EXCEPTIONAL LIVING

 

Ivy League universities have earned the reputation for academic excellence and rigorous admissions standards. Employers view their alumni among top-tier candidates in the job market. The Ivy League culture prepares graduates for exceptional living. Even a cursory study within the judiciary, the halls of government and academia will confirm my point of view. It would then be safe to conclude that one’s academic upbringing almost guarantees one’s quality of life.

In my most recent book, Exceptional Living: Growing Up Like Jesus, I contend that Jesus challenged the idea that one’s upbringing almost guarantees quality of life. His first-century upbringing in Nazareth was nothing like the city-life in neighboring Sepphoris, the provincial capital of Galilee. Both the New Testament and archaeological research confirm that Nazareth was not an affluent place. The rural community had just the basics to sustain itself and the families who lived there.  

Archaeologists contend, only about 300 persons may have lived in Nazareth during the time of Jesus. Although mentioned at least six times in the Gospel of Luke, Nazareth does not appear anywhere in the Old Testament. You may recall the disciple Philip telling Nathanael he had found Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael replied, Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

How then, does one account for the extraordinary life of Jesus? Many speculations have emerged as enquirers have searched for answers. One theory is in the documentary/film, Jesus in India, directed by Paul Davids. This theory posits that Jesus studied and lived in India, learning from spiritual teachers and immersing Himself in Eastern philosophies and traditions before returning to Judea. Another document is The Life of Saint Issa, the Best of the Sons of Men.  This is an alleged text that claims to document the missing years of Jesus. The so-called text purports that during this time, Jesus (referred to as Issa) travelled to India, Nepal, and Tibet, where he studied and preached. Both film and text have been debunked as historically untenable fables.

In addition to citing the above paragraph, my recent paperback discusses the issue of Jesus’ upbringing under less-than-ideal conditions. The book is a study of Luke 2:52 – And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and mankind. The four chapters in the book explain the four primary areas in which Jesus grew. In the words of one reviewer, “this book helps us to identify with the humanity of Jesus and gives us a pattern of personal development we should all emulate”.

Exceptional Living contends that when Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us, He encountered the joys and the pains that we experience daily. John tells us that Jesus wept with the family of Lazarus. On one occasion He displayed wisdom beyond his age. Luke tells the story of the twelve-year-old Jesus.

The leaders among whom he was interacting, were amazed at his understanding and his answers. The term understanding here refers to Jesus’ deep and insightful grasp of the Scriptures. His ability to comprehend and interpret the law and the prophets was far beyond what would be expected of a twelve-year-old boy. Divine wisdom was the only explanation for that display of brilliance. James, Jesus’ brother, later described that wisdom as from above. It is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).

Jesus also grew physically or in stature. He went through the stages of human development. The fact that the city of Sepphoris was only about four miles from his hometown, Nazareth, it would not be ridiculous to assume that  Jesus may have attended or even participated in some of the cultural and sporting events for which the city was famous. Jesus would also have benefitted from the Mediterranean diet of first-century Judea. Studies suggest that meals were basic, but nutritious.

While exploring the development of Jesus, my book also discusses the physical and psychological value of rest, solitude and fasting. Today we understand that fasting can support brain functions, resulting in enhanced mental clarity. Fasting also improves cellular health. Fasting gives the digestive system a break, promoting better intestinal health. From His times of solitude, Jesus would have reduced stress levels and strengthened his immune system. These practices would certainly have been included when Jesus shared in our humanity (Hebrews 2:14).

In the closing chapters, Exceptional Living expands on Jesus’ spiritual and social growth. I was particularly struck by the time Jesus gave to prayer. For Him, prayer was like oxygen, He could not do without it. The same thing could be said about His knowledge and dependence on the Scriptures.

In His social life, the closing chapter invites the reader to consider how Jesus lived with others. He elevated women and children who were marginalized in His culture. From his interactions with critics and friends, Jesus taught how to respect people who shared differences in perspectives.

Amazon Books just released Exceptional Living: Growing Up Like Jesus. It is available in Kindle and Paperback formats. This book clearly reminds us that Jesus became like us, so that we might become like Him.

 

YES, I INTEND TO VOTE!

 

Upon becoming a citizen of the United States, I knew I would earn the right to vote - that right I cherish. Especially now, considering that some 73% of Americans believe that the country is on the wrong track (Mehlman Consulting). My vote might just make the difference to stem this downward trend.

 

Agreed, the political climate is toxic. However, that toxicity is mainly because of the personalities in the presidential race, rather than the issues at stake. To ignore the issues and focus almost exclusively on leadership personality traits is a distraction.

 

I believe I can make a difference, and I intend to do so on Tuesday, November 05. As I prayerfully prepare myself to vote, I know that I cannot limit my thinking to the two presidential candidates. As far as I am concerned, both candidates have flaws. To date, the variety of salacious disclosures will make it very difficult for either candidate to lead with untarnished confidence.  

 

I understand that according to the media consortium exit poll, “evangelicals make up an average of 25.4% of the electorate in the past ten election cycles going back 20 years.” However, many Evangelicals do not vote. About 30% are not registered to vote, and of those evangelical registered to vote, 40% do not vote. Studies show that if roughly 5% more evangelicals vote, there can be major changes in the 2024 local, state and federal elections.

 

Separate and apart from the outcome, I believe I have a duty to vote. Firstly, as a Christian, and secondly as a citizen. Jesus calls me salt and light. When he said this in his Sermon on the Mount, he was informing me that I am expected to make a difference in my community. As salt, I can preserve and bring flavor. As light, I can dispel darkness and provide hope.

