On Easter Sunday my family had the pleasure of meeting with my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew for a nice lunch and a visit to the Denver Zoo.  It was a stunningly beautiful day and the temperature was perfect for a day out and about.  This was the first time Callie Grace or Justus had been to the zoo, so we were excited to get some good video of their first experience.  As it turns out, Justus slept through the entire visit, but that is his right as a 4 month old! 

As we made our way through the zoo we encountered a variety of animals.  There are the mighty lions, the quick cheetahs, the big and somewhat smelly elephants, the colorful peacocks who walk right in front of you, the playful monkeys, the powerful buffalo, and slippery snakes just to name a few.  As I was video taping the various animals, I pondered on one of the most fundamental and crucial aspects of God; Him as creator.  The distinctive characteristics and shapes of the animals is yet another indication of the craftsmanship of our God, not to mention the way they are able to stay alive.  I was amazed at how powerful the heart of the elephant must be in order to get blood successfully through that massive body.  As Psalm 19:1 says, the work of God clearly demonstrates his glory.  I was thinking, what an awesome place to bring the body of Christ together and worship - right in the middle of a collection of God's masterpieces. 

So then it was with disappoint, not surprise, that I saw multiple signs arrayed throughout the "primate panorama" connecting the evolutionary time line from apes to humans.  The most disturbing was a picture of a small baby in diapers "morphed" with a picture of a small ape with the admonition to "take care of the animals" because "they are our ancestors."  Don't get me wrong, it isn't something that should cause us as Christians to put on our army gear and battle with the Denver Zoo.  I do find it interesting that apparently folks have no problem with the so-called "indoctrinating" of this particular evolutionary message (a word that gets thrown around when others accuse parents of "indoctrinating" their children with the message of Christ).  What is more troubling with these teaching tools at the Denver Zoo is that we are reminded of the cunningness and deception of the evil one who will attack in the most subtle of ways in the midst of a location that is designed for children to have fun and enjoy the wonder of the animal world.  For the most part, zoos are associated with children.  And the message of strict evolution is in direct conflict with the Bible's account of creation.  If we distort or miss the message of Genesis 1-3, we will misinterpret the rest of the Bible.  Thus, Satan is making a profound attack on the minds of our children in ways that seem incredibly innocent.  A simple sign at the Denver Zoo.

Why am I bringing this up?  Because it is yet another reminder of how parents are the essential players in the spiritual development of their children.  I can assure you that had I been with my dad when I was a child at the Denver Zoo, he would have had something to say about that sign.  He wouldn't have land-blasted the zoo or accused anyone of wrong doing.  He would have addressed the issue, explained how this contradicts what we believe, and then go show me the apes.  It is at times like the Denver Zoo that Deuteronomy 6 shows itself to be a very practical message to parents:  "Impress them (the things of God) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and
when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  And when you visit the zoo.      

This Tuesday of Holy Week finds Jesus speaking in parables, debating the religious leaders, and pronouncing woes upon the Pharisees and teachers of the law.  One of his parables, the parable of the wedding feast, concludes with these words from Jesus:  "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14).

This parable highlights the surprising invitation to those who were not initially invited to the wedding feast, referencing the availability of the gospel to all people, both Jew and Gentile.  It is also a striking condemnation to those who dare hear the king's (Jesus') invitation but refuse to attend the feast (kingdom).  Jesus' final words of the parable provide helpful insight to the soon coming work of the cross.  Here are two quick applications of those words. 

First, Christians must remember that the road is narrow that leads to eternal life.  There will be many, regardless of the effectiveness of a sermon, the power of apologetics, or the sincerity of those sharing their faith, who will refuse to accept the truth of Christ.  Last night at a parent/teen study, where parents and teenagers have been reading through a book together leading up to Easter Sunday, a discussion of the effectiveness of apologetics was very helpful.  We discussed how apologetics should be used and that it has a very important place in evangelism, but that unless Christ opens the darkened eyes and heart of an unbeliever, that person simply will not be "chosen."  This truth is not a "doom and gloom" message designed to depress us.  Rather, it is to help us remained encouraged in sharing our faith and not place unhealthy expectations on ourselves as ambassadors for Christ.  We have no power to save, nor have we been called to do so.  We do have the power to share. 

Second, these words of Jesus describe what is sometimes referred to as the "general calling" of the gospel.  This is an area that at times can be wrought with theological emotion and debate.  For those who hold to God's sovereign choice of unconditional election, they would add to this something called "effectual calling."  This, in a more specific manner than the general calling, is where God moves in the heart and mind of a person as to secure their salvation with finality.  For those who are 5 point Calvinists, this is sometimes referred to as "irresistible grace."  Others will hold to the position that a general calling is all that God offers and it is based on the decision of those who hear whether or not they would choose Christ based on that calling. 

