Tag Archives: Demon Hunter

Devotional

Beyond the Echoes

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Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Copilot, an AI language model developed by Microsoft and powered by OpenAI.

In the dimly lit room, John sat staring at the blank screen of his laptop. The weight of the world seemed to rest upon his shoulders, pressing down with a force that threatened to suffocate him. He had once been full of ambition, dreams of success, and a hunger for recognition. But now, as he glanced around at the cluttered apartment, he couldn’t shake the feeling of disillusionment that clung to him like a heavy fog.

The echo of his footsteps reverberated off the walls, each step a reminder of the emptiness that had settled in his heart. It wasn’t always like this. There was a time when John chased after the shallow promises of the world, believing that success and material possessions would bring him fulfillment. He pursued his career tirelessly, accumulating wealth and accolades, yet with each achievement, the emptiness within him grew.

As John scrolled through his social media feed, he was inundated with images of people living seemingly perfect lives – exotic vacations, lavish parties, and designer possessions. But behind the facade of perfection, he sensed a profound sense of discontentment and longing. The pursuit of worldly success had left him feeling hollow and disconnected, yearning for something more meaningful.

The lyrics of a song by Demon Hunter, “Heart of a Graveyard”, played softly in the background, the haunting melody a reflection of the turmoil raging within him. “Everything in time. Set your eyes upon the shallow surface. Hollow out your mind. How divine, you disengage yourself.” The words pierced through the silence, resonating with John’s own sense of detachment from the superficiality of life.

He closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him like a balm to his weary soul. The repeated pre-chorus of “Tell me / Tell me of your consolation” echoed in his mind, a desperate plea for something, anything, to fill the gaping void within him.

In the depths of our hearts, we all yearn for something more. Like John, we may find ourselves disillusioned with the shallow promises of the world, searching for a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment.

We live in a world that constantly bombards us with messages of success, wealth, and status, enticing us to chase after empty pursuits that ultimately leave us feeling hollow and unsatisfied. But amidst the echoes of emptiness, there is hope.

Just as John found solace in the lyrics of a song, we too can find comfort in the promises of God’s Word. Ecclesiastes, often referred to as the Teacher, provides profound insights into the human condition. Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NLT) begins, “Meaningless! Meaningless!… Everything is meaningless,” reflecting the existential crisis many face when confronting life’s uncertainties and fleeting pleasures. Yet, ecclesiastes doesn’t leave us in despair. It ultimately points to finding meaning and fulfillment in god alone. The teacher’s journey through the futility of life underscores the importance of seeking god’s wisdom and living in alignment with his purposes.

As we navigate the echoes of emptiness in our own lives, let us remember that true fulfillment is found not in the temporary pleasures of this world, but in a relationship with our creator who offers us living water that never runs dry. May we fix our eyes on God and find our ultimate satisfaction in God’s unfailing love.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Amidst the chaos, God’s voice brings clarity and purpose.

PRAYER
Lord, in the midst of our search for meaning and fulfillment, help us to find our rest in you alone. Fill us with your living water, that we may never thirst again. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

Cross to Bear

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Read Matthew 16:24-26

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Copilot, an AI language model developed by Microsoft and powered by OpenAI.

Sam sat in the break room, his hands wrapped around a mug of coffee. The fluorescent lights buzzed softly above, casting a sterile glow over the room. He sighed heavily, the weight of his frustrations evident on his face. Across from him, his coworker, Sarah, stirred her tea absently.

“You know, Sarah,” Sam began, his voice weary, “this job is just such a cross to bear. The long hours, the demanding boss, the constant deadlines—it’s like I can never catch a break.”

Sarah nodded sympathetically. “I hear you, Sam. And then there’s my daily commute. Two hours in traffic—it’s incredibly draining.”

Their conversation ebbed and flowed, each of them venting about the challenges they faced in their respective lives. Yet, as they commiserated over their struggles, a subtle discomfort lingered beneath the surface—a nagging feeling that perhaps they were trivializing something far more profound than mere inconvenience.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” These words, along with Matthew 16:24-26, echo with a solemn call to discipleship—a call to radical self-denial and unwavering commitment to Christ’s example of sacrificial love.

