Vol. 190, No. 9

March 28, 2013 Vol. 190, No. 9

www.adventistreview.org

March 28, 2013

Moskala Named Seminary Dean 9 A Joyful End 24 The Other Side of Answered Prayer 28

A Poem in Progress Reflecting on Christ’s words from the cross

“Behold, I come quickly . . .” Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ by presenting stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. . . . 18 24 9 6 COVER FEATURE ARTICLES DEPARTMENTS EDITORIALS 18 A Poem in Progress 14 Joshua: Son of Nun 4 Letters 6 Gerald A. Klingbeil Marcos Paseggi Gilbert Vega Watch the Hands He was unsung, aver- Going beyond “My 7 Page 7 age; until God tapped 7 Sandra Blackmer God, My God, why have Him to lead His people. You forsaken me?” 8 World News & Chloe the Cat Perspectives 2 2 The Enduring Treasure Ellen G. White 13 Give & Take God wants us to be happy, now and forever. 17 Transformation Tips

2 4 A Joyful End Dateline Moscow Jessica L. Perrone 2 5 Looking toward a glorious future 3 0 Etc.

2 6 For Love or Obligation? 31 Reflections Jean-Luc Lézeau It isn’t gratitude until it’s expressed. Next Wee k in 2 8 The Other Side of Adventist world ON THE COVER Answered Prayer Creation on Display Jesus’ death on the cross Hopal Grant-McClintock Our world is not the was only the beginning. Being part of God’s answer result of chance.

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, Executive Publisher Bill Knott, Associate Publisher Claude Richli, Publishing Board: Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; Ella Simmons; Mark Thomas; Karnik Doukmetzian, legal adviser. Editor Bill Knott, Associate Editors Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Coordinating Editor Stephen Chavez, Online Editor Carlos Medley, Features Editor Sandra Blackmer, Young Adult Editor Kimberly Luste Maran, KidsView Editor Wilona Karimabadi, News Editor Mark A. Kellner, Operations Manager Merle Poirier, Financial Manager Rachel Child, Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste, Assistant to the Editor Gina Wahlen, Quality Assurance/Social Media Coordinator Jean Boonstra, Marketing Director Claude Richli, Editor-at-Large Mark A. Finley, Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke, Art Director Bryan Gray, Design Daniel Añez, Desktop Technician Fred Wuerstlin, Ad Sales Glen Gohlke, Subscriber Services Steve Hanson. To Writers: Writer’s guidelines are available at the Adventist Review Web site: www.adventistreview.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed en- velope to: Writer’s Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.adventistreview.org.Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740-7301. Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from theHoly Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are © Thinkstock 2013.The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161- 1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and is printed 36 times a year on the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Periodical postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 2013, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 190, No. 9

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www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (259) 3 February 14, 2013 Vol. 190, No. 4 in that it gave a sidebar with

February 14, 2013 www.adventistreview.org 10 “Mission to Cities” Launched in South England 14 Moving in thedirection Same tips for navigating online 23 Rogelio’s Testimony inbox dating sites. Letters From Our Readers I urge the Review to do a much more comprehensive treatment of this topic—per- est sense. I well remember haps even a series. The brev- christians and visiting the Wallace home online dating ity and missing elements in high in the mountains of the story could be highly Rwanda where he was the Must Love God misleading. president of our college, »»Thanks for printing Kim- I know. I’d been searching Adventist University of Cen- berly Luste Maran’s ”Must for the right person for 29 tral Africa (AUCA). Love God” article (Feb. 14, years and found her on an Review readers may recall 2013). I met my wife through Adventist dating site—not iDols that on December 27, 1985, an online dating site. We one of those that you men- »»I’m writing in regard to Dian Fossey was murdered in knew each other casually tion. Kimberly Luste Maran’s Vincent MacIsaac’s article the Volcanoes National Park before, but that was it. We article, while interesting from “iDols” (Feb. 21, 2013). I’m in Rwanda. Her claim to fame were matched on the site! a psychological/sociological thankful for the technology was her 18-year study of the We’ve now been married for perspective, would not have that carries the third angel’s mountain gorilla in Rwanda. six months, and she is defi- been helpful for me as a sin- message everywhere, but Wallace had become Dian’s nitely the one God had for gle man looking for a godly don’t wish to be snowed friend because of his interest me. The article was very well Adventist wife. under by the blizzard of in monkeys. Wallace had a written, and I’ll share it with It would be helpful for the information overload all pet chimpanzee named Eliza- my single friends. Review to do a real review of about us today. Offers of 150 beth that he had raised from Ricardo Bacchus sites with “Adventist” in their or 250 channels find me a baby. (That is another story Silver Spring, Maryland name, or who cater to Sev-

January 17, 2013 answering that I have only in itself.) Vol. 190, No. 2 enth-day Adventists, with

January 17, 2013 one pair of eyes, one mind, Wallace was called upon to www.adventistreview.org pros and cons for each site. 7 A Wave and a Greeting

Religiously Unaffiliated 8 Swell Worldwide 26 and it needs to be kept open perform the funeral for Fos- Divine Assassin? Tell readers how many sub- heavenward, not drowned by sey. In the movie Gorillas in scribers are Adventists and Religious Freedom in the enemy’s tug-of-war for the Mist, Fossey’s last request the United how easy it is to screen out our souls. was that she be buried in the States people with problems and IS one of MacIsaac has put his fin- gorilla graveyard beside her the most compare the “match philoso- fundamentalS freedom ger on a very important ave- most favorite gorilla, Digit. In unde r attack? phies” of the different sites. nue for the wily foe’s attack. one of the final scenes of the Make sure that christian Satan’s deceptions come movie a voice is heard read- Recent Readings singlesdating.com is included. with the flood of so many ing from Scripture as the »»I enjoyed reading the Janu- This is a labor-of-love site run “gadgets” and entertain- camera pans over the ary 17, 2013, Adventist Review. by a dedicated Adventist ments that eternal interests gravesite. It was Wallace’s You had not one but two arti- woman who, with her hus- are “lost among the thorns,” voice as he read from the cles that I absolutely had to band, is highly involved in threatening to leave us Bible. archive: Martin Proebstle’s their local Adventist church. unprepared for the testing Wallace was an enthusias- “Divine Assassin?” (excellent Marlan Knittel time ahead. My thanks to tic follower of God, minister- research—I’ve always won- Bakersfield, California MacIsaac. ing to anyone in his sphere dered about that story!—and Richard Burns of influence. Who knows? clever artwork with the Moving in the Cleveland, Tennessee Maybe it was his visit to the sights on sin) and Nicholas P. Same Direction floating church on Lake Titi- Miller’s “Religious Freedom »»I enjoyed reading Gerhard Lake Titicaca Tour caca that broadened his view in the United States.” Pfandl’s article “Moving in »»Thank you for printing as to what constitutes being I also enjoyed read- the Same Direction” (Feb. “Lake Titicaca Tour,” by Elton a missionary. ing “Must Love God” (Feb. 14), for he touched on the Wallace (Feb. 14, 2013). He Keith Heinrich 14). The article was helpful core problems with disunity was a missionary in the tru- Hutchinson, Minnesota in our midst: (1) the pressure of culture; (2) independent

4 (260) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 critical ministries; and (3) congregational and ecumeni- cal tendencies. Let me add a May we never grow stagnant with the belief fourth: politics—keep poli- that we have all of the answers. tics out of the church. Here is my dilemma with “ —brooke Hendriksen, Salt Lake City, Utah this article. Pfandl writes: “The election of Israel was an ”

12 13, 20 December election not for salvation but Vol. 189, No. 34

December 13, 2012 for service. Similarly, the a refreshing and strengthen- www.adventistreview.org by killing children. Deuter-

Adventist Church Grows 8 in North America Mercy Street 15 24 Adventist Church has been ing exercise in faith. Crocs and Prison Garb onomy 19:10 reminds chosen to serve humanity in May we never grow stag- against shedding innocent the time of the end by pro- nant with the belief that we blood, and Proverbs 6:16, 17 claiming God’s message to a have all of the answers. May reminds us again in a list of dying world. We are saved as we be true to a heritage that things God hates the most. individuals, not by belonging values discussion around We are urged to speak for to a particular race or Scripture rather than the those who cannot speak for church.” recitation of a church creed. Catching Up themselves, whose lives are I may be reading him Brooke Henriksen »»I am catching up on read- doomed/appointed to be incorrectly, but from my Salt Lake City, Utah ing accumulated over the crushed/appointed for studies of Israel, to me there holidays. Carolyn Stuyves- destruction, etc. (Prov. 31:8), is no question that Israel was Clear Thinking ant’s “A Christmas Banquet” and commanded to walk elected for the purpose of »»While in the midst of read- and Bernie Anderson’s justly. salvation of the world. Ellen ing Gerhard Pfandl’s excel- “Bringing the Fire” (Dec. 20, Gennifer Anderson White writes in The Desire of lent, well-balanced, and 2012) were great! Oakdale, California Ages: “Yet God had chosen articulate article “Moving in I always love reading Dixil Israel. He called them to pre- the Same Direction,” I just Rodríguez’s column. “Mercy serve among men the knowl- had to check my list of mem- Street” (Dec. 13, 2012) was We welcome your letters, noting, edge of the law, and of the bers of the Theology of Ordi- no exception. as always, that inclusion of a letter symbols and prophecies that nation Committee (see the I have had times like in this section does not imply that pointed to the Savior. He list in the Jan. 10, 2013, Michael Oxentenko describes the ideas expressed are endorsed by desired them to be as wells Review), and was glad to see and was blessed by his either the editors of the Adventist of salvation to the world” that he is on it. This kind of December 13 “Operation Review or the General Conference. (p. 27). clear thinking is exactly what ELF” story and its ending. I Short, specific, timely letters have Wilfred Nagao is needed on the committee. think a Grinch stole a para- the best chance at being published Honolulu, Hawaii The most compassionate, graph out of it, though. The (please include your complete understanding, balanced, section “Liquidating the address and phone number—even »»In the article “Moving in and Christlike voices come Messiah” should have con- with e-mail messages). Letters will the Same Direction,” Gerhard from people who have lived, tained an additional para- be edited for space and clarity only. Pfandl asks, “Can church worked, and/or traveled in graph—something along the Send correspondence to Letters to members work effectively multiple countries. lines of John saying that the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 together if they do not agree By the way, following the Satan was a murderer from Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD on what they believe?” Yes, example of a fellow Adventist the beginning (John 8:44). 20904-6600; Internet: letters@ they can! There can be unity who we read about, my hus- Satan has tried to “liquidate” adventistreview.org. in the church without band and I have committed to children since the beginning uniformity. praying for every member of book of Genesis, in the days When was the last time the committee by name over of Pharaoh and the baby that you participated in a dis- the next few weeks. We hope Moses. Not just at Christmas, cussion with someone who more of our NAD church fam- but today, Satan offers to you loved deeply but dis- ily will join us. some the present of “peace” agreed with strongly? This is Nancy Wolcott Palm Coast, Florida

