One of my favorite movies growing up was Antz. In it, a young ant named "Z" struggles against the strict ways of in his ant colony and looks for ways that he can go against the social gradient. In the process, he hears of a land of pure freedom and plenty of food and soon after we find him and the princess of the colony en route to find this "Insectopia." One of my favorite lines, which also happens to be the title of this post, occurs when the two ants find themselves surrounded by food on a picnic blanket. Incorrectly perceiving this as Insectopia, Z goes after one of the sandwiches left on the floor, only to find that the plastic covering keeps him from indulging in the monstrous treat before him. "I don't get it," he says. "There's some kind of force field." Little did he know, that "force field" was like nothing out of Star Wars or some high technological power, but it was simply a covering of saran wrap. Yet, it was enough to keep Z from the sandwich.
I'd like to utilize the image of that "force field" in describing a beautiful truth that's depicted in Psalms 91:3-7:
"Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."
Written by Moses, this passage exemplifies a beautiful truth. When we make our "dwelling" in God (verse 1), our protection from illness, disease, and troubles are found by a "force field" a little stronger than saran-wrap: God himself. God is our protection.
Yet, this chapter makes me wonder: how can this be? I, myself, face disappointments everyday and am particularly battling a congenital heart condition that has brought limit and caution to my once carefree life. I read my Bible and love the Lord with my life. How then, can "bad things" still be happening?
One doesn't need a storm house if it's sunny and calm outside; there's no point for supplemental vitamins if your body doesn't expect to get sick. Both of these examples display the need for protection and precautionary actions. The fact that "God" is our refuge reminds us that, yes, difficult times will come, but indeed, he will be the "shelter from the storm." 1 Peter 5:8-9 and Ephesians 6:10-20 make it clear that difficulties in life will arise. Yet, those who maintain godliness and act according to scripture remain close to God maintain refuge in Him.
I had a dream last night, one which many would label as a horrifying nightmare. Someone, for whatever reason, was trying to kill me. They shot once and, as I flinched in fear, the bullet missed me completely. They shot again with better aim, but the gun literally bounced off of my chest onto the floor. Now, the gunman flustered and confused, shot a third time to no avail. "There was some kind of force field!" as Z would remark. He couldn't destroy me, no matter how hard he tried. The scriptures in 1 Peter and Ephesians above remind us that we, too, have an enemy after our lives. Yet, because of Jesus' sacrifice, we not only have a force field for struggles on earth, but also against death (see John 3:16).
We revert back to Psalms for our final thought on this study: Psalms 118:17 says
"I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done."
If we were made to go to heaven immediately after accepting Jesus as our Savior, I'd be in heaven years ago. But we're not. God gives us new life through his Son Jesus not only for our own good, but so that we can share it with those around us. We're given victory over death and a shelter in the storms of life so that we can be a light of hope to a hurting world. There are countless frustrations in life: isn't it time to share some of the force field?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Some Kind of Force Field
Friday, April 2, 2010
the Cross: A Reflection
Today is considered "Good Friday."
Two days before the traditional Easter holiday, I find myself lost in a world of college papers and thoughts of future tasks that need to be accomplished. And yet, I cannot help but stop to think: what is it about today that makes it "Good Friday" besides the small footnote on the calendar and the reminder in the church bulletin?
Certainly, it's those moments of habit that can lead you down the path of religiosity and away from the truth of the matter. The instant I decided to read my Bible this morning because I felt that "it was the right thing to do" I realized how cold my heart was and how much it was in dire need of a flame again. It was then that I came to understand the truth behind today's title. There has and will be days that I find myself needing to "come back to the heart of worship" as Matt Redman would say, worshipping God and spending time with Him because it's a joy of mine, and not necessarily because it's a job that has to be finished. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:2,
"....I tell you, now is the day of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." And as written in Hebrews 4:7,
"...Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Over 2000 years ago, Jesus' death on the Cross was only the beginning of God's reformation plan. Imagine, waking up to a beautiful sunrise and stepping outside to what seems like an ordinary day, the heat already humid and the sand dry against your feet. All of a sudden, a whirlwind of commotion is heard in the distance and you glance out your window to see a mob of angry people marching forward. Soldiers walk emotionless in front, glaring at you as they pass your home.
Another prisoner, you suspect. Another lowlife in society. Yet, before you turn back to your business you catch a glimpse of the traitor, his eyes suddenly locking with yours.
It's then that your heart sinks in confusion and your eyes seem frozen in time. Jesus. It's Jesus who's about to die.
Now your thoughts are flooded with images and stories that you'd heard before of this man's life. He had done things no one else had done before, giving people a second chance at life through the healing and raising of the dead, and providing food for thousands from small loaves of bread. He had taught of love and God, claiming to be God's Son and the Redeemer of all men. Yet, how can that be? His words, now, have been challenged as his life is about to end.
As the crowd passes by marching further down the road, you step outside your door to watch them walk away. There, the so-called Messiah is walking on the path leading to his death. His words of new life have faded away against the reality of the inevitable: Jesus is going to die, and the hope that he professed is about to go with him.
How is it, that such a remarkable man could become like every other religious figurehead? At this point, he's no better than any other liar in the past. He's no greater than a teacher or rabbi, a giver of ideas and instructor of wisdom for a short time before another comes along and takes his place. The evidence is in the crown on his head and the blood pouring out of his sores: he's only human. His life--every word he said, and person he touched--will soon be nothing but a nice story to tell.