Galatians 2:20 (NLT) expresses the essence of this: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

In the song “Cross to Bear” by Demon Hunter, the lyrics challenge the casual use of the phrase “cross to bear” to describe everyday struggles. The song emphasizes that many people claim significant burdens without truly understanding the depth of real suffering. One striking lyric, “Not one of you bastards has a cross to bear,” underscores this point, urging listeners to consider the true weight of bearing a cross for Christ.

The lyrics echo a solemn call to discipleship, urging us to consider the true weight and significance of this calling. They remind us that while our burdens may be heavy, they pale in comparison to the sacrifice of Jesus. Instead of trivializing our struggles, we are called to embrace sacrificial love, unwavering commitment, and genuine devotion in all that we do.

When we encounter difficulties, we can turn to prayer, seeking strength and guidance from the one who bore the ultimate burden on the cross. Through prayer, we invite Christ into our struggles, allowing his presence to transform our hearts and minds, and empowering us to face adversity with grace and courage.

Furthermore, our commitment to bearing our cross daily extends beyond our individual experiences to encompass our relationships with others and our engagement with the world around us. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody his love and compassion in all that we do, reaching out to those in need, standing up for justice and righteousness, and striving to build a kingdom of God’s peace and reconciliation here on earth.

Each day presents us with opportunities to live out our faith in tangible ways, whether it’s showing kindness to a coworker, forgiving a friend who has wronged us, or sacrificing our own desires for the sake of someone in need. These seemingly small acts of obedience and love are the essence of bearing our cross daily, as we follow in the footsteps of our Savior who gave everything for us.

As we navigate the challenges of life, may we never lose sight of the profound significance of bearing our cross for Christ. May we embrace each opportunity to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him with unwavering devotion and commitment. And may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of Christ’s love, shining brightly in a world in need of hope and redemption.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Bearing a cross for Christ means embracing true sacrifice and commitment, far beyond common human struggles. It doesn’t mean neglecting self-care, but rather putting God’s will before our own.

PRAYER
Lord, grant us the wisdom to discern the true significance of bearing our cross for you. Help us to embrace sacrificial love, unwavering commitment, and genuine devotion in all that we do. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

Setting Fire to the Soul

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Read Hebrews 12:28-13:1

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord” (Malachi 3:2-3 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Copilot, an AI language model developed by Microsoft and powered by OpenAI.

In the book of Hebrews, we are presented with a profound meditation on the nature of our relationship with God. The author encourages us to anchor our lives in the unshakeable kingdom that we are receiving from God. Therefore, we are urged to worship him with reverence and awe, recognizing that our God is described as a consuming fire.

This imagery of God as a consuming fire is not meant to instill fear, but rather to emphasize his holiness, power, and purifying presence. Just as fire refines metal, burning away impurities and shaping it into something useful and beautiful, God’s presence purifies our hearts and transforms us into his likeness.

This idea is echoed in Malachi 3:2-3, where God is depicted as a refiner’s fire, purifying his people like gold and silver. This metaphor underscores the transformative work of God in our lives, removing impurities and preparing us to offer acceptable sacrifices to him.

Now, let’s reflect on some lines from Demon Hunter’s song “Fire to My Soul”:

“I heard you calling,
setting fire to my soul
Is this the voice we die for?
We die for life

Why does it falter? We built it all ourselves
Why does it hurt so bad, forsaking all this help?
Why are we choking on pills designed to heal?
We threw our hearts away cus we’re too afraid to feel”

These poignant lyrics depict a struggle between embracing divine intervention and resisting it. They speak of a divine call setting fire to the soul, awakening a desire for something more amidst human frailty and fear.

The song captures the tension between human frailty and the longing for spiritual awakening. It acknowledges the pain of forsaking help, of choking on pills meant to heal, and of throwing away hearts out of fear. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there is a stirring, a yearning for something greater, something worth living and dying for.

As we meditate on these passages and themes, we are reminded of the importance of embracing God’s refining fire in our lives. This process may come through trials, challenges, or a deep conviction urging us towards change. Rather than resist, let us embrace this refining process, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth and purification. By opening our hearts to God’s transformative fire, we allow him to cleanse us and shape us into his image.

Practically speaking, embracing God’s refining fire also involves living out our faith in tangible ways. It means loving one another as brothers and sisters, showing hospitality to strangers, and remembering those who are suffering or in need. These actions not only reflect God’s character but also demonstrate our willingness to be instruments of his love and grace in the world.

