The Greatest Epic of Our Time: The White Wizard

Within his epic Tolkien was constantly contrasting opposites. Light and dark are at constant odds, and constantly mirrored against each other. There are two towers set against each other (Minas Tirith and Minas Morgul), two ring bearers (Gollum and Frodo), etc...

Of all his contrasts in tale, none is better at getting this point across than the two White Wizards Tolkien places in his story, Saruman and Gandalf. Saruman and Gandalf look almost alike, both possess incredible power, and both are capable of bending others to their will. They look and seem so alike that even characters who travel with Gandalf for years end up mistaking one for the other at points. Both even desire to overthrow evil. The one significant difference between the two are the ways they decide to go about their work.

Saruman seeks out knowledge and places the things of the mind first. He tries to understand the way the world works, creates new technology, and studies people and places systematically. Gandalf on the other hand chooses to seek relationships, people, and love first. He desires to know people, their history, who they are, and how he can help them. In the end, Saruman gains what he desires. He gains knowledge and power, and then, because he has no love for those around him, he ends up destroying them and himself in order to push them to do what he thinks is right. On the other hand, Gandalf gives of himself to protect others, even to the point of death, and is in turn given power and authority over others so he can go back and sacrifice even more for him. Saruman dies pitifully and miserably, self-diluted and self-pitying. Gandalf goes in peace to Paradise a victor and loved by those he gave everything for.

What Tolkien was getting at is absolutely incredible. Here we see the dangers of the pursuit of self-empowerment. Saruman tried to gain wealth, knowledge, and power, believing that, at a point, he could use it all to help others. But in his quest to make more of himself, he began to take his eyes of the ultimate goal and began to see the act of self-accumulating as an end in and of itself. On the other hand we see the empowerment that comes with self-sacrifice in Gandalf, who pursues others' well-being with no consideration for his own good and gains incredible knowledge, power, and wisdom in the process.

The lesson seems obvious and straightforward at first, but at second-glance seems absolutely counterintuitive to everything this world tells us. So often we are told that, once we gain enough, we will eventually have enough to give to others. The man who wants to get rich claims that, once he has enough, he will give to charity. The woman who is trying to be an M.D. says that, once she has a profession, then she can start helping people. The person who seeks that position of power and authority tells everyone that once they have it they will work hard to take care of all those under them. But when is enough enough? When do you have enough wealth to give generously? When do you have enough skill to care the needy? When do you have enough power to serve others? At what point do we draw the line?

In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus tells a parable of three servants who are entrusted with some of their master's wealth. two go out and make profit with the money they are given, but the third decides to hide what he is given and protect what he has. The first two servants are rewarded for risking what they had for the good of their master, but the third is cursed for keeping what he had to himself.

In the same way, we so often waste our time holding our gifts back from the world, saying that, when the time is right or when we have enough, then we will give if ourselves. But God never asks for what we might have in the future, he asks us to serve Him with our gifts now. No talent, skill, or potency can compare with the awesome being who made us. He doesn't ask for us to give something others will consider beneficial. What we have right now is what he wants.

And when we take that risk and serve others with what we have, we find that what He gives us in return is worth so much more than we can make on our own. When we put others first and give ourselves away, we give Him the chance to fill us up with something even better to give away again. This is what it means to play a part in Christ's endless cycle of love.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.Come and share your master’s happiness!" - Matthew 25: 23

Praying we all hear those words when we finally get Home! God bless!

The Great Epic of Our Time : "The Least of These will be the Greatest Among You"

The world of Middle-Earth created by JRR Tolkien and the books that followed have been called the greatest epics of our time. Some would claim (my anthropology teacher among them) that it is the single greatest mythology ever created, more complex, in-depth, developed, and greater in scope than anything since the time of the Greeks and Romans. But why is it so phenomenal? I'm convinced it's due to the fact that, within his works, Tolkien left an echo of the True Nature of our own world, and in that truth lies the whisper of a Voice we can't recall, but we've always known. These next couple of blogs are dedicated to the greatest writer of the twenthieth century, and to the Voice he followed to the end of his days...

Who is the greatest leader in history? What did they accomplish? Did they conquer great nations, sail the seven seas, explore new frontier, make breakthroughs in their field, bring glory to their family, found empires, decide the fate of lesser men? Did they heal the sick, give to the needy, empower the oppressed, bring respite to the suffering, love their fellow man? Did they restore old knowledge, discover things hidden, unlock new heights of potential, drink deep of the fountain of wisdom? Did they bring justice and order? Did they give grace and mercy? Did they bring light into the darkness? How did they write their name in the stones of history?

In our culture, Greatness is often associated with power. We look to those with the most knowledge, the most skill, the most talent, the most strength. We believe that great leaders are the strongest, the smartest, the biggest and the best. We associate greatness with achievement.

In Tolkein's works, we see something completely contrary to the mindset of our culture. The One person upon whom the fate of the world depends is not a warrior, not a scholar, nor someone with any special gift or ability to help save the world. The entire future of his world is placed in the hands of a hobbit. Frodo Baggins of the Shire.

He has nothing special about him at all. It's not that he hasn't yet learned something about himself, not that he hasn't unlocked some hidden potential, not that he isn't given some special power to help others. He's just not capable. He's from the smallest of the small, the weakest of the weak, the most pathetic of the least of these. He can't possibly lead armies or conquer anyone or anything. He can't swing a long sword. He can't even find his way to where he is going.

Tolkein chooses to place the least powerful person in his story in the place of most honor. Why would he do this? Why not have a war story like everyone else? Why not have a story like Star Wars, where the heroes are all jedi with super-powers and big laser swords? Why not have a super-hero movie where the Dark Knight or Superman fly in, beat up the bad guy, and save the day? Where's the sense in having a movie with all this action, and your main character does nothing but run, hide, escape, and, on occasion, when trouble shows up, get saved by one of his friends who, with incredible skill, shoots down the troll with two arrows, takes down five guys alone, uses some incredible magic to kill an evil demon. Why aren't any of these other guys the main character?

Because the truth of the matter is, great leaders aren't those who are the most accomplished, or even the most capable. Heroes are those that sacrifice the most for others. They're the servants.

In Philippians 2, we see what God's take on heroism.

"Your attitude should be like that of Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a Servant by being made in human likeness. And being found in human likeness He humbled Himself to death, even death on a cross. Therefore God gave Him the name that is above every name: that at the name a Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2: 5-11

Here we have the God of the Universe, the Greatest being in existence, the essence of Power, Kingliness, Greatness and Splendor, arriving on earth not as a king or a noble or even a great leader of men. He came down as a poor carpenter, born to two peasants, lived an ordinary life, never left his home country, never sailed the seas, never received a good education, never lead men into battle, never wrote a treaty, never wrote any works at all. He is most noted for being born in a dung heap and being slaughtered on a Roman torture device. His followers were rejects who betrayed Him the minute the public turned against Him. His family thought He was crazy. Yet, He is noted over and over again as the most eminent figure in human history. More songs have been sung about Him, more books written of His Greatness, more people claim Him as their God, and more people have given their lives for His Name than any other man who has ever walked the earth or ever will. We split time on His existence. He is the single most important being to ever walk the face of the earth. And in His time on earth all He ever did was out of love for others. All He ever did was serve and humble Himself.

This is the echo of truth we find in Tolkein's works. Tolkein chooses his hero for his selflessness, love, humility, and sacrificial nature. These are the traits, Tolkein claims, have more power than any sword or   any spell. And He seems to on to something.

When asked how to achieve greatness, Jesus replied: become the least. disadvantage yourself the most. give all you have to others. embody humility. the last will be first, the first will be last.

Praying that we humble ourselves like hobbits and touch true greatness beyond our wildest dreams. Not through achievement or accomplishment, but through sacrificial servitude!

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

"whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20: 26-28

God bless!

Cultural Christianity

The last few months, I have been struggling with an issue I've had since before I can remember. For as long as I can remember, I have lived in a culture filled with Christianity.

At this point, most people pause to ask me if I'm crazy. Shouldn't I be thrilled? Isn't that what we want? To be absolutely surrounded by a culture where Christianity is the norm? People tell me that we're so blessed to be in a community where we learn about Christianity, where we can easily find a church or a Christian organization or a small group to join. We can listen to Christian radio stations, wear Christian clothes, and even put nifty little fish on the backs of our cars. We can go to camps and conferences, hear cool Christian speakers, make awesome Christian friends, and, if God wills it, get a smokin' hot Christian spouse. We can even go on mission trips and serve others like Christians do! We are so blessed in this part of the world to be able to be Christians.

But where is our Christ? Where is Jesus?

Here, in the Bible Belt of the United States, we so often replace our Savior with our religion. We somehow convince ourselves into believing that by participating in these organizations, groups, and activities, we are living holy lives. We delude ourselves into thinking that Christianity is a decision we made, a culture we accepted, a type of person we want to be, a religion we think is cool.

Where is the love relationship with a God of the universe who beckons us to take up our cross and follow Him? Where is the adoration for an utterly majestic being who compels us to love Him more than all else with every fiber of our being for every moment of our existence, even unto eternity? Where is passion for the sacrificial lamb who tells us to sell all our possessions and follow Him? Where is the obedience to a Jehovah who commands us to take care of the lost and rejected, the hurting and lonely, the poor and the homeless, the orphans and widows, with every single breath that we breath?

Where is that follower of Jesus Christ?

How is it that I live in a town where the religious demographics are overwhelmingly Christian, and yet annually remains one of the poorest counties in the nation? How is it that I live in a city where so many people say they are Christians, but remains one of the largest and most unruly centers for alcoholism and drunkenness in America? How is it that I live in place where people proudly walk around wearing jewelry, paraphernalia, and clothing that is blatantly Christian, and yet locals are under a constant threat of gang violence?

Ghandi was a wonderful guy, wasn't he? He was full of wisdom, kindness, and truth. He was open to the Gospel, and learned much of his strategy for his peaceful revolution in India from Jesus' example. When asked why he finally rejected Christianity, he replied: "If I ever met a Christian, I would become one." and again, "I love your Christ, but not your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

Can you imagine that? A man who openly thought Christ offered something different, something special, wisdom and knowledge and love unlike anything anyone else had come close to. Who used Him as an example he personally followed. But, who ultimately, rejected His divinity because those who claimed to know Him looked so evil, so calloused, so hypocritical, he was convinced there was no way that same God could live within them. Christians are, in some way, guilty for the state of Ghandi's soul. Ghandi, and millions of others.

My point in saying all this is not to down Christian activities and organizations. Nor is it to imply that every Christian will be perfect. I'm a churchboy in every sense of the word, and I am no where near good, much less flawless.

But the way we so often view these organizations or trips as modes of our faith or as the defining moments of our Christian walk is as unhealthy as it is irrational. Your spiritual state is not reflective of the trips you go on, the church you attend, the groups you're in, the catch phrases you use, or the way you dress. We don't look forward to a retreat, we look forward to the ultimate rest. We don't pursue a certain culture in this world, we pursue the Kingdom Coming. We don't look down to a cross around our necks, we look up to a cross planted on a hill called Golgotha. We don't serve Christianity, we serve Christ.

The word Christian means little Christ and again, Christ follower. That's exactly what it's meant to be. We are meant to walk with Christ, to look like Him, to become more and more like Him, and to fall passionately in love with Him. It's not just a card you write on or a decision you make before the altar. It is a choice we make every single moment of our lives. Do we choose, in the moment, to put Christ first, to love Him alone, to remain in Him and allow Him to remain in us? Do we choose, here and now, to be Christians?

Christianity is a wonderful thing; it's historically accurate, filled with truth, beauty, and power. It's been an enormous factor in the pursuit of human rights, peace, and world unity. It has changed the face of the world like no other religion has. But it doesn't take a genius to notice that, like every other religion, Christianity can fall short. Look at the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Salem Witch Trials. Christianity is influenced by people, and we have a knack for corrupting things.

But the one thing we can never corrupt, the one thing we can never move, the one thing we can never twist, break, soil, or defile is Jesus Christ. When humans touch Jesus, no matter how disgusting we are, He's always able to cleanse us. No matter how far we fall, He can pick us up. No matter how confused we are, He can give us clarity. He's too holy, righteous, and full of light for our dark and hurting lives to threaten Him.

What I dream of, what I so desperately desire, is not a culture where Christianity is a common title a person has. It's not a place where we are comfortable and content to simply be associated with Christianity. It's a world so consumed with Jesus Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit that it changes the way we live and the lives of those around us. I want to dwell in a place where sex is so revered and so passionate that it is reserved for the most intimate of relationships and reflects the selflessness two people have towards one another. I want to live in a culture where the homeless are supported willingly and gladly treated like human beings with hearts and souls. I want a place where the prostitute is taken in and treated with such gentleness and care that others believe her to be someone of importance when they see the way Christians treat her. I want to see a place where alcohol is used with such joy and difference that people don't need to get drunk to experience it's power to bring people together; where people are so at peace they don't have to escape to the smoke of a joint or the bottom of a bottle to have a moments' rest. Where every widow is loved and every orphan has a home. Where the language is love and it's spoken both in word and in deed. Where Jesus Christ is the focus and purpose behind every movement, thought, and action. That is the Christ culture I crave.

And it can and will be a reality.

You can just barely see it coming. Like a curtain slowly parting to reveal some beautiful masterpiece, we are, moment by moment, coming closely to the Kingdom. And we aren't leaving this place to get there. It's coming here. For the moment, it's our precious pleasure to experience Jesus' love and share it with all those around us. We get to be a part of the dance that brings Heaven to Earth.

"Then Samuel said, 'Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production." - 1 Samuel 15:22

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27

"³ We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. ⁴Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. ⁵ But if anyone obeys his word, love for God^[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: ⁶ Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." - 1 John 2:3-6

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence"- 1 John 3:19

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." - John 4:23

"⁶Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? ⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? ⁸ Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness^[a] will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. ⁹ Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am." - Isaiah 58: 6-9

Praying that we all see the Kingdom Come! God bless!