Author: Jon Partlow

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Name on the Throne

The death of King Uzziah brought a level of uneasiness if not unrest to the Southern Kingdom. Under Uzziah’s leadership Judah experienced everything a politician could hope for: economic prosperity, significant building projects and peace. With the military success and joint ventures with Israel, Judah saw the Northern and Southern Kingdoms almost as large (and prosperous?) as the united Kingdom of Israel under Solomon’s reign. For most of his 52 years Uzziah walked with God. The last dozen years his heart was not loyal and he suffered from leprosy as punishment. Yet the people loved their king and his death created a void and brought fear of an uncertain future.

His death is the marker for Isaiah’s vision (Is. 6). When this king died, Isaiah saw the true King of Israel on his throne with only the hem of God’s garment contained in the temple. Smoke filled room and strange looking seraphs sang “Holy, holy, holy” to the God of the universe. While uncertainly and unrest was unfolding in Judah, consistent control over all creation was present on the throne in heaven. God’s reassuring message was, “It’s ok. I’ve got this” because his Name is on the Throne.

Exile is a constant reminder of failure. The people of Israel failed to keep God’s covenant. The walls around Jerusalem failed to keep the Babylon army from penetrating the city. The people of Judah believed that God failed to protect them. Enter Ezekiel. When we pick up the story he’s thirty years of age, the same age a priest begins ministering in the temple. But he’s not in the temple; he’s in exile. Abandoned. Forgotten. Living out his life as a failure in captivity. If his dream was to minister in the temple, his dream morphed into a nightmare as he was part of the caravan to Babylon. The future was going to get worse before it was ever going to get better.

The marker for Ezekiel’s first vision was at the thirtieth year and fourth month, about the time he should have entered the ministry. God comes to Israel in a powerful windstorm, but the vision is complicated. God’s being carried by a wheel within a wheel to Babylon where he will take up residence with the exiled. The strange looking seraphs are with him and the description of what Ezekiel saw and paints is indescribable. God’s presence and reassuring message is clear, “I’m with you. It’s ok. I’ve got this” because his Name is on the Throne.  

The Lord’s Day on the Island of Patmos is the marker for John’s vision. The churches of Asia Minor were under two threats from the outside. The Jews were harassing the Christians at the local level, with Domitian calling for an all-out assault against the Church. While emperor worship was common in the first century, Domitian wanted people to worship him while he was still alive. The confession of the Church, “Jesus is Lord,” was unpatriotic and a threat to the State. So Domitian demanded loyalty, and those who refused to confess their loyalty faced the strong arm of the Empire. With only one apostle alive, the church at the end of the century was transitioning into dark and uncertain times.

John is invited into heaven where God showed him what will take place (Rev. 4). He witnesses the glory of God. The strange looking seraphs are once again present singing “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Lights were blazing with thunderous reverberations. A great sea, so calm and clear it looked like crystal glass, was before the throne. John sees God sitting on his throne with twenty-four elders sitting on their thrones; the elders fall to their knees and lay their crowns before God. A rainbow encompasses God’s throne. God’s presence on his throne is hardly passive but an active rule reassuring John and the Church, “It’s ok. I’ve got this” because his Name is on the Throne.

The Church continues to face turbulent and uncertain times. Entrenched in our own culture, surveys continue to show little to no moral difference between those actively engaged in congregations and those who are not. The active shootings we’ve witnessed in schools for twenty years has begun bleeding over into churches; people live in fear. Speaking of fear, the demographics shift and rise in minority groups coupled with embedded racism has caused much angst. Political party loyalty has almost become a test of Christian fellowship, while a National Christian faith is undermining the Gospel of Christ. In the meantime, church attendance and loyalty in America is shrinking as well as a vision to bring the Gospel to the world.

Yet in turbulent and uncertain times, we can be assured that God still sits on his throne in power and authority. He is actively overseeing his creation and his Church. His reassuring message to his church today remains, “It’s ok. I’ve got this” because his Name is still on the Throne.

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

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News: Finding Good Amidst So Much Bad

I opened my newsfeed on FaceBook and found an article about a high school teen in Washington DC provoking a response to a Native American elder. The teen was wearing a red MAGA hat and the Native American beating a drum was a Vietnam Vet. The outcry on social media was loud. Then another story broke where the Native American elder was the one who provoked the teen and the outcry against him was just as loud. If the story didn’t contain enough controversy, another story revealed that a black hate group was taunting the teens and the Native American elder claimed to be running interference between the two groups. And the rage on social medial started coming to a boiling point. Amidst so much bad, where can you find any good?

