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Pastor Borghardt and Patrick begin this episode talking about the Transfiguration of our Lord. In the second segment they are joined by Sandra Ostapowich to discuss the movie “The Book of Eli.” The last half hour Pr. Borghardt is joined by Pr. Mark Buetow as they look at the disaster in Haiti and all Natural Disasters.
Once again, we see a horrible disaster, the earthquake in Haiti. Such disasters often cause many to question the Lord’s goodness and working in this world. To help youth understand where the Lord is in such times, Higher Things is pleased to offer an article written by The Rev. Bruce Keseman entitled, “Where was God?” as well as a bible study for our HT Online subscribers dealing with the topic. The bible study, entitled “What is God Doing in Haiti?” is available to our HT Online subscribers here. If you are not yet an HT-Online subscriber you can sign up here and gain access to lots of great content.
Pastor Mark Buetow
HT Internet Services
by The Rev. Bruce Keseman
If God is as great as the Bible says He is, then why didn’t He stop that earthquake in Haiti? Why didn’t He step in to prevent the destruction? Weren’t the poverty-stricken people on that island suffering enough already? Did God take a vacation on the day the earthquake struck Haiti? And the day Katrina hit the Gulf Coast? And the day the tsunami overwhelmed southeast Asia? No. God never takes a vacation. Which means He isn’t vacationing when tragedies strike your life, either. So where was God when the earthquake destroyed Haiti?
God was at the same place He was on Good Friday when His Son was suffering for you and for the people of Haiti. God was at the same place He is right now. God was and God is reigning on His throne, ruling all things for good.
Satan points to Haiti and says to you, “See, God isn’t good. A good God wouldn’t allow something so horrible.” Don’t believe His lie. Believe the truth. The truth is that we sin. The wages of sin is death. So if God gave us what we deserve, we would all suffer much worse than a devastating earthquake. We would be dead. We would be in hell.
Since we deserve to suffer, how come we aren’t experiencing the kind of devastation that the Haitians are suffering? Because God is merciful. God does not give us what we deserve. He gives His Son what we deserve. At the hands of Pontius Pilate and Roman soldiers. I don’t know why He allowed an earthquake to destroy Haiti instead of striking the New Madrid fault near where I live. I don’t know why their lives were wrecked, and I was spared. Despite his claims, Pat Robertson does not know either. But God knows. And that is what matters.
Our Lord has a plan. It is a plan that includes your salvation, my salvation, and the salvation of a whole lot of people in Haiti. God is carrying out His plan. God is using this tragedy for good. Romans 8: “All things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.”
I can already see a few ways that God is using the earthquake for our good. We Americans tend to be self-obsessed individualists. But for the past two weeks, we have reached out to help in ways that are absolutely amazing. Our priorities have been rearranged. We’ve contributed vast amounts of money to charities, and we’ve helped fill airplanes and ships with supplies and rescue workers. Even so, I can’t see how God is going to bring more good than evil out of this earthquake. Then again, if I had been standing at the foot of Christ’s cross 2000 years ago, I would have been sure that God could not possibly accomplish anything good out of that execution. Yet God used that gruesome event to accomplish the greatest good in all of history–that cross was His power of salvation for you, for me, and for the people of Haiti. So when He allows an earthquake, do not doubt that God is using it to do His incredible mercy work.
Where was God when the earthquake devastated Haiti? On His throne working for good in ways we can’t possibly see.
Where else was God when that earthquake hit? He wasn’t just on His throne above. He was also down here with His people. He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32). Since God cares enough to provide for our greatest need of all by giving up what is dearest of all to Him–His Son–there is absolutely no doubt that He’s going to take care of all our other needs as well–including getting Haiti through this tragedy and us through every tragedy in our lives.
We do not have a God who is unable to sympathize with our weakness. We have a God who came down out of heaven and lived a life filled with nothing but suffering on this earth—suffering even deeper than what the Haitians are enduring. We have a God who has been through the carnage of the cross. Jesus knows exactly the feelings of the people who are homeless, hungry, mourning, and even dying because of that earthquake. He knows exactly what you are going through when you face tragedy. He’s been through it Himself. That’s why He is able to help.
