CCM: Art Imitating Life

Contemporary Christian Music is a valuable resource for the LCMS in the days of the post-modern world.

How is that?

Contemporary Christian Music is valuable to us because it serves as an indicator of the health of the laity in the church. Unlike hymns, the vast majority of Contemporary Christian songs are not written by theologeans, pastors, and doctors of theology. For the most part, they are written by ordinary people. A songwriter will typically put at least three things into his music: (1) what he knows, (2) what he feels, (3) what he believes.

You can learn alot about people by listening to the music that they create and listen to. It is a valuable daignostic and psychological tool. Contemporary Christian Music is the voice of modern American Christianity. If you do not like what you are hearing, your problem is not with the composition, but the composers. The composers are your neighbors. They are your peers. What are you doing to improve their doctrinal understanding?

Many will say that CCM is devoid of doctrinal content. They will be the first to discourage its use on these grounds. Not so fast. The question is: Why is it devoid of doctrinal content?

Many will say that CCM is anthropocentric. They complain that it does not talk about Christ enough. It is all about the singer and how he feels. Not so fast. The question is: Why is it so self-centered and selfish?

Many will say that CCM contains heresy and doctrinal error. They complain that the music is full of unbiblical themes and questionable analogies. Not so fast. The question is: Why is it filled with error?

Contemporary Chrsitian Music is the canary in the mineshaft of the modern church. It is an indicator of the maturity and doctrinal understanding of the modern Christian layman. CCM is not sweeping away Christians into error and mediocrity. It is the other way around. In those places where you find strong Christians with a firm grasp of doctrine, you find quality contemporary music. The scarcity of this quality contemporary music should alarm the church.

If there is a deficiency in the musical style, I say that the problem does not lie in the medium that communicates it, but in the artists that conceive it and the audiences that support it. Strong Christians do not compose weak music. What does a significant sample of modern Christian music say about modern Christians? What do we do about the problems that we see?

Do we throw out this art form that we judge to be deficient? Or do we help those who have an imperfect understanding of what the faith is about? The music is just a symptom. The people are the issue. Instead of degrading their admirable efforts, we should be helping them to hone their craft and improve the value of their art. The solution is not a worship war about musical taste. The answer is not closing ourselves off from these people and allowing them to wallow in their ignorance and shallow doctrine. It is a teaching opportunity that we have been largely overlooking for nearly four decades.

The effective solution is found in a constant stream of loving support to our weaker brothers and sisters. It does not take the form of a harsh debate, but a long process of exposure, mentoring, and catechesis. Doctrinal truth is not won by logical arguement. It is received by revelation through the preaching and teaching of God's Holy Word.

When one matures theologically and spiritually, the music improves automatically. When one comes to enjoy the solid food of deep theology, the Holy Spirit takes away the desire for anything less. We must address this problem at its source. That is the only approach that consistantly works. The Body of Christ is enclusive and supportive.

The deficiencies in Contemporary Christian Music say alot about where the church is at and what she has become. It says a great deal about those of us who have let the problem of doctrinal ignorance become as big as it is. These specks of ignorance that exist in the eyes of our neighbors expose the planks of neglect in our own eyes.

My Vocation, My Life, and My Death

My patriotism is an important part of who I am. It goes beyond my love for this country and my loyalty to her. I am her servant. I have surrendered my freedom so that others won't have to. I have signed over my life to keep her free and safe. I cannot always live the way others freely live. I cannot always speak my mind the way others freely speak their mind. I do not get to quit the way that others can freely quit. I cannot avoid mortal danger the way that others freely can. Even a casual glance through the Uniform Code of Military Justice proves that Soldiers must play by different rules as they live out their vocations. I may be a citizen, but I am no civilian.

It is one of my greatest burdens, but it remains my highest and deepest honor. Each time that I put on this dress uniform, I am made literally breathless by what a privilege it is to be able to wear it. The gold "U.S." on my lapel is more important to me than any other medal or award that I can wear. If necessary, I am prepared to die for this country. Her people and her principles are that important to me.

Recently, my unit's Executive Officer asked me how I felt about my promotion as he pinned my sergeant stripes on my chest. "It is an honor to serve, sir." I replied.

But let us keep things in the proper perspective. As much as I love this nation, I will never forget that she is not my god. I serve her, but I do not worship her. I submit to her will, but I do not bow before her. My obedience as a Soldier is to God through serving my country. My belief in the principles of just warfare are from God which are demonstrated by obeying Rules of Engagement and only lawful orders. To me, my obligation and membership in the most noble and honorable profession of arms may be lifelong, but it to will pass away. My vocation will be rendered obsolete on the Last Day. I can hardly wait until my work becomes eternally unnecessary.

God alone is my Eternal Master. I may be a fine Soldier, but I am a Christian first and last. Being a Christian is what makes me want to be a fine Soldier. Being a Christian is what gives me courage and a desire to serve my neighbor. It is my hope that this principle is demonstrated by how I live today and how I will die tomorrow. I will not permit there to be any confusion regarding Who it is that I serve. I will have nothing less than a Christian funeral. I have no need for military honors. I have been honored enough already.

There will be no eulogy because I have done nothing that was beyond my call of duty. No one will play taps because I am not retiring to sleep in my bunk. There will be no missing man role call because I am present and accounted for on the roster of the Church Triumphant. There will be no rifle and helmet displayed because I lived by the Cross of Christ and God's Holy Word.

Do not bury me in this dress uniform that is nothing more than my fancy work clothes; dress me in the clean, white robes of a baptized saint and put a crucifix around my neck. Do not thank my wife for my dedicated service; remind her that I have gone to live eternally in the presence of her Heavenly Father. Do not render salutes in memory of my feeble works; make the sign of the cross in memory of God's infinite grace.

Do not drape my casket with the flag that was a symbol of what I served; place the white funeral pall there as a symbol of my adoption into the Kingdom of Heaven. Do not recite the American Pledge; confess the Nicene Creed. Do not comfort people with empty sentiments; convict them with properly delivered Law and Gospel. Do not send me off to meet My God with the sounds of war: the discharge of arms, the drawing of swords, and the cadence of drums; bid me farewell with the peace that can only be delivered by the Te Deum, the Sanctus, and the Holy Benediction.

Never forget that there are no patriots among the dead. They have been released from duty and fulfilled their oaths.

Things that my parents taught me

"The older I get. The smarter my father seems to get."
-Mark Twain

Here are some simple things that my parents taught me that stuck... thank God. I have reworded and combined a few to make it a concise list. Most of these were told to me directly on multiple occasions (...especially during a whoopin'). I observed a few by their example.

1. Only losers do illegal drugs.
2. Smart people have no need for television.
3. Christians love the privileges of reading the Bible and going to church.
4. Education is both a family and individual responsibility.
5. A fact without impartial proof is a lie, a guess, an assumption, or an opinion.
6. Successful people save their money. Wise people care very little about it. You can do both.
7. The world is full of people who are better, smarter, and wiser than you; find them, listen, and learn.
8. Proper grammar and a good vocabulary are the marks of discipline and hard work--not necessarily intelligence.
9. Doors were invented so that men would have something to open for other people.
10. Good men always protect women, the helpless, and the innocent.
11. Patriots volunteer to defend the citizens of their country.
12. Dishonesty equals disrespect.
13. "Repression" is the term that envious people use to describe the two virtues that they lack: discipline and chastity.
14. Empathy and patience are as important as air and water.
15. Arrogance ruins everything that it touches.
16. If you take time to critically question your own motives and actions, others won't have to.

The Deadly Sword

Biblical Warfare... Spiritual Warfare... as a charismatic I grew up with those phrases. Discipleship was all about getting armed for a real fight.

As a kid, one of my favorite memory verses was Hebrews 4:12-13:

"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing the division of soul and of spirit, joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Ooo... It still gives me chills. Now that is what I call powa! I remember memorizing that passage along with the Armor of God passages. Like many popular Sunday School programs that care more about Arts and Crafts than real scholarship, I got to make my own Armor of God and write the Bible references to each piece. It rocked. My favorite was my sword. Ah... that "Word of God" sword. Who knows how many imaginary demons I slew in my backyard with that powerful spiritual weapon!

The sad thing is that many smart adults read this passage the same way I did as a kid. They think, "Awesome! God is finally giving me some firepower to fight back against my enemies. With this I can slay any foe and defeat any obsticle. With this sword I can defend myself from all evil." I've even heard an entire sermon series on the hidden truths of the double-edged sword metaphor. We love to jab this Sword into people, don't we? But as Christian soldiers, we do not wage war against other people. We are to love our enemies. We are to forgive. That isn't my idea of a good time with a sword.

So why did you get that deadly weapon? Who are you supposed to point that sword at?

Before everyone jumps up and shouts, "The unbelievers! It's a witness sword! You 'stab' unbelievers with the truth!"; before someone blurts out, "Those foolish heretics! It's a doctrine sword! You kill schism and error with it!"; let me say that I agree with you both. It can do those great things. But let me ask, have you ever considered the other use for that deadly sword that God has put in your hands?

This Word of God that is "living and active"? This sword that pierces every part of a human being and divides the soul and the spirit? This all-powerful sword that can see everything and split joint from marrow? What should you do with such a sword?

I suggest that you fall on it. In fact, throw yourself on it. Read that whole chapter: Hebrews 4.

That deadly sword was meant to be driven into the heart of your hated enemy alright! Your old self is that enemy. Your target is your own sinful flesh. Consider that you may have been pointing that sword in the wrong direction. That sword is there to keep you obedient. So when God hands you this sword, don't go running around flashing it in your backyard like you are something tough or grand. Maybe you should obediently take that blade and run yourself clean through with it. That weapon should not give you a sense of authority and power. Who among us is even worthy of such a weapon? Who among us does not totally failed time and again? You cannot hide from the Word of God. You are naked and exposed before Him. That should terrify you and drive you to fearful repentence.

What does such baptizing with water signify?

Answer. It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever. [Luther's Small Catechism]

Maybe we should rethink the image that we conjure when we imagine what the Christian soldier should look like.

Behind Every Elite Warrior…

…You Will Find a Creed That Defines and Drives Him.

The focus and security of a true warrior is not in his many deeds, but in the authority of his creed which motivates him to perform. A warrior and his creed are inseperable. One does not live without the other.

Do you not believe me? Take a look at these examples:

The Soldier has The Soldier's Creed
The Ranger has The Ranger Creed
The Army NCO has The NCO Creed
The Navy SEAL has The SEAL Creed
The Air Force Pararescueman has The Pararescue Creed
The Marine has the The Rifleman’s Creed

No one would ever deny that these great men have deeds. No one would ever say that a heroic Ranger values his creed at the expense of his deeds. They are one and the same. No one would ever say that these creeds do little more than obscure the rest of military doctrine for those who profess them. These creeds only serve to explain and enhance all military doctrine at once. These creeds are the very essence of military truth. A warrior is nothing without his creed. Ask a class of Basic graduates, "Who are you?" and they will shout as one, "I am an American Soldier! I am a warrior and a member of a team! I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values....."

When the situation becomes impossible, these heroes do not turn to their deeds for support. They recall the creed that has become a part of them. That creed pours out from their very soul. The solid truth of their creed drives them to perform legendary and unparalleled deeds at all times and under all conditions. When certain death and defeat approaches, warriors turn to their creeds.

The creed drives Rangers to risk everything to bring everyone home; even the dead. The creed drives Pararescuemen to insert themselves into hopeless situations to rescue their brothers. The creeds drive all warriors to uphold justice and truth in the face of moral adversity. Creeds drive warriors to do the right thing even when they are unsupervised. The creeds drive great men to lay down their lives, their futures, and their reputations without hesitation. In the face of torture, it is the POW Code of Conduct that strengthens the prisoner’s resolve and allows him to persevere.

The creed is the firm foundation and primary motivation. It is taught first, memorized quickly, shouted often, and quoted regularly. Everything taught after that is built on the creed.

Show me a warrior who values his creed and carries it as his most important possession and I will show you a warrior of unique quality and motivation. Show me the faith in his beloved creed and I will show you that his deeds spring forth from that creed. They are never separated. You never find one without the other.

As Christians we are soldiers who have creeds as well. They are the very essence of who we are as heirs of the Heavenly Kingdom. They do not obscure doctrine, but amplify it. In times of trouble, persecution, and heresy... Christians turn to their creeds.

Show me a Christian who values his creed and carries it as his most important possession and I will show you a Christian of unique quality and motivation. Show me the faith in his beloved creed and I will show you that his deeds spring forth from that creed. They are never separated. You never find one without the other.

Christianity 451

While I am still in this fit of borrowing dystopian science fiction to illustrate my theological arguments, please allow me to talk about one of the most salient commentaries on American Culture.

I am talking about Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. If you have not read it, I would venture to guess that you are part of the problem that is outlined in the book. The creepiest part of this fiction is that it was first published in 1953... and has managed to remain relevant as a social commentary for the next 60 years. Bradbury saw then the place where we are at now. This book is still ahead of the curve.

Most people assume the book is about censorship, totalitarianism and book burning. To a certain extent, they are right. But...... they miss Bradbury's main point: that Fahrenheit 451 is actually a story about how television destroys interest in reading literature. It is about how fluff and "factoids" smother out knowledge, wisdom, and real truth. Fluff almost never does this killing intentionally, but there is no middle ground between truth and half-truth. Ideas can either be shallow or deep. There is no in between.

I first read this book in middle school. I have read it several times since then. Each time, it gives me a greater vision of the cultural reality behind all of our whitewash and spin. Last night, I watched the 1966 film adaptation with Oskar Werner and Julie Christi. My eyes have been opened yet again.

The cultural holocaust of shallow, inoffensive fluff reaches into Christ's church. Read this book (or watch the movie if you are lazy) as a Christian. Ask yourself, "What is Ray Bradbury saying about church growth and the theology of glory?"

Fahrenheit 451 is not about book burning. It is about those who would sell their souls for entertainment and comfort. It is about what people will sacrifice to feel at ease and empowered. It is about what happens when people are so impressed with pleasantries that they will sacrifice the brutal truth of reality and buy total garbage to preserve an absolute fantasy that protects their sensibilities. It is about the crime of self-delusion.

If you read some of the arguments put forth by the firemen in the book, they echo some of the public statements of Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, and Joel Osteen almost word for word. Firemen are the caretakers of our society. They protect us from unpleasant things so that we can look at the good; the inoffensive. The book paints a clear picture about what happens when you embrace multimedia presentations, empty music, shallow teaching, nonsequitur reasoning, and the careful censorship of all substantive sources.

You can almost smell the kerosene. It is really terrible.

If we do not preserve the truth, what value and purpose can our life really have? Stop looking for what you get out of everything. It is better to ask yourself, "What am I unwittingly about to throw away?"

Book burning and censorship is always purpose driven.

Equilibrium

It should be a good idea to apply the principles of "Just War" to the most common battle in American Christianity. Senseless violence is being done by all factions (there are more than just two) in the Worship Wars. By all means defend yourself from bad doctrine and practice, but it has just hit me that we have taken this label thing too far. In many cases, we have gone from proper discernment and humility into the land of being tyrannically judgemental. We have gone from defending the faith to legalistically squashing it. Here is my case in point:

Go listen to the sample of the CTS Kantorei singing a wonderful adaptation of the ancient hymn Te Deum Laudamus. Close your eyes and listen to this song as the goosebumps run up your arms. Imagine you are in the cathedral with this wonderful choir.

Some of you feel tempted to lift up your arms, don't you? Some of you want to open your palms and breathe deep, don't you? Some of you want to raise your head to heaven and bask in the heavenly beauty of this ancient, Ambrosian hymn, don't you? Some of you have to fight back tears, don't you? Some of you feel amazing feelings of peace and joy thanks to the Kantorei, don't you?

Well you can't do those things! You are not a charismatic. This is not a pentecostal church and you do not raise your hands in church, or tear up, or look to heaven with joy on your face. If you did display some kind of "outburst" while listening to this hymn live, you must be some kind of self-centered Pietist nut who wants to bring praise music into the service so you can break out the old tambourine and get slain in the spirit.

As a good orthodox Lutheran, you must guard yourself against what this 5th century hymn does to you. It is impossible to do these things in some liturgical churches. Feelings--all feelings--are the enemy. Welcome to the church of Equilibrium. Your feelings are dangerous. They lead everyone to error. Take your Prozium. Fight those evil feelings and forget your humanity.

As I listened to that hymn, I wanted to raise my hands and praise Almighty God. I am thankful for those wonderful men, for the Te Deum, and for the opportunity to hear holy music. I love and appreciate beautiful music. How can we express that appreciation? Here at my desk, none of my well-intentioned brothers would judge me... but what about on Sunday?

I get chills when I walk up to the alter during the Sacrament. My faith is not a monocrhomatic experience of concrete and iron. It is a living, feeling faith of light; adorned in gold and silver. Sometimes (not all the time) I feel things. Should I just dismiss that?

Now that I have admitted my liturgical defect, it should be noted that no one can accuse me of being a crazy praise band guy. I fled that life years ago for good reason. My tastes are now ultra-traditional. I am conservative and liturgical. Most of the stuff that came in after old form Gregorian Chant is too new for my liking. As far as the Te Deum goes, I don't like that we have translated it into the modern music signature. I think that it robs the song of its archaic tempo, form, and inflection. I love censors, incense, and processionals. I like it when acolytes, elders, or associate pastors physically hold the gospel for the reading. I long for real candles in church. I like everything chanted. I want a chalice and I want the bread placed in my mouth. I make the sign of the cross during the service. I declare "amen" loudly when it is called for... even at the rail. A Bach chorale will usually bring me to tears. I think a church that lacks a kantor is really missing out. I consider myself a liturgist's liturgist.

I may be conservative and liturgical... but stoic? I cannot do stoic. All of this very old stuff builds strong feelings in me. Emotions that want to burst out. I struggle to contain them.

I am afraid that the ancient liturgy makes me behave charismatically... is that wrong? Does that make me a Pietist? Would you call me a charismatic? Would you judge me if I stood next to you in church? Some of my pastor's sermons are so convicting that I cannot even look at him. Does that make me an enthusiast? Have my feelings forced me away from confessional orthodoxy?

Who is at fault for this mess? Is it me? Does the blame lie with those stoic traidtionalists who want a sterile church? Does the blame lie with those hypocrictical charismatics who have twisted innocent acts of adoration into self-serving-look-at-me behavior?

Is it always bad to feel in church or is it just bad to let strong feelings show? What is the correct way to express these overwhelming feelings?

Heads Up

Odds are very good that you can think of a member of your church family who is having a hard time. You have probably given yourself a bunch of really nice excuses about why you have not been more involved with them. To be honest, the two of you are just not that close. That is probably why you have been so distant around them at church. That person is out of your circle... and out of your comfort zone. You do not share common interests and they are way out of your age bracket.

Do not let that soul twist in the wind any longer. That is your brother or sister. Take the initiative and make the first move. Offer your comfort, your support, your talents, your wisdom, your prayers, your money, your encouragement... in Christian love. Give it all to them unconditionally in the name of Christ. Love them as Christ loves you. Specifically offer help and comfort to them as an unconditional gift. Connect them with others who are willing to help. Create a network of support around that person.

There are lurkers in our churches who are starving for real, intimate fellowship. They are always in the background. They feel alone. They are too scared to reach out. They no longer know what they believe. They are at the end of their rope. They feel their faith and patience weakening.

That individual is your responsibility. Your intervention will be the difference. Identify them. Help them. Do not let this one fall away.

Christian, you are a GI: Godly Issue

Ahhh... Ephesians 6:10-18. I love the smell of an epistle in the morning!

For obvious reasons, this Soldier gets fired up about that passage. This kind of language is something that I can easily grasp. I feel sorry for you civilians who have not had the benefit of a real-life, vocational education on what St. Paul is talking about here. No doubt, you have sat through one of those deep analysis sessions of this passage where some history buff gives you more than you ever wanted to know about the specifications of Roman Legionnaire and Greek Hoplite equipment. As awesome as the "Gladiator" approach is, that explination often misses the point.

Mercifully, this post will spare you the item-by-item application of this passage in favor of the overall point. It is something that you should never overlook when the discussion gets down to ancient shoe design.

Every time I read the Armor of God passage, I hear the pleasant voice of my Drill Sergeant whispering in my ear, "YOU @#$% IDIOT! A SOLDIER IS ONLY AS EFFECTIVE AS THE EQUIPMENT THAT HE TAKES TO THE FIGHT!" I usually heard this when I forgot something or neglected an item that Uncle Sugar had given to me.

In the daily spiritual battle of this life, what equipment are you taking to the field? Do you find yourself in the thick of the fight without a weapon? If you did actually remember to bring it, are you relying on what was issued to you? Do you know how to use it? Do you fearlessly employ the armament at your disposal? If the enemy is constantly catching you unprepared or gunshy, now is time to, "DEVLOP SOME @#$% DISCIPLINE AND RECTIFY YOUR SORRY SITUATION!" hehe... memories.

Since the beginning of warfare, warriors have seen their equipment as nothing less than an extension of their own bodies. A Soldier without his equipment is not a Soldier at all. For example, the Word of God is the mightiest weapon against evil. It is a lifesaver that should be inseperably bound to you like a Legionnare and his sword; like a Soldier and his M16. Are you able to use it effectively in combat? When it all hits the fan, are you ready to defend yourself?

The time will come when your brothers and sisters in arms will be counting on you to step up. What then? The time will come very soon when you are faced with the opportunity to deliver the Word of God down range and it will save someone from certain and eternal death. Are you ready?

Almighty God is the greatest logistician and armorer that you can imagine. There is no finer equipment than the Armor of God. As a Christian, you have been issued Truth, Righteousness, Gospel Readiness, Faith, Salvation, and the Word of God. If a Soldier is only as good as his equipment, you are unmatched. Be prepared. Rely on your equipment. Maintain your readiness. Train with it daily. Do not step outside unarmed. Such a mistake will prove to be very unforgiving.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

It is time to "ruck-up" and charge into the fight.

Infertility and Miscarriage

Being confronted with various forms of infertility is a struggle that was recently brought to everyone’s attention as a secondary subject during some interesting blog debates about Birth Control. While the issue du jour appears to have cooled somewhat, those of us who live with infertility have continued to talk privately about our experiences. This is a constructive online discussion because many of us have difficulty expressing ourselves face to face about such a heart-wrenching and difficult matter. Here is a consolidation of the parts of my personal story that I have already shared with others:

Many of you now know that my wife and I carry this cross. In our first two years of marriage, we have seen many miscarriages. Many of these occurred after several months of desperately trying to hold on to the child, but ended in weeks of physically debilitating agony. Each miscarriage takes my wife one step closer to the threat of total sterility.

I have seen pictures of my children knowing that I will never meet them in this life. I have sat in ICU wards and desperately listened for heartbeats that no longer can be heard. I have seen the look on my wife’s face every time she gets a chance to be around someone else’s kid. I have to prayerfully fight the rage and envy that overcomes me whenever I come across someone who treats their child like an unwanted obligation or secondary concern. Children are a gift that not everyone receives. The opportunity to have children is an equally precious gift.

Miscarriage is a different kind of loss. Those of us who struggle with it have a heavier burden than even those who cannot conceive. There are the medical struggles of failed pregnancy and the funerary feelings that come with losing a child. These are added to the daunting difficulties that face all infertile couples. For me, this is a second generation of fertility issues for my family. I am adopted because my mother is sterile. My wife’s family has been struck hard by these problems as well. It seems that children do not come easily to this family. That is what makes them so precious.

For my wife and I this may be a doubly hard burden, but it is not too much. What I have shared so far sounds pretty bleak, but it is only part of the story. It is important for us to see the whole picture.

In the face of this suffering, our faith in Christ and our love for each other is as strong as it has ever been. We have a mutual dedication and resilience most couples never experience. After all that we have experienced and worked through during our marriage so far, what is there to shake us apart? What is there to face? We know that God will lead us through those problems just like He has through this one. It is very easy to walk off of the narrow path in times like this. It is easy to be tempted to embrace doubt, be crushed by grief, or fall into error. It is easy to be overwhelmed.

But God is faithful and good to us. We do not feel neglected or unduly punished by Him. We hold fast to the promises of Scripture when Paul writes:

"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Cor 10:12-13

The great witnesses who have gone before us (and experienced these same trials and temptations) have set the example of living through suffering. We can look to Job's patience and faithful resilience in the face of tragedy; Gideon's leadership and courage in the face of great physical danger and risk; St. Paul's dedication to the truth through affliction and imprisonment; St. Stephen's humility and forgiveness as the stones flew toward him. What a powerful testimony in times like this! Our struggles seem to pale in comparison, but we draw our strength from the same source: the life changing power of a living faith in Christ Jesus. In the Son, God has provided "the way of escape" from all temptation. We partake of that mercy every time we receive the Means of Grace through the Word and His sacraments. With such gifts, we can endure any burden.

Those who struggle with suffering should read the historical accounts of the proud saints of the early church who were put to death by Rome on account of Christ. We have much to learn from those who glorify God amid such agony and wear such burdens as badges of honor. They embraced all suffering as participation in the suffering of Christ [Mark 8:34-35]. Is not all torment and temptation really the weapon of our enemy? For a Christian, is not all suffering a tempering fire that shapes us and refines our faith?

Seeing the faithful witness of the saints and martyrs, we do not need to wait to see how we will be blessed by this experience at some future date. Sure future blessings await us all, but not all of the gifts of God are delayed ones. We always want to comfort people by saying that blessings come in God's timing. The truth is that God's timing is always now. God's nature is one of constant blessing. Sure it is nice to know when there will be light at the end of the tunnel, but don't forget that there is also light right here in the tunnel. Like all of God's people, we are blessed today: amid the darkness; during the suffering [Psalm 23:4-6]. All death directs our attention to eternal life. All loss reveals what we should truly value. I consider those lessons priceless heavenly treasures. Suffering shows us how truly blessed man is at all times.

By faith, Christians can praise God in foresight, not just hindsight. We can walk by faith in the moment because God is with us with His rod and staff as comfort. God has blessed us before this suffering, He blesses us now in this suffering, and He promises that He will continue to bless us long after the suffering has passed away. With an eternity of bliss ahead, when the passing of any one suffering will occur becomes irrelevant. For Reformation Sunday, we sang (along with the rest of the synod for sure) "A Mighty Fortress". I have always considered it a powerful Spiritual Warfare hymn, but it has taken on new meaning for me. As we sang it, what I can only call a direct reference to Job in the last several lines of the fourth verse jumped out at me:

The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone,
They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom our remaineth.

Try as the devil may to shake this family, He is already doomed to fail. His persecutions achieve nothing. The things that he can take away do not touch my faith. They are just the temporal blessings, and not the eternal ones. He may scowl and rage and take my children from me in this life, but I will see them eventually despite his efforts. The devil may attempt to divide us and take our loved ones away, but what does that achieve? He cannot divide the body of Christ. Eventually, we will all join the Church Triumphant in the heaven. More importantly, these attempts by Satan to wrestle me out of God's grasp will not succeed. The Word stands on my side and His Kingdom remains. Christ shall triumph on my behalf. Even in times like this, we are not defeated.

The day of our first miscarriage, I left my wife at the hospital after she was admitted into surgery and drove straight to the church. I was enraged and crying inconsolably. Even now, more than a year later, my eyes still get red with tears when I think about it. The doors were unlocked but the members of the church staff were in other parts of the building. To be honest, I didn't want to talk to people anyway. I staggered up the isle and knelt at the rail and prayed as best I could. I don't have to tell you what that prayer was like because I am sure that you can imagine. It was filled with all of my why demands and my doubts. It was filled with pleading and complaining and petitions to convince God to start doing things the way I thought they should be done in this one situation... just this one situation. I cried and blubbered all over that communion rail. It was not my most dignified moment.

When I ran out of things to say, I found myself in one of those uncomfortable pauses and listened to the silence. I happened to look up and my eyes met the gold and silver crucifix on the alter where the Lord's Supper is prepared for me every week.

The irony of where I was kneeling hit me like a ton of bricks and it silenced all of the bargaining, pity, and doubt. As I looked at the broken body of my Savior hanging there, it dawned on me that I was praying to a God who knew just a little bit about losing a child. For whom did His Son hang there on that cross? Me. The Father willingly sent His Son to die for me and cleanse my transgressions. I was given an unending fountain of blessing and that was not enough for me? This sinful beggar had returned to the alter of blessing to complain and vent about a situation that carries no eternal consequence. How did that make any sense at all?

I suddenly felt like a self-centered jerk. I got up from the rail and knelt at the alter with a spirit that had been totally prostrated by how blessed I truly was. In the gravity of the situation, I had lost my heavenly perspective. By comparison, was I really suffering at all? No. Who was I to teach God about sacrifice and torment? Looking at God's plan of salvation that had existed from eternity, who was I to doubt God's will or timing?

I had cracked under pressure, but the Holy Spirit jerked me back to the cross where I belong. "Thy will be done," I declared. I got up and left. My suffering was in no way minimized. The situation was still just as fresh, but now the promises of God's goodness and mercy were so amplified that it drowned everything else out. I mourned every miscarriage after that, but with a grateful heart that holds fast to God's promises [Rom 8:28].