The New Towers

God himself is in Jerusalem’s towers, revealing himself as its defender. The kings of the earth joined forces and advanced against the city. But when they saw it, they were stunned; they were terrified and ran away. They were gripped with terror and writhed in pain like a woman in labor.  You destroyed them like the mighty ships of Tarshish shattered by a powerful east wind. We had heard of the city’s glory, but now we have seen it ourselves – the city of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. It is the city of our God; he will make it safe forever...

Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.

Psalm 48:1-8, 12-14 (NLT) (emphasis mine)

I ran across this passage yesterday.  It vaulted off the page, having words in common with those I’ve seen on Yahoo over the last few days:  Towers, city, terror. 

However, its tone is different; it speaks of fortification, safety, and defense.

And the story is different too.

The Psalmist was telling of a victory in which God protected Jerusalem from its enemies.

In Hebrew, "Jerusalem" is “Mount Zion”.  Mount Zion is a hill that slopes down into the city of Jerusalem. It is where Jesus will reign when he comes back to rule on earth. 

Mount Zion also refers to Christ’s church – the heavenly Jerusalem. The passage is describing what we have to look forward to when He returns to restore order, peace, and safety to this world which has gone horribly, horribly amok.

I was not in the twin towers on 9/11/01, nor do I know anyone who was. To say that I am able to keenly empathize with those that have tasted this horror is folly.

I have, however, had my security buckle from beneath me in a matter of moments. What I thought I could count was stripped away almost instantaneously.

What was a moment ago

now

isn't.

It feels like your blood is being feloniously siphoned out; the air around you abruptly turns so thin you gasp for breath.  It’s terrifying and disillusioning.

We are a people starved for security. It’s a blessing to live in a country that values it, and in which some of its greatest heroes labor to provide it for us. But 100% fool-proof security in this broken world is unattainable.

It’s unattainable,

until,

Jesus comes back to rule in the new city of Jerusalem. I know, it sounds like an idea contrived by someone smoking dope. But, the Bible says over and over that it will happen, my friend, and since the Bible has been right so far about what it speaks of over and over, it's folly not to believe it.

When it happens, we will finally be safe. No more security check points, no more CIA, no more sophisticated alarm systems.

And no more fearing what might crumble underneath you - whatever it is you fear would render you unable to cope with life any longer – what would really do you in for good.

We will live in a place that God himself defends, and where evil will be enchained.

It will be safe,

forever,

"For this is what God is like".

We will be able to roam the city, count the towers, and marvel at their invulnerability. We will walk city streets aplomb, gaping at its citadels.

We will know how to love others perfectly and will know what it feels like to be loved by others perfectly. To be known, and understood. Security is inherent in perfect love; the fact that we are secure will probably not even cross our minds.

We, the generation of 9/11, will be the ones to describe the atrocities to the next generation. When we tell the story; the story of the horror, the heroes, and the healing; let’s not forget to tell them about the new city, where the towers will tower forever.---alg

The Yellow Forest Floor

It happens every year about this time. I anticipate what it’s going to be. Something good happens to me every fall. I’ve noticed this since I was a freshman in high school, I think.

The crisp air and slight yellowing of the leaves whisper that something’s coming. Last week, I heard the voices more clearly when Bud and I were riding motorcycle in the hills close to our home. The vividly green trees still spoke of summer, but the floor of the forest was spotted with yellow; it was inviting us into something new. I felt like it was asking me to follow it – to follow the yellow forest floor into a season of change.

Dorothy and her tag-along misfit friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion followed the yellow brick road because they each wanted change. Dorothy, who before arriving to the Land of Oz, was dreaming of a better world “somewhere over the rainbow”, now just wanted to go home. The Scarecrow wanted a brain, the Tin Man wanted a heart, and the Cowardly Lion sought courage.

What changes do I need?

First, this Dorothy needs discipline to take care of this needy body of mine. It cries out for constant stretching and needs regular cardio and resistance work. It just seems silly that these bodies of ours demand so many maintenance hours to function well – the time could be spent in so many other self-indulgent ways, after all– but, we must go along with it.

Second, I, like the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, need to accept the limitations inherent in living in a high-maintenance body. The Tin Man constantly needed oil; the Scarecrow often lost his stuffing and had to deal with being highly flammable, the poor guy. I am learning to accept the limitations chronic pain doles out. Accepting one’s limitations means no longer living the way you think you should be able to, given the circumstances; instead, living the way you can, given the circumstances, and dare I say on few days, even thrive. I am being tutored in coping skills. The resulting change that will come from applying them will open the cage I’ve been living in enough for one more leg and an arm to wriggle out.

The Cowardly Lion and I have a lot in common. I’d walk the yellow brick road from here to Oz if it meant at the end the Wizard would vacuum out my fear like liposuction.  The third change, and the one I need most, is to trust God….a little more than I do right now. How do I go about doing this? I have no clue. I’m starting with cracking open the Bible a bit more, stepping foot in church a bit more, talking to Him a bit more. All in the name of being reminded Who I can trust. I need a stronger footing that can hold a heart that loves deeply; genuinely, and that doesn’t need to grasp for security.

You see, it would be a shame to walk the yellow brick road in uncomfortable ruby slippers, facing Herculean difficulties all the way, and reach the end to find you’d been duped by a short, frumpy guy behind a curtain who has been claiming he can give you everything you want.

It seems the better choice is follow the yellow forest floor in well-worn hiking boots, or black riding boots, whichever fits better, to a season of change; change that brings something really good; something you and I can really count on.

What changes do you need?---alg