Gospel Truths in... SAYING GOODBYE

(from the CWR Times)

We are nearing the end of the summer and we will soon be saying goodbyes. A difficult goodbye is always a reminder to me of the Gospel. We were created to experience a closeness with others. Relationships are meant to give us a certain satisfaction. But ever since man’s rebellion there has been a particular strain in our relationships. When we experience, even in part, the harmony and camaraderie that we were made for, there is a part deep within us that doesn’t want it to end. The good news is that Christ died to make all things new. In Christ we find the relationship for which we were made. When Jesus was resurrected he told Mary to go to His “brothers.” As the firstfruits of the Kingdom of the resurrected, Christ began the restoration of the humanity of humanity.

Even now we are beginning to feel the effects of that redemption, yet we still live in a fallen world. So it is hard to say goodbye. It is hard because of how good the community has been and it seems to be a parting. Yet, it is not a permanent parting, and for that reason there is a certain comfort to be had. While this group may not ever again serve together in one location on this side of glory, we know that we are going separate ways with the love and support of brothers and sisters in Christ. We can leave knowing that, on account of the spectacular redemption we have in Him, we will all be united once again. And at that time, bittersweet goodbyes will be a thing of the past.

Gospel Truths in... the PASSAGE of TIME

(from the CWR Times)

Ever notice that those 5 minutes in Lakeside during Canteen go by really quick? Or how quickly ten minutes with a prayer partner turn into twenty? Can you remember yesterday’s flag raising? Seems like forever ago. At the same time, it is hard to believe it is already the eighth week for the staff. I feel like we were just huddled in the dark, powerless Dining Hall sharing with each other at the end of Staff Training. It’s a short summer made up of long days.

I think that our experience of the passage of time teaches us something about how things are supposed to be. When things are going well, time seems to pass quickly. It feels as though it escapes us. This points to our innate desire to experience goodness without end. Conversely, when things are going poorly, time seems to drag on. This points to our innate desire to experience only goodness. In glory, the expression “time flies” will lose its meaning. We will never have to fearfully check our watches to see if we are out of time. We will never agonizingly glance at the clock and realize that we have to endure just a little bit longer. One day, thanks to the redemption found in Christ, we will experience the good of life without the worry of when it will end.

The Gospel Truths in... SILLY BANDZ

(from the CWR Times)

When I look at an arm full of Silly Bandz I’m reminded of the Gospel.

Silly Bandz, have you seen them? They are so much fun. At first you would think it is just a funny looking rubber band, but they’re not! They are something far grander. When I see Silly Bandz I see that people are creative and desire fun things. This is because God made us to be creative and to desire fun things. The large number of campers I see running around with Silly Bandz is also evidence that people like trends. People like to belong and no one wants to be left out. This is a result of being made in the image of a God who is, within Himself, perfect community.

The Gospel story is one of a good God making a good creation and people in His image. He made us to be creative. Then man rebelled against all that is good so that now not everything is right in the world. This is why Silly Bandz break. But God, in His grace, has made redemption available through His Son. He is redeeming hearts first, but even broken Silly Bandz serve as a reminder that redemption has not yet been made complete.

CWR Summer 2K10

Done.

The Gospel Truths in... a BURGER

(from the CWR Times)

When I look at a burger I see the Gospel. I am reminded that God is good. He created a world in which we can experience deliciousness and delight. He did not have to make burgers taste good, and He did not have to make us capable of tasting them, but He did because He is good. I am also reminded of sin. A cow died for me to have that burger. And too many burgers could kill me. That is not the way things were meant to be. We were meant to experience delicious things apart from death, decay, and destruction. But through our rebellion those things entered the world.

But there is redemption. Christ died and was resurrected to make all things new. One of the visions of glory is a vision of a great feast. I am not sure if there will be burgers in the consummated Kingdom of Christ, but I do know that whatever we do eat, it has to be at least as good as the best burger in this life.

Blogging will soon resume...

It’s been a long stretch of time since my last post.

Summer at Camp Willow Run is a great thing and it consumes my time. But things are beginning to slow a bit. Posts should resume over the next week.

I think I will post a little series that I wrote for the CWR Times about Gospel truths that can be found in the world around us.

For now, I’ll leave you with two of my favorite sunset pictures from the summer taken by the CWR media specialist, Brently.