Have you ever watched a spark take hold of a piece of wood and leap up into a flame on a campfire, in a fireplace, or in a woodstove?  If you’re lighting that fire in a dark place, the minute the flame takes hold the darkness appears to move away from the light.  Light has the ability to dispel darkness; to literally push it away and replace the darkness with revelation and understanding.  The season of Advent which is now being celebrated in many churches features different parts of the Christmas story in anticipation of Christ’s birth with the lighting of candles.  As the weeks progress more and more light appears on the Advent wreath.  The candles on it are lit bringing more light into the “dark days” of waiting.  The story is revealed to us little by little, just like the sun rises little by little, until we celebrate Christ’s birth.

            There was a man long ago who believed that he would see God’s light in a very special way.  His faith was rewarded when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple for His customary dedication.  When the man (whose name was Simeon) saw Jesus, he praised God and called Jesus a “Light of Revelation” and “God’s Salvation” (Luke 2:25-35, vv.30 and 32 in particular).  Those seem like strange names for a baby!  But Simeon understood that he was seeing some of Isaiah’s prophecies come true right before his eyes (Is. 9:1-7).  The dark days of his waiting were chased away by God’s Light.

            Hannukah is another festival which features light and it too is celebrated at this time of year.  The lights of Hannukah tell the story of a dark time in Jewish history when the Temple had been defiled and worship there was being suppressed.  A bold, young man named Judas Macabee roused nationalistic fervor among the Jews and after a year of skirmishes and battles he was able to recapture the Temple in Jerusalem.  However it was in such a state of defilement it seemed like it would be an impossible task to clean it up.  None the less the clean-up job was initiated and after a year the rededication of the Temple became a reality.  But, as the story goes, it was discovered that only one day’s worth of the proper oil for the lampstand in the Holy Place could be found.  It was decided that the ceremony would still take place and the lampstand would be allowed to go out.  Once more oil could be produced the Temple would be dedicated again.  However when the priest entered the Holy Place the following day, the lamp was still burning and for the following 7 days (while the new oil was being made) the lamp remained burning.  The darkness of those days prior to the dedication was replaced by a great miracle; one the Jewish people still celebrate today.   
     
            It is not surprising to me that the darkness this time of year seems much colder than others.  It’s not just the fact that the temperature is lower due to the sun’s distance from our planet.  In the northern hemisphere the color has been drained from our surroundings by leafless trees and hibernating gardens.  Even the animals lose some of their color to naturally blend in with the defoliated forest.  I’m always jealous of the folks who live in the southern hemisphere at this time since they’re heading into summer but then, they encounter the same flip-flop when we are suffering through the heat of summer and they are in the midst of their winter.  Still, on a daily basis, we all face a point when the darkness seems overwhelmingly here to stay until that moment when the first hint of light pops over the horizon at sunrise or just like that initial spark on a piece of wood promises that heat is on the way.

            There is something about faith that is perfectly illustrated in the attraction of a light which pierces through the darkness and draws us to it for warmth and the ability to see.  So it is not unusual to find that many passages of Scripture use light to teach us that coming to know Christ as Savior is like the process of being drawn to a light in a dark room.  1 Peter 2:9 teaches us that God has brought us into this light:  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.  As you can see, the attraction does not stop when we find the light, it continues as we draw others alongside us so that they too can benefit from it. 

            Back in the ancient days of my college years my friends and I would sing a song that began with the words, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going”.  The song continued to affirm that God’s love was similar.  If you “Passed It On”, it would take off like a flame.  So as the Advent season continues, find ways that you can be God’s light for those who you see caught in darkness.  Be the light that dispels darkness for them.

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            What is the first thing you do when you walk into a dark room?  If you are like most people, you will look for the light switch and turn on the light.  Or if you have trouble seeing in the dark when you wake up during the night, you probably keep a flashlight by your bed.  Flashlights are certainly one of the modern era’s best inventions and they have progressed with time.  The patent for the first commercial flashlight was awarded to British inventor David Misell on January 10, 1899.  At the time it was called an “electric device” and it operated with two D batteries placed front to back in a paper tube with a light bulb and brass reflector at the end.  Several of them were donated to the New York City police force who responded favorably to them but they were not easy to manufacture for the masses so they remained a novelty item until production became more cost effective.  By 1922 several types were available; the tubular hand-held variety, a lantern style that could be set down for extended use, pocket-size lamps for close work, and large reflector searchlight-type lamps for lighting distant objects.  During that time there were an estimated 10 million flashlight users in the United States.  Can you imagine the number today?!

