In The News
PROVOCATIVE TOWN NAMES
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I was alerted to the fact by a recent online article that some towns have provocative names. The village in which I was raised was called Wytopitlock. It was generally thought of Indian derivation, although no one seemed to know its meaning. Other towns have obvious points of reference, as in the case of Pleasant Valley.
Examples proliferate. Why? was the first town listed. As if to suggest that one should have a constructive purpose in visiting the village. Otherwise, they would distract those engaged in serious enterprise. If not for this reason, then for some alternative.
Get Organized seems along the line of an urgent exhortation. This reminds me of the creation account, where God brought order out of chaos. Then to have chaos return, as an evidence of human depravity. While sponsored by evil powers and principalities, as a means of frustrating God gracious agenda.
Conversely, Be Confident appears as an encouragement, regardless of the adverse circumstances we may be encountering. Since God is concerned for our welfare, and seeks to minister to us in our distress. Moreover, he will triumph over his adversaries, and welcome those who are faithful into eternal bliss.
Lost gives the impression of no longer knowing what life consists of. Whereas, it is said that our chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy his everlasting blessing. Otherwise expressed, to love God without qualification, and our neighbor as oneself. Accordingly, Jesus pointed out that one’s neighbor is not one who acts in this fashion toward us, but determined by our approach to him. In addition, Christ affirmed that he had come to seek out and save the lost. As set over against those convinced of their self-righteousness.
Boring requires something along the line of a reality check. Persons are tempted to take life for granted, while actually it is quite remarkable. This recalls a time when as a child I paused to watch ants scurry about in their corporate enterprise. I was not only amazed by their activity, but how they seemed to cooperate with one another. I was subsequently reminded of this from time to time as an incentive to emulate their behavior.
Truth or Consequences brings to mind an earnest pastoral commentary. If the former, then by dwelling on what is true, speaking the truth, and living in accord with truth. If the latter, then as an example of injustice—resulting in the loss of credibility. It remains for us to make the choice, whether for the better or worse.
While Nothing lacks credibility. There is always something for which we should be concerned, and someone for whom we should be available. In this regard, God serves as our precedent. Consequently, we should think of life as essentially good, given the provision that we live according to divine revelation.
Nowhere seems equally unrealistic. In this regard, "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth, and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:26-27).
Perhaps the most surprising designation in the list was Hell. I am quite at a loss as to why this name was chosen. My wife and I lived overlooking the Hinnom Valley in Jerusalem for four years. This is believed to have given rise to Jesus’ imagery concerning hell, since trash was burned there. I would on occasion descend into the valley late in the afternoon, after my day’s work was done, to search for potsherds—some of which dated to the time of Jesus. It was with this in mind that I concluded that hell accommodates that which no longer serves the purpose for which God intended it, as noted above.
Finally, Yourself. As if an appeal to embrace an authentic life style. One which does not seek to usurp divine prerogatives on the one hand, or restrict human potential on the other. While in keeping with the sage saying, "One with God is in the majority."
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