Heaven, we have a problem!!
WE are nearing the end of our study in Part 4, The Realization of Spiritual Growth, as there are only two remaining chapters in this section of our study. Part 4, The Realization of Spiritual Growth is the next to last of our author’s five part study contained in The Complete Greens Letters collection; we’ve already explored Part 5, A Guide to Spiritual Growth.
SO, there are only two paragraphs left in this particular chapter, “The Rest of Reckoning,” which I’ve already identified as being “somewhat” problematic. It is not so much what I see doctrinal error, as it is in the way of application. This is purely from my perspective of course. But to the point, here is one sentence I have difficulty with:
Actually, the pulpit is not the ideal medium for sharing the truths of identification. No matter how sound and alive a congregation may be, there are only a few individuals at any one time who are ready to enter into the truths of the cross.
I APPRECIATE the authors perspective here, not everyone is ready or prepared for these things; there are some things that are only learned through struggle; and he has been very clear to point out the absolute necessity of the Word first upon which we must base our faith-rest and hope. But quite frankly, I do not believe we hear enough about the cross and what it means to take it up as we follow Christ. Our Lord was very clear in making this point repeatedly to his disciples during his earthly walk. We are called the Israel of God (Gal. 6:16), and Israel means “Struggle with God.” Heaven, we have a problem, …we have a problem in our culture today that hinders our understanding of the cross. For all the difficulties that confront us, the truth is, we really do have it too easy. We really don’t understand what it means to suffer and die for Christ.
IN a 1995, Ron Howard directed a movie starting Tom Hanks depicting the aborted 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission. It was America’s third Moon landing mission, and en route an on-board explosion deprives the spacecraft of most of its oxygen supply and electric power, forcing NASA to abort the Moon landing, turning the mission into a struggle to get the three men in flight home safely. It turned into a drama of survival that captivated a nation, if not the world, being alerted to the problem with the calm, monotone, and now immortal words, “Huston, we have a problem.” Those words are often heard repeated whenever someone is faced with an impassable dilemma or apparent unsolvable problem. In the context of our study, considering its appeal in a crisis event, then Heaven, we have a problem – …we have a problem in our culture today that hinders our comprehension and understanding of the Cross. We’ve simply got it too easy or have to many diversions or ways to avoid being uncomfortable. We really don’t understand what it means to suffer and die for Christ. But the early church did, suffering and death was their “normal.” But we would rather not, thank you very much. In fact, we have built whole industries to avoid both!
However, thereis something in today’s short reading that I do wholeheartedly agree with – one point in the reading below that I referenced at the close last time:
But our testimony must first be observed by others, and then heard.
…LET me add here, that when Christ calls us, he calls us into a family and people of his own (Eph. 1:18; 2Pet 2:9), and he bids us to bring others with us. A wise person and someone I respect very much once told me that, “You cannot take any one any further then you have not gone yourself.” This is why Peter gave us the imperative to sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. 1Pet. 3:15.
So with that, let us look at the last two paragraphs and conclusion of this chapter.
In the inexorable riches of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10; Isa 30:15; Job 2:10; Jas. 1:2; Prov. 21:30
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Chapter 52—The Rest of Reckoning Part 4 – conclusion
Once we begin to reckon, some of us make the mistake of seeking to straighten out our pastor and the church along these lines. But our testimony must first be observed by others, and then heard. Only hungry, prepared hearts can receive. Often, barriers are raised by premature teaching; these may take years to remove, and sometimes they are never overcome. It is best to go slowly—at His pace—and make progress that abides.
Actually, the pulpit is not the ideal medium for sharing the truths of identification. No matter how sound and alive a congregation may be, there are only a few individuals at any one time who are ready to enter into the truths of the cross. The Spirit would have us prayerfully watch for the hungry heart, feeding the few in preference to offending the many. Furthermore, those about us have a right to observe over a period of time whether or not our witness and our walk are valid. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).