            We need the light so that we can see.  Once a light has illuminated a room, we can move about it with ease, but before that happens, we are stuck in the dark.  Cameras have the same issue.  Unless there is some sort of light source, it cannot “see” the object we want to take a picture of.  However there are several artistic options that photographers can play with in order to produce a picture.  If the light is low the photographer can direct some sort of light onto the subject.  They may use studio lighting but flashlights work too.  Photos taken with a low amount of light are called low-key.  A photographer may also opt to take a picture with a lot of light that almost makes the subject disappear into that light.  These photos are called high-key.  However most of the time photographers look for the right balance of light and dark, or shadows and bright spots when taking a picture.  No matter what the condition it’s in light is crucial for the camera to record the image.  If there is no light whatsoever, there will be no picture unless an artificial light source provides it.

            Through the centuries light has come to symbolize understanding; that is when an idea or concept is grasped or recognized by someone who has not known it before.  It’s the idea that is promoted when we say something has “come to light”.  The information has been revealed and we understand what it means.  The prophet Isaiah wrote about one of those moments when he recorded the words of Is. 9:1-2.  When the land of Israel was assigned to the 12 tribes, Zebulun and Naphtali ended up in the northern region of the land.  Isaiah says that the people have walked in darkness but now they will see a great light and he particularly mentions Zebulun and Naphtali.  This seems to be a curious distinction.  Why not the whole land?  Why not all 12 tribes?  After all, every person needs light when they are surrounded by darkness.  Just ask all those people who own flashlights!  Amazingly this promise was made approximately 700 years before it was fulfilled and the reason why Zebulun and Naphtali are singled out becomes clear when we examine some of the details concerning the life of Jesus recorded in Mt. 2:23 and Mt. 4:13.  Jesus grew up in the town of Nazareth which is located in territory that was given to the tribe of Zebulun and He ministered in Capernaum, which is in the area of Naphtali’s allotment.  God’s Light came into those places just as Isaiah said it would in such a specific way it cannot be missed.

            Photography, faith and the art of seeing has taught me that like a camera, people will not see the image of Christ unless I project some light into their lives.  The world we live in is darkened with sin.  A steady diet of the news will prove that.  But with the light of Christ in us, we can illuminate this dark world.  Paul encouraged the Philippians to be “lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15) in the middle of all its darkness.  If there is low light when I go to take a picture, it’s up to me as to whether I’ll use the existing light and adjust the camera or introduce an artificial light such as a flashlight, but nonetheless, there must be light.  It challenges me to think about how I will be a light.  Will I share the Good News of the Gospel with someone?  Will I pray for unsaved family and friends?  Will I be the hands and feet of Christ by giving money or goods (or myself!) to a food pantry, soup kitchen or an organization that helps those in need?  Will I find a ministry in my church that needs help and give my time and myself to it?  Will I be kind to the check out lady, smile at a stranger, be patient with an over-active child?  Whatever it is, whatever choice I make, it’s the image of Christ that someone will see, so I want to make sure that the light reveals the right image and brings them understanding!

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            When I was young the days between December 1st and the 25th stretched further than the eye could see down railroad tracks heading toward the horizon.  Every year we had an Advent calendar- a picture with little doors you could open to reveal a tiny picture inside.  Even though I could see more and more doors opened as the weeks went by, in my young mind eternity was shorter!  As Christmas day drew closer the air of expectancy increased especially when my mother started baking Christmas cookies and Christmas decorations started to appear around our house.  We all know what it’s like to wait for something whether it’s Christmas, getting our license, voting for the first time, or starting a new job.  Most of the time we anticipate good things, but when it’s something we’re uncertain about, waiting can be stressful or nerve-wracking.

            Imagine then what it must have been like to be an ancient Israelite who knew of Malachi’s prophecy (Mal. 4:5-6) but also knowing that Malachi’s ministry had taken place 400 years earlier.  Over the course of those four centuries your land has been governed by a succession of appointed leaders from super powers such as Greece and Persia.  Now you are under the authority of the Romans who, in order to keep the empire peaceful, rule with an iron fist.  Generation after generation watches the years go by and remembers the promise, but no prophet appears.  Do you think you would lose hope?  It appears that some had, but many had not, for when John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, he immediately draws a crowd and the people recognize him as a prophet.

            The essence of the role of a Biblical prophet is not to predict the future like prophets are expected to do in today’s culture, but in the Bible a prophet’s main role was to speak forth the Word of God.  John’s message was in line with the great prophets of the Scriptures.  The prophet served as the contemporary voice of God to his generation.  As the voice of God, the prophet pointed out religious and social sins and called for repentance.

            The first chapter of the Gospel of John is not only a poetic masterpiece (Jn. 1:1-5); it is also a dissertation on the individual roles of Jesus and John the Baptist (Jn. 1:6-13, 19-23).  It is interesting to note that all four Gospels make mention of John the Baptist which emphasizes the connection the writers saw between Malachi’s prophecy and John the Baptist’s ministry.  In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist is called a witness to the Light, but not the True Light.  That role belongs to Jesus and His title as the True Light not only signifies His authenticity, it underscores His eternal nature as well (v.9).