I opened a magazine to read about developments in our government. The shutdown has gone on longer than any previous shutdowns, with both parties digging in their heels deeper and deeper, finding an end in sight seems to be a work in vanity. With the positions clearly marked out, it’s nothing more than a power struggle and the citizens are the collateral damage. As the shutdown continues some 800,000 federal workers have missed two paychecks and most are living paycheck-to-paycheck. The ripple effect of the shutdown is predicted to have strong negative effects on our economy and making our nation vulnerable to outsiders. Amidst so much bad, where can you find any good?

I turned onto the news and witnessed a disturbing video showing the Governor of New York signing an abortion bill into law. New York now protects women’s rights to opt for an abortion into the third trimester so long as “the woman’s life was in danger” or if “the (baby) could not survive outside the womb.” When the bill was officially signed, the legislators erupted into a raucous applause. The sad irony is that while signing this aggressive abortion bill into law, New York has suspended Capital Punishment since 2004 because it was viewed as unconstitutional (or immoral?). Amidst so much bad, where can you find any good?

I opened my bible and started to read. The Apostle John had been banished to the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea (part of the larger Mediterranean Sea), just west of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). The churches in the region were facing two foes standing against them. While a secondary conflict came from local Jewish Synagogues, their primary source of conflict originated from persecution by the Roman Empire. If written during the time of Domitian’s reign (A.D. 81-96), the church was seeing unprecedented attacks while the Domitian initiated emperor worship. Loyalty to the State or to Jesus was the line in the sand and it looked like God was doing nothing about it.

God’s been accused of slacking his duties before. Job claimed he could run the universe better than God could. Habakkuk wondered why God had done nothing about Israel’s continued lack of justice. When God said he was raising up Babylon to punish Israel, Habakkuk couldn’t believe it. While Israel was bad, Babylon was worse; how could God do that? Finally, when the disciples were caught in a storm at sea, Jesus was sleeping on the job.

So John witnesses a revelation from God. As he’s invited into the heavenly realm he sees God firmly established on his throne. Twenty-four elders were sitting on twenty-four thrones which surrounded God’s throne. Flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder burst from the throne. Before the throne was sea, so still it looked like glass and clear as crystal. Four living creatures sang day and night of God’s holiness. Then the elders bowed in reverence to God laying their crowns before him (Rev. 4).

Here is where you find the good amidst so much bad. For God to remain on his throne means he has not been removed and his enemies cannot threaten him. God will lead John to realize that judgment will come to those who have threatened, persecuted and bullied his people; that justice will be swift and sure. In other words, God’s got this and we need to stop worrying or panicking. As Habakkuk came to realize, we (i.e. the righteous) live by faith (Hab. 2:4) not by fear, and we believe that “the Lord is in his holy temple, let all the earth be silent before him” (Hab. 2:20).

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

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WaterMark: God’s Always Had a Thing for Water

God’s always had a thing for water.

Seventy-one percent of the earth is covered by water with ninety-six of all earth water found in the oceans. These two percentages do not include the amount of water found in the air. The human body contains sixty percent water which is necessary for the brain, blood cells, tissues to regulate temperature and other bodily functions. They say you can abstain from food for a month, but you cannot go a week without water. And of all the sports drinks marketed, the best one for hydrations is simple water.

God’s always had a thing for water.

Scripture is filled with water stories where God’s watermark is all over his redemptive plan. With the world corrupted and every thought of humanity was bent on evil (Gen. 5-6), God devised a solution. He used water to purge the evil in order to refresh the earth. He saved one righteous man and his family by way of an ark to house Noah, his family and a remnant of the earth’s animals. Water became the mark that separated those who were saved versus those who perished in the food.

With Israel pinned in – the sea on one side and Pharaoh’s army on the other – no escape plan was evident (Ex. 14). Israel was circling as if they were lost. Destruction seemed imminent. The people cried out to God, and Moses took their pleas to the Almighty. At God’s instructions, Moses took his staff and raised it. The waters parted as Israel passes through safely and the Egyptian army was destroyed. With the threat behind them, water became the mark where Israel left their life of slavery and began a life of freedom.

