Rescue and Redemption

Rescue? Redemption?

The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:38

Context: This dude is possessed by this crazy, multi-faceted demon called “Legion.” Legion trembles with fear at the sight of Jesus, and Jesus commands that the demon leave the man. The demon goes into a few nearby pigs, which proceed to run into the water and drown. The man is then freed and is radically changed; Legion had him running around in the nude, chained to rocks and living in caves. The community was well aware of the crazed effect this demon had on this man. All this to say, Legion leaving this guy would be a pretty radical change in the eyes of his community. So, after he’s freed, the guy is following Jesus around in his city, and then Jesus tells him the above. Why wouldn’t Jesus just let him carry on with his disciples? The answer I think comes just a few verses before:

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.”-Jesus

Luke 8:16

So, my friends and I have been talking about God being not just a God of rescue, but of redemption. Let me be clear: the two are not mutually exclusive. This is not a rescue v. redemption mentality. ‘nuff said.

We often see rescue and redemption as the same thing, ie redemption is rescue. But that’s not necessarily always true. Rescue is enfolded in redemption, but redemption is much more. My dictionary defines rescue as:

“to save (someone) from a dangerous or distressing situation”

whereas redemption is defined as:

“the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil” OR “the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt”

In Christian circles, the former definition of redemption is probably the one that is reached first. But, my roommate Katie and I were talking this morning at the gym about how to convey redemption to any person on the street. We thought, how is “redemption” used in our culture? Most commonly, we “redeem” gift cards or coupons. And what does that get you? Something for free or at a discounted price. You didn’t have to buy it or pay the difference, someone else already did. This falls in line more with the second definition of redemption.

That said, let’s talk rescue. Rescue means “saving from,” which connotes that an individual, puppy or Aunt Bessie’s ring will be taken out of a situation that would bring peril. It connotes removal.

Now, redemption is more about gaining something in exchange for payment, ie you get that awesome new sweater from GAP because your grandma got you a gift card for Columbus Day, and there is no dent in your bank account as a result. Redemption isn’t bound by context, or removal from a context. It happens in any context. Translated to the idea of evangelism, or seeing others saved by the grace of God, redemption looks like receiving forgiveness, freedom and grace from God despite being a sinner, wherever you are. Furthermore, it means that redemption takes place in any context.

As I was spending time reading the Bible on Tuesday, God brought this idea to light in my reading of Luke 8. Jesus does rescue the demon-tormented man. In fact, word about the miraculous healing of the man gets out to the community, and they come around and find the previously-demon-possessed man sitting at Jesus’ feet learning. (They are a little freaked out, since they’ve only since this man as a crazed person.) But, these people then went back and told their communities how he was healed. Because of this, the community asks Jesus to leave; they were shocked by his power. Anyway, the healed man asks Jesus if he can go with him. And what does Jesus say?

“No.”

Jesus leaves the man with his community, to shine his lamp, telling of the goodness of God. Jesus’ hope, it seems, is to see others know God through what God has done to this man. Strategically, it allows His message to cover more ground, but it also keeps a disciple rooted in his original community. It was there in which people know he was demon-possessed. They will see the full transformation of his healing, rather than thinking he made up some cockamamie story. This good news has greatest relevance and credibility in this man’s community. Jesus seeks redemption of all, not just the rescue of one.

The idea is not pull someone out of their community to “save” them (the rescue idea), but to see them saved by God and remain in their community, being a light to it (the redeem idea)--and the latter is clearly illustrated in these verses. Furthermore, keeping these individuals rooted in their community widens the door to meet other people. Rather than rescuing individuals by uprooting them and drawing them in our church doors and shutting the door soundly behind them, impressing conformity to our church culture, we allow God to do a new thing in their community by keeping those relationships.

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Author’s note: This is not to say that some situations are “toxic,” and in those cases rescue and redemption are more synonymous. Also, I am not saying that we should never bring people we meet to our churches. Churches can provide some good grounding to build character and build into the life of a seeker and/or new Christian. I’m just encouraging us to look outside the model we have, and to think about reaching people in their community, going to the places they are, since that’s what Jesus did.
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God really hammered this home for me this week. In one of my social work courses at school, we were talking about a child’s ability to advance out of poverty. We discussed this article by Melissa Abelev (2009), which proposed that low-income students need to have access to middle class values in order to succeed. On a surface level, this makes sense: middle class values are widely celebrated in American culture and are required for social interactions in daily life, such as ability to find work, a spouse, or friends. However, many of the students featured in this article self-selected into obtaining middle class values. They were high performers in school and presented what a middle class mentor may see as potential. They were selected by a middle-class individual, given scholarships to prep schools and access to special programs. In essence, they were rescued out of their situation. In fact, Abelev writes “A key theme in the data collection was that children were pulled out of low performing public schools and placed into higher performing private schools, generally by a mentor outside the family who was part of the middle class.” How much more of rescue can you get than “pulled out”? But that’s not the point. The point is: what about the kids that didn’t get picked? Do they lack potential? The answer is no. We all have potential.