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (261) 5 Editorials Watch the Hands Hands are avid and capable communicators. Hands “talk” often more than words can ever say. Hands can turn into tight fists or touch lightly as a father cuddles his baby daughter. Hands can say “stop—no more” or “come on, you can do it.” The Gospels highlight Jesus’ hands repeatedly. As a carpenter they represented His most val- ued tools. They cut and planed and held the chisel and the hammer. But they didn’t just handle wood—they touched people. Jesus touched lepers (Matt. 8:3) and those struggling with disease (Matt. 8:15; 9:29; 20:34; Mark 7:33). He touched His disciples when they were afraid (Matt. 17:7) and His enemies as they tried to ensnare Him (Luke 22:51). He even touched death (Luke 7:14), something no well-respected Jew would have ever done. Hands communicate nonverbally. Hands were also an integral part of the Resurrection morn. Gerald A. The disciples had gathered in Jerusalem—they longed for a safe and quiet place where they could Klingbeil make sense of the unthinkable. They were discouraged; they felt perturbed. They had heard strange rumors—but were they true? Jesus appears in the midst of their committee meeting, in which they were discussing the evidence of the Resurrection, and shows them first His hands and feet (Luke 24:36-43). They see the wounds; they touch the Master, tentatively at first, then more confidently. Hope turns to assurance—He lives! Have you ever noticed that Jesus’ hands were always open, always ready to give, to touch, to encourage, and to share? Somehow I cannot see Jesus holding on to something tightly in His fist. He gives, and gives—and gives more. His opponent in the great controversy prefers a different gesture. Satan’s favorite posture seems to be the tightly clenched fist, shaking it against the authority of God, demanding equal opportunities, and pulling those who listen to the siren’s beguiling melody into complete destruction: the nail-printed hands versus the tightly clenched fist; selfless service versus a dis- proportionally sized ego; boundless grace versus selfish wants. Recognition on Resurrection morning is linked to hands. As Adventists (and particularly those of us living in North America) we have tended to ignore Easter. Association with bunnies, colorful eggs, candy, and heathenism has resulted in a disregard for Resurrection morning. Orthodox Christians may greet each other with “The Lord is risen,” expecting the answer “He is risen indeed!”—but Adventists? In many parts of the world the Easter weekend is one of the most important evangelistic opportunities for Adventists. Adventist churches preach the resurrected and returning Christ over a long weekend. Neighbors and friends, attuned by their culture to this important moment, are ready and willing to join their Adventist friends. What would happen if we would spend, as a community, an entire weekend (or even week) thinking about and admiring the nail-printed hands of Jesus? What would happen if we were confronted anew by the paradox and the power of the Resurrection? My point is simple: in order to truly understand the message of Resurrection morning, we must come close to Jesus and look at His hands. We must run into His arms and feel the touch of His scarred hands embracing our hungry beings. Revival and reformation begin with the hands of Jesus. The hands of Jesus speak about righteousness by faith and grace—we need a Savior willing to bear our sins. The hands of Jesus speak about unity and community—we are one in Him, not- withstanding our different backgrounds, opinions, or even expectations. The hands of Jesus speak about the future—we are waiting to share with Him a meal, glorious, everlasting, and marked by gratefulness. And finally, the hands of Jesus speak about giving and service—we are called to bless others as we have experienced God’s immense blessing of salvation. Right now, think about the resurrected Lord, and allow His hands to touch you today. n

6 (262) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 .

First-Day Sabbath First-Day Sandra Blackmer n h h ealt on reatening h h t - Hope of Israel life

was a Free Will Baptist was a Free battling pastor living in Nashua, New Hampshire. pastor living in Nashua, New Hampshire. William Miller’s message prompted him homas Preble been p. 100. p.

The Tract That Launched a Church The Tract (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1956), Assn., Pub. and Herald Review D.C.: (Washington, Steps to Christ White, * Ellen G. as T to study Bible prophecy, and he soon became to study Bible prophecy, in was excommunicated an avid student. Preble 1842 by the Nashua church because of his Advent preaching. In 1844 he became a believer in the seventh-day Sabbath. He was the first Adventist to support the Sabbath in print. His article of support first appeared in the h ori L

Interestingly, Preble observed the Sabbath only through 1847. Later he wrote against the Sabbath, Ellen Preble Interestingly, friend

Lori has been finding emotional and spiritual comfort in playing hymns alone on her piano, hymns on her playing piano, alone findingcomfort in has been and spiritual emotional Lori and lie down then piano, the to next recliner the and sit on come Chloe will play, to I start “As nearby” hovering “always ill, particularly is feeling Lori when away far is never it seems, Chloe, be sure if to as by, close she stays but lately in upstairs her bed by heater, the sleep to “She loves is love of “His heart us that assures He ways. us in for countless care and love His God shows cat. an 11-year-old through even perhaps sends us, He messages the be open to Let’s always February 28, 1845, and was later reprinted in tract form in March 1845 (see right). This tract led to the conversion of seven families in Edward Andrews (father of J. N. Andrews), Maine, including Paris, and the Cyprian Stevens family (whose two daughters later became Mrs. J. N. Andrews and Mrs. Uriah Smith). This tract also convinced Joseph Bates, who later shared it with Ellen and James White, all becoming Sabbath-keepers and eventual founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. favoring Sunday called White, and Seventh-day Adventists, eventually publishing a book in 1867

issues for quite some time. She has bad days and not-quite-so-bad days, but in the face of of but in face the days, not-quite-so-bad and days bad has She time. some quite for issues She finds waver. to seem in God and faith never optimism, her humor, daunting challenges evidences many the to open is small—and and heart her big blessings—both in Lord’s the courage Chloe. cat, is her 11-year-old she says, evidences, those One of God’sof love. Chloe that enjoys though, notice, to began humming She soon sometimes music. with the along too. music the music the of tone the if almost as “It’s says. I’m playing,” time Lori whole the for her eyes close Creator.” the to connection own is their that animals inway a within even deep a chord strikes her. to be close as if to - explain Jesus to forward I’m looking me. to and blessing a comfort “She’s such says. Lori I’m OK,” are.” animals really His precious and intuitive ing intelligent us just to how small for is too our peace concerns “nothing in and that that way any by ourtouched sorrows” notice.”* Him to Chloe the Cat Chloe My photo and tract courtesy of ellen g. white estate World News & Perspectives

idents who left as the mob headed for their community. “In his haste [the Adventist pastor] left behind his cell phone and ID card,” a church representative said, adding that a protestor yanked the glasses off his face as he fled. The pastor and his wife returned the morning after the riots to comfort and pray with affected community members. Later the family began the process of rebuilding their lives by purchasing necessities for work, study, and ministry. The Punjab state government pledged to compensate each affected family with the equivalent of US$2,000. Since then, the federal government of Pakistan has

via AP I mages x F eatures promised an additional US$5,000 per family. : R e photo The Seventh-day Adventist Church damages: Pakistani Christians survey damage to their homes the morning after Muslim demonstrators set fire to a majority-Christian neighborhood of Lahore on March 9. Religious and the Adventist Development and liberty advocates are blaming Pakistan’s severe blasphemy laws for enabling the protest. Relief Agency in Pakistan are assessing the situation and assisting members of the affected Christian community. ■■Pakistan Less than 5 percent of Pakistanis are Christian, and blasphemy against the In Pakistan, Mob Burns Homes Koran or the prophet Muhammad can in Anti-Christian Violence carry the death penalty. Religious liberty experts have observed that blasphemy Seventh-day Adventists among those targeted. laws are often used to repress religious By ELIZABETH LECHLEITNER, Adventist News Network minorities or settle personal disputes. In 2011 Salmaan Taseer, a Pakistani Residents of a Christian community Adventist Church in Pakistan said. businessman and politician, and Shah- in eastern Pakistan, including Seventh- Church property and the homes of baz Bhatti, the only Christian in Paki- day Adventists, are reeling after a mob Adventist members, however, sustained stan’s cabinet, were assassinated for torched their homes and businesses in “tremendous damage,” church leaders their opposition to legislation against response to alleged insults against said. The rented home of the local blasphemy. Religious freedom advocates Islam’s prophet Muhammad. Adventist pastor and his family was have long urged Pakistan to ease its The unrest began the week of March destroyed along with the homes and harsh controls on defamation of 4, 2013, after a report circulated that a belongings of at least 40 Seventh-day religion. young Christian man had committed Adventists. “We have always strongly opposed blasphemy against the prophet. By Songbooks, Bibles, and sound equip- Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which are March 9 the situation had escalated, and ment at the local Adventist church were the source of so much injustice in the thousands of protestors began setting burned, but the building itself suffered country, especially for religious minori- fire to property owned by Christians in only minor water damage as firefighters ties and Muslim dissidents,” said John a Lahore neighborhood. worked to control nearby blazes, an Graz, secretary-general of the Interna- While some residents sustained Adventist survey team reported. tional Religious Liberty Association. injuries, there was no loss of life. Most At least 170 homes and businesses “All religious liberty advocates should Christians had earlier fled under were torched, according to wire service express solidarity with the affected fam- threats of violence and police warnings reports. ilies and encourage the government to to leave, a representative of the Bhatti and his family were among res- reform this legislation,” he added. n

8 (264) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 ■■WORLD CHURCH Jiˇrí Moskala Named Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Dean Veteran professor currently chairs Old Testament Department. By MARK A. KELLNER, news editor