Forty years later Joshua led Israel into the conquest of Canaan. Certainly the crossing of the Jordan is far less dramatic than the crossing of the Red Sea, and even less dramatic than the battle at Jericho. With the Ark of the Covenant carried by the priests, they stepped into the water where the flow stopped upstream (Josh. 3). The priest stood on solid ground so that Israel could cross the river. Thus, water became the mark where Israel abandoned the wilderness wanderings and entered the Promised Land.

God always had a thing for water.

John was calling Israel to repentance, and calling out the religious leaders for pretending to repent (Mt. 3). As he was preaching, Jesus entered the waters for John to baptize him. John struggled to understand Jesus’ request. Knowing his own sinfulness, he believed Jesus should baptize him. Yet Jesus claimed something greater was at work as his baptism “fulfilled all righteousness” (a baffling comment to say the least). Water became the mark where Jesus the Carpenter retires and Jesus the Messiah began his ministry.

God always had a thing for water.

When Peter stood before the multitude on the Day of Pentecost (Act. 2), he pointed to the tongue speaking as fulfillment of Amos’ prophecy. He then built his sermon around Jesus fulfillment of Scripture as the true Messiah. His conclusion hit their heart like a knockout punch when he claimed, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Act. 2:36). When they wanted to know how to rectify their relationship with God, Peter called for repentance and baptism. Water, then, became the mark where the sinner transformed into the saved.

God always had a thing for water . . . and he still does.

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

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Resolve: Words into Action

The moment was a game-changer.

Tuesday night January 14, 1986. Riding in a car with Eddie somewhere between Searcy and Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Eddie had graciously picked me up well after dark at the bus depot and it was a least a two hour drive back to Harding’s campus. At the time he was my best friend and running mate. We logged numerous miles and hours the three plus years we ran together. He’d stand next to me on many occasions, and the most important occasion was when he stood by me at my wedding.

As we left the terminal, we talked about Christmas break and what we did during the holiday season. I told him about my three day ride on the Greyhound bus. Eventually, the conversation turned to our running and how disappointed we were in our performance during the cross country season.

Over the Christmas break Eddie’s mind was working the problem. Our morning runs were out of focus, and I had skipped (i.e. slept in) far too many of them. We had avoided serious weight training and were lacking the necessary strength. Our technique needed perfected. We relied too much on our abilities and not enough on our discipline. In short, we had been training like we were high school boys instead of college men.

Eddie had a plan to address each of these flaws. Morning runs were not an option as we had a five mile course we tackled each weekday at 6:00. One hour before practice (M-W-F), we were in the weight room getting stronger. Before going to bed we challenged each other to 100 sit-ups. After our long runs we were doing technique drills. The more Eddie talked the more excited we got. I was all in and it was going to be a game-changer, until Eddie said, “We start tomorrow.”

I looked at him. I was tired. Three days on the bus wore me out. I wanted to sleep in a decent place and in my own bed. I finally spoke, “Let’s start this Thursday.”

How many times have we said that? We really want to lose the weight, but not today. We want to save money, but not until we spend the cash in our hands. We believe we need more dedication to the assembly, but we’ll start next week. We know we need to meet Jesus in baptism, but we’ve got plenty of time.

Eddie responded, “Jon. If we don’t start in the morning, we won’t start.”

As I reflected on his statement, he couldn’t have been more right. Too many times we have a desire and passion but not enough to implement. We make a good talk; we fail to follow through with a good walk.

The Hebrews writer pulls us into clear focus. He reminds us to act in the present, because if you delay your heart will harden and your resolve will weaken.

Today if you hear his voice ● Do not harden your hearts ● As you did in the rebellion (Ps. 95:7-8; Heb.3:15 [3:7-8; 4:7b])

Where Israel failed in the faith, the author is holding out hope that our resolve will kick in to act so that our “good intentions” will begin bearing faithful fruit.

The Hebrews’ writer isn’t trying to convert his readers, but his message is applicable to conversion (i.e. “Commit your life to Jesus in baptism today!). He’s exhorting Christians who have fallen behind and contemplating giving up to get back in the race. They need to make that decision today without putting it off any longer.

I agreed with Eddie as we implemented our plan. Through our resolve we had the best track season in our career. The moment was our game-changer, and with some resolve, it can be yours too.

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

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You Da Man: When God Confronts Our Sin

They say perspective is everything. How you view yourself versus how you view the rest of the world speaks volumes about your ego. If you think the world revolves around you, then everything that happens is about you. If you tend to entertain critical thoughts on everyone else but gloss over your own shortcomings, chances are you’re struggling with an inflated self-worth. The result is a stubborn person unwilling to change or repent.

