Ants

Ants

Bob Rakestraw

January 2, 2013

 “The Benediction Project”

http://bobrakestraw.blogspot.com

 

There is an image I have had in my mind for many years, and I am glad for it. I picked up the idea somewhere along the journey of life, and it helps me greatly to see the big picture—the overall purpose of life on earth. I share it here because you, like me, may find it a powerful image to guide your days here on this planet, and to help you help someone else grasp the big picture.

Imagine that you are sitting outside on a rock, a hill or a chair, and you look down and notice a column of ants marching in single file, each carrying something to a hole in the ground where they disappear. Coming out of the same hole is another column of ants marching alongside of the first, but heading in the opposite direction, probably to the same food source.

The ants seem to be doing their work well, as their ancestors have been doing since the beginning of ant-life on earth. They eat, work, reproduce, sleep and occasionally repair or move their nest. Then they die. The seemingly-forever nature of this cycle of ant-life is, above all, to ensure the perpetuation of the species. The ants, of course, are not aware of this cycle of life; the instinct to carry on as the do is programmed in them from before birth. They never stand back and consider the big picture of their lives; they just do as their ancestors have done for ages.

These columns of ants remind me of the many people on earth who simply move through life from birth to death without stopping to give serious thought to why they are doing what they are doing—the overall purpose of their lives. They simply follow the line of ants in front of them, doing what the other ants are doing. And then they die.

There are many others, of course, who have considered such matters. They may have even accepted some big ideas about God and life after death. They now, however, either dismiss such notions as false or live as though their religious beliefs have little or nothing to do with their daily living.

There are still others who have thought—or been told—about the ultimate questions and have adopted or been indoctrinated into a set of religious ideas and practices that govern their lives in major ways.  Of this group, some are living (often sincerely) according to unbiblical religious systems while others are living, or trying to live, according to the One who said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

All of these groups and categories need the grace of God through Christ and the Spirit. I am thinking, however, especially of those who know and accept something of the life and teachings of Jesus and his early followers. They may think of themselves as Christians, or even as faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus, and maybe they are. There are, praise God, many such in this world. They know that they, and all people, have been created in the image and likeness of God to be his representatives on earth, to reveal his mind and will to those living in ignorance of the truth.

Yet there are also many who call themselves Christians but live like ants. Of course, as humans, they have self-awareness, the ability to reason and the power of the will. These capacities obviously set them far above all animals. But as I observe them living they seem much the same as ants. They are not all marching in a fixed line, true, but their pattern of life appears to follow the customs, ideas and values of those around them.

They are heavily influenced by contemporary culture and majority opinions, and, except perhaps for attending church, they are driven by an established blend of worldly, materialistic goals and practices which they gradually have absorbed from others.

I am not making up this scenario. I wish I were. I have seen it. Children who grow up under the care of such ant-Christians often turn out to be the same as their parents or guardians. Fortunately and surprisingly, other such children recognize the shallowness and emptiness of the ant-life, and by God’s grace early in life, grow toward the way of the cross.

These may even notice their parents beginning to live lives that are less and less self-centered and more and more God-centered.  Such youth may not even realize that they are being used by the Lord to show their earth-focused parents a heavenly view of the big picture, just as God in the heavens may show his angels a view of all living things on earth, including human beings and ants.

The ants and the other creatures are doing what they are meant to do, but we human beings often are not. In this new year, on this pilgrimage called life, let us resolve to regularly lift our heads from their horizontal orientation and look up as well as out. Let us be willing to challenge the status quo, step out of the ant column, and move with the assurance and joy that God gives to those who think and live in harmony with the big picture designed by God almighty for those made in his image and likeness.

God-talk

 

 

Bob Rakestraw

December 1, 2012

“The Benediction Project”

http://bobrakestraw.blogspot.com

 

A couple of years ago I read a piece from a churchgoing man that went something like the following (I can’t remember the actual words). “I find that one topic people in church rarely want to talk about is God! Why should it be so difficult—in church of all places—to find someone wanting to discuss things of God?”