            John the Baptist’s message is a continuation of the great prophets before him.  Like them, he was called to his ministry by God (Is. 1:1-2; Jer. 1:1; Lk. 3:2; Jn. 1:6).   Like some of them, he preached in the Judean wilderness (Mt. 3:5; Mk. 1:5; Lk. 3:3).  He had the same wardrobe and the same diet (2 Ki. 1:8; Zech. 13:4; Mt. 3:4; Mk. 1:6) and resembled Elijah in appearance.  Like his predecessors he warned his audience that judgment was on its way.  It was time to repent and turn back to God (1 Ki. 18:21; Mk. 1:4; Lk. 3:3).  The people also responded to John the Baptist as they had to Elijah (1 Ki. 18:38; Lk. 3:10).  However there was confusion as to his actual identity (Lk. 3:15).  Was he the forerunner of Malachi or the Messiah Himself?  Inquiring minds wanted to know.   John was more than ready to tell them the answer (Jn. 1:19-34).

            It is with these questions in mind that John (the disciple) writes in his Gospel that although John the Baptist was sent by God, he was only sent to “bear witness of the light” (Jn. 1:7-8).           There is an amazing result when we listen to the witness of John the Baptist and accept that Jesus is the True Light.  When we are enlightened by the True Light, its everlasting nature brings us into a familial relationship with God the Father.  We are now His children, born not of a physical birth but a spiritual one and His light becomes a part of us (Jn. 1:12-13).

            One chilly winter night several years ago my friend Elaine and I went driving around the city of Batavia New York in search of Christmas lights for me to photograph.  We didn’t have to look too hard!  One street in particular was awash in Christmas lights and those blow-up holiday decorations which are lit up from the inside.  We parked and I got out for a little while so that I could take pictures without the vibration of the car.  House after house was decorated in lights that seemed to cover every square inch of available space.  But one house stood out from the rest; not because of its excessive holiday spirit but because of its simplicity.  The house was basically dark with small candles in each window, but in the yard there was one simple crèche scene.  While holiday lights adorned the other houses, the True Light was celebrated here.  It was the brightest spot on the street for me.  This year as you are enjoying the lights of the holiday season and anticipating the celebration of Christmas Day, let the lights remind you of the True Light “which coming into the world enlightens every man (Jn. 1:9)”.

Ann LeFevre, M. Div. 
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre                                                                            

            There is a picture ingrained in my memory of a moment shared between my son Christopher and my granddaughter Leigh when she was about the age of 4.  Leigh was a very determined little girl but like all children she could be easily distracted.  I’m not sure what led up to the moment now, but during one visit Leigh had climbed on to Christopher’s lap to play.  Whatever they were doing the exchange had caught the attention of her grandfather and Jeff was doing his best to interrupt their game.  All of a sudden the game took on a different nature when Christopher cupped Leigh’s face in his hands and turned her eyes towards his with a soft but strong command, “Focus”.  The more Jeff tried to pull her attention away from Christopher, the stronger his voice and gaze became.  “Focus… focus…”, he repeated and Leigh listened.  No matter what Jeff did, she remained fixed on Christopher.  It was a test of wills and Leigh’s was prevailing.  She was determined to stay focused on her uncle no matter what her grandfather did.

            Focus is a key component when it comes to recognizing the subject of a picture.  We prefer subjects to be sharp and clearly in focus so when the subject appears to be out of focus we find it unappealing and confusing.  An out of focus subject causes the viewer to wonder exactly what the subject is or it has them straining to see the details of what is perceived to be the subject, such as a person’s face in a portrait, so that the picture makes sense.  If what we perceive to be the subject is not in focus and some other point in the picture is, we’re confused about what the photographer is trying to say to us.

            In life-matters when we say someone is focused we mean they have a clear understanding of who they are and where they want to go.  Many times the goals they reach are achieved not only by determination but by a focus developed very early on in a person’s life.  Steven Covey, in his best selling self-help book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, called this “habit” the ability to “begin with the end in view”.  To accomplish any goal, one must stay focused in order to reach the end.  The subject of a picture must be focused.  Even when this general rule is broken in an artistic way, the subject is still compositionally central to the picture and therefore focused.
  
          But if focus was merely about a goal or purpose in life then I would be in a tough spot.  My life has never completely followed the path I thought it was supposed to take.  I have learned when it comes to a focused life in light of faith that it is not so much what you focus on, rather it is WHO you focus on.  It is a rare person who knows at an early age what they are “meant to do” and does it when they reach adulthood.  It can become a dangerous thing to become stuck on a life-goal that involves some sort of achievement or performance.  What if something happens where you are physically unable to accomplish a goal you’ve set for yourself?  I can think of several professional athletes who’ve had to struggle with something like that.
    
