The Just Shall Live By Faith, #4

The Righteous Person Shall Live By Faith.

“But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:38–39, NASB95)   The Scripture is not inhabited by superhumans, but by ordinary folk who walk and talk like the rest of we mere mortals. I'm not denying the miraculous. You find that in scripture, but interwoven with the mind-boggling we find the mundane. The angel who caused Peter's chains to fall off of him, and enabled the Apostle to just walk by the guards, told him to put on his own robe and shoes. Jesus fed the 5,000 and the 4,000, but the Disciples had to gather the leftovers. That basic humanness is not only seen on the front side of the Bible, but when you look behind the screen at those to whom the various books are written, you see a motley crew, much like us. One of the similarities is the people wanted something that they could touch and see, and carry in their pocket. The tendency comes out in our first-cousin Thomas--good oldDoubting Thomas. It's a family trait, isn't it? “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Let's not be too hard on him. The other Apostles had seen the marks. Later Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who believe without seeing. This is a tension that comes through very clearly in the book of Hebrews. The writer of the book, again and again, makes known the superiority of Christianity over Judaism, yet it is clear that the people to whom he is writing were tempted to go back to the old ways, just as their ancestors had turned back to idolatry when they "threw [their gold] into the fire, and out came this calf" (Exodus 32:24). What is the way of life of the Christian? What do we hold on to? What do we look at? For the third time the New Testament quotes from the Prophet Habakkuk. "The just shall live by faith." (Habakkuk 2:4) The writer of Hebrews goes on to tell us a bit about faith.     “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, NASB95)   I tend to think of faith as an act. There was a point in time when Ibelieved. Faith, though, needs to be a way of life. As I walk in faith, God gives assurance and conviction, but believe, I must. It's a bit like getting out of bed, some days it is harder than others, but it's worth the effort.   It's STTA (Something To Think About).

What is the Lord doing?

Are you SURE this is the way?

I can just about hear it now. "Moses, are you sure this is the way?" I hope you guys won't hate me for this, but if Mrs. Moses had asked this question I wouldn't think it unreasonable. In fact, I figure that more than one of the Jews on the trek to the promised land, must have wondered, "Does God know the way?" It's not a blasphemous question if we don't ask it in a blasphemous way or with derisive intent. There were more direct routes to the land between the Jordan River and Mediterranean Sea. If you have any idea where you are going, you may have noticed that you aren't on the most direct route, either. God didn't book you in first class, in fact, you might be stuck beside the road with a flat tire, at this very moment, and you wonder, "Does God have a clue?" A friend recently shared a message from Deuteronomy 8. One of the realities he pointed to was that part of God's purpose for the people of Israel was to "humble [them], test . . . [them], to know what was in [their] heart, whether [they] would keep His commandments or not" (Deuteronomy 8:2). The next verse even says that He let them be hungry. Talk about cruelty. My friend pointed out that all through the Bible we find God humbling and testing His people. Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 10, Hebrews 5:8, & 12 are several examples. There is a balance we need to see. It was not only God's intent to toughen them through difficulties that they could bear, He protected them from dangers too great for them.   “Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”” (Exodus 13:17, NASB95) I can hear some of you, "The Lord let my brother die in a car wreck," and, "I lost my health in. . . . " Where was the Lord then? When you read those Romans 8, and Hebrews 12 passages you'll notice that there is some disagreement about destination. We think we know where we want to go. Our Lord knows for sure where we need to go. Back in Sunday School we used to sing,    "My Lord knows the way through the Wilderness. All I have to do is follow."   It's STTA.

Is My Salute Clear?

Salute:

It's one of the most iconic, not to mention ironic, pictures of modern history.  Eighty years ago Jesse Owens, American track athlete, competed with distinction in Berlin, Germany.  The Nazis, under the leadership of Adolph Hitler had already begun their persecution of Jews, Roma, and other "undesirables."    According to Hitler's theories of Aryan racial superiority Jesse Owens shouldn't have won, but he did.   That is not to say that the problems of wrong racial views only existed on the other side of the Atlantic.  When Owens returned to the USA, though a hero, he still found it impossible to use many "Whites Only" facilities.  Though he had taken his place on the top of the medal podium he could not take a seat in the front of the bus.  The fact that he had risen to the top of his athletic discipline, did not keep him from being forced to travel up on the freight elevator, rather than out front with the White folk. When you consider the pressure in Berlin, and the lack of support back home, Owens' demeanor on the medal stand is remarkable.  It is rightly dubbed "The Salute Heard Around the World." I'll never have the opportunity to stand on an Olympic podium, but every day I am watched.  What my life says about my Lord is always important.  Is my salute clear?  (1 Thessalonians 1:6-10)  It's STTA.

