Dale Cresap's blog

Do you prefer things that are new or things that are old? Few people want to drive an old car, but in matters of faith practice and beliefs, things that are old are accepted as having more credibility because of their longer history. It is true that time is a revealer, so the concept of having stood the test of time is valid, but can you discern the difference between things that are old and things that are eternal? Eternal things are not merely old, they are timeless.

I told a story about sheep and goats that was really a redemption story, and you wanted to be a sheep. They did several things, including feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the stranger, and visiting those sick and in prison. How many of these things have you done? Is visiting those in prison the least-practiced activity on the list? Why is this? Is it because you think those in prison are there for a good reason? But this story is an invitation to benevolent action rather than judgment. Why not do everything on the list. How hard could it be to find those in prison?

Do you believe? Belief is a strong theme in the Bible. What do you believe? Do you think this is limited only to doctrinal matters? Belief is more than a list of items to consent to. Is there such a thing as a general faith? I promised that if you would seek you would find. This implies that the Kingdom of God is available to all. You have no certainty about tomorrow, but do you still put forth effort today on the premise that there is value in doing so? Do you see yourself as a part of a world that is good and then live with confidence and peace?

Do you watch television? Do you prefer new episodes or reruns? Most people prefer new programming because it is fresh and they don’t know in advance how it will end. Did you know that you don’t have to watch television to encounter reruns? What about the thoughts in your head? Do you have consistent thought patterns that run in an endless loop in your head? These may be scenarios from your past that did not turn out the way you wanted. Once one of these narratives is started do you know how it will end? Then why do you keep telling the story? Is it hard to write new episodes?

What is the purpose of your life? I came for the redemption of the world, and you view this in the ultimate sense at the end of my life. Yet my life consisted of more than this, and if you look closely you will see that redemptive purpose was present in everything I did, for this was the purpose of my life. If you follow me it is the purpose of yours too. You are not able to duplicate my final act of redemption, but that is not necessary. Yet you can still look for redemptive purpose in everything you do.

Have you ever encountered evil at such an extreme level that it filled you with outrage? Did this seem to be the only possible reaction? Was it helpful in dealing with the situation? So is rage a motivator or inhibitor of response? Rage is a destruction reaction, not a helpful action. Do you see other people who are at peace and wonder how they could not be as furious as you? Yet they are in a better position to address the injustice than you are. Did  my own life seem to be driven more by outrage or peaceful action? I am the source of peace and will provide it for you.

Have you ever negotiated with me? You are familiar with the concept in your culture of commerce and trade. People in difficult situations will approach me with promises they can’t keep about their future behavior if only I will get them out of their current predicament. Have you ever done this? How did it work out? Reflect on this some time when you are not in a pickle ask yourself what you have to bargain with when you approach me. Do you think you have to buy my favor?

Have you ever gotten someone’s name wrong? Has anyone ever done this for your name? This is assumed to be a minor social mistake, and people are not usually deeply offended and those who do it are quick to accept correction. This is a far less serious offense than being mean or hateful. Wouldn’t you rather someone was incorrect about your name than being mean to you? I feel the same way. For there are many people who call me by a name that you do not recognize, but if they do and teach the things that I commanded, I will accept them for that.

Have you ever wandered away from me? Even those who identify as believers typically spend some time straying, and often a long time. Have you ever returned to me? How long did that take? If the duration of the return trip is shorter than the time of departure, it suggests that I never left you, even if you left me. The Psalmist asked where he could go from my presence and he knew there was no place to hide from me. So in a spiritual sense your location is a frame of mind rather than a place. I’m keeping my promise to be with you always.

Do you have a title? Do you want one? Have you found that people identify with their titles and cling to them? Have you noticed that most of the characters in the Bible didn’t have titles, and many that you consider to be operating in a particular office were not recognized as such till after their lifetimes? Who has the authority to confer titles? The generally recognized rule is that one with greater rank can promote those below him, but the church is not a traditional power hierarchy.