 

In their letters, Paul and Peter contend that governance was ordained by God, and we must submit to governing authorities. We must pay taxes to support governing authorities. We must show respect, give honor and pray for those in authority (Romans 13:1-7 & 1 Peter 2:13-17). This is an invitation to engage in civil affairs.

 

My faith defines me, and the Bill of Rights protects my right to practice my faith. I want to live according to the dictates of my conscience. I have no problem living in a religiously diverse culture. I want to be sure that all faith-based institutions are protected from government discrimination. Whichever party protects these rights will get my vote.

 

The Bible calls on governing authorities to protect and promote. Protection involves restraining evil by punishing evildoers. Promoting peace and orderly conduct by rewarding good behaviour. Governments should establish systems and institutions to ensure protection, especially for the less fortunate and voice-less. Such governance is for the common good of society.

 

The biblical prophets are consistent and adamant in their condemnation of injustice to the poor, and frequently follow their statements by requiring the government to act justly. That prophetic expectation did not apply only to the kings of Israel but was also extended to the kings of neighbouring lands and peoples. Jeremiah, speaking of King Josiah, said, "He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well" (Jeremiah 22:16). Whichever party respects my worldview, gets my vote.

 

The institution of marriage, defined as a union between a man and a woman, has served every culture for millennia. Both social scientists and theologians will agree that “the institution of marriage is the relationship that best provides for the most favorable exercise of human sexuality, the overall well-being of adults, and the proper socialization of children.” Agreed, other familial relationships meet similar needs. However, lifelong, monogamous marriage is the best option. I am eager to vote for a party that shares my passion.

 

When my family and I came to this country 33 years ago, our privileges were limited by our overseas student visas. I was determined to live within the immigration limits placed on us. I had a moral obligation to model to my children that we were a law-abiding family. In addition, I had a biblical obligation to display consistency in all areas of my life. We were deprived of luxuries, but maintained our integrity.

 

I want other immigrants to have a similar appreciation for the laws of the land. It was good to hear the officer say at my citizenship interview, “We are sorry it took so long, but welcome to America.” I plan to vote for a party that respects the process of law and order when it comes to immigration. Everyone wins when we play clean. You now know why I intend to vote on November 05.

 

 

DID GOD SPARE HIS LIFE?

 

In 1932, Adolf Hitler and several members of his staff fell ill after dining at a hotel in Berlin. Hitler seemed least affected by the alleged poisoning. This incident was one of at least forty-two attempts to assassinate Hitler. Hitler was even quoted as saying: “Even today I am not ashamed to say that, overpowered by stormy enthusiasm, I fell down on my knees and thanked Heaven from an overflowing heart for granting me the good fortune of being permitted to live at this time”. (Mein Kampf, Vol. 1 Chapter 5).

Similarly, many believe God spared former President Donald Trump’s life after the recent assassination attempt. I believe God spared the lives of the wicked German leader, and the former President. Their lives were spared, not because they earned the right to be alive. Rather, because those were not the appointed times for either of them to die. We will all eventually die, but only God determines when. Old Testament Job understood this truth. In the middle of his significant losses, he uttered, “… the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21).

Therefore, to be spared from any form of death is to experience the kindness of God. That expression of God’s kindness is intentional. It is intended to remind us of the certainty of death and the frailness of life. The apostle Paul contends that the kindness of God is intended to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). In other words, to be spared from death is not luck or chance. Rather, it is a wake-up-call. A call to realize that “… life is a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

That perspective on life also applies to fire-fighter Corey Comperatore. The same attempted assassin who shot Donald Trump, killed Corey. Corey’s daughter Allyson, described her father as “the best dad a girl could ever ask for”, adding that “he was a man of God, loved Jesus fiercely, and also looked after our church and our members as family”. His death was not because God was wicked. The Psalmist would likely say in this situation, “… all the days ordained for me were written in your book, before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). Or, “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”

(Psalm 116:15).  

We cannot fathom why God allows some people to die tragically, and others to survive the same tragedies. Because tragedy is a fact of life, what about ensuring that we live prepared for tragedy. I am not only referring to having adequate health and life insurance. I am issuing a wake-up call, like the prophet Amos, to “… prepare to meet your God…” (Amos 4:12). So often I am reminded of that when I attend or officiate at funerals.

Tragedy leaves gaping holes for loved ones. The pain is so real, we sometimes ask, where is God when it hurts? He is just where he was when the Psalmist declared, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:5-6). Let us never forget God’s response to Job, after Job and his friends attempted to explain pain. The Lord asked, “would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself” (Job 40:8)? On another occasion the Lord said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…” (Isaiah 55:8).

It is because God understands pain and loss, the Psalmist described God as “a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows…” (Psalm 68:5). God was not absent when Corey Comperatore was killed. He allowed it. God also moved many to donate millions of dollars to reduce economic pain to the grieving family. Corey died when he covered his family and took the bullet for them. That family will always remember the hero who died for them. What a noble legacy.

Whatever the political outcome in the upcoming elections, Donald Trump and others who were shot should be different. Agreed, God spared their lives, not because of their nobility, but because God was issuing a warning. A warning to remind them and all of us of the frailness of life and the need to live in a state of readiness to meet our Maker. That reminder was an act of kindness and favor. To squander God’s kindness and favor is reckless. As quoted earlier, the kindness of God should lead to repentance, not arrogance.