In conclusion, let us embrace God’s refining fire with courage and humility, trusting in his transformative power to purify and shape us into his likeness. Though the process may be challenging at times, it is ultimately for our good and his glory. As we surrender to his refining fire, may our lives be a testimony to his grace and a reflection of his love to the world around us.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Embrace God’s refining fire; it purifies and prepares us for greater purposes.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to embrace Your refining fire with courage and humility. Burn away the impurities in our hearts and shape us into Your likeness. May our lives be a reflection of Your grace and love to the world around us. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

Devotional

Forging Faith Through Fire

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Read James 1:2-4

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24 NLT).

Ryan Clark’s journey through life and music is a compelling narrative of faith refined through trials. Born on June 23, 1979, in Woody, California, Ryan grew up as a pastor’s kid, deeply rooted in a Christian household. His early exposure to a wide array of music—from secular rock and metal to Christian metal pioneers like Living Sacrifice and Tourniquet—fostered a unique blend of musical and spiritual influences.

Ryan’s initial foray into music was as the guitarist for the hardcore punk band Focal Point. This experience laid the groundwork for his musical career, allowing him to develop his skills and explore the boundaries of heavy music. Following Focal Point, Ryan and his brother Don Clark formed the band Training for Utopia, which gained traction in the Christian metal scene in the late 1990s. Training for Utopia was instrumental in shaping Ryan’s musical identity, blending intense metalcore with thoughtful, faith-based lyrics.

However, it was the creation of Demon Hunter in 2000 that truly marked the beginning of his significant impact on the metal music landscape. Demon Hunter’s debut self-titled album in 2002, released through Solid State Records, quickly garnered a dedicated following. The band’s music is characterized by its powerful blend of aggressive metalcore and melodic elements, combined with Ryan’s introspective and spiritually infused lyrics.

The themes of faith, struggle, and redemption in Ryan’s music resonate deeply with fans. These are not merely artistic choices but reflections of his personal journey through life’s trials. Ryan has faced the challenges of being in the public eye, the pressures of the music industry, and the personal struggles that come with balancing faith and career. Despite these challenges, he has remained steadfast in his beliefs, using his music as a vehicle to express his faith and connect with others.

Imagine a blacksmith working with raw iron. The iron must be subjected to intense heat and relentless hammering to be shaped into something strong and useful. Similarly, Ryan’s life and career can be seen as a piece of iron being forged in the fire of life’s trials. Each album, each song, represents a strike of the hammer, each experience a wave of heat, all contributing to the refinement of his faith and artistry.

James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider it pure joy when they face trials of many kinds because the testing of their faith produces perseverance. This perseverance, in turn, leads to maturity and completeness in faith. The trials are not pointless; they are essential for growth.

Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us to work willingly at whatever we do, as though we are working for the Lord rather than for people. This perspective transforms our approach to challenges and work, emphasizing that our ultimate reward comes from God, who sees and values our efforts.

Ryan’s story and the messages in James and Colossians remind us that trials are an integral part of the Christian journey. They are the furnace in which our faith is tested and strengthened. Ryan’s dedication to his craft and his unwavering faith amid the pressures of the music industry exemplify the principles found in these scriptures.

When faced with challenges, we should remember that God is refining us, preparing us for greater purposes and deeper understanding of His love and grace. Just as Ryan used his experiences to create music that inspires and uplifts, we too can transform our struggles into testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Our work, no matter how mundane or difficult, is an act of worship when done for the Lord.

In practical terms, this means approaching our daily tasks and challenges with a mindset of service to God. Whether you are a student, a professional, a parent, or in any other role, view your efforts as a part of God’s refining process. This perspective not only provides motivation but also brings a sense of purpose to every aspect of life.

Additionally, it’s essential to remember that each trial we face is an opportunity to grow closer to God. Just as Ryan’s music has evolved and matured through the years, so too should our faith evolve as we navigate the various challenges life presents. Each struggle is a chance to deepen our reliance on God and to witness God’s faithfulness in new ways.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Trials are the furnace in which faith is forged.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to embrace the trials we face, knowing that they refine our faith and draw us closer to You. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.

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REVISITED: I Am You

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John 8:48-59

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Demon-Hunter-2014One of my all time favorite music bands is a band called Demon Hunter. Now I am sure that, judging from the name, you can probably tell that they are Heavy Metal band. If so, you are absolutely correct. I am also sure that, judging by the name, some of you might be questioning why someone like would be listening to a band with that kind of a name. Well, the truth be told, I listen to all sorts of music from classical to heavy metal, from Christian to secular music. In fact, sometimes I find a deeper spirit-filled theology (whether it was on purpose or accidental) in secular music than I do in Christian music.

With all of that said, Demon Hunter is actually a Christian heavy metal band who writes music that really speak to me as a person who knows what it is like to struggle in life. I know what it means to be depressed, to feel hopeless, to feel like the world might be literally crushing me, to feel like I am at wits end, and to feel like no one truly understands me. The lyrics that Ryan Clark write for Demon Hunter are ones that reach out to people who struggle in life, it is their ministry to do so and God certainly has blessed them, and those listening to them, as a result of doing that ministry.

There is a song that they write called, I AM YOU. In this song, Ryan writes, “A new voice for the broken souls in a world awaiting its death—I am you—an everlasting well of life for the hopeless and the wrecked I am the dying self, the narrow path, the calm that conquered the storm—I am you—the cross-hairs on the head of shame, the negation to conform.” For the longest time, I interpreted this to mean that Ryan, the singer, was saying that he was like anyone else and that he, too, has struggled in his life. I am certain that, in part, he is saying that.

This time around, however, I began to see the song in a whole new light. I began to hear God’s voice in it. After all, is it not true that God is a new voice for the broken souls? Is it not true that God is an everlasting well of life for the hopeless and the wrecked? Did Jesus not embody the dying self, the narrow path, the calm that conquered the storm? Did Jesus not set the cross-hairs on the head of shame, and represented the negation to conform? To Moses, God revealed Godself as I AM. In Jesus, God revealed to the world, I AM YOU.

What a wonderfully powerful notion that God is one of us. That God knows what it means to struggle. After all, which one of us has not struggled in this life? Which one of us have remained completely unscathed from childhood to whatever age we are at now? Which one of us has lived a perfect, paradise-like existence without any pain, loss or suffering? I am imagining the answer to be: NONE OF US.

Then how powerful of a message it is for us to receive that God is one of us and knows how to conquer the struggles we face everyday. It is a wonderful message that God is not above us or somewhere out there watching us from afar but, rather, God is with us…God is in us. When we truly embrace that, we will recognize that God is not only with us, but God is with us wherever we go. Once we realize that truth, we will see that when we are in the lives of others…when We reach out to others with compassion and say, “It’s okay, I AM YOU”, we are showing such people that God is with them too…you are giving them the good news of God’s presence and of God’s hope, healing and wholeness.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!” – Anne Frank

PRAYER

Lord, fill me with your Good News and send me out to bring it to others. Amen.

Devotional, Previous Post

REVISITED: Demon Hunters

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Read Mark 5:1-13

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE

“Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down at his feet and shouted, ‘You are God’s Son!’” (Mark‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭CEB)‬‬‬‬

  It is no secret to most people that one of my favorite metal bands is Demon Hunter. I love heavy metal, in general, because it often rages against the machine (so-to-speak), and the lyrics address issues within the status quo. Demon Hunter is certainly no exception to that; however, instead of just raging against political machines, it rages against the religious and social machine as well. What I mean by this is that Demon Hunter’s lyrics often speak out against the status quo within the church, as well as the status quo in society.

 They don’t do this just for the sake of being whiney against the way things are, but because they recognize that real people suffer in society and, in particular, in the church. What’s more, they also call out the fact that the church often turns it’s back on such people, and they seek to do differently in their lyrics. There song, “I Am You”, which I have already written another devotion on, speaks to the fact that they struggle like everyone else, and that they stand in solidarity with those who do struggle. The song, “I Will Fail You,” speaks to the fact that we should not put our faith in other people; rather, we should put our faith in God for, unlike people, God will not fail us.

Aside from their music, I also love the artwork on their albums, in particular, I love their band’s logo of which is the demon skull. One of my favorite Demon Hunter skulls is from their third album, “The Triptych”. The skull itself is pretty typical in that it has the uneven horns and is the skull of a goat that has a bullet hole in the forehead, which obviously symbolizes that the demon had been shot and slayed. But this is skull has something else going on. For one thing, the skull itself looks like it is made of some sort of armor, and it is pegged together by spikes. Also, there is a red and black snake slithering through the mouth, through one of the eye sockets, and up over the top of the skull.

As weird as this might say, it is a rather beautiful work of art. Granted it is dark, but there is something alluring about it. Beyond its aesthetics, however, it speaks a profound truth to me. You see, we often spend our lives running and hiding from our demons. With that said, even when we kill our demons and try to move beyond them, they never truly die. They often just lie dormant until something or someone triggers them back to life. Now, when I say demons, I am not thinking of the word in a literal sense, but more of a metaphorical sense. Demons can be personality and character flaws, it can be addiction, anger, bitterness, hatred, envy, or any of the things that possess us and rule our lives.

God is calling us all to be demon hunters, but we cannot be that on our own. The reality is that the things we struggle with will inevitably resurface in our lives. That is why it is so important for us to place our faith in God and to be a part of the community of Christ so that we are not alone in hunting our demons. The more we are surrounded by supportive people, the more likely we are able to overcome our demons and vanquish them. We all have demons, but they need not define who we are. Rather, allow God to help you vanquish your demons through a community that will stand in solidarity with you, support you, hold you accountable, and help you rise up in triumph over the things that have been pulling you down.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

“If you don’t deal with your demons, they will deal with you, and it’s gonna hurt.” – Nikki Sixx

PRAYER

Lord, help me with my demons so that I may rise above them and defeat them. Amen.

Devotional

The Void

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Read 1 John 1:5-7

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God” (Isaiah 50:10 NLT).

Darkness can be interpreted in many ways, but it is almost universally understood to be a state we, as humans, do not want to exist in. One cannot see well in the dark and moving around when one cannot see is quite treacherous. In fact, since the beginning of time, people have referred to such a state as “being in an abyss” or being in “a void”. Definitively, this kind of void is a completely empty space, emptied of everything including light.

One of my favorite bands released an album during Lent 2021 called, Songs of Death and Resurrection. Demon Hunter is a metal band whose members are Christian, and this album was a collection of their ballads, each performed acoustically (including strings and piano). One of the songs on there is a song called Praise the Void. For Ryan Clark, who wrote it, the song is about people who believe there is no life after death and how they think that death will bring about an exit out of the darkness of life.

For Ryan, a Christian, this concept makes little to no sense. Jesus is the light in the darkness, and he is the ONLY one who can lead us out of it. His salvific work on the cross has given us the way out of the void we find ourselves in without God. Thus, when he sings the words, “Praise the void for this love, this wasted love”, he’s being facetious and using sarcasm to express how ridiculous he finds believing in “nothing” or in a “void” is.

As a Christian I, of course, agree with Ryan; however, a little while ago, I was listening to this song and I heard something else in the lyrics. They spoke to me in a different way than they had in the past. That is the beauty of art, it is created with a specific intent, yet it is always being interpreted by different people differently. As the lyrics entered my ears and swirled around my head and heart, they began to speak of a different void, one that I have been locked in before and could always find myself back there again. The void I speak of is the void of loneliness, of not fitting in, of not being valued or, at the very least, the perception that one lives in such a void.

In that moment, these words took on a whole new meaning to me: “But here in the dark I feel nothing, I see no one. No solace at all, we once heard the lasting call, but now I praise the void for this love, this wasted love. Praise the void for we found nothing is enough.” In those words, I was reminded of that empty feeling of being alone and abandoned, not feeling the presence of God and feeling rejected by the world…including those dearest me.

Some of that loneliness was real, some of it was perceived due to mental illness, but all of it felt real while in the void. The love…the wasted love…reminds me of all of the energy…the blood, the sweat, the tears…the countless sleepless nights and anxious days trying to get someone, anyone, to notice and LOVE me. In the void, that lasting call of Christ choosing and loving me seemed non-existent even though I could remember it and hope seemed elusive at best.