That’s why Christ’s baptized people respond with love in times of tragedy. Maybe you’ve contributed to the earthquake relief. Maybe you’ve been praying for the Haitians who are afflicted—and for all the relief workers, many of whom are putting themselves at risk to help. Jesus says, “As you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). You are baptized. You belong to God. You were redeemed at the holy cross. Unlike the blood that so often gets shed in tragedies, Jesus’ blood was shed for a good purpose, for our salvation. It is the blood that He serves us with His body at His holy altar. It is the blood that He serves with His body to our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Haiti. It is His promise to them and to us: “I will not leave you or forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).
Where was God when the earthquake hit? Right here with His people.
Where else was God when that earthquake hit? Not only was He on His throne working all things for good, not only was He here caring for us, but He was also in heaven preparing a place for us.
People ask, “Why didn’t God do something about all the destruction caused by that earthquake?” God did do something about it! He came down to earth as a human and dropped dead on the holy cross. He took into His body all the death and destruction that we should have experienced.
After 9/11, I remember reporters struggling to find words to describe all the rubble and ruin. One simply said, “This is hell.” No doubt the same has been said about Haiti. There has been so much heartache and so much hurt that it might in a few ways resemble hell. But as gruesome and painful as the tragedies of earth may be, they pale in comparison to the real hell.
God gives His help even to unbelievers in Haiti. But in hell, there is no God to help anyone. There is no God to end the suffering. Hell is what we all deserve. But hell is what none of us will suffer when we’re clinging to Jesus. Because He suffered hell for us. I don’t mean he suffered hell figuratively. I mean he suffered hell literally. He endured on the cross what we should have endured for all eternity—total abandonment. That’s why He said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). He was totally abandoned by His Father, so that you and I and all the people of Haiti can be sure that, no matter how horrible the tragedy, we will never be abandoned by His Father. He suffered hell for us so that we can have heaven—where tragedy and suffering, earthquakes and floods and hurricanes and even death will never ever happen again.
Jesus says that earthquakes are one sign that the end of the world is near (Mark 13:8). This earth is falling apart. This planet is passing away. And I say, “Good riddance!” I can’t wait for this fallen world to be replaced by the new heaven and new earth that our Lord has promised. Then we won’t have to worry about earthquakes, terrorists, hurricanes, tsunamis, or any other tragedy. Have you heard some of the incredible confessions of faith Christians in Haiti have spoken? Those sisters and brothers in Christ remind us that we, too, can stare tragedy in the face–we can even stare death in the face–and say, “I’m not afraid of you. My Lord went to the cross for me, came out of His tomb alive for me, and even now is preparing a place in heaven for me. Even if I die, I live.”
Where was God when that earthquake hit? He was not on vacation. He has not abandoned His people. He is on His throne working all things for good; He is here, caring for His people; and He is in heaven, preparing a place for us because this messed up world is coming to an end. We do not need a God who is a meddler. We do not need a God who steps in to stop every tragedy. We need a God with nail-scarred hands, we need a God whose death guarantees the day when all tragedies will be forever ended. Look at the holy cross and see: that’s exactly the God we have.
HT-Online subscribers will find a bible study on the Haiti Earthquake at the HT-Online members page.
The Rev Bruce Keseman is Pastor of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Freeburg, IL and a member of Higher Things Board of Directors.
by the Rev. Rich Heinz
“Mr. Holmes, you must widen your gaze. I’m concerned you underestimate the gravity of coming events. For you and I are bound on a journey that will twist the very fabric of nature,” says Lord Blackwood, a nobleman imprisoned, thanks to Sherlock Holmes. Lord Blackwood has engaged in murders – human sacrifices – to secure his power over others, enshrouded by the occult. Blackwood has Londoners convinced that he is risen from the dead and can perform black magic, and in a Mason-like secret society, he attempts to gain control of the British Empire. He repeatedly chides Holmes and others for their “unbelief.”
