Endurance and suffering – walklikejesus

Not Alone – preparing to live with power and prosperity

September 29, 2020Posted in Endurance and sufferingLeave a comment

Which word best describes your year? Let me guess:

a. Uncertain | b. Disastrous | c. Painful | d. Wasted | e. All of the above.

Yet deep in our hearts we have this hope that this rough ride is in some way purposeful, that perhaps this perilous path is preparation for power. Such expectation for good is not vain imagination – it is the substance of the Biblical message.

As pastor I am often confronted with questions about the purpose of pain. If God is all powerful and has good plans for us, why do we find ourselves walking through dark valleys like many do during this year? Why not just skip the bad times and move straight to the good times ahead? We would all love that!

Moses answers this question in the re-giving of the Law to the Jews about to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 8 is one of the most moving chapters in the Bible, where we sense God’s vulnerability and loving concern for his people. We also see God’s desire to bless his children, to do them good and to prosper them. Verses 3 and 18 serve as a good summary.

In this emotive text God reveals that he is the one who had lead them through this season of hardship in the wilderness. He was the one who opened the Red sea so they entered the wilderness, and he is the one who will again open the Jordan river so they could exit this hostile terrain. This season of hardship was his design, “to do you good in the end.” (Deut. 8:16) In some way, this hardship was for Israel’s benefit – a season of preparation to live with power and prosperity. A season of character building, if you will.

In particular, the Lord mentions two purposes with this season of preparation: to humble and to test. First, the dessert-dwelling was meant to instill in the ethos of Israel a character of humility, a healthy awareness of their insufficiency to do life by themselves. The forty years of daily provision was meant to teach them that what they have is a gift from God, and that when they don’t have God is still their provider. As I wrote before, “not by bread alone but by every word from the Lord” refers to the provision from God, reminding them that they are eternally dependent on the Lord. We are never self-sufficient.

Secondly, the journey through the harsh wilderness was a time of testing, revealing what was in their heart, “whether you would keep his commandment or not” (v2). Moses’ account of Israel’s encounters in the dessert is indeed revealing of their unthankful, flaky and rebellious character. Tough times tend to show us for who we are. In life as in a harbour, times of plenty means sailing is smooth, but during low tide the rocks at the base of our character causes dangerous and embarrassing moments. Low tide is not the problem; low tide only reveals the problems that were there all along.

The Lord’s purpose – for Israel and for us – is not only to show us what is in our heart, but also to correct and train us as a loving Father (v5). His purpose, as revealed in this chapter, is to heal our hearts so that we may live well with the prosperity and power he plans to entrust us with, in fulfillment of his covenant (v7-10, 17-18).

This is both the great promise and stern warning in this moving chapter: that indeed God had led Israel through this long period of testing and shaping in the wilderness, because of the great prosperity and power they were about to inherit. Indeed, God had promised them wealth and success, “to eat and be full and bless the Lord” (v10).

All they were called to do was remember the Lord, remember the way he led them to this place of prosperity and power. This blessing is a gift from God, in fulfilment of his promise, to reveal his covenant (v18; compare Psalm 25:12-14). Israel’s journey, from being powerless, poor slaves in Egypt to their prosperity in Palestine, was a witness of God’s character, power and purpose in the world. Their position of power and prosperity was meant to portray God’s nature and partner with his purpose of redemption and restoration of his creation. It’s all about the Lord and his covenant.

Therefore the stern warning that sets the tone of this beautiful chapter: do not forget from where you come, and the way the Lord had brought you here. If you forget the Lord and think that your prosperity is the product of your own power, “you will perish” (v19-20). God is bound to his purpose and jealous of his glory.

In some sense this chapter paints Israel’s entry into the Promised Land as a return Eden: the Lord having redeemed his people from slavery, bringing through the wilderness into a garden of plenty. And therefore the great warning: “do not fall for the temptation to sin as your ancestors Adam and Eve did by enjoying My gifts and thinking you don’t need Me anymore”, says the Lord. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5-6; James 4:6)

Metaphorically, do you find yourself in the wilderness on the way to the promise of God for your life? Or can you acknowledge that you already enjoy much power and prosperity from God? Regardless of where you see yourself in relation to the hope in your heart, a year such as 2020 brings much shaking, inviting us to note our response to hardship.

As when this message was first preached to the wilderness-dwelling Israelites en route to their promised destination, it reminds us during tough times of God’s promise to not abandoned us and fulfill the good plans prepared for us. This message also reminds us that God always provides during tough times, calling us to receive both the humble daily manna or the plenty with thanks as gifts from God. This chapter reassures us that these hard times hold purpose for our good, urging us to allow the season of testing to purify and prepare us for what lies ahead. Lastly, Moses’ message moves us to soberly assess the pitfall of prosperity and power: the temptation to presume independence from God when all is well. Such pride progressively permeates our mindset, gradually moving from an indifference towards God and God’s people / Word / mission to the tragic ignorance of God’s presence where Samson “did not notice that the Lord had left him” (Judges 16:20). Because God loves us, he will save us from each gift we turn into an idol, and return us to retrain us in the wilderness (Hosea 2:14).

Our invitation in these tumultuous times is to note our emotional responses towards the hardships, to remember the Lord who has shown us his goodness by recalling the particular saving moments which brought us to where we are today. We are invited to remember and re-imagine the promise of his goodness he holds before us, as it is the basis of his covenant to restore all things! We are urged to re-evaluate our relationship with the blessings he has gifted to us, whether health, plenty, prestige or power, rendering all we are and all we have in service to him. This is indeed a time to remind ourselves that “in him we live, we move and we have our being” (Acts 17:28)

Marching on – joining God’s restoration

September 11, 2020Posted in Endurance and sufferingTagged Call to action, conquest, courage, disheartened, Faith, fear, hopeLeave a comment

If there was ever a time to “rebuild, restore, repair” (Isaiah 61:4) a nation, the time is now. Covid-19 hit South Africa hard in a time during which it was reeling from the blows of post-Apartheid tensions, wide-spread corruption, a series of droughts and ongoing political instability. Today, unemployment is at an all-time high and our economy has shrunk by 50%. Racial and socio-economic polarization is ever widening and social unrest is a common occurance. The education system is struggling to meet the need. Infrastructure is deteriorating. The social fibre of families and communities are fractured, resulting in lower morals, violence and a general sense of hopelessness. The “rainbow nation” dream we embarked on 25 years ago seems as evasive as the pot of gold grounding this colourful symbol of hope to our land.

In this dire situation, there is a call for the courageous ones to lead the charge. But rather than courage I see even faith-filled people disengaged from God’s invitation to “rebuild up the ancient ruins; raise the former devastations; repair the ruined cities”. The waves of devastation persuade many to defect from God’s Kingdom quest to renew all things.[1] Others seem distracted from the call to rebuild by their pursuits of security and comfort.[2] Many will admit that they are dismayed – pacified from terror by scale decay and destruction. Sadly, the majority of faithful, courageous Kingdom veterans seem disheartened, weary from the repeated efforts to reconcile, rebuild and restore a nation in pain; They have lost confidence in their ability to make a lasting impact and are tired of trying.

Can you identify with one of these groups? Because if you can, the historical account of Jonathan and his armour bearer will speak not just into our contemporary context, but also into your heart.

1 Samuel 13 opens with the newly crowned King Saul and his son Jonathan leading the oppressed tribes of Israel in combat against the Philistines strongholds in Gibeah. By God’s grace, they had success in these two battles, and 30’000 men joined King Saul’s army. However, the Philistines responded by marching an innumerable mass of foot soldiers, 30’000 chariots and 6’000 horseback riders. The Israelites were terrified, knowing that they were not only outnumbered but also outclassed by Philistines technology – they had no blacksmiths who could produce iron weapons like their enemies.

These overwhelming odds left Saul’s army intimidated. After one week 24’000 defectors, dismayed, and distracted soldiers abandoned the quest to liberate Israel from its oppressors. And the 600 who were left were dismayed, hiding out in a spot where the Benjamites also fortified themselves for four months a few years earlier.[3] However, 1 Samuel 14 shows how two men’s faith in God not only brought about a great victory but revived the hearts of the soldiers to trust in God and fight for the restoration of Israel again.

