The Lords of History

From Latayne: Status report on Dan: In a paradoxical way, as Dan’s body begins to regain some of its functions, the very operation of those functions (deeper breathing, use of neck and shoulder and upper arm muscles, interaction through speech) cause him to be extremely fatigued. So one of the manifestations of his improvement is that he is sleeping as much as, or perhaps more than, in the previous few weeks. He is struggling to deal with the realities of his situation and that is very challenging for him. I have taken down all the cards from the walls and read them to him to encourage him. We praise God for every small step forward.

Throughout this medical siege our family has received incredible help: presents, presence, loving absence, cards, letters, calls, emails, prayers, food, car and appliance and house repairs, flowers, meals, snacks, drinks, help with scheduling, snow plowing, advice, support, legal counsel, medical and psychological counsel, financial counsel, massages, healing oils, books, book purchases, two haircuts, an in-room a cappella concert, recordings, movies, a date (with Ryan), and overwhelming generosities. Thank you, in Jesus’ name!

One of the most essential things that has kept me going is the guidance and teaching of our dear family friend J. Michael Strawn. Recently he taught me an encouraging lesson over the phone and I’m going to greatly condense it to share it with you so that it can bless you too.

In Luke 20:21 through chapter 21:4, Jesus brings up something to the teachers of the law who had been challenging Him. He asks what must have looked like a riddle to them, posing this question: If the Messiah was supposed to be the son (descendant) of King David, then how could those teachers of the law explain one of the Psalms David wrote that said, “The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

The problem, Jesus pointed out, was that David called Somebody by the title Lord, a Somebody who was also going to be his son or descendant.

While the teachers of the law must have just stood scratching their heads (because no one responded), they couldn’t have missed the point that Jesus was saying that He Himself was that son of David, the Messiah, as well as Lord.

But beyond that, is the remarkable nature of a verbal exchange that took place long ago. David was allowed to go back in time and eavesdrop on a remarkable conversation between God the Father and His Son Jesus.

“Rest here in a place of honor and authority,” God said to Jesus, “until I settle all the scores.” And undoubtedly Jesus agreed. They could collude on a fate for all of humanity because they, the two of them, are the Lords of all history.

David saw it – or heard it – from afar. To our ears, Scripture announces this truth from afar.

The teachers of the law didn’t recognize these Lords of history. The reason those teachers without conscience stole from the helpless (in particular, widows) and aggrandized themselves in public is that they thought they were the lords of their own histories. But the true Lords of history will make them and others like them Jesus’ footstool eventually.

In contrast, there was a widow whom Jesus observed who gave all her monetary resources to God. Whether or not she’d been victimized by the teachers of the law, we don’t know. But she recognized that no human being, even someone who might have stolen from her, was made the deciding choices in her situation. Her circumstances did not rule her mind nor her soul. Poor or rich, she would yield to God. She knew, and honored, the Lords of her history, the Lords of her circumstances.

We know that eternal dialogues have taken place about all of us, just as the conversation between the two Lords regarding David. How do we know that?

In John 17, we read of another intimate conversation between Jesus and His Father. Jesus prayed for the disciples, for protection and guidance and joy. Then He said, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”

That’s me. That’s you, that the Lord spoke to my Lord about.

Who or what are the Lords of your history? Financial security, good reputation, comfort and recreation?

Or what about your troubles? Who or what are the Lords of the overwhelming difficulties in your life? The times when you and I, like the widow, are completely without resources?

Who are the Lords of the grave? Is there any reason to fear it if They have been Lords of your life?

And in eternity, what was the conversation regarding the situation of one Dan Scott, paralyzed by the enemy Guillain Barre Syndrome on December 1, 2011? Who are the Lords of Room 206 of Specialty Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico?