Rescued

Oct 30

Posted by matrill in Uncategorized | No Comments


Last night we had the opportunity to hear Steve Green in concert. It was a great event filled with powerful music. Not only does he possess an incredibly strong and disciplined voice, but the message of each song was so clear and compelling. (By the way, his a capella presentation of “A Mighty Fortress” was worth the price of a ticket.)

Throughout the evening, he spoke about the blessings of our salvation, the fullness of God’s grace, and the hope of the resurrection. Each topic was an encouragement and a challenge for daily living. Several times when speaking about salvation, he used a significant term – rescued. Saved, redeemed, reborn, delivered…all are descriptive of the work that God has done in the lives of those who are His own. Yet, there is something very striking about the concept of our rescue.

I quickly thought of Air Station Clearwater just down the road. Almost every day I look up to see a thundering C-130 or a HH-60 helicopter heading west from the largest and busiest Air Station in the US Coast Guard. Frequently, we watch the evening news with a report of boaters rescued from the waters of the Gulf.

Can you imagine the experience of being capsized and lost at sea? The waters increasingly chill your body’s temperature. The waves seem to grow taller with each passing minute. Your muscles fatigue, begin to ache, and soon cease to function. You realize there is nothing you can do to keep your head above water. The end is near and certain.

Suddenly in the distance you hear the chopping sound from the blades of a Jayhawk helicopter. From it you can see a cable with a rescue swimmer descending to your position. He speaks words of assurance as he secures a lifeline around you. Steadily you are lifted up out of the stormy waters into the security of the waiting helicopter. As the craft lands and you step out onto solid ground you take in the magnitude of what has just happened. Your life has been wonderfully saved. You have been rescued.

The psalmist never envisioned a helicopter, but described our spiritual rescue with compelling terms.

“He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. [17] He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.” Psalm 18:16-17

More than from just earthly enemies, the Lord has rescued us from our spiritual adversary. When Christ died, He broke the bonds of sin and freed us from the clutches of Satan himself. He lifted us up from our miserable condition and placed us in a sure place.

Often the one rescued returns to the Air Station to meet the crew that carried out the rescue. With a heart overflowing with gratitude, he realizes all he can do is say “thank you.” No repayment is possible, because none could ever measure up to the gift of a lived saved from sure destruction.

How can we ever cease to praise the One who has truly rescued us? What a powerful message God’s children have to share with those around us!

Still small voice

Oct 2

Posted by matrill in Bible, earthquake, storms | No Comments

Thursday’s newspaper headline declared, “Three natural disasters rattle a hemisphere.” While a powerful typhoon was bearing down on Southeast Asia this week, two underwater earthquakes struck thousands of miles away. One quake spawned colossal waves that rushed toward the Samoas, leaving massive flooding in their wake. The other flattened buildings in Indonesia leaving more than 1,000 dead, thousands more missing, and countless families without a home.

As the death toll continues to rise in the wake of such tragedy, the public discussion generates some inevitable questions and responses. Even secular pundits weigh in when tragedy strikes on such a grand scale. “Could this be divine justice? Should we consider it a wakeup call?” Soon a religious leader will likely seize the public platform to make a definitive interpretation as if he serves as God’s sole spokesman.

During Elijah’s self-imposed exile (1 Kings 19) he witnessed some incredible events: a strong wind crumbled the mountains and crushed the great rocks. An earthquake and fire soon followed. “But the Lord was not in the fire” (vs. 12). Remember that God spoke to Elijah with that “still small voice.”

We often look for meaning in events such as those that struck this week (especially when they are closer to our own home). In frustration we lament, “If only we knew what God was trying to tell us.” While I would not discourage someone from examining life’s occurrences through the lens of providence, I believe we have a greater responsibility.

Certainly, God is powerful enough to shake the earth or control the winds and waves. Likewise, He is still active in the course of human history. However, should we be looking for a message in these natural events when we so often overlook the clear one on our own bookshelf? Bound between leather covers we possess the complete divine revelation – the very Word of God in our own language. What a blessing and privilege – one which we easily take for granted.

The will of God is not inscrutable on its pages. Otherwise, we could not be expected to do it, as the New Testament authors instruct us (Eph. 6:6). Certain aspects of the Lord’s will are clearly expressed in the Bible. His will is that sinful men will repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). He expects believers to obey the civil authorities and the laws of the land (1 Peter 2:15). He desires His children to be thankful (1 Thess. 5:18). His will is that Christians will maintain personal purity, living holy lives that are examples to the world (1 Thess. 4:3). If only we inspected the message of God’s written Word with the same diligence that some do the tempests and tremors.

