Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Here I Am!


Ever been around someone who's continually the "The Show". You know, the guy who always demands everyones attention. They're never satisfied with any position other than in front. I've worked with a few. They're not center stage because of their position or responsibility, but because they're obnoxious.

As an example, start talking about your situation with this person present and they've got a story that involves them- a long one- that isn't even related! They seem to have this innate ability to manipulate a conversation around themselves as if everyone should be as enthusiastic as they are about their story.

Their personality is toxic. They fear the "team" concept or any environment that emphasize the value of others. Obvious signs of their own insecurity. No matter how talented or valuable someone else might be, they're certain to find that person's shortcomings; while all along providing the weakest link.

For the sake of the whole, someone needs to shatter their glass house and let some fresh air in. Of course, it's always precarious when that someone just happens to be your boss! I mean, how do you politely articulate, "You're being an idiot, and your ruining the organization"? I'm sure you'll come up with something creative.

But as long as that person's left to themself, they'll continue having a negative impact. So...go head, let 'em smell what fresh air is like!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

What we didn't see.


Every Easter we celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection, which, without question, represent the most significant events in history. Yet it would seem we understand too little of what actually took place during those final days. We've seen the depictions of the beatings, the crown of thorns, the blood that ran from his face, and the nails that pierced his hands and feet; but those are the obvious sufferings. What brought about perhaps the greatest mystery was what we didn't see. It's what I believe Jesus really was distressed about to the point of blood, when he questioned his Father in the Garden.

At the dawn of time, when God commanded light to shine out of darkness, Jesus was there. He knew of Heaven's glory, with all its unfathomable splendor. He was equal with God. But we were separated from God and unable to relate because of our inherent nature. We were sinners. So when asked to pay the penalty for the sin of humanity, Jesus willingly left everything to complete the plan that had been established from the foundation of the world's.

When Jesus cried out from the cross that dark afternoon, "Into your hands I commit my spirit", he was about to experience separation from his Father- the supreme price to pay for sin. His entire hope to be rescued from the bowels of the earth would now rest in his own words and the words of the prophets.

What was to follow would go unseen by all of creation. The Lamb of God would slowly descend to the place of eternal suffering and torment; a place were the worms do not die and the flames are never satisfied. This would be the ultimate antithesis for One so holy and perfect. Yet it was the penalty a spotless Lamb had to pay for the sins of the world. There He would be held captive while Satan celebrated his spurious victory.

A few days later and quite suddenly, the dark chambers of the damned were shaken violently by the voice of the Almighty. God was demanding his Son's release. All of the legions of hell stood powerless, unable to stop Jesus' ascent. He had paid the price. Ironically, had Satan known of God's plan to free all mankind, he would never have crucified the Christ.

Once raised, even Jesus' closest followers found it hard to believe what God had done. They were reminded of His death on the cross, his burial and now the resurrection, but hadn't a clue as to what it all meant for them. It wasn't until the Apostle Paul's revelation of Christ's redemptive work that they finally got a glimpse into what Jesus had actually done during those few short days following his burial.

For us, it all simply means that whoever turns from their sinful ways to except the horrific price Jesus paid, and that He's alive today, will receive eternal life. And as the Apostle Peter wrote, "...though we do not see you now we are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy." You don't have to see or understand all of what happened to believe it. Do you believe? You can!