Me and the Brothers McGill

Me and the Brothers McGill

(Spoiler Alert: This blog contains spoilers about the season three finale of Better Call Saul)

One of my favorite shows on cable television over the past three years is entitled Better Call Saul. Loved by both audiences and critics alike, it is a prequel to the highly successful series Breaking Bad. Better Call Saul focuses on the character development of one Jimmy McGill, attorney at law later to be known by the moniker of Saul Goodman.  One of the great things about the show is that you don't have to be a fan of Breaking Bad to enjoy this portrayal of the misadventures of Jimmy and those in his universe. The creators and writers of Better Call Saul have developed complex characters with rich dialogue that flows like a work of art. There are good guys, not so good guys, bad guys and really bad guys in the world that Jimmy McGill finds himself.  To me the richest relationship on the show is the one between Jimmy and his older brother Chuck. In fact, there are some interesting parallels between the brothers McGill that would fit in Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son if there were no father present in the story. So let's examine the relationship between these two brothers and see how it fits into our context.

Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, the Younger Brother

The character of Jimmy McGill as portrayed by the excellent Bob Odenkirk is often his own worst enemy. He is a con man by nature. He has been grifting people since he was a kid. Known in his early days as "Slippin' Jimmy," he even stole from his father's store because he thought his dad deserved it for being an "easy touch" by his customers.  He reasoned that if these other people would take advantage of kind-hearted Mr. McGill, why shouldn't he join as well.  His reputation kept him in trouble both with friends and family and the law. Throughout the series, we see Jimmy not only take advantage of people but also show great kindness and generosity as well. He will do terrible things to his brother (who has issues we will discuss in the next section) and later confess to him when his guilt as well as his brother's condition bring out his empathetic side.  He even takes advantage of an elderly client by getting her friends to turn against her so that she will sign an offer to settle a suit, in order that Jimmy can receive his fee, only to later out himself on purpose because his conscience is getting the better of him.  

Jimmy reminds me of the younger brother in the parable of Jesus, for he wants to have his riches and wants to live life on his terms only to later regret his decision and desire to make amends and restitution to those he has hurt. Unfortunately, there is no father to welcome him home and throw a party in his honor, no one is there to tell him the good news that there is unconditional love available to him. Jimmy needs grace but even when he receives a form of forgiveness he will eventually throw it away when he sees it is to his advantage.

Charles (Chuck) McGill, the Older Brother

Whereas Jimmy is a  fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants kind of free spirit, Chuck is the exact opposite. The elder McGill brother, portrayed by the wonderful Michael McKean (he has long left Lenny Kosnowski of Laverne and Shirley behind) is a Type-A personality on steroids. His entire life has been about doing the right thing in every situation no matter who gets hurt along the way. The law is Chuck's god. He is a great lawyer and he knows it.  This is why his greatest pain in life is that his con man younger brother has passed the bar and is casting a stain upon his sacred profession.  Chuck also suffers from a "disorder" that causes him great pain and discomfort whenever he is around electricity or electromagnetic fields.  He no longer goes to the office, he has the electricity cut off in his home, and does his work by Coleman lanterns. People who come to see him have to deposit their cell phones and watches in the mailbox outside.  This older brother despises all that Jimmy is and would love nothing more than to see him disbarred (which Jimmy actually deserves because of an action that he took to discredit Chuck's firm in the eyes of a potential client).  He is resolute in his belief that the law must be followed to the letter. This hardness is reflected when in the season three finale, he tells his brother, "You know Jimmy, the truth is you've never really mattered that much to me." The episode ends with our elder brother, who has suffered a mental break, kicking over a lantern in his home and we watch the flames begin to spread.

In the character of Chuck we see the older brother in Jesus' parable shining through. Like the elder brother in the parable, whenever his brother seeks to do the right thing, he cannot be happy because Jimmy deserves to be punished and he won't allow himself to extend grace to this criminal. His rigidity is what drives everyone away from him and even causes his partners in the firm to push him into resigning. Unfortunately, as is the case with the younger there is no father present to lovingly plead with his eldest son to come and rejoice in his brother's contrite heart.

How Do I Fit In?