        It is in fact an athletic allusion in the book of Hebrews that answers the question, “What should I focus my life on?”  I have stood in the grand stadium in Athens where the ancient Olympics took place.  The white Pentelic marble glistens in the sun and it is easy to imagine athletes and spectators filling the stadium before a race. The crowds chatter and watch athletes stretch and prepare their muscles for the race.  Then the runners gather at the starting line.  In ancient times togas and other encumbrances were tossed aside and left there so that nothing would slow the runner down.   I can “see” the runners take their starting positions, crouched and ready to spring forward like a panther or leopard stalking its prey.  There is a hush that comes over the crowd until a signal sets the runners off and they sprint around the track as if the wind was propelling them forward.  The crowd cheers excitedly as the race is run and then finishes with a round of applause when the finish line is crossed.  I think this is what the writer of Hebrews had in mind when he wrote the words of Heb. 12:1-2. If you have ever watched a runner compete you have seen the power and determination which they display while straining toward the finish line.  That image matches the words of this passage to a “T”.  It is a picture of focus for me.  No matter what event I may be taking part in, that is, no matter what I may be “doing”, the finish line is always Jesus.  He is the focus of my life.

            My focus can sometimes need adjustment.  It’s easy to be distracted and lose focus.  In those times Christopher and Leigh’s game comes to mind.  When my focus needs adjusting it’s as if Jesus cups my face in His hands, turns my gaze towards Him, and says, “Focus…focus…”  Some goals can and will change with time, but my focus must remain fixed.  It’s up to me to keep my focus on Jesus no matter what distractions come my way.  A life focused on Him will always finish the race well (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

The following article was originally printed in February of 2011.  While some of the "most valuable" titles may have changed the culture which determines them hasn't! 

          I came across a sad confession back in 2011 as I read through the postings of my friends on Facebook.  A young father wrote of his feelings of failure in this life.  I sensed his feelings were due to that measuring stick we call "The American Dream".   A man is supposed to find himself a good job that pays well and allows him to acquire all the material pleasures of the good life- a home, a car, a refrigerator with an ice dispenser, and of course, a big screen tv.  It is a common feature of life in these United States to place worth on the “stuff” one amasses throughout life. If we are to believe Madison Avenue, people are valuable if they own things of value. 

            What things are considered valuable today?  Back in February 2011 when this article was first published the most valuable athlete in the world was Tiger Woods.  He had amassed $110 million over 13 years through his winnings, endorsements and business ventures. Since then Wood’s life has taken several twists and turns.  I’m fairly certain he is not the most valuable athlete now but he still has the recognition factor going in his favor.  At that time the most valuable home, owned by Mukesh Ambani, was a one-billion dollar skyscraper mansion called "Antilla" in Mumbai, India.  The first 6 floors of this mansion were comprised of a parking garage.  The remainder of the 27 story building housed Mukesh, his wife, 3 children and 600 servants.  The most valuable gem was a flawless, blue diamond estimated to be worth $4 million.  The most valuable car (which could still be driven legally on the street) was a Bugatti Veyron.  It cost only $1,700,000. I’m not sure if these items still retain their titles of “most valuable” but even if something else has replaced them one thing is for sure, you will either think their value is absurd or valid and no matter what you will be basing your opinion on these things by ranking them in some sort of value system.

            The psalmist warns us in Psalm 49 (vv. 16-20) to remember that wealth accumulated on this earth cannot be taken with us when we die, a theme humorously presented in the popular play and movie “You Can’t Take It With You”.  While George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart were probably not thinking Biblically, the catchy phrase is a theme examined frequently in Scripture.  But more importantly than the accumulation of wealth, the Bible is clear that people are not valuable to God because of their valuables; they are valuable because He loves them.  Passage after passage emphasizes that our sense of value and accomplishment must be taken from a different criteria than that of the world.  Oddly enough, the story of Cinderella illustrates what the Bible teaches.  Cinderella's father had married a proud and haughty woman, who relegated Cinderella to servitude after he died.  The "wicked" stepmother repeatedly told Cinderella that she was "common" and of little value.  However when the prince enters the story all that changes.  The extent of the prince's love for Cinderella compels him to search the kingdom high and low until he finds her.  His love demonstrates her value and he goes to great lengths to be reunited with her.

            Jesus told a parable about the same kind of love in Luke 15 (vv.3-7).  A shepherd with a large flock has lost one of his sheep.  Rather than leave it in the wilderness to succumb to the elements, the shepherd searches out the lost sheep and brings the little wanderer back to the fold.   The terrain where shepherds keep their flocks in Israel emphasizes the extreme this shepherd goes to in order to find his little lost lamb.  Rocky, with sparse vegetation and dangerous caverns, the shepherd risks his own life to be reunited with his wayward sheep.  This is a picture of God's love.  He has gone to great lengths in expressing His love for us and demonstrating our value to Him (see Phil. 2:5-8). 

            In can be easy to fall prey to calculating our value in terms of our earthly possessions and accomplishments as my friend on Facebook did.  Whether the times are lean or prosperous our culture places a tremendous amount of value on wealth.  Maybe you have been having similar feelings to that of my friend.  If those doubts should arise, remember, God so loved you, that He sent His Son to save you.   The world and its value system may lead you to believe that you are common.  That is not true!  The prince has traveled throughout the kingdom to find you.  The Shepherd has searched the wilderness to bring you home.  And there is no greater value than that.

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

This year Ready for the Road Ahead is took an additional direction.  It is one that follows the grand theme of sight in all aspects which runs throughout Scripture.  My weekly writings will be excerpts from a book of the same name which should be published (Lord willing) later this year.
 
            When I started to take photography as a serious avenue of my creative expression I found I had one reoccurring pitfall that usually required a visual readjustment to the way I was seeing things.  I didn’t question my talent or ability.  I questioned my gear.  Yes, simply put I suffered from “camera envy”.  I had my little Powershot A560 and I noticed that other photographers had the best DSLRs on the market.  Comparing what you have to what you don’t have, and wishing you had it, happens in every aspect of life.  But I find it is most obvious in photography when it comes to equipment or talent.  It shows itself in questions like, “What kind of camera do you have?” or wistful commentaries like, “I’d be a better photographer if I had one of those cameras”.
  
          Jealousy is an all too familiar human characteristic.  But God?  We are absolutely certain He is never jealous!  And yet He says Jealous is His name in Ex. 20:4-6.  However an important question must be asked, “Is the Lord’s jealousy the same as ours?”  There is a vast difference between the kind of jealousy we experience and the kind of jealousy God expresses in His character.  Our jealousy usually stems from something that we perceive we lack.  God’s jealousy is rooted in His relationship with His people.  Therefore it is important to recognize that God’s jealousy is associated with commands against idolatry (Ex. 20:4-6; 34:11-17) and especially idols that divided their loyalty to Him.
   
         God’s jealousy is best understood in the context of Ex. 34:14 which makes mention of “altars, sacred stones, and Asherah poles”.  The Israelites were told to utterly destroy them.  Our culture tends to look at commands like this and call them extreme. But it is not difficult to see how this command might apply to us as well.  I think it is our human nature to believe we can balance our cultural influences and selfish desires with God’s commands.  For example we may think we can watch violence or sexual behavior in a movie or on TV and not be influenced by it.  We may think that it’s ok to fantasize about another person because no one else will be inside our head when we do- who will know?  No harm done!  However, addiction to pornography is just as rampant in the church as it is outside the church.  And “Christian” marriages fail as rapidly as non-Christian ones.  So, are we really balancing the two?  It seems the culture has a heavier influence on us than we want to admit.  Jesus warned His followers in Mt. 6:19-24 and Lk. 16:10-13 that “you cannot serve two masters”.  God is Jealous because He knows our hearts are easily deceived and once deceived, divided.  We stray after “false gods” as easily as the Israelites did so rather than judge them too harshly by saying, “Why didn’t they get it?!”, we should carefully examine our own level of loyalty using them as an example.
        
    So, is it extreme to “cut down the idols” in our own lives- yes.  But it might be necessary (Js. 4:1-10)!  The context dictates that the Lord might be asking us to do this in order to demonstrate our loyalty and love for Him.  While it may appear to be an extremely difficult task, we have help- the Spirit who dwells in us desires to make us more like Christ- whose loyalty ultimately led Him to the cross.  Paul stated he could “do all things through Christ” (Phil. 4:13) and Jesus promised to send us a Helper (Jn. 14:16-26- especially vv. 16 and 26).  The task of “house cleaning” in order to be faithful to the Lord is not easy, but it is not impossible.  (Rom. 8:10-11, 26; 2 Cor. 5:14-18; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 1:6, 9-11; Heb. 13:20-21).
   
         There is a well-known quote throughout the world of photography which goes “The best camera is the one that’s with you”.  It is attributed to Chase Jarvis who used it as a title for a book he wrote about “the intersection of art and popular culture” which featured images he took with his I-phone.  He had no idea what a host of inspiration this short phrase would unleash.  Some have dismissed it as glib noting the underlying truth that a camera, no matter how simple or complex, will not help someone who’s just not good at taking pictures.  But many have recognized it as a great reminder that whether they have the latest Nikon or a cell phone camera, it is the eyes that see the shot and the photographer who takes it, not the camera.  It is one thing to wish for a better camera but a healthy reality check reminds me that camera envy will not improve my skill as a photographer.  In the realm of photography, faith and the art of seeing if my eyes are being turned by equipment and gear, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate the role it plays in my life- both creatively and spiritually because it may have become an idol.

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            A few years ago a friend of mine wrote and asked, “Why do Jewish people put stones on top of tombstones?”  I had heard of this practice but never actually seen it until I was in Jerusalem.  I looked up the answer in The Jewish Book of Why by Alfred J. Kolatch and found that, “the placing of stones on top of the tombstone is a symbolic act indicating that members of the family and friends have not forgotten the deceased.”  More recently and probably due to the home-going of my father, I've recognized the importance of remembering and memorials.  I decided to make a mental list of all the times stones were used as a memorial or played an important role in the Old Testament.  What a list!
  