Have you surfed the “Christian” blogoshpere lately? It’s fascinating to see all sorts of people crying out against the movie because of its occult theme. Pious (and Pietistic) commentators are urging Christians to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Ach! Run away! Don’t give the devil your ticket money!
But are their urgings and protests for the right reasons?
SPOILER ALERT. If you will be annoyed by reading more about the plot, stop, see the film, and return to your computer. Then log onto HT and pick up here where you left off.
The “powers” of Lord Blackwood, in the end, are discovered to be technological and psychological – not diabolical. While an evil man, and a wicked, murderous criminal, Lord Blackwood’s “magic” is explained away by the Detective from 221b Baker Street.
Yet, is this not also a danger? Explaining away evil, and dismissing the spiritual as superstitious is a threat to the Church. The “believers” in Blackwood’s abilities were seen as the spiritual ones in the film, yet they were also the simple-minded fools who were not thinking for themselves. Those who did not “believe” were seen as the more rational and mature ones.
Sherlock Holmes (at least in this film, I cannot recall more references in the literary works) has little regard for things spiritual. He takes pride in human wisdom, observation, deduction, and other capabilities, whilst God “takes a back seat.” When “the game’s afoot,” it is not the wisdom of God or His mercy and work that are central, but the abilities of man – namely the man, Sherlock Holmes.
Is there a first commandment issue in the film? Perhaps, but not in a “Wow! It’d be cool to be like Blackwood and control people with black magic from the devil!” Rather, the danger is a fear, love, and trust in one’s self (along with one’s wisdom, critical thinking and deduction, etc.) above all things.
Should Holmes’ gaze be widened, as the imprisoned Blackwood asserts? Yes. Again, his gaze should not be widened to the submission to any secret apron-wearing, secret handshake giving nonsense, or even to the dark deeds and words of the occult. Holmes’ gaze should be widened to fix his eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith!
Bottom line: is it wrong to see Sherlock Holmes? Only if your parents tell you “no.” (It then becomes a 4th Commandment issue.)
Skepticism, scrutiny, and unbelief face the Church every day. Your $8.50 will not be promoting devil worship; actually, this film mocks that. Theologically, the worst aspect of the film is Holmes’ self-worship. And when it comes down to it, that is the heart of Old Adam, who is a part of our daily struggle. We have the same sin as this fictional character, with a pretty big log to pull out before we get the speck out of his fictitious eye.
Yes, dear baptized friends, your gaze does need to be widened. Not to succumb to evil, not to debate over movies. When your human frailty cannot see from the darkness of this world, the Holy Spirit widens your gaze to behold the King of Kings – Wisdom enfleshed – the Light of Light – who reveals Himself to you.
The Rev. Rich Heinz is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church & School in Chicago, Illinois. He is the Chaplain for this summer’s Given in Memphis, TN. He is also a fan of the Sherlock Holmes legend, and enjoyed this fast-paced reinvention of this detective.
For the past 10 years, Higher Things has provided youth ministry resources to confessional Lutheran pastors, parents, and congregations. To kick off the celebration of our 10th anniversary year in 2010 we invite you join us during Symposia for good food, good beer and and good conversation.
The next set of Daily Reflections for the Epiphany and Pre-Lent seasons is now available. These Reflections point us to Christ as He shows Himself in His Baptism, miracles and transfiguration and as He prepares to journey to Jerusalem and the Cross. The Reflections cover January 10 through February 16, 2010. To download the Reflections in a printable booklet format, click here.
Register for a 2010 Higher Things conference AND pay your group’s balance IN FULL by January 1 and you will pay the lowest registration fees available! On January 2, all registration fees will increase by $10 per person. (Registration and payment of deposits prior to January 1 does NOT “lock in” your group’s fee at the lowest rate, but it does guarantee that your group will have places reserved should the conference of your choice reach max capacity.)
Just in case this is the first you’ve heard of this year’s Higher Things conferences, here’s the scoop…
The Theme
“Take, eat; this is My Body given for you. This is My Blood, poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Sound familiar?