Nathan brought to King David’s attention a rich man with a flock of sheep who confiscated a poor man’s only ewe lamb. The reader in the narrative picks up early on that the story is a parable of David’s sin with Bathsheba as the symbolism and connection to David’s life is too blatant to miss. But David can’t see past his own flaws and sins. Like tunnel vision, he can only see the story before him and exercises (self-)righteous judgment on the rich man. Nathan’s bold statement crashes David’s world; “You da man!”

The challenge for introspective thinking is real and painstakingly difficult to master. We struggle with self-awareness and fail to understand how our actions (negatively) affect the people around us. Yet we’re all too aware of how other people’s actions destroy community and relationships. It’s never my fault; it’s always their fault.

So Jesus talks about the plank and the speck (Mt. 7:3-5). He warns us that when we’re so consumed with the speck in everyone else’s eyes, we fail to grasp the 2×4 consuming our own lives. In a context talking about judgmental attitudes, Jesus tells us to use our judgmental skills on ourselves before turning it on others. Figure out where your own flaw, weakness, sin and annoying habit is before picking out someone else’s. Such a move takes mature introspective abilities. While everyone is capable of such reflection, not everyone chooses the difficult task of removing such a large piece of lumber from the eye.

James uses a different image to drive home his point. He wants us to take a good look in the mirror (Jam. 1:23-25). We brush our hair or wash our face, the mirror reveals what we really look like. Logic says that when we see something wrong in the reflection we’ll change the reality. Examining God’s Word is supposed to have the same effect. We open its pages to cast light on our dark soul. When we see our own flaws, we fix them. We change. We repent. Unfortunately too many of us read our Bibles to confirm, not only what we believe, but also to ignore the sin that needs purging from our lives. At best we’re blinded by our own sin. At worst we’re carry around a judgmental and condemning attitude.

So below are a list of sins we battle on a regular basis. I’ve attributed a name next to them, not only for some humor, but also as a means to appeal to our critical nature. Since we can see the sin so clearly in others, maybe we’ll see the sin in our own lives.

Addict Anna ● A-moral Amy ● Angry Andrew ● Apathetic Anthony ● Backstabbing Beth ● Bitter Barry ● Critical Carl ● Complaining Cary ● Condemning Chloe ●  Controlling Connie ● Disrespectful Danny ● Doubting Debbie ● Gossiping Gary ● Guilt-Ridden Gloria ● Hateful Harry ● Idolatrous Ida ● Immoral Irene ● Legalistic Lucy ● Lusting Lawrence ● Lying Larry ● Prideful Peter ● Racist Richie ● Selfish Samantha ● Self-Righteous Steve ● Tolerant Terry ● Unforgiving Ursula.

In 2003 Jack Nicholson starred opposite of Diane Keaton in the romantic comedy movie Something’s Gotta Give. Nicholson’s character, Harry Sanborn, had spent his entire life chasing younger women and living the “high life” when by circumstances he’s forced to recover at Erica Barry’s home played by Keaton. While I cannot remember the details of the movie, the two characters not only clash with conflicts but end up falling for each other. However, he has some serious character flaws that prevent him from pursuing a long term relationship. Once recovered, Sanborn leaves Barry. Months later, he returns. He tells her that he spent the last months sitting with friends to give an honest evaluation of his character. He confessed it hurt, like opening old wounds. But he also realized how healthy it was to see how others saw him, and how healthy it was to fix those relationships. He was now ready to move forward with a long-term relationship with Barry.

You don’t always have to go back to all the people you’ve known, but it might help. You could take a long look in the mirror and change what is glaring right at you. Or you could ignore the speck in other’s eyes by working on the plank in your own eye. Or through repentance you could “Just be da man!”

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

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Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum: A Christmas Story

It was a teaching moment. As Jesus was watching the contributions go into the temple treasury, he noticed a widow. She was placing two copper coins into the box. Jesus drew the disciples’ attention to the widow and noticed her generosity. Where others gave out of their wealth, she gave out of her poverty (Lk. 21:1-4). Where the rich, who gave a lot, only gave a small portion of their wealth, she gave everything she had though the total amount was the sum value of maybe a penny. Jesus’ commentary on her giving was Kingdom of God valued; she gave more than anyone else.

God looks more at the giver than the actual gift.

When Samuel was in the process of anointing the new king for Israel, God told the prophet not to be consumed with their looks but their heart (1 Sam. 16:7). David’s brothers looked more royal than the scrappy boy tending his father’s sheep. But Israel had already been down that road with someone looking kingly but not acting kingly. God wanted someone whose heart was set on him, not on the power kingship brings to the monarch.

The theme of weakness into strength recapitulates throughout Scripture. The humble will be lifted. The rejected will be accepted. The powerless will find power. So it’s no wonder that somewhere along the way someone creates a story like the drummer boy.

In the story the little boy found his way with the throng of people who heard that the Messiah had arrived as a baby in a manger. People were bringing gifts, but the little boy had no gift to bring. Many of the people had the means to travel and the resources to present great gifts. The little boy had nothing and the long journey was beyond both his means and his ability.

When the boy finally reached Bethlehem and stood before the baby king, he watched the adults present their gifts to the child and his parents. Shame swelled over him. He neither had a gift nor could afford such luxuries. He stood there like he was out of place and overwhelmed.

Finally his opportunity to present his gift came to him. He hands were empty. His poverty spoke volumes as he stepped forward. Confessing his lack of gift, he offered the one thing he had. He offered to play his drum. With the mother’s blessing, he started to play. Amazingly, the crowd grew silent, the animals joined in the song and the baby smiled.

Such a small gift, such a simple song. Yet it strikes at something near to the heart of God. For God continues to look not at how big the gift is, but how big the heart that gives the gift.

A hug. A cup of water. An encouraging text. A lunch at a fast food restaurant. A meaningful prayer. An offer to babysit. A phone call. Cleaning up a mess. Holding a baby so a mother can have a moment of peace. Dropping your last few coins in the collection plate because it’s all you have.

Where we’re consumed with how big and impressive our gift to God is, God is far from amused. He’s looking at the heart of the giver, such as the level of generosity, the amount of cheerfulness and the volume of faith when the giver gives.

Maybe that’s why we’re drawn to a little drummer boy.

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

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A Prayer Conversation

I prayed to God,
“Let me do great things for you!  Let me proclaim your Word to the people.”
God said to me,
“Good!  Go to the nursing home; I could use someone down there.”
I thought,
“I don’t see much greatness in that.”

I prayed to God,
“Let my life be a platform for your glory!”
God said to me,
“Gladly!  The local school needs a volunteer to mentor a struggling student.” 
I thought,
“That’s not much of a platform.”

I prayed to God,
“Let me minister to the people.”
God said to me,
“Wonderful!  The elderly gentleman down the street needs a ride to the doctor. 
Why not volunteer to give him a ride?” 
I thought,
“I don’t know; he’s disabled and kinda has an odor.”

I prayed to God,
“Let me be a beacon of purity to clean up this world!”
God said to me,
“Good idea!  Your neighbor needs someone to clean her house.  Why not start
there?”
I thought,
“I wasn’t quite thinking of that kind of cleaning.”

I prayed to God,
“Let me speak to a ‘standing room only’ crowd!”|
God said to me,
“Great!  Go teach a Bible class down at the jail. They have 20 willing inmates with
only 15 chairs.” 
I thought,
“I wanted the room to be a lot bigger.” 

I prayed to God,
“Let this church be a point of gravity for our community!” 
God said to me,
“Sure!  See that visitor over there with the ragged clothes and prison record? 
Make them feel like they are at home.” 
I thought,
“Not really the kind of people I want at this church.”

I prayed to God,
“Why doesn’t anything big ever happen in my life where you get the glory?”
God said to me,
“I don’t know.”
I thought,
“Me neither.”

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

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Somewhere Between What Did Happen and What Could Have Happened

The Christmas story is filled with controversy at so many levels. We can begin with December 25th as an odd time for Jesus’ birth since shepherds were unlikely to be tending sheep in the fields during the winter months (Lk. 2:8); it was possible, but unlikely. We can clarify how the Bible speaks of the three gifts of the Magi, but says nothing of the number of Magi present (Mt. 2:11b). We can preach that the traditional manger scene never occurred, as the shepherds saw the baby Jesus in the manger (Lk. 2:16), but the Magi went to a house to see Jesus (Mt. 2:11a). 