Right about now you may be saying to yourself, "Rex I know good and well you are not a character on Better Call Saul, so what do you have to do with these guys?" Good question and one we will now consider as we finish up our look at these battling brothers. The simple reason is that I have been both Jimmy and Chuck in my life.  There have been times when I have hurt those that I love most, especially when alcohol was involved.  I have stolen from my family and lied repeatedly to those I proclaim to love the most. I would often walk around with a giant load of guilt and shame and eventually try to get back into their good graces.  I have also been an all consuming legalist, who prided himself on how well he could follow a moral code and condemn all others who didn't measure up, all the while ignoring the giant tree that was emanating from my eye socket. Sometimes a  wicked hedonist, other times a self-righteous jerk have been part and parcel of my own character and I dare say, dear reader, that you too may have found yourself identifying with both Jimmy and Chuck. So, what's a prodigal/legalist to do?

The answer is found in the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ.  He took our sin and shame upon Himself and suffered for our inability to be good enough or moral enough. He died for our stealing, lying, cheating, fornicating, envying, gossiping, drunkard, addict selves and provides us with forgiveness and a restored relationship to God as adopted sons and daughters of our Abba.  God has fully accepted us in Christ even though we sometimes do despicable and callous things as well as sit in judgment and condemn others who have different sins than our own. Jimmy and Chuck need to hear that there is an answer for all of their foibles, screw ups, and character defects but it is not in doing some kind of penance or raising already impossible moral expectations to even more unrealistic goals. They need to hear that they can be reconciled to God and to each other. All they need to do is believe the Gospel. This is the message that we all need. So let's turn around, have a change of heart (repent) and go home to the party that Abba is throwing for His prodigals. Both the hedonist and the moralist are welcome! 

Reflections on Freedom and Citizenship

I am an American by birth and I am very grateful and thankful to live in this nation founded upon ideas and concepts drafted from various sources including English Common Law, Natural Law, and the Scriptures. The idea that all men are created equal (even though the founders thought that only meant white males) and that there were certain unalienable rights available to all such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are precious principles that mark this national experiment in a representative democracy. We must continue to work to ensure that all members of our society enjoy the same liberties and freedoms that are granted in our Constitution.

I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God by grace and through faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is my first allegiance above any national citizenship that I may possess. The message of the Good News transcends all national, ethnic, and racial boundaries. My brothers and sisters speak many languages, belong to different denominations, have varied national origins, and live in a variety of political systems. We are part a Body that will last long after the empires of this world are in the dust (including the American empire). When the Church gathers together it is to worship the Creator and Sustainer of all, not to sing patriotic songs for any nation or country. To take time away from the adoration of God and the proclamation of the Good News to extol any person, thing, or nation is idolatry.

This July 4th, let us gladly enjoy the fireworks, fun, and festivities as we celebrate our nation's birthday. Let's reflect on the price of freedom that has been paid through the sacrifice of men and women to safeguard our freedoms. We should offer prayers of thanksgiving as well as repentance for our national sins and petition for the leaders of this nation and those who are suffering from injustice even in this land of the free and the home of the brave. Above all, may we use the liberty that we have to advance the Gospel of the Kingdom to every nation, tribe, and language group. That is the truth that truly sets free.

Would Jesus Shoot Refugees?

Would Jesus Shoot Refugees?

A good title should grab the reader's attention and stimulate a desire to read further to see the connection between the title and the body of work contained therein.  I have intentionally picked a title that has probably provoked more than an idle interest in you dear reader, in fact, you might be approaching this with some irritation or righteous indignation. Let me assure you from the outset my desire is not to be blasphemous or sacrilegious, but rather to use a satirical picture and a rhetorical question to get your attention.  We live in a time when fiery rhetoric rules the day, from talk radio to social media and especially in the political arena.  Whether they are self-made YouTube  celebrity preachers advocating violence against Planned Parenthood to Donald Trump wanting to locate, label and limit the religious expression of all Muslims (are internment camps that far away), to the president of the largest evangelical university proclaiming that he packs heat and isn't afraid to use it, the voice of Jesus often gets lost in the din of macho slogans and tough guy posturing.

The purpose of this blog is not to try to unravel the intricacies of the gun control debate nor is it to champion the cause of a particular political party (I have almost equal amounts of revulsion and disgust with both sides).  I am coming to the table as a Christ follower; therefore, I need to look both at what He said and did to be my guide in how to respond to violence as well as the treatment of strangers (also known as immigrants, aliens, and refugees) who come to live among us.  My goal is not to chide you if your conclusions are different, but to share with you the processes that have led me to my current convictions; as well as answer questions that have been posed to me on Facebook by friends and family, many of whom have a strong disagreement with me on these issues.  