Jiˇrí Moskala, a veteran Seventh-day Education Department, and Health Adventist theologian and seminary pro- Department for the Czecho-Slovakian fessor, will become the new dean of the Union. Moskala has served as a speaker Seventh-day Adventist Theological Semi- for many Bible conferences and theolog- nary at Andrews University in Berrien ical symposia in all 13 divisions of the Springs, Michigan. He will assume the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has position on July 1, 2013, after current lectured at Adventist universities and dean Denis Fortin returns to full-time colleges around the world. teaching in the Department of Theology He is a member of various theological and Christian Philosophy at the semi- societies including the Adventist Soci- nary beginning fall 2013. ety for Religious Studies, Adventist The Andrews University board of U niversity ndrews /A Theological Society, Chicago Society of trustees announced his appointment on Biblical Research, Society of Biblical Lit-

March 5, 2013, a university statement arren H eslop erature, and Society of Christian Ethics. reported. Moskala has authored or edited a num- Moskala is professor of Old Testa- : D P hoto ber of articles and books in both Czech NEW DEAN: Jirˇ í Moskala, a veteran pastor, ment exegesis and theology and chair of administrator, and educator, will be the and English. In addition, he has partici- the Department of Old Testament at the new dean of the Seventh-day Adventist pated in several archaeological expedi- Seventh-day Adventist Theological Sem- Theological Seminary at Andrews Univer- tions in Tell Jalul, Jordan. inary, the flagship theological training sity in Berrien Springs, Michigan, beginning Moskala and his wife, Eva Moskalova, institution for the movement, which July 1, 2013. He is currently professor of Old have five grown children and three Testament exegesis and theology and has more than 17 million members chair of the Department of Old Testament grandchildren. worldwide. The seminary dean is a at the institution. “Dr. Moskala also has a strong mis- member of the General Conference sion and evangelistic focus,” Ted N. C. Executive Committee, the International for the soon second coming of Jesus.” Wilson, General Conference president, Board of Education, and the Board of Born in Ceskýˇ Tešín,ˇ Czech Republic, told Adventist Review. “He understands Ministerial and Theological Education, Moskala received a Master of Theology the tremendous task entrusted to Sev- to name a few. Additionally, the dean of in 1979 and a Doctor of Theology in enth-day Adventists, God’s remnant the seminary works closely with leader- 1990, all from the Comenius Faculty of church, to proclaim the three angels’ ship from both the North American Protestant Theology (now Protestant messages, lifting up Christ, His righ- Division of Seventh-day Adventists and Theological Faculty of Charles Univer- teousness, His sanctuary service, His the General Conference of Seventh-day sity), Czech Republic. In 1998 he com- ministry in the Most Holy Place of the Adventists. pleted his Doctor of Philosophy from heavenly sanctuary, and His soon com- “My vision for the theological semi- Andrews University. ing. Out of Dr. Moskala’s personal and nary is to be the light for the world and Moskala began his ministry as a pas- academic experience grows his passion the theological resource for the church,” tor for the Czecho-Slovakian Union, for the mission of church as it relates to Moskala said in a statement. “We are serving in this capacity until 1989. the Christian education process. By here to serve the worldwide church in When the Communist regime fell after God’s grace, Dr. Moskala, as the head of various capacities to prepare future the Velvet Revolution, he established the seminary, will keep in front of semi- church leaders to work and deal with and served as the first principal of the nary students not only the academic different challenges in order to pro- theological seminary in Prague for side, which is very important, but also claim the eternal gospel with convic- training pastors. Moskala also served in the practical mission side of their train- tion, urgency, and passion, make a various other capacities including ing and work.” difference for good, and prepare people director of the Life and Health Society, Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, a former dean

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (265) 9 World News & Perspectives

at church-owned Loma Linda University sity board, said of Moskala, “It was evi- fortable transitioning between different and director of the General Conference’s dent during the search process that his cultures. His familiarity with the larger Education Department, noted the new colleagues have high regard for him, world church outside of North America seminary dean’s extensive background. both for his professional credentials will undoubtedly be a blessing for the His “balance of global perspective, and his friendly and gentle personal- seminary; his love and passion for this scholarship, teaching, and administra- ity. Being a product of the formerly church is contagious and inspiring.” tive experience make Dr. Moskala emi- Communist Czech Republic, he does not The primary mission of the Seventh- nently well qualified to be the new take for granted the blessings of free- day Adventist Theological Seminary is to dean,” she said. “Beyond this, he has an dom that we enjoy to value our faith and prepare ministers and teachers for the energetic, cheerful personality, and the live according to the dictates of our con- Seventh-day Adventist Church. It offers soul of a pastor.” science. I believe that he will lead the a Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Colleague JoAnn Davidson, a profes- seminary well.” Pastoral Ministry, Religion, Religious sor of theology at the seminary, said Said Lael Caesar, a research professor Education, and Youth and Young Adult Moskala’s “love of Hebrew and his of Hebrew Bible at Andrews who is also Ministry; dual degrees in Master of Arts insight into the Hebrew Bible are maran associate editor of Adventist Review in Youth and Young Adult Ministry/ velous. His insights into the biblical text magazine, “In his new responsibilities Master of Social Work and Master of are very rich. He’s an able scholar, a Jiríˇ Moskala should enjoy wide support Divinity/Master of Social Work; and five strong statesman, a beloved teacher among the many to whom he has doctoral programs: Doctor of Ministry; here, and a strong choice. He has a already proved a great blessing.” Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and vision for the seminary. I think he will And Adventist Review associate editor Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology, Reli- be excellent.” Gerald Klingbeil praised Moskala’s gion, and Religious Education; and Doc- Ben Schoun, a general vice president global perspective: “Anybody who has tor of Theology. n of the Seventh-day Adventist world ever traveled with Dr. Moskala has —with reporting from Keri Suarez, church and chair of the Andrews Univer- known him as somebody who is com- Andrews University

■■POLAND Hope Channel Launches in Poland, Expansion Planned Launch of television service cements growing media ministry. By ADVENTIST NEWS NETWORK staff

Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in Poland say the March 2013 launch of Hope Channel Poland signals the continued growth of media ministry in the central European nation. Hope Channel Poland offers 24/7 Internet television, and plans are in place to enter local cable and satellite networks in the coming months. The network broadcasts original Polish pro- gramming, as well as translated media produced by tedMEDIA Productions from the church’s Trans-European Divi- sion, headquartered in England. ted MEDIA courtesy photo “This is a significant move for the POLISH LAUNCH: The Seventh-day Adventist Church is producing 24/7 Internet television church in Poland,” said Pawel Lazar, from the newly launched Hope Channel Poland at the Voice of Hope Media Center in Warsaw. president of Hope Channel Poland and Church leaders have identified media as an ideal method of ministry in the European country.

10 (266) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 the church’s Polish Union Conference. Hope Channel Poland will help lay the operates a college, publishing house, “When I started church work many groundwork for urban outreach and the Voice of Hope Media Center in years ago, we had good success with planned for Warsaw in 2014. Currently Warsaw. public meetings, but now we are finding church leaders are designing billboards Warsaw is among dozens of cities that media is the best way to connect advertising Adventist television to worldwide where Adventists will host with our society, especially young peo- install in major cities. coordinated evangelism efforts in the ple,” Lazar added. Close to 6,000 Adventists worship in coming years as part of the Mission to Church officials in the country say 118 churches in Poland. The church also the Cities initiative. n

■■UNITED STATES La Sierra University Receives Presidential Service Award Adventist school one of five honored by Corporation for National and Community Service. By ADVENTIST NEWS NETWORK staff

La Sierra University was one of five educational institu- tions named a Presidential Awardee in the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest honor a college or university in the United States can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and L a S ierra courtesy photo SERVICE AWARD: La Sierra University president Randal Wis- civic engagement. bey, center, received the 2013 Presidential Award from Wendy La Sierra, a Seventh-day Adventist university located in Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Riverside, California, received the award for its efforts to Service, and Jonathan Greenblatt, special assistant to U.S. pres- improve educational and developmental outcomes for chil- ident Barack Obama at a March 4, 2013, ceremony. dren in distressed areas. At a March 4, 2013, ceremony in Washington, D.C., La created by biology and communication students in the uni- Sierra president Randal Wisbey received the 2013 Presiden- versity’s natural history museum. tial Award from the Corporation for National and Commu- Total service hours, including all campus service and nity Service (CNCS) during the annual meeting of the overseas missions, culminated in nearly 1,900 students ful- American Council on Education. filling almost 85,000 hours. For academic service-learning “Service to others is a key part of La Sierra’s mission and classes alone, about 900 La Sierra students provided more indicative of the Christian ethos that drives our work as a than 14,000 hours of service. learning community,” Wisbey said. “I am humbled by the The four other 2013 Presidential Award winners were way in which students, faculty, and staff daily live out this Georgia Perimeter College in Georgia, Gettysburg College in value through formal and informal outreach efforts to help Pennsylvania, the University of Connecticut, and Nazareth people in local and global communities.” College in New York. A total of 690 higher educational insti- Jonathan Greenblatt, special assistant to President Barack tutions were named this year to the organization’s honor Obama, and Wendy Spencer, CNCS CEO, presented the roll. award. CNCS, an independent federal agency, has administered Projects in La Sierra’s Promise Neighborhoods initiative the award since 2006 and manages the program in collabo- included tutoring and mentoring elementary students, ration with the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. fund-raising for after-school programs in the surrounding Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the public school district, and interactive learning experiences American Council on Education and Campus Compact. n

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (267) 11 World News & Perspectives

■■NORTH AMERICA Retired Executive Secretary Clyde Franz turns 100 Centenarian served church in U.S., British West Indies, and Cuba By ANSEL OLIVER, Adventist News Network