Hospitality

Being Hospitable--not to be confused with being in the . . . :

I'm reading John Piper's book on marriage, This Momentary Marriage.  I recommend it.  I'll probably say more about it later.  Chapter ten is about a subject that might surprise you, hospitality--not only addressed to married folk, but to, and, also, about, singles.  In keeping with the oft-expressed passion of Piper's life, he introduces his topic as a "desire for Christ to be magnified in the way married people and single people show hospitality to each other." Hospitality is a skill and discipline that is to be looked for in the lives of those who are being considered for leadership in the church, and as a qualification for those who are good candidates to be helped by the church.  Look here and herein 1 Timothy, and here in Titus.  I get the idea, since hospitality is something that is expected in leaders of the church as well as those who are being helped by the church, that what we have here are two poles.  It is kind of like saying, "All you folk over there, and all of you way over there, and everyone in between, be showing hospitality." That is a conclusion that is reinforced by passages like Romans 12:13, where "practicing hospitality" is a virtue found in a long list good things that Christians ought to do.  Though I don't think scripture recommends exposing our families to danger, Hebrews 13:2 indicates that our willingness to be hospitable should extend even to strangers.  Peter says that we should do it "without complaint."  From Mary and Martha who were hostesses to Jesus and His disciples to those who are pronounced blessed by the Lord because they showed kindness to His people when they were in time of need (here) the New Testament is full of examples of those who used their resources to help others.  The little book of Philemon tells of a family that excelled in this virtue, and at the end of the Book of Acts, even though Paul was under house arrest, he opened his quarters to receive others so they could talk about the things of God.  I wonder if he got his guard to serve coffee. As I write this, I'm out in my man-cave.  I started while I was in the house, but my wife, who excels in hospitality, had invited some ladies in for a meeting--I know my place.  As I write I'm reminded of some friends who jokingly refer to their home as a "B&B."  I, and Kathy and I, have been guests in their home on many occasions.  Their home is used as a tool to further the kingdom.  In the chapter in his book, Piper challenges folk to reach across what are often social barriers in showing hospitality.  Married folk ought to include singles and vice-versa.  Ask my wife about one of her favorites invites and she will tell you about a widower friend of ours.  There is a specialty food that he enjoys.  Every year when that culinary delight is in season, he unashamedly in single guy fashion, will lay out a great spread, and will invite a couple of couples into his home to enjoy, and we do.  The food is great, but sharing in one another's lives is so much better. Hospitality, it's not about imitating Martha Stewart, though if that's your thing it's fine.  Whether you are an old preacher in chains, a widow, a widower, servants of God with limited resources, or a lady with a home she can open to her friends.  Be hospitable.  If we do it right--and that has to do with the condition of our heart, not the position of our pinkie when we hold our teacup--it will bring glory to God. BTW, you'll have to come one at a time--it's that small--but I try to be hospitable in my man-cave/study.  Stop by.   It’s STTA.   Disclaimer:  No shopping carts were removed without permission in the production of this STTA. This Momentary Marriage, like many of John Piper's books, can be read for free, clickhere. You can read more about the life-changing Good News, that gives us something worth sharing when we invite others in,  here.