          Here’s a partial list of what I compiled:  Abraham builds an altar of stone and sacrifices on it after God promises him a great nation, land and a blessing (Gen. 12:7); Isaac is about to be sacrificed on an altar of stone when God provides a ram instead (Gen. 22:1-14); Jacob uses a stone for a pillow in Genesis 28:11-22; Moses builds an altar at Rephidim to commemorate God’s victory over the Amalekites (Ex. 17:15); the  Mosaic Covenant was written on stone (Ex. 34:1-4);   there are several instances in the book of Joshua where a stone altar is built as a memorial, most notably the altar of remembrance after crossing the  Jordan (Jos. 4:4-9) and the altar built in the valley of Achor (Jos. 7:26).  The list could go on but by now you see that stones are all over the place in the Old Testament.  Why stones?  Well, if you’ve ever been to Israel, you know they’re quite abundant!  But you can also see this by looking at pictures of places like the Judean Hills and Masada.
   
         The more important question is, “Why remember?”  The answer can be found in the book of Joshua.  When Israel crossed over the Jordan and into the Promised Land, they collected twelve stones from the river bed and built an altar of remembrance.  The Lord tells Joshua, “Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’  So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” (Jos. 4: 6-7)
    
        I would imagine those stones had a very distinct appearance.  They must have been quite smooth from the water that had rushed over them for years.  The contrast between them and the stones found along the banks of the Jordan was designed to catch the eyes and curiosity of the younger generation.  This memorial was to be an educational tool to teach them about their God and their history.  History has a way of mentally preparing us for obstacles.  We either learn from the mistakes we previously made, or we draw courage from the trials we’ve made it through.  Israel’s Jordan crossing and the memorial that followed also testified to God’s faithfulness because it was through His sovereignty that the waters dried up (during the spring floods no less!) so that Israel could cross safely.
   
      Memorials have always played an important role in Israel’s history.  Sometimes they were altars of stone.  At other times the memorials took the form of holidays and celebrations that focused on God’s deliverance, intervention, and love for His people Israel.  Many of them are still practiced and celebrated today in synagogues all over the world.  The importance of memorials was not lost on the early church either.  Two of our most sacred rites as believers, baptism and communion (Rom. 6:1-11; 1 Cor. 11:23-26), are memorials that the early church practiced and passed on to the generations of believers that followed.  We also have holidays to remember significant events in the Bible.  Christmas and Easter are perhaps the most well-known.  If your sanctuary has stained-glass windows and carvings in the architecture, take a look at the symbols in them.  These too are memorials created to remind you of significant pieces of your Christian walk.  How many crosses, for example, adorn the artwork in your church?
   
         It is good to build “memorials” on our journey of faith.  They are visible reminders of places where we’ve been, aspects of our faith which are meaningful to us and where we’ve felt and seen God’s presence in our lives.  The Israelites had many visual reminders which enabled them to teach their children.  What kind of memorials will inspire us, encourage us, and educate the generations to come?  Finding our own memorials can be a creative and revealing adventure.  What stones of remembrance appear on your faith journey?

Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

When this edition of Ready for the Road Ahead first appeared in the church bulletin back in September of 2012 life was moving along on an even keel.  This week our well ran dry until a good rainstorm refilled it.  So being reminded of  how to deal with obstacles was certainly good timing on my part!

            One of the things I learned as a soccer mom is that you can drive anywhere with a good set of directions and map; even if you’ve never been there before.  I drove all over the state of New Jersey, from the top to the bottom, taking my son Christopher to his soccer games that way.  Nowadays GPS will get you where you need to go, but I still prefer a map and written directions!  Whether you use GPS or a map and directions is up to your personal preference, but unless you get in the car, turn the key and pull out of the driveway, you aren't going anywhere.
 
           In Joshua 3, we find Israel ready to embark on a journey into the Promised Land.  They had wandered through the desert for 40 years, lived on manna, camped in tents and survived a few skirmishes along the way.  And now, after some initial preparation, the people were ready to enter the land.  But there was one final obstacle in the way, the Jordan River.  The Jordan is a pretty river.  Its Hebrew name means “descender”.  And that is just what it does from the base of Mount Hermon all the way down to the Dead Sea (the lowest point on the face of the earth).  Sometimes it’s only as wide as a creek, but at the time of the Spring harvest its banks easily overflow.  The Jordan River at flood stage can extend its width from 35 feet to 1 mile.  Its gently flowing current can become a gushing torrent when the waters fill up.  And this is the time of year when Israel arrives to enter the land.
  
          Can you imagine what was going through their minds?  Here are a few suggestions: “We can’t cross this river!  Its banks are overflowing!!”, “O.K. Lord, it’ll take a few days, but we can gather some trees from Shittim, get some pitch and build a few rafts”, “What are you thinking Lord?  We are desert people!  No one here knows how to swim!”  Crossing the Jordan must have seemed like an insurmountable obstacle.  But in order to enter the Promised Land, Israel had to cross it.

            Even more surprising are the words in verse 13, "And it shall come about when the soles of the priests who carry the Ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest (not BY, not NEAR, but...) IN the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan which are flowing down from above shall stand in one heap".  Notice there’s no “toe-testing” here (You know that little “dipping motion” we do when we want to see how warm or cold the water is before we dive into it?).  The priests had to plant the soles of their feet firmly in the river bed.  You see to play the game you have to get on the field.  To take the trip you have to pull out of the driveway.  And to cross the Jordan, you have to get in it.
    
        Imagine if every time you hit an obstacle in your walk of faith what might happen to your perspective if you approached it with an air of expectancy as Joshua did in verse 5.  “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”  What if you pushed aside the fears and doubts that you have when confronted with obstacles and tackled those problems with this attitude, “Wow! Another problem!  I don’t know how it’s going to work out, but I know the Lord is going to help me overcome this.  He really came through the last time.  I can’t wait to see how He helps me out of this one!” 
     
When       How can you turn your view of obstacles into visions of opportunity?  How can you see things the way Joshua did?  Like Christopher who practiced countless hours before he set foot on the soccer field or a traveler who studies the directions to his/her destination, you can train yourself to meet obstacles by focusing on the basic skills of your faith and consecrating yourself.  Now I don’t mean that you need to run home, take a bath and do the laundry as those ancient Israelites did when they consecrated themselves!  But making the basic skills of your faith (Bible study, devotions, prayer time and fellowship) a priority in your life will consecrate you for "crossing the Jordan".  They prepare you to look at obstacles from a different perspective and that perspective will help you through whatever challenges you may face.  These tools help you to look at obstacles the way Joshua did- as an opportunity for God to do wonders in your midst.  So keep this in mind when obstacles come your way: To play the game, you have to step on to the field.  To take the journey, you have to pull out of the driveway.  To cross the Jordan, you have to get in.  It’s time to get ready, get set and GO!
 
Ann LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

This edition of Ready for the Road Ahead was  originally published as a bulletin insert in October of 2011.

           The leaves have finally turned color and are slowly dropping on to my lawn as I sit and type this week’s column.  Three important holy days, Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot, are being celebrated by the Jewish people before both people and celebrations settle in for the long span of time before the festival cycle starts again in the Spring.  The Holy Days will end on a high note in the celebration of Simchah Torah (Rejoicing in the Law).  It occurs on the last day of Sukkot, which is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, and it is a time to rejoice, just as its name states.

            The Torah, or Law, is defined as the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.  Torah means to “direct, teach, instruct, guide or show”.  The Torah is divided into yearly readings and read every Saturday morning at Torah Service.  It is customary to complete the cycle of reading on Simchah Torah.  There is an old Jewish adage which says, “Turn the Torah, and turn it over again, for everything may be found in it.”  So to affirm the truth that one must never stop studying God’s Word, it has become customary to turn at once to the beginning of the Torah and start again when the cycle is completed.

            The Torah is highly treasured.  The scroll is usually 2 1/2 feet high and is printed by hand with only a genuine quill pen on kosher animal skin.  A typical scroll is 20 to 30 skins long and weighs 15 to 20 pounds.  The skins are sewn together so intricately that it is virtually impossible to see the seams.  They are then wound around the “Trees of Life” or Torah holders.  The coverings are exquisitely decorated in beautiful brocades or satin with appliqué and sometimes even semi-precious stones.  The Torah scroll itself is never touched by hand.  It is carefully placed on a special reading table, and the reader uses a special pointer, called a yad, to keep his place.

            The Torah is an important part of religious life to devout Jews.  They are mindful of many scriptures which encourage and command them to take its words seriously such as Joshua 1:8 and Proverbs 7:2.  On Simchah Torah the scroll is removed from its special cabinet in the synagogue and paraded about the sanctuary.  The people follow behind with music, singing, and the blowing of shofars.  There is candy for the children (because God’s Word is sweet like honey) and they are called to the platform to say a blessing over the Torah reading.  This is the only time children are allowed to do this.  When a synagogue is vandalized or burned and the Torah is destroyed it is a tremendous loss to the congregation, economically, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

            In light of this, how we should view the Scriptures?  The Bible is the most amazing book the world has ever seen or read.  It has been translated into thousands of languages, printed in every shape and style; maligned, discredited, upheld, misunderstood and underestimated in its strength and power.  Churches today revere it, ignore it and even re-word it.  Yet it has endured and maintained its integrity for centuries.