This account was recorded as an encouragement and example for God’s people facing similar overwhelming odds.[4] What can we, facing equally devastating challenges, learn from this inspiring story?

Lessons from Jonathan’s quest

The contrast between King Saul and his son Jonathan is striking: while the king and his army were “taking it easy” (14:2 MSG) in their hideout, Jonathan remembered that there is a cause. Yes, he could play it safe and enjoy his status and comfort, but Jonathan’s conviction persuaded him the crisis called him to act in courage. In a similar situation, three chapters later, his future friend David challenged the cowering soldiers’ passivity: “Is there not a cause?”[5] Jonathan was compelled to act on his conviction. Yes, it is safer and more comfortable to secure yourself, to stay away from the destructive forces and maintain the status quo, but there is a cause that calls for courage.

Jonathan’s courage would make Brene Brown very proud: he planned to be vulnerable and show up in the face of fear, and trust in God. Outnumbered, with only one sword, in an exposed, defenceless position at the bottom of the ravine, he tested his conviction to check whether indeed was with him in this endeavour. He acted in humble faith, not arrogant presumption. Jonathan knew that Israel’s covenant God had delivered his people from even greater dangers in the past and that He was faithful and able to save them from this situation. But he did not pressure that his plan was indeed Israel’s plan, and therefore he checked with God before climbing the cliff face into combat.

Once his check confirmed his conviction that God is indeed calling him into this conflict, Jonathan was confident to climb into combat. But he was not alone – the prince was comforted by the companionship of his dedicated armour bearer’s vow “I’m with you all the way.” And where two of more agrees about anything, there the Lord is present, commanding a blessing. The Lord’s cooperation in their fight was more than their strength in combat: the Lord himself was fighting for the liberation of his people from oppression, “the ground itself quaking”. He did not send Jonathan into battle on his behalf – he was inviting Jonathan to join him in the liberation of his people.

The chaos of combat attracted the attention of the look-outs above king Saul’s hideout. Learning that the cries came from his son’s charge against the Philistine garrison, Saul called the priest closer to inquire the will of God (through some ritual). But the noise of combat became so loud that he got the army to combat. God was in the move, calling Israel to join the deliverance!

Courage is contagious, as we see in this account. The disheartened regained strength, the defectors returned to Israel’s army, the dismayed reemerged from their hideouts, and the distracted rejoined the quest to rid the land of evil. And therein is the hope for our day: one believer who responds to God’s invitation to join him or her in his quest to rebuild, repair and restore will instil the courage to those disengaged from God’s Kingdom mission to renew the land.

A call for our day

It is tempting to flee from the devastation that is sweeping over the country. It is comforting to gather with God’s people for safety and avoid the dangers and oppression in the world around us. It is easier to focus on personal security and comfort of our homes. But ignoring the pain and destructive forces will only embed the ruin for coming generations. Like Jonathan, the Lord of Liberty and Life is calling him to join him as he tackles the evils that enslave the nation.

Landa Cope writes of research into “the most Christian city in America” where Dallas, Texas boasts the most active Christian Church attendance and giving in the nation. The sobering outcome of the study reveals that mere devotion to God and church activities has seemly no impact on the wellbeing (peace) of the city. If the charge on the church could be summed in the phrase “Let God’s Kingdom Come”, or “seek the peace of the city”[6], then this research suggests that mere church attendance and ministry among the members utterly fails the mandate of the church. We are called to get out of the safe spaces and engage the enemies of God’s kingdom with the Lord of Hosts.

And like Jonathan learned, this text shows us that God is on the march with those who dare, and all barriers bow in his presence among his people.

“What ails you, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
O mountains, that you skip like rams?
O hills, like lambs?

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob”

Psalm 114

This account is both comforting and inspirational to me. An oppressed and divided nation, led by a cowardice ruler and self-preserving security force was captured by a hoard of coordinated, brutal plunderers. One man had it in his heart to risk his comfort for the cause, confident of God’s power and faithfulness. He did more than recapture that piece of land; his charge inspired the confidence of Israel’s fighting men. Imitating Jonathan’s trust in God will be rewarded by God’s cooperation, as well as the spreading of contagious courage.

This text calls me to quiet down and consider where God calls me to join him in his work of restoration and reconciliation. Which “garrison” of evil we would love to see demolished first. What cause is close to us, always in our mind and on our heart? Which companion will join us in this charge? But before we move, we need to check whether this is charge is something the Lord is inviting you into, at this time.

[1] Revelation 21:5; Matthew 19:28-30

[2] “A soldier refrains from entangling himself with the affairs of this world” (2 Timothy 2:4)

[3] Compare 1 Samuel 14:1-4 with Judges 20:47.

[4] Romans 15:4

[5] 1 Samuel 17:29

[6] Jeremiah 29:7

Greater still – the best is yet to come

December 5, 2018Posted in Endurance and suffering, Practical ChristianityTagged future, hope, new year, victory2 Comments

If in this life we hope only in ourselves, in the best that we can dream up, delve up or deliver, then we have reason to be dreadful and live on in despair. If our fate rests on the fullness of our faculty and fidelity then yes, we have reason to be frantic and fear the future. Mankind is a mess.

But Christians have cause for hope, a reason to look up and expect the good. Our surety of survival is in God, the eternally good and ever strong God. Our security for today and faith for the future is not based on nature’s mood, on man’s motive or my own mojo. We are hopeful because Our God Reigns! And his arm is not too short to save, his ear not too deaf to ear.[i] Our God is near, and He hears.

There is no place for hopelessness or defeatism in the heart and mind of a Christian. Like the elder said to despairing John imprisoned on Patmos, God is saying to the church today “WEEP NO MORE!”[ii] Christ has triumphed and is already unfolding His universal reign of peace!” Yes, Christ has come to reclaim God’s rightful reign and to redeem all of creation to Himself. God is up to something great!

Because of God’s generous, faithful character and expanding reign, I believe that the best is yet to come! Your tomorrow is better than today; expect to thrive and not only survive. You can be sure that God’s reign is always expanding, his grace is always abounding, his glory ever more visible. In God, your future is looking brighter still. The best is yet to come!

Your best life is yet to come. Ageing does not mean fading; your best years are still ahead. The psalmist recorded that “he who is planted in the house of the Lord will bear fruit in old age, he will be fresh and flourishing to declare that God is righteous!”[iii] Our Lord Jesus always keeps the best wine for the last, and makes the latter glory outshine the former.[iv]

Is your life miserable now? Then smile – in Christ, you can always expect better! No matter what this life throws at you, God makes ALL THINGS work together for your good.[v] That is your confidence of a good tomorrow!

Regardless where you are at in life, look up! God’s plans are for better welfare, a better hope, a better future.[vi] He has more and better plans prepared for you to walk in.[vii] He had already written your book, prepared all your days[viii] – your life story is not over yet, but we know it ends in glory! Come on, God is leading you upward, onward. Can you recall some of the surprises he has showered over your path in the past? Prepare your heart for more – your next leg is already littered with love. The best is yet to come!

The best you is yet to come. When you look at the mirror, do you like what you see? Do you love whom you’ve become? Cheer up – the best version of you is still being formed. God has started weaving you in your mother’s womb,[ix] but He is not done with you yet! You’re still “under construction” because God is ALWAYS at work in you shaping your character, growing your competence.[x] The resurrection Spirit is EVEN NOW giving life to your body,[xi] transforming you for gory to glory – just keep your eyes fixed on Him![xii] He is the not done with you yet – what He has started he will complete in you;[xiii] he is the Author and Perfecter of your faith. Christ, your hope of glory, is alive and at work in you.[xiv] The best is yet to come!

Your best victory is yet to come. God always leads us on in victory, from glory to glory until we win our last fight in Christ by overcoming death.[xv] I wrote previously that every scar is a reminder of a victory we have won in Christ, of our faith that has been tested, purified and approved. “What does not kill you makes you stronger” is true for every Christian. In all things we are more than overcomers in Christ![xvi]

You are stronger than you were before. David first conquered the lion, then the bear, then Goliath, and later the Philistine armies. Likewise, God is leading us through progressive victories. Do not fear these future fights – in God’s providential wisdom you will not be tested beyond what you can bear.[xvii] And for everything you face, His grace is sufficient and His strength is perfected.[xviii] Heads up! Your greatest victory is yet to come!