Love Your Enemies

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares with his followers, the full extent of the Mosaic law.  He counters the prevailing wisdom of the day taught by the religious rulers with the phrase, "You have heard that is was said..."  Jesus takes his listeners beyond the teachings of the elders into the deeper intention for which God gave the commandments.  This detail informs us of the fullest extent of the depravity of men's hearts. 

Beginning in verse 38 Jesus takes on the issue of retaliation and violence:  

"You have heard that is was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil.  But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.  You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 5:38-45a)

It is normal for human beings to want to defend themselves from violence by any means necessary. Self-preservation is an innate response to a hostile threat. I will be the first one to tell you if someone comes after my family, I will do whatever I have to in order to see to it that they don't succeed, even if it means taking their life. But at the same time, I cannot simply ignore the directive of my Master; He doesn't mince words.  It is ironic that so many believers who believe in the literal interpretation of Scripture, find many ways of trying to say that Jesus didn't mean what He is clearly saying in this passage.  He is not speaking in hyperbole.  He is not giving us an out, nor is He telling us this is optional. It is a grammatical imperative which means it is in the mood of command.

At the time of the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Simon Peter reacted by cutting off the ear of Malchus the servant of the high priest.   Jesus' response was stern and to the point.  "Put your sword back in its place.  All who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matt. 26:52) Nowhere in the Scripture does Jesus advocate that his followers take up weapons or to fight back against those who would harm them. It is impossible to love others the way the Scriptures command if we are willing to kill them.  

The Two Swords

It is at this point in the discussion where some will ask, "What about the time that Jesus told the disciples to take two swords?"  That is a good question, let's look at the passage in question and see what is there. The passage referenced can be found in Luke 22.  Jesus and His followers have just finished their last meal together in the upper room. Immediately following this intimate time of fellowship together, Jesus has to deal with arguing disciples about who is the greatest (vs. 24-30).  Then Jesus tells Peter that he is about to go through a time of testing and betrayal, with the apostle promising that he will not do any such thing (vs. 31-34).  Then Jesus shifts the conversation: "And he said to them, 'When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?' They said 'nothing.' He said to them, 'But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack.  And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.  For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me; And he was numbered with the transgressors.  For what is written about me has its fulfillment.'  And they said, 'Look, Lord, here are two swords.' And he said to them, 'It is enough.' (Luke 22:35-38)

Is Jesus advocating the use of swords as self-defense? I do not think so since two swords among twelve disciples would not allow them to put up much of a fight against aggressors.  Some commentators believe Jesus said two was enough because Peter was going to use one in a few hours to cut off Malchus' ear, thereby fulfilling the prophecy concerning Jesus being numbered with the transgressors.  As we saw in the previous section, this resulted in a sharp rebuke from the Messiah. Other scholars believe that Jesus was speaking metaphorically about how the attitude towards them was going to shift drastically from tolerance to one of hostility.  The disciples, once again not catching the meaning of Jesus' words, took Him literally resulting in Jesus' response of disappointment and resignation.  It seems to be illogical in this passage that Jesus is telling the disciples to arm themselves for battle or even self-protection due to the ratio of disciples to swords as well as in keeping with the tenor of Jesus' teaching.

Let me conclude this section by stating that I did not arrive at this conclusion without a great deal of internal struggle and dialogue with my Abba. Over the past three and a half years I have been confronted in many areas which have been life changing to my understanding of the characteristics of a true follower of Jesus.  I have learned that true obedience must follow faith and not vice-versa. I have also come to a deeper understanding of the acceptance I have in Christ.  If my brothers and sisters do not share the same convictions in this area, I will not try to twist their arms, I would only say to carefully examine the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to illumine the truth to them outside of cultural influences or biases.

The Least of These

The final section of this missive will deal with the topic of how we should deal with refugees and those seeking asylum of all kinds in our nation. Throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is given very clear instructions that they are to welcome the aliens and refugees in their midst and that they are not to treat them differently than their own countrymen.  “Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21) “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” (Lev. 19:34) “So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty.” (Malachi 3:5)  Jesus reiterates and personalizes the importance of how we treat others in Matthew chapter 25 when he declares, "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.  Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'  And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'  "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,  I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'  Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?'  Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'  And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

We are a nation of refugees and immigrants. The only people who do not fall into this category are those who were here first, and those who were brought here against their will in the hull of slave ships.  As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to advocate for justice and mercy in this world which needs to see clear demonstrations of both.  The result is that we must move beyond the fear of the unknown and go forward with the only power that can truly change the world, the gospel of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Postscript

The thoughts and beliefs expressed in this work are not comprehensive of all of my thoughts and feelings on this matter. I have not addressed the role of government in these issues, only the role that I believe the Church should play in these areas.  If you disagree with me, let us dialogue.  We can agree to disagree and since we are family (both by blood and the Spirit) I will still love you and respect your beliefs in these areas.

This Is Real?

As I was driving down the freeway this morning my eyes were drawn to a billboard encouraging people to watch the brand new season of American Idol. There was a picture of an attractive young woman holding a microphone with tears streaming down her face. She had either been told some very good news about her singing talent, or had received the devastating critique that she didn't have the requisite talent to be a contestant on the show. What really caught my attention, though, was the subscript at the bottom of the sign which read, "#thisisreal."

This is real? I don't think so. I know it is a"reality show"populated by real people in a real contest to win fame, fortune and all the supposed goodness that comes with the  proclamation of a winner. It is still a manufactured product made for the general public to consume and be distracted from that which is truly real. The purpose of this blog is not to put down American Idol. I have watched the show for several years, and I do enjoy seeing the amount of talented people that live in this country. We have become sanitized and pacified by the media to where we believe that the American Idols, X Factors, Honey Boo-Boos and Duck Dynasties are reality, when they are at their core, manufactured for your amusement (from Middle French, 15th century, which means to divert one's attention, to beguile or delude - Online Etymology Dictionary).

So, the question must be asked, what is real? Real is seen right outside the front door. Real is seen in the number of homeless people that live on the streets of our cities. Real is the twenty-right million people who are trapped in slavery worldwide, some of whom are being trafficked through Dallas and Fort Worth . Real is the children who are being abused physically and sexually in our neighborhoods. Real is the number of people who lack food, clothing and medical care and who die from treatable diseases. The thousands of people who are in prison and persecuted for religious and political reasons is real.  The hurt and pain that you see in the eyes of your family, friends and neighbors constitute reality. Real is the number of people groups who have never heard the gospel  of Jesus Christ. This is what is real.

Real people with real problems need real solutions brought by people who have found the real answer. Christ followers cannot and must not be content to sit on the sidelines and watch the world roll by like some reality television series.  We have been mandated by our King to be ambassadors and heralds of His kingdom and to be the ones who advocate for mercy and justice in this broken world.  There is hope for the poor, the captive, the abused and neglected. We are going to have to be willing to be involved and get our hands dirty.  It is not up to someone else, it is up to us.   Let us give our time, our money, ourselves into the lives of others.  Real love, real hope, real freedom, real life all from a REAL SAVIOR!

New Years Day 2014

This is a day of beginnings. We begin a new year. Many of us begin new diets. There are new goals, new plans, new hopes and new dreams. One area which we should all address is our relationship with our Creator. Do you have a relationship? If you do, are you on speaking terms? If you are how often do you converse with Him? I believe that the answer to these questions will have a direct correlation as to whether or not your other goals, dreams and resolutions will be realized.

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount speaks to the wide variety of concerns that we humans have, clothing, shelter, food etc., in Matthew 6. He eloquently points out the Father knows all about our needs, even the needs of the smallest part of creation. His answer to the concerns is for us to seek the kingdom of God first and his (God's) righteousness, then all these things (that we have worries, fears or concerns about) will be added to us (Matt. 6:33). So how do we seek this kingdom and this righteousness?

In order to seek the kingdom of God, we must also seek his righteousness and that's where we encounter out problem.  Righteousness eludes us. We are all broken. Some more than others, but none of us are righteous. God's standard is perfection, and we all fall short. What are we to do? How are we to gain access to this perfect being?

God provides the answer Himself in Jesus. In John 10:9, Jesus himself tells us, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." In verse 11 he says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jesus the good shepherd, who is also the door to the kingdom and righteousness gave up his life for the sheep, as well as took it up again three days later, so that all who hear His voice and turn from their sin and embrace His death and resurrection on their behalf by faith, shall enter into the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Now you have a relationship with the Sovereign of the universe as an adopted child to present acceptable worship and petitions to your Abba (an Aramaic word which is sometimes translated Papa or Daddy), as well as hear from Him through the avenue of His Word, the Bible.

So now dear reader, I ask you, where do you stand with God on this first day of 2014? Are you a child of the Great King? If not, you can call upon him confessing your sin and your need of a Savior in Christ's finished work on the cross and enter into that relationship that is missing in your life today. And if you are a believer, I would ask how is your relationship with your Father? Do you talk to Him and listen to and obey His Word? If not, what better day to start than today?