Psalm 2:1-4 Why do the nations rage? Why do the people waste
their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the
rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. "Let
us break their chains," they cry, "and free ourselves from this
slavery." But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.
I was sitting on the bank of a river when The U.S. Supreme
Court struck down Section 3 of DOMA, which limited the definition of marriage
as between a man and a woman for the purposes of federal benefits, as a
violation of the U.S. Constitution. This decision forces the federal
government to recognize same-sex marriages in states where it is legal and
paving the way for it in California, the most populous state. And as I sat
there, holding a fishing rod in one hand and my cell phone in the other reading
this news alert, I just felt…… sad.
Disappointed.
And I know many in our community have strong feelings and
emotions over this paradigm shift in our culture.
Since that day I have wrangled with the implications of this
decision. After all, Dineen and I write about marriage. SUM is a marriage blog
seeking to encourage men and women to thrive in a God-centered marriage. I
called Dineen when I returned and we spent a few hours discussing and
processing. I know for me I was disappointed and then puzzled as to how the voters
of our state were hijacked in this matter as same-sex marriages have already
resumed in California.
And as I write to you today, however, I’m actually feeling
excited. And later on in this post (which is likely to run long… stay to the
end because it gets really good) I will explain why I’m excited and why you
will be as well.
But before we get there I’m compelled to raise some issues
that we the SUMites need to camp on personally, privately and corporately, and
with a fervent prayer.
Firstly, let’s remember what is at the core of the House of
SUM. We are always -ALWAYS – about love. The love of God and our love for people.
We are always about what we are for and not what we are against.
What are we for? Living in the Presence of our Holy and Righteous God. And
striving to share His love with others. We are also a community who believes in
marriage as ordained by God in Genesis 2.
With love in the forefront of our hearts and minds, let’s consider
the implications of redefining marriage. In the history of the United States,
marriage has always been between one man and one woman. The door that opened
last week, if you follow the logic out a number of years invites us to consider
that marriage will continue to be redefined by the courts over and over again.
In fact, CNN reports a Polyfidelitous union, a union between three people. I
expect we will witness marriages between not only three consenting adults but
between, five, six, seven… Dare I take this out to the ridiculous, between a
dog and owner. I know that people want to pass their inheritance to their pet
when the die, so why not? (said with cautious contemplation)
Why do I bring this to your mind? It’s not to bring fear.
Only to prepare you to expect it.
My friends, we need not fear. We need only to love. I know
my fears about this redefinition hit home when raising kids. How will this
shift in our society change my child’s view on marriage and on gays? Well I can
tell you kids in public school have already faced many aspects of homosexuality.
My daughter has gay friends. I know her friends and I will tell you that I have
embraced them. I say to their face, “I love you. You are always welcome in our
home.” And I hug them every chance I get. We must have honest conversations
with our kids about this issue but more importantly our marriages must be a
shining example to our children. If our kids see mom and dad living in love
with one another and honoring each other and mom or dad (the believer) loving
Jesus, they will want that for themselves when they mature and marry.
We live in a broken, hurting and messed up world my friends.
And WE HAVE THE ANSWER. We have the love of Christ that trumps everything.
The gay life style is not the ideal of God. Dare I remind
you that being unequally yoked is not God’s ideal and best for people? However,
in spite of our mismatached marriage, God shows up. He loves us, even in our
messed up, sinful lives. He pursues us, shows us His power, purposes and
invites us into the greatest adventure ever, living the abundant life.
You may be disappointed and angry. And it may seem like a
great defeat to the Kingdom but my friends…. My Friends, our all-powerful God
isn’t worried.
Let me share a story with you.
Satan seethed with a blistering laugh. His great centuries
of plotting, maneuvering and planning met their zenith. He screeched with
elations along with the millions of demons as he stood in hell.
“We have killed the Christ,” he raged with glee.
The crucifixion of Jesus was the darkest hour of human
existence. And in that moment when Jesus died Satan really believed he had won.
He was certain he’d defeated the Son of God who came to earth to teach us how
to walk in the power and authority of God and how to live in abundance and
communion with God. He danced and began to plan the very take-over of the
entire world and to declare the world no longer belonged to God.
But…. When all seemed that absolute darkest… Guess what? Out
of this horrific slaying, God shows up and with the resurrection power brings
Christ back to life. He splits time in two. And creates for all people, ALL people,
the way to escape the devil, live in His Presence on earth and a way to live
forever.
Say WHAT?????
Jesus rose out of what seemed like the worst thing that
could ever happen to people. And gave us the BEST thing that could ever happen.
Salvation!
God says, “So long satan. What you intended for evil I have
used for the greatest good for all men.”
“HUZZAH!” (I think God would have said this *sheepish grin*)
But, my friends, don’t you think God could do this again?
And if He so desires, couldn’t He begin with the gay community?
My friends, we are the believers who are are sitting
on the precipice of one of the greatest revivals to ever grace the world. The
spiritual realms are alive. Ordinary people are having encounters with God.
Thousands every week are turning to Christ in faith. Let’s not get distracted
by some mere law makers. Keep our eyes focused on God. Live your faith out in
front of your family. Love people and watch what our Great God can and will do.
This is only my humble offerings on a highly sensitive
subject. Now, please share your thoughts and lavish them with love and grace. I
love you. I love God and it’s my calling for the rest of my life to love all
people. Hugs, Lynn
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