There is always more going on than meets the eye. Behind the smile. Behind the frown. Behind the scowl. Behind the furrowed brow. Behind the mask. Behind the screen. Behind the scenes. Behind the walls.
There is always more going on than meets the eye. Beyond the pain. Beyond the hurt. Beyond the sadness. Beyond the disappointment. Beyond the despair. Beyond the regret. Beyond the broken promises. Beyond the shattered dreams. Beyond the fear.
There is always more going on than meets the eye. Beyond our windows. Beyond our doors. Beyond the walls. Beyond the fence. Beyond the border. Around the corner. Above the ceiling. Above the sky.
There is always more going on than meets the eye. Beyond our sight. Beyond our hearing. Beyond our touch. Beyond our smell. Beyond our thinking. Beyond our feeling. Beyond our present reality.
There is always more going on than meets the eye. Beyond our hopes. Beyond our dreams. Beyond our faith. Beyond our prayers. Beyond our imagination.
“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” -1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
Perhaps you saw it. The headline caught my attention as it boldly proclaimed, “An Arizona priest used one wrong word in baptisms for decades. They’re all invalid.”[1] And the headline wasn’t just talking about one or two baptisms, but thousands of baptisms that took place since the priest started his ministry in 1995. Rather than reciting, “I baptize you,” his habit was to say, “We baptize you.” Because of his mistake, made in both English and Spanish over the years, Rev. Andres Arango, described as a good priest, resigned.
The article goes on to state that:
As far as the diocese is aware, all of the other sacraments that Arango conferred are valid. But because baptism is the “sacrament that grants access to all the others,” a botched baptism could invalidate any subsequent sacraments, including confirmation, marriage and holy orders.
“What this means for you is, if your baptism was invalid and you’ve received other sacraments, you may need to repeat some or all of those sacraments after you are validly baptized as well,” the diocese said.[2]
When I first heard this on the news, I was speechless. Incredulous might be a better word. Even though I’m not Roman Catholic, my heart goes out to those poor souls, thousands of them over the past quarter century, who are now being told by their church authorities that they are not really a part of the church because of a “mistake” made by a priest due to a single word he uttered.
I am sure this will be the topic of many theological and philosophical debates. Ecclesiastical law, semantics, and likely the priest’s ethnicity and language will be analyzed, scrutinized, and categorized for some time. All because of a single word, intended to convey a good thing, but suddenly upsetting the lives of the very persons it was intended to bless.
It is sometimes difficult to find the right word, isn’t it? Finding the right words or getting the words right is something that preachers like me spend a lot of time on. And the Bible has a lot to say about our words, as did Jesus. Remember when He said, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37 NKJV)?
The Apostle Paul said, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13 NIV), which was a paraphrase of Joel 2:32 in the Old Testament.
It doesn’t sound difficult. It doesn’t require reciting an exact word or phrase. It couldn’t be more inclusive. Everyone has an equal opportunity to “call on the name of the Lord,” and find salvation and eternal life. It is sad that such a simple thing could become so complicated and confusing.
Jesus told a story about two men praying. One, a very religious man, used a lot of fancy language and did his best to point out to God that he was righteous and worthy. Jesus pointed out that this man’s boasting did nothing to gain God’s attention or admiration. In stark contrast, the other man, considered a great sinner, “stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” Jesus went on to say, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:13-14 NIV)
God had mercy on the man who asked for it. What are the right words that our merciful God listens to? Sincere words. Humble words. Truthful words. Caring words. Loving words. Compassionate words. Contrite words. Grateful words. Heartfelt words. Halting words. Faith-filled words. Intercessory words. Clear words. Kind words. Simple words.
Even as He died upon the cross, we see the contrast between the right and wrong words. Dying between two criminals, one spoke words of derision, the other spoke words of contrition. This is how Luke 23:39-43 (NIV) describes the scene:
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Simple words. Dying words. Sincere words. The right words: “Jesus, remember me.” No baptism. There wasn’t time or opportunity for it. No long confession to a priest. Just a heartfelt plea to the High Priest, Jesus Christ. And Jesus’ response was good news for all of us sinners who call upon the Lord: “. . .today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus often used simple words, words a child could understand. He called his first disciples in John chapter one using 5 simple words. “Follow me. Come and see.” Those were the right words to draw them into a lifetime of adventure, travel, and service. Those simple words were the right words that changed the world and are still changing lives today.
The most important words, the right words, are often difficult to speak.
I am sorry.
I was wrong.
Please forgive me.
I forgive you.
I love you.
I care.
But don’t wait until your dying day. Practice saying the right words until they come automatically from your heart. Don’t worry about getting them wrong. Don’t worry that somebody higher up will rule them invalid. Jesus always receives these as the right words. And in the end, His opinion is the only one that counts.