This man was not saying that God was not mentioned in the church services, but that in the “free time” before and after services, or between scheduled activities such as a class and a worship service, or even in the midst of social “fellowship” times, people seem eager to talk about many things (such as their childrens’ school activities, their jobs or their friend’s recent diagnosis of cancer) but not about God—at least not in a personal way.

I had often noticed this pattern over the years but had never come across anyone who actually wrote or spoke about it. I myself have come to accept and participate in this type of conversation with people at church, and have often found it enjoyable and even beneficial. There is nothing at all wrong with such talk unless we knowingly quench the Spirit of God within—when the Spirit is prompting us to bring up a different line of thought.

I am not suggesting that, in the hallways, aisles, and foyers of our local churches we should be continually asking people such questions as: “How is your relationship with God these days?” or “What has impressed you lately in your Bible reading?” I would absolutely love to be asked such questions but I realize many people would be surprised or (in a few cases perhaps) even offended. I am suggesting, however, that we should be sensitive to the spiritual atmosphere if and when we become aware that our conversation partner might benefit from a word of encouragement or blessing (benediction) from us—not spoken in a paternalistic manner but in a genuinely caring way, from one weary pilgrim to another on the dusty road to the heavenly city.

Sometimes it is easy to bring up spiritual issues, especially when someone not in a hurry asks “How are you?” or “How are you doing?” Most of the time with me in recent years the person is asking about my health, since I have had—both before and after my heart transplant in 2003—serious medical problems. But, whether or not someone is asking about your health, you may wish to answer (and perhaps should, if it is true) with something like: “I have been spiritually dry lately, and I would really appreciate your prayers for revival in my heart.” The person might be quite surprised by your reply (since the expected answer, at least here in the United States, is “fine” or something like that), but they will usually be very glad to say that they will pray, and feel very honored that you asked them. All true Christians want to help others if they are able, if they have the time and if they are asked personally. It really is more blessed to give than to receive, as Jesus taught. Many of God’s choice servants know this “secret” of happiness!

In the situation just mentioned, however, the person might answer, “I am also spiritually dry, so I don’t know if my prayers will get through.” In this case you could agree to pray for each other, and perhaps do so right there, in the hallway, at the front of the church or wherever else you may be: two thirsty souls crying out for the water of life.

There are several reasons I am writing on this topic. One is that I long to grow in my Christian life and know many others do also.  Another is that I regularly need godly encouragement and know many others do as well. If someone is bold enough to bring up sensitive matters (their own or others) and/or introduce into the conversation specific scripture texts or other direct “God-talk,” the invisible barrier that  sometimes keeps even sincere Christians from discussing matters of the heart and soul suddenly falls away, and the Spirit (the one Jesus spoke of as the Comforter and Counselor) moves in and does some wonderful work. I have been fortunate for over twenty years to belong to a solid and loving church where this kind of mutual ministry often takes place.

In addition to our own needs and the needs of others, we should be eager to speak of God’s activity in our lives because it is biblical. There are numerous scripture texts that advocate this highly beneficial practice, and I will close with four of them. A most blessed and fruitful Advent, Christmas and New Year to each of you!

1.      “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

2.       “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

3.       “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. …” (Ephesians 4:29-30).

4.       “Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard” (Malachi 3:16).

 

 

A Thanksgiving Story

 

Bob Rakestraw

“The Benediction Project”

http://bobrakestraw.blogspot.com

 

When I started “The Benediction Project” in the spring of 2007, I had two purposes in mind. First, the blog would serve to inform people of my health condition, because so many were asking how I was doing since my heart transplant of November, 2003. Many were praying for me and wanted updates. And I very much needed their prayers.

Second, I desired to write materials that would be encouraging, concerning matters that I thought (and hoped and prayed) would bless and strengthen readers all over the world.