Yet, at some point, Christ broke through the void and the light led me out of the darkness and back to that lasting call. After all, it wouldn’t be lasting if it didn’t last, no? So, now I praise the void. Well, and this is perhaps where the interpretation weakens a bit, I praise God for the void. I praise God for the void because while I felt isolated in it, the void actually brought me closer to Jesus Christ. I praise God for the love…the seeemingly wasted love…because I still dared to love and that is NEVER a waste. I praise God for the void, because, in the end nothing (BUT CHRIST) is enough.

Of course, I still appreciate the original meaning of the song as I cannot wrap my head around believing that millions of years of human relations to a higher power has been somehow canceled out by nothingness, of which there is no scientific proof for either. But this new fresh interpretation has really been meaningful to me and I hope you find it meaningful too. Never be afraid to find new meanings in art or in life in general. God is speaking to us in ways that no human could ever predict, and the faithful will always be open to discovering new meanings in otherwise familiar things. Remember, authors merely write the words based off of what is on their heart; however, it is Christ who speaks through them with his lasting call.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“We become aware of the void as we fill it.” ― Antonio Porchia

PRAYER
Lord, help steer me away from the void and, when brokenness places me back in it, help lead your servant back to the light. Amen.

Devotional

A LOOK BACK: Just Who Do You Think I Am?

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Read Romans 7:7-25

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NLT)

CrossRedeemed

If you were to ask any of the students I have had over the years for confirmation class, they would tell you that one of the major projects I have them do is write a theological essay on who people say Jesus Christ is, and to also write about who they believe Jesus Christ to be. This essay is based off of the two questions Jesus asked his disciples, “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is? Who do you say that I am’” (Matthew 16:13, 15b)?

There were no wrong answers, and it wasn’t anything they were graded on. The purpose of the required exercise was two-fold: 1) To help them develop the skill of critical theological thinking and the ability to articulate the Christian faith as they have been taught it. 2) To promote critical thinking around their own experiences with Jesus Christ, as well as to give them the opportunity to express those experiences and their own understanding of who Christ is in writing to themselves. Later in life, they can look back on those answers and see how their understanding has grown over the years.

Recently, while driving, I was listening to the Christian metal band Demon Hunter’s album, “Extremist.” The first song on that album is “Death”. This song, to me, is the opposite exercise. Unlike the exercise I have my confirmation students (aka confirmands) go through, this song is not asking the listener who they think Christ is, but rather it is asking that same question in regard to all of the other influences in their lives.

Actually, the song is a reflection, in part, on the tendency to idolize people like him, as if they are some sort of paragon of perfection. With that said, I also think that this song works beyond just Ryan Clark, but other people and/or influences in our lives that we turn to in order to be “saved” from ourselves and our circumstances. In the song, Ryan Clark screams, “I’m not your gateway. I’m not your prodigal son. I’m the vile lesser-than. Just who do you think I am? I’m not your standard. I’m not your vision divine. I am not sacrificial lamb. Just who do you think I am? I am death.”

Ryan is not stating that he is literally Death, as in the Grim Reaper. Nor is he stating that he is evil or that he has no part to play in helping others. That is not what he is saying at all; rather, he is stating that ONLY CHRIST is the savior. We all, including Ryan, are sinners and we are all in need of being saved. How do I know that’s what Ryan actually meant when writing the song? Here’s what Ryan has to say about it:

‘By our very nature, we are a sinful people. It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you stand on, that will always be the case. If you don’t see it, you’re not paying attention. There is no pretending to be impervious to it. The answer is revealed in the realization of its existence, and the understanding that you are in need of forgiveness. The wages of sin is death. Eternal death. My desire is to be an instrument for this revelation, but my words alone can only point the way. I am no savior.’

Amen. We are all in need of being saved and, for those who recognize that need, salvation rests in Jesus Christ who literally HELD NO BARS in ensuring that  salvation for us, should we desire and ask for it. Our way, apart from the eternal love that is GOD in Jesus Christ, leads to death. This need not merely be in some other-worldly sense either. Just look at the wisdom and “saving plans” of human beings running amok in the world. Look at the broken relationships, the drug addiction, the abject poverty, the abuse and oppression, the genocide and the governing for SELF-INTEREST. It is clear, we humans are not saviors, but lesser-than (to use the lyrics).