You Can't Stop, Yet

We pursue a goal of perfection, so there is always a need for more:

Reading 1 and 2 Thessalonians one can see the affection the Apostle Paul had for this group of Christians in Greece.  He wanted the best for them.  Several times he refers to some virtue, commending them for their past practice, but reminding them that they have not yet arrived. Concerning their daily life of living by Biblical principles the Apostle says, ". . . you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.  (1 Th 4:1) In chapter 4, verses 9-10, Paul commends them for their love, but goes on to say that they need to"excel still more." In the opening chapter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives thanks for the faith, love, and perseverance expressed in the lives of this young Church.  (1:3)   When he writes 2 Thessalonians he praises the Lord that their "faith is greatly enlarged," their love is growing "even greater," and their perseverance continued even in the face of persecution.  (1:3-4) These First-Century Christians set a pattern that we would do well to follow.  Short of heaven, I can always be sure that I haven't arrived yet (SeePaul's personal testimonyin Philippians 3.  Actually, I think we'll continue to progress even in heaven, but we'll wait til we arrive to talk about that.  For now, Christian friend, don't quit, don't slow down, don't even think about it. More!   It’s STTA.

Serving the Lord Where I Am

Something To Think About Where I Serve the Lord:

Andrew Napolitano is retired judge, who does commentary on Fox News.  He does a series of short features where he explains some little known point of law that has, or might have, impact on the general listener.  The spots are filmed outdoors in front of a public building or on street corner.  At the end of his commentary the Judge holds out his arms and says, “Welcome to my chambers.” Napolitano models a characteristic that ought to be true about the church.  We think about going to church.  Usually when we plan a church event we think of something that goes on inside the walls of a church building, or at least on the property set aside for a local assembly.  The church, though, is not the building to which the people go to worship, important as that is.  The church is the people who go to that meeting place, and those people do not cease to be the church when they leave that assembly. I don’t think the Judge will sue us.  Let’s hijack and modify his line.  Wherever you are think of the place where you are as the place where you serve the Lord.   Welcome to my place of ministry. It’s STTA.

The Gospel Saves and Changes:

Something To Think About Salvation and Change:

I’ve been working my way through a book by a couple of really smart guys.  D. A. Carson & Douglas J. Moo take as their goal to capture the flow of the books of the New Testament and of each individual book.  They do a good job of not only writing what it means, but what it feels like.  Note the word, “passionately” in the following quote.  If you read 1 and 2 Corinthians, or just 2 Corinthians 7 and 10-13, you’ll see the passion.  It wasn’t an athletic event or winning an argument that generated such emotion in the writing of the Apostle.  He was concerned for the spiritual lives of those in whom he had invested his life “ . . . Paul passionately develops a theology of the cross that shapes Christian ethics, Christian priorities, and Christian attitudes, the apostle directly confronts all approaches to Christianity that happily seek to integrate a generally orthodox confession with pagan values of self-promotion. The cross not only justifies, it teaches us how to live and die, how to lead and follow, how to love and serve. . . . The problem was not so much that they were relapsing into paganism, as that their Christian faith, however sincere, had not yet transformed the worldview they had adopted from the surrounding culture. They had not grasped how the theology of the cross not only constitutes the basis of our salvation but also and inevitably teaches us how to live and serve.”  Everything in opposition to the Gospel “must be overthrown:”  (Carson, D. A.; Carson, D. A.; Moo, Douglas  J.; Moo, Douglas  J. (2009-05-26). An Introduction to the New Testament.Zondervan. Kindle Edition.) As Paul said in another place,   “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.” I can understand the Apostle’s passion.  It has been a life-long battle personally, and at the heart of my life’s work.  It’s not as eloquent as the Apostle’s words, but the three words are loaded down with Passion. Live for Jesus! It’s STTA.

I'm a Christian AND . . .

Something To Think About, Being a Christian:

"I'm a Christian but . . ." A video published by Buzzfeed has achieved that envied status of "going viral."  It features a winsome group of young adults finishing the statement, "I am a Christian, but . . ." and answering a couple of related questions. The obvious implication is that Christians are known for being homophobic, being close-minded, unaccepting, ignorant, uneducated, andthinking they are perfect.   The young people in the video identify as being fans of Beyonce, liking wine, and appreciating science.  They obviously want to be considered normal--not like those "crazy" Christians so often seen and heard in the media.  I'm four decades past being in the demographic of this video, but I identify with them, to a point.  Many of those who are identified as Christians, especially Christian leaders, are not people with whom I want to be identified.  In these daily musings I have identified many "Christians," so called, who are very poor examples of Christ-followers.  Among them are Westboro Baptist Church, leaders who hang "Rev." in front of their names but don't preach the Gospel, those who think "godliness is a means of gain," and often times me.  There are a lot of folk out there who I wish would take the bumper sticker off their cars.  The New Testament contains examples of the Apostle Paul, and others, in essence saying, "I'm a Christian but . . ." (here, here, & here)  Let me tell you two problems with the video--not only with the video, but with the view of Christianity that led to the viral-ity of the the little piece. The fact is the way of life that Jesus calls us to is counter cultural.  The early Christians were accused of being atheists, because unlike virtually everybody else in their world they refused to offer token worship to the gods of their place and time.  In a world consumed by conspicuous consumption, Jesus calls us to a life of laying up treasures in heaven.  All around us people are saying not only, "If it feels good do it."  but, "If it feels that good it can't be wrong."  Jesus, on the other hand says, "Take up your cross and follow me."  Yes, love is at the core Christianity, but love does not rhyme with "any thing goes." The video is far stronger in pointing out what Christianity isn't, from the viewpoint of the producers, than it is at making known what Christianity is.  One critic pointed out that Jesus is only mentioned one time.  Another observed a lack of anything about Christ's coming, or His death, or resurrection.  How different from the Apostle Paul, who, when he came to the hostile environment of Corinth, was "determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."  (1 Co 2:2)   I doubt that it will go viral, but how about this?   I'm a Christian, and I'm trying to live in obedience to God's word. It's STTA.   On this page there are multiple options.  All of them point to how we can have an ongoing relationship with our Lord.

The Right Way Might Look Wrong

Something To Think About, The Right Way Looking Wrong:

I was traveling on a Pennsylvania highway doing about fifty-five when I saw ahorse and buggy approaching, going in the wrong direction.  Since I don't live in an area that has an Amish or Mennonite community I was a bit surprised to see the horse-drawn vehicle going north on the same side of the road on which I was travelling south.  I'm not sure what is legal at that particular place.  I do know there is a wide paved shoulder there, the places for crossing the road to get on the other side are few and far-between, and both the buggy driver and we who sped by in the opposite direction had plenty of room. I couldn't help but think, though, about the illustration the driver, of what most of consider an outdated rig, gave concerning the way all God's people ought to live.    “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.   For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) The Amish and some other groups have chosen to live lives that are markedly different than the world around them.  When they dress in the morning, when they light their lamps at dusk, when they go out in their non-motorized vehicles, and in many far more important ways they are continually reminded, and they make clear to others, that they are not going in the same direction as others around them. I'm using a computer, sitting in an air-conditioned house, having just run some errands in my Honda.  I don't believe our faith ought to defined by what we wear or how we travel.  Still, in the ultimate sense, I need to be reminded that God has called me to a different life.  He wants me to be His in a particular way, dedicated to doing good deeds (Titus 2:14).   The Bible tells me that this world is not going they way God wants it to, I need to beware, andI'm not love it.   Last Saturday, it was very obvious that someone had chosen a different direction for their life.  I wonder, today, as people watch me go from place to place, and task to task, will there be anything that indicates to those around me, "Here is a man who has chosen to follow God?" It's STTA.

Mutually Beneficial Provocation:

Something To Think About, Comfort--It's Over-rated:

There is a cluster of exhortations in Hebrews 10 (you can read here).   At the end of these "Let us . . ." statements is one that can lead to considerable discomfort.   Hold on.  I'm going to start a verse later and back into it. Verse 25 of Hebrews ten is a favorite of preachers.  Any verse that tells people that they ought to come to church has to be popular with those of us who try to fill the pews.  Clearly, though, this verse is about much more than upward-trending attendance numbers.  When we come together we are to be those who are called-along-side-to-say-and-do-what-is-needed.  That is a very lame attempt to get at the basic meaning of the word that is translated, "encourage," or "exhort." The word is a very empathetic term.  A search of its use in the New Testament will reveal a wide range of meanings: to request, appeal, plead, or urge, as well as to exhort, encourage, or comfort.  Perhaps we best get at the meaning of the word by meeting two persons who are known for their ability to do what this word says.  Barnabas, who gave away his resources, reached out in kindness to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus and wanted to give John Mark one more chance, was called a "Son of this word."  Jesus promised that after He went back to heaven, He would send another basically this word.  The Didache, an early Christian book contains an encouragementsimilar to what we have here.  Perhaps it was drawn from this very text. “[B]e frequently gathered together seeking the things which are profitable for your souls." That brings us to this rather uncomfortable exhortation.  Working back from Hebrews 10:25, and clearly that is appropriate here, we find this:   "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works."  (KJV) We Jesus-followers are to be mutually provocative.  Just be sure you are provoking in the right direction.  By nature that is not a comfortable process.  It would appear that in modern church-world we have it wrong.  We come to church to feel good.  I ought to show up to be provoked. It's STTA.