Clyde Franz, a retired Seventh-day us part.” He says he enjoyed each mar- Franz was “very well organized, very Adventist Church executive who oversaw riage, but that he’ll remain a bachelor. congenial, efficient in doing the things membership statistics and missionary He doesn’t have any secrets to longev- that needed to be done. Just a very fine recruitment for international outposts, ity, he said, other than being a vegetarian person to work with.” turned 100 on March 1, 2013. and living as a Seventh-day Adventist. Franz was born on March 1, 1913, to Franz served as executive secretary of He believes observing the Sabbath—tak- self-supporting missionaries in the denomination from 1970 to 1980. ing a day off each week—has helped. Camagüey, Cuba. In 1932 he earned an He celebrated his centennial with his “It’s healthful, but it goes further than accounting degree at Southern Mission- two children, relatives, and friends visit- that. When we take the Sabbath off, ary College—now Southern Adventist ing from several states. University. “They’re making a big deal out of this He went on to serve as secretary-trea- when all I’ve really done was get up surer of several Adventist conferences, 36,000 times, more or less, and I’m here,” including Alabama-Mississippi, Ken- he quipped during a phone interview tucky-Tennessee, Iowa, and the British from his home at a retirement facility in West Indies Union. In the 1950s he Hendersonville, North Carolina. He served in the Antillean Union, based in pauses and more solemnly says, “I Cuba, for two years as president. should add that I’m thankful to the Lord He also served as secretary of the for all those times.” Inter-American Division, based in Miami, His daughter, 72-year-old Sue Smith, Florida, from 1954 to 1961, and then as said her father has always embraced the division’s treasurer until 1966. humor. “He loves to tell little jokes. His It was at the 1966 General Conference mind is really sharp. . . . Dad’s had an S mith ue F ranz session in Detroit, Michigan, that interesting life. He’s been a wonderful Franz’s college classmate Robert Pierson father.” was elected president of the Adventist

Franz walks a mile or two each day S courtesy P hoto world church. “Hey, Bob,” he remem- and participates in his facility’s exercise CONTENTED CENTENARIAN: Clyde Franz bered joking at a chance meeting in club. He’s the oldest in the group. The served as secretary of the Adventist world Cobo Hall, “if you ever need a janitor youngest is 70. church from 1970 to 1980. March 1, 2013, there someday, remember me.” Within marked his 100th birthday. “You would never guess he’s going a week Franz was “there,” having just to be 100,” said fellow resident Karl hours after the encounter been Bahr, who served with Franz at the we’re serving God.” appointed an associate executive secre- Adventist Church headquarters as As secretary in the 1970s, he ran the tary of the denomination. Four years controller. department charged with filling mis- later he was appointed secretary. Franz also still drives, mostly to take sion posts, still in an era before national But Franz is still a treasurer at heart. his 98-year-old retired missionary doc- leaders took most leadership roles. His top hobby is managing his own tor friend to visit his 101-year-old wife “In those days, unlike today, our finances in a spare bedroom he’s con- in a nearby nursing home twice a day. number one job was finding missionary verted into a study, complete with com- Franz passed a state driving exam two recruits for divisions. Nowadays divi- puter and copier. months ago, which gives him a license sions pretty much find their own per- In anticipation of his milestone birth- for another five years. He said he’ll sonnel,” he said. day, he said, “I just can’t ignore the way likely not drive that long, though. Don Yost, who worked for Franz as the Lord has directed and led through Franz married three times, and each the founder of what is now the Office of all these years. I’ve been blessed beyond time he outlived his vow of “till death do Archives, Statistics, and Research, said measure.” n

12 (268) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 Did you know? share withus writing. ber, andcity andstate from whichyou are adventist.org. Please include phonenum- 301-680-6638; e-mail:marank@gc. Pike, Silver Spring, MD20904-6600;fax: Take, JPEGs) (must behighresolution min. 1000px humorous and/or profound anecdotes) cially from theworld ofadults) spontaneous) these categories: — lar sales andunitsales): five Bible translations (based onbothdol Associa documents/B ba ret December 29, 2012. This informa sed onalist of a Please send your submissionsto Give & Favorite (Church) Family Photos Camp Meetingemories(short, Adventist Life (shortanecdotes, espe- Sound Bites (quotes, profound or We are looking for brief submissionsin English Standard Version New KingJamesVersion New LivingTranslation King JamesVersion New International Version What isyour favorite? Here are thetop ail stores intheUnitedS Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia tion ( CBA; www SL tion, fr s/Bible_Transla ctu om Christian Bookseller al s .cba ales inChri stian online.o r t a tes thr tions.pdf), is g/nm/ ough

- s adventist life —Melanie Be —LeAnn A disciples ate bread anddrank grape juice together. been held theprevious Sabbath andthatshehadexplained to Keira how Jesusand the ciple juice?” she drank herapple juice, shesnuggled next to Grandma andasked, “Can Ihave some dis- what to give we justgave ourall. holding hisbank. “Did you decideto give something?” we asked. to helpthechildren inHaiti. Ouryoungest son disappeared. Awhile later hereappeared much we could give to helptherelief. We asked ourboys ifthey would like to give anything “Yes, grape juice,” Keira affirmed. “Oh, you want grape juice?” said Grandma. “No, disciple juice,” insisted Keira. Then Grandma remembered thatCommunion had “Water?” Grandma guessed. At church oneSabbath my 3-year-old niece, Keira, asked Grandma for some juice. After I often thinkofhow different ourchurch andourworld would beifinstead ofcalculating “Yes,” heresponded. “Can Iplease give itall?” The earthquake inHaitiwas all over thenews. Myhusband andIwere discussing how —D us life.” breath that gives more thanthe “Jesus gives 13, 2012, sermona to John3:16, 17, during hisOctober Se New Jer venth-d S avid W ound Bite u s sey tin, Pittsbur aulie adding a y Ad u ventist Chur , BerrienSprings, Michig t heChrr t www.AdventistReview.org |March 28, 2013 | on, inreg gh, Pennsyl y Hill ch in ard

vania

photo by C arly Mitzelfelt (269)

lagues and promises practice, Joshua’s case seems to com- by GILBERT VEGA have interplayed in dra- municate more than simple genealogi- matic fashion in Israel’s cal information. Rather, it seems to liberation from Egypt. highlight Nun as the man who reared Exodus events are fresh this noble son. Perhaps, then, we should on every Israelite mind. consider what compelled Moses to AndP now, after Yahweh’s miraculous design his servant’s business card to interventions, the former slaves are well read “Joshua, son of Nun.” on their way to the Promised Land. Nev- ertheless, Amalek, a local warlord, Slavery stands in their way, poised to destroy Nun, like his son after him and his Israel’s dream of nationhood. As his father before him, was born into servi- military commander to confront the tude. Egyptian slavery was a cruel and Amalekite army, Moses chooses a youth abusive system, utterly dehumanizing, named Hoshea, renaming him Joshua and lacking any redeeming features. (Num. 13:16). Though they toiled and struggled under increasingly harsh conditions, slaves Nun’s Son never reaped any benefits for their Joshua’s identity seems inseparably labor. linked to his father. Thirty references, from Exodus to Nehemiah, identify him Mr. Nun as “son of Nun.” By way of contrast, I imagine that one day Nun crawls Moses, his mentor, is never labeled “son home showing signs of physical of Amram.” Although referring to a son abuse. An Egyptian whip by his father’s name was then common has left its mark on

Making junior proud of daddy

14 (270) | www.AdventistReview.org his back. His young lad, Joshua, is horri- But he didn’t. He would not let cir- of integrity and a God-fearing person. fied. He asks questions; Nun tries to cumstances derail his paternal respon- Though he was going against conven- ignore him, but Joshua is persistent. sibility. He would not allow present tional wisdom, he would not give in. Who beat his daddy, and why? He comes realities to control the script of his life And that is precisely what he did. By to comprehend what slavery is and what or that of his son. Nun selected another doing that, Nun raised more than a it is doing to his father. “Daddy,” he option—to raise his boy to be a man of man—he raised a historical figure. says, “when I grow up I’m going to fight them. I will never be a slave!” Nun detects the boiling anger building within Joshua’s adolescent heart. It We should consider what would have been the ideal time for him compelled Moses to design to foster hostility. He could have reasoned: If I bring him his servant’s business card as up heartless, he will suffer less in this abusive Joshua, son of Nun system. I will teach him to fight, to lie, cheat, and bribe so he can take every opportunity to deal with injustice. Nun could have integrity; a man governed by sound Molding instilled in his child a “beat the system” moral principles. And so without a The dominant society under whose mind-set that would collect “payback” 66-book revelation, or some child-rear- shadow we grow will mold us into its for yesterday’s abuses upon his race. ing manual for slaves, he set out to raise image. Its spell will shape us, either by a man. Yes, Joshua would be such a man. choice or unwittingly. Most individuals Integrity would be the goal—even as a follow the path of least resistance. Peo- foreigner in the midst of an abusive ple do not want to face opposition while society. Joshua would learn to be a man executing the casual drudgeries of life. of high moral standards, an individual It has always been so. Hence, to dare to be different and to break established

15 parameters is a heroic undertaking. It is 30). Those two, Joshua and Caleb, were to practice principles of nobility even as never easy to step away from the huddle indeed a very special class. Sadly, the a slave in a land of servitude. But God and to think and act outside of it. Tow- camp of Israel did not have the steely used those principles to make him the ing the line is so much more natural. resolve that Joshua possessed. He stood conqueror of the Promised Land. And it was profoundly so for a family of out because he had been raised to boldly A traveler watched as a gritty farmer slaves whose instinctive priority in life live out his undergirding principles tilled the earth in a stony, rugged, and was survival. regardless of immediate rewards or dan- unpromising landscape. “Tell me, sir, But that was not what Nun inculcated gers. As a father, Nun simply wanted his what does the land yield?” The rugged into Joshua’s DNA. Joshua’s lesson one son to be a man of integrity. Thus he farmer replied: “This land produces was to be true to himself in spite of wove into his character the traits that men.” It is often the arduous circum- external forces. He learned and lived would make him such an individual. In stances of life that mold and stamp lives that lesson in Egypt and in the desert. time, those traits set Joshua apart from of distinction. Egypt’s grueling servi- Standing by his principles anywhere, among the host of Israel. Moses spotted tude and a slave’s nobility produced for regardless, became a lifestyle. those personal traits and chose him as Israel, and for history, one of God’s his protégé from among the thousands ablest men, Joshua son of Nun. God give The Test of Israel. Years later there was yet us more Nuns. Fast-forward to the border of the another promotion. On that occasion Promised Land. Moses sends a scouting God specifically named Joshua to replace Gilbert Vega, Ph.D., an party of 12 men, including Nun’s son Moses. Needless to say, God was also experienced church leader, Joshua, to bring back an eyewitness profoundly impressed by the son of Nun. currently pastors the Loma report of Canaan’s bounty. I picture him Linda Spanish Seventh-day returning to the Israelite camp excited Conclusion Adventist Church, Loma Linda, about the land that he and the 11 others Nun probably did not raise his boy California. have surveyed. He is upbeat and opti- with any eyes for the spotlight. But God mistic. But his passion makes him odd. picked and placed him in a path of glory. For of the 12 men who give their report, Nun may not have educated his son to only one other voice shares his position. think of leadership. But God molded Still, when it is his turn, Joshua speaks him to lead the throngs of Israel. What his heart and goes on record on the side Nun did accomplish, was raising Joshua of the minority report. Undaunted by numbers, he speaks his conscience. Nun’s son, and Caleb, his friend, stand their ground in spite of the hostile envi- ronment. Hurled abuse does not bend or crack them. It only tests and proves the character that father Nun has instilled in Joshua, his son. These sterling qualities, demonstrated under pressure, do not materialize out of a vacuum. They are the by-product of his mentorship under Nun. The lessons learned in captivity are now elevating him into a bold and visionary leader of men.

