Stewardship

What Happened to Church Music

Things have changed a great deal at the seminary where I earned my preaching credentials.  Of course, it has been more than thirty-two years.  Last week, seminary officials announced another change.  The School of Church Music is being closed.  When I was a student, they had the theology school, religious education school, social work school, and the music school.  I believe they closed down social work a few years back and now they are doing the same thing to Church Music. 

The justification given was the lack of students.  There are simply not enough students to justify having a School of Church Music.  Courses will still be taught but they will be administered under other disciplines. 

I remember the music program from seminary with great fondness.  Of course, those of us studying the high science of theology frequently teased the Church Music students just like we did the religious education students as being nothing more than acolytes to our superior calling.  However, I loved the performances and the worship leadership they provided.  I was raised as a Baptist from the western frontier.  All of my church experience was with a typical revivalistic influence.  I was accustomed to three hymns (first, second, and third stanza), a special, the sermon, and an invitation.  When I was introduced to a liturgical style of worship, not only in seminary chapel but also in Kentucky churches, I was fascinated. 

I began to pay attention to the words of the hymns and understand the symbolism of the ritual.  I had never belonged to a church that observed Advent or anything during Holy Week other than Easter Sunday.  It was the students and professors of the School of Church Music who made these introductions to me.  I clearly remember attending chapel services and being moved by the sound of six hundred or more men (we had very few women seminary students in those days) singing beautiful harmony and infusing new meaning into the ancient hymns.  The music of those chapel services was typically much better than the preaching. 

Judging a Book By It's Cover

I am quick to admit that sometimes I am a slow learner.  I was ten or eleven years old before I came to believe that I would never be the first baseman of the New York Yankees.  That was in spite of the fact that I had never even been able to walk, much less run on a baseball field.  Somehow, in my mind, I thought that when I became old enough for the major leagues, it would just happen.  It can take me awhile to figure out the obvious. 

One day in seminary class, we had one of those unusual experiences when the professor was late for class.  Students were milling about the room visiting with one another.  Since I was in a wheelchair, it was normally easier for me to sit in the front of the class, often with few people nearby.  On this particular day, a young man who always remained in the back, came and sat in the chair beside me.  He introduced himself and then said, “I have wanted to speak with you all semester, but I didn’t know what to say.” 

Now I was the one who did not know what to say.  I did not know what he meant.  I suggested that he could simply say “Hello” and we could go from there.  As we talked, he revealed that he was uncomfortable with the fact that I was in a wheelchair and he had no idea how to relate to me.  Here was a young man who was probably a few credit hours short of graduation and becoming a pastor somewhere and he had no clue how to talk with a person who was different from others. 

It was the first time that it became clear to me that I was not like everyone else.  Since I was different, people treated me differently.  Until that moment, I was naïve, thinking and acting as if I was just like everyone else. 

It is true by the way, when your appearance is out of the ordinary people make judgments about you.  Numerous times, I have heard children say to a parent, “What’s wrong with that man,” and the parent grabs the child in embarrassment and quickly walks away.  When entering a restaurant, the host often directs her attention to my companion rather than me, or a salesperson in a store will answer my question by speaking to my wife.  Even in seminary, I was continually encouraged to study counseling since it would be unlikely for a guy like me to ever preach. 

Answering the "Why" Question - #3

Once we are aware of God's power and goodness in the midst of tragedy, we learn that suffering provides an experience of godly worship.  The man stood firm to his confession, and the Pharisees remained true to their threats.  They expelled the former blind man from the synagogue.  They refused to consider his healing as a valid gift from God, and brought swift judgment. 
    This is an amazing action on the part of these religious leaders.  Personally, I am skeptical by nature.  I have known of "faith-healers" that stage an event to appear to be a real miracle from God.  I have even heard testimonies of people who claim they were miraculously healed at a "miracle service."  Often it is a cure for a disease that is unseen, so it is impossible to tell if they were actually healed of anything. 
    However, in the case of this blind man, everyone knew he had been blind from birth.  There was no doubt about his blindness, and no question was ever raised about his ability to see.  The Pharisees simply ignored the evidence, and made a judgment based on prejudice.  As a result, they missed a tremendous opportunity for worship.
    When Jesus heard of the man's expulsion from the synagogue, He came to offer something even more important than restored eyesight.  Jesus offered spiritual vision to go with his new found physical vision.  "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" 
    The man answered and said, "And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" 
    Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you." 
    Finally, the man said, "Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped Him.  
    The entire story built to this ending and confession by the blind man.  The consequence of this man's suffering was true worship.
    As a 13 year-old boy, I remember the beginning of a Sunday night worship service being interrupted by a report that Sam Davis had suffered a serious heart attack.  Sam was a favorite of all the kids in church, and the news was a shock to everyone. 
    Instead of continuing with the planned service, the church held a prayer meeting as Sam was being loaded into the ambulance.  Before we left church that evening, word came from the hospital that Sam was fine, and would be sent home very soon.  He had miraculously recovered from a serious illness. 
    Any Christian who has prayed very often can give a similar testimony.  Sometimes God breaks into our lives and provides an astounding display of His power.  When He does, there is no other response than to give Him glory.  At those times, we know the purpose of suffering is that “the works of God might be displayed.”
    There is another approach that God often takes in response to our suffering.  He does not always alter our situation; sometimes He alters our estimation of our condition.
    We can all testify that God does not always bring healing or instant relief from suffering.  However, that does not mean that He is not working, or that we cannot see His works displayed.  Paul's familiar "thorn in the flesh" experience provides insight into another method of God's operation.

And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me --- to keep me from exalting myself!  Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecution, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am week, then I am strong  (II Corinthians 12:7-10).

    Much has been written about Paul's "thorn in the flesh" and I do not know if I can add any additional insight.  However, for the purposes of our discussion, let me say a few things about his position in life.
    It is called a thorn in the "flesh."  The term flesh is used to identify both, the inner, sinful nature of man and the actual physical body.  Obviously, if Paul had a thorn in his sinful nature, he would not seek divine deliverance.  Within this context, it is the physical flesh.  He was suffering from a physical problem. 
    It is significant that Paul used the term "thorn."  This term should not be understood as a sticker or splinter.  It described a sharpened spike, buried in the ground, and covered with grass.  Approaching soldiers or horses would step on the thorn, piercing their foot or leg.  It would incapacitate them for battle.  When Paul uses this term he is describing a physically painful condition. 
    God had a definite purpose in allowing this condition.  The purpose was to keep Paul from exalting himself.  Apparently, Paul had a great spiritual experience (see 2 Corinthians 12:1-6), the kind that would cause many people to boast.  In order to keep Paul humble, he was afflicted with a condition that would keep his pride in check.
    When faced with a problem or suffering, Paul knew where to turn.  Three times he prayed and asked God to alter his situation.  Paul's prayer was very specific and it is not surprising that he asked that this painful condition "might depart from me."  That is the natural prayer of a person in the midst of suffering.  At the onset of difficulties, our first response is to pray for deliverance.  There is nothing unspiritual about such an approach. 
    It is also important to note that Paul did not beg endlessly.  Instead, he prayed three times.  There is nothing magical or significant about the number three.  He simply prayed until he received God's reply.
    God answered Paul's prayer, not by altering his situation, but by altering his estimation of the condition.  The memorable response by God contains two critical truths: the sufficiency of grace, and the power of weakness. 
    What God is saying is that we do not need health when we have the grace of God.  In fact, all that we truly need is the grace of God. 
    Paul had learned this lesson many ways: whether it was sleepless nights agonizing over a painful physical condition, or sleeping on the cold stones of a Roman dungeon.  When we have God's grace, there is no other need. 
    If I am allowed to paraphrase, it can read, God's power is made perfect in man's weakness.  It is characteristic of God to work through the weakness of men.  Moses, lacking in the ability to speak with confidence, confronted Pharaoh, the mightiest man in the world.  He used Samson, the potent man who killed more of God's enemies after he was blinded and chained, than during his whole life.  David, the youngest and most unlikely son of Jesse, became the most stalwart king in Israel's history.  Jesus cast aside equality with God to crawl into a Bethlehem feed trough, in order to conquer the world.  In our weakness, we recognize our need of God.  At that moment, God is able to perfect His power within us.   
    Paul's response to God's answer reveals how we should react when God does not alter our situation.  His estimation of his life was characterized by confidence.  He had great confidence because he was now boasting in the power of God, not in his own accomplishments and abilities.  Essentially, he traded his self-confidence for the power of God.  It does not matter what we can do; only what God can do through us. 
    The word "therefore" signifies a huge change in Paul's thinking.  Instead of pleading for God's miraculous healing, he had learned to be content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties . . . 
    After my serious bout with polio as an infant, I regained some use of my arms and legs, but did not have the strength of a normal child.  In spite of constant physical therapy, it seemed that the doctor's prognosis that I would never walk, would be true. 
    My mother remained hopeful through her prayers and efforts.  She cared for my every need, working and praying that I would be able to live a normal life.  When I grew up and left home on my own, she wrote these words:

You are an adult now.  I can no longer lift you and carry you - and protect you as I had in the past . . ..  I am very thankful that you can now take care of yourself both physically and financially.  This is what I had hoped you would be able to do.  Even though you had not experienced the physical healing I had hoped and prayed for, I am thankful for what you can do.  2 Corinthians 12:9 says that God's grace was sufficient and through our weakness we had to look to His strength.  Your personality, your patience, your smile, and concern for others has been an inspiration to many whose life you could never have touched otherwise.

    She taught me that there is more than one way to see the works of God.  In every problem and experience of suffering, I have seen the power of God.  When my wife gave birth to our first son, a thousand miles from the nearest family member, complications called for emergency surgery.  As I stood in the hospital hallway, watching them wheel Sharon to surgery, through the tears in my eyes, I saw the power of God.
    When a rattlesnake bit my two-year-old son Matthew, and we had to make the 30-mile trip to the nearest hospital, I saw the power of God.
    When our youngest son had spinal meningitis at four weeks of age, I saw the power of God.
    When doctors told us that Sharon had cancer, in the midst of the most difficult six months of our lives, we saw the power of God. 
    When a church where I had invested 13 years of my life disappointed me, I saw the power of God. 
    Sometimes, His power was displayed as He miraculously altered a situation.  Other times, His power was recognized simply as He altered my estimation.  Every time I have opened myself to the ways of God, His power has been clearly revealed. 
    In the midst of your suffering, have you seen the power of God?  Perhaps God has miraculously intervened, as He did with the blind man, and radically changed your life.  More likely, He has spoken the great words of assurance; My grace is sufficient. 

Answering the "Why" Question - #2

As we read the story of the blind man, we are surprised that when the disciples asked the "Why?" question, Jesus gave them an answer.  He did not say, "Don't ask!", nor did He say, "Don't ask why, ask why not!", nor did he speak about anyone's lack of faith.  Instead, he said, things happen in our lives “. . . in order that the works of God might be displayed."  In other words, God allows us to suffer so that He can display His works and power. 
    Suffering is neither meaningless nor an experience to be avoided.  Neither is it an accident that is outside the will of God.  Suffering has a purpose --- it is an opportunity to see God at work. 
    Suffering provides an example of God's sovereignty.  The sovereignty of God means the reign or rule of God.  It means that God has authority and jurisdiction over the entire universe.  He is in control of everything that happens.  Thus, when it comes to pain and suffering, there are no mistakes. 
    It was not an accident that this man on the dusty streets of Jerusalem was born without his vision.  Although the purpose had been hidden for twenty or thirty years, it was now about to be revealed. 
    Suffering is an opportunity for us to fulfill God's will in our lives.  The reason that suffering provides such a powerful example of God's sovereignty is because it cuts away every other source of support.  When God removes our strength and resources, we are left with nothing but Him.  Suffering is not proof of a weak, uncaring god.  Instead, it is an example that God is in control of our lives. 
    When we answer the "Why?" question like this, we are then forced to raise another question.  The real issue becomes "How is the power of God displayed through my suffering?"  As we search the Scripture, we find there are two ways that God displays His works through our suffering.
    Suffering often provides an encounter with God's power.  Perhaps the most memorable aspect of this encounter between Jesus and the blind man was the restoration of the man's sight.  The fact that this man suffered blindness from birth provided an opportunity for him to have an encounter with the power of God that he would not have had otherwise. 
    Restoring sight to one who was born blind was unheard of.  "Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind."  This was no trick by a healing huckster, but a genuine miracle of God.  No one ever questioned that a man who was blind now had eyesight.  The only correct response was to give glory to God in the face of this display of power. 
    Without problems we would be ignorant of the power of God.  If life did not provide us with difficulties there would be no need for God's power.  Yet, because we do suffer and because life is filled with pain, we frequently encounter His power to sustain and deliver us from trouble. 
    Suffering also provides evidence of God's goodness.  The bulk of this story revolves around the testimony of the blind man and others who were concerned with Jesus' healing power.  It reminds us that our suffering provides us an opportunity to testify about the goodness of God.  Note the various testimonies offered about Jesus as a result of this healing:
    First, notice the blind man and his recognition about Jesus.  When asked about his experience the man accurately explained the facts.  He then offered this opinion – "Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see."
    Although at this point he was unsure of the identify of Jesus, he was convinced that Jesus was real.  He recognized that there was something special about Jesus. 
    The religionists of the day wanted to quibble over the details.  The more religious we become, the more interested we are in meaningless details.  The Pharisees were not concerned with the man's newly restored eyesight; they wanted to talk about the legality of the healing procedure. 
    The once blind man was not to be sidetracked.  Can you imagine asking a man who is able to see for the first time in his life to stop and debate a theological matter?  He did not care if Jesus was a saint or a sinner.  The one thing that he knew was that he was once blind but now he could see. 
    In contrast to the blind man's recognition was the Pharisees rejection.  Note the testimony of the Pharisees.  They were saying, "This man is not from God because He does not keep the Sabbath.”
    They had already made up their minds about God and anything that did not conform to their notions was unacceptable. 
    Jesus healed on the Sabbath.  They were convinced that a true man of God would never violate their doctrine of Sabbath work.  Therefore, Jesus must be a fraud.  It is an example of the old adage – don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up!
    These religious leaders also provided a testimony about God.  They had the audacity to believe that their Sabbath traditions bound God.  However, their testimony was false because they were unwilling to see God working.  Because of their rejection, they missed the goodness of God.  Instead of rejoicing and helping this man enjoy his new vision, they pouted and complained that their rules were broken.
    Perhaps the most fascinating characters in this story were the man’s parents.  They were called to account for the sudden change in their son.  Listen to their testimony.  “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know, Ask him; he is of age, he shall speak for himself." 
    They should have been rejoicing along with their son.  For twenty or thirty years they had been bound by the blindness of their child.  He had to be led from place to place; he could not provide for himself financially; he could not cook his own meals or do his own laundry.  No doubt they were weary from the years of serving the needs of their son. 
    It is likely that they had also suffered emotionally over the guilt they felt.  If the theologians were correct, it might have been their sin that caused their son's miserable condition. 
    However, instead of celebrating the magnificent change in his condition, they refused to take a stand.  The parents refused to see the goodness in Jesus' healing touch.  The reason is because they were afraid of being put out of the synagogue.  The Jews had agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, they would be cast out of the synagogue. 
    The synagogue was not only a religious training institution; it was also the central gathering place of the community.  To be put out of the synagogue was to be ostracized by their friends and neighbors.  Confessing that Jesus had opened their son's eyes would have cost a tremendous price.   
    Suffering always causes people to form an opinion about God.  Believers and non-believers will both have a hypothesis about God when they experience suffering.  No one can walk away from a tragedy without asking the "Why” question. 
    There will be those who reject God, claiming that a benevolent God would not allow suffering.  They are much like the Pharisees who have already formed an opinion about God, and are not open to change.  However, many others will be drawn to God, as they experience His sustaining grace. 
    Times of trial provide us a tremendous opportunity to tell the world about the goodness of God.  There should be a definite difference between Christians and non-Christians when it comes to our response to trials.  We have a resource that is unknown to those who do not know Jesus.  When they suffer, they suffer alone.  When we suffer, we experience the goodness of God. 

Answering the "Why" Question - #1

Read John 9:1-41

Long hours in the scorching sun defined most days for the blind man.  Without his sight he was unable to provide for his family.  In fact, even as an adult, he was reduced to dependence on family and friends to help provide the basic necessities of life.  Living as a beggar did not generate an adequate income. 
    He was a man of distinction, but it was a prominence based upon his physical handicap.  Many people knew him; but they knew him as the beggar who worked the streets by the temple.  Personally, I know what it feels like to be known and remembered because of a physical deformity.  It is common to encounter people who remember that I preached at their church or attended the same school years ago.  The crutches or the wheelchair leave a lasting impression. 
    The man always anticipated the Sabbath because it was a day off from the degrading work of pleading for charity.  The seventh day afforded the only time in his week when he was free from his shameful occupation.
    His world was still dark and lonely.  He had so little in his life that even on the Sabbath, his day of rest, he found himself back at the temple location.  It was a familiar place and in the world of blindness, familiarity is a tremendous asset.
    We do not know this man's name --- it is not important.  Some of the most important lessons taught in scripture are learned from the experiences of nameless people.  All we need to know about him is summed up in the phrase, “. . . a man blind from birth."  
    On this particular Sabbath afternoon, he probably did not anticipate anything special would happen.  It was a typical worship day.  Many visitors drifted in and out of the temple.  Large crowds and lively conversation were not uncommon.  Often he wished that the law would allow him to work his corner on the Sabbath.  With so much traffic, he could generate enough alms to carry him through the week. 
    One of the more humiliating consequences of blindness was the constant debate over the cause of his condition.  He knew that scribes and lay people all discussed the issue.  It was common knowledge that blindness was the result of sin, but folks argued over the identity of the sinner. 
    This belief had even placed a strain on his relationship with his parents.  Since he was born blind, they were obviously the source of the sin.  He was constantly doing battle with his anger toward his mother and father that they had doomed him to such a miserable condition. 
    Now, as he sat in his familiar surroundings, he heard the question being asked once again by strangers passing by; "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he should be born blind?"   
    "Why can't they leave me alone!  It's none of their business!"  The pathetic man did not like being reduced to the object of a theological debate.  He had heard the scribes arguing the matter and he did not want to listen to another dull opinion by someone who had no idea what it was like to be blind. 
    No doubt, he must have asked "Why?" many times during his life.  I believe it is impossible to live a lifetime with suffering and not pose the question.  Everyone searches for the answer. 
    Times have changed since the first century.  We are much more sophisticated today.  We would never say to a blind man that your problem is a result of sin.  We know that blindness is caused by many factors, but not because of our own, or our parent's sin. 
    In fact, in our advanced civilization, we have come up with some very good answers to the "Why" question.  One of the most common responses to this question is, "Do not ask!"  Some people say we should not ask why God allows things to happen.  As believers we must never question God but simply resign ourselves and accept the condition.  God knows what is best for us, and if He chooses suffering, we should not question His wisdom. 
    There are some who say we should not ask, because we can never know the answer.  Some things will be a mystery until we get to heaven.  Therefore, do not waste time trying to figure it out.  This stoic position advocates that we simply accept our condition with the confidence that we might find the answer in eternity. 
    Others have sought comfort by saying the appropriate question is "Why not?"  In other words, "Don't ask why me, ask why not me."  No one is deserving of goodness and blessings.  When suffering comes, we should find comfort in the fact that we really do not deserve any better. 
    Although these words might provide some comfort, it seems to me that they raise another issue.  I realize that I do not deserve God's goodness, but why am I less deserving than those who are not suffering.  Are they better in God's estimation?  Is my suffering merely a coincidence?
    Many who are dissatisfied with these answers to the "Why" question believe they have discovered the truth.  It is that segment within the church, which believes that any suffering is a consequence of a lack of faith.  They would paraphrase the disciple's question and ask, "Rabbi, who failed to believe, this man or his parents that he should be born blind?" 
    Faith is understood as a cure all.  Faith will remove all suffering because it aligns us with God's will that never includes suffering for His people.  In my own experience I have been assaulted with this doctrine many times.  It is always by well-meaning Christians, often by those who know me and love me. 
    I have been taken to healing crusades, prayer meetings, miracle services, and to individuals that have a special gift.  There was a point in my life when I became convinced that miraculous healing was the answer.  I had responded to God's call to the ministry and began my preparatory studies.  My physical limitations were a valid concern, because I was not sure I could pastor a church. 
    Friends encouraged me in the ministry, but they also convinced me that since God called me to the ministry, He was preparing to do something special with my physical handicap.  I came to believe that God was going to heal me of the effects of polio.  It would be a powerful testimony, and allow me to proclaim His message with great authority. 
    After months of prayer and struggle, I finally came to the point where I could believe in my healing without any reservations.  We were assembled in a "prayer room" in the home of some friends.  Several were gathered around me, praying that this would be the night for the miracle.  To this day, I can honestly say that I also believed it would happen. 
    With the little strength I had in my legs, I tried to rise from the chair and stand on my feet.  I knew that this simple "step of faith" would produce the miracle.  I barely got more than an inch or two off the chair when I fell to the floor.  As they assisted me back into the chair, I was disappointed and confused. 
    I had done everything I was asked.  I believed as firmly as anyone could believe.  My confidence was so great that I was surprised that I still needed my crutches to walk out of that room.  The only consoling words I received were "keep believing and some day it will happen." 
    I knew then that a lack of faith was not the reason for suffering.  There was another explanation, a greater purpose for suffering.  There had to be an answer for this great question.

The Wrong Message

Coming home late the other night, I noticed a large billboard located in the center of the city of Dallas.  It caught my attention, which is the purpose of a billboard, and provoked a conversation with my son who was with me.  My son and I work together and spend a lot of time discussing various marketing methods and this billboard was a perfect example of contemporary church marketing.

The large sign featured a pleasant photograph of an attractive woman, probably a mother with a young family.  She appeared to be the kind of woman any business or organization would like to attract – young, healthy looking, appearing to have money.  Written next to the woman’s profile in large script was the simple phrase, “Finally, a church I can believe in.”  The only other words on the billboard were the web address of the church. 

This simple advertising campaign reveals a major problem found in today’s church.  I want to take a few moments and explain my concern, so before you give up and write me off as an old timer who does not understand the contemporary world, let me ask for your patience as I try to build a case. 

The Rocco Insurance Company

One of the early crisis of my life occurred in elementary school when I lost my new winter jacket.  My mother had allowed me to get one that was in style that particular year and I was proud on the first cold day of the school year.  However, I came home from school that day without the coat.  It had been stolen, gone forever.  I do not remember being in trouble but my parents were upset.  It meant replacing a somewhat expensive coat, and our family did not have a great deal of extra money in those days. 

Later, when I was in high school, early one year the lock on my school locker disappeared.  My locker partner the last three years of high school was Rocco Bomereto (I am not making that up it was his real name).  Rocco and I were friends but we had nothing in common.  He was the state champion heavyweight wrestler for the state of Colorado our Junior and Senior years.  People did not mess with Rocco because he was as intimidating as a crooked nosed Mafia enforcer.  A few days after our lock disappeared, another one mysteriously appeared in its place.  Somehow, Rocco knew the combination so we were set for the rest of the year.  That was my first experience with having insurance – the Rocco Insurance Company.  I wish I had known Rocco in elementary school when my coat disappeared.  I suspect it might have showed up a few days later.  

The purpose of insurance is to provide protection in the event of a loss.  Rocco was effective insurance, but it was more like the kind you get from the Sopranos than from Blue Cross Blue Shield.  The more stuff we have, the more we worry about losing it.  Our need for insurance seems to be in direct proportion to the amount of stuff we possess.