to people’s hearts, and his ability to thwart or absorb verbal attacks and criticisms. Yes, his unmistakable evidence is present that the Spirit had taken root in Jesus. And as we sit on the edge of our seats, we can’t wait to read what Jesus does next.

What we do read, though, is kind of a letdown. What he did next was that he simply attended the local synagogue, “as was his custom.” He had a pattern, a routine, a habit, a schedule. On Saturday, when his fellow Jews gathered at the Synagogue, he joined them. It’s a moment that doesn’t grab your attention or “wow” you. Jesus simply shows up where Scripture is read, prayers are led and encouragment is offered. And, according to Luke, he did this every Sabbath (i.e. Saturday). Every. Single. Sabbath.

The Synagogue history is a bit of a quagmire. When we close the books on the Old Testament, we have no mention of the Synagogue and it’s clearly not endorsed by Moses and the Law. Some have found possible hints of the Synagogue in Ezekiel and Nehemiah, but those are strongly debated. Most scholars will tell you that the Synagogue arose during the diaspora as a means to fill a void in the Jewish spiritual life. With Jews (i.e. people from Judea) having no access to a temple where sacrifices were made and with their national identity in question, a void was instantaneously created that needed filled. Priests required a place to read Scripture and to instruct on matters of faith. Israel craved local places to meet together to pray and to be instructed. Thus, most likely, the Synagogue came into being during the Babylonian exile. The acceptance of a local place to pray and hear instruction from Scripture was so relevant and popular, the Jews brought it back with them from captivity. And 400 years later, it’s woven into the very fabric of Jewish culture. So much so that Jesus makes it his own weekly priority to gather with the saints.

But let’s be honest, the weekly gathering with the saints is far short of sensational. It’s mundane.

We witness the struggle from within. The singing is too often off pitch, too slow and, who wants to learn a new song anyway? The prayers usually reflect the spiritual shallowness of the person praying. The Lord’s Supper feels rushed because of the uncomfortable silence. The sermon is too long and irrelevant. Relationships with each other is strained and drains the time together. In the process we forget that the “audience” for the worship is not the people who gather, but the One who gathers us together. 

We witness the struggle from without. Everything seems to keep luring and pulling us away from Sunday. Sleep ties us to our beds. Stress from the week builds to a point we cannot cope with the stress of getting ready for “church.” Apathy sets in because, “Who really cares if I show up or not?” The work around the house still needs done. The kids are all committed to sports or other extracurricular activities. Vacations. And all the while, the people down at the lake are all a lot nicer than the ones at church.

And the weekly gathering with the saints is so monotonous. And yet where do we find Jesus?

So Jesus shows up for “church”* because that “was his custom.” And if we point to his baptism as a logical argument for our baptism (e.g. “what’s good enough for him is good enough for me”), then that logic applies to his weekly attendance with saints too. And in the tediousness of making it to services, every … single … week, I think even he finds some joy,  

“I will declare your name to my brothers;
In the presence of the congregation* I will sing your praise.”
(Hebrews 4:12 quoting Psalm 22:22)

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)

* The word “congregation” is the Greek word, ekklesia, which means, “assembly” but is often translated “church.”

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Ray of Hope: Renew, Recast, Re-Envision

While visiting family over Thanksgiving, I found myself at the local Save-A-Lot store running errands for my mother-in-law. With my adult daughter, Taylor, in tow, we tried purchasing the correct corn meal and other items on the list (“tried” is the key word). However, outside the story was a Christian recovery group selling items like bracelets, necklaces and t-shirts. Intrigued, we stopped to look at their table. As we sorted through the merchandise, we saw one that caught our eyes. Playing off of the drug epidemic and recovery angle, it said, “Hope Dealer.” In true fashion, I purchased the shirt.