[1] “An Arizona priest used one wrong word in baptisms for decades. They’re all invalid.” NPR News Religion, February 15, 2022. Accessed 2/16/2022 at https://www.npr.org/2022/02/15/1080829813/priest-resigns-baptisms?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20220216&utm_term=6328018&utm_campaign=news&utm_id=4920732&orgid=&utm_att1
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021. In honor of him and his legacy, I’d like to share a few thoughts about how the African-American Church influenced the 20th Century Pentecostal Movement in America. The Azusa Street Revival (1906-1910) was led by a black man, William Seymour. From Azusa Street, the Pentecostal message spread throughout the world. Seymour endured prejudice and criticism, and also received national news attention because of the inter-racial gatherings, where all races worshiped and mingled together. That work of the Spirit, in removing racial and ethnic barriers, is still needed today.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Final Sermon was preached on April 3, 1968 at Mason Temple in Memphis, TN. That flagship church was named for Bishop Charles H. Mason, founder of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), which according to their website is “the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States.” COGIC headquarters is located there, on Mason Street. Bishop Mason had gone to be with the Lord just seven years earlier, in 1961 at the age of 97. Two years later, Martin Luther King, Jr. would deliver his famous, “I Have a Dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
African-American Influence in the Birth of the Assemblies of God
It is significant to note that Bishop Mason, born during the Civil War in Tennessee, spoke at the first General Council of the Assemblies of God during the first week of April in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. As the Bishop of the “Churches of God in Christ,” he had licensed/credentialed a number of white ministers. He was powerful leader who gave his blessing to the fledgling Assemblies of God in a city where he could not even have used the same bathrooms nor water fountains as the white founders of our movement because of Jim Crow laws and segregation.
We owe a lot to that humble man of God who also wrote many Gospel songs, along with fellow African American preacher Charles P. Jones, many of which defined early 20th century Pentecostalism, like “Deeper, Deeper” and “Come Unto Me.” These were songs we sang in the small Assemblies of God church in Newberg, Oregon where I grew up more than a half century later. Sadly, many people within the Assemblies of God have no knowledge of the fact that an advertisement in the “Word and Witness” newspaper invited the “Churches of God in Christ” to attend the initial Assemblies of God General Council formational meetings in Hot Springs that year and that a humble black preacher gave his blessing to our movement. By 1952, Bishop Mason was noted as the elder statesman attending the Pentecostal World Conference in London.
Bishop Mason’s success was met with suspicion by some because of his pacifism (many early Pentecostals were also pacifists) during times of war and interracial beliefs and practices. According to one biography:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) developed a file on C.H. Mason because of his pacifism and inter-racialism. In 1918 some white followers of Mason in Los Angeles were identified as being of German extraction (during WWI and the Flu Epidemic). Mason was jailed at Lexington, Mississippi, for allegedly preaching against the war, although he sold bonds to help the war efforts. William B. Holt, one of the white brethren targeted by the FBI for suspicion, was a lawyer and former Nazarene preacher. He traveled to Lexington to post a two-thousand dollar cash bond for Mason’s release. A reference from the 1918 FBI report reveals Mason’s historical perspectives. After quoting from one of Masons’ tracts, it comments: “It is clear that Mason and his followers felt it to be of far reaching significance that one of the great religious movements of the twentieth century was founded by a member of the African race.” (http://www.rtnkc.org/pages.asp?pageid=114519)
It is also significant that the struggle for racial equality in America continued and that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would preach his final message in a church building dedicated to the memory of Bishop Mason. During that message, which many have compared to a man preaching his own eulogy, Dr. King stated:
“I don’t know what will happen now; we’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter to me now, because I’ve been to the mountain top. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life – longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And so I’m happy tonight; I’m not worried about anything; I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
The next day in Memphis, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man committed to peaceful protest, was assassinated. Today we remember him, and others like Bishop Charles Mason who overcame multiple obstacles, and gave up their own convenience, to make this world a better place and prepare people for the world to come. Perhaps we can honor his memory today by checking our own hearts, and working toward peace, liberty, and justice for all. Remember the words of Paul to Titus:
“. . .to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:2-9 ESV)
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” The soldiers also mocked Him … (Luke 23:33–36a)
Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)
This was a word of mercy. You’ve heard it before: “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” While
high up on a mountain, Moses received The Law (Ten Commandments), engraved on
stone tablets by the finger of God, straight from the hand of God. He returned
to God’s people below, who were in the process of breaking every one of them.
In anger, Moses broke the stone tablets and human beings have been breaking the
Ten Commandments ever since. Intentionally or unintentionally, fully aware or
ignorant, through sins of commission or sins of omission, we have all sinned. We
are all guilty. We need mercy.
Jesus bore the weight of our sins on
the cross. Yet, He did not protest, and He did not blame or seek revenge on those
who were part of the conspiracy to kill Him by treating Him despicably.
Instead, the King of Kings offered mercy from the cross. He offered
intercession from the cross. He made an appeal for us all from the cross. Truth
and justice met mercy and forged a case for us from the cross. The sinless Son
of God purchased our acquittal through His blood from the cross.
There, the One Mediator between God
and men, our High Priest, offered a merciful appeal to the Great Judge of the
Universe: “Father, forgive them.”
The Gospel proclaims good news. The
first words Jesus spoke from the cross offered that good news. Very good news,
indeed, to those of us who have spent our lives amidst the shame and blame that
results from chipping away at those immovable stone tablets through our
thoughts, words, and deeds.
Mercy. What a beautiful word! The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25 ESV)
Today you shall be with Me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43)
One of the criminals who were hanged
there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself
and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear
God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are
suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this
man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You
come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I
say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39–43)
This was a word of assurance.The first word Jesus spoke from the cross
offered mercy leading to hope for the possibility of forgiveness. This second
word offered assurance, a confident promise from Jesus, punctuated by the
declaration, “Truly I say to you. . ..”
Hung between two thieves, the sinless
Savior listened to their banter. A skeptical scoffer and a sincere sympathizer
offered their commentary on their shared predicament. All three convicted
criminals faced their executioners with an unambiguous certainty that this day
would be their last. Most of us do not know the day of our death as these three
did. Yet if you could listen in on the conversations of the seven billion
people on planet earth, you would discover elements of their conversations
taking place today. People judge their fellow human beings using their own
measuring stick. And everyone wonders about their own fate. Which day will be my
last day? What happens then?
Jesus heard their conversation, and
responded to two words spoken by the sympathizer, “Remember me.” Having
confessed his own guilt and the guilt of his cohort on the opposite side of the
Savior, he did not state his own merit or defense. He simply asked, “Remember
me when you come into Your Kingdom.” In so doing, he was both asking for mercy
and declaring his alliance with the Son of God and His kingdom.
Jesus listens to a dying person’s prayer from the heart, even if it is only two words, “Remember me.” He listens to sincere people, even those who are not knocking on death’s door. He responds, not in a condemning way, not in a condescending way, not in a complicated way. Jesus responded in an assuring way, so simple that even a child could understand: “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
3. Woman, behold, your son! … Behold your mother! (John 19:26, 27)
But standing by the cross of Jesus
were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary
Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved
standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman,
behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her
into his own household. (John 19:25–27)
This was a word of compassionate care.As the eldest son, with at least six other
junior siblings (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3), Jesus was responsible for the
care of his mother. We assume Joseph was deceased by now, so from the cross
Jesus made provision for the care and safekeeping of His mother. John, the
beloved disciple, took Mary into his own home from that moment. Later, at least
two of Jesus’ brothers (Jude and James) would become believers. Herod would
kill John’s brother James for his faith in
Christ. No one but Jesus knew these things at the time.
So to perform the duty of a responsible son, Jesus made provision for Mary. From the cross, Jesus reminded us that God cares about our welfare. He is concerned about our families. He is concerned about caring for our needs. That caring concern prompted Peter to later write, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
4. My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:46)
Now from the sixth hour darkness fell
upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out
with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
(Matthew 27:46–47)
This was a word of suffering.We live in a complex world with perplexing
questions. Jesus’ fourth word from the cross cuts across the generations of
suffering humanity as life’s most ubiquitous question, “Why?”
When tragedy strikes, we want answers.
We demand answers. We want to know, who, what, where, when and how—all the
complex and perplexing details of the tragic circumstances. But even then, once
all of those compelling questions are answered, we are left with life’s most
perplexing question, “Why?”
Why the divorce, the death, the
disease, the danger, the demons, the delusion, the depression, the disaster?
And in the end, “Why me?” It may be a cliché, but how we respond determines
whether our circumstances and unanswered questions leave us better or bitter.
Bitterness leaves us without hope, without a God who cares. Faith leaves us
better, with a caring God who understands our suffering and promises to never
abandon us.
During the third hour of darkness as black as midnight at midday, Jesus, in His humanity, cried out for an answer. His question rings across the ages to validate our feelings of abandonment during life’s discouraging episodes. For if Jesus felt abandoned on the cross, He understands our own feelings of abandonment. He understands the times we question the ways of God. He listens without judgment. And in the ensuing darkness and silence He showed us that if we could endure the horror of Friday’s cross, there awaits a glorious resurrection on the dawn of Easter morning.
5. I am thirsty. (John 19:28)
Jesus, knowing that all things had
already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was
standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of
hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. (John 19:28–29)
This was a word of obedience. Jesus knew that everything needed for Him to
fulfill His role as a suffering Messiah had been accomplished. Yet there was
one more thing. One more step. One more word that would show His complete
humanity, and His complete obedience to the will of the Father.
