Cloyce Sutton Online

Reflections on spiritual themes (and a few other things).

Resolving the Tristan Chord

December 6, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The story of Tristan and Isolde is a medieval Celtic romance between ill-fated lovers. Tristan is a Cornish knight who transports princess Isolde of Ireland to marry his uncle, King Marke of Cornwall. Enroute, they accidently drink a love potion and fall in love, incurring the king’s wrath. They eventually make peace with Marke who marries Isolde, while Tristan goes to Brittany and marries princess Isolde of the White Hands. Sometime later, Tristan is mortally wounded and sends for Isolde of Ireland, the only person who can heal him. His jealous wife tells him that Isolde of Ireland isn’t coming, and he dies just before she arrives. When she arrives, she also dies, holding him in her arms. Their forbidden love never ceased. 

In his opera Tristan and Isolde, Richard Wagner represented their unfulfilled longing with a minor chord progression popularly known as the Tristan chord. The opera opens with a minor chord (F-B-D#–G#) followed by three more minor chords. Normally minor chords are resolved by transitioning to a major chord. Wagner, however, used this unresolved progression throughout the opera to reiterate their incomplete relationship. It’s only at the very end as Isolde sings the aria “Liebestod” (Love-Death) that the chords are resolved.

Minor chords in music can express longing, uncertainty, fear, sadness, suspense, despair, danger, or even self-reflection. As such, I’d suggest that minor chords are a useful metaphor for the uncertainties we face in life. This is especially true for Christians. Like Wagner’s opera, we often deal with unresolved longings and issues throughout our earthly existence. For many of us, there’s no final resolution in the here and now. 

We long for wholesome relationships, only to be frustrated by inattention. We long for financial security, but live paycheck-to-paycheck. We long for good health but struggle with chronic illness and pain and medication. We long for strong, active, growing congregations, but deal with stagnation and friction. We long for quiet neighborhoods, peaceful communities, and effective government, but we’re surrounded by noise, unrest, and ineptitude. We long for meaning and substance and hope, but even in Christ we realize that things will never be complete in this life. The Tristan chord remains unresolved. 

The resolution of all things discordant will be the return of Jesus and the ushering in of his eternal kingdom. We wait “until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Corinthians 4.5). His return will bring resolution to all things: “We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3.2).

None of this is to say that our earthly life in Christ is devoid of joy and blessing, purpose and resolution. In Christ we’ve been given “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1.3). Jesus’ first appearance in this world “brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1.10). In Christ we have enlightenment, hope, glory, strength, and fulness (Ephesians 1.18-23). 

It’s just a reminder that we’re awaiting something better, the sounding of the final chord that brings this life’s song to its joyful end. 

Of God and Kings and Elections

November 8, 2024 / / 0 Comments

“I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”

Will Rogers

These days, politics aren’t especially funny: they’re more of a bad joke. One doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry. America is less and less civil about its politics, more and more polarized, and less and less effective at producing meaningful change. 

This isn’t new. In biblical times, kings and citizens alike fretted over the state of the state. Kings and citizens alike created disastrous human alliances in the name of expediency. Kings and citizens alike trusted government to keep them safe and happy, with disappointing results.

Psalm 20 was written against a backdrop of political turmoil. A psalm of David, it points to a time of political and national unrest during his reign. The psalm mentions trouble and protection (verse 1); help and support (verse 2); victory banners (verse 5); chariots and horses (verse 7); and saving the king (verse 9). Despite the optimistic tone, trouble is brewing. The psalm was written, in part, to warn against trusting the wrong things in the face of such trouble.

The people support the king and pray for him (verse 5). They ask that YHWH accept the king’s prayers (verses 1a, 4a, 5b) and sacrifices (verse 3). They ask that YHWH help and support their king (verse 2) and to make the king’s military plans successful (verse 4b). With any nation the wellbeing of the people is bound up with the wellbeing of their leaders. 

The speaker in verse 6 appears to be the king. He’s encouraged by the concern and petitions of his subjects. He’s especially encouraged by the power of God to deliver him in battle. 

Perhaps the most profound thought of the psalm is also its greatest challenge: “Some trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (verse 7). In biblical times, most battles were fought with infantry in open fields. Chariots and horses were a huge tactical advantage. The temptation was to accumulate them in hopes of developing a superior army, but YHWH forbade Israelites that luxury (Deuteronomy 17.16). Israel must trust YHWH. 

Isaiah said, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31.1)

Haggai wrote, “I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the horses and their riders will go down, everyone by the sword of another” (Haggai 2.21b-22).

For Israel it was always about trust: Would they trust human wisdom or God’s, human power or God’s? It’s no different for us today. While the right to vote is a precious privilege, don’t forget that elections, politicians, governments, and armies are human power structures. Real power resides with God. 

I’ve been eligible to vote in 12 presidential elections. Each one is “the most important decision in our lifetimes.” With each one, “the nation’s future hangs in the balance.” Each one says, “the choice couldn’t be clearer.” After a while, it all sounds alike. The danger is believing it. 

We must remember that there are some things elections don’t change. God is still on his throne (Daniel 2.21; Isaiah 40.15, 17). Jesus is still Lord (1 Timothy 6.15; Revelation 17.14; 19.16; Revelation 15.3-4). The Holy Spirit is alive and well (Ephesians 4.3; Philippians 1.27; 2.1-2). The Bible is still God’s word (Isaiah 40.6-8; Psalm 119.89). The church belongs to Christ (Matthew 16.18; Ephesians 3.8-11). Disciples of Jesus are lights in the world (Matthew 5.14-16; Philippians 2.14-16). In the end, God’s people win (See the book of Revelation).

Our God reigns!

Yes or No?

October 24, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Why is it that weather forecasts and forecasters try to make you feel miserable?

In the summer, it’s the “heat index.” The forecaster can’t just say it’ll be hot. Or very hot. The forecaster must explain that the temperature will feel even worse than it is. In the winter, it’s the “wind chill factor.”  The forecaster can’t just say it’ll be cold. Or very cold. The forecaster must explain that the temperature will feel even worse than it is.

I’m sure they mean well. But sometimes I wish they’d just tell me the facts as accurately as possible and let me decide how I should act upon them. Instead, they try to sell me on the weather, tell me how I’m supposed to dress and behave, and how I’m supposed to feel. It’s less about weather forecasting and more about weather marketing.

In our media-saturated, consumer-oriented culture, much of everyday life is shaped by marketing. We must be sold on a concept. Someone wants to create a need in me that really isn’t a need, a need I didn’t realize I had until I saw a particular ad on TV or on social media (which involved tracking all my preferences and clicks). 

I can’t just buy toothpaste – my mouth, life, and relationships must be transformed. I can’t just buy breakfast cereal – I must buy something that’s kid-friendly, tasty, fun, has a toy, and provides 100% of my nutritional needs. I can’t just buy a new shirt – I should make a fashion statement. I can’t just buy a vehicle to get me to and fro – it must be sexy. I can’t just say that this product is good – I have to say it’s phat, dope, lit, sick, or (of course) awesome. 

Enough already!

It’s estimated that adults speak about 16,000 words per day (in Science, August 2007). If you translate that into a text document, that’s about 32 pages of text per day (letter-sized paper, one-inch margins, 12-point text). That’s about 500 pages in a two-week period. In other words, you speak enough to produce a novel every two weeks. 

Jesus once warned “that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12.36). How many of our 16,000 words per day (or 500 pages per fortnight) are worth remembering? Even more, were our words truthful? Clear? Direct? Loving? 

There’s a reason why Jesus said, “let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil” (Matthew 5.37). How elegantly simple! Just say what needs to be said, nothing more, nothing less, no spin, no manipulation. Just truth. 

For today and every day say just exactly what needs to be said.

Saying Grace

October 17, 2024 / / 2 Comments

“You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” (G. K. Chesterton)

“Saying grace” refers to the brief prayers of thanksgiving we offer before meals. Jesus himself “blessed” the food (Greek, eulogeō) at the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14.19; Mark 6.41; Luke 9.16). John’s account said he “gave thanks” (John 6.11; Greek, eucharisteō). Christians are simply following Jesus’ example of gratitude for daily bread (Matthew 6.11). 

In Scripture, however, prayer is a constant thing, not just a mealtime thing. The apostle Paul said, “Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5.17-18). Daniel prayed three times each day (Daniel 6.10). David brought his concerns before God “evening and morning and at noon” (Psalm 55.17). The anonymous writer of Psalm 119 said, “seven times a day I praise you” (v. 164). 

All of which brings us back to Chesterton’s comment. Every aspect of our lives comes under the authority, scrutiny and interest of God. He sees and cares about everything we do. That being the case, it makes sense to be willing and diligent to bring everything before him in prayer and petition, thanksgiving and praise. In this regard, the totality of our lives becomes an ongoing daily conversation with our heavenly Father.

For today say grace. Say it often. Say it about everything. For today, give over every part of your life to God in prayer and petition, in thanksgiving and praise.

Cause & Applause

October 9, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Work for a cause, not for applause.
Live life to express, not to impress.
Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.

This bit of wisdom from that ubiquitous author “Anonymous” addresses our motives. Why do we do what we do? The answer suggested by the quotation is that we should do things to impact others without wanting to be attention-grabbers.

Attention-seekers usually get exactly what they are want: a few moments in the spotlight and nothing more. Often the attention they get isn’t what they wanted. Attention-seekers have a way of making themselves look greedy, needy or seedy. They attention they get is usually in the form of amusement, pity or disgust. 

A better approach to life is simply to do worthwhile things. Do things that are noble in themselves: pursue a good cause, express a though-provoking opinion, work in such a way that people will regret it when you leave. Live your life in this way, and you’ll get the right kind of attention in the right proportions and in the right way. 

Jesus addressed our motives for service when he said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 6.1). He followed with three illustrations — giving alms to impress others (v. 2ff); praying to impress others (v. 5-15); fasting to impress others (v. 16-18). With each example, he said that when we do something to grab attention, as soon as we are noticed we “have [our] reward in full” (v. 2, 5, 16). This was an accounting phrase. It’s what clerks do when a bill is paid: they stamp the bill with bold red letters saying, “Paid In Full.” For the attention-seeking do-gooder, his only reward is the applause of men, not the approval of God. 

Earlier in this text Jesus reminds us that our good works will be and should be seen: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5.16). Jesus’ concern wasn’t that we do things publicly, but that we do not do them for publicity. Doing things “Before men” emphasizes visibility; doing things “to be seen of men” emphasizes vanity. One approach glorifies God, the other glorifies the doer.

For today, do good because you ought to do good. For Christians, that’s its own reward.

The Value of Salt

September 18, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Salt is one of the most important chemical compounds ever discovered.

Science has long known its value. Sodium chloride, the chemical name for salt, is essential to cellular function. It’s involved in muscle contractions (including our heartbeats) and in our nerve impulses. Salt helps in the digestion of proteins and regulates the exchange of water between our cells and the fluids that surround them. Lack of salt may lead to dehydration, convulsions, paralysis, and death. 

In ancient times salt was at least as valuable as gold, and in some cases worth more. The 6th century AD Roman Senator Cassiodorus said, “Some seek not gold, but there lives not a man who does not need salt.” Historically, salt has been the most taxed commodity in human history, with examples dating as far back as 2200 BC. It was used to preserve food as well as to give it flavor. Our word “salary” traces all the way back to the Latin word “salarium,” which was an allowance, stipend, or pension. Originally this word referred to a Roman soldier’s allowance or stipend for the purchase of salt. 

During the time of Abraham (early 2nd millennium BC), there are references to the Salt Sea (a.k.a. the Dead Sea, cf. Genesis 14.3). Lot’s wife famously became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19.26). Israelites were required to include salt in their offerings (Leviticus 2.13). Some covenants were sealed with salt (2 Chronicles 13.5). 

And, in Haitian culture, salt is said to cure Zombies. If that isn’t useful, I don’t know what is. 

In view of its historic importance, it shouldn’t surprise us when Jesus declared that his disciples were “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5.13). He was saying that they were as necessary to the spiritual preservation of the world as salt is necessary to the preservation of human life. Take away salt, and the world becomes flat and putrid. Take away disciples, and the world becomes hopelessly corrupt. 