Uniqueness Of all the men of Israel who left Egypt old enough to fight, only two individuals entered the Promised Land (Num. 14:26-

16 (272) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 Transformation Tips Dealing With Disappointment Disappointment. Nobody likes it; but everybody experiences it. We’ve all had those dreams and desires that, as we’ve matured, we’ve had to readjust and slide into our mental background. They didn’t fit with reality, so we just smiled at them and moved on. However, some disappointments are not so easy to deal with. Our relationships, children, marriage, careers, and health are areas in which dealing with disappointment isn’t quite so simple. When we think about how to deal with disappointment, it’s helpful to define the word. The root of “disappointment” is “appoint,” meaning “to decide on or ordain.” Disappointment happens when we don’t get something we believe would be best. It’s simply an expectation that we wanted, expected, even felt was due us that didn’t come to pass or happen the way we thought it should. Therefore we are unhappy, discontented, disappointed. But if we don’t handle disappointment in a positive way, it will react upon us negatively. Our Christian maturity and practical success are reflected by how we deal with disappointment. The apostle Paul provides us with advice about how to deal with disappointment and illus- trates how he dealt with it in his own ministry. His approach for dealing with disappointment was “learned contentedness.” He wrote, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:11-13). Acts 20 records Paul’s final trip to Jerusalem as he faced the danger and disappointment of being accused and imprisoned. We can learn from Paul five principles about dealing with disappointment: 1. Act on Your Duty: Paul wrote, “I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house” (verse 20). No matter how disappointed Delbert W. you may feel, stay focused on your known duties and responsibilities. Don’t let disappointment derail Baker you. 2. Adapt to the Facts: “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there” (verse 22). Every disappointment has realities that we may want to avoid or deny. Resist that temptation. In the might of Christ, face the truth and move on. 3. Adhere to Your Partnership: “I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me” (verse 23). One of the most comforting and empowering aspects of our walk with Christ is knowing that we are not alone. Christ is with us. Believe it (you don’t have to feel it), then act on it. 4. Assume a Resolute Attitude: “But none of these things move me” (verse 24, KJV). I absolutely love this principle. I accept it as a personal challenge: to reach a place in my experience where disappointments and trials don’t bother me. That’s true growth! 5. Accomplish With Confidence:“I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (verse 24). This is rich. Paul says God has given me my race to run, my ministry to accomplish, and I will not only do it, but I will do it with joy and with a positive testimony. Finally, the big perspective: While we may get stuck focusing on the here and now, our present situation isn’t the end of the story. Paul encouraged his fellow believers to see the big picture. He wrote, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:16, 17). n

Delbert W. Baker is a general vice president of the General Conference.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (273) 17 Cover

APoem in Progress

It is our privilege to pursue to the end the reciting Jesus left unfinished

18 (274) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 BY MARCOS PASEGGI

he Rabbi is dying. He is not The chief priests, scribes, and elders had any rabbi. He is the Rabbi, mocked Him a few hours before saying, the one who left people “He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him “astonished at His teaching, now” (Matt. 27:43; cf. Ps. 22:7, 8). “In for He taught them as one their blindness they did not see that Thaving authority” (Matt. 7:28, 29).1 they were fulfilling the prophecy,” But He is dying. He implored to be writes Ellen White.5 But their ridiculing spared the bitter cup (Luke 22:42). act “led men to search the Scriptures as He was not. they had never done before. . . . [Those Now He hangs from the cross. Most of men] never rested until . . . they saw the His followers have deserted Him. The meaning of Christ’s mission.”6 same acolytes who were acclaiming Him At the same time, the light began to mere hours before now pretend they do shine on those who heard Christ’s not know Him. He feels alone and rejected words on the cross.7 They started to by all (Matt. 26:56; see also Isa. 53:3). connect the dots, to move from isolated Agonizing, He resorts to the same lines to the poem as a whole and the big comfort tool He has used throughout picture it represents. Because if there is His 33 years of joys, trials, and tribula- something significant about Psalm 22, it tions: He goes to the Scriptures for sup- is that there is—interlaced along the port. In His most trying hour, Jesus continuum of human suffering and makes David’s experience His own. He seeming dejection—a golden thread begins to recite one of the great song connecting humanity’s personal and prayers in the Psalms. “With a loud corporative past to a thankful present voice,” He cries, “ ‘Eli, and a glorious Eli, lama sabachthani?’ future. David’s that is, ‘My God, My David’s strange strange song con- God, why have You tains the message forsaken Me?’ ” (Matt. song contains of the Bible in a 27:46, citing Ps. 22:1). the message of nutshell; in its few In the tradition of the lines the highs and time, “citing the first the Bible in a lows of our exis- words of a text was . . . nutshell. tence find their a way of identifying place within the an entire passage.”2 all-encompassing But it is too late for further develop- story of redemption. ments. It is the ninth hour. The sacrifice It is for us then to make them ours, is almost perfect. There is no more time, proclaiming to the world those lines not even for reciting the Scriptures. Jesus did not happen to recite. While it is very likely He had memorized the entire psalm, Jesus never makes it Enforcing the past the first line of David’s poem.3 Blueprint: Creation The Rabbi dies well before His recit- You are He who took Me out of the womb; ing is finished. Though He might have You made Me trust while on My mother’s fast-forwarded in His mind to the glori- breasts. ous ending of the poem, it would be for I was cast upon You from birth. others to complete what He had begun.4 From My mother’s womb You have been My God (Ps. 22:9, 10). From Lines to Poem Jesus, however, was not the first to After perusing at least a dozen schol- repeat some of David’s lines in Psalm 22 arly commentaries on Psalm 22, I find on that fateful afternoon at Golgotha. the limited space devoted to discuss the

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (275) 19 The dying Rabbi never made it beyond the first line of the poem. But it is for His followers to carry on the task He left unfinished.

above verses quite striking. Often mini- Believing in God as our Creator makes Sometime ago I was shopping for mized, even overlooked altogether, a huge difference, indeed. According to groceries in my local supermarket, these and other “creation passages” are David, God started to work in him which boasts a large section of certified foundational for understanding the before he was even born (Ps. 22:10). kosher foods. It was a few days before timely unfolding of the plan of salva- Indeed, he writes, “I was thrust into Passover, and I could not help noticing a tion. Many Bible commentators, how- your arms at my birth” (NLT).10 Since buzz of excitement in the “kosher quar- ever, seem to miss the extent to which the very beginning, God fashioned ters.” Jewish matrons of every age and the belief in humanity as God’s David and made him part of His people bearing walked around chatting anima- supreme act of creation brings home for the glory of His name (see Isa. tedly, discussing the prices and alleged the meaning of the whole process of 43:21). Moreover, it is the Lord who properties of the goods offered. Chil- redemption (which is, in fact, to bring takes David out of the womb and dren in skullcaps were running to and humans back “to the perfection in teaches him to trust when he is still on fro, making a joyful noise—and a folk- which [they were] created”).8 his mother’s breasts (Ps. 22:9). This abil- loric mess. Bearded and beardless men But while some “sons of the kingdom” ity to trust is the basis of any meaning- in suits and ties, seemingly profession- seem to be dozing off, others are coming ful relationship with our human als, discussed over their cell phones in to sit at the creation table (see Matt. 8:11, parents, and in turn with God.11 loud voices—supposedly with their 12). A. J. Jacobs is an agnostic journalist God formed us “an intricate unity” exacting wives—about the right who, as a personal experiment, set out to (Job 10:8), and out of this realization a amount or brand name of a specific follow the Bible injunctions as literally as natural connection develops: His work product to be purchased. possible for one whole year. While he as the Creator is an entitlement on Him- As I walked amazed among them, I found a few of the commands were self, as attested by one of the throne could not help wondering what the fuss rather easy to follow, others presented room scenes witnessed by John the rev- was all about (which is, incidentally, what various cognitive challenges. Specifically, elator: “You are worthy, O Lord, to practicing Jewish people all around the in his mind he found it hard to accept the receive glory and honor and power; for world ask every year at Passover: “Why is six-day Creation story as it is told in Gen- You created all things, and by Your will this night different from all other esis. One night, however, Jacobs decided they exist and were created” (Rev. 4:11). nights?”). Traditionally, as Christians we to convince himself about the possibility It is a motivation to praise Him that have stressed the differences between cele- of a recent creation. While he never man- cannot but grow exponentially once we brating the memory of a physical liberation aged to dispel his doubts completely, he realize He does not only create. He also (from the bondage in Egypt) and a writes that he found the prospect “fasci- hears. And He saves. reminder of a spiritual liberation (from the nating.” He started to think of the impli- bondage of sin). But as I paced through cations of accepting God as Creator. Applying the Contingency the kosher aisles apprehending the scene Suddenly he felt more connected to other Plan: Salvation of joyous anticipation, an all-encompass- human beings; everyone had become his I will declare Your name to My ing similitude dawned on me: For all our brother or sister. But he also realized that brethren; differences, the celebration of Passover creation belief made his life more signifi- In the midst of the assembly I will implies enacting mementos of God’s cant. He was important because he was praise You. . . . intervention in human affairs. Both Jews created by God, and God made humanity For he has not despised nor abhorred and Christians believe God is not one of the pinnacle of creation, “vastly superior the affliction of the afflicted; the gods of the ancient Greeks, forever to the beasts and nature” (see Ps. 8:5-8).9 Nor has He hidden His face from detached, forever unreachable in an Even for this agnostic, the possibility of Him; unchangeable cosmos. He is not the believing the Bible account as true made But when He cried to Him, He heard impervious, immutable deity, the eternal a huge difference. (Ps. 22:22-24). continuum who is beyond even the possi-