Our responsibility? Handle the Word of God properly. Value it – evidenced by the time we spend with it. Respect it – manifested by the authority we give it. Honor it – demonstrated by our obedient response to it.

We will once again gather on Sunday and look into the sacred book that we hold in our hands. On its pages we find the message of God preserved for us. May we be faithful children of our heavenly Father, remembering the great worth of His Word that reveals His will for us.

The Challenge of Death

Sep 25

Posted by matrill in death, evangelism, health insurance | No Comments

In a recent article concerning the health care debate, Newsweek contributor Evan Thomas wrote, “At a more basic level, Americans are afraid not just of dying, but of talking and thinking about death. Until Americans learn to contemplate death as more than a scientific challenge to be overcome, our health care system will remain unfixable.”

More than just contributing to the discussion of national insurance, Thomas has addressed some fundamental truths about death in our culture. Not only are people afraid of it, they do not even like to talk or think about it. The separation. The loss. The uncertainty. In fact, society would rather view it on an empirical level, as if one day the sciences will conquer it altogether.

When I read this, I was reminded of the apostle Paul’s comments in Philippians 1:23: “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.” How could he experience such a dilemma and consider death a viable, even enticing, prospect? To this day it remains something that we want to delay or avoid.

The key to Paul’s anticipation lies in the comfort and assurance that he experienced in relationship with Christ. Remember that death tops the great list of things that are unable to separate a believer from God’s love in Romans 8:35-38. Not even laying down this mortal body and being separated from loved ones in this world would affect his eternal destination and connection with the Lord.

Death is more than just a “scientific challenge.” It is a spiritual reality that does not have to hold us in its grip of fear and dread. When Christ died and rose again for our sins, He conquered every bit of death’s power over us (1 Corinthians 15:54-55). Paul’s assurance belongs to every Christian.

What a fantastic opportunity we have as believers in Christ. Not only do we possess an assurance not offered by the world, we have the privilege of sharing it with those around us. Friends and family do not like the topic of death, mainly because they have no answer concerning what follows. However, we have the good news of salvation through God’s only Son. May we do our part to share this wonderful message and pray that they find in salvation the freedom from the fear of death.

Let us who know the Savior live lives that echo the words of Scripture: “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57).

Loud and Proud

Sep 18

Posted by matrill in baseball, church, humility, pride | No Comments

After yesterday’s baseball game between the Red Sox and Angels, the umpires filed a formal complaint against the Los Angeles coaching staff. It seems the coaches were upset about a few close calls that went against them, and their conduct as the umps left the field was described as “unprofessional and unbecoming.” We are left to imagine what choice words were hurled at the officials. Rather than a noteworthy event, this becomes another in a growing list of ill-mannered incidents.

This week USA Today reflected on our society’s lack of politeness and civility after a few highly publicized episodes in a variety of arenas. Rep. Joe Wilson shouted down the President in a joint session of Congress. Serena Williams launched a profanity-laced attack on a line judge at the US Open to contest a call. Kanye West hijacked the stage during an awards show acceptance speech to redirect recognition away from the winner to his favorite nominee.

Every day we encounter arrogance and impoliteness that go unpublished. A driver shouts, gestures, or drives aggressively because of a perceived slight on the highway. High school athletes “trash talk” like the professional heroes they watch on television each week, rather than proving their mettle on the court or field. Children on the playground berate each other to make themselves feel and look a little better. Pick your favorite venue. It’s likely you will find a famine of humility and a surplus of self-importance. If we are not disciplined, we will find ourselves on the delivery end of such pride and incivility.

The prevalence of such conduct has also made us expert at justifying pride and rude behavior. While explaining the grievance against the Angels’ coaches, the spokesman for the World Umpires Association stated, “We recognize that in the heat of competition folks get heated up and make mistakes.” The Dallas Morning News opined that “passion can be used as a flimsy excuse for shameless self-entitlement.” Our list of excuses goes on and on. Perhaps we should address the heart of the matter instead of defending our misconduct.

David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times, wrote that humility has come under attack in recent decades and describes the prevalence of “expressive individualism.” Today, “instead of being humble before God and history, moral salvation could be found through intimate contact with oneself and by exposing the beauty, the power and the divinity within.” One result that he notes is that “immodesty is as ubiquitous as advertising.” Instead of recognizing God, we are consumed by self.

Apparently, this is not simply a contemporary problem. The Scriptures speak often of the destructive nature of pride and the blessings of humility. Priests and kings were prone to self-promotion. Even the Lord’s own disciples struggled with putting others first (Matt. 18:1; Luke 22:24).

The answer? More than just teaching good manners and politeness to our children, we must remember the biblical instruction concerning a proper attitude. The unchanging truth is that just as God hates pride and punishes it, He values humility and promises reward. “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off” (Psa. 138:6).

As believers, it is our responsibility to lead the way and model Christlike humility. The world has no hope of seeing meekness in action if we do not provide the example. Fight the temptation to promote self and instead prefer one another (Rom. 12:1). The Lord promised, “whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11). What better incentive do we need?

Today, I placed a small card that reads “Before Honour is Humility” (Prov. 15:33) on the dashboard of my car. This silent memo reminds me of the need to demonstrate the mind of Christ in my daily life and the reward that God has promised when I do.

Wring Our Hands or Bow Our Heads

Jul 4

Posted by matrill in church, crime, holiday, summer camp church, teens | 1 Comment

On most days the newspaper publishes articles about teenagers who commit a senseless crime against someone else. From theft to violent attacks and even murder, nothing is outside the scope of possibility. While I believe that the news media should report these facts, it breaks my heart to think of the strong bonds of sin that would compel teens to commit such acts. I shake my head and wonder what kind of future they will live out. Even worse, I question what the future holds for our society that produces such young people. We often wring our hands and wonder, “Is there any hope when mere children act in such a fashion?” If we are not careful, we can become discouraged to the point of despondency.

Then I look at the big picture and thank the Lord for His work in our lives. After a week at junior camp, I am reminded of the potential of those young children. What a privilege to see boys and girls trust Christ as their Savior and others dedicate their lives to serving Him. I am convinced that God can protect them from evil influences and set them on a course for an honorable and rewarding life.

I witnessed the hard work of our teen workers who generally serve without reward, or even much recognition. “Move those coolers. Unload that trailer. Set up the equipment so our kids can compete in a game.” Nothing more was needed to set them into action. No paycheck. No rewards from the campers who would benefit. Just a week’s full of humble service – and a lot of bug bites. I am convinced that God kept an accurate record of their labor and will reward far better than we ever could. I also believe that unselfish service is something upon which you can build a fruitful life.

Finally, this morning I sat around a table in the café with three young men. Each is between fifteen and seventeen years old. Each woke up on a Saturday (and a holiday) to attend a monthly prayer breakfast. Each bowed his head and spoke with the Lord, interceding for the needs of others. Each recognized with gratitude the freedoms they enjoyed and the Lord’s provision of them. Each mentioned the spiritual needs of others, either rejoicing over someone’s salvation or requesting that another would respond to the gospel message. In my heart the Lord replaced discouragement with a strong sense of confidence and expectation.

If only a newspaper reporter would have been there to write about them. I could provide him with dozens of similar subjects and hundreds of headlines. I simply would like the world to discover what I was reminded of again this morning. There is always hope – for an individual, a community, or the world – as long as our God is involved.

Time is Running Out!

Jun 12

Posted by matrill in Uncategorized | No Comments

This week the Associated Press issued another in a series of urgent bulletins. The basic message: Time is running out! Commerce Secretary Gary Locke made a pressing appeal for Americans to respond before it is too late. What could possibly be so important to warrant such a barrage of warnings from the federal government? People who have not yet made the transition to digital TV face a Friday deadline to upgrade – or be faced with the terrifying prospect of blank TV screens.

Night and day for eighteen months, the words have slowly scrolled across our screens. When broadcast television converts to digital, analog receivers will no longer be able to pick up a signal. It appears the government is concerned about the uproar that might occur when people suddenly realize they cannot watch tonight’s episode of CSI or “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Can you imagine the chaos that would follow the complete and instantaneous removal of our television signal? What if it included satellites, cable and broadcast TV? What would America do? Sure, television is a tool that can connect us to noteworthy events in the world around us. However, more often than not, it is simply the vehicle that brings various forms of entertainment into our homes. Sometimes harmless, usually mindless, and often downright offensive.

When I read the latest warnings, I began to wonder. What if believers treated the reality of the Lord’s return with the same urgency that the federal government treated this event? The Lord Himself reminds us that “as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matt. 24:37). He describes people who were eating, drinking, and celebrating as if they had no concerns at all – until Noah entered the ark. Those same people who ignored the warning were swept away in the great global flood. He then offers the sobering reminder that “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matt. 24:39).

We have a clear message: Jesus is coming again! We have an urgent message: His coming is imminent! We have an alarming message: He will come without further notice! We have a sobering message: We must be prepared now to meet Him! Perhaps we should put out an urgent bulletin to the people that surround us each day. God has promised the return of His Son. Today is the day to prepare.

President or Preacher

Jun 6

Posted by matrill in politics, preaching | No Comments

President Obama spoke to the Muslim world this week at Cairo University. After listening to the spin from both sides about his “New Beginning” speech, I read the complete text. All 5,802 words of “audacious hope.” He dealt with a variety of important issues including Israel, nuclear weapons, American troops in Afghanistan, the Palestinian conflict, and women’s rights.

However, what struck me was the way he chose to conclude this speech; by quoting from the Koran, the Talmud, and the Holy Bible. His final remark was, in fact, a declaration of God’s vision for the world. Seemingly assuming the role of prophet, the President of the United States was proclaiming, “thus saith the Lord.”

My first thought concerned which god he had in mind. Like it or not, there is a distinct and infinite difference between Allah of the Koran and Jehovah of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments). The former is the manufactured product of man and his religion. The latter is the one true God who created everything that we know and to whom each of us will give account. It is likely that President Obama holds the popular, but erroneous, belief that all concepts of a higher being point to the same entity. “Every religion leads to the same paradise as long as one truly believes.” I offer the following advice to anyone who insists on espousing this view. Put your Bible back on the shelf, because you will not find anything resembling that in its pages.

A second thought immediately followed. A politician elected in an increasingly secular American society was standing before the world pontificating on religious matters. What about the supposed separation between one’s political and religious beliefs? Our own government has wielded that concept as a sword against pastors and churches at every possible opportunity.

In 1954, the United States Congress approved Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson’s amendment that restricted churches and charitable organizations from political activity. Through the past five decades, Congress has repeatedly added restrictive language that effectively tells churches and ministers to keep their noses out of the political realm. “Steer clear altogether or we’ll take away your right to tax exemption,” they threaten.

Perhaps a few crucial reminders are necessary. First, the government did not give me a single right or liberty that I have. The founding fathers never believed that government did or could. God alone gave us our freedoms, and the government (federal or other) was created simply to protect them.

Furthermore, a cursory historical review of our nation will reveal ministers who were highly involved in the framing of our nation’s laws and governments. In our earliest years, pastors throughout the colonies would stand before their congregations and deliver “election sermons.” They would remind their communities about God’s principles for civil government. From the Word of God, they would charge both elected officials and citizenry with the duties of serving and living in a Christian nation. The honest student of American history will also discover political leaders who were deeply religious and unafraid to state that it influenced their personal, professional, and political lives.

As this history is being rewritten in today’s textbooks, we are led to believe in some inviolable partition that keeps the realms of religion and politics from even brushing into one another. The first time an elected official makes a comment that reveals how his faith in Christ affects his decisions the cries are loud and strong. “Keep that private. There is no place for that in this arena.” However, the same politicos who threaten religious leaders and organizations to mind their own business will gladly invoke the name of God if it will win them an election or boost their approval rating. Ultimately, the question is whether our government truly wants this inviolate separation of church and state – or only when it serves their cause. You cannot have it both ways.

Now the most powerful politician in our nation is waxing religious before the whole world. Unfortunately, his great mistake was a common one; trying to equate any other book with the Bible. He tried to declare the will of God without relying solely on the inspired Word of God.

Obama’s purported fields of expertise are government, the law, and the economy. Perhaps he would be best served by restricting his comments to those areas. There is an old response uttered when someone offers unsolicited advice. “I don’t come to your workplace and tell you how to do your job.” Part of me would like to tell our president, “Leave the preaching to us.” The other part longs for a president who would stand firmly on God’s Word alone and be unashamed to state that it guides his decisions. Even greater would be the leader who gives clear evidence supporting that claim.

I do not profess to have all the answers, but I know the only One who does.