Category: Brother Al (Page 38 of 68)

I continue to be fascinated, inspired and amused by the “Jordon Peterson Phenomena.”  Most interesting has been the reaction  from social critics who have had some of their cherished assumptions about men and women challenged.   A quote from David French described well what is happening in  the social media regarding Peterson.  French observed, “Peterson stands out because he is playing in the Left’s cultural sandbox.  He’s disrupting an emerging secular cultural monopoly with arguments about history, tradition, and the deep truths about human nature that the cultural radicals had long thought they’d banished to the fringe.”

While Peterson’s orthodoxy is less than an evangelical guy like myself would hope for, he definitely has beliefs that favor a Christian worldview.  He gives clear guidance on morals and manners, he takes evil seriously and he values the church and traditional family values. Peterson in his writings, videos and public interviews is not attempting to reach a Christian audience.  What has been called “the Peterson Effect” describes Peterson’s effort to bring the findings of social science to bear on the cultural issues surrounding men and women.   His findings counter the progressive attempt of eliminating male-female differences.  “One ingredient in the astounding fame of Jordon Peterson,” writes Mark Bauerlein, “is his capacity to show just how lazy, obtuse, unprepared, smug, knee-jerk and prejudiced are many journalists at leading publications.”

Shame Morris in an article at Break Point reflects on Peterson’s earnestness. This is in evident when he speaks about young men.  He speaks with solemnity and gravity, being persuasive because he speaks with deep passion.  Without irony, mockery or pretense of superiority, Morris imagines Peterson saying to young men, “You know what?  You’re not a monster, and you’re not an idiot, and you’re not what’s wrong with the world, and I understand you’re feeling lost and don’t know what to do with you life.  But resentment and blaming other people is not going to get you anywhere.  I’m here to help you find your way out of this black hole of impotence, and I want you to start by cleaning your room.”

The idea of earnestness in Peterson’s message has struck a cord with me.  I concur with Bauerlein when he speaks of his influence.  “To watch someone stand up to it [cultural smugness], to hear him cite clinical data and hold firmly against the party line they know is dishonest and coercive – that goes a long way to explaining the Peterson phenomenon.”  Peterson is willing to go public with his deeply held convictions, knowing that he will not be accepted.  Three  characteristics in Peterson’s demeanor are convicting to me.  First, his willingness to suffer.  He believes that life contains unavoidable suffering, that needs to be embraced.  Redemptive suffering, the call to carry the cross, and the need to sacrifice are in short supply in today’s church.  Jesus tells us, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” ( Matt 16:24).

Secondly, Peterson speaks with passion.  He speaks with deep passion about his ideas, communicating with a sense of honesty and sincerity.  Paul reminds us,  “The Message that points to Christ on the cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense” (I Cor. 1: 18 – Message).

Thirdly, Peterson can be confrontational not willing to accommodate the culture, while remaining respectful and level headed.  Young men are drawn to Peterson because he is a rock in the cultural swamp in which many men are sinking. Jesus tells us, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” ( John 6:63).

At a recent congregational meeting at my church, I read from Jeremiah 6:16-17 – Message:  “Go stand at the crossroads and look around.  Ask for directions to the old road, the tried-and-true road.  Then take it.  Discover the right route for your souls.  But they said, ‘Nothing doing,  We aren’t going that way.’  I even provided watchmen for them, to warn them, to set off the alarm.  But the people said, ‘It’s a false alarm.  It doesn’t concern us.'”  These words could describe the passive attitude of many Christian men who, being unaffirmed and not having a sense of well-being in Jesus, capitulate to the dominant narrative they absorb every day.

Jeremiah’s words reflects the concept of “apatheism,” which answers the God question with a  shrug and a calm “whatever.”   Ben Sixsmith and Paul Rowan write, “With roots in the practical atheism and deism of the Enlightenment, ‘apatheism’ is embodied in French philosopher Denis Diderot’s famous remark that ‘it is very important not to mistake hemlock for parsley, but to believe or not believe in God is not important at all.'”  They go on to write about the “unholy trinity of apatheism” – a lack of reason to believe, a lack of motivation to believe and a lack of will to believe.