Soon after arriving at Sunshine, Gabe Coriell approached me about the possibility of doing a daily one minute radio spot. He thought with my storytelling background, a presence over the airwaves was not only possible but a positive move. After much discussions and vision planning, he, along with the other deacons, embraced Ray of Hope. We wanted an uplifting message rooted in Scripture, without using Scripture to pound its message. The world is filled with too much adverse messages, so we counter the negative with the positive. We wanted to offer hope. In March of 2018 it began to air on The Mix WNXT 99.3. We settled on a set time of 7:25 am and a floating time for the afternoon to appear sometime between 2:00-6:00, and then a repeat of one episode on Saturdays.

Ray of Hope made the positive impression we desired. The feedback was always encouraging. People were listening.

But the one flaw of radio ministry has two related elements to it. First, it’s expensive to purchase airtime. The cost for Ray of Hope was usually six hundred plus dollars a month. Over the long haul, that’s a lot of money to invest on a monthly basis. That leads to the second element, long term commitment is needed before you start realizing the benefits. If Ray of Hope was to have the maximum results possible (e.g. people attending our services), maybe we’ll see them after five year presence on the radio. Maybe. Significant funds is needed to sustain such a ministry. A number of churches have those resources. Unfortunately, Sunshine does not.

Last summer, Gabe, Aaron Kallner and I began talking options. What direction can we take Ray of Hope? To be honest, as much work as it took to write a daily spiritual message, I loved the ministry. But the truth was it was not going to be sustainable. We talked. We prayed. We tried envisioning what to do.

Enter another option. With the launch of Sunshine’s new website, an opportunity to reach more people through an online presence has been realized. Ray of Hope was not about to be shut down but re-envisioned. We will be creating an audio recording, like before, and formatting it to a podcast linked to our website. Jacob Miller is working on dynamic artwork to accompany the audio portion. Instead of a daily moment, we will be posting 2-3 podcasts weekly accessed through the church’s website and FaceBook.

I will miss the radio version of Ray of Hope, especially since a large number of people have tuned in for the message (and it helped that I grew up on the importance of radio as a medium for messaging). But as Bob Dylan once wrote, “The times they are a-changin,” and the online presence is both affordable and prolific. I am excited about this new opportunity to renew, recast and to re-envision a message of hope for everyone. After all, I am a “Hope Dealer.”

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)

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The Naughty/Nice List: How Santa’s List Differs from Jesus’ List

One of my earliest memories of Christmas centered on St. Nick. I remember sitting on his knee asking for a new bike. I remember the cardboard fire place we set up in our living room with a lighted fire we turned on at night (without a real fireplace this was his entrance into the house?). I remember the year mom crocheted/granny square stockings to replace our small plastic ones; these still hang each year at my house. Finally, I remember the year my sister’s stocking was empty, and what I thought was a strike of justice turned out to be a faulty assessment of reality (she had already gone through her stocking).

The Santa Clause tradition has motivated children to spend the month between Thanksgiving and New Year’s exhibiting their best behavior. In a rewards v. punishment theme children wish to avoid an empty stocking with desire to cash in on Santa’s generosity.

Similarities exist between what St. Nick hopes to accomplish and walking with Jesus. Both are appear to be all-knowing. Both desire to bring the best out of the people they encounter. Both have a list used to categorize people and their behavior. Here the similarities seem to break down and begin to diverge, as the lists available are handled quite differently.

St. Nicklaus’ list is about behavior. He rewards the good while punishing the bad. A child does everything he/she can to ensure they are included on the “nice” list. Sure, Santa grades on a sliding scale, but either you’re good or you’re not. And the burden is on you. Your behavior determines your destiny. If you’re not good enough, you fail to get the stuff you want. Simply, it’s a works-driven form of righteousness.

Jesus’ list, on the other hand, is about grace and discipleship. Those who are on Jesus’ good list find themselves filled with flaws, shortcomings and sin. As Paul quotes the Psalmist, “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Rom. 3:10). No matter how hard we try to be good, we cannot be good. In part, because nothing within us is good. The purpose of the cross was to transfer the righteousness of Christ onto us in order to make us good (2 Cor. 5:21). Even Jesus describes his Second Coming, not in terms of a “naughty” and “nice” list but, in terms of compassion. Did we feed the hungry, offer a drink to the thirsty, practice hospitality to the homeless, and clothe the naked, visit the sick or those imprisoned? (Mt. 25:31-40).