Not only is the traditional manger scene foreign to the Biblical narrative, but the Christmas story, according to Matthew, is filled with scandal, jealousy and murder, making any prime-time movie look white-washed in comparison. Matthew specifically calls out four women with tainted lives in Jesus’ genealogy: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth (she spent the night with Boaz), and Bathsheba, which leads to a young Mary pregnant out of wedlock (Mt. 1:3, 5-6, 18-19). Matthew’s story ends in a blood bath, as well as a fore-shadow of the crucifixion; Herod’s jealous rage executes and orders to kill all baby boys in the Judean region (Mt. 2:16). Like the cross, we’ve glossed over and photo-shopped the birth narrative of Jesus to make the story more palatable.  

If we begin talking about the amount of commercialism tied to Christmas, we might all be shamed.

I’ve come to terms with the Christmas story’s relationship to the pop-culture telling of the birth story of Jesus. Personally, I’m just kinda glad that Jesus’ story is being told (i.e. Phil. 1:15-18). That said, one area I’ve struggled with is the classic Christmas song, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (It’s also one of my favorites). I can accept the liberties with the Biblical story and the use of fantasy as imagery in the song.

* The night wind speaks to the lamb about the star in the sky.
* The lamb goes to the shepherd boy about the song he hears, presumably the song of the angelic host.
* The shepherd boy, in combining him with the Wise Men, goes to the Mighty King to tell him about the child shivering in the cold, pleading with the King to bring silver and gold. 

At this moment the song departs entirely from the Biblical narrative. It’s this divergence that I’ve struggled with the most. 

When Herod heard the news that the Christ was born, he used worship as a pretense for murder (Mt. 2:8). The baby was a threat to his throne, and he was going to eliminate any threat (historically, Herod was known for such actions). However, the song says the Mighty King declares to all the people hope and peace, as the baby child will bring goodness and light. 

It’s here that my upbringing starts to scream, “We cannot sing this song, because it’s not true!” The Mighty King tried to stop the baby’s reign before it even started; he never promoted his reign. My soul was in turmoil. I loved the song, but it told a story that never happened. The song is nothing but short of a lie. 

A couple of years ago, I experienced an epiphany when a different understanding of the song emerged. Maybe the song was not about “What Did” happen. We know what happened. Instead, maybe the song tells us about “What If” something else happened. 

“What If” the Mighty King humbled himself?
“What if” the Mighty King used his power and position to lead a restoration?
“What If” the Mighty King rallied the people of Judea around Christ?
“What If” the Mighty King led the throng in worship to the Christ?

We all live somewhere between “what did happen,” and “what could have happened.” A husband and father could have been the spiritual leader of his family, but chose apathy while mocking or criticizing people of faith. A business owner could have ministered to the people but was too preoccupied with making his next dollar. A church could have made a difference in the community, but were too consumed by internal strife or just afraid to act in faith. 

Living between “what did happen” and “what could have happened,” means we have the choice. The choice is not only what kind of story we want to live out, but what kind of story God wants us to live out.                                       

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

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The Writing’s On the Wall Or the Lipstick Is On the Door’s Framing Edge

Mom’s stash of Avon sample lipstick was stored in the top drawer to the right of the sink in the only bathroom of my childhood home. Various shades were available, all in the classic white casing. I don’t remember who her dealer was or how she amassed such a collection. I do remember the drawer held a gazillion of these little lipsticks. 

On this day I was about eight years old. We were leaving for vacation to spend the week with our best friends on the Oregon Coast. Plenty of adventures awaited us and I was making the last trip to the bathroom before going to the car where dad was patiently waiting for us.

As I hovered around the sink I saw the opened drawer filled with the Avon lipsticks. They never called to me before, but they did that day. Their cry was loud and clear, motivating me to reach into the draw to remove one. Opening the lid, I stared at the reddish-pink color of ink before me. As if caught up in a trance, I opened the white cabinet door behind me. I took the lipstick and marked a squiggly line down the door’s framing edge. Standing back to admire my work, the reddish-pink color on the white background popped. It was almost like Christmas lights sparkling in the snow. I put the lid back on the lipstick and returned it to the drawer, then headed out to the car where I awaited the next adventure.

I didn’t have to wait long.

I was sitting next to my sister behind the driver’s seat when mom came and got into the car. Her face was fiery red with smoke fuming from her ears; she was about to blow and someone was gonna “get it.” It just wasn’t going to be me.

With the precision of a laser guided missile, she zeroed in on my sister and unloaded her payload for the sin I committed. Deanna did her best at denial by claiming innocence and ignorance.

Mom turned a deaf ear.

I remained silent and stayed clear of the fallout.