Here’s the interesting thing. Teachers in low-income schools have followed through with students (whole classes of them!) to the end, to see high rates of graduation and continuation to college. And these teachers did it within those low-income schools. Certainly, some of these teachers were from the middle class, and without a doubt, some of their middle-class values and actions were imparted in the process. But, they did it in the students’ context. This, my friends, is redemption.

Interestingly, a non-believing student in my class expressed her aggravation with the rescue method that Abelev seemed to advocate. She stated that we are taught to work in non-traditional settings, that the system needs to be changed, that we are responsible for those “other kids” that don’t self-select into mentorship by some benevolent middle-class person. Social workers, my friends, are looking for the redemption model too. It was so encouraging that someone else, outside of my Christian bubble, identified the same issue I did, and longs to see the model Christ used in everyday, practical issues of this world. It encouraged me how much the world, regardless of knowing it, is crying out for redemption.

Sacrifice, Obedience and Calling

Two Sundays ago, my friend Jesse preached on life being about God's vision and not our own. I really liked it, but I had to do some working through it on my own. The day after, God pointed me to a few scriptures and then I started to get it. Let me set it up for you...

Jesse read 1 Samuel 15:22, which reads:

Has the Lord great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

Basically, here God is saying, I'd appreciate it if you obeyed me rather than making sacrifices...keep this in mind...

So, Jesse's talking about living in God's vision and our gifts sliding into it, rather than God fitting a "calling" into our gifts, or even God fitting into our "calling." Let me explain a bit. What do you think of when people ask you about your calling? I (and Jesse) think about what we're good at, where are gifts lie, and then define a calling from those points. However, this can be limiting. Are we to totally throw away the context God has placed us in because we are so sure of our calling? What if context supersedes calling? I know from personal experience that I have denied serving my community because I felt "called" to the nations. This has definitely changed for me. But, I use it as an example. The idea is that God has given us gifts, and those slide into His vision, rather than God sliding into our vision.

Ok, so that's how Jesse sets up the talk. Then, he starts talking about sacrifice vs. obedience. Sacrifice, he said, is something we do of our own choosing; it's individual and singularly directed. To help myself, and hopefully you, understand this, I drew a diagram...

Now, obedience is a cooperation between you and God...
Now, the idea in 1 Samuel 15:22 is reprised in Jesus' words in Matthew 9:9-13 and 12:1-8. Here's some recap and context...

Matthew 9:13-"Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Context: Jesus was chilling with the tax collectors. Some Pharisees came up and told Jesus, "Dude, you shouldn't be hanging out here with these people if you're holy and all." The above phrase is how Jesus responds.

Matthew 12:7-"And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless."
Context: Jesus and his disciples are plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath because they are hungry. The Pharisees show up and are like, "Dude, Jesus, no work on the Sabbath." And Jesus is like, "Don't you know David did what was not lawful? God doesn't punish priests who profane the Sabbath. I'm here and you should learn what the above phrase means, because I'm Lord of the Sabbath."

What does this all mean. Translated into Jesus's time and phrasing, this would mean God does not desire living by your own volition and choosing to worship God and/or allowing God to work in your life when you feel like it, nor should you be legalistic and ridiculous. Rather, God wants mercy. Dictionary.com defines mercy as:

compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy or other person in one's power; compassion, pity or benevolence.

Jesus doesn't desire mindless, self-selecting rule following or condemnation. (A sacrifice, if you will, since the practice of sacrifice at this point, particularly on the part of the Pharisees/Sadducees, was legalistic and a self-chosen practice to make one feel important or superior. This is strikingly similar to how we elevate our selves by prizing our gifts and asking god to squeeze into them.)

Rather, His vision is mercy: allowing God to direct you, to say, "Go on, help that guy"; "Forgive her"; "Love my people"; "Obey my voice"; "Go where I lead"; "Listen, my child." Overall, this just got me thinking about how to live life. Our culture has told us that obedience equals oppression and conformity; it's a forced procedure rather than the cooperative practice that God intended. So, if we're living in obedience and mercy, what does that mean?

It means going where God leads, even if/when it's uncomfortable. It means realizing it is not my world or life, but His. It means losing my life to the glory of Christ to find it. It means following God every step of the way, using those weak muscles, fumbling a bit and relying on God. He hasn't let me down this far. Why would He now?