            How precious is the Bible to us?  Think of all the Bibles that have been smuggled into Communist and Muslim countries at the risk of life and freedom.  Think of all those who have traveled to remote places to learn languages only a few speak so that the Word can be communicated to them.  This Book allows us to truly understand the heart and mind of God.  Life was breathed into it by the Holy Spirit and it brings life to us.  Yet, many times we toss it aside just as carelessly as we would a paperback novel.  I wonder what our brothers and sisters in persecuted countries would think about that.  How would they react if they learned many of us ignore the Bible because our schedule is demanding and we are tired?  What would our brothers and sisters in Haiti, China and the Sudan do if they could hold and read one single page of God's Word when we have more than one copy sitting on a dusty shelf?   Perhaps in the business of our lives, we have placed the Bible in a low spot on the list of our priorities, but is that where it belongs?  Shouldn't we treat it with reverence and rejoice when we come together as God's people to learn from and study it?  If we can proudly display the paraphernalia of our favorite sports team, why don't we do the same for the Bible?  Perhaps we could learn something from our Jewish friends!
 
Ann LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre

            For many women, the make-up is as essential as a survival kit.  The miracle of make-up is that it can cover the little imperfections that gnaw away at our self-esteem.  But make-up can only work wonders on the outside.  Covering the inward imperfections is a much more difficult task and the psychological gymnastics we go through to achieve this status often do more harm than good.  There is one festival in the Jewish calendar whose main focus is that of “covering”.  In Leviticus 16 it is called Yom Kippur.  Yom (rhymes with home) means day and Kippur (kee-poor) means covering, thus, the Day of Covering.  It is also known as the Day of Atonement.  A covering hides something but it does not remove it.  That’s why according to the Scriptures it is necessary for Jews to observe this day annually (Lev. 16:29-34).  No person is capable of removing their sins, only covering them.
 
          In Biblical times, the observance of Yom Kippur involved a rather lengthy process of washing and sacrifices to cover both the sins of the High Priest as well as the nation.  Yom Kippur was the only day of the year that the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies (Lev. 16; 23:26-32).  His sole purpose there was to sprinkle the sacrificial blood on the Ark of the Covenant as a covering for the sins of the nation for another year (Lev. 16:9, 14-19).  But in order to enter the presence of a Most Holy God the high priest washed several times over, wore simple garments made of the purest fabric possible and entered that sacred precinct with a censor filled with an aromatic coals (Lev. 16:4, 12-14,  23-24).  Bringing the stain of sin into the Holy of Holies was very serious and the consequence of defiling it was disastrous to the one who caused it (Lev. 10:1-3).
   
         Another ceremony carried out on this day involved the selection of the Scapegoat (Lev. 16:7-10).  Two identical goats were chosen.  Both goats symbolized the severity of sin.  One died picturing God’s judgment.  The blood of this goat was splattered on the Ark.   The High Priest placed his hands on this goat and “transferred” the sins of the people to the animal.  The same was done to the second goat but this time “the Scapegoat” was not sacrificed but instead led out to the wilderness (Lev. 20-22).  The goats teach us two interesting aspects of God’s judgment.  First, that although the punishment for sin is severe, a substitute can take the penalty.  Second, once the appropriate sacrifice has been made, the Lord sends off the remembrance of that sin “into the wilderness”.  It is gone, forgotten, remembered no more.
     
       Since the destruction of the temple it has become customary for faithful Jews to offer prayers, repair broken relationships and right the wrongs of the past year for the atonement of sins on Yom Kippur.  But the Scripture is clear that no amount of repentance or the intention of good works can atone for sin.  So how can sin be erased like chalk from the blackboard?  How is it that the writer of Hebrews can write, “And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more”? (Heb. 10:17)
  
          The answers to these questions lie in the person of Jesus Christ.  His atoning work is represented in the two goats.  First, His shed blood has met God’s requirement and is an acceptable substitute for ours and secondly, through Christ’s atoning death, our sins are no longer remembered by God.  But now at the consummation of the ages, He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9: 26b).  Hebrews 1:3 and Hebrews 9: 11-12 also state that Christ has entered the Holy of Holies and has sat down, meaning His work was complete and finished, something earthly priests never had the privilege of experiencing and therefore Christ does not have to do this over and over again.
          
  To most of us the Berlin Wall merely represented a division between two political ideologies.  But for those who lived in its shadow, it represented separation from the love and warmth of family and friends.  Mankind was separated from God in the same way.  The veil which stood between the Holy of Holies and the Holy Place was heavily woven and six inches thick.  It was only entered once a year.  And like the Berlin Wall, sin seemed to stand solid and cold between man and God.  Who could bridge the gap?  No one but God Himself.  For now there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ.  (Rom. 8:1)  Jesus more than covers sin, He removes it!
 
Ann LeFevre, M. Div.
https://www.annhlefevre.com; Olivetreeann@mail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhlefevre; https://www.facebook.com/ann.h.lefevre