U2

Those who know me well are probably as surprised as I that I have posted four times already without once mentioning U2. I'm baffled myself, but here and now, I begin what should be a common topic on this blog. U2 is to rock music what Coach K is to Duke basketball. They are an icon that will be around as long as there are Ipods to fill with thier rock genius. I look forward to catching their two Denver shows in 20 days. For those interested, there might just be an internet site where you can download last Monday's San Diego concert. But you didn't hear it from me....just in case this kind of stuff isn't kosher with the Irish rockers.

What Would Jesus Drive?

The High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or Hummer is a highly durable motor vehicle that was originally designed for military use. A Hummer has the ability to change tire pressure while it is moving, making it practical for travel across loose surfaces like sand dunes.The Hummer was designed to be dropped by parachute and land on its wheels unharmed. Its other interesting talents include a winch powerful enough to suspend the vehicle in midair, and, in the military version, the ability to ford streams as deep as 60 inches (150 centimeters).The civilian version of the Hummer, which became available in 1992, is not available with a machine gun or rocket launcher, but it is just as durable as the military version.

Distinguished

They really didn't get my good side in this picture.

www.isu.edu/departments/iac/2oo2/delegates/hess.htm

ISP 2001

It's been four years since Taylor Univesity initiated the Irish Studies Program in 2001, and sent 30 of us to learn from and explore the Emerald Isle. It was a climatic time in all of our lives. I remember driving over a bluff and seeing the beauty of Greystones, Ireland for the first time. My response then has been my heartache since, "I'm so jealous of myself right now."



Each of our lives have since shot in many directions. Some have gotten married and even had children. Others are in graduate school. All pursue dreams. Regardless of the distances and changes, deep down we all have a bond, a special place in our hearts for the times we shared, the people we met, the land we traveled. May heaven prove to be more of the same for ISP 2001.

The Reason Jesus Wept

This morning, I'm meditating on a familiar passage in John 11:17-44. The raising of Lazarus was one of the most spectacular signs Jesus did prior to his death and resurrection. As I slowly look over what Jesus accomplished, one of my primary questions has to do his emotional state. What was going on that made Jesus weep in this story? John doesn't tell us exactly why Jesus wept, but merely gives the context. We know from Isaiah, Jesus was a man of constant sorrows. (Is. 53:3). But I believe this is the only time a Gospel writer specifically mentions Jesus' weeping.

A couple of thoughts come to mind as I chew on this story:

First, Jesus was not crying because he missed his friend Lazarus. He told the disciples before they left for Bethany, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep but I go to awaken him." Jesus was aware Lazarus had passed away, but understood it to be good in order to manifest the glory of God.

Secondly, God's glory does not hinge on the people's knowledge and understanding of it. God's glory exists regardless of the acceptance or rejection by people. Therefore, when Jesus' did things for the sake of God's glory, he was demonstrating glory that existed from before time began. God's glory has not grown or developed through time. He has the same glory now as he had when their was nothing.

Also, when Jesus' came for the sake of God's glory, he came to reveal existent glory. Jesus never needed to win God glory or honor. From the earliest civilizations, men have done things to win themselves glory and honor. Their glory didn't exist until they proved it. Not so with Almighty God. His glory is eternally His, regardless of whether He demonstrates it or not. The Word of God gives us several different flavors of God's glory, but it is limited. There are things about God that we won't know until heaven, but they remain true.

Which leads me to why I think Jesus' wept. He wept because he saw the desperate ignorance in the people around him. Mary, Martha, and the other mourners were drawn away from the glory of God present with them. God's glory, manifested in Jesus, was with them, yet they were blind to it. I believe Jesus wept because he realized some of his closest followers didn't know him. He looked around and observed so many who knew so little about their Creator. Perhaps, Jesus would have preferred Mary, Martha, and the disciples to have known he was able to raise Lazarus before he did it. Maybe Jesus wept because he looked around and saw that everyone would be shocked and surprised about what he was about to do. It seems that to Jesus, ignorance was not bliss.