Maybe the best picture of how Jesus’ list gets flipped is the story of the two men who ventured to the temple to pray (Lk. 18:9-14). The first was a member of the conservative political/religious party. He avoided an immoral life, and shunned the people who lived such lives. He fasted twice a week and tithed a tenth of his income. If the prayer was made today, he’d boast his church attendance too. The other man knew his sin was before him, and he refused to look up at heaven. He just cried out to God in confessional tones for mercy, not justice.

Santa’s list, as a works-oriented list, places the first man on the “nice” list while the other goes on the “naughty” list. Jesus flips the list because he is looking for humility and compassion while operating in a context of grace. Neither men are good, but the second is willing to admit and trust God’s grace. The first one trusts himself, while the second puts everything on God.

When I look back at the year I thought my sister’s stocking was left unfilled, I’m ashamed at the thoughts that went through my mind. I thought we both got what we deserved. And that’s the flaw in Santa’s works-oriented list, and it’s where I was fatally flawed in my theology. He gives you what you deserves with the “naughty” while rewarding you far better than you deserve with the “nice” list. Jesus’ list simply includes those who know they deserve nothing but are given everything. He calls it grace.

 Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)

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My Christmas List

In 1990 Natalie Cole released the song, Grown-Up Christmas List, and it became one of her signature songs. Two years later Amy Grant covered the song with additional lyrics and became a big hit for her. While others have either recorded or performed the song, its popularity has allowed it to be a staple for anyone’s Christmas playlist.

The song takes the listener to days-gone-by when we once sat on the knee to articulate our Christmas wishes. Now grown up, the older and wiser one has a list as well. It’s just not the same kind of list. It’s changed. It’s matured. It’s no longer self-serving, but far more inclusive of the people we contact.

No more lives torn apart ● That wars would never start ● And time would heal all hearts ● And everyone would have a friend ● And right would always win ● And love would never end ● This is my grown-up Christmas list

The reconciliation theme woven through this chorus is far from subtle. No wars. Hearts are healed. Friendships strengthened and renewed. Right and love always win. The list is easily a practical application of the angel’s promise of “peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind” (Lk. 2:14). It’s also a picture of God’s promise when he makes everything new again (Rev. 22:5).

I wonder what our list might include today if we were given such an opportunity. If we were to move beyond the selfish, materialistic-driven nature of Christmas, what might we really want to see or experience?

Would civility appear on the list? Can you imagine people actually being respectful and kind to each other? People can use active listening skills to understand first before being understood. Words like “please” and “thank you” were heard on a regular basis. Unloading in the social network becomes a thing of the past, while anger and frustration are dealt with responsibly. A “kind” tone in our voice is heard, while our language is filled with respect.

Where would truth appear on the list? For the past thirty plus years truth has taken a hit. The postmodern world has blurred the line between what is true and what is a lie. Personal opinion has overridden imperial evidence, and in the process “expert insight” has been discredited. Labeling people has always been easier than processing the information, but even that seems heightened today. And along the way Christians failed to live Truth with the world knowing too many of us are hypocrites. Recovering truth, beyond repenting from the lies, means stripping away preconceived ideas and cultural norms we’ve embraced.

How much is diversity appreciated in a society often longing and pushing for uniformity? Color, wealth and regional roots are part of any society’s make up. But the drive for uniformity keeps some at arm’s length while inciting fear in the rest. We’re naturally suspicious of outsiders, but that mistrust doesn’t mean it’s a right feeling to own.

Civility, truth and diversity are absolutely mature wishes to long for. They certainly can be rooted in the character and presence of Jesus. And more importantly, we don’t have to wait for others to implement those qualities, we can own them ourselves.

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)

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Quality Control: It’s All About Their Fruit

“By their fruit you will recognize them” (Mt. 7:16).