For more on this topic, please see my friend Jesse's blog: sudirgo.wordpress.com and read "Vision is Not About You" and "An Everyday Kind of Calling."

Zimbabwe, Final Entry

Thirteenth Entries: 6-2-10

It’s really the end now. Our flight from South Africa to Atlanta was pretty easy--surprisingly. I watched tons of movies and TV and crashed for a good chunk of the flight. I had to hustle tog et to my flight to Boston--but I had time to freshen up--change clothes, put on some deodorant and get a Starbucks. Sweet fancy Moses, I’ve missed lattes! It’s just two hours to Boston now.

I’m feeling a little mixed--definitely ready to be home, and I have been refreshed. I feel at peace about not really going anywhere for the next little while, and I could see living abroad much more clearly now. Same and Marlene made it so natural--it doesn’t have to be out-in-the-sticks-with-nothing-whatsoever-mission. It’s about living and learning. I think it’s certainly given me a lot, a new perspective on living and working, of how cross-cultural mission can be anywhere, of prayer and reigning in life, of places to go and things to learn, of living and moving in the Spirit, of being open to prophecy and tongues and healing--God is amazing and I am feeling transformation within me. I only hope, as Sam said, not to let go of it too soon. I hope it sticks in me and encourages others.

Zimbabwe, Eleventh and Twelflth Entries

We had a great time in Dotitto. CBS went well and we camped! It was beautiful, the stars were so big and bright and various groups of people would sing through out the night. A few stories of interest...

At the end of the conference, this little boy James was playing around ,saw me and wanted to come visit. We had a lot of fun--airplaning and such. I was walking around with him and Esther said, “Wow. He was afraid of white people, but he seems to have warmed up to you.” So cool! He also thought Nathan was Jesus because h’d seen the Jesus Film-and since Nathan is a white guy with a brown beard and hair he must be Jesus. When we were leaving, James was crying his head off, and Esther said, “Aw, little Jamie loves Jesus.”

The other is this--when I said goodbyes to the cooking ladies, who’d become friendly with me because I was clearing the table since I was the youngest (traditional in Shona culture), and one said something to me in Shona, to which I just smiled and said “Ok!” She and the others just laughed their heads off. Too funny.

We hung out a bit at Erica Road, where we’ll be having CBS training today. Then, Tongai took us home and we played with Shane and Hoel. Joel loosened up by the end of the night, talking and all and had quite a bit of fun by the end with my camera. WE also watched “New Hour” on ZBC--which Joy is pretty much propaganda. A lot of controversy over the new discovery of diamonds in Zimbabwe ad Mugabe not wanting to adhere to the Kimberly Process which protects worker’s rights--humane treatment, fair wages and such.

Tim to bed now, who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Twelfth entires: 6-1-10

Well, the end of our time in Zimbabwe has come...we are now in South Africa, and Ginger left to continue her travels in Cape Town today.

Our last few days there, Tongai took us on a tour of the city. We saw it from the Toposcope, which is a viewing point in the middle of the city. He took us to a flea market where we got a few wares and then went home. Sunday, we went to church at Westgate, and were welcomed in. Sam told a great message and had a good word for the church. Then, we made the drive back to Bulawayo in the afternoon. The next day we hung out a bit and then were off to the airport.

We had a great day yesterday, chatting with Lindsey and Tim. We all met Linsey’s dad, Bill, who was quite nice and funny. Wished we could’ve chatted more.

I can’t believe it’s over, it passed so quickly. Off to Atlanta we go...in 17 and a half hours...

Zimbabwe, Ninth and Tenth Entries

Ninth entries: 5-26-10

Good morning! I’ve had a HOT shower this morning! Now outside with a cup of coffee, enjoying the warm morning sun and the sounds of birds. Glorious.

After the girls discipleship time yesterday, we got into a truck and went to Crossroads, where we connected with the two Andy’s and Gloria from the Nehemiah Project, which works with HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. There, Stephen shared his heart for Crossroads--they built toilets and currently have chickens and goats, with plans to build a children’s building, a main worship center, grow some crops according to Farming God’s Way perhaps even a sewing business and a bicycle shop. Big vision for the community. We prayed there and it was powerful. One of the Andy’s had Stephen hold a log and pound it into the ground, saying that as the shockwaves would ripple across the land, so would the shockwaves of the work they are doing spread.

Then we “nipped” to a piece of land that a prominent woman in the community had given to Stephen-which is a BIG DEAL, Since land is scarce, and it serves as the source of power and income. (A word about nipped: people often “nip” into town “just now” in Southern Africa. This, though it sounds like a quick trip, is not so. Nipping often takes a while, and the “just now” means in a little, or long while...you get the picture). Stephen had a sense to go ask for land to plant sunflowers to press into oil, so cooking oil would be readily available to the community. He went to go ask this prominent woman, very concerned, and she had a dream wherein God said a man would come to ask her about oil and she must give him what he wanted. So, she gave him the land. There is now vision to build houses for the Ebenezer guys who aren’t from that community. I had a picture of sunflowers with flower pointed to the sky, the light coming out of them, showing the community the face of God. I don’t know how it was received, but I hope it encouraged.

Then, we went to a women’s house to pray for her upcoming court case--a man had stolen three of her cattle and rebranded them, but their brand is similar to hers. Now they are playing the political card, saying she is an MDC supporter (ie not a Mugabe supporter). It’s a very hard time. We prayed that truth would prevail and we prayed for her two boys, and then returned to Ebenezer.

There, Brilliant took us on the rest of the tour, showing us his fields. Then, we had a celebration lunch of sudza and meat. The apprentices sang and danced and did a skit for us. Very funny. My favorite was the young men singing.

After that, it was sadly time to go. We said goodbye and then went back to Pamula to pack up. We got back to Bulawayo, talked with Stephen some more and then had tea and cookies, a nice meal and slept.

Also, Marlene made and brought several cookies (aka biscuits) to Ebenezer, one flavor of which was snickerdoodles. We taught Stephen and the apprentices that word and they thought it was sooo funny. Laughter erupted every time we said it. The girls, and the cook, Andrew, want to learn how to bake them. So, next week for the girls’ discipleship time, they’ll learn to make peanut butter cookies. They’ll call it Baking God’s way! (Post-trip remark: the totally did this, and there was no wastage!)

The faith here is so big, though resources are small.

Tenth Entries: 5-27-10

Long day in the car yesterday from Bulawayo to Harare, but quite comfy in the back of Renee Cunningham’s truck. We got in about 6:00pm and met at River of Life Eastlea with Tongai, Teach, and had the good fortune of running into Bones and Tash. Tongai took Ginger and I home with him for the night. He pastors/is elder at River of Life Westgate, but lives about 1K from Estlea. We met his wife, Joy, and 2 children, Joel and Shane--very cute! We hung out for a while and then had a delicious meal. Then, we had a really good time talking to Joy and Tongai--Tongai had to pull Joy away because we’d be back on Friday.

Then we got up early today and let for Dotitto at 6am. I slept most of the way here, and I’m still tired. Luckily, many of the guys here for CBS Training are just as tired, having walked upwards of 20K to get here. Everyone is so kind here-they made a big spread of tea and bread for us upon arrival, with some cookies. They had praise and worship and now it’s time for training. So cool to hear the guys’ hearts for the local churches out here. They ask good questions and have good feedback for CBS.

Zimbabwe, Seventh and Eighth Entries

Seventh Entries: 5-24-10
I forgot to mention some things from yesterday. They hang flags of the nations at Crossroads and pray for the nations. It’s so cool to see that there is a heart for the nations here too. They also have a vision to extend into the communities around and across Zimbabwe. Fantastic to see the parallels between here and Fenway.


Eighth Entires: 5-25-10

Today is our last day in Kezi. Yesterday was really great. We had a very easy morning and a good lunch. Then we watched Stephen teach the second years about false prophets. He’s a gifted teacher--so expressive and truth just rolls out of his mouth. I’ve been wishing my theology teachers were this good. I felt like I was actually learning what I want to.

After Stephen’s lesson, Brilliant (they have GREAT names here. For instance, a woman here is named Blessing, and she named her child Moreblessing!) took us on a partial tour of Ebenezer. He told us the four pillars of Foundations for Farming:
Do things on time.
Do things to a high (godly) standard.
No wastage.
Do your work with joy.

I was thinking how different my life would be if I carried out my schoolwork and life by these. I think I’ll try. Brilliant says these four things provide a framwork for his life. He also told us that before he knew God, whenever he’d work in the field, he would feel sick. Them when he accepted Christ, his sickness went away. Brilliant is a really amazing guy-he loves God and wants to bring the gospel to his community, to get married, and build a house of his own. He’s a graduate at Ebenezer, with huge fields and on fire for God.

He showed us the composting and the fields. The compost serves as fertilizer in most cases and as a basal layer of soil. Mulch is used to retain water and fertilize top soil. They have an experimental plot where they test different methods. They also crop rotate to sustain the land--growing maize, cabbage, tomatoes, sugar beans, potatoes (which are more costly) and onions. It’s really amazing to see their faithfulness and diligence out there.

Sam then told the story of Paul’s visit to Rome and Romans 7:1-8, which covers our relationship to the law and our marriage to Christ--good stuff! And so cool to see the guys of Crossroads get it.

We came back to the house and Kesneth (pronounced Keznet), our housekeeper in Pamula, (Author’s note: housekeepers, guards, and gardeners are common to Zim households; if you have the means to provide a job, you should, so the rule goes) made us a delicious meal, and Stephen joined us. He shared a lot about the culture--how difficult marriage is, family issues...he’s up against a lot, but the battle is God’s and he’s trusting Him to prevail.

We turned in early, only to be woken by Ginger’s screams as out bat friend scared her in the hall. (Author’s note: At the house in Pamula, a bat would routinely fly in to the house around 5:00, shoot down the hall and then back out into the living room periodically. This night, it stationed itself in Nathan’s room, and we scared it out of there, but it was hiding and flew at Ginger in the darkened house.)

Today was Africa Day, a national holiday in Zim. We headed to Ebenezer in the morning and first had discipleship with Marlene and the women of Ebenezer. Ginger and I shared our testimonies, and it turns out she, Marlene and I were all lead to Christ through children’s programs. Since all these girls are involved with Crossroads, and most of them with children’s ministry, we were able to encourage them in their work with children. We then shared favorite verses and it was so good to see their hearts and who God has been for them. Lots of stories of provision and protection.

Zimbabwe, Sixth Entries

Sixth Entries: 5-23-10

Sitting on the back deck of Pamula (said puh-moo-la, signifying “rest), our home in Kezi, the view is of ostrich, grazing and “dancing” as Sam says--their mating routine. The generator sputters in the background, allowing Sam, Molly and Marlene access to the internet. Pamula is the Cunningham’s ostrich farmhouse-and it’s beautiful. It looks out across the fields and bush of Kezi and onto beautiful mountains of granite-one looks like the other half of Half Dome. I am wanting to watch The Lion King now, since I feel like I’m living it.

The backyard at Pamula

We headed out to Kezi at 8am this morning and rolled in on roads that went from ok to bad to worse. We arrived safe and sound, and then had prayer with the Crossroad church at Ebenezer, since the tent they usually meet in was destroyed in a recent storm. Church was so lively! The Zims sing a different way than we do, with one person leading and the others repeat or follow, sometimes saying the same thing, sometimes different-it’s well worked out between the members. Lots of dancing and hand motions too. Some shared scripture. One older woman came up and testified about God lifting her heart after the death of her daughter a few weeks ago, and about receiving the ability to speak after 40 years. When she came up, she sang first, then spoke and then sang again to finish her testimony. It truly was a celebration of what the Lord had done for her, especially in a culture that instructs people to mourn for a year after someone’s death. Stephen told the story of Acts 4, bringing the story to life and then dialoging with the church. Then we prayed for a few people who needed healing, it was intense. Everyone was so happy to have us and I was so happy to be there.

After the service, Stephen told us about a few things that were important to knowing the community. There are these bones up the hill at Ebenezer, of a 16 year old girl of the village, who was raped, beaten and killed in the genocide around 1983-5. This was Mugabe’s “moment of madness,” which I referred to before, which resulted in the death of upward of 25,000 people in Matabeleland (in the south). It greatly devastated this area. When Stephen and the church entered, they wanted to bury the bones to honor the woman, and involved the village out of respect. But, the chief said several rituals have to be done since it is “something bigger than them.” After 3 years, still nothing has been done with the bones. Then, when there was no rain for months, the chief said the exposed bones prevented rain from coming. But, Stephen and the church prayed for rain and it came before the bones were collected. Praise God. Also, this weekend, Stephen and all of us prayed for a mist for the fields, which is unseasonable in this time of year. But guess what?! It came! For the past two days! Why mist, you may ask? Because people walk 10 kilometers or more to get to church, and rain would keep them from coming. :)

After eating and chatting a bit, we went to Pamula. Sam took the team to the dam, a beautiful structure that would survive an 100-year flood. It was gorgeous and has a good story behind it. Peter Cunningham had a desire to build a dam in Kezi, but most everyone thought it was a waste. He had a dream that he would meet a man to make the dam. He called an architect, and wouldn’t you know, that man had had a dream, that he would build a dam, it would be his last project. The man drew up the plans for the dam, and died 2 weeks later. The dam was built, filled within a month, despite other’s thinking it would never fill, and now there is water for the region of Kezi. After a few pictures at the dam, we returned home for a good night’s rest.

The dam at Kezi