Another year is over. Another year of God’s faithful love and preserving grace. Another chapter in your book declaring “Thus far the Lord has brought us”.[xix] But the story is not done yet: there are grander adventures to live through, more glorious victories to be won, greater love to enjoy. The path of your purpose is prepared with plentiful provisions and pleasures. Look up! Be strong! Take courage! Nothing you will face tomorrow is impossible for God. You are growing from glory to glory. His mercies are new for every day, his grace sufficient for every challenge. With God, the best is yet to come. God is up to something great.

[i] Isaiah 57:1.

[ii] Revelation 5:4.

[iii] Psalm 92:13-15.

[iv] John 2:10.

[v] Romans 8:28.

[vi] Jeremiah 29:11.

[vii] Ephesians 2:13.

[viii] Psalm 139:16.

[ix] Psalm 139:13.

[x] Philippians 2:13.

[xi] Romans 8:11.

[xii] 2 Coronthians 3:18.

[xiii] Philippians 1:6.

[xiv] Colossians 1:27.

[xv] 2 Corinthians 14:14; 1 Corinthians 15:57.

[xvi] Romans 8:37.

[xvii] 1 Corinthians 10:13.

[xviii] 2 Corinthians 12:9.

[xix] 2 Samuel 7:12.

Known by your scars

November 28, 2018Posted in Endurance and sufferingTagged endurance, grace, hope, identity, joy, scars2 Comments

On a recent trip to the East I had to declare all the identification marks or scars on my body during my visa application process. It reminded me of a humorous incident when I was 17 years old. My brother and I both applied for an engineering scholarship in the Navy which required a full medical check-up. During the check-up the Naval doctor asked me about my scar on my upper right arm, and also inquired about my hand which had been broken before. Embarrassed I had to tell confess that the scar was caused when my brother “accidentally” stabbed my during a dish-washing washing incident. “And about the hand?” I blushed. “Well… my brother ducked and I hit the wall instead…” (Three teenage brothers… these things happen!)

A few weeks later I found myself neatly dressed in a Naval board room, facing several officers of the selection committee. Very intimidating for a teenager! Near the end of the interview (which I thought went quite well up this point!) the one captain – introduced as a psychologist – asked me about my relationship with my older brother (who was interviewed by this committee just before me). “Very good!” I answered truthfully. “Are the two of you competitive with one another? Would there be striving if both of you are selected for the training?” “Not at all! We are very close … really no issues between us!” I assured the captain. He smiled knowingly and asked: “Ross, will you tell us how you got the scar on your upper right arm? And how did you break your hand?” I blushed… apparently the Naval doctor made very thorough notes of my medical exam. We all had a good laugh as I retold the stories of my scars, and the day ended with both my brother and I being selected for the Naval training program.

As I previously wrote, the rings and marks of a tree reveal much of the events that literally shaped the tree. We can discern much of the climatic and environmental events such as wet and dry seasons, forest competition, sickness or pestilence, animal damage, forest fires and even major earth quakes it lived through. We can never see the trauma the tree encountered – only the tree’s growth response to the events. We only see the rings and the scars – how the tree grew and healed through its encounters. These scars latterly tell the story of life of the tree – what the tree endured and survived.

Our scars – visible and invisible – tell a similar story. My experience is that people want to hide and even forget their scars, being ashamed of the imperfections and afraid of the memories. In contrast, the apostle Paul boasted about his scars[i] and listed the events which caused these scars (inside and outside) with gratitude and dignity, claiming that these scars are something to be cherished, even honoured. [ii] Why? How could our pain and the scars it left be something to be thankful for, something to be cherished and even paraded? What can we learn from Paul about our scars and the trauma which caused it?

Firstly, my scars are a witness to my weaknesses, and therefore they are signs of grace. Paul boasted in all his weaknesses[iii] because during these weaknesses and the sufferings which revealed the end of his strength, he experienced the grateful strength and intervention of God. These traumatic events scarred Paul’s body because of violence and accidents; it scarred his soul because of betrayal and abandonment; and it scarred his spirit due to accusations and torment. Yet these scars were cherished by Paul because each scar – visible and invisible – reminded him of God’s sustaining grace. Without God’s grace Paul would have died, given up, or turned back from God’s call for his life.

Like the rings and marks on a tree, our scars are reminders of God’s faithful care, intervention and sustaining power during each situation that left its mark. The scar says “If it had not been for the Lord,[iv] this would have been my end… but God carried me through and restored me!” As such these scars bring me daily comfort that God is always with me, and can turn anything and everything I face today for my good.[v] Whenever my strength fails, I can be sure of His strength.[vi] When fear wants to overwhelm me, my scars remind me that stronger is He that is in me than what I may face in the world today.[vii] I never face anything alone.[viii]

Secondly, my scars are witness to tests I have passed. Like the marks that give character to the tree, every scar – visible or invisible – tells the story of pain that I endured, of hardship that I was not spared. And therefore, as a believer in Christ, these scars are signs of faith that remind me that I was tested and purified as through fire. [ix] In spite of the troubles I kept on believing that God is good and a rewarder of those who diligently serve Him[x]. Through the pain, loss, or shame I kept on trusted God, believing that he has overcome the world.[xi] My faith was proven and found to be real because I have come to trust God’s character more than my experience.

Looking at my scars as marks of faith bring me daily confidence. My scars remind me that nothing can separate me from God’s love, and that in every hardship I endure I am more than a conqueror through Christ who gives me strength.[xii] In this sense each scar is an affirmation of my faith, each adding confidence in the face of adversity.

Thirdly, my scars are witness to a fading, fallible world. We only get scars on earth because the rule of sin and its decaying effect is limited to this fallen world of ours. Our scars are caused by things like violence, sickness, calamity – and these have temporal freedom here. The driving forces that brings the pain and leave scars are often hatred, jealousy, greed, betrayal, or abuse – and these are only at work here and now. But when Christ returns to reign there will be no more pain, no more sickness, no more calamity[xiii] – there will be no new scars in heaven.

Every scar reminds me that our world is fallen, and it stirs my longing for the day when Christ will come to make all things new.[xiv] As such our scars are signs of hope, reminders that Christ will bring an end to sin and suffering and establish His reign of shalom. Looking at my scars in this light brings me joyful endurance, knowing that whatever I might face is today temporal; it cannot compare to the eternal glory that awaits me.[xv]

Lastly, our scars are reminders of Christ’s scars on his body. CHRIST HAS SCARS BECAUSE WE HAVE SCARS. Moved by love the Eternal Perfect One exchanged his pain-free heaven for our pain-stricken existence. He vicariously suffered everything mankind endures to redeem us to Himself.[xvi] This sacrificial love left the Eternal Perfect One scarred forever – as a Lamb having been slain.[xvii]

Our scars point us to His scars, a visceral reminder that we are greatly loved. My scars are signs of love. He was scarred in body, soul and spirit for our healing, peace and forgiveness.[xviii] In this – His scars – His love for us is demonstrated.[xix] O, how He loves us! Looking at my scars in this way stirs my gratitude and devotion to Christ.

Through what did you grow this year? What scars did the past year leave in your body, soul and spirit?[xx] How do you feel looking at the marks life left on you? Like the rings and scars in a tree, we our character is shaped by our response to what life throws at us. We too are known by our scars. How you relate to your scars shape your reality, relationships and ultimately your destiny.

Reframing how you view your scars will realign your reality, relationships and your destiny. Ask yourself: How do these scars remind you of God’s sustaining grace? Can you see the scars as affirmation of real faith? Do the scars stir your hope in Christ’s return? And do the scars remind you of God’s immense love? How does all this make you feel at the prospect of another year? Comforted? Confident? Joyful?

Now you too can look at your scars and say with Paul: “We we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. These light afflictions, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…” [xxi]

[i] Galatians 6:17.

[ii] 2 Corinthians 11:23-33, 12:8-10.

[iii] See above.

[iv] Psalm 124:1.

[v] Romans 8:28.

[vi] 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.

[vii] 1 John 4:4.

[viii] Isaiah 43:2.

[ix] 1 Peter 1:6-7.

[x] Hebrews 11:6.

[xi] John 16:33.

[xii] Romans 8:35-37.

[xiii] Revelation 21:4.

[xiv] Revelation 21:5.

[xv] 2 Corinthians 4:17.

[xvi] Revelation 5:9.

[xvii] Revelation 5:6.

[xviii] Isaiah 53:4-6.

[xix] Romans 5:8.

[xx] If you read ‘spirit’ in this sense, it is helpful to think of identity, as well as your relational ability to love, hope and trust.

[xxi] 2 Corinthians 4:16-17.

The marks by which we are known

January 1, 2017January 1, 2017Posted in Endurance and suffering, Practical ChristianityTagged endurance, Leadership character, reflection4 Comments

The growth rings of a tree trunk intrigue me. These contours compile the life story of the tree in the lines left by nature’s faithful seasons of wet and dry. Years of plenty leave thick lines, years of lack leave thin lines. Yet more than mere rainfall history is recorded in these contours: forest competition leave elliptical lines of asymmetrical growth, while the trauma of forest fires, animal damage, pests or sickness leave permanent stains or scars in the tree trunks. These lines, scars, stains and blotches portray the life of the tree: it is the record of events the tree witnessed, what it encountered and what it survived. Just like our fingerprints these contours distinguish one tree from another – what a tree lives through lends it its distinguishing marks; its experience lends it its beauty and character. As these pictures show[i], each tree is known and valued by its marks.

tree_trunks_small — The tales trees trunks tell. [image credits below]

But note that the lines and marks in a tree are the trees response to its environment – not the environment itself. We don’t see the rains, droughts, fires, bugs or animals. The contours only record the tree’s growth because of a wet season, and its hardening because of a dry season. We only see the elliptical contours because of the tree’s self-adjusting growth for a few years in its fight for better sunlight. We only see the darkening as it healed from the heat and flames, the recovery scars left from animal damage and the discolouration caused by other environmental conditions. In essence, the trunk of the tree is a witness to how the tree coped with its experience, how well it adjusted to survive in its environment and how it was strengthened through it. Indeed, these contours are aptly called the “growth rings of a tree”.

If your character could be dissected as a tree trunk, it might reveal similarly distinguishing “growth rings” – the marks that show how each season has impacted you.

As I reflect on the past year I am struck by how deeply it influenced me – both for the good and the bad. A few family traumas of people within our church community has left a heightened appreciation for my family and my health, with a deliberate response to cherish the precious time with those I love and make the best use of my health and fitness. Frequent reports of leadership failure have heightened my awareness of my own fallibility and the traumatic impact it has on many; this sparked renewed study and intentional growth in Christian leadership practice as well as intentional accountability as I see the need to allow others to speak into my life. The development and facilitation of a marriage intimacy course has made a lasting impact in my attention to and intention for growth in marital intimacy. A demanding season has highlighted the dangers of isolation resulting in purposeful pursuit of healthy friendships for me and my family. But the business has also caused me to reevaluate my life, reconsider my efforts and remind myself where I should be heading, so I can readjust my course now.

Sadly I am also aware of some less noble responses to events in the past year: I recognise a mounting degree of cynicism due to frequent disappointment by certain people, coupled by latent anger and even bitterness in my heart. I notice a resistance to spontaneous generosity because of perceived entitlement and misspending of some with whom I have supported. I note the signs of compassion fatigue because of seasons of overextending myself. And sadly I am aware that I laugh and play less because of the impact of the serious things that I deal with. These responses are not good for my soul, my family and my relationships.

Thus the events of the past season has touched me personally and impacted my character. I have grown grateful and humble, more relational and accountable, vulnerable and intimate, and more purposeful. Yet I have to acknowledge that I have grown more cynical, less innocent and less generous, less compassionate and less joyful. My growth through the last season has been both good and bad; in some ways I have grown to resemble Christ my Lord better and in some ways I have grown to represent him less.

Although the memories of our experiences remain with us, it is our own responses to those experiences that ultimately impact us and those around us greatly, because how we respond shapes us for the long run. Our responses to life’s significant moments and seasons lay the contours that make up our character – and our character shapes both our consciousness (how we view life) and our course (where we end up in life).

That is why we need to “guard our heart above all things, for from it flows the issues of life.”[ii] We cannot control or undo what life’s seasons throw at us, but we can and should control our response to those moments.

The Bible teaches that one is “blessed” (or better off) when in spite of injustice one remains kind and merciful; when in the midst of cruelty and betrayal one remains pure in heart; when in the midst of conflict one pursues reconciliation and peace; when in the midst of hardship one remains faithful and true to God.[iii] In fact, the Bible shows that regardless of what life throws at us, a godly response always leaves one blessed – in this life and the life to come.[iv] And that although everything seems hopeless, there is a very real reason to be optimistic, because God can and will bring beauty out of every situation.[v] Although there are things that challenge us in every season of life, God’s grace in that season is enough to carry us through.[vi]

It’s a new year. Another year is over and it left its marks on your life. Was it a year of plenty or of want? A season of vigorous growth or a tough season of hardening? A festive time or fiery trial that left its stains? Regardless of what the year brought you, its impact on your life will prove significant in the shaping of your heart.

How will you allow your experiences to impact your character for good or bad? Consider it carefully, because your response to this season will determine your consciousness in the next season and ultimately your course in life.

[i] Images from online article in Mizzou Magazine https://mizzoumag.missouri.edu/2013/05/if-trees-could-talk/

[ii] Proverbs 4:23

[iii] Matthew 5:7-9; James 1:12

[iv] Romans 8:28

[v] Jeremiah 29:11; Revelations 20:5

[vi] 2 Corinthians 12:9

In Pursuit of Happiness – how to reap joy

May 24, 2016May 24, 2016Posted in Endurance and suffering, Practical ChristianityTagged endurance, happiness, joy, sacrifice, selflessnessLeave a comment

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 2006 film In Pursuit of Happyness based on the true story of how Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) endured being homeless for nearly a year while pursuing his dream and caring for his
toddler son Christopher (played by eight-year-old Jaden Smith). In the film Chris is a struggling salesman who invested all his life savings in new portable bone-density scanners. His wife leaves him due to mounting financial pressures and he is left alone to care for their five-year old son Christopher. His life reaches an all-time low when Chris loses his last bone-scanner, gets arrested for unpaid parking tickets, his bank account gets garnished by the revenue services for unpaid income tax and he gets evicted from his apartment. Homeless and penniless Chris manages to land an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm, competing against 19 others to win the only paid position at the end of six months. In the post-script we read how Chris continued to eventually own his multi-million-dollar brokerage.

This emotion-laden real-life drama each of us can identify with because it speaks about the sacrifices needed to realize one’s dreams, and the tremendous joy that comes from the fulfillment of the dream. We were created to pursue the things that give us joy, and therefore joy is indeed one of man’s chief motivators especially in enduring difficult times.

An ancient Hebrew song dating around 400 BC has this same theme.

Psalm 126:1-6

¹When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
²Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
³The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.

⁴Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the South!
⁵Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
⁶He who continuously goes out weeping,
bearing the precious seed for sowing,
shall doubtless come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

This psalm was sung against the dark backdrop of Jews who returned from exile, being oppressed and enslaved for seventy years first by the Babylonians and thereafter the Persians. They were slaves who had no value or dignity, no sense of identity or value, with no rights or power to steer their own destinies. They felt flawed, forgotten, worthless, powerless, and essentially hopeless. Then suddenly Cyrus had an urge to send them back to rebuild their temple and their city, and these slaves were set free – a day of great rejoicing!

The first half of this psalm sings this prayer of gratitude, looking back at how God had graced these exiles to come home and rebuild the temple and its walls, and the people “were glad”. The second half is a prayer for restoration of the nation that had been scattered and their land that had laid desolate for 70 years. Now that Zion (verse 1, pointing to the temple and its worship) had been restored, the psalmist prays the nation and its land be revitalized like the annual winter rains transform the arid dessert in the South of Judah (Hebrew “Negev” in verse 4) into a flowery garden bustling with life.

Restoring Joy like SOUTH — Rain transforms the arid desert into a flowery garden bustling with life.

“Sowing in tears”

Sowing is not a particularly sad or even hard job. Why then would the psalmist write of “weeping” and sowing “precious seeds”? The context of the Psalm is of Jews returning to a dilapidated Jerusalem and barren land, to a city and land that have been unoccupied and uncultivated for 70 years. They brought food with them what they were able to carry, but that would not last long. So they would soon need to live off the land – they needed to sow. And when you sow the food you want to eat, when you sow the seeds your children hunger for, your sowing is accompanied by tears of anguish. These are costly seeds that mere money can’t buy – these are “precious seeds” that get its first watering by the tears of the sower.

seed-sower-jeremysams — The sower by Jeremy Sams.

How to reap joy

This ancient song teaches us how to cultivate a life of joy amidst suffering – a valuable lesson for each of us.

Firstly, a life of gratitude makes for a glad heart even amidst hardships, as the psalmist teaches: “³The Lord has done great things for us [and] we are glad.” In looking back, remembering the good things the Lord has done for you, the hard times in which God has preserved you and later from which he has delivered you, the anguished heart is refreshed with joy, hope and faith. When you relive joyful times your heart relives the past joy and your faith is stirred by hope as you remember how God has delivered you from similar hardships in the past – he will do the same again. Indeed, gratitude makes you cheerful, and “the cheerful of heart has a continual feast” which no fire can quench (Proverbs 15:15).

Secondly the psalmist says that sowing needs to be “continuously”, not impulsively or sporadically. You keep on sowing until you reap a harvest. Considering the context then the psalmist probably had in mind how his people had been restored to joy from a life of slavery and exile through “sowing in tears” like recorded in the prayers of Daniel (Daniel 9), Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1), Jeremiah (Lamentations 1-4) and some of the Psalms (eg Psalm 137). These prayers give us a view into the anguish of the exiled Jews, and how they lamented bitterly and continuously petitioned God for return and restoration – a true sowing in tears that resulted in the joy expressed in half of this psalm.

This is a great lesson to never give in to hardship, and never give up because of disappointments. We continue to sow in tears because of the expected joy in the harvest. In fact, the great anguish is the great motivator to continue sowing in tears as we long for the great joy. So do “not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9).

Thirdly, the sowing of “precious seed” (KJV) especially results in “shouts of joy”. And this is the main teaching in this psalm: sowing seeds which makes you weep will ensure a harvest accompanied by shouts of joy. In other words, a life of selfless sacrifice results in joy. The giving up of what you deem precious so that there is enough for others to share will result in joy. This first generation of returned exiles made the big sacrifice to re-cultivate the farmlands from their own meagre food-packs to ensure that there is enough food for other returning exiles and their coming generations. Their sacrifice resulted in joy for all. The joy is multiplied when the precious seeds you sow results in bundles of sheaves – enough for everyone.

When the sacrifice is rewarded with breakthrough and the effort was worthwhile – then there is great joy. But without sacrifice – without the sowing of precious seed – there will be no reaping worthy of great joy. Playing it safe does not result in great joy. Only sowing in tears results in a harvest of joy.

Lastly, although accompanied by anguish, the sowing is very hopeful. The farmer knows that for every single seed he sows he is sure to reap thirty, sixty or even a hundred-fold (Matthew 13:8). His tearful sowing can be done confidently and hopeful, because “he shall doubtless come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” And our confidence in sowing is not misplaced! God himself oversees the principle and process of sowing and reaping: “God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:8). Sowing in tears is never in vain.

The psalmist teaches that persistent, sacrificial and hopeful sowing will result that results in a joyful harvest.

Bringing home the joy

Each of us are in pursuit of happiness. We are all driven by a longing for joy: we run away from things that might cause us harm (fear) and we run towards the things that we belief will bring us pleasure (joy). But many times we exert effort on what does not produce true delight or lasting joy (Isaiah 55:2).

The wisdom of this world says self-serving efforts (or selfishness) produces joy: “SPEND EFFORT FOR MORE COMFORT AND CARNAL PLEASURES TO INCREASES YOUR JOY.” Self-serving pleasure is the chief motivator behind most of the marketing campaigns that dominate the media: “Buying [this] – it will give you joy.” “Living [here] will give you joy.” “More of [this] will increase your joy.” “Doing [this] will give you joy.” This philosophy is the heart behind every temptation that lures us into sin, yet it still leaves us unsatisfied and without lasting joy.

But over against this the psalmist says “Those who sow in tears you will reap with shouts of joy.” In other words, selflessness produces real joy: “THE GREATEST JOY IS FOUND IN THE GIVING OF YOURSELF FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS.” Just as the endurance athlete gets joy from completing the race, so the self-emptying mother of a disabled child reaps love and joy from any response the child may give. The couple who walked through their dark valley together reaps tremendous joy in their relationship at the end. But for the one who quits or gives up or gets distracted during hardships, there is no reaping of joy. If you wish to reap in joy, you need to sow the precious seed in tears.

The context of “sowing in tears” in this psalm as sketched above is to “restore [Judah]” (verses 4-6) – not only for yourself only. “Shouts of joy” comes when your anguished efforts for another results in an end of their suffering, their hardship. Ironically your joy overflows when you give of your precious time, share of your precious belongings, and give of your very life for the betterment of another. It is truly “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35; see also Hebrews 12:3).

Reflection

So consider your life, your pursuit, your prayers.

Can you recall what you have sacrificed a great deal to achieve or complete, and when it was fulfilled you were joyful, satisfied, ecstatic, and fulfilled?
Where are you currently “sowing in tears” – i.e. where are you sacrificing your own comfort for the benefit of another, so that joy may come?
Can you remember why? What do you hope to achieve with this “sowing in tears”?

And as you go out again tomorrow, pouring out of what is precious to you, let this verse encourage you as it did the Jews who first sang when they rebuilt Jerusalem and their nation (400 BC):

“⁶He who continuously goes out weeping,
bearing the precious seed for sowing,
shall doubtless come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

A call to courage

March 10, 2016Posted in Endurance and sufferingTagged community, courage, endurance, hope, suffering1 Comment

Our world is scared, and increasingly so. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US today according to the National Institute of Mental Health affecting one third of the North American population, with a staggering 37% and 50% increase in occurrence among children (ages 4-10 and 11—19) over the last decade. It is estimated that anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, nearly one third of the country’s total mental health bill.

But the cost of anxiety is not limited to medical bills. The fear of terrorism has caused an arming 114 percent increase in the US defense budget in the last 13 years, which would total about $586.5 billion in 2016 (by far the greatest in the world). In addition the global security technology and services market which is expected to total $86 billion this year.

Our world is a scary place. Our society is characterized by a sense of anxiety and vulnerability, daily fueled by images of terror and rumors of impending disaster. But we are not the first generation passing through these shadows of uncertainty, uproars and unrests. Like the generations before us we need to overcome the urge to panic.

This is a call to courage. It’s not the time to be anxious, to be intimidated, to succumb to terror. As we see the climate is changing, the shadows drawing longer, we need to look back and find courage from the accounts of others that have navigated similar moments in history. During Nero’s reign Paul urged the anxious, persecuted believers to look into the the Scriptures for “learning… encouragement… comfort… [and] hope” (Romans 15:4). And what examples of courage does the Scripture not have!

Abraham left all he knew for promise from God in his spirit. Later he pursued five kings with their armies to save his nephew Lot from slavery. Noah, a preacher of righteousness had courage to confront a perverse generation and build the ark amidst their mockery for 120 years. Young David stood up to Goliath the giant. Joshua and Caleb were not intimidated by the giants in walled cities and trained armies that occupied their Promised Land, patiently waited forty years and in their old age lead the nation to possess this land. Daniel walked into a den of lions, and his three friends into the fiery oven because they would refused to bow to another god. He did falter to fear but told Darius straight-up “God found you too light!” Moses confronted the terrifying Pharaoh demanding release of all his slaves, and then led the entire nation into. Queen Ester risked her life when she approached the Persian king to save her generation from annihilation. Nehemiah did the same to rebuild the holy city. Gideon and his small army walked unarmed into a Midianite camp with 15’000 soldiers. Samson single-handedly took on 1’000 Philistine warriors. Jehoshaphat led the whole nation into the dessert against three massive armies. Elisha was besieged by the entire Syrian army but walked right up to them and led them into siege. Elijah challenged all the Baal prophets to a public showdown asking “Who is the real God?!” Jonah walked into the most violent city of his day as a foreigner, demanding repentance and submission to his God. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Malachi, Amos, Hosea, Nathan and John the Baptist willingly chose a life of mockery, poverty and pain as they confronted kings, rebuked hypocrisy, and exposed the injustice of the day.

Jesus, son of God, left the comfort of heaven, the honor of the throne, the worship of the angels and the power of divinity to enter a life of pain, poverty and persecution – ultimately to suffer brutally and die shamefully. All because “God so loved the world.” And his courage set the pattern for his followers, as we see in the first beatings of Peter and John, the first martyr Stephen, the hardships of the Apostle Paul history of the church throughout the ages.

How do we grow in courage?

In Joshua 1:1-9 we see the Lord giving a pep-talk to the new leader called to lead the Hebrews to occupy their land inhabited by Giants in secure cities. We learn much from this instruction about how to “take heart” when times are tough.[i]

Courage must rise in the face of fear. There is no need for courage when everything is plain sailing, when all is as it should be. But in the threat of pain of discomfort, loss or death, when the natural inclination is to hide or run away, that’s the que to take heart! The Lord told Joshua to be courageous because the situation was terrifying. A sense of fear must trigger the response to courage.

Courage has a cause. When there is no need, no urgency, no mandate, there is no need for courage. When one puts his hand into a lit furnace for no reason he is rightly labelled a fool. But a woman who runs into a burning house to save her daughter is a hero. Joshua had to be courageous to fulfill his mandate. Bravery is called upon when the fight is worth it. Courage is needed to uphold the righteous purposes of God.

Courage is gained in the knowledge of God. Joshua was told to not forget “The Book of the Law” which Moses left Israel. Today we have it as the first five books in our Bible. Why would that help Joshua to grow in courage? Because it records – from Creation to Exodus – the accounts of God’s wisdom, power and loving faithfulness with his people. Joshua would be “encouraged” every time he reads how faithfully and powerfully God had preserved and delivered his people in desperate times past. Thus courage is gained as we become convinced and get reminded of God’s power and might – that truly “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Courage grows as we learn from these accounts who God is: that God is good, righteous, faithful and merciful. This revelation of God’s power and character is preserved in Scripture as records of his interaction and decrees, so we get to know God and are encouraged as we read these accounts of divine intervention (Romans 15:4). Indeed, “but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32)

Courage is gained in the assurance of God’s presence. The Lord encouraged Joshua with the promises of his personal presence. More specifically “as I was with Moses” – thus Joshua was promised the same intimacy with the Lord, the same faithfulness in preservation and the same powerful interventions which Moses experienced as he lead these people. What an encouraging promise! The Lord made that same promise of companionship his ascension (Matthew 28:20), and that companionship we experience in the empowering presence of His indwelling Spirit (Romans 8:11). We grow in courage as we grow in revelation of the Lord’s personal presence, declaring with David “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6)

Courage is infectious. The Lord encouraged Joshua. Before these words of encouragement Joshua was intimidated and anxious. But the words of encouragement put the necessary strength into his heart to go on and fulfill his mission. That’s why we are repeatedly called to “encourage one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) – literally “put courage and strength into the heart of another”. We get encouraged through deliberate effort to be built up, but also indirectly as we see others or hear their stories as they continue courageously amidst hardship, thinking “If another can do it, so can I.” Courage is infectious, as we can see in this video

Read here how to Encourage One Another (https://walklikejesus.net/2015/09/10/encourage-one-another/)

Courage is a choice. The Lord’s repeated commands of courage implies a choice to succumb to fear and intimidation or to take heart and continue with his commission. We either choose to allow fear to dictate our actions, or we choose to allow courage to reign in our hearts. So Jesus told his disciples – as he is saying to us today “Let not your heart be troubled…believe in me” because “In the world you will have trouble. But TAKE HEART; I have overcome the world.” (John 14:1; 16:33) These exhortations from the Lord demand a response, a resolve to not allow fearful situations to “trouble your heart” and dictate your actions. So when there’s a choice to fight or flight, choose to fight and persevere.

Add courage to your faith

Life in the kingdom of God is not for the faint-hearted – it never was, it never will be. The kingdom suffers violence” said Jesus (Matthew 11:12). Our world is unfriendly and uncertain. But so it was in the days of Jesus and the Apostles. Their society was oppressed by the Roman army and heavily taxed by Caesar, plagued by perpetual civil unrest and terrorism, divided by extreme classism. For that reason Peter exhorted the church to “add to your faith COURAGE“ (2 Peter 1:5). Mere saving faith does not make you fit or fruitful to fulfill your mandate. Our mandate is clear: peacemakers, Kingdom-bringers, heralds of the Good News.

So “don’t be anxious about tomorrow…” (Matt 6:34), don’t live a life pacified by fear or paralyzed by what can go wrong. Fear steals your joy and taps your strength. Reflect on this truth: if God is for us, who can be against us!? Then look up, shape up, sign up and step up. TAKE HEART, finish the job, then we can go Home.

[i] Note the incredible similarity in form of the appeals to courage to complete the divine mandate with assurance of the Lord’s power and presence in the following texts: Solomon’s charge to build the temple (1 Chronicles 28:20), Joshua’s command for conquest (Joshua 1:1-9), the disciple’s commission (Matthew 28:18-20), the angel’s warning about Paul’s shipwreck and appointment with Cesar (Acts 27:24-26) and the Corinthian’s church charge to not fear death but continue in their faith (1 Corinthians 15:57-8).

Enduring Nero’s fire

February 5, 2016February 6, 2016Posted in Endurance and sufferingTagged endurance, faithful, hope, love, suffering1 Comment

How to remain true to God amidst suffering.

Writing to a congregation of predominantly Jewish Christians in Rome during Nero’s reign, the author of Hebrews repeatedly exhorted believers to not renounce Christ in fear of the mounting persecution. And that is necessary, because suffering moves one to re-evaluate what you believe. At some point in life we all walk through the fire – but how do you remain faithful to God amidst suffering? How do you endure the fires of life.

Brief background to and outline of Hebrews

The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish believers (1:1 “spoken to our fathers”) probably in Rome (13:24 “those from Italy greet you”). After hearing the gospel confirmed with signs and miracles (2:4), they were converted (3:16), were baptized and had partaken of the Holy Spirit (6:1-5). This was a long-established church (5:12) whose members have lived exemplary lives of faith and good works (6:10), and have experienced persecution, imprisonment (13:3) and the loss of property (10:32-33), but have not yet suffered martyrdom (12:4). The congregation were capable of charity and hospitality (13:2,16), and previously had great teachers and leaders (13:7) who grounded them in foundational Christian teaching in the Jewish Scriptures (6:1-2).

But their faith had been outlawed and these ostracized believers became discontent and discouraged and longed for earthly property and a sense of belonging in their society (13:5, 14). So they started questioning their beliefs, considering other avenues to God so they could be reintegrated into society; they were on the verge of walking away from their Christian convictions. In response the author of Hebrews wrote this “word of exhortation” (13:22) to bolster the faith and perseverance of this wavering Christian community, reminding them how to correctly “draw near…” (10:23) to God.

The recipients seems to have been influenced by the first-century philosopher Philo of Alexandria who mixed Judaism with Greek philosophy and wrote that there were several ways for sinful man to approach God. He mentioned the Logos (elsewhere “the word or reason of God”), Sophia (elsewhere “the wisdom of God”), the angels, Moses, Melchizedek the high priest and the Jewish sacramental system were all avenues (or mediators) to bridge the divide between man and God. Reading Hebrews, it appears that the first recipients of this letter were considering these alternative avenues to avoid persecution, yet still worship God.[1] In response to their searching the author writes how Jesus Christ is better than Philo’s Logos and Sophia (1:1-3), better than the angels (1:4-2:18) and Moses (3:1-6), and better than the Aaronic priesthood (7:1-24), presenting a better offering (9:14) in better place (8:2). Jesus has also secured a better, eternal covenant by his sacrifice “once for all” (10:14) that he can guarantee fulfillment on behalf of both man and God (7:22). Our author shows this superiority to deter readers from turning to these “alternative mediators” to escape the pressures of persecution and to exhort readers to hold fast to their confession if faith in him amidst difficult times.

Faithful in the fire

How does this 2000 year old letter to Jewish believers suffering under Nero’s persecution help us today to “hold fast to your confession” (Hebrews 4:14; 10:23) in the midst of our own hardship and suffering? How can we be prepared to remain faithful in the fire and joyfully endure the suffering as these early believers who remained true to Christ through Nero’s fires?

The answer lies in the pivotal point of this letter, Hebrews 10:19, where the author moves from orthodoxy (or correct thinking) to orthopraxy (or correct living). Here the epistle shifts from theory to practice, with the transition “Therefore” meaning “based on our argument up to here” and then follows with three powerful exhortations that appeal to the required response of the hearers. These three exhortations contain the keys that will help the readers through the mounting persecution they feared. The author encourages readers to “draw near… in faith” (v22), “hold fast to … hope” (v23) and “to stir one another in love” (v24-25). Then he unpacks real faith in chapter 11, hope for endurance in chapter 12 and love in practice in chapter 13. Like so many times in the letter he again reminds them that they need to remain faithful to Jesus, because of the coming judgment of Christ (v25-31).

These three exhortations to continue in faith, hope and love apply as much to us during times of hardships today.

Draw near in faith

These wavering believers were graciously encouraged to “draw near in full assurance of faith” (v22). Even although they considered renouncing Christ they were encouraged to “have confidence to draw near to the throne of grace through the blood” (4:16; cf 10:19). God has not written them off! Amidst their suffering and wavering they can be assured that their confidence before God was not based on their track record, but based on Jesus’ shed blood (v19). This also implies that their suffering was also not due to their failures. Rather they were encouraged that Jesus, their perfect High Priest has also “suffered when tempted, [and is therefore] able to help those who are being tempted” (2:18). He “is able to sympathize with our weaknesses” (4:15-16) – so draw near to get help!

Hold on to hope

Poor and pushed aside, mocked and outlawed, their current circumstances were very uncomfortable. And their immediate future looked even bleaker as the Roman persecution was escalating. Therefore the author encouraged these fragile believers to hold onto their Lord who promises their share in his eternal inheritance! He is their “forerunner” (6:20) who went to announce their coming and the High Priest who secured their confidence before God (6:20). There is no room for doubt: Jesus secured their access and inheritance in Jesus’ eternal kingdom. And “this hope is the anchor of the soul” (6:19) – it settles the emotions and keeps the believer on course to, not swept away by the circumstance. So the believer is encouraged to endure suffering the way their Lord did – joyfully anticipating his reward (12:1-2). This hope is the reason to remain faithful amidst the fire; their endurance will be rewarded!

Assemble to grow in love

Thirdly the author exhorts this congregation, fearful of being hurt or ostracized, to not neglect their assemblies (10:25). In effect he tells this fragile congregation “I know that you are afraid of being identified as a Christian, and I know that you will suffer and might even die when you are seen to gather with other believers – but do it!” Why the urgency? Why should they assemble? Could they not practice their faith in private?

The author motivates that their primary purpose of assembly is to “stir one another to love and good works” – to grow in godly character and excel in good works (10:24). More specifically, each congregant should make it their goal to think about how to help another excel in character and good works. As he did earlier in the letter he encourages them to continue love and service for the saints (6:10-12).

Enduring the fire today

How do we endure suffering? What was true for the Hebrew congregation in Rome suffering under Nero’s reign is true for me and you. First, hold on to your faith: you are loved by God, approved by God, sanctified by God and preserved by God ford God. Not the suffering nor your doubts or fears can separate you from God’s love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39). So boldly approach of throne of grace to receive help in time of need! (Hebrews 4:16).

Second, let hope stir your joy and calm your fears, motivate you to continue in faith, work for your reward and find purpose in all you do. God rewards faithfulness!

Thirdly, “never walk alone!” Join in the assembly to grow others “in love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24), and see how you are strengthen and encouraged yourself. Indeed, “it is more blessed to give than to receive!” (Acts 10:35)

References for understanding the letter to the Hebrews

Nash R.H., The Notion of Mediator in Alexandrian Judaism and the Epistle to the Hebrews, Westminster Theological Journal, Vol 40 (1977), p89-115.
Barclay W., The Daily Study Bible, The Letter to the Hebrews (Edinburgh: The Saint Andrews Press, 1998).
Gutrie D., Tyndale New Testament Commentaries Hebrews (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1993).
Schenck K., Understanding The Book Of Hebrews (Louisville, Kentucky: Westminister John Knox Press, 2003)

All Things New 1 – A new beginning

December 31, 2015December 31, 2015Posted in Endurance and suffering, Practical Christianity, UncategorizedTagged all things new, celebration, fresh start, new beginnings, new things, new year, second chanceLeave a comment

“Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:1-5)

It is quite fitting that we celebrate New Year’s Day. In its nature these celebrations rejoice in the faithfulness of God who has preserved us another year, so we can exclaim “Thus far the Lord has brought us!” (I Samuel 7:12). But more so it is a celebration of a fresh start, a clean slate, an unwritten book yet to be penned. There is the anticipation of the unknown, the mystery of the unpredictable – what does this year hold for us? How will things be at the end of this year? How will it change me?

A Fresh Start

It is necessary that we start this year with the reminder that our God is the God of a fresh start. He is the God of the second chance who never grows tired of his children but is always “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4). Jeremiah wrote “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23). New mercies every day. He is the One who lures the distant sinner closer by saying “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18). Indeed, our God is the God who wishes to put the past behind with the promise of a clean slate for a fresh start! His invitation is clear: “forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead… press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14).

A New Beginning

Our God is the God of New Beginnings. He is all-wise, all-mighty, and all-sufficient. Therefore over every situation we can confidently declare “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37; cf Jeremiah 32:27). He is the One who promised “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19). Our God springs life-giving water in a lifeless wilderness and creates a mighty army from dried bones (Ezekiel 37:1ff). Nothing is ever too far gone or too hard for him. He has the power and the wisdom to redeem the hopeless or to make something out of nothing. Even death does not mark the end since He himself rose from the dead and poured his resurrection spirit into our hearts (Romans 8:11). He is the reason we hope and don’t despair, the reason we confidently wait and smile in the face of impossible odds. Where there seems to be a dead end our God opens “a door of hope” (Hosea 2:15). Our God reconciles the divided, rejuvenates the fatigued, restores the broken, and revives the dead. He is the God of new beginnings! With him life goes on, forever.

New Things

Our God is the God of New Things. He is called Creator, the Beginning, and the Bright Morning Star announcing the coming new day. He is the God of new inventions, new solutions, new answers, a new way of life. As with the birth of a baby, new beginnings always starts with cries of pain and tears of desperation. These cries are not from a place of despair but in hopeful anticipation – joyful change is on the way. As the birth a baby represents the promise of new life, a clean slate and new potential, so every oppressive or painful situation holds the promise of this newness of life. And when God is at work in these painful circumstances he promises that it is certainly not in vain (Isaiah 66:8-9). This pattern we see repeated in the Scriptures.

The slaves cried out in Egypt – God’s answer for deliverance and a new way of life was in the birth of baby Moses; he embodied their answered prayer. Years later, in their promised land, time and again the oppressed Israelites cried out to God for deliverance, his answer was the judges Gideon, Sampson, Jephthah, Deborah. In a similar way the Bible talks of Samuel, David, Jeremiah, John the Baptist and, yes, Jesus our Redeemer. God’s plan for new things, new life, enters our world during painful times through a person whom he empowers. In a similar way, you are God’s answer for new things this year.

Your New Year

dont_look_back1 — “Don’t Look Back” by Erik Johansson

This is a New Year. The old is gone – it cannot be redone and it cannot be undone. But it is a good time to turn the page and start with a clean slate. Our God is the God of the Fresh Start. He is the God of the Fresh Start in whom we can find peace for a plagued conscience and forgiveness for a life wasted. Don’t despair – life is not over until he calls us home. Come reason with him; unburden yourself and find new mercies for this New Year. His steadfast love never ceases! What do you want to close the book on this year?

He is the God of the New Beginning, who creates a garden in the wasteland, an army out of dead bones and makes a way where there seems to be no way. Nothing is ever too hopeless for him to redeem. As long as your heart pumps he has good plans for you – plans of a glorious future. He heals bleeding hearts, mends shattered dreams and restores broken relationships. He truly makes all things new! What can he do for you and in you this year?

He is the God of New Things, the all-wise, all-mighty creator of all things who knows the end from the beginning. The Bible records how in the past he gave inspiration and plans for deliverance and warfare, for health, healing and sanitation, for designs and building of the ark, the tabernacle and temple, for arts, poetry and music, economic planning, supernatural providential sustenance and wise governance. What can he do though you this year?

Happy New Year! Make this one count for eternity.

RESPONDING TO A CRISIS

September 18, 2015September 21, 2015Posted in Endurance and suffering, Practical ChristianityTagged Crisis, Deliverance, Encouraged, Jehosphapat, Praise, prayer, WaitLeave a comment

A crisis is due (time of arrival uncertain)

September 11, 2001 is a day that no New Yorker (or our generation) will ever forget. It started off as another ordinary day as people hurried into the day. Someone overslept, another had a fight with his wife, someone’s car broke down, one planned to get engaged that evening. But for more than 5000 people in the Twin Towers it was the last day of their lives.

We never schedule a crisis in our dairy – no one knows when disasters is going to hit. A sudden death of a loved one, news of cancer, robbers in your home or a letter of retrenchment. These things happen to someone every day. Jesus spoke the truth: “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). All we can do is “be watchful” and ready (1 Peter 5:8) and respond in a godly way.

Judah’s king Jehoshaphat had such a day as three big armies crossed the sea from Syria to invade Judah. Yet this Godly man did not panic or run away. His response to this crisis is recorded for our comfort, encouragement and learning (Romans 15:4).

Comic_1 — Photo-documentary of 2 Chronicles 20 (1 of 3)

Photo-documentary of 2 Chronicles 20 (2 of 3)

Photo-documentary of 2 Chronicles 20 (3 of 3)

What can we learn from this great historic account deliverance?

DEVOTION: Live ready (v6-13)

Jehoshaphat is a king that served God with the devotion of king David, “walked in his commandments” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4) and had his “heart set on God” (19:3). Not only did he serve God in the privacy of his heart and personal life, but this righteous ruler courageously brought about a great reformation in the nation of Israel by destroying Baal worship with its immoral public practices, and by further commissioning priests to teach the Law of God throughout Judah and later judges to bring about justice in his kingdom.

So when the news of this crisis came to his palace, Jehoshaphat did not fear but did what he did every day: he went into his inner room and prayed to the God whom he had faithfully served all his days. I love the way the book of Daniel records how that godly prophet responded to the death threats of not worshipping the emperor: “and Daniel went to his house… and he kneeled on his knees three times a day and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since his youth.” (Daniel 6:11)

So what do we learn from this? A crisis may hit any of us at any moment, and the best way to be prepared is to be securely rooted in a devoted relationship with God. When war breaks out the soldiers should be disciplined and trained; when exam day comes the student should be prepared; when a fire rages the fireman should be trained. When a crisis hits, the believer should be firmly established in the devotional disciplines and relationship with His God – just like Jehoshaphat was.

Secondly, Jehoshaphat was ready because he was forewarned about some impending doom (2 Chronicles 19:2). Peter teaches us to “be watchful because the devil walks around like a prowling lion” (1 Peter 5:8) and Paul urges the believer should “not be ignorant if [Satan’s] plans” (2 Corinthians 2:11). We are ready by staying close to God and watching in prayer, listening to what the Holy Spirit reveals to us.

PRAYER: Run to God (v13-14)

As soon as the news of the approaching armies reached the king he proclaimed a fast, and everyone in this reformed nation ran to their God. Jehoshaphat’s prayer is deliberately included as an example prayer for a crisis such as this. This is how he prayed:

Praise: Even with the crisis looming Jehoshaphat starts by praises to God, allowing his (and the assembly) to consider Whom they are praying for: the Almighty God who Rules from Heaven and has power over every nation, and he is the God who made covenant with them!
Remind: The king reminds himself (and the assembly) of what God has done in the past, which immediately makes this present crisis seem less dooming since God has done many similar miracles for Israel in the past. Furthermore Jehoshaphat reminds himself (and the assembly) of the promises of God, stirring faith that God had already promised to do the thing he was about to ask. These two reminders stirred the assembly’s hope that God is at hand and for them, and therefore he is willing and able to deliver them from this disaster.
Confess: “You have not because you ask not”. Only after praising God for his attributes and faithfulness does the King confess his problem to God and asks for intervention, but he adds their helplessness in the situation and trust in God’s willingness and ability to help. He prays “For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (verse 12). God promises “grace to the humble” – and that is exactly what the nation needs in this crisis!

WAIT: Let God direct you (v13-15)

After the prayer the whole nation “stood before the Lord” (verse 13) – just waited patiently, quietly for God’s direction or instruction. Each minute that they stood waiting they knew the army marched closer to Jerusalem. But no-one did anything to prepare for war or flight – they abstained from all food and rest and entertainment because they knew that all their efforts will be futile – they literally looked and waited for God to save them.

Just like Habakkuk did years later, the Jews took their eyes off their enemies and looked towards God: “I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me” (Habakkuk 2:1). Then God answered through the prophet Jahaziel that he will destroy their enemies – they simply had to walk to the edge of the desert and see what He was going to do. Juda was encouraged by God and worshipped God with relief and gladness. God heard their prayers and would save them from certain destruction!

Because they waited, God answered the questions “Lord, what do you see?”, “Lord, what will You do to save us?” and “Lord, what must we do?” In every crisis the Word of God is what changes the situation from trial to triumph.

FAITH: the worship of faithful obedience (v16-21)

But as in almost every situation, God involves us in His salvation. What did the Jews have to do? In simple obedience walk head-on towards the enemy. As Moses had to face Pharaoh, Joshua had to encircle Jericho, David had to walk up to Goliath, and Gideon had to walk into the Midianite camp, so Judah had to march in faith towards this massive army. As Daniel’s friends discovered, God’s Great Plan sometimes requires us to walk through the fire. But as they obeyed in faith, they started singing the ancient Israeli song associated with God’s faithful deliverance of the Egyptian Army after their Exodus “Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:20)

And this act of faithful obedience and praise resulted in God’s intervention into the situation: the three invading armies turned on each other and completely annihilated each other so that “No-one had escaped.” (v24) All Judah had left to do was carry the spoils of war back – for three full days! What a marvelous victory by the Lord!

THANKS: Stop to give honour (v24-26)

But the story does not end with the spoils and peace – Jehoshaphat had the wisdom to end where they began: at the House of God. The whole nation returned to God’s Temple in Jerusalem to give thanks to God and make His praise glorious. They returned to the place where they prayed, waited and received the Word and direction from God.

Just like one of the ten lepers who had received healing from Jesus returned to give thanks and “was made well (or whole)”, so Jehoshaphat and Judah was reward with “quite” and “rest all around” because of their gifts of thanks.

The other day the Lord said to me as something happened which was out of my control, “Don’t walk around defeated.” I want to leave you with this phrase – when Crisis hits don’t walk around defeated, like heathen who live “having no hope and far from God in this world” (Ephesians 2:13).

Rather, like King Jehoshaphat, devote your life to seek and serve God. When news of crisis comes, turn to Him in prayer, reminding yourself of Who He is and what He has done, present your problem to Him and confess your helplessness and trust in Him. Ask Him what He will do and what you should do. Then wait – let Him direct your response. Act confidently – God is in control of your life, and you are precious to Him. And once He has saved you, make His praise glorious!