20 (276) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 bility of interacting with humans on Projecting the Outcome: part” of the great controversy, dis- earth. On the contrary, He is the God who Re-creation patched to open the eyes obscured and comes down, who reveals Himself, who All the ends of the world the hearts puzzled with the enlighten- gets involved, and who has power to Shall remember and turn to the Lord, ment of God’s revelation. We are the guide and even alter the course of cir- And all the families of the nations ones to proclaim that even though “now cumstances (see, for instance, Dan. 2:28). Shall worship before You. we see in a mirror, dimly,” then we will Be it in ancient Egypt or in our hearts, we For the kingdom is the Lord’s, see “face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12). believe God changes things. And He And He rules over the nations (Ps. The reciting must go on, because the answers prayer (Ps. 22:21), for He has a 22:27, 28). story has to be retold “to the next gen- long record of doing so (verses 4, 5). eration” (Ps. 22:30; see also Ps. 102:18). This awareness is the reason we Psalm 22 connects our present Everyone needs to hear that “He has declare and praise His name (verse 22). thanksgiving for the reality of salvation done this” (Ps. 22:31). His past actions It is what motivates not only a personal to the worship to be bestowed by “all are the best guarantee that He will ful- expression of worship, but a corporate the families of the nations” (verse 27). fill what is left “until the day dawns and one. As individuals and also as a group, God’s rule “over the nations” (verse 28) the morning star rises in [our] hearts” we yearn to give glory to His name, “for makes “all the ends of the world . . . (2 Peter 1:19). He has not despised nor abhorred the remember and turn to the Lord” (verse Feeling forsaken? unheard? belea- affliction of the afflicted” (verse 24). 27).14 It is the moment God’s imprint on guered? bedeviled? Look at the big pic- Every time God intervenes in the us, first applied at Creation, later man- ture—and finish the poem! From now life of His people, His redeeming gled by sin but repurchased at the cross, on, it only gets better. n actions elicit a response of praise and now becomes perfect once again. The 1 Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible texts are witnessing. It was the case of Moses on Lord restores a kingdom “which shall taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © the seashore of the Red Sea (“He has never be destroyed” because “it shall 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by per- become my salvation” [Ex. 15:2]). It stand forever” (Dan. 2:44). mission. All rights reserved. 2 James L. Mays, “Prayer and Christology: Psalm 22 was also the response of Hannah when Within this context, the sufferings as Perspective on the Passion,” Theology Today 42 she saw her prayer answered (“I rejoice described in Psalm 22—the groaning (1985): 322. in Your salvation” [1 Sam. 2:1]). It was and the crying, the siege by the forces 3 See James Howell, “Commentary on Psalm,” retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org/preaching. the experience of Mary before the birth of evil, and even the feeling of God’s aspx?lect_date=5/10/2009&tab=5. of Jesus (“He who is mighty has done desertion—are nothing more than a 4 Ibid. great things for me” [Luke 1:49]). Even “light affliction, which is but for a 5 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898), p. 749. Jesus breaks in a song of praise and moment”; in fact, they are “working for 6 Ibid. thanksgiving to the Father when He us a far more exceeding and eternal 7 Ibid. Himself witnesses “men . . . convicted weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). We might 8 Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1903), p. 16. and converted to the truth” (see Matt. be “encircled” by “bulls” (Ps. 22:12). We 9 A. J. Jacobs, The Year of Living Biblically (New York: 11:25).12 The author of Hebrews might be “surrounded” by “dogs” Simon & Schuster, 2007), p. 107. applies the words of Psalm 22:22 to (verse 16).15 We might feel as if the Lord 10 Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © Jesus Himself, as He extols the God of has brought us “to the dust of death” 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used salvation among His human brethren (verse 15). But even in our seemingly by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol (Heb. 2:12). darkest hour, “we do not lose heart” (2 Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 11 See Cintia Paseggi, “Born to Connect,” Adventist The process of God’s act of redemp- Cor. 4:16), because the ending is a fore- World, NAD Edition, January 2012, pp. 28, 29. tion, and its corresponding human gone conclusion. 12 Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases (Silver Spring, response of gratitude, is straightforward. Which nevertheless is not supposed Md.: E. G. White Estate, 1993), vol. 16, p. 231. 13 Ibid., p. 232. (Italics supplied.) Ellen G. White writes, “All who . . . desire to be a safe conduct for remaining on 14 For the connection between God as a deliverer to know the truth will see the power of the sidelines. and His rule over the nations, see also Psalm 72:11, 12. God when it is revealed, and will acknowl- 15 For the use of animal metaphors in Psalm 22, see G. 13 Eidevall, “Images of God, Self, and the Enemy in the Psalms: edge it” (see Ps. 50:14, 15). It is the natu- Reciting the Poem On the Role of Metaphor in Identity Construction,” in P. ral response of those who, based on the The dying Rabbi never made it Van Hecke, ed., Metaphor in the Hebrew Bible (Leuven, Bel- firm ground of knowing where they come beyond the first line of the poem. But it gium: Leuven University Press, 2005), pp. 55-66. from, now rejoice in God’s supreme act of is for His followers to carry on the task intervention (see Isa. 43:1). Moreover, He left unfinished. We are the ones who Marcos Paseggi, married to God’s act of salvation now guarantees must keep connecting the dots that link Cintia and proud father of two each one of us a privileged spot as we God’s creation with His salvation and energetic sons, is a translator, move to the third major stage of the story future new creation. We are the ones Bible researcher, and author of redemption (see 2 Cor. 4:14). sent to make sense of the “besieging from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (277) 21 Spirit of Prophecy The Enduring Treasure BY ELLEN G. WHITE lessed be the God and Father ible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not reserved in heaven for you.” We want of our Lord Jesus Christ, away, reserved in heaven for you, who our thoughts to be fixed on the things which according to his abun- are kept by the power of God through that will abide, not upon those that pass dant mercy hath begotten us faith unto salvation ready to be revealed away with the using. If we fix our hopes again unto a lively hope by in the last time.” on the future, immortal world, we shall Bthe resurrection of Jesus Christ from We may have high anticipations in not be disappointed. the dead, to an inheritance incorrupt- regard to the things of this life, but we When Christ came into this world, He shall meet with disappointment. We saw that men had left the future, eternal shall find that they fade away. But here life out of their reckoning. He came to is “an inheritance incorruptible, and present that life before us, that by undefiled, and that fadeth not away, beholding it we might be led to change our relation to the things of this life, that our affections might be placed upon the things above, and not upon the things of the earth, so soon to pass away. The shadow that Satan has caused

22 (278) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 to intervene between our souls and give good gifts unto men? He is there to offend not in word, the same is a perfect God, Christ seeks to roll back, that the plead our cases in the courts of heaven. man, and able also to bridle the whole view of God and eternity may become He is there because we need a friend in body”—the whole man. What we want is clear. While He does not despise this the heavenly court, one who is to be our to be under the control of Jesus. We do world, He places it in its proper posi- advocate and intercessor. Then let us not want our own way. I have heard tion of subordination. And then He rejoice in this. . . . Many judge of their some plead as an excuse for their wrong places the things of eternity in their rel- religious state by their emotions; but course, “You know that it is my tempera- ative importance before us, that we may these are not a safe criterion. Our Chris- ment, it is my disposition, transmitted to fix the eye of faith upon the unseen. The tian life does not depend upon our feel- me from my parents.” Yes; and they have things of temporal interest have power ings, but upon our having a right hold cultivated it, and educated themselves in to engross the thoughts and affections, from above. We must believe the words it, and thus excused all their wrongdo- and it is important that we should be of God just as He has spoken them; we ing. Instead of yielding to temptation, constantly educating and training our must take Christ at His word, believe they should lay hold upon the arm of minds to dwell upon things of eternal that He came to represent the Father, Infinite Power, saying, “I will come to interest. Will this make us unhappy? and that the Father, as is represented in God just as I am, and plead with Christ to Will it cause us to have a hard time Christ, is our friend, and that He desires give me the victory. I shall be more than here? No, indeed. Receiving the gift of not that we should perish, or He would conqueror through him that loved me.” God will make everything in life easy. never have given His Son to die our sac- In order to understand how great the The more of the Spirit of God, the more rifice. The cross of Calvary is an eternal love of Jesus is for you, look to Calvary. of His grace, is brought into our daily pledge to every one of us, that God You can then know something of the experience, the less friction there will wants us to be happy, not only in the depth, the breadth, and the height of be, the more happiness we shall have, future life, but in this life. . . . that love, and you can see something of and the more we shall impart to others. We should not cast ourselves away, the condescension of God and the Lord We read in the Bible about the resur- saying, “I am a sinner, and when I Jesus Christ, as step by step the Savior rection of Christ from the dead; but do become good enough, I will come to descended into the valley of humilia- we act as though we believed it? Do we Christ; then I can believe and pray.” You tion. He did not stoop to sin, to defile- believe that Jesus is a living Savior, that will never be good enough of yourselves ment, but He stood on this atom of a He is not in Joseph’s new tomb, with the to merit the favor and help of God. You world to battle with Satan and his host, great stone rolled before it, but that He must come just as you are. Christ meets and here to win for us an immortal has risen from the dead, and ascended you as you draw nigh to Him. Place your inheritance, an inheritance which is on high, to lead captivity captive, and to hand in the hand of Jesus, and He will incorruptible, and undefiled, and which direct you. Believe that He keeps you, fadeth not away. When He ascended on and then it will be found that in the trial high, and led captivity captive, and gave of your faith you will come off more gifts unto men, He left the battle in our than conqueror through Him that loved hands, but we are not to fight in our you. We gain the victory through faith own strength; we should certainly fail if in Christ’s power to save us. Then the we attempted it. Christ is there present trial of our faith will be found unto with the Father, to bring to our help the praise and honor and glory at the unseen intelligences, the angels of God. appearing of Christ. You will praise God What we need is the simplicity of faith, that you have found in Christ a present the meekness and humility of Christ. help in every time of need. . . . Then we shall trust wholly in the Lord What is it to be a Christian? It is to be of heaven, and He will be at our right Christlike. To be a Christian is to act as hand to help us. n Christ acts, to have His spirit at all times, in all places, and under all circum- This article was first published stances. When we are brought into in the Review and Herald, March adverse circumstances, when our natural 8, 1892. Ellen G. White, its feelings are stirred, and we want to give author, was one of the vent to them, then our faith is tried; then founders of the Seventh-day we are to manifest the meekness and Adventist Church. Her life and work testified gentleness of Christ. . . . “If any man to the special guidance of the Holy Spirit.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (279) 23 Poem A Joyful End B Y JESSICA L. PERRONE

The Dove flies soft and swift, Frail wings against the burdened air. Below His circles Sleepless malice surges from the depths. The Bird knows what will follow: The thunder from the deep, Declaring ownership of earth’s humanity; the rhythm of the drums declaring death forever.