The more Deanna denied guilt, the stronger mom accused her of wrongdoing. Mom’s final argument was more than a simple shot across the bow, “Do you think one of your brothers would do this?”

I turned my head, raised my eyebrows and look out the window.

I’ve had some forty-five years to reflect on that incident. I wouldn’t say I feel a lot of guilt from what I did, in part because I was a child. Children do things they either regret or laugh about as adult. Deanna and I have laughed about this many times.

But there may be a couple of insights worth noting about this “writing on the wall.” First, never remain silent when you’re called to speak. We witness someone being bullied and turn away. We see the injured and refuse to help. We watch the poor and turn a blind eye. We know someone is making bad life decisions but choose not to intervene. While history’s voice is filled with the silence of those watching the unjust act, Scripture reminds us otherwise.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Prov. 31:8-9).

Secondly, never allow the innocent to be punished for the actions of the guilty. Time and time again stories emerge where the people know who committed the crime or the sin, but remain silent. Maybe they fear those in power or maybe they fear the majority. Maybe apathy has choked their voice. Either way, justice is perverted. Truth is lost. The guilty, going unpunished, thrive without anyone to challenge them.

I should have owned up to my deed. I ought to have said, “Mom, I vandalized the cabinet,” and then accepted the consequences.

While the writing may not always be on the wall, the sound of our silence will be loud and clear to God. I’m pretty sure that we’ll encounter a moment when someone’s voice needs to speak and be heard in the silence. Let’s make sure it’s ours.

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

By the way, if you still feel bad for my sister about taking the punishment for my sin and silence, then ask her about the cantaloupe.

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The Apologetix* of “Weird Al” Yankovick

For forty years “Weird Al” Yankovic has cranked out parody after parody of hit songs, and some of them are better than the original song he’s mocking. With his accordion he broke through with a parody of the Knack’s “My Sharona” with his “My Bologna.” As his fame grew and his musical talents developed, his parody’s deepened as well. During the 80’s he caricatured Huey Lewis and News, Madonna, The Kinks and Cindy Lauper. He continued playing his accordion by arranging pop songs into polkas which were often as popular as his parodies. He even delved into writing some of his own songs.

Taking something original to spoof as an exaggeration for the sake of humor is the heart of a parody. They are a distorted reflection of the initial song. Others have chosen this form of artistic style, but none seem to have the longevity and endearing passionate success as “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Parodies are a lot of fun, especially if you’re familiar with the song it’s spoofing. On the other hand a parody of Christianity is a sad expression of faith, and too many Christians spend their days spoofing Christ instead of providing an authentic-original Christ to the world.

Beyond the easy target of charlatans who claim God is telling them to bilk or con millions out of the people, let’s bring this closer to home. Because even in our defense of the Gospel, we may be just a parody of Christ’s expectations for our lives.

If we sing with all gusto, “The Old Rugged Cross,” but refuse to carry our own cross (Lk. 9:23), we may be a parody of Christ ● If we plead with God and others for forgiveness, but refuse to forgive (Mt. 6:15), we may just be spoofing Jesus ● If we look in the mirror and only see what we want to see instead of the blemishes that need fixed (Jas. 1:24) then we may be making a mockery of Christianity ● If we condemn people for failing to follow the “whole council of God” but pick and choose which commands we’ll obey (Mt. 7:1), then we may be misrepresenting God’s Word ● If we pride ourselves on what we do for God, but fail to realize who we are before God (Lk. 18:9-14), then maybe we’re simply satirizing the Christian faith ● If we show no compassion for the poor, but demonstrate plenty of concern for the wealthy (Jas. 2:1-9) then we may be distorting Christ’s presence in the world ●  If we are willing for everyone to wash our feet, but are unwilling to wash anyone else’s feet (Jn. 13:14), then we may be insulting Jesus ● If we’re willing to hold to doctrinal purity at the expense of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), then we may be lampooning the Gospel ● If we can quote the Great Commission (Mt. 28:16-20), but resent it when God brings the Great Commission to our back door, then we may be perverting the very Gospel God expects us to preach.   

All of us run the risk of simply making a parody out of the genuineness of Christ and his teachings. When we “parody,” it’s not funny and it’s not even fun. People want the authentic and real Jesus and it’s our challenge to deliver a real, authentic, genuine melody of Christ.

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

*Apologetix is a Christian band who parodies pop songs into Christian songs. Their name is derived from “apologetics” which is a defense of the gospel.