What's Your Spin?

In our world today we use the word “spin” when we talk about the news and how a particular person, network, newspaper, or reporter presents a new item. Seldom does anyone just report the news as a true journalist, but they must spin it to fit their personal bias or philosophy. Because each of us has a personal value set it is difficult if not impossible to hide that in whatever we do. I am not sure if the following story is true or not, but it does illustrate my point.

An amateur genealogical researcher discovered that his great-great uncle, Remus Starr, a fellow lacking in character, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows. On the back of the picture is this inscription:

"Remus Starr; horse thief; sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887; robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives. Convicted and hanged 1889."

In a Family History subsequently written by the researcher, Remus's picture is cropped so that all that's seen is a head shot. The accompanying biographical sketch is as follows:

"Remus Starr was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include the acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1885, he devoted several years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."

We do this with the Bible if we are not careful. We do have to take the Scripture and apply it to our world and our culture. But the message is the same, the laws and principles of life are still the same for us here and now as it was to them then and there. We like to take the fun, positive, enjoyable parts of the Bible and ignore others or try to explain them away. For example, Romans 6:23 tell us “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV) We have no difficulty talking about eternal life, heaven, mansions, streets of gold, etc., but seldom do we address the fact (and it is a fact) that there is eternal punishment for those who do not accept this “gift of God” but live in sin and selfishness to end of their lives. Heaven is a real place, and Hell is a real place. Revelation 20:15 says, “If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (NIV) Revelation 21 gives a beautiful description of heaven and then, a graphic description of hell. Both are God’s word and equally true.

The promises of God’s word are true (when they were written and today). He has not changed. I often hear people say, “That was for them. That doesn’t apply to us today.” How confusing is that! Who determines what God meant for them only and what did He desire for all of us through all generations. My God does not cause confusion. On the contrary He makes everything so simple a child can understand it. He declared in Isaiah 53, “By his stripes we are healed.” That is a promise still valid for us today. God did not put a time line on the promise. Neither did He it to “spiritual” healing. In fact, Peter quoted that Scripture in 1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (NIV) Peter considered it a work that was done then when Jesus suffered and died for us.

My point today is, Don’t try to “spin” the Scripture. Just read it, believe it, and apply it to your life. His promises, His word, His principles, all of them, are still true today. 2 Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken BY US to the glory of God. (Emphasis mine) (NIV) God is simply saying that His position on the promises made has not changed. The only missing ingredient is our “Amen” of agreement and submission to Him. Put your “AMEN” to his Word today and live it, experience it!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I reaffirm my faith in Your Word today. I believe as I used to sing as a child, “Every promise in the book is mine, Every chapter, every verse, every line...” Help me to live my life by Your Word and in Your Word. AMEN.

Blessings!
Pastor Roger