It’s no secret that Christians are a minority in this world, always have been and always will be. But despite our lowly presence, we can impact this world in the most important of ways. Prior to calling his disciples the salt of the earth, Jesus also described them as spiritually impoverished, as mourners, as gentle, as spiritually hungry, as merciful and pure, and as peacemakers (Matthew 5.3-9). These character traits are what cause us to be the salt of the earth. The Lord Jesus transforms us into such people by his divine power.

When you’re discouraged by what seems to be the ubiquity of evil around you, take heart. You’re the salt of the earth, by Jesus’ design. That means you have power and influence that this world cannot live without. 

The Valley of Despair

September 3, 2024 / / 0 Comments

In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear uses the phrase “Valley of Disappointment” to describe an early phase of trying to change a habit. People set goals and implement small changes, but after weeks or months see little progress. They get discouraged during this time and quit trying. This period of frustration and apparent lack of progress is the “Valley of Disappointment.”

Often Christians experience a similar phenomenon. Maybe they’ve lost a family member to death. Maybe they’ve suffered a faith crisis. Maybe it’s persecution or a life-altering illness. Maybe it’s disappointment in others or struggle with persistent sin. Regardless of the specific problem, Christians find themselves at a turning point with no choice but to start over again. They make the necessary changes and press on. Only to find themselves in a rut, with no resolution in sight. 

It’s less about disappointment than despair – a feeling of loss or hopelessness, worrying that either God won’t answer or that he’s already answered with a resounding “No!” Less a Valley of Disappointment than a Valley of Despair. That’s not to minimize the importance of good habits, nor is it to suggest that the frustrations of habit building don’t sometimes lead to despair. It does, however, remind us that in Christ we’re dealing with matters that touch the essence of who we are as people made in God’s image, and with matters that have eternal implications.

Persistence is the key to nurturing good habits and working through the Valley of Disappointment. Likewise, perseverance (the spiritual version of persistence) sees us through the Valley of Despair. Part of perseverance is simply waiting. “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him” (Psalm 62.5). The greater the despair, the greater the need for patience. “I am weary with my crying, my throat is parched, my eyes fail while I wait for my God” (Psalm 69.3).

This kind of waiting, however, is anything but passive. “Wait for the Lord and keep his way” (Psalm 37.34a). It’s not mere resignation, but full of hope. “And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you” (Psalm 39.7). Such patient perseverance is rewarded by God. “The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for his lovingkindness” (Psalm 147.11).

The Valley of Despair is as dark a place as imaginable. It’s full of frustration and uncertainty. It’s a place where Satan exploits our doubts and fears and convinces us that continuing the course is futile. 

Faith knows better, for in faith, we “rejoice in hope, persevere in tribulation, and devote ourselves to prayer” (Romans 12.12). 

Seeking Light

August 21, 2024 / / 0 Comments

If you’ve ever had a garden, you’ve probably noticed that many plant varieties are phototropic, which means that they’re light seeking. The plants lean toward the sun as they grow. Some are heliotropic – a specific kind of phototropism – meaning that they bend or shake to track the sun’s movement during the day and maximize each plant’s exposure to the sun. Sunflowers are an especially good example.

Light is central to God’s creation. On the first day of creation, after creating the heavens and the earth, he made light and darkness. On the fourth day of creation, he made the celestial bodies to govern the various cycles of light and dark, as well as seasonal changes.

Light is central to God’s moral creation. The apostle John said, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1.5). The psalmist understood God as the source of all light: “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psalm 36.9). God doesn’t just provide light, he is light.

If God is light, it shouldn’t surprise us that his moral light is necessary for spiritual growth. Just as plants need light to survive and thrive, we need God’s light to be spiritually healthy. Sometimes his light is for illumination (Psalm 18.28; 119.130). Sometimes it’s for guidance (Psalm 43.3; 1 John 1.7). Sometimes it symbolizes blessing (Psalm 4.6). Sometimes it represents moral purity and righteousness (Psalm 112.4; Ephesians 5.8-9). Sometimes it’s the opposite of moral darkness (Romans 13.12; Ephesians 5.8-9, 13; 1 Peter 2.9). The concept covers a lot of territory in the Scriptures.

But the critical point for believers is that we must always seek the light. Yes, we need light to survive, but we must seek it. Plants do this because they’re programmed to do it. Humans, on the other hand, have a choice.

