Reflections on Revelation #7: Six of Seven Seals

Revelation 6

The vision of chapters 4 and 5 provides the context for the opening of the scroll and its seals, trumpets, and bowls. The scroll itself is not opened until the seven seals are removed and that takes place in dramatic fashion. The content of the scroll itself will be revealed in chapter 8. Each seal is a preliminary judgment to be divulged. Each judgment represents forces throughout history which carry the judicial and redemptive purposes of God through to the end of history.

The vision of the four horsemen is quite the picture of a Halloween entourage. The background of the vision comes from Zechariah's visions of the assorted horses in 1:8-17 and 6:1-8. As is characteristic of John, he modifies his sources with great freedom. The colors red, white, black, and gray of Zechariah appear to have no special significance. In Revelation, however, they correspond to the character of the rider and signify conquest (white), bloodshed (red), famine (black), and death (pale). In Zechariah, the horsemen are sent out to patrol the earth, while in Revelation, their release brings disaster to the earth.

It should be observed that John's vision here is related to Jesus' apocalyptic discourse in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). Luke records wars and tumultuous times, national strife, earthquakes, famine, and pestilence. In Jewish thought the "age to come" would be preceded by a period of unprecedented woe. Jesus says, "this is but the beginnings of sufferings."

So, who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse? Generally speaking the white horse refers to military conquest, the red horse symbolizes civil war and disorder, the black horse refers to famine, and the pale horse (which approximates the color of a corpse) signifies death. The horsemen logically follow one another-- war and civil disorder lead to famine, scarcity, and disease, and last of all, death. It is important to note that while we may have here a hint of a time of desperate tribulation before the end, the original hearers would have understood that the four horsemen rode even in their day and long before.

The horsemen of the apocalypse have ridden forth and there is a transition in scene. After the first four seals are opened, the fifth seal displays the suffering and the glory of Christian martyrdom. The martyrs in Revelation chapter 6 have offered their lives on account of the "word of God and the testimony of Jesus." It must be remembered that throughout history, those wielding power have been hostile to Christians deeply committed to the lordship of Jesus Christ. It makes one wonder what kind of Christianity is allowed to be free in any society that offers freedom of religion. From beneath the altar, the martyrs issue a plea for vindication. The issue here is not revenge, but a concern for the character of God and his righteousness.

The martyrs are told to remain patient. Those who gave their lives during Nero's persecution will be joined by those who refused to deny their faith before the Emperor Domitian. Like Nero, Domitian is not divine, and many of God's people will go to their death in their refusal to acknowledge Caesar's divinity and lordship.

When the sixth seal is broken all "hell" seems to break loose. The details of this dramatic description of the universe in turmoil are drawn from the context of Jewish apocalyptic documents. They should not be taken with complete literalness. Those who first heard John's words would not have debated the details of the vision.

In delineating the various groups, which rush to find refuge from God's wrath, John wants to emphasize those who have earthly reason to feel secure, but will find themselves in deep trouble. The kings of the earth are those persons in positions of ultimate authority. The princes fall next in line. The chief captains are the military authorities at whose command the Roman armies move into battle. The security of the wealthy and the powerful will be crushed. Confusion will ensue, which is what always happen when a person's security is breached.

The Catholics and the Presbyterians Are at It Again!

A Prayer for the First Sunday in Advent

Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Book of Worship (UMC)

The Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup 2009.30.209

Submit your post to umweeklyroundup@yahoo.com by noon EST on Saturday to guarantee that your post is included.

The week in review in the Methoblogosphere:

Andrew Thompson recounts his visit to Bruton Parish Church.

Bishop Robert Schnase counsels that sometimes brevity is next to godliness.

Bishop William Willimon on not giving up meeting together.

Dave Nichols reminds us that we are so blessed.

Thoughts on living in the service of empire from Mitch Lewis.

"Giving Thanks: All Gathered In"-- a sermon by Beth Quick.

Gavin Richardson writes on churches doing Twitter wrong and well.

David Hallam notes that when it comes to the Gambling Commission, the party goes on and on.

Joseph Slife reports on GBCS and its opposition to the pro-life amendment in the health care bill.

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Everything changes Christmas, Christmas changes everything according to Dan Dick. Best of the Methoblogosphere!

When the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke with each other recently, was there an embarrassing silence in heaven? Angela Shier-Jones asks the question.

Nenry Neufeld shares his thoughts on why democracy fails.

Joseph Yoo believes that sometimes grace means get out.

Who are the BIG theologians in the United Methodist Church? Daniel McLain Hixon ponders the matter.

Lorna Koskela is feasting with friends.

John Meunier wonders what if we were no longer Methodists?

Once again, Questing Parson is faithful.

Deb Spaulding offers roses of healing.

Steve Heyduck on historical fiction.

Greg Hazelrig posts his thought for the day on Hebrews 13:2.

The story of a king as told by Kim Matthews.

Tony Mitchell preaches on the meaning of Advent.

Andrew Stoddard posts reflections on 1 Chronicles 15:1-9, Revelation 20:7-15, and Matthew 17:11-13.

Olive Morgan reports on the churches encouraging politicians to prioritise the common good.

Life is short, walk slow-- advice from Andy Bryan.

Jim Parsons offers a consumer's perspective on Black Friday.

Dave Perry ponders a moment in time framed for a lifetime. Best of the Methoblogosphere!

Ken Carter offers his thanksgiving for social media.

Ups and downs from Michael Daniel.

Brian Russell reflects on gratitude and thankfulness.

"The Problem of King Jesus"-- a sermon by Dave Faulkner.

Mark Winter, Lazarus, and little Easter.

Sally Coleman writes about having an active Thanksgiving.

Brian Vinson reminds us that Christmas is not our birthday.

The Copenhagen Diagnosis from Richard Hall.

Matt Kelley posts thought on hijacking the Bible.

Reflections from Shane Raynor on ministry and authority.

Opinion Central Poll 2009.49: Final Results

Does your church celebrate Advent?

Christmas Carols By Committee

Ain't it the truth...

Question of the Day???

Should Christians protest the greed of the holiday season by not shopping on Black Friday?

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

The Quotable C.S. Lewis #25: Sculptured and Shaped

True personality lies ahead-- how far ahead, for most of us, I dare not say. And the key to it does not lie in ourselves. It will come to us when we occupy those places in the structure of the eternal cosmos for which we were designed or invented. As a colour first reveals its true quality when placed by an excellent artist in its pre-elected spot between certain others, as a spice revels its true flavour when inserted just where and when a good cook wishes among the other ingredients, as the dog becomes really doggy only when he has taken his place in the household of man, so we shall then first be true persons when we have suffered ourselves to be fitted into our places. We are marble waiting to be shaped, metal waiting to be run into a mould. No doubt there are already, even in the unregenerate self, faint hints of what mould each is designed for, or what sort of pillar he will be. But it is, I think, a gross exaggeration to picture the saving of a soul as being, normally, at all like the development from seed to flower. The very words repentance, regeneration, the New Man, suggest something very different. Some tendencies in each natural man may have to be simply rejected.

--The Weight of Glory

The Quotable C.S. Lewis #24: The Problem with Full Hands

"If the first and lowest operation of pain shatters the illusion that all is well, the second shatters the illusion that what we have, whether good or bad in itself, is our own and enough for us. Everyone has noticed how hard it is to turn our thoughts to God when everything is going well with us. We 'have all we want' is a terrible saying when 'all' does not include God. We find God an interruption. As St. Augustine says somewhere, 'God wants to give us something, but cannot, because our hands are full-- there's nowhere for Him to put it.' Or as a friend of mine said, 'We regard God as an airman regards his parachute; it's there for emergencies but he hope he'll never have to use it.' Now God, who has made us, knows what we are and that our happiness lies in Him. Yet we will not seek it in him as long as he leaves us any other resort where it can even plausibly be looked for. While what we call 'our own life' remains agreeable we will not surrender it to Him. What then can God do in our interests but make 'our own life' less agreeable to us, and take away the plausible source of false happiness."

--The Problem of Pain

Truth is Stranger than Fiction 2009.23

Tavern owner says he'll unveil 100-proof turkey

Associated Press

23 November 2009

NEW YORK – You'll need to be 21 to take a bite out of this Thanksgiving turkey. New York City tavern owner Paul Hurley said he'll unveil what he is calling the nation's first 100-proof turkey on Monday. A spokesman for the owner of O'Casey's Tavern in Midtown Manhattan said that the bird is infused with fruit-flavored and 100-proof Georgi vodka for three days before being cooked. The flavors of vodka include peach, raspberry, cherry and apple.

The gravy is also laced with the distilled liquor.

Out of concern for the danger of drinking-and-driving, the tavern is offering free taxi ride home to anyone who orders the turkey.

It wasn't immediately clear how much it will cost to have some of the boozy bird.

Opinion Central Poll 2009.48: Final Results

How do you cook your Thanksgiving turkey?

On the Privilege of Giving Honor

Last night I attended the University of Durham reception at SBL. I did my Ph.D at Durham under the tutelage of James D.G. Dunn. It was a wonderful experience. Jimmy is the consummate scholar and a man of great faith. His scholarship has never been a "purely academic" exercise, but his work has been founded on, in the words of St. Anselm, "faith seeking understanding." My doctoral thesis was published in 2003 in the JSNT Supplement Series and I credit that in large part to Jimmy, whose expectations of me were quite rigorous.

I not only appreciate Jimmy for his scholarship, but also for his genuine concern for his students. He and his wife Meta took us under their wings, befriending us, and nurturing us. They regularly had us over to their house for celebrations and times of fellowship. They were and still are interested in the lives of our spouses and our children. One of Jimmy's former students, who was doing his work at the same time I was, told me the other night that Jimmy has been a father figure to him. Almost every year for the past 15+ years we have had an annual Dunn reunion dinner for (now all former) students of Jimmy's and their spouses. I remember many years ago, when we first started holding those gatherings, there were five to eight of us in attendance. Saturday night there were eighteen and that was down from recent years in which we have had close to thirty people gathered together for food and fellowship. Jimmy and Meta did not consider us to be only a community of scholars, but a community of believers. How necessary then that such a community gather together for fellowship, if only once a year.

I and so many have received such a wonderful gift in knowing Jimmy Dunn. For me it has been an honor. So it was a privilege for me and others to honor Jimmy in a small way by presenting him last night with a Festscrift in honor of his 70th birthday. It was an honor to contribute an essay to that volume and I told Jimmy that last night. He thanked me and then in characteristic Dunn fashion he informed me that after he read my essay he would email me a detailed critique! Yes, we will always remain Jimmy's student, and that too is an honor.

It is a privilege to honor those who honor us. It is true that honor is a duty, but it is not a duty we perform because we have to. We honor because we recognize we would not be who we are apart from the gifts we have received in the presence of those around us whom God uses to shape our lives. Honor in and of itself is performed as an act of integrity and character. A community, a society that does not honor those who are worthy is a community, a society that has fallen into dishonor.

I have been honored these many years to have known James D.G. Dunn; and last night it was a privilege to pay honor to him in a small way. May honor never die a dishonorable death.

Is It Stealing to Make the Rich Pay for Health Care?

United Methodist pastor, Chris Roberts writes that making the rich pay for health care reform is immoral. Read his post here.

What do you think? Feel free to respond in the comments below so that we might have a good discussion.

A Prayer for Christ the King Sunday

Almighty and Everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer

Re-formed Fundamentalists

If there is one thing that can be asserted without proof (that's a tongue-in-cheek comment meant for literary effect), it is that those who are reformed out of a habit or a movement tend to be the most rabid fundamentalists of them all. The most zealous anti-smokers are former smokers. Those who continually level angry criticism at Christian Fundamentalism are those who used to be Fundamentalists. Others who cannot resist taking continual shots at Protestant liberalism are often former liberals. In their obsession with the things they used to be, they put forth a fundamentalism all their own. Usually, the only people who cannot see such re-formed fundamentalism on display are those who are re-formed fundamentalists themselves. And yes, fundamentalists come in many forms-- conservative and liberal, Democratic and Republican, religious and secular.

So, how can you tell if you are a re-formed fundamentalist of some stripe? There is currently no diagnostic test available, but allow me to offer some test questions that might indicate you have the affliction:

1. When you read something on a blog espousing a view akin to your former days, do you comment, not in reasonable fashion, but in anger and disdain for the view expressed.

2. When you hear an idea or a belief being expressed that is comparable to what you used to believe, do you first roll your eyes before considering the substance of what is being said?

3. Are you more interested in getting your now "enlightened" view across to the other person whom you hope to reform, than serious engaging what you have already decided is nonsense?

4. When you think about the views of the "other" are you angry before reflective?

5. Do you truly believe (be honest here) that those who do not share your views are stupid?

6. Do you get more joy out of insulting those who still hold to their "unreformed" views then engaging in serious discussion?

7. Do you find yourself having trouble getting to sleep at night thinking about all those evil people who are still caught up in their ignorance that you formerly held?

8. Do you see your assault on the ignorant perspective of others as an issue of justice?

9. Do you only read books from authors who basically share your convictions?

10. Have you answered "yes" to several of these questions, but are still convinced that the label "re-formed fundamentalist" cannot refer to you?

There is a cure for re-formed fundamentalism and it does not involve giving up your basic convictions. Surround yourself with reasonable and intelligent people who do not share your perspective. Contrary to what you might think, they do exist in plenty. Talk to them, have coffee with them, and get to know their families, and engage them on a substantive level. Converse with them and listen as well as talk. In so doing, you may find that over time the anger that consumes you will subside and eventually relieve you of your "fundamentalism;" and you will then be truly re-formed.

If, however, you desire to stay in your (conservative or liberal, Democratic or Republican, religious or secular) fundamentalist bubble, just continue to surround yourself with only those who are like-minded. Your world may remain small, but at least you can enjoy your righteous anger while being confirmed by your fellow fundamentalists.

Random Thoughts at SBL

As I sit at the Huck Finn's Cafe in New Orleans, the following random thoughts are running through my mind:

Shrimp po-boys are wonderful!

Only at the Society of Biblical Literature Conference can you sit in an Arby's with someone you've never met and discuss Hebrew morphemes.

Portions of the French Quarter, especially Bourbon Street, can well be described as institutionalized debauchery.

I feel sorry for finicky eaters. When they come to a city like New Orleans, they are stuck eating the usual fare while the rest of us enjoy new and different things.

If the SBL conference hotels caved in, would the church noticeably miss the guild of biblical scholars in reference to its mission in the world?

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Any restaurant that automatically has Tabasco Sauce on every table along with the salt and pepper is first-rate in my book!

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Some scholars take themselves and their work much too seriously, while others know they are part of a long-line of diggers and dreamers that will continue long after they are dead.

There are some excellent papers given at SBL.

There are some terrible papers given at SBL.

On Sunday morning, I do not attend any sessions. I find a church in which to worship.

It is good to be a member of a society whose conference is in a different city each year.

Perhaps two of the great things about SBL is seeing old friends and visiting the book displays (and buying, of course).

And the best thing about SBL-- returning home to my family!

The First Book in the Areopagus Critical Christian Issues Series

Here is the first book in the Areopagus Critical Christian Issues Series that I am co-editing. Christian Archy is written by my co-editor, David Alan Black. It is a must read. If you want to be challenged, then this is the book for you. If you don't like being challenged then this book is definitely for you.

What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean to be part of the kingdom? These are questions that should occupy the mind of every Christian. But we frequently shy away from the full meaning of God's rule.

In Christian Archy, Dr. David Alan Black examines the New Testament to find the truly radical and all-encompassing claims of God's kingdom. In doing so, he discovers that the character of this kingdom is widely different from what is commonly contemplated today. Its glory is revealed only through suffering a point that Jesus' disciples, then and now, have been slow to understand. This truth has tremendous implications for church life. The kingdom of God is in no way imperialistic. It has no political ambitions. It conquers not by force but by love. It is this humble characteristic of the kingdom that is a stumbling block to so many today. Christ's claim to our total allegiance is one we seek to avoid at all costs. But there is only one way to victory and peace, and that is the way of the Lamb.

On My Way to New Orleans!

I am leaving this morning for The Society of Biblical Literature Conference in "The Big Easy." I will blog as I am able.

On the Moral Obligation to Tell a Truthful Narrative

Story is intrinsic to our existence. Indeed, story is our existence. Life is an attempt to understand the narrative or narratives that makes sense of who we are or what we are about. It is not necessarily easy, however, to understand our narratives truthfully. We human beings are masters of twisting and turning the story in order to deceive ourselves in reference to what our narratives mean. We like determining the meaning of our story; and we will invent cover stories if need be in order to be the arbiters of our narrative.

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For me, one of the most discouraging things about politics is the obvious attempt by politicians to twist the political narrative to their advantage. Both the Republican and Democratic Parties are currently experiencing deep divides within their respective Party (which I think is a good thing). But in order to control the narrative, representatives from each Party utter virtually the same talking points that insist the other side is narrow-mindedly monolithic while their own divisions are not really such; they simply demonstrate the diversity within their ranks that the other side refuses to allow. Tea Party supporters are planning to go after Republicans who have not touted the pure party line, while the MoveOn.org crowd target heretical centrist Democrats who have stepped outside the fold of liberal political orthodoxy. Both Parties point to the intolerance of the other side while ignoring the obvious dogmatism of their own. Both sides are reminiscent of the words of Jesus who condemned people for focusing on the splinters of others while they remained oblivious to the two-by-four protruding from their face. There are countless other examples, such as the current Administration refusing to take the blame for anything, spinning the presidential narrative by indicting the previous Administration every chance it gets; and the Republican Party in response spins the political story by diminishing the continual impact of actions by the previous Administration on current problems.

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The main focus in telling the political narrative is accomplishing one's goal while retaining or gaining power. When this happens, it is no longer critical that one tell the narrative truthfully. A truthful narrative is important only insofar that it serves one's political ends. When the truth does not accomplish one's goals, it can simply be discarded, or at the very least, twisted into a hybrid of something deceptive.

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For Christians, this is unacceptable. We have a moral obligation to tell our narrative truthfully. This is not necessarily easy. All of us struggle with the same failings and shortcomings as those in political office. But let us make no mistake that the most important thing in making sense of our story is not justifying our existence as it is, but understanding what it means to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The goal of narrative interpretation is to tell the truth of who we are and what we are about. For Christians, the gospel story does not affirm us as we are, but it calls us to more than we are. That can only happen when we are willing to acknowledge the truth, no matter how painful it might be.

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While I do believe it is possible for Christians to serve Christ in political office, I wonder how long they would be in office if they insisted on telling the political narrative truthfully because of their commitment to the Lordship of Christ in all areas of life, including politics. The fact that there are Christians who have made a career out of politics makes me wonder what kind of narrative they have decided to embrace.

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Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian

Divine Graffiti

Isaiah 49:8-18

The latter chapters of the book of Isaiah are written in the context of Israel's exile in Babylon. In 586 B.C. the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered and most of the inhabitants of Jerusalem were led off to a strange land to live. Exiled from their homeland and wondering why God had allowed them to suffer so, these latter chapters in the prophet are written in part to encourage God's people Israel to remain faithful in spite of their circumstances and in spite of the fact that they may wonder, at times, what good their faith is for them as they live their lives.

There were those in Israel who likely blamed God for their misery, but first they needed to blame themselves. Their exile was their fault. For several centuries they continually violated God's law, they worshiped false gods, lived immorally, put up with and even supported corrupt leadership; and they trusted more in themselves than in the divine one who had called them. Now they were away from their homeland living in a strange place. Often, the first step in dealing with a problem is to admit that you are the one who created it.

Nevertheless, having said that, at some point, God's people were surely wondering when enough was enough. Of course, they had made the mess they now found themselves in, but when would the price be paid, when would penance be sufficient, and at what point would Israel be allowed to begin again?

It is not easy to put life in a nice and neat order; neither is it possible to understand completely how God works in each and every situation. For we mortals time flies when we are having fun, and it drags on in the midst of difficult days. God, who stands outside of time in eternity, sees from a vantage point we can only wonder about. We wish God would work in our time, but God is the one who moves with us in time expecting that we continue to trust and live in faith, even though we wonder when and where and how we might find relief. If the people of God are to be faithful, they must be patient.

Through Isaiah God promises that in his divine time, he will deliver his people. It may not come soon enough for them, but it will arrive nonetheless:

Thus says the LORD: In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, 'Come out', to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves.' They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up 49:8-11).

God does indeed promise deliverance and restoration; in the meantime they must know and trust that God is with them. God has not abandoned his people in the past and he will not do so in the present. There are those who say that the Almighty has forgotten; that perhaps God has moved on to another people, but Isaiah insists that this is not true.

Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me (49:15-16).

It surely seems impossible for a mother to forget the child she carried and gave birth to. Sadly, there are some who do, even though most do not. For most mothers the thoughts of a child are always close at hand even when they are away from home. But God's love and compassion for us are deeper and more profound than the most loving and compassionate mom. The analogy of God inscribing our names on his hands is not an image meant to convey that God has to do something so he will not forget us; rather it is meant to demonstrate that God loves us so much, that he purposely puts us in front of him because of the joy God has in loving us.

Most homes have pictures of family on the walls and other places throughout the house, not for the purpose of having to be reminded of whom we are related to, but rather we display the images of those persons who mean so much to us. Photos of family members in our homes and in our wallets and purses do not serve as reminders; they are displays of love. We put their photos in prominent places precisely because we could never forget them.

And so it is in Isaiah. God has put our names before him, not because he is afraid of forgetting us, but it is a display of his love for us. And in knowing this, it serves as a reminder to us that in the midst of life and, yes, even in the midst of its difficulties, God has not forgotten about us, God has not abandoned us, God has not left us to ourselves.

God takes our lives and brings them into his life; and while the character of God never changes, God nevertheless journeys with us as we grow in relationship with him. Isaiah reminds us that God's divine graffiti does not serve as a reminder to God, but a rather it is a reminder to us that God is indeed with us.

And perhaps Isaiah 49 is a preview of a day, centuries later, when God in the flesh would have our names, our lives, inscribed into his hands with the nails of a cross.

Reflections on Revelation #6: The Divine Meaning of History

Revelation 5

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In the throne room of heaven on the right hand of the One on the throne, there is a scroll of unprecedented importance. It is written on the inside of the scroll and on the back, something not often done as it was more difficult to write on the reverse side of the scroll, which was against the grain of the papyrus. It is sealed seven times to insure its secrecy; for it contains the full account of the destiny of the world and human history. It is a book on the course of history (see Psalm 139:16).

An angel appearing as a town crier calls for one who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll. The summons has been put forth through all of creation and no one is found who is worthy to reveal the meaning of history. No one is able to read and ponder the scroll's words. It appears as if the promise of Revelation 4:1, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this," will remain unfulfilled. Understandably, John breaks down in bitter weeping. Without the unrolling of the scroll, God's plan for creation will be circumvented. The destiny of the world will no longer be assured.

But, John is now assured that the scroll will indeed be opened. One of the elders tells him that there is one who has indeed conquered and therefore is worthy to break the seals and unlock the meaning of history. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah is worthy. And as John gazes upon the Lion, he sees not a strong and mighty beast, but a small lamb; and it is a lamb that has been slaughtered as a sacrifice. And yet, this slaughtered lamb is standing ready to act. Here is the key to the book of Revelation-- God does not conquer evil with the sword, but through cross and resurrection!

Any attempt to envisage a literal seven-horned, seven-eyed lamb will discover that the meaning of the vision is missed. John's vision is symbolic in character. This scene in the throne room of heaven is not descriptive, but symbolic of the decrees and action of God in human history, in particular as it centers on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Now that the Lamb has creation and its destiny in his hand, John witnesses a scene of universal worship. Three reasons make the Lamb worthy to open the scroll: 1) he was slaughtered, 2) his death purchased women and men for God, and 3) he made those whom he purchased a kingdom and priests.

It must not be missed that the same kind of adoration given to the Lamb in chapter five is quite similar to the worship given to the One on the throne in chapter four.

A Prayer for the Twelfth Sunday in Kingdomtide

Gracious God, it is in some ways not correct for us to come to you in prayer asking for your presence, as if it might be the case that you are not here with us. Remind us that you are always with us; especially in those days when the circumstances of life may make it appear you are far away. Remind us as well, that you have never promised us that life would always be the way we want it, but you have always promised your presence and you love in this life filled with its imperfections, disappointments, and difficulties. Hear our prayer this day, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, who remained faithful even when he faced dark and difficult days. Amen.

No MBWR

There will be no Weekly Roundup this weekend due to illness (mine); neither will there be one next weekend as I will be in New Orleans at the Society of Biblical Literature Conference.

The MBWR will return the weekend of November 28/29.

Some Sane and Rational Thoughts on the Economy

I have said before on this blog that I like to read the words of individuals who make me think. I do not seek to surround myself only with people who agree with me. Those who only want to spend their time with the like-minded are impoverished intellectually.

I have my places of disagreement with Dr. Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, but I find his reflections on the economy and how the government is simply going down the same road that got us into trouble in the first place to be very compelling. I have linked his thoughts that he expressed yesterday on Morning Joe for your consideration.

What I find troubling is that it seems that the people who truly know what they are talking about are not in the White House nor Congress. The wise are being led by the ignorant.

Reflections on Veterans Day

A Salute to Our Military

Honor Veterans Today, Every Day

Veterans Day: Remembering the Sacrifices

Homeless on Veterans Day

Veterans Day is as Relevant as Ever

In addition, today is Remembrance Day for our British and Canadian cousins. I found this post from Richard Hall at Connexions to be profoundly moving.

Irrelevant Facts for Irrelevant Conversation

Some irrelevant facts that will convince your friends that you are a treasure trove of completely useless information:

-A cockroach can live several weeks with its head cut off--it dies from starvation!

-The electric chair was invented by a dentist!

-George Washington grew marijuana in his garden.

-If you put a raisin in a glass of champagne, it will keep floating to the top and sinking to the bottom.

-It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

-Non-dairy creamer is flammable.

-Snails can sleep for 3 years without eating.

-The car in the foreground on the back of a $10 bill is a 1925 Huptmobile.

-There are no rivers in Saudi Arabia.

-Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

-Cat urine glows under a black-light!

-Over 10,000 birds a year die from smashing into windows!

-A duck's quack doesn't echo. No one knows why.

-Ancient Egyptians shaved off their eyebrows to mourn the deaths of their cats.

-It is illegal to be a prostitute in Siena, Italy if your name is Mary.

-Lady Astor once told Winston Churchill "if you were my husband, I would poison your coffee." His reply... "if you were my wife, I would drink it!"

-Montpelier, Vermont is the only U.S. state capital without a McDonald's.

-Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

-The screwdriver was invented before the screw.

Want more information on any of these?-- Just Google it.

Yale Theologian Miroslav Volf Preaches at the Crystal Cathedral

Opinion Central Poll 2009.47: Final Results

Is President Obama keeping his promise for greater transparency in government?

A Prayer for the Eleventh Sunday in Kingdomtide

Blessed Lord, who has caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, by patience and comfort of your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer

The Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup 2009.29.208

Submit your post to umweeklyroundup@yahoo.com by noon EST on Saturday to guarantee that your post is included.

The week in review in the Methoblogosphere:

Andrew Thompson writes on the power of Holy Communion.

Dave Nichols posts on All Saints' Sunday and grief.

Bishop Robert Schnase on missing the recognition of the moment.

Thoughts on pastoral leadership in stewardship according to Bishop William Willimon.

Reflections from Brian Vinson on being alone.

Sally Coleman is in search of a new way.

You better hurry-- Mark Winter's One Man Show is booking fast!

Dave Faulkner asks, "Is Steve Jobs a model for preachers?"

Brian Russell offers his top ten Bible passages.

Michael Daniel writes on rights vs. right.

The agenda of the Holy Spirit-- some thoughts from Ken Carter.

Dave Perry is dredging up the past to replenish the present and shape the future.

Jim Parsons cogitates on being called by God and sharing our stories.

Seasons (of the gospel) and the church-- reflections from Andy Bryan. Best of the Methoblogosphere!

Olive Morgan reminds us that Christmas is coming.

Andrew Stoddard posts reflections on Ezra 7:1-16, Revelation 14:1-13, and Matthew 14:1-12.

Are you now or have you ever been?... well, get the rest of the question from Tony Mitchell.

Kim Matthews ponders our status as refugees.

Greg Hazelrig posts his thought for the day on John 21:15.

Steve Heyduck on giving advice.

Deb Spaulding is hangin' out with Hezekiah.

There is evidence of life for Questing Parson.

John Meunier posts on making the church younger.

Some thoughts on God in the ordinary from Lorna Koskela.

Daniel McLain Hixon shares his thoughts on evangelism by trendiness. Best of the Methoblogosphere!

Joseph Yoo comments on why Scripture is important.

Henry Neufeld issues a note on independent voters.

Reflections on listening and speaking out from Angela Shier-Jones.

Dan Dick writes on running church.

Joseph Slife reports on the Judicial Council's recent decisions on a sexuality statement and apportionments.

Mitch Lewis preaches on the wheat and the tares together sown.

David Hallam is troubled by Jesus, Queen of Heaven.

When you die, will you have a digital executor? Read Gavin Richardson.

"Giving Thanks: For All the Saints"-- a sermon by Beth Quick.

Rick Mang tells us that a friend of his recently met a hero of his.

What Independents Want

An excellent editorial by David Brooks.

The Myth of the Good Old Days

There's lots of bad stuff going on in the world today. A natural worrywart would have a feast wigging out over what is happening in the world and right here in the good ole' U.S. of A. How many times I hear people speaking of the good old days, of simpler times when life wasn't so complicated, when it was safe to let children run free in public and when everyone supposedly went to church every Sunday.

