The Proud and the Humble, pt. deux

At the dog park this week there was another stark example of the proud and the humble. It was another one of those interactions which makes me seriously consider carrying around a small digital recorder so I can better remember the details of these conversations.

So I was talking with this man for quite a while on the subject of idolatry. He brought up the subject himself and was criticizing that segment of American society which worships sports as “god”. Agreeing with him, (that sports is an American idol) I used that as my opportunity to speak to him on the subject of spiritual things and decided to bring up all the other things people worship, and all the rest of the Law. But after identifying as a Humanist, he responded to God’s Word by declaring his good deeds and self-righteousness. He then went on a rage about how he should not have to thank God (if there was one) for anything; for “what has He done for me lately?” He accused God of being responsible for evil in the world, and accused Him of not doing right (or making this messed up world right). He praised the superiority and independence of Humanity, then lifted his fist high in the air, and shook his fist at God in defiance, loudly yelling his curses against God.

Towards the end, another man began listening and joined the conversation. He also witnessed to the Humanist. This man was a brother in Christ, and not only did he proclaim the truth that God is Creator, Judge and Savior, but he also, with great love and gentleness of spirit, declared his gratitude to God for salvation, and for His goodness, even through severe and painful life trials. This man publicly blessed the Lord with thanksgiving.

The thing I found so wonderfully amazing was that this brother that proclaimed his gratitude to God, did not begin hearing the conversation until after the first man completed his diatribe of hateful ingratitude against God. Thus they both demonstrated who they were before God: one demonstrating the text of Romans 1:18-25, and the other demonstrating every scripture about believers giving thanks to God for all His blessings, especially salvation of sinful men, by His grace.

Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations. Ps.100:4-5.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (surpassing grace!) 2Cor.9:15.

Thoughts on the Opening Ceremony

It was not as bizarre as I thought it was going to be. I thought it was a technological and artistic marvel; very beautiful and impressive visually. It was spectacular and amazing. My daughter and I enjoyed discussing historical and cultural references, since we studied China a bit this last year. We loved the costumes, the choreography, the colors and the children.

Of course we could not help but notice the obligatory education in the “we are one world” paradigm which the Olympics heavily promotes. After celebrating China, the opening show ends with the “world” coming up out of the stage floor with a duet on top singing about how we are all one world. Screens and hand held posters show hundreds of children’s faces from all around the globe: “all the nations coming together as one world.” Cosmic Humanism is celebrated. Even as they project pictures of God’s creation: the earth, the planets, the sun, moon and stars, sea creatures and humans, God is completely ignored. Man, his diversity and accomplishments, is exalted and celebrated. Nothing has changed with the man-exalting “world system” since the ancient times of the Greek Empire, the tower of Babel and the Flood. And this continues, until the Day of the Lord.

But I was actually encouraged. I loved watching the parade of nations and seeing the faces and national costumes of many different people groups that God has created. It is pretty exciting to look at the parade, with the celebrating and excitement; it reminds us of how God will have His own version of this someday, when His redeemed from every ethnos worships and rejoices before the throne and exalts our Redeeming, Creator God, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t want to miss that for the world.

Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the first born from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood…to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him… Rev. 1:5-7

All nations whom Thou hast made shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord; and they shall glorify Thy name. Ps.86:9

Worthy art Thou….for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. Rev.5:9

And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped……Rev.5:13-14.