Most people are familiar with the great affirmation of God’s love in John 3.16. But the verses that follow are equally important, because they explain what it means to believe and receive the promise of eternal life. “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” (John 3.19-21).

Do I hate darkness enough to seek the light? Do I love the light enough to expose myself to its penetrating power? Do I love God enough to seek his truth, practice it, and accept his judgments about my way of life?

These are questions we all need to ask.

Lincoln’s Filing System

August 13, 2024 / / 2 Comments

At 6-feet, 4-inches tall, Abraham Lincoln was America’s tallest president. As if that weren’t enough, he wore a silk stovepipe hat that added an additional 7 or 8 inches of height. Add a couple more inches from the heels of his boots and he appeared to be about 7 feet tall. 

Lincoln’s hat wasn’t just a fashion statement. He kept important papers in it as well.[1] He was known to store speeches, official government documents, and personal correspondence in his hat. He once apologized to a politician, Richard S. Thomas, for failing to respond to a letter because he put it in the wrong hat and forgot about it. 

We all have our own filing systems. We may not put things in our hats, but many of us stack things on our desks. Some have carefully organized file cabinets. Some store things on their computers or in the cloud. Some throw things in a box. Some just throw everything away and hope for the best.

There are some things, however, that should be filed away safely, permanently, and instantly available. God’s word is one such thing.

Job said, “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23.8). For him, God’s words were his sustenance, even more so than the food on his table. God’s words were a priceless commodity to Job.

To that same end, the psalmist said, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119.11). Like Lincoln, the psalmist had a special place for his most important stuff. Unlike Lincoln, they weren’t in his hat, they were in his heart. The psalmist internalized the words of God and made them a part of himself. 

To love the Lord will all our heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6.5) requires nothing less. If we love the Lord, we’ll love his word. If we treasure our relationship with the Lord, we’ll treasure his word. If we depend upon the Lord, we’ll depend upon his word.

To treasure God’s word in our heart starts with our habits. We need to read God’s word. We need to meditate upon it. We need to memorize it. We need to take notes about it. We need to spend time with it. We need to cherish it, prize it, use it, share it, talk about it, pray about it, and thank God for it. 

Where do you store the word of God?

[1] https://historyfacts.com/us-history/fact/abraham-lincoln-stored-important-documents-in-his-top-hat/

How Deep the Father’s Love

August 7, 2024 / / 0 Comments

During the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British runner Derek Redmond was a favorite to win a medal in the 400-meter sprint. During his career he held the British record for the 400 meters and had won gold medals in the 4×400 relays at the World Championships, European Championships & Commonwealth Games. In the Olympic quarterfinals, he posted the best time. 

About a third of the way through the semifinal, he tore his right hamstring and fell to the ground. Before the medical team could reach him, he got up and started hobbling along the track. He was in pain, and he was crying. He knew he couldn’t win, but he could at least finish. So, he continued to hobble along the track toward the finish line.

As he rounded the final turn, and older man came running down from the stands, brushed past the security guards, and came alongside Redmond. It was his father, Jim Redmond. He said, “You don’t have to do this.”

Derek said, “Yes, I do.”

His father said, “Well, then, we’re going to finish the race together.”

And so, they did. They walked the remaining 100 meters or so, each with his arm around the other. 65,000 onlookers cheered as Redmond’s father helped him finish the race.

This story reminds me of two realities in the Christian life. First, our lives as Christians are compared to running a race (cf. 1 Corinthians 9.24; Philippians 3.13-14; Hebrews 12.1; 2 Timothy 4.7). We’re urged to run the race with endurance, with our eye on the prize, knowing that others who have already finished are cheering for us. 

Second, our Father is helping us along the way. Psalm 118.6 says, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Our heavenly Father walks with us in the midst of our pain, lightening the burden, and steering us home. 

I’m a shameless Olympics watcher. I’ve watched the video from that moment countless times. Every time I watch it, I cry. No, I sob. There’s something about a father helping a son through an ordeal that touches me deeply. Perhaps it’s memories of the times my father helped me. Perhaps it’s the hope that I helped my own children through their struggles. But mostly, it’s a reflection of the innumerable times when my heavenly Father held me up and walked with me. 

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1.12). May we all walk with him.

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