God Works Strangely

Our friend and colleague Steve Farrar addressed the National Coalition of Men's Ministries Annual Leadership Conference five years ago in St. Louis about God's sovereignty and how that works out providentially. He stirred the brothers with his refrain that "God Work's Strangely". Steve included this notion in his book God Built, Forge by God...in the Bad and God and Life. Here's an excerpt from the book.

God’s plan for Joseph included the evil his brothers did to him. That’s strange, isn’t it? They had betrayed him and lied to their father. What they had done was a heinous and barbaric sin. Acting out of jealousy and sheer hatred, they intended it for evil. But God intended it for good, to bring about this present result.

Do you see what Joseph is saying here? He is saying that the providence of God is bigger than anybody, anytime, anywhere. They intended it for evil, but God took their act of evil and intended it for good. He didn’t stop it, and He didn’t interrupt it. He let their evil plan come about. But all the time the invisible hand of our BIG GOD was in control of every detail and circumstance. When he was in the midst of it, Joseph was enveloped in shock, pain, and disbelief. But now, thirty-two years later as he looks backward, he sees the amazing providence of a good and holy God.It’s amazing – but it’s also strange. Wonderfully strange

If you're interested in reading more about Steve Farrar on God's providence, CLICK HERE.

Tim Tebow: Quarterback for Life -- A Real Deal Man

Last year at this time the media was abuzz with controversy about Focus on the Family’s prolife commercial scheduled to air during the Super Bowl. In the 30-second spot Heisman trophy winning Florida quarterback Tim Tebow appeared with his mother Pam telling the story how she rejected her doctor’s advice to abort Tim because of an illness during her pregnancy. She chose to give birth to her “miracle baby”.

Without having seen the 30-second ad, pro-abortion forces inside and outside the media called for its cancellation because they said it would politicize the single most watched program of the year. Kierra Johnson, executive director of Choice USA, said “This un-American hate doesn’t have a place in this all-American pastime.”

Despite the pressure to cut it, CBS didn’t cave and it was aired. The alleged inflammatory commercial was not what people had been told to expect. There was no overt anti-abortion language or political message, but only the demonstration of a loving and humorous mother-son relationship and a story only God could write.

The critics withdrew into a strange silence and few have told the rest of the story about the continuing impact of Tebow’s Christian witness. As many as 102 million Americans watched last year’s Super Bowl and viewed the Tebow spot during the game. Millions more have watched it online.

Because of all the media hype over the ad Focus on the Family generated more Super Bowl advertising-related, social-media conversations than any other advertiser or brand. Its earned media total of more than $31 million was at least 2 ½ times the earned media total of last year's most buzzed-about commercial from Doritos.

Surveys revealed that most viewers found it non-threatening and upbeat. 78% said they felt it presented a positive message. 75% claimed that the commercial was appropriate to show during the Super Bowl. Interestingly a May 2009 Gallup poll found that, for the first time since the poll began in 1995, more Americans are anti-abortion than pro-abortion rights and those results continued in the May 2010 survey.

Last Fall Tebow began his rookie year in the NFL. But his Christian witness left a mark on college football to the point that the NCAA banned messages on eye paint. Frequently Tebow wrote bible verses on his eye black. In the 2009 BCS Championship Game, he wore John 3:16 and as a result, 92 million people searched "John 3:16" on Google during or shortly after the game. Similar hits occurred when he wore other verses. A pre-existing has prevented Tebow from continuing the practice in the NFL. Tebow finished his rookie season with the Broncos by starting the last three games and became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for a touchdown in each of his first three career starts.

Jerry Bridges writes, “What image comes to your mind when you hear the expression "A man's man"? Is it the picture of an outdoorsman, skilled in hunting and fishing? Might it be the idea of a man capable of building his own house? Is it more along the lines of a tough guy in the mold of John Wayne? There's certainly nothing wrong with being an outdoorsman, building one's own house, or even, within bounds, being the solid John Wayne type. But is that all there is to being a man? The truth is that the Bible gives us God's picture of a real man, and it doesn't fit any of our stereotypes.” 

Tim Tebow hugs his mom in front of 102 million people. He tells the media he’s a virgin and intends to stay that way until marriage. And he’s one of the most physically punishing NFL and intends to remain so until marriage. He’s one of the most physically punishing quarterbacks who loves to run over defenders. Tim Tebow just doesn't fit the stereotype of the "meek and mild" Christian man. But he is a shining example of “real deal” manhood -- a genuine good guy, who boldly proclaims his faith in Christ and practices what he preaches.

Dave Brown is Director and Pastor, Washington Area Coalition of Men's Ministries (WACMM)

Staying in the Battle by Locking Arms Together

I can’t think of a time in the last several decades when so many men were hurting and being tested as they are today. The economic meltdown is taking a heavy toll on not only our families and finances but on our hopes and dreams. Anxiety and isolation are widespread. Many men are retreating into isolation, confused and concerned about their identity, legacy and destiny.

In a dramatic scene in the movie Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius and his fellow gladiators stand in the center of the Roman Coliseum before the Emperor and a blood thirsty crowd. This band of brothers face whatever horrors Caesar chooses send against them. Maximus says to his men, “Whatever comes out of these gates, we’ve got a better chance of survival if we work together. If we stay together we survive. Come together. Lock your shields, stay as one! Hold!”.

In John 15;15, Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” “Nothing” doesn’t mean a little something! He means none of us can withstand on our own the challenges that come against us every day. We depend on His presence and power to live our lives 24/7. God so often works his sustaining power through our brothers in Christ. He does not intend us to be “Alone Rangers”. The wolf loves the lone sheep. Satan loves “Alone Rangers”. God wants us to have “battle brothers” with whom we can do life together through thick and thin. We need brothers who will watch our back, speak truth into our lives and cheer for us and affirm us in the fiercest storms.

Come join us at NCMM and be equipped and encouraged for whatever battle you’re in or heading into. Bring your “battle buddies” and connect to new brothers as together we experience the special camaraderie we have in Christ Jesus, who is our true identity, legacy and destiny.

© 2011, Dave Brown is a pastor and the director of the Washington Area Coalition of Men’s Ministries (WACMM) and has been the men’s pastor at McLean Bible Church in McLean, Va. He served for 30 years in the federal government’s Senior Executive Service (SES), including eight years as an appointee of President Ronald Reagan. He did his seminary work at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Reformed Theological Seminary. He’s been a leadership consultant, university administrator and member of the board of directors for the C.S. Lewis Institute.