Mighty Warrior

 This morning's Wake Up Call discusses one of my favorite characters in Scripture: Gideon, who lived in the 12th century BCE. His nation was oppressed, he was in hiding, and he likely felt inadequate. We find his story in Judges, Chapter 6.

As I read about Gideon, I can't help but reflect on the uncertainty and conflict happening around the world today. I wonder if many men, including fathers, feel like Gideon—overwhelmed by the tasks at hand and helpless to take action that would improve the situation. Many men are “fixers” who dislike the helpless feeling that accompanies witnessing oppression, injustice, and danger, yet find themselves burdened by fear, indecision, and confusion. Perhaps this longing for a fairy-tale world, where they could wave a magic wand to set things right, stems from this struggle. But we know the world isn’t a fairy tale; it’s more like a jungle, filled with lions, tigers, and bears!

I want to focus on the first few verses of Gideon's story, where he encounters the angel of the Lord. The angel declares, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” This encouraging message is directed at a cowering and timid man who is simply trying to survive day by day. Gideon must have thought, “Surely the angel isn’t talking about me! Is there someone else in here?"In this moment, Gideon—like us—faces the contrast between God's plan and our present reality. Which is true? How do we discover our true selves amidst this chaotic and confusing world? Let’s explore further.

You may have heard me discuss the Human Performance Technology (HPT) model before. This model encourages us to take three actions to move forward in our planning. We can choose to do nothing, or we can take action. Which person do you want to be?

1. The first action is to assess our current situation. What is the reality we are facing? Are we a nation full of Gideons, hiding on a threshing floor, fearfully watching for the approach of the enemy? Do we seek another day of mundane safety? Are we satisfied being safe, inactive, and unmanly, thinking our only responsibility is to bring home a paycheck? Have we lost sight of God's vision for Ezekiel's resurrection army, which is meant to rise up and lead our families, our nation, and ourselves out of oppression? Men, do you even recognize God’s vision for you? Are we aware of our current state? We seem to be surrendering our responsibility to lead our families, nation, and Church, following a culture that says, “Let your children dictate what they want, and give it to them.” Meanwhile, we play video games while culture shapes our priorities and faith and Church become mere options when nothing else is available.

2. Our second action is to decide where we ought to be. Notice I didn’t say “where we want to be.” If we are serious about this, our plan must align with God’s vision. For Gideon, the angel provides a big clue: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” God sees beyond the timid man to the mighty warrior He envisions. How does God see you? I believe God sees a man who is meant to lead those under his care toward Him. It’s a battle, but you are that mighty warrior capable of success because of the one in whom you place your faith.

3. This brings us to the third action: application. In the HPT model, these are referred to as interventions—things that help you transition from where you are to where you ought to be. When someone joins our congregation, they are asked how they plan to live out their faith. “Will you support this congregation—and really the mission of the whole Church—with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness?” Committing to these actions will put you in opposition to the prevailing culture. It may make you unpopular with your children, cause conflict at home, and put you at odds with friends who have different goals for you. Ultimately, it comes down to whose plans you choose. God says, “I know the plans I have for you ... plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Will we choose to be cowering wimps or mighty warriors?

Gideon's story includes faith challenges and unexpected twists, but he ultimately becomes that mighty warrior. He overcomes the enemy and leads his people out of struggle and oppression. Never forget: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!”

Dos and Don'ts!

The Apostle Paul faced struggles similar to those we all experience regarding the things we should and shouldn't do. He found himself in a "do's and don'ts" situation. Let's explore the implications of this.

Paul wrote, "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate!" (Romans 7:15). Do you ever feel that way? I certainly do!So, how can we navigate life without falling into this cycle of behavior? I think of it in terms of sports. 

If I desire to win in any sport, I must understand the game, my behaviors, and the ultimate goal of that sport. For example, in basketball, the goal is straightforward: get the basketball through the net more times than the opposing team. Score more points. However, the path to achieving this goal is more complex. You face opponents who do not want you to score. You also need to know how to position yourself effectively to make successful shots. Even the best players, including professionals, can be thrown off their game by their opponents or by the mental challenges they face. Sports involve execution, but effective execution is influenced by knowledge, skill, and attitude. 

Now, how does this relate to Paul's dilemma? Jesus spoke about life by saying, "I am the truth, the life, and the way" (John 14:6). He also claimed, "I came so that you would have life, and have it to the fullest" (John 10:10). The previous verse (John 10:9) highlights the fact that "The thief comes to kill and destroy."Here are three guiding points:

1. **Don't take your eyes off the goal!** Jesus declares that He is "the life." C.S. Lewis stated that seeking truth, beauty, happiness, and life outside of Jesus is futile, foolish, and impossible because such things simply do not exist. Solomon experienced this futility when he said, "It is a chasing after the wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14). In contrast to this pessimistic view, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to "run with endurance the race God has set before us" by keeping our eyes on Jesus, "the champion who initiates and perfects our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2). Remember, Jesus is our champion, and we win the game with Him on our team!

2. **Don't  allow yourself to become a victim!** Victim-attitude may be the most significant negative force affecting our world today. ** In our nation, two ideologies vie for our hearts and minds, while Jesus instructs us to "love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength" (Mark 12:30). The opposing ideologies are driven by the author of lies, who relies on a single repetitive tactic: distracting us from our goals and leading us to believe we are victims who deserve more. C.S. Lewis illustrated this in his Screwtape Letters, describing how such distractions contribute to unrest. A victim mentality fosters pride, greed, anger, hatred, mistrust, and isolation. On this Father's Day, I urge our fathers to recognize this evil and teach their sons, daughters, and grandchildren that they are victors, not victims. As highlighted in Hebrews, Jesus, after conquering the evil of this world, sits victorious at God's right hand. He invites His children into eternal victory. I've read the end of the book, and Jesus wins—I want Him on my team!

3. **Do follow the one who knows the game, the path, and the way!** We follow by rejecting cultural rhetoric that overshadows God's voice. We recognize that we are here to be blessings and bear fruit—manifesting love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, and self-control. The goal of Christian life is not merely to secure a place in heaven while continuing to struggle with the things we don’t want to do. Paul concludes in Romans 7:25, "Thank God, the answer is Jesus Christ." 

We need more of Jesus and less of a culture that teaches us to be angry because we've been wronged.Paul had the answer. Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life." To succeed in life, "Thank God, the answer is Jesus Christ!" AMEN

Reframed or Renewed?

People approach things differently than God does. While this may seem obvious, let me elaborate. Last week, I observed our cultural tendency to reframe situations in an obvious attempt to mislead, misdirect, and misrepresent the truth. The SpaceX rocket launch on May 27th encountered some issues, and here are a few of the statements that were made about it:

1. "The launch was a success because it went better than the last launch (which ended with space debris scattered across the waters off the Florida coast)."

2. "The rocket experienced an unscheduled and uncontrolled disassembly (in more straightforward language, 'That thing just blew up!')."

3. "There was an 'uncontrolled landing' in the Indian Ocean (which, let's be honest, is better described as a 'crash')."

Do you see a pattern here? Our culture reframes the truth into language that blurs the meaning and obscures the real picture. If it weren’t so amusing, it would be insulting!

Now, here we are. Our entire political system and corporate landscape are trying to find ways to express things that either shade or ignore the truth. The examples above illustrate a much deeper problem. Are we satisfied with this reframing of truth and reality, or are we interested in the genuine article? Enter Jesus …

In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Let’s spend the next three weeks unpacking this! What does "the way" mean?

The Greek word is "Hodos," which means a path, a road, or a journey on which one travels. It is derived from the word "Methodos" (does that sound familiar to any of you?). Methodos refers to "following in an orderly fashion," something that we Methodists certainly appreciate. We follow Scripture, which informs our Book of Discipline, which in turn guides how we run our congregations. 

Here, "Hodos" presents Jesus as the sole path to eternal life with the Father. In a world filled with polytheism (many gods) and 'polyhodos' (many ways), Jesus provides us with clarity, certainty, and purpose. His command to us is simple: "Follow me!" Amen.

Truth and Light, In Our Face!

John’s Gospel opens with a stunning declaration: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:9). It’s poetic. Beautiful. Hopeful. But if we’re honest—also a little intimidating. Because when the Light comes, so does the Truth. And that’s where things get uncomfortable.

We love the idea of light. It’s warmth. It’s clarity. It’s safety. But what about the truth it reveals? Jesus doesn’t just illuminate our world; He exposes it. He exposes us—our shadows, our motives, our missteps, even the ones we didn’t know were there.

It reminds me of a moment years ago when I volunteered on a Habitat for Humanity site. I decided to “share my wisdom” with the project manager about how we should proceed with the next steps. He smiled, then gently but firmly said, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?”—a direct quote from Job, where God reminds us just how little we truly understand.

I’ve never forgotten that. It was truth—right in my face.

And God’s Word does that. 1 John 2:8–10 presses even further: “The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining… Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” In other words, you can talk about light all day long, but if your life doesn’t reflect that truth in love, you’re fooling yourself.  This is both truth and light, right in our face!

Jesus doesn’t offer light and truth as nice ideas. He embodies them. And He gives them not to flatter us, but to transform us. To call us out of darkness, even the darkness we prefer.

So the real question is not whether Jesus brings light and truth. He does.

The question is: Can we handle it?

Or more importantly—will we let it handle us?

We Know Not!

One of the most profound statements made by Jesus from the cross was Luke 23:34, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!"  He made this statement about the people He is facing from the cruelty, pain, and shame of being publicly tortured and killed.  It demonstrates the level of love that God's forgiveness actually takes!  This is one of those things God can do, but I am not sure we could do.

But ... what if this statement is taken more generally?  What if Jesus is making a statement about our actual knowledge of the task, and our continued propensity to miss the point and miss the mark?

In my consulting life, as an "expert" in my field, I was amazed at how many people, because I had the word "consultant" beside my name, thought I was at the highest level of my profession!  I was far from that, and still had far more to learn than I already knew.  This truth (again) hit me in the face when, after seminary, I sat in a hospital room and a man had died that should have survived.  I didn't know what to say.  I didn't have the tools, the knowledge, or the "expertise" to seamlessly navigate that hard day.  I "knew not what I did!"

But then, I began to think about this confession.  Here are my thoughts ...

1. We truly don't know what we are doing when we are submitted to God.  Because it is not us driving the car!  It is God, through the Holy Spirit!  This is not a negative ... it is how movements, not institutions, are built.  The Congo is filled with challenges, obstacles, and ... with God's Spirit.  Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."  Do we believe that even when we don't know what we are doing?

2. We don't know what we are doing when God has made and is executing His plan.  Jesus told Nicodemus ... "The Spirit blows where it will."  Do you believe that?  In the song Shadow Step, the singer says, "Move me like you do the mountains ... move me like you do the wind!"  We are the people of "The Way" but that 'way' is under God's direction!

3. It is not only OK ... it is GOOD that we don't know what we are doing.  Because if we knew what we would face, the mountains we would climb, the waters we would pass through ... we would say, "Not me!"  But we are led, fed, and filled with the Holy Spirit ... "So God, move us!

A final thought is how we are called to be people who are willing to fly.  I have a friend who sells yachts.  In the America's Cup, the yachts are referred to as "flying."  At a certain speed (the speed of escaping the friction of the water and even a small measure of gravity, these vessels rise up out of the water and literally fly along the surface.  Maybe we should do the same.  But how?  Come Sunday and we will unpack some answers and probably find even more questions.

Where the Church is growing is where people, who do not know what they are doing, rise above structures, organizational friction, imagined (and real) barriers, and doubts to become Christ-followers ... not Christ-leaders.  I invite you to the ranks of those who know not, but follow anyway!  AMEN

Utes

Some of you are wondering about your preacher.  Has he lost it? Is the title of this text some long-departed Native American tribe?  What are utes?

Others are smiling and remembering a quote from the best lawyer movie ever, My Cousin Vinny.  Joe Pesci (Vinny Gambini) is defending a case under Judge Chamberlin Haller (Fred Gwynne).  He is describing 2 young men, calling them "utes."  He really meant "youths."  

Scripture has some specific things to say about youths, and God, through Scripture, understands some of our false perceptions about youth.  You know ... flightiness, irresponsibility, short attention span ... Hey, wait, I think I just described myself.  Paul tells Timothy something about these false perceptions, and how to handle them.  He tells Timothy, "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.  Be an example to all believers in all you say, in the way you live, in the way you love, in your faith, and in your purity (1 Timothy 4:12)."  Some reading this are saying, "That's it Paul ... you tell em straight!"  The fact is, this advice is just as much for all of us as it is for our youth.  Let's break it down.

1. You will, because of your age, be pigeonholed into false and inaccurate categories.  That is life ... because that is just how people are.  Ignore and rise above this.

2. You rise above this by:

    - Becoming an example (a positive one)

    - Living in a way that is good, positive, exemplary

    - Loving others, even the ones hard to love

    - Having and showing faith by believing what God has told you

    - Living pure and holy (all that is pure, right, holy, good, faithful)

This Sunday we will celebrate 2 graduating youth.  I wish I could share the recommendation letters I have written about them because those letters are both complimentary and true.  Sarah Edwards and Scarlett Law are both people I am honored to call friends.  They are beautiful in every way, and all of us should consider it an honor to encourage, bless, and send them forward.  We will see both of them here a lot (I hope) and I pray they will always count on me and some of you for counsel and advice going forward.  I thank God they have come our way, and I will pray a blessing over them on behalf of the Church.  May the Lord bless them, keep them, make His face shine upon them, turn His face toward them, and grant them peace, success, goodness, and His very presence each and every day!  I love our utes!  I hope you do too!  

Great Joy

One of the preachers at the Annual Conference this week (Dr. Tim Thompson) spoke on the topic of how great sacrifice is a path to great joy.  His text was from Hebrews 12:1-2. When I think about this text, I can't help but think about the topic of Mother's Day.   For the best of earthly mothers (those in Christ) live out this concept ... sacrificing greatly, and getting great joy from that sacrifice.

When I read this passage, it causes me to think about the attitude and mindset of our great God.  For God, in Jesus, sees past the cruel cross and the finality of the tomb, to a joy unspeakable!  And what is that joy?  It is God's people .. the children of God .. the joy of seeing all of us grow, thrive,  become productive, and live good lives, because we are God's children.

How does this happen?  1) Mothers teach/model focus (fix your eyes on Jesus).  "Look at me while I am talking to you!"  Capturing the eyes, the attention of a child while they learn to tie their shoes.  Connecting to their children as they deal with life situations ... and modeling grace, love, kindness, self-control, patience.  And, acknowledging Jesus as the source of strength and power over the calamities that happen in life.  2) Mothers show faith when they trust in Jesus.  Hebrews 11 tells us that faith is not in the seen, but in the unseen.  Our faith is perfected by living life in the context of our living hope in Christ.  Our Jesus is living.  Our Jesus is good, even in the storm.  Our Jesus perfects us (Wesley called it sanctification), and we claim that "perfecting" as God's grace that grows us up! 3) Mothers claim and show joy, even when they are tired, overwhelmed, and imperfect.  This joy is another unseen thing.  Mama had joy in who and what she saw in me, sometimes present, and sometimes future.  I really didn't deserve any of it, but mama dreamed, hoped, and trusted in God's redeeming work and plan.

There is Jesus reflected in the attitudes of mamas who are in Christ.  And that reflection is here in this passage.  Jesus' sacrifice was a great and mighty work of God.  Jesus' cross was a beautiful expression of love.  Jesus' joy was already there, as He looked beyond the cross to the joy of relationship, family, and eternity with those who claim His redeeming work.  Mama knew that her great sacrifice was a path to great joy!