When I decided to call this new endeavor “The Benediction Project,” I realized that the underlying  project would have to be me—a project under construction, a work in progress. The focus would be, however, on the magnificent and compassionate Trinitarian God I love and serve: Father, Son and Spirit.

I was well aware that if the blog was ever to be a blessing to others I myself would need to ask God continually to make me into a living benediction. I wanted to be, as I responded in faith and obedience to God’s ongoing construction work, a benediction project in the flesh, while the blog, flowing from God through me, would be a benediction project in writing.

The decision to start a blog was not a casual one. I felt an urgency because I had just been told by two doctors that I probably had no more than six months to live. Since my immune system had been fighting so hard to reject this foreign object (my new heart) I now had a condition known as chronic (permanent) transplant vasculopathy. The 18 or so arteries that surround my heart and bring oxygenated blood to the heart tissue (it needs fresh blood too) were being silently and steadily squeezed shut by the disease.

This, of course, would block all blood—and therefore all oxygen—flowing to my heart. I would then have either one big heart attack or several smaller ones, or both, and my heart and I would then die. There was (and is) no medical means to overcome this disease other than a second heart transplant, which I declined.

I was now in hospice care, but able to live at home. My new sense of urgency to serve God arose out of the probable shortness of time I had to live and out of my personal desire and need to keep busy with some worthwhile project that would be an outlet for loving God and loving neighbor. As it turned out God gave me two projects and two valuable assistants—one for each project—to help Judy and me in these new tasks. Within a few weeks of being placed in hospice care both projects were up and running.

Abigail Miller (now Sengendo) encouraged me to start a blog and offered to set it up and manage it. Thus began “The Benediction Project,” now completing five-and-a-half years.

Jane Spriggs then encouraged me to write the book on prayer I had been considering but knew that I could not do without additional help. Jane offered to provide the editorial assistance and by the end of 2007 we had nearly completed Praying by the Spirit. The book was published in 2008 by Christian Growth Ministries in the Philippines. Jane and some very loyal friends revised it slightly and re-formatted it and in 2010 we self-published it in the United States as Heart Cries. This is the book whose cover appears at the top of this blog.

God has been pleased to bless others through both editions of the book as well as “The Benediction Project.” Judy and I are very grateful to God, and to Abigail, Jane and numerous others who have been, and continue to be, valuable co-workers and supporters in my modest writing ministry. I literally could not have this ministry without their encouragement, knowledge, skills and desire to join me in advancing the reign of Jesus Christ over the earth. Every day I struggle with health issues and the burden of life, and I so greatly value the assistance of friends.

If the original supposition of the doctors had become reality I would have gone home around the end of September, 2007. The doctors, however, released me from hospice that November—five years ago—and this month I celebrate my ninth transplant anniversary. I attribute my ongoing earthly life to God’s sovereign power and wisdom, Judy’s consistently helpful and understanding character, the prayers of very many (including some of you), the knowledge and skills of several excellent doctors, the medications and nutritional supplements I take, the personal encouragement and faithful labor of family and friends, and the sense of purpose God gives me in writing.

I am now writing my life story—a spiritual autobiography tentatively titled Grace Quest: A Theologian’s Search for Salvation, Spirituality and the Strength to Suffer Well. Since last year about this time I have been ably assisted in this new project by Kim Olstad and her daughter Jessie. I thank God very much for their encouragement and abilities. The book is approximately half finished and our tentative target date for completion is November, 2013. I have no idea whether I will live to finish the book, but I believe God wants me to continue working on it. I am also planning other projects for the years ahead, as God gives me the strength and the will.

Thank you for reading this piece of my personal history. Somehow, somewhere, for some of you this brief essay will, I trust, be a benediction—a blessing that will encourage you to move forward toward the celestial city John Bunyan wrote about in Pilgrim’s Progress.

Review some part of your personal history to create your own thanksgiving story. At some point in the future—perhaps soon—you may have the opportunity to bless someone with your account. You may not only encourage others, but also encourage yourself. Rich blessings always to you from the One through whom all blessings flow.

Alone - Part Two

Alone – Part Two

Bob Rakestraw

October 1, 2012

 “The Benediction Project”

http://bobrakestraw.blogspot.com

This is the second half of my previous piece on being alone. Part One was posted on September 5, 2012. In the first part I considered the fact that, even though we very much need people in our lives to live well, each of us must learn to walk through life alone.

This then, still leaves us with the question of what it means to walk alone in this world. To me, it means that when the realities of life face me I need to know what it is, within my own mind and spirit, to consciously, obediently and confidently trust in the perfect power, love, compassion and wisdom of our merciful Lord.

It means that when you lie on your sick bed, pray for your lost child or friend, ask God for wisdom to make the coming difficult decision, seek to recover from the painful news you just received, or face a future that looks to your natural self as only bleak, bleaker and bleakest, you are in harmony with your indwelling Counselor, resting quietly in his very personal concern to do or allow only those things that are for your eternal benefit. It also means that, with the confidence described above, you go about your responsibilities, one at a time, doing what you are able to do each day and leaving the rest in God’s hands.

The lines above present a glowing picture of the soul at rest in God. I believe earnestly that such a life is both desirable and attainable for every child of God. I believe just as earnestly, by experience (mine, that of others I’ve known, and that of biblical characters and other historical figures), that such godly composure and trust is not easily attained. In fact, it is impossible to live this way by our own strength and will power.

Furthermore, no one else on earth can give you the necessary moral courage you will need, no matter how much others pray for you, read scripture to you, hold you, play music for you, or assist you in essential ways. All of these helps are important—very much so—yet no one but God himself can infuse into your total being the assurance that he does all things well for you, and always will, even as you walk confidently over the hills and through the valleys of life.

Why is it, then, that some of God’s children face their aloneness with a deep trust in God (although they may experience great suffering and tears), while others literally worry themselves sick. The latter may wave their arms and yell in panic or anger, searching for someone to blame or demanding that someone solve the problem for them. Why the difference?

Perhaps my brief account will be helpful. In my mid-fifties I was struggling with both serious heart difficulties and personal career concerns. In the midst of these trials it came to me: “I am alone; no one can solve these problems for me; no one can fully understand me nor really feel my pain.” I had to face the realities, try to understand the factors involved, accept my situation, and turn my concerns over to God every day, sometimes many times a day. I had plenty of friends, and had never (in my memory) felt lonely, but this sense of aloneness (which is, of course, different from loneliness) added a major new dimension to my life.

In addition to putting one foot in front of the other and doing my daily work as best I could, I tried to keep in mind three of my favorite scripture passages. If I was able to (sometimes I was not) I called these to mind deliberately and recited them to myself, with an attitude of trust, hope, and obedience to what God was saying to my heart through these remarkable words.

One text is from the prophet Isaiah: “You will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (26:3).

The second is in Philippians, where the apostle Paul wrote from prison: “I can do all things through him [Christ] who strengthens me” (4:3).

The third portion states that God “will not let you be tested beyond what you can bear. But when you are tested he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (I Corinthians 10:13).

I trust that, for all of us, the stark truth of our human aloneness in this world will lead us to a quiet confidence and peace as we live our lives in this world, resting in the very being of God and supported by the presence of even one or two fellow pilgrims, because Jesus said he will be there—in our very midst (Matthew 18:20).

Alone – Part One

Alone – Part One

Bob Rakestraw

September 5, 2012

“The Benediction Project”

http://bobrakestraw.blogspot.com

 

I am a strong believer in people being with people and people helping people. To live in this world we need one another almost as much as we need food and water. We especially need groups, whether they be local church congregations, study groups, book clubs, or support groups for those grieving, for addicts or for new parents. Groups of seven or under where the common desire is to know and follow God totally, are particularly beneficial to the participants. Even two or three people can constitute a strong life-giving support group.