The Dove knows what will follow, And knowing it, He hurtles toward the earth Against the mist that masks the mighty serpent, For He is undeterred. He swoops like eagles, Streaking light against the stretching darkness.

The pebble in His claw is smooth and giant-slaying.

It strikes the serpent’s head.

The drums fall silent. Sun breaks through, and trumpets rent the air.

The joyful end has come. n

JESSICA L. PERRONE wrote this when she lived in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

24 (280) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 Dateline Moscow The Power of Water A Joyful End Stretching my legs in the roomy exit row of the Boeing 767, I looked around to see a window seat beside me and a jumper seat for a flight attendant across from me. Both were B Y JESSICA L. PERRONE empty. I prayed for the person who would sit beside me for the 10-hour flight from Moscow to New York. Then someone plopped down into the seat. His ample frame extended over the armrest. Worse, he carried The Dove flies soft and swift, the sweaty odor of someone unacquainted with the cleansing power of water. Frail wings against the burdened air. Speechless, I frantically prayed, What do You want me to do? Below His circles Opening my eyes, I glanced over at my seatmate. He was asleep. Sleepless malice surges from the depths. At that moment a flight attendant strapped herself into the seat facing me. She appeared to be in The Bird knows what will follow: her early 50s, and sadness seemed to cling to her eyes. I blurted out, “Why are you sad?” The thunder from the deep, The woman looked surprised. “I’m not sad.” Declaring ownership of earth’s humanity; “Then where’s your smile?” the rhythm of the drums declaring death forever. That broke the ice, and we started talking. Within minutes we established that we had a mutual friend in Moscow, my former boss. The flight attendant and my former boss had met The Dove knows what will follow, a decade earlier at a Moscow riding club. And knowing it, He hurtles toward the earth Ten hours later, as we descended into New York, Brenda* and I exchanged e-mail addresses Against the mist that masks the mighty serpent, and agreed to arrange a dinner with our mutual friend. For He is undeterred. We made several attempts to arrange the dinner. But nothing worked out. Then the e-mails He swoops like eagles, stopped. Streaking light against the stretching darkness. Last September, 10 months later, I felt impressed to contact Brenda. She wrote back that she would arrive in Moscow the following week. We agreed to meet. The pebble in His claw is smooth and giant-slaying. Over dinner I quickly learned that Brenda was standing at a crossroads in her life. From my own experience I knew that a crossroads is the best place to grasp Jesus’ hand. But how could I share Andrew It strikes the serpent’s head. that? McChesney I did not find the words, and I ended up listening. The drums fall silent. Brenda raised a lot of questions. She wanted to know why I didn’t order a glass of red wine Sun breaks through, and trumpets rent the air. with the meal. She asked why I didn’t want to join her for a cup of coffee afterward. She asked what I drank if I avoided alcohol and coffee, and, at my reply, she gasped, “Just water?” The joyful end has come. n I felt like a failure. I had not shared my love for Jesus. We kept in contact by e-mail, and a month later my new friend wrote that she was returning to Moscow and invited me to dinner. It seemed like a second chance. I prayed extra-hard. But once more the words evaded me. So again I just listened. Brenda wept as she described a series of broken relationships. She acknowledged having an addiction to alcohol. Then she startled me. Looking me straight in the eye, she asked, “Do you have such nice skin because you don’t drink alcohol or caffeine?” As we finished eating, Brenda made a promise. Saying she wanted a better complexion, she said, “I promise that I will not drink any alcohol or caffeine for two months.” I was shocked. I hadn’t said a single word about the harmful effects of alcohol or caffeine. As Brenda’s words sank in over the next few days, I began to rejoice. Freed of the influence of those mind- numbing drugs, her mind would become more clear and receptive to the Holy Spirit. So when is the right time to witness? Only on Sabbath? Certain times of the week? Of course not! The right time to share our faith—to do good—is always. This principle is confirmed by Paul, who wrote: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9). It took a year from the unexpected meeting on a 767 jet until Brenda quit alcohol and caffeine. I don’t know what’s going to happen next. The last I heard, her two-month commitment had stretched into four months. In fact, Brenda now drinks only water. She says her complexion is improving. I’m excited to see where Jesus will lead. n

* not her real name

Andrew McChesney is a journalist in Russia.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (281) 25 As I See It

For Love or Pros and cons of a flat tax

BY JEAN-LUC LÉZEAU ing words: “When we truly discover Another candidate trying to outbid the n the particularly hot debate about love, capitalism will not be possible and 9 percent flat tax suggested 0 percent.3 cutting the United States’ budget Marxism will not be necessary.” Arguments against a flat tax are numer- deficit, members of congregational Gandhi went to the heart of the ques- ous. Alan Blinder, a professor of eco- delegations face each other, each tion when he said, “There is enough for nomics and public affairs at Princeton side wrapped in their own ideolo- everyone’s need, but there is not University, says it would be a folly,4 Igies. One wants to make sure that pro- enough for everyone’s greed.” demonstrating that in fact the rich grams for the poor are not going to be would pay less and the poor more. cut while the wealthy get tax breaks. The A Fair System? Whether we are in a “craze” for a flat other sticks to its “ideological purity,” While members of Congress argue tax, or that it would be a “folly” or plain which is an “anaphylactic allergy to tax the pros and cons of different tax rates, “beautiful”5 to adopt, it is not the first increases.”1 some of the candidates from last year’s time in history that it was thought to be The search for the secret formula that presidential election floated the idea of the panacea for all fiscal problems. will reduce the deficit and please every- doing away with the current system At the turn of the twenty-first century body is still on, but will likely never be completely and introducing a flat tax. governments in Eastern Europe such as found. Could the reason for this stale- One candidate printed bumper stickers Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Serbia, mate be a lack of love? that read: “If 10 percent is good enough Ukraine, Slovakia, Georgia, and Romania Will O’Brien contrasted biblical love for God, then 9 percent should be just all adopted a flat tax, although their and political ideologies with the follow- fine for the federal government!”2 rates differ, from 12 to 33 percent.6 Prob- ably influenced by their decades of Com- munist rule, they felt that tax should be equal for all. Interestingly, four of them—Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Kazakhstan—chose to set their flat rate tax at 10 percent.7

26 (282) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 Political parties in England, Germany, if the ideologies and convictions that sian minds, that’s how we would engage and Spain are toying with the same idea. drive this debate were found in Chris- God on this topic today. Some treasurer Going further back into history, we see tian behavior. God declared tithe holy may even wish to increase tithe, just as that Sébastian Vauban in France (1633- (Lev. 27:30-32), and that special bless- governments raise taxes, to 12 or 13 percent to fund all their projects. In His wisdom God decided that a flat tithe of 10 percent was fair. Who are we to argue with our Creator? The difference between churches and For Love or Obligation? governments is that the latter rely on taxes to survive. Not so in God’s church. 1707) and Charlemagne (742-814) ings are attached to those who practice Our church uses the resources it favored a common tax rate of 10 percent it (2 Chron. 31:5-12; Mal. 3:10). receives; but it is not dependent on for everybody. Then how can we explain that fewer them. God has provided for His church This shouldn’t surprise us, since God than 30 percent of Seventh-day Advent- in the past, and He will continue to do Himself warned the Israelites when they ists return tithe?10 Is the remaining 70 so in the future. asked for a king: “He will take a tenth of percent so saturated with God’s bless- We have an immense privilege to par- your grain and of your vintage and give ings that they don’t need more? ticipate in His mission. If all believers it to his officials and attendants” (1 Sam. I recently heard the expression “faith- returned God’s tithe, there would be 8:15). Even before tithe was mentioned fulness ratio” used in the context of plenty in His treasure house. in the Bible, (Gen. 14:20), traces of evi- tithe, a term used by fund-raisers to So Tax Universalis at 10 percent? Who dence seem to show that a cares? I want to be faith- pre-Mosaic tithe system ful to God’s command. was practiced in Egypt and Our church uses the Brennan Manning Babylonia. Tithe receipts in once said, “The greatest hieroglyphs and on cunei- resources it receives; but single cause of atheism form tablets can be seen at it is not dependent on them. in the world today is the British Museum8 and Christians who show that it was commonly acknowledge Jesus with practiced among civilized nations at the explain that we can’t expect more than their lips, then walk out the door and time. 30 percent of our members to be faith- deny Him with their lifestyle. That is What is remarkable is that not a sinful in returning God’s tithe. what an unbelieving world finds gle document shows when this practice It was the first time I’d heard the term unbelievable.” started, who decided on the amount, in the context of tithe. I shudder as I try It’s time to put our money where our nor people complaining about tithe to understand what it means. According mouths are. n being a burden. to that concept, the widow who gave her 1 Ruth Marcus, “No New Taxes? Not So Fast,” in We may wonder how such a practice two mites—all she had, and she was Washington Post, Nov. 18, 2011. came about so early. Ellen White wrote: sorry to give so little—made a mistake. 2 zazzle.com/if_10_is_good_enough_for_god_ “The tithing system reaches back beyond She could have argued that she had bumper_sticker-128806512163986401. 3 Rick Santorum, quoted in “The Craze for Flat the days of Moses. . . . Even as far back as been saturated with bills, taxes, etc. Taxes,” The Economist, Oct. 29, 2011. the days of Adam. . . . This was continued We often forget in this materialistic 4 Alan Blinder, “The Folly of the Flat Tax,” Wall Street through successive generations, and was world that giving in the New Testament Journal, Nov. 14, 2011. 5 “Flat Is Beautiful,” The Economist, Mar. 3, 2005. carried out by Abraham, who gave tithes went beyond percentages. We read 6 “The Case for Flat Taxes,” The Economist, Apr. 14, to Melchizedek, the priest of the most about the early church that “no one 2005. high God.”9 It seems that the initial prin- claimed that any of their possessions 7 taxrates.cc/html/albania-tax-rates.html. 8 Henry Landsdell, “The Sacred Tenth” (1985). ciple from God was expressed as an oral was their own, but they shared every- 9 Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship (Washing- tradition that was gradually adopted by thing they had.” “There were no needy ton, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1940), p. 69. neighboring nations before Moses first persons among them” (Acts 4:32, 34). 10 The Global Tithe Index, www.aiias.edu/gti/ instrument.html. mentioned it in Genesis. God’s principle They could have rightly claimed satura- evolved into a system by people who tion as well. worshipped heathen gods, then into a Did God make a mistake in deciding Jean-Luc Lézeau has served as common tax system. unilaterally that tithe would be 10 per- a missionary, administrator, cent? Shouldn’t He have decided on a and departmental director. He The Spiritual Dimension regressive tithe for the poor and a higher directs special projects for Today’s situation could be improved tithe bracket for the rich? With our Carte- Adventist World magazine.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (283) 27 Story The Other Side of Answered Prayer We’re all connected.