Jesus was thirsty. He also knew that His request would never be granted in a way that would satisfy his human thirst, accepted the bitter cup offered. In so doing, He experienced the disappointment we feel as we seek after the things of life to satisfy the inner thirst of our souls. Only Jesus can satisfy your thirsty soul. Only obedience to Jesus can keep our cup full.
6. It is finished! (John 19:30)
Therefore when Jesus had received the
sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And
He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)
This was a word of finality.We sometimes like to have the last word. But
God always has the last word. We do well to listen. We are not finished until
God says we are finished.
The first recorded words of Jesus in
the Bible came from his twelve-year-old tongue. He spoke them in response to
His earthly parents’ inquiries after searching desperately for their lost son.
Interestingly enough, it involved another “Why?” question: “Why did you
seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke
12:49 NKJV)
In the ensuing twenty-one years or so, Jesus accomplished His mission, His Father’s business. The Father’s business is the most important business in the world. Once we understand that, we find meaning in life because we can measure it in light of eternity. We discover our own destiny, and accept difficulties along the way because we understand, we accept, and we embrace the concept that we have given God permission to have the final word in our lives.
7. Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit. (Luke 23:46)
It was now about the sixth hour, and
darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was
obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out
with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I
commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the
centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this
man was innocent.” (Luke 23:44–47)
This was a word of surrender. Surrender to God’s will defined the life of
Christ. He left the splendor of heaven to endure this world of sin so that we
could leave this world of sin and enjoy the splendor of heaven. If we have
committed our life and our ways to the Lord, then we have assurance.
We have assurance of God’s mercy and forgiveness. We have
assurance of eternal life; that we will be with Him in paradise. We have
assurance of God’s care and concern. We have assurance that He will never leave
us or forsake us, no matter how alone we may feel. We have assurance that even
a bitter cup will be made sweet as we trust and obey. We have assurance of our
divine destiny. And we have assurance that in the end, God will have the final
word as we surrender all to Him.
The world seems to be stalled at the intersection of pandemonium and chaos.
Caught off guard, nobody seemed to have a contingency plan to mitigate a global pandemic. So in Spring 2020 the world scrambled to assemble protocols and systems to accomplish things many human beings have not had to deal with in their generation. We’ve grown accustomed to YouTube videos going viral, usually of some trivial amusement, like a cat playing chopsticks on the piano. We were not prepared to deal with an actual life-threatening virus (Covid-19) going viral, spreading disease and mayhem around the world.
Reader Note:This post was made during the Spring 2020 Global Covid-19 Pandemic, and is targeted for ministers and speakers or anyone who is delivering online video messages to connect with people experiencing isolation due to shelter in place orders or quarantines.
This is especially true for churches and pastors who are
used to having a literal platform to stand on with a nearby audience to preach
to. All that changed in a moment when governors across the United States and
authorities around the world issued edicts to shelter in place, outlawing
gatherings of any kind. This was not an attack on religion or First Amendment
rights, but an issue of public safety. Most churches readily complied, and
within a few hours were devising new methods to communicate and continue to
engage their faith community.
When it comes to making significant leadership decisions
that involve extensive changes and effort, many pastors and church leaders
historically take a “wait and see” approach. Change is hard and often painful,
especially for groups of people known for their propensity to cling to
traditions, ancient or modern. Motivation for real and substantive change
requires a sense of urgency to help people move from where they are to where
they need to be. The ultimate sense of urgency brought about by the Coronavirus
Crisis and subsequent government officials’ lockdown orders in states and
municipalities created an immediate sense of urgency.
Organizational change generally requires a systematic
process that involves a coalition of people who can intelligently answer the
“why?” and the “when?” questions that present the compelling reason for change
in the first place. For many churches, debate is all that ever takes place,
leading to procrastination and stagnation as the world changes around them, and
leaves them arguing about insignificant relics of the past, like replacing the
pews with chairs, or style of worship, or even service times. All that changed
when pastors were forced by reasons of public safety to find a different way to
do church. We simply could not do “business as usual” for the foreseeable
future.
So without wasting time debating the “why?” or the “when?,” churches sprinted in an effort to discover answers to the “what?” and “how?.” They quickly pivoted toward online delivery systems and other creative ways of doing and being the church. Pastors who had never dreamed of streaming their services on Facebook, or lacked the equipment and resources for doing livestreaming or preparing a video, discovered that someone in the congregation with a smartphone could effectively use that tool to accomplish the task. There are a multitude of ways to take church online, from the simple smartphone to a million-dollar state of the art audio/visual system with all the latest HD cameras, bells, and whistles. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to this:
How do you effectively pivot from communicating with a live audience to simply speaking into a faceless camera in an empty room?