When Jesus begins to bring closure to his Sermon on the Mount, he warns his listeners of coming false prophets. He describes them as wolves in sheep’s clothing. Then he changes metaphors and calls us to be fruit inspectors. He wants us to examine, not only the fruit itself, but also the source of the fruit. Like going through a grocery store, before you buy what they’re selling you’re running quality control on your purchase – bruising and level of ripeness. Jesus also calls for common sense, certain trees may look like they should produce fruit, but they don’t. Just because a plant produces something, and even if it looks right, doesn’t mean the “fruit” is good for you or tastes good. Then he adds, check out the tree itself because if it’s rotten it won’t produce anything of value. Cut it down and burn the wood (Mt. 7:16-20).

Jesus applies his imagery to his contemporary situation. Many call on the name of the Lord, but the Lord will not recognize them. Countless who do call are also able to perform incredible works like prophesying, exorcisms and various other miracles. Jesus says that just because they can do these wonderful and incredible things, doesn’t mean God is with them (Mt. 7:21-23).

Herein lies our struggle. We’re so enamored by the power of the “Spirit”, we’re willing to discount all the other evidence to the contrary. We stop inspecting whether the fruit actually exists in that person’s life. Does that person prophesy or perform miracles without any evidence of Jesus in their life? Do those people wax eloquently the very words we want to hear without any indication that they walk their talk? Sometimes it seems we’re so desperate to have our way we’re willing to compromise the very integrity of the gospel for our own agenda.

Two snapshots of this dilemma surfaces in Scripture. The first is when King Saul is in hot pursuit of David, and is intending to kill him. God has abandoned Saul, and in fact has allowed an evil spirit to dwell in him (1 Sam. 18:10). When he locates David, he finds him with Samuel, so he sends his men to retrieve him. Three times. And in each incident his men are overcome by the Spirit and begin prophesying (i.e. possibly praising God). So Saul takes matters into his own hands, and when he encounters Samuel, he’s dropped to the ground in prophesying (i.e. possibly praising God). As the people witness the actions of the king, they wondered if “. . . Saul was also among the prophets?” (1 Sam. 18:24c). Saul was not a prophet. The moment was God’s way of stepping in to prevent David’s harm. So just because the King of Israel finds himself prophesying and praising God doesn’t mean his life is lined up with God. In fact, Saul is not someone to look to for God’s redemption.

The other story comes from Acts 16 when Paul was in Philippi. A girl, possessed by a demon and a victim of trafficking, spoke truth about Paul and Silas. She followed them throughout the town shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved” (Act. 16:17). But her life betrayed her words, so Paul cast the demon out of her. For Paul, the one who spoke the truth was just as important as the words used in declaring truth.

Jesus does not define his terms when it comes to “fruit,” nor does he tell us what the wolf will actually do once he’s invaded the fold, the imagery of very self-evident. He expects us to connect the dots. If Jesus’ opening words (5:3-11) have any bearing fruit, then the ones with spiritual power and words are driven by true humility, not pride. Remorsefulness of sin is the burden weighing on them; they neither brag nor dismiss their sin. A power fueled by God and not by self is present. They have a passionate pursuit of God’s righteousness and not their own self-righteousness. Generous mercy overspills their lives. A purity of heart is evident by words and actions. They seek peace first. Finally, because of their lives lining up with God, they accept character assassination as Jesus endured.

So before we give too much credence and credibility to a human who speaks the right words with an overabundance of charisma, implementing some discretion might be worth the time. It’s biblical to make sure their lives actually reflect the one they’re speaking for and about. Jesus calls us to accountability as fruit is produced from our trees. It’s not being judgmental, it’s quality control.

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)

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Soul Erosion

Soil Erosion is the gradual wearing away of the land by water, wind and general weather conditions. Sand erosion is the effect of erosion on our beaches.

In 1999 the 208 foot Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina was relocated to more than a quarter-mile back from the shoreline where it was threatened by the encroaching Atlantic Ocean. Erosion along the shore had chewed away about 1300 feet of beach, bringing the waves within 150 feet of the sentinel (when it was erected in 1870, it stood some 1500 feet from the waves). Erosion is not just plaguing the Outer Banks. Coastal residents up and down the United States are worrying about undermined cliffs, disappearing beaches and the occasional fallout of the “foolish man” building his house on the sand.