In a culture that is growing skeptical and ever more hostile to a biblical worldview, we will be tempted to compromise our core beliefs and fall victim to “apatheism.”   Are you committed to the truth?  Are you tempted to compromise the truth in your private life?  Are you  indifferent and unwilling to speak the truth?  Peter  challenges us,  “Don’t give the opposition a second thought.  Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your master.  Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy” (I Peter 3: 14-15 – Message).

You might be standing today before a crossroad  in your life journey, one that may compromise your core beliefs. Be warned! Compromising will bring cracks into the foundation of your character.  Jeremiah invites you to stand and look around.  This implies not being in a hurry.  Slow down, while asking for directions in finding the “old road, the tried-and-true road.”  The NIV says, “the ancient paths.”  This is why we all need a “band of brothers,” who provide “the mutual consolation” of other like-minded men.  Find other mature men who have walked on the “ancient paths.”

Men, when you stand at the crossroads or that fork in the road, you and you alone will have to choose.  At the core of the masculine soul is the call to “orientation, direction, order and responsibility.”  That is, make the right decision and stick with it. Mark my words, you will be tested in your resolve to follow through on taking the initiative.  Don’t let self-pity, self-hatred or anger get the best of your discernment.  The choices you make bring you into the frontlines of the battle in our culture over truth, order, integrity and honesty.  Your voice and character are needed right where you are, in our sphere of influence.  Don’t join those around you saying, “Nothing doing.  We aren’t going that way.”

In the process, “You will find rest for your souls” (v. 16 NIV).  You will be able to walk through the chaos, uncertainty and mistrust all around you.  God will provide watchmen to warn us, setting off an alarm.  Don’t be caught saying, “It’s a false alarm. It doesn’t concern us.”

This is a piece of no nonsense advice directed to  young men by Jordon Peterson.  Millions of men listen to Peterson because he is like a father figure, representing a man who cares for them, who is concerned for their well-being and speaks with authority into their lives.  He express deep empathy for their plight in the cultural wars.  When they are told men are dangerous, of little use to society and needing to deal with their “toxic masculinity,” Peterson is a breath of fresh air, tapping into an inner void of  immature, passiveness in men, who are confused, needing affirmation in their masculine souls. .

Shane Morris wrote a piece about the earnestness of Peterson observing how he speaks to men without a trace of irony, mockery or pretense of superiority. “You know what?  You’re not a monster, and you’re not an idiot, and you’re not what’s wrong with the world, and I understand you’re feeling lost and don’t know what to do with your life.  But resentment and blaming other people is not going to get you anywhere.  I’m here to help you find your way out of the black hole of impotence and I want you to start by cleaning your room.”

Much of the negative reaction to Peterson is prompted by a culture that has become more rights-centered rather than responsible-centered. Dennis Prager wisely notes, “It is not good for either sex to be rights-preoccupied, but it is particularly devastating to developing men, as men are supposed to be obligation-directed.”  He asks the question, “Is America still making men?” We might also ask, “If you think tough men are dangerous wait until you see what weak men are capable of.”

As young men listen to Peterson  he gives them direction and sense of purpose to their lives.  Many are not able to bring order into their daily lives.  Peterson tells them to simply start by “cleaning up their rooms.”  Men who are drawn to Peterson live like orphans in a wasteland of conflicting points of view, leaving them unable to move forward with any conviction of making a difference in their lives and others.  Peterson doesn’t give easy answers.  “To be fully human and fully worthy of responsility is to fight your entire life to bring order to chaos, to make an imprint upon the world in some meaningful way.”

While Peterson is not a follower of Jesus, he gives advice that speaks to the inner reality that every man faces.  Life is hard, we have to choose.  He speaks with earnestness and passion. He can be misunderstood.  For example  – “It’s very helpful for people to hear that they should make themselves competent and dangerous and take their proper place in the world.”  In other words, if we are going to stand for something, we need to be willing to sacrifice.  You could become dangerous.  Jesus said, “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follower me” (Matt. 16:24).

The essence of the masculine is taking the initiative; speaking and acting according to the truth. Peterson’s words  remind me of many of the exhortations found in the first chapters of  Proverbs.  For example, “Listen, my son, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.  I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching” (Prov. 4:1-2).  His sincerity is felt as he sees the wreckage of the lives of young men without direction today.  Later on in Proverbs 4 we read, “But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble” (v19).

A new Nike ad features Colin Kaepernick.  Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who sparked controversy by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, will be the face of a Nike advertising campaign for the 30th anniversary of its ‘Just do It’ motto.  The ad features Kaepernick, the Nike logo and “just do it” slogan as well as the quote: “Believe in something.  Even if it means sacrificing everything.”

You can be certain of Nike’s intends to profit financially from this ad.  They are calculating that Kaepernick’s fame will exceed the money he is being paid. Nike is an “calculated company – They’ve never known their customer better.” “We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward,” Nike executive Gino Fisanotti told ESPN.  “We wanted to energize its meaning and introduce ‘Just Do It’ to a new generation of athletes.”

The appeal is to young men searching for a cause and identity.  Nike sees Kaepernick as an icon of resistance.  Jemele Hill notes, “He represents the very culture that Nike wants to continue to monetize” His style of rebelliousness and outspokenness is an activism that has become a powerful brand. Nike’s best customers are active, high-earning young people, who give 62% approval to protests during the national anthem.  Lynde Langdon astutely observed, “Nike has just leveraged some of the strongest emotions of its most valuable customers in its favor.”

I do not want to take sides regarding kneeling during the National Anthem at NFL games. But I do wonder how the ad will, “help move the world forward.”   I  want to use the Kaepernick ad as a “trumpet call” for wild men to help move forward under the Lordship of King Jesus.  The wording  of the slogan lends itself to various interpretations.  Here is mine.

First the word “Just.”  Just is an adjective for behavior that is morally right and fair.  It can mean to act “now.”  “Just” is an urgent call for men to join King Jesus in furthering his kingdom reign in the earth.  The call is urgent for courageous men to fight in the spiritual battle between good and evil (Eph. 6:10-11).  This is the ultimate battle.

Secondly, the word “do.”  This is a call for men to take the initative by leading a life of godliness.  Our nation is filled with passive young men, who are void of meaning and purpose.  King Jesus invites men to give their whole life to kingdom living. He is asking men to “be all in.”

Thirdly, the word “it.”  What exactly does “it” mean?  It can mean anything.  That is the problem.  Men need direction.  What are they supposed to do.  The gospel is clear.  We are to pray and act upon –  “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10).

A word about the slogan, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”  For what are men willing to make sacrifice?  Who is asking for the sacrifice? The King’s message is a clear and challenging.  “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life’ ( John 12:24-5).  Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” ( Gal 2:20). Jesus invites a man to come and die for him.  Are you ready for such a sacrifice?

This summer marks the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical, Humanae Vitae. It has turned out to be one of the most influential and controversial religious documents of the 20th century.  Glenn Stanton, director of global family formation studies at Focus on the Family noted, “Humane Vitae is as powerful and prophetic as it is misunderstood and ignored….]it is] an uncompromising and unapologetically Christian view of male and female, conjugal love, and the wonder of marital sexuality. It calls us to remember there is an objective and divine moral law related to our procreative possibilities and the ends of marriage itself.”

In the section “Consequences of Artificial Methods (17), Pope Paul VI makes this prophetic observation, now finding fulfillment in the #MeToo  movement, as women find their voice concerning sexual harassment. “When men become accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods they may, forget the reverence due to women, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.”

Back in July of 1968 the pope’s words seemed a bit extreme for a culture experiencing a sexual revolution with the mantra of  “all you need is love,” meaning sex.  I was a young married seminarian, going to Fuller Seminary in Pasadena.  I remember well going to Griffith Park to observe what was then  called “love-ins,” where the freedom of expression was on full display.  For a young man from the northwoods of Michigan, going to see a “love in” with my parents from Upper Michigan was like visiting a alien culture and lifestyle.

As a young man, committed to marrying the love of my life in 1965, after a courtship of four years, I was  committed to sexual purity.  I am  thankful to God for his mercy towards me.  We married as virgins, but maintaining purity was not easy.  I remember well Paul’s admonition in I Cor. 6:18, “Flee from sexual immorality.  All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” “….sexual union has a spiritual component, sexual activity outside marriage is a unique sin both against Christ ( I Cor. 6:15) and one’s own body (v 18)” (ESV Study Bible).  The Message says it very descriptively, “Adultery is a brainless act, soul-destroying , self-destructive” (Prov 6:32).

The Pope pointed out that “human beings – and especially the young, who are so exposed to temptation – need incentives to keep the moral law.” He spoke  like a father warning his children of the consequences of their choices.  He predicted, observed the Archbishop of Sidney that “the sexual and contraceptive revolution would lead to more infidelity than marital stability, to lower moral standards rather than greater virture, to a hyper-sexualized culture with all its attendant challenges and to the exploitation of women rather than their equality.”

Men, I cannot stress the vital need of Godly men to be exemplars of sexual purity.  Young men will look to you for hope and encouragement.  With such great sexual confusion in society, men young and old, need encouragement and loving accountability in the contempory sexual wilderness.  We need to celebrate and rejoice in God’s great gift of sex within marriage.  I Thess. 4:3-5 could be our watchword. “This is God’s will, you see: he wants you to be holy, to keep well away from fornication. Each of you shoul know how to control your own body in holiness and honor, not in the madness of lust like Gentiles who don’t know God” (Wright).

“Mere Sexuality” is the title of a book  by Todd Wilson.  His aim is to rediscover the Christian vision of sexuality. Mere sexuality refers “to the themes that have characterized the Christian vision of sexuality down through the ages….what most Christians at most times in most places have believed about human sexuality – in other words, the historic consensus.”  For me this implies subscribing to historic orthodox Christianity.

Being created male and female is our identity, a gift from a personal, relational, loving God.  “Contrast this with our culture’s messaging,” notes Wilson, “which tells us that we are who we desire sexually – turning sexual desire into an idol that has power to name us in a way that should be left to God.”  Feminist Camila Paglia has observed, “There is something fundamentally constant in gender that is grounded in concrete facts.” God did not create  solitary individuals, but a complementary pair to reflect his image.

The #EvolveTheDefintion movement is an attempt to legitimize our ability to label our sexual identity.  How will the definition evolve?  Is there a model or guide? Will there ever be a consensus on what is masculine?  I have tried in my blogs to define masculinity from a biblical perspective as a follower of Jesus.  My contention is that Christian men need to do their own soul work together, hearing the voices and stories of other men to be able to embrace their masculine souls..

The #EvolveTheDefintion movement is a good example of an attempt to redefine what it means to be a man.   My concern is for men who become confused, threatened or uncertain regarding their unique masculine identity.  While this movement has good intention in wanting to  help men with their male identity, there is the  danger of being influenced by “pervasive interpretive pluralism,” with no  consensus on what the Bible teaches on matters of sexuality. Listed below are some of the assumptions made by this movement that are questionable to anyone who subscribes to “mere sexuality.”

First, masculinity is a acquired identity. The differences between the sexes is not a matter of  “constructs,”‘  but rather a  “given” reality, going back to the orders of creation in Genesis.  We dare not impose our will and choice on what God has created. Personality type, spiritual gifting, family background, training, etc. will all help shape a man.  But each man’s  uniqueness is found in being addressed by his heavenly Father

Secondly, the need to expand the meaning of masculinity.  I agree that cultural norms and sensitivities change.  For example being “tough and tender”  rather then exhibiting a macho image is much more winsome in the MeToo era.  But beware of the influence of  the “peevish, grudging rancor against men” ( Paglia).

Thirdly, the need to be more inclusive.  I get nervous when ever the world “inclusive” is used.  What characteristics should be included and who is making the list.  I acknowledge being nurturing and sensitive is necessary for men.  But these are compliments to their essential masculinity.

Fourthly, there is no one way of being a man and there never has been one. I agree.  Each man is unique.  But beware since  – “Leaving sex to the feminist is like letting your dog vacation at the taxidermist’s” (Paglia).

Fifthly, concern for the narrow definition of masculinity.  Beware if this assumption being based on the mantra that “men are aggresors, women are victim, and patriarchy is to blame.”  The natural strengths of the masculine cannot not be discarded without damaging the relationship with the feminine.. “If civilization had been left in female hands, we would still be living in grass huts” ( Paglia).

Recently I was watching  sports on TV, when I saw the #EvolveTheDefintion TV spot.  The first image was the word “masculine,”  as an adjective: “having qualities or appearance traditionally associate with men, especially strength and aggression.”  Some of the synonyms  recited by various men included, macho, manly, muscular, well-built, red-blooded, strapping, strong, brawny, powerful.  A young man appears who said in a rather confused manner, “none of these sound like me.”

The ad was created for Bonobos, which claims to be the largest clothing brand ever built on the web in the US.  The name comes from Bonobo, formerly called the pygmy chimpanzee, which is now an endangered great ape.  In the attempt to sell men’s clothing, Bonobos intends to offer the best shopping experience in the world.  “Your search for the perfect fit ends here” is their claim.

In order to appeal to all men, Bonobos created #EvolveTheDefintion as a project, “that uses the voices of real people to start a conversation around the narrow definition of masculine, its limitations, and how we can expand it to be more inclusive.”  Men are encouraged to, “add [their] voice and help create a world where every man fits…….Masculinity isn’t a fixed thing, but an acquired identity.  There is no one way of being a man and there never has been one.”

Remember advertising on TV is carefully crafted after much research and careful evaluation as to what the popular culture believes about a subject.  From the first blog I wrote almost nine years ago, my concern was to articulate a Christian perspective regarding the masculine soul  in contemporary life.  This ad is proof positive that masculinity is in crisis.  We have lost confidence in the masculine in the West.  Striving to be more inclusive will only bring more confusion.

I write to reassure any man reading this blog who might be questioning his masculinity.  I strongly reject the notion of masculinity being “an acquired identity.” We are created in our uniqueness to be masculine.  Writing at The Gospel Coalition, Brett McCracken writes, “Men and female are not fluid, easily interchangeable constructs we fashion from below.  Rather, they represent a complementary unity from above: one that goes beyond bodily or even gendered polarity.  It is a complementary unity that reflects the structure of the wider world and the God who created it.”

We read in Genesis 5:1-2, “When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.  He created them male and female and blessed them.  And when they were created, he called them ‘man.'”  “Gender,” C. S. Lewis observes, “is a reality, and a more fundamental reality than sex…..Masculine and Feminine meet us on planes of reality where male and female would be simply meaningless.”  God has created you in all of your glorious uniqueness to be a man.  Your gender is masculine.  Celebrate that reality as you also celebrate the opposite; the feminine.

I have learned through much trail and error the wisdom of Leanne Payne.  Masculinity is bestowed more than taught.  What has this meant for me?  First, I accept myself, with all my warts, as uniquely created in God’s image as a male.  Secondly, I have found affirmation for my masculine soul, knowing that I have a Father in heaven who delights and is fond of me.  Thirdly, I continue to open my soul to the work of the Spirit in bring healing to my wounded masculine soul so that I can stand confidently in my uniqueness as a man.   Fourthly, I learned years ago to be among godly, affirmed men, so that I might “taste” their godly male presence.

I begin this post by quoting Galatians 2:20 from the amplified version.  “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, replying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”  The expanded Bible put it this way.  “I was put to death on the cross [have been crucified] with Christ, and I do not live anymore – it is Christ who lives in me.  I still live in my body [flesh], but I live by faith in [or because of the faithfulness of ] the Son of God who loved me and gave himself to save me [for me; on my behalf].”

The amplified tells me that I have shared Christ’s crucifixion, while the expanded says “I was put to death on the cross.”  Sometimes this is hard to practice, especially when you are blindsided.   Francois Fenelon, a 17th century spiritual guide talks about volunteering for your own death.  He informs me that “I don’t need to be cured but killed; that is, brought to death…..When God aims to kill my self-nature, He touches the tenderest spot.”  This can be very painful.  His advise – “Never be discouraged with yourself.  Despondency is not humility.  Actually despondency is the despair of your wounded pride.  Your faults may be useful to you if they cure you of the vain confidence you have in yourself.”

I share Gal 2:2o and Fenelon’s perspective on spiritual  death because of a recent incident I had with one of my children’s annual family visit to the lake.  After my wife, my greatest concern spiritual is for my family.  With all my heart, I desire to be a loving, caring presence for my teenage grandchildren.  Well, I blow it royally.  I got angry and had to walk away from a particular situation.  I was despondent.  Yes, it was the despair of my wounded pride. It was painful.  Fenelon reminds me, “……sensitivity points out that there is still something alive within that has not died to self.”  I knew I was wrong in my behavior.

I  had to leave.   So I got on my four wheeler and went for a long ride.  I wanted to cry. I was confused, angry and as usual, spent time beating myself up.  I ran into my neighbor, Randy.  I asked him to be my confessor.  I confessed my anger towards my grandkids and asked God to forgive me.  Randy pronounced the absolution allowing me to hear I am forgiven and even more important, that I could forgive myself.  I went back to the family, forgiven with peace in my heart. I was able to ask my family and especially the grandkids forgiveness.

Here is what I am continuing to learn.  First, God will use very unexpected circumstances to keep me humble.  This always sends me back to “square one” knowing how dependent I am on the grace and mercy of God to be able to live a crucified life.  Secondly, I get less despondent when I fall short in front of my family.  For that I am thankful.  “Your failures,” notes Fenelon, “don’t make you displeasing to God.  He sees your deepest feelings.  It is a long process toward being completely dead to your selfishness.”  Thirdly,  I am grateful that I can share my faults with all who read this blog.  I can’t tell you how liberating it feels.  “God loves me in all my stink.”  Amen!!!

According to Pew Research, in 2016, men aged 18 to 36 were more likely to still be sharing a roof with their parents than living alone or with a roommate or partner.  Nearly 40 years ago, only 6.3 percent of prime-age men did not work at all over the course of a year.  In 2016, it was nearly double that.  More and more young people are getting stuck in the transition between childhood and adulthood.  We are seeing the “Peter Pan Syndrome” among younger men.  Karol Markowicz calls this phenomena, “the failure to launch.”  She quotes a 2010 study that found that boys have “higher rates of suicide, conduct disorders, emotional disturbance, premature death and juvenile delinquency than their female peer, as well as lower grades, test scores and college attendance rates.”

I got to reflecting on how I got launched.  I will soon be 77 years old.  I have live my life as a man.  I have had my share of struggles in getting launched and learning to live as a loving, responsible and faithful man.  Upholding my launch and journey as a man has been the Lordship of Jesus.  I testify with Paul,”I resolved to know nothing…..except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (I Cor 1:2). Jesus has been first in my life since my early conversion at age 18. I owe all to Jesus. Here are some bench marks to my launch and journey. May it be of some help to men reading this blog.

First, family of origins. I came to honor and respect my mother and father, while learning to separate emotionally.  Jesus said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh” (Matt 19:5).  I never forgot the warning of Proverbs 20:20, “Whoever curses his father or mother – his lamp will go out in deep darkness.”  Men, I can not stress the importance  living in a spirit of forgiveness toward  your parents.  Show gratitude as you love and respect them as your parents.  It is absolutely foundational to getting properly launched.

Second, getting married.  The words of Eph 5:25, “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church” became the guiding principle in my life.  If I was to become one flesh with Judy, I would have to love her as my own body.  This soulful relationship, continues to be the biggest challenge to my growth as a man.  I am what I am in relationship to my wife.  The launch into marriage will become the measure of a man.

Third, becoming a father. I was ill prepared for this part of my launch. I was confronted with my selfishness.  After my commitment to my wife, being a father was most important in my life.  This included my career as a Pastor.  I soon realized that my three kids had only one father.  They needed me.  Now as a grandfather they still need me; especially prayer.  Ps. 127:3-4 tells us, “Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward from him.  Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.”

Fourth, service to the King. I have desired all my adult life to give humble, loving service to King Jesus.  I give full allegiance to him, even though the culture opposes the King and his Kingdom.  I testify with Paul, “I calculate everything as a loss, because knowing King Jesus as my Lord is worth for more than everything else put together” ( Phil 3:8 – Wright).

Fifth, becoming an elder.  Now I have the joy of passing it on.  I take comfort in Ps 92:14, “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.”

In my study of the prophet Isaiah, I am intrigued by God’s word to the people in Is. 8: 11-13 regarding conspiracy.  “The Lord spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said,  ‘Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread…..’.”  Phillips translation reads,  “Pay no attention to the rumors of this people, and do not be afraid of what they fear nor be in dread of it.”

The footnote in the NIVZSB give this insight. “Two different understandings of history:  1) Give God the central place that only the Holy One must have, or 2) explain historical events as the result of human conspiracy, with the constant dread of the unknown that this view engenders. Yahweh counsels Isaiah that if he is going to dread something, it ought to be the Lord Almighty (cf. Matt. 10:28).”  Isaiah declares, “He will keep you safe “(14).

For those  fearful of the rumors, “The Holy can be either a Hiding Place or a Boulder blocking your way, the Rock standing in the willful way of both houses of Israel, a barbed-wire fence preventing trespass  to the citizens of Jerusalem.  Many of them are going to run into that Rock and get their bones broken, get tangled up in that barbed wire and not get free of it” (Is. 8:14-16 – Message).  By not trusting God’s purpose in history the people of Jerusalem would be blocked by a boulder and run into a barbed-wire fence.  This can be our fate if we loss our trust in Jesus. The future is full of uncertainty when we are swayed by rumors.

For the people of Judah, fear of invasion was a constant threat. Some of the people regarded Isaiah’s message of non-involvement with Assyria as treasonous, part of a conspiracy.  But Isaiah was not being political, rather he was exhorting the people to fear and trust  the Lord.  Fear caused by rumors can be a real enemy to  our faith and a deterrent to our peace of mind.  Isaiah did not know what the outcome would be, but he was confident in God.  His advice was to  wait and hope in God. “Then I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will rest my hope in him” (v. 17 – Phillips).  Even though God was bringing judgment on his people, Isaiah was determined to wait for the Lord.

Men, I find it hard to  wait and trust the Lord.  Like you, I try to make sense of the political, social and cultural issues of our day.  I find that I can be swayed by rumors.  Ultimately I don’t know who to trust with any degree of confidence.  I become fearful concerning the direction of our country. When I let myself project into the future, there are days when I feel an awful dread.

Isaiah visualizes a level road while  we wait for God’s judgments. “The road of the righteous is a level road, you smooth out the way of the righteous.  We have waited in the path of your judgments, Lord, longing in our hearts for a sign of you” (Is. 26:7-8 – Phillips). Isaiah gives those who wait for the Lord hope in the unexpected work of God.  “For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! (Is. 64:4).