Jesus does the giving, we are the ones given-to. Jesus gives His life for us on the Cross and we are given His Cross-won forgiveness in the Divine Service – in the Word, in Holy Absolution, in Holy Baptism, and His Supper. As Jesus gives us His life and salvation in the Divine Service, so we are given to pray in His Name, to praise and to give thanks unto our Father in heaven. And just as we are given the gift of Jesus in the Divine Service, so also He gives us as a gift to our neighbors.
This year, in Utah and in Tennessee, Lutheran youth will gather to rejoice in all that we are GIVEN in the Divine Service where Jesus gives us His actual Body to eat and His Blood to drink! His Word and Sacraments enliven us to be given in service to our neighbors. And it’s all given to us in the Divine Service – the Cross, forgiveness, eternal life, salvation, and service to others!
Registration
Registration opened on October 1, 2009 and will close on February 28, 2010, or when a site reaches capacity – whichever happens first. We work very diligently to keep costs as low as possible while providing the best conferences we can – every year! Here’s how it works out this year:
Register between Oct. 1, 2009 and Jan 1., 2010
Given – Utah: $300
Given – Memphis: $325
Jan. 2, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2010
Given – Utah: $310
Given – Memphis: $335
After Mar. 1, 2010
Given – Utah: $325
Given – Memphis: $350
The per-person rates above are based on the date your group’s registration balance is PAID IN FULL. Additional fees may apply for registrations and changes made after March 1, 2010.
Your Registration Fee covers:
– Conference Programming
– Planning
– Catechesis
– Worship
– Entertainment
– Three (3) Nights of Housing
– Ten (10) Meals
– Conference Handbook
– Daily Services Book
– Conference T-Shirt
– One-year subscription to Higher Things: Dare to be Lutheran magazine
Are there age requirements for youth?
Not really. Higher Things conferences are generally planned for high school aged youth, but registrants may be any youth who has been confirmed before the date of the conference, including college students. We recognize that the age for confirmation may vary from congregation to congregation and just ask that if a group is bringing youth who are not yet in high school that the group leaders be prepared to provide any additional supervision accordingly.
Chaperones
Higher Things requires that each group must have at least one (1) male adult for every seven (7) male youth and/or at least one (1) female adult for every seven (7) female youth in your group. Chaperones must be at least 21 years old at the time of registration and approved by the group’s pastor for their role. All chaperones and other adults in a group must also complete the registration process.
If you are unable to recruit the necessary number of chaperones from your church for your youth to attend a conference, Higher Things is happy to help you find other groups from your area who might be willing to share their chaperones with you.
For more information, email conferences@higherthings.org to make sure you haven’t missed anything, or to ask any questions you might have. Everything that is available about the conferences at any GIVEN time is at http://www.given2010.org.
by The Rev. Brent Kuhlman
“Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.” Who prays like that? The church! She dares to pray that way. Especially during this blessed season of Advent. “Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.” And lo and behold He does! He comes to His lost and condemned creatures. In a way that blows you away! Check it out.
Go ahead. Try to bore a way up to heaven. Peek your head through the clouds. See if you can find the Lord seated on a red-velvety cushioned throne. I’ve got news for you. You won’t find Him way up there! Why? Because the Lord has come way down here!
The Lord Jesus stirs up His power and comes among us with great might. But see how it happens. Scandalous! Outrageous! Illegitimate circumstances! He stirs up His power and comes among us with great might as He is conceived by the Holy Spirit-filled sermon preached by the angel Gabriel in the virgin Mary’s-engaged-to-be-married-to Joseph-ears. He gestates for nine months in her womb. Born in backwoods Bethlehem. He nurses from the virgin’s breast. He cuddles in her lap. A cattle trough is His bed. Infant holy. Infant lowly. Yes, indeed, this child – the Baby Jesus — is Lord of all in weakness, a scandalous state of affairs, and great humility.
See how He stirs up His power to come! Who for us men and for our salvation — Jesus COMES DOWN FROM HEAVEN! He comes all the way down here — into the mire, muck and total mess of our lives. The eternal Word takes on human flesh and dwells among us so much so “that His skin smokes” as one famous German preacher named Martin Luther once remarked! He comes to seek and to save the lost and condemned. Baby Jesus Immanuel. Immanuel — because He is God with us (Matthew 1:23). Jesus – because He saves His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). He gives His people knowledge of salvation. How? Through the forgiveness of sins (Luke 1:77)!