Soul Erosion is the gradual wearing a way of a person’s spiritual life and vitality caused, not always by storms generated in life, but by the daily conflicts we’re forced to withstand. Such conflicts take only millimeters away from you, but after years you realize miles of your soul has been encroached. The scar from the “friend” who backstabbed you years ago is still tender to the touch. The social injustice continues to rear its ugly head and it seems far from being corrected, much less even acknowledged (usually it’s defended). The daily caring for a loved one whose health slowly deteriorates before you find all hope vanishing. Soul Erosion is a real and dangerous spiritually environmental condition that cannot be ignored; it has detrimental effects on our lives.

Somehow Joseph was able to withstand Soul Erosion, without having to relocate his own beacon. He was betrayed by his brothers, separated from his father, sold into slavery as a teenager, falsely accused of a sexual crime and left to rot in prison. He had every reason to be angry, bitter and to lose his faith. However, we find him patiently enduring and seeking a way to serve God no matter what the circumstances. God never abandoned him (Gen. 39:2-3, 5, 21, 23). Yes, he wanted justice (Gen. 40:14). But he never allowed the injustice of his situation to erode his desire to forgive his brothers (Gen. 45:14). In fact, while he knew that they intended to harm him, he realized God was using it for something good (Gen. 50:20).

For Joseph he was left alone to monitor the erosion of his soul. We, on the other hand, have the Church to help prevent Soul Erosion.

While Soul Erosion does not draw the attention of other spiritual problems, people do come to a point where they wonder where the joy of living is found. Why am I so cynical? Why is the youth wasted on the young? Why can’t I forgive?

When I was a youth minister, I talked to a 70 year-old woman about her cynicism. She responded, “When you’re my age and have endured what I have had to endure, then you can lecture me about Christian living.” Maybe she’s right, for with time, optimism erodes leaving pessimism bare. Then again, the Hebrews’ writer says the church has a preventative role, “Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another . . .” (Heb. 10:25) – and all the more as you survey the erosion of your soul

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified)

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Finding the Words: What to Say when Anxeity, Fear & Despair Drive Your Prayers

Prayer is always a struggle. On the one hand, you come before the Almighty, and even if you have an exhaustive vocabulary, finding the right words is like trying to find a plaid shirt to match striped pants. On the other hand, Jesus frowns upon prayers defaulting to clichés (Mt. 6:7), especially in public where people are only seeking man’s applause. The struggle to say the right words is real when one begins to pray.

But the words are only part of the problem, especially in times of great emotional distress. In those seasons, reason takes a back seat to feelings. We sense we’re alone, vulnerable and estranged from God. What is happening around us – or within us – seem bigger and stronger than the God who protects. And our prayers and prayer-life often become casualties of the war.

While the Psalms are often associated with praise, they do not fail to embrace the suffering. God deserves and welcomes our adoration. God also listens, even more intently, when his people lament, agonize and weep, especially when such emotions are directed toward him. Like a child coming home from a bad day at school to find solace on the lap and in the arms of the parent, God is just as welcoming to us.

Two questions surface, expressed by the sufferer in the Psalms, may hold the key to finding a way to express ourselves to God during times. When the storm is raging, or when the hole feels like a bottomless pit, the Psalms give us the words to frame our prayers.

The first question is “why.” Appearing in Psalm 22:1, the Psalmist tries to understand the distance created between himself and God. Most notably, the cry is recited by Jesus on the cross, possibly validating such a plea. Delving behind the source of suffering is to discover the reason for the anguish, which then validates the sufferer. So if I can figure out “why I am experiencing the affliction,” it will make the suffering easier – such reasoning is expressed. But the reason for suffering is far greater than one simple explanation. Not only do we live in a complicated world/universe, but God’s not always willing to explain our suffering to us (e.g. story of Job). In part, we couldn’t comprehend everything involved in it anyway. Ultimately, knowing the “why” will not change the agonizing situation. You’re free to ask “why,” but it’s unlikely God will grant you the answer you’re seeking. Even God was eerily quiet while his Son suffered his death.

