stained

I had the honor of speaking tonight at our college ministry and am still processing the message (and my voice is recovering). We looked at Jeremiah 6:16 - a verse that is often taken out of context to aid us in decision-making. Instead I think it is more of a courtroom testimony of the Creator's offer that was repeatedly rejected by his people...

This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'

At the time of this prophecy, Israel's rejection of God was leading toward their destruction and captivity. God's heart was breaking. He looked at Israel and saw their blatant abandonment:

Therefore the showers have been withheld,
and no spring rains have fallen.
Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute;
you refuse to blush with shame. (Jer 3:3)

God wanted his people on the path toward everlasting peace. Even the phrase "ancient paths" captures this; the Hebrew means something like "most distant / remotest / everlasting paths". It's not something that many to this point can claimed they walked. So when God says, "seek the everlasting paths," he's inviting them (and us) to find the peace that we were created for.

I thought it appropriate to leave the lasting image we used to demonstrate that while we were still 'abandoners' of God, He chose us. (Romans 5:8) The image above is the marred idea of our starting point: the garden / peace / true untainted relationship with the Creator. That's what God's people have done to his everlasting path.

With fresh fingerprints we take over, reject, refuse, neglect the path meant for us. And yet God says "I'll choose that. I'll use that. I'll become that." This is the 'amazing grace' of wretchedness for God's glory. Glory in the stain. Glory in freedom. Glory in letting God become the despise that was ours. That's the new everlasting path... the everlasting plan of hope and glory.

"Amazing Grace," recorded by Chris Tomlin (2007)

*The smiley in the corner represents one student's gratitude -- or at least her joy of fingerpainting. (Painting by Micah Eglington-Woods; Marring by yours truly.)

Catch-up

The seminary has this wonderful invention called “Reading Week.” While it is most likely a ploy to give faculty time off, it serves as a well needed break. And we get one of these every month! But after having my first extremely sub-par performance on a Hebrew quiz…this student knows he has some work to do. And just so you know Biblical Hebrew is not easy…nor fun. Why? – you might ask.

1. Right to left, instead of left to right. Re-train your brain.
2. No vowels… just dots and lines…which means you read one word as a zig-zag (going left – see #1).

Now that I’ve gotten the alphabet down (or “alephbet,” for you pretentious Hebrew nerds), there’s hope. But I certainly invite your prayers as I play catch-up.

I’m also taking a class on the Gospel of Mark, which I took because I've read Mark much less than the other three. Not sure why though. This of course leads me to question for you, reader: Do you have a favorite Gospel (choose between Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)? What about that book appeals to you?

School contributions

Some of you (readers, family, and friends) have asked how you might contribute toward my studies at GCTS. It's a simple process, but rather than spell it out here, I'll give you more instructions on another page.
(And yes, they do accept Visa and MasterCard.)

Contributions

During this phase of our lives, I am pursuing seminary, as I believe God has called and gifted me into pastoral ministry. This is a time of training. It is testing me and helping me find certain limitations in terms of studying, working and letting God lead us into the future.

While Holly is working for Mission Emanuel and raising support, I have been working part-time. Nevertheless, our expenses continue to come and often rise unexpectedly and since you have found this page you are willing to invest in my training.

First of all, thank you!

Second of all, you have two choices on the method of contribution:

• 1. Mail a check to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 130 Essex St., Hamilton, MA 01982.
  IMPORTANT: In order for the funds to be applied to my account, you must indicate "Justin Lewis/Acct No. 163249" in the memo line of the check.
• 2. Pay by MasterCard or Visa online.
  IMPORTANT See picture below for the following: Make sure "163249" is the account number and also select "Account Type: 'Hamilton Student Acct' " (if the drop-menu doesn't work, click on "Charlotte...", then press the down arrow key.)
  If you wish to pay using an American Express or Discover card, you must contact the Financial Services office at 978-646-4045 or finserv@gcts.edu.

Third, while you are welcome to make an anonymous gift, please consider emailing me letting me know that you have submitted funds into my account. This way I will be able to thank you personally, give you updates on my academic progress (and post-seminary decisions), and follow-up with accounts payable if there is a problem.

Thanks again and please stay in touch!

Justin