The True

Life and Death

We love our little farm. It is one of God’s most tangible blessings to us, and it teaches us so many things—the value of hard work, the ordered nature of creation and its seasons, and the joy of caring for God’s created, just to name a few.

But there is one lesson it continues to teach us we were not fully expecting or prepared for when we embarked on this endeavor, and that is the never-ending cycle of life and death. The constant presence of this cycle is building in us a true compassion and empathy for every life God has made. We are this week reminded yet again of this lesson as our farm both welcomes new life and is deprived of the presence of a cherished life.

On the addition side of the equation, we have new ducklings and our Nigerian Dwarf goats are nearing the point of kidding (baby goats are called kids) for the first time. It is more fun and endearing than you might imagine to watch them prepare for this new life. The wonder of God’s care and concern for all He has made is on display as the does carry their kids and prepare for delivery. It brings to mind Luke 12:6-7: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

God’s care for His creation is on clear display on our little farm, and yet it is you—the pinnacle of His creation—who He holds in highest esteem. It is you He treasures. It is you He desires.

On the loss side of the equation, our son’s favorite chicken (yes, the chickens are like pets to us), Broody, passed this week. A chicken’s lifespan is not particularly long (and there are many threats to it along the way), and so it is easy to lose track of its value. This is especially true because our human minds tend to revolve around our own much longer life expectancy. But Broody was one of our original chickens, and she meant a lot to Jude, so her passing was a somber occasion for him, and by extension for all of us.

This cycle of life and death is constant on a farm. We certainly knew that intellectually when we set out, but that knowing was far different than experiencing it in practice. When we lose a life we have grown to love and appreciate, we feel the loss. When we gain new life—whether it be the imminent arrival of goat kids or watching the rapid growth of ducklings, we feel the blessing of addition and companionship. This cycle brings constant fluctuation, and to be honest, we have had to grow in our comfort level with it.

Part of why we love our little farm, and part of both its value to us and the value of sharing this story with you is that it constantly reminds us of our own relationship with this life and death cycle.

It reminds us that we too possess physical bodies that are not forever, and that will one day pass away.

It reminds us to invest in the part of ourselves that was created and designed to live forever with our God.

It reminds us to hold loosely to those things that are simply a part of a temporal Earthly cycle of life and death.

Most importantly, it reminds us of a Savior who entered into this physical realm for the very purpose of interrupting our life and death cycle. It reminds us that Jesus took on a physical body with all its limitations, willingly accepted death on a cross, but then conquered that death by walking out of the grave fully alive three days later.

As a result, you and I are no longer bound by the life and death cycle constantly on display around us. Yes, our bodies are passing away. Yes, we will each encounter physical death. But because of the gift of Jesus, we have been bestowed a life that never ends.

You may not live on a farm. But you see the cycle of life and death in your world, too. Let it be a reminder to you today that God remembers every single creature He created, but He treasures you above all, and He made a way for you to conquer death with everlasting life!

Glory!

World

An Elusive Ceasefire

Negotiations for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as the release of hostages and prisoners, have included numerous twists and turns in recent days. After months of negotiations led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, Hamas announced it was prepared to accept a deal offered by Israel. However, Israel said the deal was “far from Israel’s necessary requirements.” As negotiations continue, Israel continues its military operations. The war, which began when Hamas invaded Israel and killed more than 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, puts millions of people in a war and humanitarian disaster zone.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., Columbia University has canceled its main commencement ceremony due to the ongoing protests over the war, and similar demonstrations and disruptions persist on campuses across the country.

Analysis and eternal perspective: This story feels stuck on repeat, and it is very easy to grow numb to it. However, it is so important for Jesus followers to maintain clear vision about the events playing out. They do not always fit neatly together inside any of the many preferred narratives being advanced. We should remain prayerfully resolute in our commitment to allow scripture to guide our perspective. While there are countless aspects of this story that warrant our prayerful consideration, let’s root ourselves in these foundational reminders from scripture:

1) The Jewish people have a special covenant with God (Deut. 7:6-9) and Jesus followers are called to recognize its significance (Gen. 12:3).

2) We have a duty to stand in defense of the oppressed (Is. 1:17).

3) We are to actively pursue peace, even when it is elusive (Ps. 34:14). True peace requires trust (Pr. 25:19).

4) Every person is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27), and we should have compassion and concern for all who are suffering (1 Cor. 1:3-4).

U.S.

To Vacate or Not to Vacate

The U.S. House of Representatives spent much of its focus this week on the question of whether to remove Rep. Mike Johnson from his position as Speaker after only six months in the job. Speaker Johnson was elected Speaker in October 2023 after then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy was removed from the position by a procedure called a Motion to Vacate. That same motion has now been introduced against Speaker Johnson by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, but the two have been engaged in lengthy negotiations over whether or not to force a vote on the House floor. Unlike what played out last fall, the motion is not likely to succeed (at least initially) if a vote is called, as House Democrats have indicated a willingness to vote to keep Johnson as Speaker.

Analysis and eternal perspective: Palace intrigue. We should be mindful that much of this story is simply palace intrigue. That is not to say it is insignificant. To be sure, there are significant policy challenges—including out-of-control deficits and a crisis on the southern border—facing the U.S. House of Representatives. However, much of this story has more to do with political posturing and personalities than it does a substantive response to those challenges.

We as The Equipped, no matter our personal political persuasion, should desire leaders who faithfully pursue policies that promote flourishing (Jer. 29:7), and do so with a servant’s heart (Matt. 23:11-12). In a culture that often rewards bombast, we should model a better way, and we should do so even when it goes unrewarded. Palace intrigue makes for loud headlines, but we do more to promote flourishing by focusing on substance and advancing our neighbor’s wellbeing.

U.S.

Paper Thin

The makeup of the 435-voting-member U.S. House of Representatives has been constantly changing in recent weeks. Despite the short two-year term for elected Members, there has been a steady stream of retirements and resignations from the chamber, and there are still currently five vacant seats. This creates a dynamic where neither party holds the 218 votes usually required for a majority, with Republicans maintaining a slim 217-213 edge. It also lends urgency to the already-serious story of Rep. Henry Cuellar being indicted on bribery charges.

Analysis and eternal perspective: The U.S. House is typically the more resistant of the two legislative chambers to mid-session changes in party control. This is due to its much larger size (the U.S. Senate has 100 members), shorter terms, and frequently larger majorities. The current paper-thin majority, however, makes every new vacancy major news in Washington, D.C.

As Jesus followers living in a self-governing republic, we should be aware of this dynamic for several reasons, including its impact on our policy choices going forward. This awareness should also inform the way we comprehend stories like the pending motion to vacate we just considered.

Most important, however, the unpredictable state of our politics and governing posture should remind us to be grateful for a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). We may not know the political direction of the U.S. House for today, tomorrow, or next week, but we serve a God who does not change.

The Beautiful

Very Good

As each day of creation drew to a close in Genesis 1, God observed His work and found it to be “good.” Light (v. 4), the land, seas, and sky (v. 10), plants (v. 12), the sun, moon, and stars (v. 18), the fish and the birds (v. 21), and the animals (v. 25) are all found to be “good.” When God formed mankind, he charged us with caring for the rest of creation (vv. 28-30), and He found this arrangement to be “very good” (v. 31).

The God and Creator of the universe has found His creation to be good, and He has found your integral participation in it to be very good! Allow these realities to inform the way you interact with the world around you this week. You are surrounded by beauty and good things made by His hand, and He finds your interaction with them to be very good!