I do not like to think of where I would be today if it were not for the many small groups, especially prayer groups, of which I have been a part during the nearly half-century of my Christian life. The picture would not be pretty. I am fairly sure that, without these groups in my life, if I still called myself a Christian, I would be a self-centered, prideful, opinionated, self-deceived, lonely and critical person, looking down on most people (and churches) and having little or no compassion toward the poor, the sick, the blind, the deaf, the lame, the mentally ill, the immigrant, the hungry, the jobless, the abused, and those who do not know Jesus Christ. I might have a strong interest in the Bible and certain theological issues and beliefs, but I would likely avoid (or be so blind as not to notice) the great amount of scripture that points Christ’s followers toward a holistic love of God and neighbor.

 It is an ugly and sad picture I just painted, and I give high praise to God that it is only hypothetical. The truth the picture brings out is that any of us who attempts to go through life on our own will wander through the dark streets and fields of a very bleak and lonely world, without light, without joy, without fulfillment, and being of no lasting benefit to anyone. People need the Lord, and people need people.

Having said all this, however, I firmly believe that each of us must learn to walk through life alone. Christian or non-Christian, strong believer or merely religious, everyone must journey alone on this path called life.

This sounds, I realize, like the complete opposite of what I just wrote about people needing people. But as I have lived my life I have learned that these are not polar opposites but complementary facets of one’s existence. Each is a vital truth that must be faced, understood accepted and embraced.

The apostle Paul brings these two aspects of life together nicely in his letter to the Galatians, chapter six. In the King James Version we first read, “bear ye one another’s burdens” (v. 2), but three verses later, “every man shall bear his own burden” (v. 5). At first reading it appears that Paul is contradicting himself, but this learned rabbi, a specialist in both the Hebrew and Greek languages, would surely not contradict himself in such a brief, tightly argued section of his letter.

It is helpful to know that Paul is not using the same Greek word for “burden” in these two verses, although their meanings are similar and overlapping. The word in verse two (baros), is used of “the burden and heat of the day” (Matthew 20:12) and other figurative kinds of the pressures of life. It refers to a heavy and oppressive weight, and here in Galatians it is referring to the weight of temptation and spiritual failure. Paul exhorts the spiritual believer in the community to restore gently those struggling with these issues.

The word in verse 5 (phortion) has a similar but not identical sense. While it is used to speak of “burdens grievous to be borne” (Luke 11:46) and the crushing weight imposed by the legalistic teachers and Pharisees (Matthew 23:4), it also has the sense of a lighter load, like a shoulder-pack, as a porter, peddler or marching soldier might carry. It is this word Jesus used when he said, “my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Even though we all must carry our own backpack, Jesus says it is light.  When Jesus says “my burden is light” he is teaching that even though we must carry it, if he packs our load and places it on our backs it will be light.

In the context of Galatians 6, then, Paul instructs us to bear one another’s burdens when their spiritual weaknesses are evident, but to be very careful not to consider ourselves superior to the fallen. We are to concentrate on our own lives and work, and in this sense we must carry our load alone.

I remember when, well into mid-life, the truth of my aloneness struck me. As far as I can recall it did not come from something I heard, some article I read or something from any human source, although I had thought about Galatians 6:5 many times over the years. At first this reality stunned me, saddened me and even frightened me. Even though I had a wonderful wife, two delightful daughters and their families, and great friends, there was not a single person on earth who could fully understand me nor resolve my deepest issues and concerns. These constituted my burden, even though the burden was given to me by Jesus. There was no one who could really meet my needs. Yet it is no exaggeration to say that this truth is one of the most valuable insights I have ever received from the Lord about living life successfully.

 Before I go on I need to say that I am speaking of human relationships, not our intimate journey with God who is our constant companion, guide, comforter and sovereign Lord. In this latter sense God’s people are never alone. Concerning his obedient followers Jesus spoke some amazing words:

If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [or Comforter] to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. … Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you (John 14:15-20, NIV; see also I John 4:12-16).

God willing, I will complete this essay in my next posting.