Surprise--It might be God's will for your life to be hard.

Something To Think About Doing hard things, 9/8

Peter's is one of the voices in scripture that remind us Christianity is not just about enjoying one's self.  Primarily, living the Christian life is about doing what is right.      “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” (1 Peter 4:19, NASB95) To get the full thrust of the verse above, you need to read the context in which it is found.  (If you have time, click back on the arrows at the bottom to chapter 1, and read the whole book.) Just from the verse above, though, we can observe some truths that powerfully contradict some of the popular ideas of what it means to follow the Lord.   Apparently, at least some times, it is "the will of God that His people suffer.  (Click here, here, and here to see some other passages that make the same point.) In spite of the difficulties in which we may find ourselves, we can count on God's faithfulness.  As God says on another occasion, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”  Therefore we can join the author of Hebrews in saying, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”  (Hebrews 12:5-6) We can trust the Lord. In the end our goal should be to do what is right--and that's not always the same as what makes me happy today.   Do what is right, even when it is hard.   It's Something to Think About.

Surprised that you are surprised.

Surprised that you are surprised, 9/5

One of the signs of maturity is taking things in stride.  Little children are surprised by everything.  Getting some life under our belt ought to enable an unflappability that helps everyone in the vicinity to face difficulties--even crises--with calm and deliberateness.  When hard times come we all want that anchor person on our team. Those of us on the gray end of life need to be careful.  While our experience can foster that kind of cool, calm deliberateness, it can also go to seed in the form of cynicism and curmudgeonliness. Peter wanted his his readers to exhibit the former quality.  "Don't be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you . . . as though some strange thing were happening to you"   (1 Peter 4:12). Make no mistake.  What was going on these folk's lives was horrendous.  They had been forced to leave their homes.  They lived under the threat of, and the ongoing reality of persecution, yet Peter, who experienced his share bad treatment, said "Don't be surprised." Contrary to what we hear from many of the preachers of prosperity the Bible is clear that Christians are going to have a hard time in this world that "lies in the power of the wicked-one (1 John 5:19)."  Jesus said we should not expect to be treated better than Him (John 15:20).  Remember the cross.  The fact that most of us get along so well as Christians in the West is an anomaly. So, when I am misunderstood, or misrepresented, passed over or dumped on, I need to listen to the fisherman Apostle.  "Grow up!  Don't be Surprised.   It's Something to Think About.

Trying to do right:

Several guys are meeting together on Monday mornings listening to Eric Metaxas's book Seven Men and the Secret of Their Success, and then discussing it.
The last two sessions have been on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  We haven't so much talked about the German Theologian/pastor, as we have discussed the world in which he lived--the time during and between the World Wars in Germany--what it meant to live for Christ then and there, and what we can learn from that.
Some of our thoughts are convicting.  For instance, just as the underlying antisemitism of Bonhoeffer's day allowed the Nazi propaganda to take root in his world, there are widespread prejudices in our world that can lead to further harm.
Am I part of the problem or am I, by the words I speak and the life I live, pointing to a solution?
Bonhoeffer came to believe, in particular after his time at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, that what one believes must lead to real-life action, and that one's worship is inadequate unless it is matched by appropriate life-change.  It was great to listen to a truck driver, a cop, an insurance adjuster, a small business owner, a missionary in training, an engineer, and a couple of preachers ask themselves and one another, "What are the issues that face us in our world and time?" and, "What do we do about them?"
Many of us were in good churches yesterday.  We heard truth from God's word proclaimed.  This morning I heard a preacher who died before I was born ask, "Now, what are you going to do about it?

Lead on, guys!

It's STTA.

Righteousness?

Together with a group of people who attend CBC Sunday Nite, I've been thinking through an incredible concept from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  It is pretty obvious that as Jesus preached this message, and as Matthew, directed by the Holy Spirit, gave his report of it, they had the Scribes and Pharisees in mind.  The Scribes were experts on the Old Testament law.  The Pharisees were totally devoted to living out that law, as they saw it.  Every aspect of the Pharisee's life was marked by attempts to gain or maintain righteousness.  The Apostle Paul, who, in his pre-conversion days, was a leading Pharisee, gives a glimpse into this way of life in Philippians 3.  The Apostles word "Blameless" was the goal of every good Pharisee, but Jesus said that's not good enough.  "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven"  (Matthew 5:20).  They needed, and we need, a new kind of righteousness.   The second half of Matthew 5 describes this new kind of righteousness.  One aspect of it is that it is focused on the welfare of people--other people.  The righteousness of the S & Ps was often based on using others, and/or making others look bad so that the righteousness-seeker could look better.  The kind of righteousness that Jesus puts forth in the Sermon on the Mount is a way of life that respects and elevates others. If my "righteousness" somehow depends making others look bad, I'm not righteous at all.  If you find that to be a problem, or find yourself lacking, I'd encourage you to consult with the One Who preached this message.  (See the link at the end of this email.) It's STTA. God's Story in His Own Words. our Easter message that presents the flow of Divine Revelation from "In the beginning," to the final "Amen." You can find out more our lack of righteousness and how to obtain the kind of righteousness of which Jesus spoke here.

Be Somebody Who Is Worth Following:

Something To Think About, Storms, 4/2

Any one who pays the slightest attention to our culture can see that there is a crisis in manhood.  Eric Metaxas addresses this crises in his book, 7 Men and the Secret of Their Success.  It is not a book that is full of instructions; once you get past the introduction there is little in the way of how to, rather the book is full of example--as Metaxas calls them, "Living pictures," which he says are worth a thousand words. Young men, and even those of us well past youth, are in need of heroes, role-models, and people  we can look up to.   It is a relationship that is seen throughout scripture:  Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy, and, more than any other example, Jesus and His Apostles. A few of us are working through Metaxas's book.  To quote a Marine motto, we could use a "few good men."  Whether you are a part of our little group or not, step up, man, be someone worth following. It's Something to Think About. Explore the Good News here.

Could you really not see something that big?

Something To Think About, a Missing 777: 3/13

I've heard several people ask in recent days, "How do you lose an airplane?!"   "How do you lose an airplane?"  It's a question I've heard several times over the last few days.  My friends are referring to the tragic disappearance of a Malaysian Airlines flight in route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. You can read the news stories that are fraught with stolen passports, radio silence, and course deviation.  If somebody did something wrong, it wouldn't be the first time somebody tried a cover-up, but getting back to the original question, it could be that something as big as a modern jetliner really is lost.  A Washington Post article reports: "Despite the impression that people get when they use Bing and Google Earth and Google Maps, those high-resolution images are still few and far between,” said John Amos, president of SkyTruth, a nonprofit organization that uses such images to engage the public on environmental issues. The pilots of Flight MH370 never communicated distress. No one activated an SOS signal. No debris or fuel slick has been found. The plane’s flight recorders may be on the seafloor, buried in sand." Another story I read read gave the search area as being the size of the nation of Hungary. We forget that not too terribly long ago whole armies and fleets of ships remained hidden from enemy surveillance. Just because something is big, and apparently obvious, doesn't mean that it will be found. Jesus used an interesting metaphor that involves this "I can't see it." tendency:  "Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye* when you have a log in your own?  How can you think of saying to your friend,* ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?"  (Matthew 7:3–5, NLT) When I think about how often I've missed the obvious in my own life, it makes the story of the lost airplane a whole lot more believable, and more importantly, it causes me to realize the importance of the prayer of Psalm 73 with greater clarity. It's STTA. Explore the Good News here.