It's all about perspective

A few years ago, I had the pleasure to be chaplain for a local football team. Being at practice a couple of times a week, and standing on the sidelines during each game was cool, as was the opporunity to share each week from scripture.

the most fun was had at practice, with coaches and players. One particular day, the players were preparing for their 40 yard timing. One student, who shall remain nameless, was faithful, hard working and just fun to interact with. He was a small large young fellow, wider than he was tall. As he came to get in line, I asked him..."What do you run the 4o in?" with out skipping a beat, or cracking a smile, he replied "in shorts!"

while most were interested in speed, he was mainly interested in finishing. Same event, different perspectives.

my pastor has a son who is autistic. Not to familiar with the whole thing...Yet. But I watch him and his wife deal with their son, who gets a little loud during the service from time to time, in a loving way, patient, and it blesses me. Others look and wonder what the deal is. His wife quoted someone last night..."Sometimes I tell people my son is autistic, other times I don't have the energy." I sit in amazement sometimes. Not cause I feel sorry for them, but because I see God in them. I see how God uses them. And I feel like that mercy and love which seems like an extra portion to some, is typical when it is looked at from a God perspective.

on going conversations with fellow travelers on this journey seem to take on the biggest need of the one in need. For some it is a deep need of acceptance, for others it may be hope and direction, some it may be deliverance, freedom, forgiveness and still others, just being part of something. The needs of the soul are deep and precious.

having been in church for a while, each has a different thought of how it should be, how music should sound, and what color the paint should be. We all forget that the church belongs to Jesus. He tends to be absent at most business meetings where such things are discussed, and the church takes on the personality of those who would control her for their own pleasure rather than His pleasure.

life and faith is looked at from different perspectives as well. Some excel from a drive that pushes them along, others simply just want to get by.

wealth seems to be a inner mechanism that pushes some folks I know. The desire for certain high priced items to own and call theirs. Others are happy just to eat each day.

As we celebrated Easter, I could not help but notice the different perspectives we as believers have on the blessed day. For some it is an annual trek with the entire out of town family to church. Sit by mom and allow her to be proud for their gathering. Others, sit in amazement at such a thought as death being defeated. Still others seem selfish and interject I am me into every situation, with no thought of the people or church as to which we are apart.

myself, I was overcome this year with wonder about the satisfaction of God's wrath.

because we do not hear that much about His divine wrath, it is mostly overlooked. God could not be just in His judgment had His wrath not been placated, or satisfied. The fact that Jesus bore that wrath often is looked on in many different ways. Cheesy sayings and songs that have more to do with making us feel important than what really happened and why Easter is the cornerstone for our faith, have dumbed us down and made us like little children who believe we deserve an extra treat or pat on the back for simply being moral, or actually setting aside some meaningful time alone with Him.

we deserve to die a horrible death and be forever separated from Him. Sin is not simply an act of disobedience, it is an affront to Holy God. And we as people, me as a man, have turned toward wickedness every time a choice is given.

I am thankful for Gods wrath. For with out it, Jesus would not have died, salvation would not come, and knowing him would not be possible.