If you listened closely, you could hear echoes of the past back to a time when churches were forced to go underground, literally or figuratively, because of a different kind of government edict. And if you took a moment to explore back even farther than the history of that echo, you would discover an unlikely source of inspiration for the connection and communication challenges of today in the writings of Aristotle (384-322 BC), a disciple of Plato. His thoughts on the art of persuasion, what we usually refer to as rhetoric, might shed some ancient light to illuminate and enhance how we communicate with a virtual online audience in today’s pandemic panicked world.
Aristotle’s Rules of Rhetoric have been taught to speakers,
politicians, lawyers, and preachers for thousands of years. Using the Greek
words of Logos (logic), Pathos (emotion),
Ethos (ethics or trust), and Kairos (a
moment in time), he proposed a logical way to persuade or win an argument. When
we stand or sit to speak to our audience, we certainly don’t want to take on
the tone of an argument. That is what politicians do. But we do want to be persuasive.
Also bear in mind that Aristotle’s use of those words does
not necessarily align with the New Testament Greek use of the words. For
example, pathos occurs three times in
the NT, with the connotation of sinful desire (Rom. 1:26; Col. 3:5; 1 Thess.
4:5). But the word itself is the basis for English words like empathy and
pathetic, which convey a feeling or emotion, good or bad. And the writer of
Hebrews uses a similar word, sumpatheo.
Hebrews 4:15 describes how Jesus was touched by “the feeling of our infirmities”
(KJV), in contrast with Aristotle’s mythical Greek gods, whom he believed could
never be compared with humans.
The simple concepts of logic, trust, emotions, and timing
provide us with guidance as we communicate in this crisis, and plan our
communication strategy. Virtually every communication and conversation,
especially those being broadcast or livestreamed, should combine elements of
rhetoric, and be recognized as Crucial
Conversations, defined by the authors of the book by the same name, as
“high stakes, high emotions, and diverse opinions.”[1]
Having been afforded the opportunity a few years ago to
attend a two day Crucial Conversations
training workshop, I learned the importance of their first rule, “Lead with the
heart.” Thus, I place pathos as self-awareness and awareness of the emotions
and feelings of others, as the first consideration of any crucial conversation.
Pastors can be themselves. They should lead with their hearts in the current crisis, but make calm decisions using their heads so that the resulting actions (hands) will produce positive outcomes. In simplistic terms, I am suggesting the below graphic model might help you as a template or matrix for what you say and how you say it. So, with appreciation to Aristotle, I’d propose that you consider these thoughts as a potential matrix or lens as you create online content:
Lead with the heart:Pathos/Emotions (Heart)
Gospel = “Good News” that God is still in
control!
Be pastoral – be a shepherd
Be warm and empathetic: “Jesus wept”
Smile & be vulnerable
Look into the camera
Visualize you are speaking to a large crowd, but
focused on a single attentive young person who is looking to you for answers to
their persistent questions
Consider the feelings of your audience, their
pain, anxiety, fears, or grief
Recognize some may feel guilty because they are
OK, still have their jobs, etc.
Don’t minimize their fears
Be kind
Model and propose generosity
Don’t add to their shame
Point them to the love of God
Tell uplifting stories from your own faith
community and from elsewhere
How are we impacting our neighbors?
Be Biblical:Logos/Logic (Head)
Speak truth in loving ways
Don’t claim to be an expert
Don’t try to answer every question
Direct them to a community group
Check your facts
Emphasize Christ’s Sufficiency and God’s
attributes
Remain Gospel-focused
Point them to Jesus
Direct them to Scripture
Ask them to consider the “why” question of their
life: “Why am I here on earth?”
Lead them to a decision: “What about you?” “How
will you respond?” but don’t coerce
Application for today, show them the steps for
helping themselves, then helping others
Keep the community and broader community in
focus
Direct them to resources for further study
Speak with confidence: Ethos/Ethics/Integrity (Hands)
Rely on the Holy Spirit
Be yourself
Practice your message in front of the mirror,
record it on your phone video and playback or ask for someone in your home to
watch at a safe distance (But don’t increase home tensions if you are in
isolation together!)
Be positive
Be calm
Be encouraging
Focus on hope and faith
Cast vision, not stones
“This shall pass”
Leave them with something to believe in
Leave them with something to do
You may not be able to solve the world’s
problems, but what is one thing you can do today?
Consider the timing:Kairos/Timing (Horology = Clocks/Schedule)
Remember what is happening in their world
Keep it short & simple
Slow down
We are all mortal, but we all have this Kairos moment today
Destiny
Think “is this tweetable?”
Consider your team’s time, and express
appreciation
Examples from history of people who made it
through tough times
Remember both the “here and now” and the “then
and there”
Encourage them to take time for spiritual
disciplines and Sabbath
Stay connected
Pray
Feel free to share and add your own thoughts in the comments section. You can decide what is right, wrong, missing, or confusing about what I have written. But hopefully it will provide a lens for some of you to sharpen your communication strategy in these crucial days. How will you lead with your heart, head, and hands?
Remember, Jesus has placed you in this time of history for
this purpose: to communicate His love and a certain future to an uncertain
world. You have a destiny. You can do it. Jesus is enough. I am cheering you
on.
Below is a graphic showing my rendition of Aristotle’s main components in the art of gaining favor with an audience and leading them toward engagement toward you and your message:
[1] Patterson, Kerry, eds. Crucial Conversations: Tools
For Talking When Stakes Are High. New York : McGraw-Hill, 2012. Print,
various pages.
Clear vision, 20/20 vision, is often the difference between being lost in a blurry fog and knowing precisely how to stay on the path toward your destination.
Vision is
all about next steps toward a preferred future. 20/20 vision provides the big
picture, wide angle view, taking in 180 degrees in all directions to offer perspective
and observe the lay of the land before you. At the same time, it helps you
focus on the smallest detail at hand to safely and securely take the next step
in the right direction.
Born in
India, Rudyard Kipling lived a life of adventure, and wrote about them in works
that live on in his Jungle Book and
countless poems and short stories. In 1907 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature,
the youngest such recipient at the time. Yet he was plagued with poor vision that kept
him from entering the military at the age of 16. What he lacked in sight, he
made up for through insight and careful observation. More than a century ago,
he penned these words about the invention of the airplane:
“We are at the opening verse of the opening page of the chapter of endless possibilities.”
Kipling had a great imagination and told compelling stories. Still, he could not have imagined the details of how air and space travel would bring significant change in terms of speed, distance and power for good and evil. Those changes would impact the everyday lives of people by making what seemed impossible to all prior generations not only possible but ordinary to their successors. Kipling could clearly see infinite possibilities, the details of which were beyond his own imagination. Our stories are being lived in the daily details and reality of that vision.
2020 opens
the door to not only a new year, but a new decade full of endless
possibilities. Like a road covered in pristine snow, unmarked by the tracks of
time, you will leave your footprints for others to follow. Where they lead? What
are your hopes, dreams, and vision for 2020 and beyond?
Whatever you
imagine, may I suggest one other possibility? As you contemplate 2020, enlist
the assistance of the God of endless possibilities. Travel with Jesus, who said
“Anything is possible if a person believes” and “Humanly speaking it is
impossible. But not with God. Anything is possible with God.” (Mark 9:23; 10:27)
You may not
have been blessed with the clarity of 20/20 vision. But faith in Jesus can
bring clarity to your path and joy to your journey. There was a time after
Jesus’ crucifixion when his disciples lacked a clear understanding of the
resurrection. They were fearful, discouraged and confused. Then Jesus appeared and
spoke peace to their troubled hearts, while showing them his pierced hands and
feet. The apostle John reports, “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw
the Lord!” (John 20:20) That is the essence of 20/20 vision!
How do we maintain that joyful sunshine perspective when times are dark? That is our challenge. Eighty years ago, in December 1939, the world was at the brink of what would become World War II, and King George of England delivered a speech to his nation that had already entered into that war, and found itself reeling from the German attacks. Uncertainty and fear held the nation in its grip. Thirteen-year-old Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth), brought an obscure poem to her father’s attention as he prepared his speech. It was written by British author Minnie Louise Haskins, published in 1908, and titled, “God Knows.”
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that
I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the
darkness and put your hand in the Hand of God. That shall be to you
better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
Whatever the new year and decade bring, you can enter it with hope and joy. Remember, “You are at the opening verse of the opening page of the chapter of endless possibilities!”
Good Friday comes and goes in pale shades of terror and grief. Hammers, nails, thorns, and swords carry out their sinister work as implements of death while hiding in the shadows. Tones of disappointment violently strike the canvas, exploding dreams of a bright future. Abandoned hope allows a gloomy palette of suffering, pain, and loss to cover the horizon with despair. The sun disappears as dusk covers the face of the earth at midday. All seems lost.
Betrayal, injustice, violence, and circumstances join forces. Their collusion or random intersection may dislodge our security and stability, leaving us adrift in a perplexing and volatile stew of emotions. Disappointment clouds our personal atmosphere as certainly as the darkness hid the light of day on that terrible afternoon of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Disappointment leads to discouragement. Discouragement leads to depression. Depression leads to despair. Despair leads to disillusionment. Disillusionment leads to disengagement. Disengagement leads to apathy, indifference, or hostility. These prevailing thoughts and emotions invite the broad brush of hopelessness to black out every window of our souls that might allow us to grasp a glimmer of the light of possibility.
After the terror and grief of Good Friday comes the dark solitary night of suffering souls. We search for answers, obscured by the dark blanket of gloom covering our imaginations. Our minds wrestle with a thousand thoughts and questions. “Why? Why me? What if? If only. . . .”