Although there are important differences between the two positions that I believe have ongoing consequences, for the purposes of this article and for the purposes of evangelism, the differences are moot (although I do believe your take on these two positions can radically alter the confidence and joy of evangelism).  Andrew Fuller, an 18th century Baptist pastor and theologian, was Reformed in his theology and held firmly to the absolute sovereignty of God in all things, including salvation.  Yet, his most famous and cherished work is entitled "The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation."  In other words, Fuller believed that all Christians, regardless of their theological framework, had a responsibility and obligation to share the gospel with all who would listen.  And, those who heard had a responsibility and obligation to accept.  Thus, believers should be on the same page when it comes to reaching the world for Christ; we need to tell the old, old story to everyone who will lend us an ear. 

If there were ever a time during the year to find a place of unity and peace, it is Holy Week.  Surely we can all agree that the gospel needs to be preached, taught, spoken, counseled, and sung to all people.  We can debate all we want about how people actually come to faith when hearing that message.  But they must hear it.  And we must tell them.              

Here is a Holy Week Devotional Book written by the good folks at First Baptist Church of Evergreen.  This is a great resource to use for family worship this week in your home.  You can download and print the book by clicking the link below.

Click Here For Holy Week Devotional Book

Significant parallels exist between Matthew 20:29-34 and Matthew 21:1-11.  The former passage portrays Jesus healing two blind men and the latter is the famous Triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem.  These two stories occur side by side in Matthew, one right after the other.  A few of the aforementioned parallels are the use of "crowd" in 20:29 and 21:8, "behold" in 20:30 and 21:5, "two" in 20:30 and 21:1, "Lord" in 20:30 and 21:3, and "Son of David" in 20:30 and 21:9.

There is theological significance, found in a kind of foreshadowing, in that the two men who were blind and could not see Jesus were healed.  They were then able to physically see Christ and, more importantly, have their messianic understanding of Christ confirmed.  The words from the two men that caused Jesus to stop were "Son of David."  Those words, referencing an obvious messianic title from chapter 1, causes Jesus to stop and listen to the two men.  Moved with compassion, Christ opens their eyes so they can see.  The crowds in 21:9 who are cheering for Jesus use the same title, "Son of David", in their adoration.  Although this crowd, in contrast to the two men in chapter 20, could physically see Jesus, they were mistaken about the true nature of his messianic kingship.  In this setting Christ, who was certainly capable of "opening their eyes" to the truth of his purpose, chooses not to "heal" the crowds of their misinterpretation so that his ministry will reach its completion.  This blindness even among those who can physically see also points back to 11:25 where Jesus praises God the Father for "hiding these things from the wise." 

The familiarity with insider/outsider language in Matthew reaches a point of finality with those who thing they are on the inside ultimately being the ones who send Christ to the cross.  In that regard, they could be considered 'insiders" in that they are fulfilling the decreed purposes of God established before the foundation of the world, but from a redemptive perspective, the cheering crowds praising Jesus as he rides into Jerusalem remain on the outside.

Two pastoral applications are in order.  First, sincere examination of our own hearts is prompted from these two passages.  Cheering for Jesus isn't enough, nor is a legitimate enjoyment of church, bible study, theology, or religion.  "Getting a lot out of worship" is meaningless for those who are on the "outside."  And we of course know that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter his kingdom, neither will everyone who claps their hands at the catchy drum beat during worship.  Is your heart and life bearing the kind of fruit of a redeemed child of God? 

Second, Jesus provides the ultimate example of keeping our eyes open to the need and hurt of those around us even while keeping our eyes on the big picture of eternity.  Isn't it amazing that Jesus, only steps away from finishing his purpose on earth, takes the time to stop and heal these two men?  Most of us would have "zoned out" at that point and concentrated on the big deal of the cross.  Just like many of us "zone out" on the day to day ministry of those in need because we are focused on what seems like bigger, more important things.  People need the Lord.  We are the ambassadors for Christ.  Let's not forget that during Holy Week.  Yes, we should attend Holy Week services.  Yes, we should meditate on the cross.  Yes, we attend worship on Easter.  But this week we should be saying, "Yes, I will help feed the poor!"  "Yes, I will take the time to talk to that struggling friend!"  "Yes, I will pray for those who are desperate." 

Yes, Lord, help us be more like Jesus.   

Since my wife, Andi, has started blogging and writing some great articles, we have combined the Family Blog and her blog.  Thus, you will be able to still find great videos and pictures on her blog (and here) as well some wonderful insight from a Godly woman.  You will be encouraged if you make her blog a regular part of your day.

Below is a video of Callie answering some important questions from daddy.  Take a look!