The second question is “how long.” Surfacing throughout Scripture, such as Psalm 23:1-2, it’s a far clearer question to ask. Even this psalmist asks it four times. The “how long” question steers us away from an over simplified explanation behind the suffering, to the duration of the grieving. This question embraces suffering as part of our witness, but wants to know when the agony will end. God’s people are called to embrace suffering because Jesus suffered (Rom. 8:17; 1 Pet. 2:21). Our concern is beyond the “why” but to “how long” we must endure before God steps in.

My own struggle to pray when it’s either storming without or pitched black hole from within has been evident. Historically, my gut has always gone to the “why” and have often walked away in continual turmoil. I come to God believing that somehow I deserve an answer from him, much like Job. In recent times I gone with “how long.” It’s helped shift my focus. Instead of defaulting to being self-serving, it’s allowed me to suffer in step with Jesus. Not only has it brought more peace to my life, but it’s also given me a framework to find the words.   

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)

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Not Like a Tame Lion: Amos before the God who Roars

Aslan was leaving. Not forever. But he was leaving. Since Narnia was free from the White Witch and firmly secure in the hands of the Pevensie children, his role was fulfilled. At least for now.

As Mr. Tumnus and Lucy watched him leave, Tumnus explained how Aslan could not be tied down, how he enjoyed coming and going, and that he had other lands to oversee. Then Mr. Tumnus concluded, “He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.” Lucy readily agreed, then added, “. . . but he is good.”

That C.S. Lewis crafted Aslan the Lion to be a Christ-like figure is beyond dispute. That Lewis painted a picture of a God who cannot be controlled or manipulated, but is feared and loved at the same time is the tension we experience. God is anything but a plaything, making the Lion image perfect for a couple of reasons. One, who isn’t tempted to bury oneself into the soft fur of a lion, while terrified of what a mauling might be like? We’re drawn to God’s love, grace and goodness, but respectfully fearful of his holiness. Secondly, the prophet Amos describes God as a roaring voice from Zion (Amos 1:2).

As God’s roar is heard, his words are dissimilated through Amos. Indictments ring out against the nations for their hostile crimes committed to the people. His holiness has been violated in the people he created (i.e. imago dei from Genesis 1:27). In his protective goodness he’ll hold the nations accountable. Here are the listed defendants and the indictments charged against them:

● Syria, if Amos is taken literally, committed war crimes by threshing the bodies of helpless people like one threshes or combines the wheat (1:3).

● Philistia captured, not just the military men, but also women, children and elderly then sold them to Edom, presumably as slaves (1:6).

● Phoenicia not only committed the same crime as Philistia, but blatantly broke and disregarded a treaty in the process (1:9)

● Edom, as expected, is charged with disregarding the same treaty. On top of that count, they let their military go unchecked by murdering without mercy or compassion like an animal ripping apart its prey. Some scholars believe they cut open the bellies of pregnant women (1:11).

● Ammon extended their borders by claiming land they had no right to, and in doing so, explicitly committed the same transgression Edom did on pregnant women (1:13).

● Moab violated a (possible) sacred burial place of Edom’s king, then dishonoring him and its nation by burning his bones (2:2).

● Judah rejected God’s law, unashamedly failing to keep his decrees (2:4).

● Israel’s sins: they sold the righteous and poor into slavery for money; they denied justice to the oppressed; fathers and sons (sexually) shared the same woman; they prostituted themselves before idols; they refused to return a pledge; and they drank wine taken as fines (this may either be an idolatrous or social injustice sin [2:6-8]).

God’s concern for the people of this world reaches beyond his chosen people. He’s invested in the lives of those we often deem “outside his fold.”

Such flagrant disregard for the humanity of people while justifying these atrocities aroused God’s holy wrath. Such unconcealed suffering in the victims’ broken lives moved God’s goodness to protect his creation. So the predators standing in the place of power who is responsible for committing these crimes will be held accountable for their actions. He will bring justice and make all things right. The prey’s cry for help will be heard by God who will act on their behalf. For God is not one who can be tamed . . . but he is good.

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorifie