Do you see what I see on television? The pregnant Mary beaten by her father, Mary accused of sleeping with a Herodian soldier, God depicted as a promiscuous, absentee father and Jesus being cajoled in losing his virginity on December 7th’s Family Guy. Pseudo television Bible documentaries on the History/Discovery channels, “The Nativity Story” film and FOX animated series’ think this is acceptable biblical programming. What do you think?
In Korea, at the turn of the last century, there were no Christian churches – then, as a result of sparks from Azusa Street, God moved through the nation. Seoul was so impacted by spiritual renewal that it became known as the second Jerusalem. Then sadly and suddenly, the Japanese Occupation of Korea took place.
These days, I spend lots of my time mentoring young leaders. I take them on ministry trips, speak in training schools and lead discipleship retreats. But I’m learning that mentorship does not work in just one direction. Even though I’m the “old guy,” I benefit in amazing ways from the time I spend with younger Christians.
I write these words from India where I’m on my 22nd ministry trip in the last 22 years. How India is changing!
Toward the end of his life, Moses makes a fascinating declaration to the Jewish people that would seem so intuitive one has to ask why it’s even mentioned. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20 he charges, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
On a harsh night in Bethlehem, two brave souls made their way through a crowded city. They were finally at the end of a rugged (and involuntary) 80 mile road trip from Nazareth. A baby was on the way, and the expectant mother needed a safe, clean place for the night. Unfortunately, Joseph and Mary were shut out. They were met with the hard reality of “no room in the Inn.”
