Sleight of Hand by Lorraine Triggs

I have a friend who is an avid birder. When I am at her house, we look out her kitchen window as she explains what birds are attracted to what feeders and flowers. I point out the antics of the crazy squirrel dangling from the green feeder that looks like a lantern.

I thought of her when I glanced at a recent feature in the New York Times titled, “Magic Tricks May Fool You, but These Birds Can See Through Them.” Even if I didn’t read it, I could send her the link.

Turns out, I read the article and now have a newly found respect for Eurasian jay birds. Researchers discovered that these jay birds are not fooled by the sleight of hand tricks that typically trick humans, even the old standby of the coin is in the left hand, now it’s in the right.

The researcher featured in the article performed three hand-to-hand tricks using worms for his feathered friends. One trick—the palm transfer—didn’t fool the jays at all. However, the human audiences were deceived by the trick.

What made the difference?

Humans focused on the human and his hands; the birds focused on the worm and picked whichever hand they had last seen it in. The birds weren’t fooled; they kept their eyes on the prize—the worm. The humans? Well, the humans did what humans do—they keep their eyes on each other, not the worm—which, according to the writer, was not the intended prize for the humans.

Perhaps another worm, the one humans mocked and scorned, is the prize.

I would do better to keep my eyes on that worm of a man, a dying man, one who had no reason to be in trouble yet loved me enough to give me the greatest prize ever.

Instead of zeroing in on this prize, I so easily turn life into an endless palm transfer magic trick, and keep my eyes on the human hands of magician-like siblings, neighbors, celebrities, politicians or friends. And then I do what humans do—compare myself to them—look at what they have that I don’t or I'm glad I don't have to face whatever. It’s either self-pity or pride. It’s about self-love that isn’t all that original of a sin.

I wonder if Psalm 22:6 was running through Jesus’ mind (“But I am a worm . . .”) when he told his disciples to “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26) If those birds were Eurasian jays, you better believe they happily received food from the heavenly Father. Why would they look anywhere else? He held the prized food in his hands.

For us, the prized food is his hands, the nail-scarred rough carpenter hands, the shepherd's. hands that rescue the wayward sheep. Human comparisons fall away. The good news is that life is not an endless game involving sleight of hand. I can entrust myself to hands that hold the universe in place, hands that were held in place on a cross with nails, and hands that lavishly give me all I need: satisfying water, bread and wine, what I need for today and a feast to come.

Memorial Day Prayer

from Wendell C. Hawley’s book, A Pastor Prays for His People.

Gracious God, eternal Father,

Who has created us in your image and whose glory was revealed

in the face of Jesus Christ,

grant us to know Christ and his life,

that the same mind which was in him may be in us.

By your abundant mercy,

we have been born anew to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,

kept in heaven for us

where neither rust can corrupt nor thieves break in and steal.

We praise you for such redemption.

You rescued us from the broad road that leads to destruction—

and turned our hearts toward the narrow path that leads heavenward.

Though heaven is our home, we don’t always manifest a heavenly spirit.

For such failures in speech, attitudes, and actions,

we fervently ask for your forgiveness.

Thank you, Father, for forgiveness—full and free.

Now may we heed the Lord’s words:

“Go and sin no more.”

Lord, there are many needs represented in this congregation—

needs greater than our ability to alleviate,

but they are no challenge to you.

This day, may you provide, out of your abundance, sustaining grace

to the grieving,

the lonely,

the financially burdened,

the unemployed,

those who suffer broken relationships,

those in troubling circumstances,

those facing secret battles against almost overwhelming temptations.

Many face debilitating health issues.

Lord, have mercy and grant a healing touch to them.

Father God, we thank you for those of yesteryear who left home and family

to defend our country;

we enjoy the fruit of their sacrifice—we worship you in freedom.

Remember your children worldwide who want to worship you openly,

but dare not.

Grant openness to the gospel in those places of satanic oppression.

Remember those of our extended family required to be in harm’s way

and all our military family.

Keep them from hurt and destruction.

Shield them from all harm.

Enable them to boldly and faithfully live a Christian life,

and may their testimony before fellow soldiers bear eternal fruit.

We pray all conflicts will end speedily

and the gospel’s power will permeate all those troubled lands.

Give divine wisdom to our national leaders

that they may govern in ways that honor you.

Amen.

Up-Close and Personal by Susan Perlman

College Church missionary to the Jew, Susan Perlman has a timely perspective on the situation in Israel and Gaza. Susan is the chief partnership officer with Jews for Jesus.

The war broke out while I was meeting with a small group of our leaders at a location in the States. Two were Israeli born, one, the current head of our work there. He was also away from home in 2006—on a reconciliation trip with Palestinian brothers in Christ—when Israel and Gaza erupted into conflict. As Eli headed home then, knowing he would be redrafted into the army, his Palestinian friends were crying as they feared for his life.

I asked Eli, how he was doing this time, some fifteen years later. He replied:

“Growing up in Israel you get used to the fact that there is a group of terrorists (not all by any means) who, if given the chance will kill you. As a soldier, you realize that it’s your job to defend your country so that others can live without that fear.

This time as I was far away from home, my wife who did not grow up in Israel, realized that same hate I just assumed everyone lives with. Even though she is Jewish, she kept telling me this is not normal. Military conflicts exist around the world. But the feeling that just because you are a Jew, or an Israeli Jew, someone would rather see you and your children die is, truthfully, not normal.

Sure, there is a political and military conflict, but the rockets aren’t targeting the military they are targeting my children. I was surprised when I saw on social media how celebrities and journalists insinuated that because so few had died in Israel, Israel must stop retaliating. Yet, in that case who would protect us. I don’t want a war here or in Gaza. I believe in the preciousness of all life. I wish no one would be harmed. As a believer I understand that war is an evil sinful part of the fallen world. However, it is part of the reality I have lived in growing up in Israel.”

The weight of the war in Israel is felt by all of us—by our staff on the ground experiencing it firsthand, but also by those of us moved by family, friends and our own love for the people and land of Israel. Those of us living outside of Israel extend words of encouragement, support, and prayer to those coping with this crisis in the most immediate way. At the same time, we recognize that our perspective cannot be the same as those experiencing rockets falling or personal attacks on the streets where we live.

As a one-issue organization, we are intentional about not taking political stances in ways that would distract from the gospel message. However, the current Israeli-Palestinian crisis is provoking more than politics. It’s brought out spiritual and emotional issues, and blatant hatred and anti-Semitism—and it’s to those issues that we must speak. The heart of the gospel we aim to share remains unchanged, allowing us to be unified even as we contextualize that gospel message for our worldwide communities that may experience this situation differently, with various issues arising.

Our hearts agonize at the expressions of violence and hatred in our homeland, and subsequently, around the world. Israel is where many of us, our family, friends, and coworkers call home. As a Jewish ministry, we have a personal stake in this conflict. But it’s not just us who care. A large majority of U.S. Jews (82%) say caring about Israel is “essential” or “important” to their Jewish identity, and a large amount of the Diaspora agrees.

For a country that only makes up 0.24% of the land in the Middle East, Israel garners a disproportionate worldwide spotlight—whether positive or negative. Global news outlets have made Israel a daily headline fixture, and much of the media coverage of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been incredibly polarizing. Some have called for the end of the existence of the State of Israel and the annihilation of all Jews. Some paint Israel as an idealized entity beyond reproach.

Neither stance reflects the truth. This conflict is the latest manifestation of an ancient, biblical conflict that predates us. Israel, like any country, can make mistakes. Criticism of Israel is appropriate where necessary because Israel is not perfect—but perfection is not a prerequisite for existence. If criticism of Israel is disproportionate, based on untrue assumptions, or uncontextualized, it can lead to the perpetuation of anti-Semitism. Often, anti-Zionism is a cover for anti-Semitism, and when that’s the case, we must be vigilant and stand against it.

Yet, we are called to be peacemakers—to show love to our enemies and grace to those who disagree with us. As peacemakers, we should seek balanced and credible information, listening to and supporting those who have been closely impacted by the conflict, and use our voices to speak truth, advocate for peace, prayer, and the preservation of life for all people. As Colossians 4:5-6 says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (NIV)

Yeshua lived in a politically tumultuous time. He set an incredible example in his ability to sidestep the trap of polarizing questions and instead engage with the issues of the heart. He prayed for his enemies, engaged with people of diverse backgrounds, and spent time immersed in and meeting the needs of his community. His message had the power to tear down the walls of division and bring unity, to show grace in response to hatred.

This time is an opportunity for our Jews for Jesus’ missionaries and all believers to demonstrate the love of our Messiah. We carry in our hearts the only hope for lasting peace for our people and now more than ever, we need to share that hope—online and in person. Through the light of Messiah that dwells in each of us, we can stand against the darkness that threatens to weave itself into history.

Our staff are encouraged not to be fearful of going out of our comfort zones to engage with our Jewish people through ministry during this time. Here are some of the ways we are doing this:

• Conducting street outreach offering prayer and a message of peace for people of all different backgrounds.

• Creating environments and spaces for people to dialogue in peaceful ways.

• Posting gospel messaging using some of the language I’ve used in this article

• Reaching out to our contacts to provide a listening ear, support, and prayer as they navigate these painful times.

A wonderful example of how we as believers can demonstrate our unity is this statement by the Jewish and Arab pastors and elders in Israel. Here is an English translation:

In light of the current situation in which it is expressed in polarization and hatred between Arab and Jewish citizens, we Israeli Jews and Arabs, who share the same faith in Jesus as Messiah and Lord, declare that we are united in brotherly love that is rooted in our faith and based on the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament, as written John 13: 34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

Our hearts agonize at the expressions of violence and hatred in our country, where we all live together and we have no other country. Therefore, we call upon all our brothers and sisters who believe in Jesus our Lord, to practically express our unity in Christ Jesus, in love, in mutual help, and steadfastness, confronting the forces of Satan that are full of hatred. All of these since we have been called to be ambassadors of the Lord, and so that the name of God would receive glory and his son Jesus Christ our Lord would be magnified glorified bothin our country and in the world.

Our prayers are that the fighting and hostility would cease and that the peace of God prevails in our land and among our neighbors: For He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. (Ephesians 2:14) That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:21)

With blessings and hope for quieter and better days,

The Board of National Pastors and Elders

College Church family, as we navigate this situation together, let’s pray for one another to respond in a way that brings glory to the Lord. We have prayed for a ceasefire, and now there is one though no one knows how long it will last. Pray for protection of the Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel. Let’s pray for the Lord to change our hearts and attitudes to reflect his. And most important, pray that even in the midst of death and tragedy, God would bring about salvation and new life.

My Class Acts by Wil Triggs

Back when I was in Bible college, to fulfill one of the Bible and theology requirements, I had a choice between a class on the Book of Acts or a class more overtly focused on evangelism. I chose to take the class on the Book of Acts.

I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t remember the professor’s name. He wasn’t one of the more celebrated full-time profs. He taught one class at night on the side. Maybe he taught the same course another day, I don’t remember. He was the pastor of a church no one heard of. He had no office space. He drove to the college, taught his class and drove off back to his home and church.

Given the title of the class, I assumed it was going to be class on that particular book of the Bible. I’ve always loved the Book of Acts and was looking forward to studying various aspects of it. I took other classes in Romans and in John and found both to be formative to my faith in the years that followed.

Imagine my surprise when the class really turned out to be a class on evangelism. If I had wanted that, I would have chosen the other class, the real one called evangelism. I don’t think my class was meant to be that exactly. The teacher just couldn’t help himself.

He was passionate about telling other people about Jesus, and even though he was pretty sure we were all Christians, he did his best to tell us the gospel. This was, in part, because we as Christians are made for and meant to tell others the good news. But I think he also recognized that some students were encouraged more by their paying parents than by their transformed hearts to come to a school that required as many units of Bible and theology as whatever course of study you chose. The prof also did open-air evangelism in Los Angeles. He was always talking about the different people he had engaged in gospel conversations.

He required us to memorize the Romans Road, which was his favorite approach to sharing the gospel. He challenged us to pray for opportunities, and when they came, to take them.

He warned us, and it was a warning, not to fool ourselves into thinking that evangelism was something we did; instead, it was something that the Holy Spirit did through us and circumstances and other people.

He prayed for us in class out loud to have opportunities to tell other people about Jesus. Looking back, it seemed to me like he prayed that in every class, and it wasn’t a rote prayer, but a passionate one that came from his heart. We all were pretty sure that we were Christians, so finding people who weren’t was kind of a challenge.

I went home one weekend and connected with a good friend from high school. I’ll call him Ray.

Ray was smart. He was smarter than I was. He wasn’t a Christian, but we were in band and orchestra together through high school (he played French horn and I played trumpet) and we ended up in several other classes together. He made sure his Christian friends knew that he wasn’t a believer, but he liked us anyway. I knew I wanted to go to my Bible college (Biola), Ray went to USC. That impressed me—the big, exclusive, private, expensive school that always went to the Rose Bowl and usually won. (This was a long time ago.)

That weekend, he came over to my house, and we compared notes on our colleges and caught up with each other. During our conversation, Ray kept asking me questions about my faith in Jesus. It was sprinkled in between our talk of other friends who we had or hadn’t heard from and things we liked or didn’t like about college.

All the Scriptures that my nameless professor was pointing us to in class. . . I found myself opening the Bible and showing them to Ray because they were answering the questions he was asking.

I remember thinking, this is the weirdest thing. I mean, ringing in my ears, I heard the prayers of the Acts professor as I was talking. I remember thinking that God was answering that man’s prayers right then and there. The Holy Spirit was giving me the Scriptures that answered the exact questions Ray was asking. I got excited.

This was not the day he decided to follow Jesus. But a few weeks later, Ray made the leap from unbeliever to believer. Eventually he served several terms overseas as a missionary engaged in Bible translation.

A lasting lesson I learned from my professor is that evangelism is more than a technique or campaign. It's a story, your story, of how you were lost but now found, dead but now alive, far off but now near. Come to think of it, evangelism is also more than your story—it is God's story told throughout Scripture. It's his story we are to retell as we keep our eyes wide open for the lost and dead and far off, and our hearts wide open to the Holy Spirit working through us. Every person we meet has a story. We have only to pray, listen and be willing to speak.

From A Pastor Prays for His People by Wendell C. Hawley

Everlasting God, Lover of our souls,

Open our eyes to see your love for us—

your love which was established before creation

and continues unfailing and unending, even unto this very hour.

Your Word tells us that you had a plan for us a long, long time ago.

A love for us not based on

performance,

or beauty,

or inherent value.

A love which sent a Savior to the unlovely,

the destitute,

the helpless,

the condemned.

A Savior whose love prompted him to say:

“Come unto me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Lord, may you this day be the present help of all who turn to you,

whether hurt or ashamed,

whether sick or disheartened,

whether troubled or angry.

You have come to change the human condition drastically, totally . . .

the sinful heart,

the stony heart,

the rebellious heart.

Holy physician, divine surgeon . . . work in our lives that our souls might

prosper in spiritual health and vitality.

Thank you, Lord,

for hearing,

for answering,

for meeting every need.

Amen.

"Got Thorns?" by Steve Krogh

Pastor, missionary, new church-plant elder, Steve Krogh's musing is from his book, Topography. The essay "Got Thorns" was first published in 2007 and remains timely.

In the movie "Amazing Grace" (about William Wilberforce's lifelong quest to abolish slavery in the British Empire more than two hundred years ago), there is a great scene where Wilberforce, a member of parliament in his young twenties, and his good friend William Pitt, who became prime minister at the tender age of twenty-four, are enjoying some good-natured horseplay on a morning exercise run.

They have been at their responsibilities awhile, and they are no longer naive to the cost of public service and positions of responsibility.

Since they lived in the days prior to Nike footwear, they are running barefoot. As they finish their run and are walking home, one of them painfully steps on a thorn and says, "Funny, how when you are running, you don't feel the pain of the thorns." Then, referring to the significant tasks before them, he concludes: "Let's keep running!"

Life is the same way, isn't it? When we slow down, get tired, start to give up

. . . then we feel the thorns. Perhaps it is the thorn of discouragement. Or the thorn of doubt. Or the thorn of criticism. Or the thorn of fear. When we are running the race, for some reason, we can step on the thorns and keep going.

The writer to the Hebrews says, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2)

As we grow older, our pace will decline a bit. That is natural. Yet sometimes we lose our momentum a bit too soon. We slow down too much and aren't running as we should.

Is there an area in which you need to pick up the pace a bit? Have you slowed down when it comes to serving others with zeal? Spending time in the Word? Keeping up with a friend? Spending time with your spouse? Getting in shape? Keeping your commitments to the church body?

Sometimes when you feel the prick of the thorns, it's just an encouragement, to "Keep on running!"