If. A word equally at home as a bridge toward faith or doubt. “If you eat the fruit of the tree,” said the father of all lies. “If you will only believe, all things are possible to those who believe,” said the Son of God. The choice of who we believe is up to us.
If left to our own devices, we may attempt to resolve the tension with a bottle or pill. Or we could allow shame and blame to condemn us to a futile and dark prison, held captive by bars of self-loathing or retribution. When survival becomes your goal, any means toward that end might appear to be a solution. Even if that solution only exacerbates the problem.
In stark contrast, Easter colors our world with hope. If we listen to Jesus, and believe in him, we will experience the hope to conquer disappointment. Hope of life after death. Hope of the resurrection. Hope of success. Hope to end despair. Hope to overcome every circumstance. Hope to invite light and dispel the dark night of the soul.
Hope changes the picture. It changes from black and white to technicolor. Black and white conveys an either/or mindset. Technicolor opens us up to a world of vibrant possibilities. Jesus does that to our hearts, our heads, and our hands. His resurrection made possible our resurrection. His promise of abundant life creates a stunning array of doors to be knocked upon, even while recognizing that our present circumstances may not be ideal.
In the end, faith, hope, and love prevail. Jesus conquers death and the grave. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He said, “I have come so you might have life, and that more abundantly.” This is reality. This is within our reach, but not while on our own, locked in our own prisons of despair. We need the forgiveness and future Jesus offers. Faith unlocks the door. Because Easter colors our world with hope.
An old song asks the question, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord? ”
Of course none of us were there literally, but through the centuries, great artists have produced their interpretations of those tragic events recorded in Scripture. This Good Friday, visualize a bit of the pathos involved in that day when they crucified Our Lord – as you read the words of Scripture:
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.
They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He
filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to
drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save
him.”
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice,
he gave up his spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in
two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke
open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They
came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and
appeared to many people.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The significant words Jesus spoke from the cross deserve our attention
Fir-Conway Lutheran Church Conway, Washington
Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)
When they came to the place called the
Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the
other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father,
forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast
lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. And the people stood by,
looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others;
let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” The
soldiers also mocked Him … (Luke 23:33–36a)
This was a word of mercy. You’ve heard it before: “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” While
high up on a mountain, Moses received The Law (Ten Commandments), engraved on
stone tablets by the finger of God, straight from the hand of God. He returned
to God’s people below, who were in the process of breaking every one of them.
In anger, Moses broke the stone tablets and human beings have been breaking the
Ten Commandments ever since. Intentionally or unintentionally, fully aware or
ignorant, through sins of commission or sins of omission, we have all sinned. We
are all guilty. We need mercy.
Jesus bore the weight of our sins on
the cross. Yet, He did not protest, and He did not blame or seek revenge on those
who were part of the conspiracy to kill Him by treating Him despicably.
Instead, the King of Kings offered mercy from the cross. He offered
intercession from the cross. He made an appeal for us all from the cross. Truth
and justice met mercy and forged a case for us from the cross. The sinless Son
of God purchased our acquittal through His blood from the cross.
There, the One Mediator between God
and men, our High Priest, offered a merciful appeal to the Great Judge of the
Universe: “Father, forgive them.”
The Gospel proclaims good news. The
first words Jesus spoke from the cross offered that good news. Very good news,
indeed, to those of us who have spent our lives amidst the shame and blame that
results from chipping away at those immovable stone tablets through our
thoughts, words, and deeds.
Mercy. What a beautiful word! The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25 ESV)
2. Today you shall be with Me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43)
One of the criminals who were hanged
there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself
and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear
God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are
suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this
man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You
come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I
say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39–43)
This was a word of assurance.The first word Jesus spoke from the cross offered
mercy leading to hope for the possibility of forgiveness. This second word
offered assurance, a confident promise from Jesus, punctuated by the declaration,
“Truly I say to you. . ..”
Hung between two thieves, the sinless Savior
listened to their banter. A skeptical scoffer and a sincere sympathizer offered
their commentary on their shared predicament. All three convicted criminals faced
their executioners with an unambiguous certainty that this day would be their last.
Most of us do not know the day of our death as these three did. Yet if you could
listen in on the conversations of the seven billion people on planet earth, you
would discover elements of their conversations taking place today. People judge
their fellow human beings using their own measuring stick. And everyone wonders
about their own fate. Which day will be my last day? What happens then?
Jesus heard their conversation, and responded
to two words spoken by the sympathizer, “Remember me.” Having confessed his own
guilt and the guilt of his cohort on the opposite side of the Savior, he did not
state his own merit or defense. He simply asked, “Remember me when you come into
Your Kingdom.” In so doing, he was both asking for mercy and declaring his alliance
with the Son of God and His kingdom.
Jesus listens to a dying person’s prayer from the heart, even if it is only two words, “Remember me.” He listens to sincere people, even those who are not knocking on death’s door. He responds, not in a condemning way, not in a condescending way, not in a complicated way. Jesus responded in an assuring way, so simple that even a child could understand: “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.
3. Woman, behold, your son! … Behold your mother! (John 19:26, 27)
But standing by the cross of Jesus
were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary
Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved
standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman,
behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her
into his own household. (John 19:25–27)
This was a word of compassionate care.As the eldest son, with at least six other junior
siblings (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3), Jesus was responsible for the care of
his mother. We assume Joseph was deceased by now, so from the cross Jesus made provision
for the care and safekeeping of His mother. John, the beloved disciple, took Mary
into his own home from that moment. Later, at least two of Jesus’ brothers (Jude
and James) would become believers. Herod would kill John’s brother James for his
faith in Christ. No one but Jesus knew these
things at the time.
So to perform the duty of a responsible son, Jesus made provision for Mary. From the cross, Jesus reminded us that God cares about our welfare. He is concerned about our families. He is concerned about caring for our needs. That caring concern prompted Peter to later write, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
4. My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:46)
Now from the sixth hour darkness fell
upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out
with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
(Matthew 27:46–47)
This was a word of suffering.We live in a complex world with perplexing questions.
Jesus’ fourth word from the cross cuts across the generations of suffering humanity
as life’s most ubiquitous question, “Why?”
When tragedy strikes, we want answers.
We demand answers. We want to know, who, what, where, when and how—all the complex
and perplexing details of the tragic circumstances. But even then, once all of those
compelling questions are answered, we are left with life’s most perplexing question,
“Why?”
Why the divorce, the death, the disease,
the danger, the demons, the delusion, the depression, the disaster? And in the end,
“Why me?” It may be a cliché, but how we respond determines whether our circumstances
and unanswered questions leave us better or bitter. Bitterness leaves us without
hope, without a God who cares. Faith leaves us better, with a caring God who understands
our suffering and promises to never abandon us.
During the third hour of darkness as black as midnight at midday, Jesus, in His humanity, cried out for an answer. His question rings across the ages to validate our feelings of abandonment during life’s discouraging episodes. For if Jesus felt abandoned on the cross, He understands our own feelings of abandonment. He understands the times we question the ways of God. He listens without judgment. And in the ensuing darkness and silence He showed us that if we could endure the horror of Friday’s cross, there awaits a glorious resurrection on the dawn of Easter morning.
5. I am thirsty. (John 19:28)
Jesus, knowing that all things had
already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was
standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of
hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. (John 19:28–29)
This was a word of obedience. Jesus knew that everything needed for Him to fulfill His role as a suffering Messiah had been accomplished. Yet there was one more thing. One more step. One more word that would show His complete humanity, and His complete obedience to the will of the Father.
Jesus was thirsty. He also knew that His request would never be granted in a way that would satisfy his human thirst, accepted the bitter cup offered. In so doing, He experienced the disappointment we feel as we seek after the things of life to satisfy the inner thirst of our souls. Only Jesus can satisfy your thirsty soul. Only obedience to Jesus can keep our cup full.
6. It is finished! (John 19:30)
Therefore when Jesus had received the
sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And
He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)
This was a word of finality.We sometimes like to have the last word. But God
always has the last word. We do well to listen. We are not finished until God
says we are finished.
The first recorded words of Jesus in the
Bible came from his twelve-year-old tongue. He spoke them in response to His earthly
parents’ inquiries after searching desperately for their lost son. Interestingly
enough, it involved another “Why?” question:
“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know
that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 12:49 NKJV)
In the ensuing twenty-one years or so, Jesus accomplished His mission, His Father’s business. The Father’s business is the most important business in the world. Once we understand that, we find meaning in life because we can measure it in light of eternity. We discover our own destiny, and accept difficulties along the way because we understand, we accept, and we embrace the concept that we have given God permission to have the final word in our lives.
7. Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit. (Luke 23:46)
It was now about the sixth hour, and
darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was
obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out
with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I
commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the
centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this
man was innocent.” (Luke 23:44–47)
This was a word of surrender. Surrender to God’s will defined the life of Christ.
He left the splendor of heaven to endure this world of sin so that we could leave
this world of sin and enjoy the splendor of heaven. If we have committed our life
and our ways to the Lord, then we have assurance.
We have assurance of God’s mercy and forgiveness. We have assurance
of eternal life; that we will be with Him in paradise. We have assurance of God’s
care and concern. We have assurance that He will never leave us or forsake us, no
matter how alone we may feel. We have assurance that even a bitter cup will be made
sweet as we trust and obey. We have assurance of our divine destiny. And we have
assurance that in the end, God will have the final word as we surrender all to Him.