We are, apart from Christ, death. Yet, as Ryan rightly points out, those of us who are saved are called to point the way to Christ, who is the revelation of God’s unconditional, saving love. We may not be the savior, but we intimately know the savior and can introduce people to our Lord and Savior. If you feel lost in your life, if you feel surrounded by dead ends and hopelessness, there is a way out of such despair. There is a way to abundant and joyful life. That way is Jesus Christ and I pray that you two get in touch. Find a pastor or someone grounded in faith who can support you in that. If you are a person of faith, be willing to be the vessel that points the least, the last and the lost to the One who LOVES and SAVES THEM beyond all measures!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“He that falls into sin is a [human]; that grieves at it, is a saint; that boasteth of it, is a devil.” – Thomas Fuller

PRAYER
Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. May I always point to your saving grace. Amen.

Devotional

Just Who Do You Think I Am?

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Read Romans 7:7-25

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NLT)

CrossRedeemedIf you were to ask any of the students I have had over the years for confirmation class, they would tell you that one of the major projects I have them do is write a theological essay on who people say Jesus Christ is, and to also write about who they believe Jesus Christ to be. This essay is based off of the two questions Jesus asked his disciples, “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is? Who do you say that I am’” (Matthew 16:13, 15b)?

There were no wrong answers, and it wasn’t anything they were graded on. The purpose of the required exercise was two-fold: 1) To help them develop the skill of critical theological thinking and the ability to articulate the Christian faith as they have been taught it. 2) To promote critical thinking around their own experiences with Jesus Christ, as well as to give them the opportunity to express those experiences and their own understanding of who Christ is in writing to themselves. Later in life, they can look back on those answers and see how their understanding has grown over the years.

Recently, while driving, I was listening to the Christian metal band Demon Hunter’s album, “Extremist.” The first song on that album is “Death”. This song, to me, is the opposite exercise. Unlike the exercise I have my confirmation students (aka confirmands) go through, this song is not asking the listener who they think Christ is, but rather it is asking that same question in regard to all of the other influences in their lives.

Actually, the song is a reflection, in part, on the tendency to idolize people like him, as if they are some sort of paragon of perfection. With that said, I also think that this song works beyond just Ryan Clark, but other people and/or influences in our lives that we turn to in order to be “saved” from ourselves and our circumstances. In the song, Ryan Clark screams, “I’m not your gateway. I’m not your prodigal son. I’m the vile lesser-than. Just who do you think I am? I’m not your standard. I’m not your vision divine. I am not sacrificial lamb. Just who do you think I am? I am death.”

Ryan is not stating that he is literally Death, as in the Grim Reaper. Nor is he stating that he is evil or that he has no part to play in helping others. That is not what he is saying at all; rather, he is stating that ONLY CHRIST is the savior. We all, including Ryan, are sinners and we are all in need of being saved. How do I know that’s what Ryan actually meant when writing the song? Here’s what Ryan has to say about it:

‘By our very nature, we are a sinful people. It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you stand on, that will always be the case. If you don’t see it, you’re not paying attention. There is no pretending to be impervious to it. The answer is revealed in the realization of its existence, and the understanding that you are in need of forgiveness. The wages of sin is death. Eternal death. My desire is to be an instrument for this revelation, but my words alone can only point the way. I am no savior.’

Amen. We are all in need of being saved and, for those who recognize that need, salvation rests in Jesus Christ who literally HELD NO BARS in ensuring that  salvation for us, should we desire and ask for it. Our way, apart from the eternal love that is GOD in Jesus Christ, leads to death. This need not merely be in some other-worldly sense either. Just look at the wisdom and “saving plans” of human beings running amok in the world. Look at the broken relationships, the drug addiction, the abject poverty, the abuse and oppression, the genocide and the governing for SELF-INTEREST. It is clear, we humans are not saviors, but lesser-than (to use the lyrics).

We are, apart from Christ, death. Yet, as Ryan rightly points out, those of us who are saved are called to point the way to Christ, who is the revelation of God’s unconditional, saving love. We may not be the savior, but we intimately know the savior and can introduce people to our Lord and Savior. If you feel lost in your life, if you feel surrounded by dead ends and hopelessness, there is a way out of such despair. There is a way to abundant and joyful life. That way is Jesus Christ and I pray that you two get in touch. Find a pastor or someone grounded in faith who can support you in that. If you are a person of faith, be willing to be the vessel that points the least, the last and the lost to the One who LOVES and SAVES THEM beyond all measures!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“He that falls into sin is a [human]; that grieves at it, is a saint; that boasteth of it, is a devil.” – Thomas Fuller

PRAYER
Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. May I always point to your saving grace. Amen.

Devotional

Thorns

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Read Mark 4:1-9, 13-20

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NLT)

TheThornsFor those who may be reading one of my devotions for the first time, or for those who may need to be refreshed, one of my favorite bands is the Christian heavy metal band, Demon Hunter. On their album, Storm the Gates of Hell, there is a profoundly powerful song entitled, “Thorns”. The lyrics utilize the imagery of the thorns to both symbolize the brokenness of humanity and the salvific wholeness that comes through Jesus Christ.

The song came out of the Ryan Clark’s interaction with Demon Hunter fans. He had been hearing about how their music was giving hope to countless people. In each story they heard how the music and the lyrics had helped pull people from the depths of despair into the heights of hope. Many of these people talked about their struggles with cutting and/or harming themselves, which got Ryan thinking about cutting in general.

Here were people who were lost, people who were in so much psychological, emotional and spiritual pain that they would cut themselves to try and “take some of that pain away.” That may seem counter-intuitive; however, psychological, emotional and spiritual pain can be far greater than any physical pain that one can endure. The truth is that the adage, “sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me”, is actually the furthest thing from the truth.

Words do hurt, and they do far more damage than sticks and stones. What’s more, depressed minds, souls, and hearts suffer in a hell that seemingly one seemingly has NO EXIT from. On top of that, they are alone in their suffering because, while people can see and tend to physical injuries, they cannot see and often dismiss psyhcological and emotional injuries.

 

So, Ryan began to think about how people get so lost in their own hurt and pain that they try to cut their way out of it; however, the tragedy beyond their suffering is that Christ endured being cut (e.g. crown of thorns, whip, nails, and spear) so that we might find THE EXIT from the hells we find ourselves in. While SIN put Jesus on the cross, it could not keep him there. Christ’s resurrection was Christ conquering sin and death, and we can share in that resurrection and rise up out of the sin and death we find ourselves so lost in! There’s HOPE in that, for Christ is the EXIT from our hellish suffering that we so long for.

This song also makes me think of the “Parable of the Sower.” In that parable, Jesus likens God’s Word (both Scripture and Jesus. See John 1:1-4, 14) as seeds in that a farmer scatters on soil. One of the types of soil mentioned is soil that is filled with vines with thorns. Those seeds begin to grow as plants; however, the thorns quickly choke the life out of them. Jesus goes on to explain to his disciples that the thorns represent all of the things in this world that act as distractions and pull us away from the SOURCE OF LIFE (aka GOD).

We get crowded by worries, by the lure of wealth, the desire for more stuff, the need to be accepted by other people, our body image, the hurtful and injurious words of others, and a whole host of other things. Even if we know in our heads that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), our hearts are choked by the other things that are possessing us. Whether it is self-inflicted, or inflicted on us by others, those things take root and choke the very life out of us.

Today’s challenge is for us to pause and reflect on what in our lives is choking the life out of us. Do you suffer from body image issues? Do you suffer from psychological, emotional and spiritual pain? Do you find yourself surrounded by abusive people who do not value you as a child of God? Do you long to be accepted by others, and find yourself doing whatever it takes to attain that acceptance? Do you suffer from the disease of wanting more? Are you lured by wealth? Are you constantly worried about EVERYTHING?

What is it that is choking the life out of you? What is it that is plunging you deep into the very pit of hell? Remember, you NEED NOT suffer! You need not accept the burden of your suffering as “your cross to bear”. For it is NOT YOURS TO BEAR. There is One who has born it for you! There is One who has carried that load, and who has “stormed the gates of hell” in order to FREE YOU from it! That One is Jesus Christ and he has conquered sin and death through his resurrection so that you can be resurrected with him. Place your faith in Christ and take the steps you need to be liberated from your suffering. Find a community of like-minded believers who will support you and help FREE YOU from the chains that this world has bound you in! You are profoundly loved, and you are FREE in Christ! Amen.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“Don’t sever what you are for what you couldn’t be.” – Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter, taken from the song, “Thorns”.

PRAYER
Lord, reveal the truth of your love to me. Save me from the thorns that are choking me to death. Amen.