My Latest Column for the AJC: We Need Perspective

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The gods of the Nations, Yahweh and the Closet

 

Passage:

Isaiah 44:6-23

Key Verse:
“This is what the Lord says—   Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last;     apart from me there is no God.” V. 6 (NIV)


In Greece they were called Apollo, Aphrodite, Ares, Artemis and Dionysus, to name a few. In Egypt, it all started with Atum, the first god to exist. Atum  coughed and spat out Shu, the god of the air, and Tefnut, the goodness of moisture. Following were countless gods and centennial dynasties of Egyptian pharaohs, who were (of course) also gods.

Then there was Rome. The first nation to persecute Christians worshipped Jupiter, Neptune, Venus and others. Her emperors were also gods and would not consent the exclusivity of this new “cult” that spread throughout the region and beyond, claiming that there is One, Holy God, His Name is Yahweh and His Son is Jesus. Jealous, Yahweh would not accept other gods. Because of that, His Name has been persecuted throughout the centuries.

And then there is America. And England. And Brazil. And (fill in the blank).

Worship pluralism is greater today than it’s ever been. We may not bow before them, offer sacrifices or worship in their temples. But we worship them, regardless. Their names?

The Ripple Effect

 

Passage: Galatians 6:1-10

Key Verse:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” (v.7 – NASB)

My parents and I were reminiscing about my childhood this past week. We talked about the numerous activities that my siblings and I were involved in besides school. Mom repeated a sentence that I heard several times before: “Our inheritance to you is the investment we made in your education.” Indeed it is true; I have always been very aware of the major sacrifices that my parents made to be able to put three children through the best school in town, language studies, music lessons, sports, etc. I am undeniably forever grateful for the legacy they gave me in that respect. But what I think parents do not always realize is that each investment they make in their children’s lives has the potential to impact the lives of many more people, for decades, even centuries to come.

I call it the Ripple Effect (and yes, I know that is not an original term, but please bear with me).