I dissent from such a view. There is no such thing as the good ole' days. It is a myth constructed by people with amnesia who have forgotten or have chosen not to remember the problems and perils of earlier days. Allow me to offer some evidence:

-An estimated 20% of American children live in poverty today. More lived in poverty in 1900 and an estimated 20% lived in orphanages because their parents couldn't afford them.

-In the nineteenth century the age of sexual consent in several states was nine or ten.

-In the 1920s, no law required a divorced father to pay child support.

-Near the end of 1943, Life Magazine ran an article on juvenile delinquency which highlighted among other things, teenagers smoking marijuana and teenage girls waiting to be picked up by soldiers. The article states, "Too many Victory Girls believe it is part of patriotism to deny nothing to servicemen."

-At the beginning of the Civil War, there were proportionately as many abortions being performed annually as there are today.

-The murder rate in the 1930s was as high as in the 1980s.

-In the earlier part of the twentieth century, divorce rates were not nearly as high as they are today, but comparatively the rates of desertion and domestic violence were much higher than in the twenty-first century.

-Today approximately two-thirds of Americans do not go to church. In the nineteenth century the percentage was... two-thirds.

-Preacher and theologian Jonathan Edwards was criticized by fellow Christians for being too stuffy when it came to sexual morality.

-In the period of the American Revolution, it was not uncommon for an engaged couple to have sex prior to marriage.

-The child sex slave trade was just as prevalent one hundred years ago as it is today.

-It is estimated that in the middle of the nineteenth century, there was one prostitute for every 64 men in New York City.

-With all the talk about the problems of health care in the U.S., would anyone prefer the medical practices of 1910? (By the way, the greatest factor for the longer life spans in the developed world today is not the result of today's medicine, but modern methods of sanitation.)

-We talk about pollution today, but one hundred years ago people thought nothing of dumping all kinds of things into streams and lakes and blowing toxic smoke into the air.

-We understandably are concerned about all the additives put in food today, but one hundred and fifty years ago, food poisoning from "all-natural" foods was much more common than it is today.

I could go on and on, but instead I will simply list some sources below where much more information and examples can be obtained.

None of this is to suggest that everybody was wicked and rotten a hundred years ago. There were plenty of good and decent people then as there are now. But we must dispel ourselves of the notion that there was some golden era in American history (or any history for that matter) when all was pure and pristine, wonderful and lovely. Along with that we must also reject the belief that everything is much worse today than it was "back then." This does not mean we should fail to take our problems and challenges seriously, but a little less of "the sky is falling" hysteria would be a good thing... and unfortunately, we have too many "Chicken Littles" cackling around us.

---

Selected Sources

Dean Merrill, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997

Stephanie Coontz, The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap. Basic Book, 1992.

Life Magazine 15, No. 25 (20 December 1943).

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Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian

Truth is Stranger than Fiction 2009.22

Ohio police say man dressed as Breathalyzer for Halloween accused of DUI

Nov 4, 4:47 PM EST

OXFORD, Ohio (AP) -- An Ohio man dressed as a Breathalyzer test for Halloween found himself blowing into one after police stopped him for allegedly driving the wrong way without headlights on a one-way street. Oxford police said they stopped 20-year-old James P. Miller on Halloween night and found beer in his front seat and in the trunk.

Police said Miller blew 0.158 percent on a Breathalyzer test. The legal limit for driving is a blood-alcohol level of .08.

Miller was cited on charges including operating a vehicle while intoxicated, underage possession of alcohol, having an open container and a fake ID, and a one-way street violation.

Miller had no comment when reached at home Wednesday.

Elections Are Never Mandates

Yesterday's elections results are now being spun by both political parties to their advantage. Most Democrats are minimizing losing two governorships in Virginia and New Jersey, while Republicans are hailing their victories as a shot across the bow at Democrats in Congress and President Obama. In truth, both sides are overplaying their hand, which should not be surprising. Nevertheless, Republicans have reason to be happy today, though their celebration should be guarded, and Democrats ought to be concerned, although they are hardly on the path to minority party status.

The first lesson that politicians should have learned a long time ago but have not, is that, contrary to popular political mythology, elections are never mandates from the American people. Yes, there are those partisans on both sides who want their party to ram their agenda down the collective throat of the country come hell or high water, but most voters are not so ideologically driven. For the most part, elections are not expressions of confidence in someone or one group of politicians as they are a no confidence vote in those who fail to get elected. The reason the Republicans controlled all facets of government up until 2006 was because the American people lacked confidence in the Democratic party to govern. In 2006, we began to see the public's lack of trust in the Republicans. Thus, the 2008 election that swept the Democratic party into the White House along with bigger majorities on Capitol Hill, was not a show of support for those elected as much as a no-confidence vote in those who had been in office. Change elections are really a "get rid of the bums" kind of event. Yes, I know that there were more than a few, particularly young people, who were part of the "Obama Messianic Movement," but most supporters of President Obama are more realistic and down-to-earth. Unfortunately, what has happened in the last year is that the Democratic party, newly in power, has assumed, on account of their hubris, that the American people have given them a mandate for their agenda, for their political program. Such an extreme approach to governing is starting to result, ever so slowly in another "get rid of the bums" election now directed at the other side of the aisle.

But what yesterday's results reveal is that the American people will not tolerate politicians gone wild in either foreign or domestic policy. The American people were fed up with George W. Bush's hubris on foreign policy, and yesterday they indicated that they are not pleased with the hubris shown by President Obama and the Democrats in the last ten months on domestic affairs. If the Republicans think that the gaining of two governorships now means that "new winds are blowing" as RNC Chair Michael Steele said this morning, they over-estimate what the American people think of the Republican Party's ability to govern in all matters. At the same time, if the Democrats interpret yesterday's results only as the public's frustration at their inability to put forward their agenda on health care, etc., they have badly misunderstood that a segment of the American people, who are likely representative of a certain cross-section of the country, have only one year after an historic election, sent a not-so-subtle message to them that their election did not mean a mandate in support of more government control of the private sector and the mortgaging of their children's and grand children's future in wild deficit spending.

Elections are never mandates; they are temporary charges given to a few people by many people, who expect those so elected to govern humbly and reasonably. If politicians and political parties took themselves and their views less seriously, they might, at some point, come to understand this.

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Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian

Opinion Central Poll 2009.46: Final Results

Do you prefer to watch the NFL or college football?

Reflections on Revelation #5: Worship in the Heavenly Court

Revelation 4

The fourth chapter of Revelation is the beginning of a vision in the throne-room of heaven. John indeed uses the language of vision, which does not suggest that he has been actually transported into heaven itself. It is more than a mental image, but neither is it a change of location.

The vision of the creatures in heaven is obviously rooted in the context of the Old Testament-- Ezekiel and Isaiah. The identity of the twenty-four elders bowing in worship has been debated. It can represent an angelic order in heaven that compliments the twenty-four priestly and levitical orders of 1 Chronicles (24:4; 25:9-13). Others suggest that the twenty-four elders represent the whole people of God as represented by the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, who signified Jesus' intention to reconstitute the people of God in his ministry.

The scene in Revelation 4 clearly is one of power and majesty. God is on his throne and in charge. The God of Israel is not a pretender deity demanding worship from his subjects; this God is worthy of worship because he is indeed God. At the beginning of John's apocalyptic vision, his hearers are comforted by the worship of God in the heavenly court. In the midst of trials and tribulations they are reminded that those who oppress them will face justice in God's appointed time. In verse 11 the twenty-four elders shout in worship, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power." The Roman historian Suetonius tells us that this was essentially the same greeting given by Roman subjects to the Emperor Domitian as he arrived in triumphant procession. The message at the end of chapter four is too obvious to be missed. Only the one true God is worthy of such honor and glory. Domitian's divine pretensions are blasphemous.

Faithful Foundations (Belated Thoughts on All Saints' Day)

Hebrews 11

So often we think that the only real impact made in life and in society and in the church come from those who do things that make the headlines. When we read our history books, we are told mostly about the great leaders and those who have become famous because they have blazed new trails. We know of Lewis and Clark, but not of the countless men and women who ventured out on the American frontier stepping out into the unknown armed only with a dream and a few provisions. Even though we do not know most of those pioneers, nevertheless they made quite a difference in the settling of our nation. Those unknown and seemingly insignificant settlers made quite a difference in our history.

On All Saints' Day, we remember those believers who made quite a difference in our lives. These persons may not go down in the history books for subsequent generations to read about and reflect upon, but their ordinary faith has made an extraordinary impact on us, and we are right to remember them. Indeed, we are obligated to reflect on their lives and their faith.

Hebrews chapter 11 has been referred to as the Great Hall of Faith. The writer of the letter highlights for us the great faith and, therefore, faithfulness of many of our Old Testament figures from Abraham to Moses, from David to Deborah. In spite of their frailties, they nevertheless stepped out in faith and their influence ripples throughout history. We could not fulfill our responsibilities as God's people had they not accomplished theirs.

One of the pitfalls we often fall into as we reflect upon these faithful saints that we read about in the Bible is that somehow they were superhuman in what they accomplished. They did great things because they were great; and when we compare our perception of them with us and our lives, we think we cannot possibly live up to their example. They were heroes, we are not.

But such a view misinterprets Hebrews chapter 11. All the people that our author highlights are worthy of mention, not because they were extraordinary individuals; rather, they are singled out because they were ordinary people who, in spite of their fears and their failings, stepped out in faith nonetheless in order to be obedient to God. Hebrews 11 consistently reminds us that what these individuals accomplished was "by faith."

On All Saints' Day, we remember those who have passed from us and this earthly existence, and have now moved into glory right alongside of the great women and men of Hebrews chapter 11; and in our remembrances of them, we place them into Hebrews chapter 11 as models of the life of faith. Their example encourages us to live today and tomorrow, and each and every day, in faith as the evidence of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

We remember those who lives constructed a firm and faithful foundation for us to move forward in faith. In so doing, we are reminded that our task is to lay a firm and faithful foundation for those who come after us in faith, that they too might glorify God.

A Prayer for All Saints' Day

Almighty God, who has knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Your Son, Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who unfeignedly love you; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer