The Three Back Approach

As I sat in church last Sunday I learned about a concept which my pastor called the "Three Back Approach".

The "Three Back Approach" is  used by the casual to dedicated historian, to sift through facts of a story and vet it for it's authenticity.  

Take, for example, your parents. How much do you know of their story? Do you know where they met? Where were they were born? Interesting experiences and challenges they faced along life’s way? Chances are most people know a fair amount of their parent’s history. For our purposes this would be considered: 1 Back

Now consider your grandparents. Again you may know a fair amount of their story as well; but now you are relying on more obscure details and facts. Your information may still be valid but harder to target. This is considered: 2 Back

Finally, what about your great grandparents. For most of us these facts are very hard to pin down. We may know names and places they lived but then details are certainly lost to us. This is considered: 3 Back.
 
The purpose of the three back approach is not to undercut our past stories. Rather, the principle serves as a guidepost as to how we can evaluate the genuine nature of what we are being told and evaluate it for truth and further application. 

As my Pastor expounded on the "Three Back Approach" Psalm 145  came to mind. The Psalmist said:

One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. (vs.3)

They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom

and tell of your power,

  to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.(vs.11-12)

 

As the Psalm swirled in my mind and spirit I realized my children have a rich heritage in the Lord. Had I intentionally sat them down and have them listen to what their grandparents and parents had seen, heard and experienced with God.   Did they know their blessed lives where attributed to the Godly lifestyle of their forefathers? The Psalmist said one generation shall praise your works to another. We love the WORD in our home and it is continually on our lips. However in Psalm 145 we find a different kind of teaching and it's through praise.  What's the difference you ask?  The Hebrew word for praise is halah which means:

TO RAVE UPON THE LORD

  TO BE CLAMOROUSLY FOOLISH BEFORE THE LORD  

Returning  to the "Three Back Approach" it's entire purpose is to keep the facts accurate for the future generation. 

  

Last Sunday after lunch I looked in our living room  and saw multiple generations sitting and talking. As I glanced around the room I realized there was a generation who had witnessed first hand a mighty move of God.  It was then I stopped our causal conversation and asked the older generation to tell the younger generation what they had witnessed and experienced first hand in their lives. As they began telling their stories you could have heard a pin drop on the floor. From the youngest around 7 to the oldest in their late forties we heard the first account stories of healing, salvation and restoration. What started out as one story quickly evolved into many stories that magnified the glorious name of Jesus. Best of all, after these stories we decided to conclude our time with praise and thanksgiving for HIS faithfulness in every generation. From the youngest in the room we all lifted our hands to God  and exalted  His Name.

As this week passed I couldn't stop thinking about our Sunday afternoon.  The stories were as full of life as they were when the events happened. Why? The scriptures tell us that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people.  Stories full of power that satisfied the soul.

 I think we can all agree we love old stories that make us happy, remind us of better times and give us hope. There is no better story than the life woven in the tapestry of Jesus Christ. I would encourage all of you to share your stories with the next generation and continue to RAVE about the MIGHTY WORKS of OUR GOD.

In Him, 

Jeannette

IN THE MIDST OF "DELUSIONAL" MEN

Years ago there was a young man in our fellowship that decided he was going to venture out and start his own business. Throughout his being a part of our community my husband had encouraged and supported this man in his endeavors. In spite of the fact that others considered him socially awkward my husband saw a man in need of affirmation and fellowship. One day this man came to our home offering his professional services and after some consideration we had to decline. The moment my husband let him know we were not interested his demeanor changed. Obviously offended he decided he was going to tell my husband what he really thought of our community and his pastor. Sitting in our living room he looked straight at my husband and said, "When are you going to realize you are delusional?"  He went on to question the call of God, in my husbands life, and "exhorted" him to give up.

Why did this man think my husband was delusional? Was it because our community was not in the hundreds or thousands? Could it be my husband did not fit a certain mold for today's pastor or leader? Was it that my husband never managed a successful business or served as an executive in a fortune 500 company? It was obvious his words, spoken from hurt and rejection, were meant to humiliate.

Since the month of October is pastor appreciation month I thought I would give a big shout out to all the men and women who have been told they are "delusional" for following the call of God. 

Just this past week I was in Kalamazoo attending a conference with pastors from around the country. During one of the breakout sessions I heard the stories of men and women who have given their lives to serve God and others. As these servant-leaders shared their stories, with authenticity and transparency, tears starting streaming down my face. But, why was I crying? In each story there was a common denominator that spoke to a deep place within my spirit. What touched me were the hearts of shepherds who are willing to give anything and everything to answer the call of God.

Story after story I heard the familiar burden of true shepherds. These are the unknown soldiers, serving in the trenches, who cannot abandon the call to serve. Many of these men ,according to western church thinking, fall into the category of delusional, unsuccessful, ill-equipped and failures. But I would suggest the following:

• These are the men who have prayed and pleaded, before God's throne, for our families. Would any person selflessly do this?
• These are the men who study God's Word so, above all else, our souls prosper. Is that not worth more than gold? 
• These are the men, with the eyes of a shepherd, who see us wandering before we realize we have strayed. Are not their words of counsel and wisdom worth paying attention too? 
• These are the men who in spite of adversity, disappointment and hardship endure to the end. Shouldn't we encourage and support them along the way?
• These are the men who give of their own limited funds to help you pay your bills when your in need. Did you know that?
• These are the men that rejoice with you when your child is born, you get a job promotion and your children marry. Ask yourself, when was the last time you rejoiced for your pastor?
• These are the men who will admit they are far from perfect and, at times, will make imperfect decisions. Are they not worthy of our mercy and patience? 
• These are the men that, when the phone rings at 5:30 am, are willing to get out of bed and meet with you as well as minister to your need. Would we do the same?
• These are the men that, when they are on vacation, will always answer your distressing phone call and never let it go to voice mail. Are we on call 24-7?

• These are the men that sacrifice their lives, and family needs, for a salary that rarely covers their living expenses. Would we do the same?