__ The Great Unknowns __

THE GREAT UNKNOWNS - at nytimes.com 

 

On this Memorial Day, let's not forget the fallen. They are the brave men who answered when the draft board called, volunteered for valor, fought to the best of their ability, and finally answered the call of destiny when the number of their days was up. Before they were laid to rest, they laid their friends in shallow graves. The glamor that we imagine to be part of their service still hasn't become reality for many of them. Men who served in Korea and Vietnam still hang their heads in {false} shame for having fought in unpopular wars. They are the true heroes- who hide their uniforms in musty closets and hang Old Glory where every eye can see it. 

What soldier is on your heart this Memorial Day? How will you pay tribute? 

Book Review: "The Holiness of God," by R.C. Sproul

"At that moment Peter realized that he was in the presence of the Holy Incarnate. He was desperately uncomfortable. His initial response was one of worship. He fell to his knees before Christ. Instead of saying something like, "Lord, I adore You, I magnify You," he said,

"Please go away. Please leave. I can't stand it." " -- Pg. 56

 

I found this book in the "Free" box at my favorite little bookstore downtown. Friends, it is certainly worth a financial investment. R.C. Sproul has taken a difficult and little-discussed topic and made it accessible, interesting, relevant and yet historical. With the skill of a story-teller, he takes you from the Old Testament through the time of Martin Luther on a journey to understand the holiness of God.

As he sums things up in chapter eleven, R.C. declares that God's holiness is central to understanding the significance of the Gospel. Consequently, the modern Evangelical movement has surrendered it's relevance by diminishing the awesome holiness of God. We have tried so hard to make Him accessible that we've diminished the value and honor of being in His holy presence. The church has tried so hard to erase the threshold that we're not sure why it's there anymore.

This book will not disappoint. It's well-written, answers the questions that lie deep within our hearts about God's holiness, justice, and redemption. As a cherry on top, R.C. has devoted an entire chapter to the hardest, most violent judgments God brought upon Israel in the Old Testament. What does justice have to do with holiness? Isn't He a God of mercy? These pages will help you find the answers - and I guarantee you'll be challenged to think of God in a new, more accurate way.

Vacation: during which, I have time to read good books and catch up on the art of reflection

I am sequestered in the mountains of New Mexico. The cabin is tucked up in them, all cozy and protected from the rush of the daily grind. Ten minutes walk will find you at a trail head that shoots strait up the mountain. The ski slopes are green, but empty, taking their time to rejuvenate in the off-season. Walking through the little grocery in town, I wonder if people who live in the mountains are on vacation all the time. Their cavalier attitude about weather, appearance, schedule, and achievement is unique to them. The mountains certainly have an effect on us.

 The quiet and slowness of life here is absolutely refreshing. I've come to the end of a book in less than a week, and found it a wonderful stretch of the mind. All the clutter and noise, gossip and silliness that comes with office life is thirteen hours North. I couldn't be happier to have escaped it for a week. It's stunning to be able to hear myself think again. The cobwebs in my mental attic are in desperate need of clearing, and it's time for spring cleaning.

The theme of my musings this week has been directed by, "The Holiness of God," by R.C. Sproul. He takes a difficult and unpopular subject and drives it straight into your heart with the skill of a storyteller. It's been like a draught from a cool, clear spring to study the truth of his words after hearing the silly complaints and kerfuffles of a society that doesn't think deep thoughts about God. Unfortunately, when I step back and reflect on it, I can see how the sinister deceptions of the evil one have snuck into "Christian" society. We have a total mis-understanding of who God is, and who we are in comparison. Thus, we accuse Him of things that He is not to blame for. I am guilty as charged. How about you?

Here's an excerpt for you to chew on:

"One thing is certain: No matter how much injustice I have suffered from the hands of other people, I have never suffered the slightest injustice from the hand of God." 
"We may wrestle with the Holy One. Indeed, for the transforming power of God to change our lives, we must wrestle with Him. We must know what it means to fight with God all night... to know what it means to experience the sweetness of the soul's surrender."        

"I will receive only justice or mercy from God. I never receive injustice from His hand. We may request that God help us get justice at the hands of other people, but we would be utterly foolish ever to ask Him for justice from Himself." 


How have I confused justice and mercy? Am I guilty of projecting human faults on a Holy God? How can I correct my understanding of grace and justice? What should my attitude be in receiving the grace of God when I deserve justice?

All these questions will follow me as I reflect on the things of eternity this week. Won't you join me?

*>> Toccoa Falls in Pictures *>>

Anna Ruby Falls, the view from the walk-way that leads up to a very nice observation deck.

This is Toccoa Falls; the famous waterfall that the college is named for. Yes, it's on campus.

Here we have the Gate Cottage. The little rock road goes back into the woods and takes you to Toccoa Falls. It's a five minute walk to bliss.

*>>> Toccoa Falls College *>>>

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not;

Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

                                                            Epicurus quotes (Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)

    Dear Friends, I am going. The college ambition, dream, and goal, is coming into view. It's just over the next hill. I have registered for classes, and now all that remains is for me to come to the end of May and crack open the textbooks. 

    I stepped off the plane, and the humidity enveloped me in an entirely new atmosphere. My first trip to Georgia began with a drive through the rolling hills that lead to the Appalachians, down to Toccoa Falls College. Yes, Reader, the college is named for the exquisite waterfall on campus. It stands as high and majestic as Niagara, but not quite so wide. The rushing, bubbling sounds can be heard on the next hill, from the porch swing at the Forrest Guest House. The quiet that comes from the gurgling stream all throughout campus is tangible. Walking through the brightly colored azalea bushes seems so normal; they smile and sing as you make the trek to chapel. Wordless though they be, they declare their Maker's praise. 

    Aside from the natural beauty of Georgia, there were many other interesting things along the way. We traveled to Athens on Sunday and attended The University Church, saw the famous tree that owns itself, and made a few wrong turns. From there, we marveled at the splendor of Anna Ruby Falls and that silly little "Swiss" town, Helen, GA. Even Wendy's looks like something straight from the Alps when you're in Helen. I half expected to see mountain goats prancing up and down the streets... but they never actually appeared.

    Sunday evening the TFC Drama Club put on an excellent production of, "The Importance of Being Earnest," by Oscar Wilde. The set paled in comparison to the caliber of acting on the stage. It was so well done, in fact, that Dr. Williams and I stopped by to see Act II [again] during the final performance. The cast party was rowdy, fun, and most of the characters still had their British accents intact. In a school of eight-hundred students, the drama club allows anyone with interest to be part of the action. As a natural consequence, the whole group was enthusiastic, dramatic, and excited to meet a fellow drama-person. They adopted me into their circle right away. I instantly felt that I was at home.