Losing Alleluias

In the season of Lent we focus on the cross of Jesus, and its cost. We blow the cobwebs out of the tail pipe to see how strong faith is once again…

Truth #1 - No One is exempt from hardship.

Psalm 1:4 ESV

The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Luke 13:4 ESV

Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?

Should we assume that bad things happen because of our sin? Do we wish to ascribe casualty because it implies some kind of egocentric justice? Something easily controlled or manipulated?

Psalm 34:19 ESV

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

A theology of glory moves us to try and create our own reason and explanation for the events and circumstances of life. We find peace in our ability to understand because it implies some kind of control. “I can fathom, the nature of the circumstance therefore I am able to transcend it.”

Matthew 5:45 ESV

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Truth #2 People complain about #1

what is the difference, if any, between commonplace groaning and lament as a language? Or is “lament” really complaining put into religious jargon...

Some of your ears may be perking up, because you know you are an expert complainer...

Faith Claim #1 The Lord Reigns

David feels rejected....

Psalm 89:38 ESV

But now you have cast off and rejected; you are full of wrath against your anointed.

Psalm 93:1 ESV

The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

Faith Claim #2 Bewildered Faith Evokes Speech to God

The difference between complaint and lament is a faith that must speak the truth of our lives to the only One who can make a difference (the King), and, when we speak, we expect that God will respond.

“Mountain tops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys” - Billy Graham