No forgiveness without the shedding of blood. And so God With Us Immanuel Jesus offers His Blood as the Lamb of God! Born to die on His Friday afternoon we so aptly name “Good!” See how He stirs up His power! See how He comes with great might! In suffering! In shame! In disgrace! In death! Innocent, yet He is crucified as a criminal. On the earth the cross is His throne! And there He reigns as king.
There He willingly bears the sin of many. Of all. Yours too. You name the sin. The ones you hate. Even the ones you like, love, and don’t want to quit doing. Include the ones you don’t even know. Didn’t even realize you’ve committed. That’s how bad it is with you – and me! But Jesus – Immanuel God With Us – comes and answers for them all. He leaves none out. He is the sacrifice that atones for the sin of the world. Consequently, there is no condemnation for you as far as God is concerned. None! Jesus took the damnation. And you’re forgiven. God is most pleased with you because in the Body of Jesus His Son all your sin and it’s hellish punishment have been dumped in the black hole of His death. That’s how He stirs up His power. How He comes in great might. He does it save. To save you! To win your salvation.
Now today He bestows what He won for you. He came to you and brought you paradise – heaven – in the water of Holy Baptism. Baptized in the Triune Name you are (Matthew 28:19). And to be baptized in God’s Name is to be baptized by God Himself. You are buried with Christ into His all atoning death (Romans 6). Given the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39). Born from above (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:4-7). Washed, sanctified, justified, SAVED (1 Corinthians 6:11; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21)!
He comes to you in the preaching of the Gospel. When you hear the preacher proclaim that Jesus died for you and that He rose for you and that your sins are forgiven, in those words you’ve heard the Lord Jesus Himself. “He who hears you[the preacher] hears me,” (Luke 10:16) is His promise. He comes in the words of Holy Absolution. “Do you believe that my forgiveness is God’s forgiveness,” the pastor asks in confession (see Lutheran Service Book, p. 293). And in that spoken word of forgiveness you hear the living voice of Christ Himself (viva vox Christi). He speaks to you just as he spoke to the paralytic: “Be of good cheer my son. Your sins are forgiven,” (Matthew 9:2; see also Matthew 16:19; 18:18; John 20:19-23).
And there is more! He stirs up His power and comes in the Sacrament of the Altar. With His words Jesus does and gives what He promises. He bestows His Good Friday Body and Blood with the bread and wine for you to eat and drink with your mouth. And He adds this most remarkable promise: “It’s for you. This is for the forgiveness of your sins,” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Matthew 26:28). In this eating and drinking – in this blessed receiving of His last will and testament — we proclaim that His death is for you, for me, and for all until He comes on the last day (1 Corinthians 11:26).
And on that last day He stirs up more of His power. He will come to judge the living and the dead. But you’ll be ready. Really. No need to be afraid. For you’ve been rehearsing for the last day all your life. After all, every time you hear the Gospel, the Absolution, and receive the Lord’s Supper you’ve heard Judge Jesus and you know His judgment over you. And what is that? That you’re died for, that you are forgiven, and that heaven is yours. Every time you attend the divine service it’s judgment day in miniature – the last day ahead of time. The Lord Jesus comes and stands in your midst (Matthew 18:20) to render His last day judgment: “Acquitted! Set free! I died for you.” So that when the last day comes you will see with your eyes what you’ve always had by faith. And the judgment will be no different for you who trust in Him.
And so you together with the church dare to pray: “Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.” After all, we know the end game. That by the Lord Jesus Himself we are rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Him who comes in great might: at Bethlehem and Calvary, in the Word and Sacraments, and finally on the last day.
Until then, the Lord Jesus will bless you, defend you from all evil, and bring you to the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Have a happy Advent and blessed Christmas.
Rev. Brent Kuhlman is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Murdock, NE. He is also Vice-President of Higher Things and a regular guest on HT-Radio