Certainly, the death of Jesus Christ brought about much confusion for God's people. At the point when they were certain God had answered their prayers after hundreds of years, their hope began to fade as the nails were pressed into his hands and the spear was impressed on his side. Jesus was gone.
So often, this is where I find myself dwelling: at the cross. My dresser itself is covered with cross-necklaces of many colors, matching most outfits of my wardrobe. Certainly, the cross exemplified Christ's love for mankind, making it a beautiful symbol. Yet, how often is my mindset fixed on the death of Christ? "Yes, I know Jesus did this, and I've seen him do that...but he can't overcome my situation now," my thoughts will say. Frustration and fear take the place of what was once hope as I gaze, staring at a motionless Jesus and burdening situation. And yet, in the midst of my disbelief, a quiet voice reminds me of the everlasting Word of God:
"Do not harden your hearts."
and "Today is the day of salvation."
How beautiful is the truth in the Cross: that at the moment when the world was hopeless, depressed, and angry, Jesus brings the first words of salvation:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
It was the moment of Jesus' ultimate pain, and yet he still spoke of words of hope. Daily, when I find myself stuck in the mire of condemnation or hopelessness, I can think back upon Jesus' words of hope. Even in his death, life was spoken through his lips.
Today may be the official "Good Friday" of the year, but the truth is, everyday is "good" with the forgiveness offered in Christ's sacrifice. And it's on "Good Sunday" that will understand the hope even more as we celebrate the resurrection.
Two days before the traditional Easter holiday, I find myself lost in a world of college papers and thoughts of future tasks that need to be accomplished. And yet, I cannot help but stop to think: what is it about today that makes it "Good Friday" besides the small footnote on the calendar and the reminder in the church bulletin?
Certainly, it's those moments of habit that can lead you down the path of religiosity and away from the truth of the matter. The instant I decided to read my Bible this morning because I felt that "it was the right thing to do" I realized how cold my heart was and how much it was in dire need of a flame again. It was then that I came to understand the truth behind today's title. There has and will be days that I find myself needing to "come back to the heart of worship" as Matt Redman would say, worshipping God and spending time with Him because it's a joy of mine, and not necessarily because it's a job that has to be finished. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:2,
"....I tell you, now is the day of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." And as written in Hebrews 4:7,
"...Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Over 2000 years ago, Jesus' death on the Cross was only the beginning of God's reformation plan. Imagine, waking up to a beautiful sunrise and stepping outside to what seems like an ordinary day, the heat already humid and the sand dry against your feet. All of a sudden, a whirlwind of commotion is heard in the distance and you glance out your window to see a mob of angry people marching forward. Soldiers walk emotionless in front, glaring at you as they pass your home.
Another prisoner, you suspect. Another lowlife in society. Yet, before you turn back to your business you catch a glimpse of the traitor, his eyes suddenly locking with yours.
It's then that your heart sinks in confusion and your eyes seem frozen in time. Jesus. It's Jesus who's about to die.
Now your thoughts are flooded with images and stories that you'd heard before of this man's life. He had done things no one else had done before, giving people a second chance at life through the healing and raising of the dead, and providing food for thousands from small loaves of bread. He had taught of love and God, claiming to be God's Son and the Redeemer of all men. Yet, how can that be? His words, now, have been challenged as his life is about to end.
As the crowd passes by marching further down the road, you step outside your door to watch them walk away. There, the so-called Messiah is walking on the path leading to his death. His words of new life have faded away against the reality of the inevitable: Jesus is going to die, and the hope that he professed is about to go with him.
How is it, that such a remarkable man could become like every other religious figurehead? At this point, he's no better than any other liar in the past. He's no greater than a teacher or rabbi, a giver of ideas and instructor of wisdom for a short time before another comes along and takes his place. The evidence is in the crown on his head and the blood pouring out of his sores: he's only human. His life--every word he said, and person he touched--will soon be nothing but a nice story to tell.
Certainly, the death of Jesus Christ brought about much confusion for God's people. At the point when they were certain God had answered their prayers after hundreds of years, their hope began to fade as the nails were pressed into his hands and the spear was impressed on his side. Jesus was gone.
So often, this is where I find myself dwelling: at the cross. My dresser itself is covered with cross-necklaces of many colors, matching most outfits of my wardrobe. Certainly, the cross exemplified Christ's love for mankind, making it a beautiful symbol. Yet, how often is my mindset fixed on the death of Christ? "Yes, I know Jesus did this, and I've seen him do that...but he can't overcome my situation now," my thoughts will say. Frustration and fear take the place of what was once hope as I gaze, staring at a motionless Jesus and burdening situation. And yet, in the midst of my disbelief, a quiet voice reminds me of the everlasting Word of God:
"Do not harden your hearts."
and "Today is the day of salvation."
How beautiful is the truth in the Cross: that at the moment when the world was hopeless, depressed, and angry, Jesus brings the first words of salvation:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
It was the moment of Jesus' ultimate pain, and yet he still spoke of words of hope. Daily, when I find myself stuck in the mire of condemnation or hopelessness, I can think back upon Jesus' words of hope. Even in his death, life was spoken through his lips.
Today may be the official "Good Friday" of the year, but the truth is, everyday is "good" with the forgiveness offered in Christ's sacrifice. And it's on "Good Sunday" that will understand the hope even more as we celebrate the resurrection.
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