The Wired Word for the
Week of June 24, 2012
In the News
Nik Wallenda recently traveled
from the United States to Canada, crossing the border at Niagara Falls. Such a
trip happens countless times every day, and travelers who enter Canada by one
of three bridges are always required to present their passports to customs
agents.
"What is the purpose of
your trip, sir?" asked the customs agent at the border. "To inspire
people around the world," Wallenda replied. His trip was inspirational
because he performed it on a tightrope instead of a bridge, becoming the first
person in history to cross the falls in that manner.
The 33-year-old daredevil
walked a cable that was dripping with spray from Niagara Falls as 100,000
people watched his stunt from the ground. The feat was broadcast on live
television, so millions more were able to listen to the prayers he said into a
microphone as he made his way across the falls.
Wallenda is a member of the
seventh generation of the famous Flying Wallendas, a family that has performed
numerous death-defying high-wire acts since they started as a group of
travelling acrobats in Austria-Hungary in the 1700s. Their risk-taking has
sometimes resulted in death, as when Nik Wallenda's great-grandfather Karl died
in a fall in Puerto Rico in 1978.
Although the Niagara Gorge had
been crossed by tightrope over a century ago, Nik Wallenda's crossing was the
first over the actual falls. On the morning of the walk, there was a carnival
atmosphere on the American side of the falls, with "Tightrope Tailgate"
T-shirts available for sale, along with small chocolate replicas of a barrel to
commemorate the vehicle once used by Annie Edson Taylor to go over the falls --
a feat she survived. "I'm so excited we have a real daredevil," said
the Niagara Falls resident who was selling the chocolate barrels.
Wallenda started on the
American side at a little after 10 p.m., in mist so thick that he could not be
seen from the Canadian side. His high-wire walk took about half an hour and was
televised by ABC. The New York Times reported that it "had an Old
Testament feel to it."
Moving slowly along the
1800-foot wire, red-shirted Wallenda appeared to float above the thunderous
waters beneath him, and as he neared the end he was greeted by the roar of the
crowd in Canada. He pumped his fist, ran a few steps to the end of the
tightrope and embraced his family. Then he called his 84-year-old grandmother
to assure her of his safety.
Ten-year-old Erik Churuk was
part of a group of seven children who had been watching and chanting,
"Let's go, Nik, let's go!" Said Churuk, "He should be part of
history."
Reflecting on the crossing,
Wallenda said he felt a sense of peace, but also struggled to focus on the wire
beneath him. "It was absolutely amazing to have that view," he said.
Although in other tightrope walks he had been able to focus on the cable
underneath him and follow the movement of the cable with his body, there was no
way to do this over Niagara Falls. He said, "If I looked down at the cable
there was water moving everywhere, and if I looked up, there was heavy mist."
Because of the danger of the
feat, ABC required that he wear a safety harness, which would have saved his
life if he had fallen. ABC had invested $1.3 million in the event and clearly
wanted it to be successful. Wind and water whipped at Wallenda as he crossed
the falls, and at the halfway point he said, "I'm strained, I'm drained …
This is so physical, not only mental but physical … My hands are going numb. I
feel like I'm getting weak." But he persevered and made it to the end of
the tightrope, where his wife and three children were waiting for him. "I
am so blessed," he concluded. "How blessed I am to have the life that
I have."
Wallenda is already the holder
of six Guinness World Records, including the longest and highest bicycle ride
on a tightrope. Last year, he completed the walk that killed his
great-grandfather Karl, on a high wire stretched between two towers of the
10-storey Condado Plaz Hotel in Puerto Rico.
At one point in his Niagara
walk, Nik thought about his great-grandfather and the walks he had taken, and
considered this walk over the falls to be a "tribute to my ancestors and
my hero, Karl Wallenda." He described his crossing of Niagara as a dream
come true, and said, "I hope what I do and what I just did inspires people
around the world to reach for the skies."
A member of the
Buffalo-Niagara Film Board told ABC News, "Over one billion people by
Monday will have known the story of Nik Wallenda over Niagara Falls." The
next stop for Wallenda is unknown, but he already has permits in place to
become the first person to cross the Grand Canyon on a high wire.
More on this story can be
found at these links:
The Big Questions
1. Nik Wallenda claimed that
the purpose of his high-wire walk was "to inspire people around the
world." How is such a feat inspirational? Or not?
2. What is an appropriate
prayer to offer during a dangerous act? What kind of protection does God offer when
we take risks? Is there anything we do -- or don’t do -- that is not
taking a risk?
3. Describe the difference
between taking a risk for God's glory and taking a risk for our own glory.
Where is God's will done?
4. A tightrope walk across
Niagara Falls is clearly an example of perseverance. Where are we challenged to
persevere in daily life? How does the Holy Spirit help us?
5. What can we do to inspire
others to "reach for the skies" and participate in the work of God?
6. Wallenda was required to
wear a safety harness to preserve his life. What is our "safety
harness" when we take a risk for Jesus Christ?
Confronting the News with Scripture
Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion:
Joshua 2:1
"Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went, and entered the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and spent the night there." (For context, read 2:1-24.)
Preparing for the invasion of the Promised Land, Joshua sends two spies into the city of Jericho. They enter the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stay with her, and their presence becomes known to the king of Jericho, who demands that Rahab turn them over to him. She hides the men, having come to believe that the Lord had given the land to the people of Israel. Rahab asks the men for protection for her family in the coming invasion, and then helps them to escape the city of Jericho.
Questions: What risk did the two spies take, and when are we called
upon to take similar risks? Why was Rahab the harlot motivated to do what she
did, and how does her brave action inspire us today?
2 Samuel 10:12
"Be strong, and let us be courageous for the sake of our people, and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what seems good to him." (For context, read 10:9-14.)
Facing an attack from the Ammonites and the Arameans, David's commander Joab divides his soldiers into two groups, one to fight the Ammonites and one to fight the Arameans. He encourages each group to support the other if either the Ammonites or the Arameans become too strong. Joab then encourages them all with his words about being strong and courageous for the sake of their people and God's cities, and he turns the situation over to the Lord. When the battle begins, the Arameans flee, followed by the Ammonites.
Questions: What risk did Joab take in the face of a threat from the Arameans and
the Ammonites? What can we learn from his focus on fighting for the sake of the
people and God's cities, and his willingness to allow the Lord to "do what
seems good to him"?
Daniel
3:16-18
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.'" (For context, read Daniel 3:13-30.)
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon demands that everyone worship a golden statue that he has set up, but three Israelites refuse. The consequence of refusing to worship the statue is sure death in a furnace of blazing fire. When Nebuchadnezzar becomes furious at the three, he orders them thrown into the furnace, where they are not even singed. This miracle causes the king to bless the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and promote them in the province of Babylon.
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.'" (For context, read Daniel 3:13-30.)
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon demands that everyone worship a golden statue that he has set up, but three Israelites refuse. The consequence of refusing to worship the statue is sure death in a furnace of blazing fire. When Nebuchadnezzar becomes furious at the three, he orders them thrown into the furnace, where they are not even singed. This miracle causes the king to bless the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and promote them in the province of Babylon.
Questions: How do the three Israelites conduct themselves in the face
of the danger of the fiery furnace? Why are they willing to take the risk they
do? How did God protect them? What lessons does this story contain for us?
Luke 9:1-2
"Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal." (For context, read 9:1-6.)
Jesus sends his twelve disciples on a mission to drive out demons, cure diseases and proclaim the kingdom of God. He challenges them to take nothing for their mission, and to depend on the hospitality of strangers. They end up going through the villages, sharing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
Questions: What powers did Jesus give his disciples, and where do we
see such power today? Why did Jesus challenge them to take nothing for their
mission, and what could it mean for us to do our work without a "safety
harness" today? When have you stepped out in faith, as the twelve
disciples did, and what happened?
Romans 8:26
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words." (For context, read 8:18-30.)
Paul knows that the present time is full of suffering, and encourages us to face our challenges with hope and patience. He also promises the help of the Holy Spirit, who "intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (8:27) and assures us that "all things work together for good for those who love God" (8:28).
Question: In a trying time, how have you felt the Holy Spirit
helping you in your weakness? What enabled you to persevere? Where have you
discovered the will of God in a time of risk and challenge? Describe how
"all things work together for good," even in difficult circumstances.
For Further Discussion
1. Nik Wallenda has been
described as a "daredevil," which means being a reckless person who
enjoys doing dangerous things. Is there a sense in which he is literally
"daring the devil"? How would you justify such an action?
2. What are some of the risks
you are willing to take for the glory of God and the advancement of his
kingdom?
3. Discuss the importance of
prayer in risky situations, even if we, along with the apostle Paul, "do
not know how to pray as we ought" (Romans 8:26)? Is it enough to pray for
protection, or should we pray for something else?
4. Where do you see Christians
today performing actions that are truly inspiring? How can you take part?
5. The spies who entered
Jericho escaped with their lives, as did the three Israelites in the fiery
furnace. But some people of faith die as they serve the Lord. What is the value
of their risky actions?
6. Jesus said, "Those who
lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it"
(Mark 8:35). How would you apply this saying to your life today?
Responding to the News
Think about taking a risk for the kingdom of God this week. Consider an act of Christian ministry or mission that is "outside your comfort zone," and make a commitment to perform it. Discuss it with family and friends, pray about it and then do it!
Other News This Week
Wildfires in the West and Around the World
High temperatures, low snow-pack, high winds and lightning strikes with little rainfall are blamed for wildfires that have devastated at least seven states in the western United States. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed with thousands more threatened; cost estimates are $17.2 million in Colorado alone.
Pam Skinner, a resident of Los Alamos, New Mexico, wrote in an email June 16, 2012: "The fire here [in central New Mexico] burned 224 homes ... The other fire close to here is now up to 197,000 acres. The smoke from that fire is visible all the way into Texas even though the fire is burning closer to Arizona. It has burned for a month today and is about 45% contained. It will probably not grow in size as fast, now that ... more is contained, but possibly [will] burn for more than a month more. 'Contained' doesn't mean 'out.'"
The next day Sharon Miller of Westminster, Colorado, reported: "So far the High Park Fire has burned 55,050 acres and they have confirmed 181 homes have been destroyed by the fire, one human death. ... They are saying now that it could be months before it's completely out ..." Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who oversees the Forest Service, told fire managers in the state that "fighting this fire is going to require us to be aggressive, persistent and also patient. We're going to continue to work to make our forests more resilient, ... to ensure that adequate resources are provided for fighting fires and ... to ... encourage appropriate stewardship of our forests."
While wildfires scorched America, half a world away on June 18 a Canadian who was camping on a remote Norwegian island broke his foot. After waiting to be rescued for three days, he decided to try sending out smoke signals, which had the unintended consequence of setting his tent on fire. The tourist did get the attention he needed, but at the cost of sparking a raging wildfire that engulfed a large part of the island in flames. It eventually took 20 firefighters and two army helicopters to put out the blaze.
For more on these stories:
Winds Set to Fan Destructive Colorado Fire, The Wall Street Journal
Lost Camper's Smoke Signals Accidentally Start Massive Island Fire, Yahoo News
Questions
1. What does John the Baptist
mean that Jesus was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke
3:16)? What did Jesus mean when he said that he came to bring fire to the earth
(Luke 12:49)?
2. In the Bible fire is used
as a metaphor for strong emotions such as wrath, anger, jealousy, lust
(Proverbs 6:23-29) and passion. It is also associated with burnt offerings
commanded by God, with the Word of God (Jeremiah 23:29) and with the Holy
Spirit (Luke 3:16; Acts 2:3). How can this be applied to Christian life today?
3. God "is a consuming
fire" (Hebrews 12:29) who "[comes] in fire" to rebuke and
execute judgment (Isaiah 66:15-16), devour (Joel 1:19-20; Psalm 50:3; Jeremiah
21:14), test and refine (1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Zechariah 13:9; 1 Peter 4:12).
Where do you see this happening in the world today?
Some Bible Verses
Psalm 104:4
"You make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers."
Psalm 148:7-8
"Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!"
Questions: What message might God be sending through wind, and how
might fire and flame serve God's purposes and fulfill his command? Are there
times when the elements seem to be rebelling against God?
James 3:5-8
"So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. ... and is itself set on fire by hell. ... no one can tame the tongue -- a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (For context, read James 3:2-12.)
Questions: The Canadian tourist who started a forest fire with one
small spark learned what firefighters in the American Southwest know already:
that fire is unpredictable and difficult to control. Why is it so important to
develop the fruit of the Spirit known as self-control in the way we
communicate? What can happen when we neglect this spiritual discipline?
1
Peter 1:6-7
"In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith -- being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (For context, read 1:3-9.)
"In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith -- being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (For context, read 1:3-9.)
Questions: Recall a time when God tested you by fire. Were you
prepared to deal with it? How did that experience refine you and draw you
closer to God? What might a spiritual disaster preparedness plan look like, and
how could you implement it in your own life? What could help you extinguish
"the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16) in the future?
How could fiery trials produce praise and glory and honor?
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Question: After a wildfire has been contained, the danger is not
over, since floods and mudslides often follow. Knowing that you may face spiritual
floods as well as fires that test your faith, what is the significance of
Isaiah 43:2?
Closing Prayer
O God, help us to step out in faith, and to take risks for you and your kingdom. In the face of fiery trials, may we trust in your protection and peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2012 Communication Resources
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