BY HOPAL didn’t know what was taking place in my face. GRANT-MC CLINTOCK on the other side of the world, but “Send all she asked for,” he said, God knew; and He had His hand in “plus half again.” Ithe events. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear. I didn’t want to send $280, much less $420. My Side of the Story Just then God seemed to speak to me: The thought of what I did hit me sud- Why couldn’t I send $420? I’d just spent more denly. What was I thinking? Why did I than that buying furniture that wasn’t neces- promise to do that? I didn’t want to give sary. I could afford to send more than that. away that amount of money. Maybe I So before I could think of all kinds of should just send $100, even $50. That excuses and convince myself not to send seemed more reasonable than the $280 I it, I went to Western Union Money had promised. Transfer online and sent $420 to Tracey. I rang my husband to tell him what I had done and to get his opinion about Rewind how much I should send, if any at all. I occasionally send text messages His reply was like a dash of cold water back home to my friends and family,

28 (284) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 just to keep in touch. Such was the case to purchase a household appliance I Ken how much I should ask for. He said I when I sent a text on Monday. By Tues- needed. Ken isn’t a Christian. should ask for what my most pressing day I’d heard back from almost every- A few months later I found myself need was, which was what I did. When one except my cousin Tracey. This was sick on my back and out of a job. We had Necola told me how much she was send- unusual, since she is usually one of the absolutely no money, our bills were pil- ing, more than I’d asked for, my tears first to reply. But I figured she was prob- ing up, and we had two kids to feed and wouldn’t stop. I was so excited and ably out of phone credit and would send to school. On top of that, Ken was amazed at how God had worked. reply when she got some. down on his luck as well. Where was On Wednesday I received a text mes- God when I needed Him? We Know How It Feels sage from her saying that she wasn’t in Just then I received a text message Most of us know what it feels like to the best of health, that she was out of a from my cousin Necola, in Australia. I be the one praying for an answer, or to job, and that she was in debt up to her wanted to reply but couldn’t; I had no receive a seemingly big, fat no from neck. In spite of all this, she was still phone credit, and no money to buy God, or to see divine intervention giving God thanks and praise. credit with. unfold before our eyes, or feel what it’s When I received her message I was in The following day I contacted my par- like to anxiously wait for God to come the middle of reading an interesting ents and all my siblings and friends to through for us. book, and without giving it much implore their help, but no one was able The next time you feel impressed to thought I replied that I’d send her some to assist us by lending us money. There contact or give to someone, do not hesi- money, and that she should let me know was now nothing more I could do. tate. You just might be the answer how much she needed. That night I lay awake. “Lord, is this they’ve been praying for. What if your She replied saying that she needed where You bring me? I have no job, no lack of response to God’s prompting $280, if I could spare that much. If not, money, no one to help. I’m sick and flat prevents others’ prayers from being she said, any amount would help, until on my back. Where’s Your help when I answered? n God provided the rest. need it? Ken’s asking about the God That’s what led me to send $420 to who was going to help me. Where are Hopal Grant-McClintock, a trained counselor, lives with her husband in Murwillumbah, We’re all connected. New South Wales, Australia. ? What Do You Think? Tracey. I let her know that the money You, Lord? I’ll wait for You, but please was sent, and I asked her to let me know hurry.” When I finished talking with 1. Can you remember a time you when she received it. I could almost feel God, I heard a message come in on my helped provide an answer to some- her joy and ecstatic praise to God in her mobile phone. Out of the blue my friend body’s prayer? Recall it briefly. text reply a few minutes later. had sent me a $30 phone credit. With 2. What are the theological implica- this I decided to text a reply to Necola. tions of being used by God to answer My Own Experience When I received her reply asking how someone’s prayer? Isn’t that what “You’ll see what my God can do.” much I needed, I was so excited that I angels are for? “Your God? This is just plain foolish- started praising and jumping up and 3. What spiritual discipline is necessary ness; what if you can’t make the down thanking God. I even forgot to text to cultivate an attitude of openness to payments?” her back. Ken was skeptical, asking how I God’s generosity? How do you make it “Don’t worry about it. My God will could celebrate when I hadn’t received stronger? provide for my needs.” anything yet, and still might not. 4. Do you know someone who could “We’ll see.” I wasn’t sure how much to ask for, use a little material help right now? That was the conversation I had had because my need was so great and I What are you going to do about it? with my husband, Ken, after I’d decided didn’t want to burden Necola. So I asked

www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 | (285) 29 At Rest

SHERRARD, Elwood—b. June 30, great-grandchildren. 1918, east Texas; d. July 30, 2012, Blue WESTBROOK, Lynn B.—b. June 24, Ridge, Ga. He taught at Walla Walla Col- 1934, Haileyville, Okla.; d. Sept. 20, 2012, lege and served as principal of Malayan Wichita, Kans. He served as a literature Union Seminary in Singapore and as evangelist, publishing director, and pas- business administrator of Philippine tor in the Mid-America Union and Kan- Union College and Manila Sanitarium sas-Nebraska conferences. He is and Hospital. He also served as an survived by his wife, Sally; three sons, administrator of the Adventist Retire- Brant, Joel, and Thomas; one daughter, ment Center in southern California. He Karen McCarthy; one sister, Shirley is survived by his wife, Amy; two daugh- McClure; 10 grandchildren; and seven ters, Dena Guthrie and Sherry Mills; great-grandchildren. three grandchildren; and two

30 (286) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 28, 2013 Reflections “Easter Mourning” It was supposed to be a day to remember life, and resurrection. Instead, Easter Sunday became a day for death. We all knew it was coming. Over the past several weeks Gladys,* the mother of my close friend, had grown weaker and weaker from the cancer that was claiming her body. She had borne her burden bravely, walking slower and slower until she was confined to a wheelchair, and then finally to a bed. Gladys always had a ready smile on her lips and warm words of greeting for her many visitors. Easter morning dawned bright and clear, but in Gladys’ room it was clear to everyone that the end was near. Throughout the day friends softly came and went—some bringing with them the gift of music that seemed to lift the spirits of everyone in the room. The day slowly wore on until only the closest of friends and family remained. As the evening glow of the setting sun cast shadows around the room, Gladys took her final breath. A few years later it was my own mother who was dying. One Tuesday morning I received a call informing me that she had suddenly become very ill and had been taken to the hospital. Separated by an entire conti- nent, I had to say goodbye over the phone. How wonderful it was to know that this was not a final goodbye! How wonderful to have the hope that only Jesus can give! But sometimes there seems to be no hope. As the casket is closed for the last time, or the ashes are scat- tered, those who are left sob with sorrow that cannot be consoled because the mourners do not know the Life-giver, or think that He doesn’t exist, or that if He does exist He is not someone they would like very much. How can we bring hope to the hopeless? How can we introduce them to who Jesus really is? “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full,” Jesus explained to the doubting Pharisees (John 10:10). “Don’t cry,” He said to the sorrowing widow of Nain, before He turned to her dead son and commanded, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” (Luke 7:13, 14). “Don’t be afraid; just believe,” Jesus assured Jairus after the ruler of the synagogue learned of the death of his daughter. Then taking the small limp hand in His, the Life-giver commanded, “My child, get up!” (8:50, 54). “I am the resurrection and the life,” He told Mary shortly before proclaiming, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:25, 43). Before carrying out this very public miracle, “Jesus wept” (verse 35). But He was not weeping for Lazarus, because He was about to raise him. “The weight of the grief of ages was upon Him. He saw the terrible effects of the transgression of God’s law. He saw that in the history of the world, beginning with the death of Abel, the conflict between good and evil had been unceasing. Looking down the years to come, He saw the suffering and sorrow, tears and death, that were to be the lot of men. His heart was pierced with the pain of the human family of all ages and in all lands. The woes of the sinful race were heavy upon His soul, and the fountain of His tears was broken up as He longed to relieve all their distress” (The Desire of Ages, p. 534). Only God can bring life out of death, good out of bad. As I reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the more amazed I am at everything He did, and is doing, to give me—and everyone who will accept Him—real life, abundant life, forever. I can hardly wait to spend eternity with Someone like that.

* not her real name

GINA WAHLEN is Assistant to the editor of Adventist Review, and longs to share the hope that Jesus brings with as many people as possible.