Where are you in the debate on hanging, abortion, and gay rights? The first two are raging in my country. The other is a major issue in the USA ever since California voted to overturn gay marriages on the day Obama won the presidential elections. Jamaicans are overwhelmingly in favor of retaining the the death penalty on our statutes, and our Parliamentarians are currently debating the issue. And with good reason. Just this week, one of our daily newspapers, in reporting on the murder and sodomising of a young boy, the gang rape of a woman and the murder of three women describes the situation as something, " Out of Hell". Lately citizens, seemingly tired of the security forces inability to curb the crime wave, have taken to " chopping up", gunmen whenever they can. Fighting back, while many others cower in deep fear of being the next abduction, rape, or murder victim. This is not a good place for a nation to be in, and our leaders have no answer to these brazen, wicked and apparently unstoppable gunmen. Therefore, in the view of some, legislation is at least one answer.
On another front, some public health professionals have been seeking to amend the Abortion Act, so that it is no longer a crime to perform such a procedure. They argue that this action would prevent the many deaths now resulting from unsafe abortions. Others also in favor, argue that, this should be a matter of an individual choice by the pregnant mother, especially in cases of rape and where carrying the pregnancy would constitute a grave threat to the mother's life. A position accepted by at least one church denomination. Those in opposition argue that life begins at conception, and therefore, any act to terminate the pregnancy, at any stage, is tantamount to murder. Both sides see the passage of legislation as very significant in going forward on this issue.
Gay marriage would never see the light of day in this " not in my cabinet" country. So it is not an issue. What is definitely an issue here is the retention of the buggery act as one way of ensuring that homosexuals do not " pass their place" in this society. Again legislation is seen as one way, and a significant method, of curbing the unseemly behaviour of these group.
So what did the Lord , who is in front of us, beside us, and behind us, say this week about these " hot button" issues.
The first was a still small voice from within. "Be careful you do not place too much focus on solving the problem of murder and violence that you get distracted and forget to seek to know Me better". I am dead serious. That's what I heard. And so about crime, so about road safety and even this Internet Ministry. "Be careful, lest you get distracted". When? Today. This evening. I went to the 7:30 am service but had to leave early - caught the wonderful sermon by one of our young people -to attend a service at another church on World Remembrance Day for Road Crash Victims. So I missed participating in the Eucharist -Holy Communion. Very badly. Thank God that the evening service, on the third Sunday of the month, is a Communion service. So as I prepared to leave and on my way down the Lord spoke to me about distractions. You would not believe also that my cell phone began vibrating, just at the start of the service. In keeping with God's message of distraction - I should have turned it off anyhow - I ignored it, arguing that any emergency would have to wait until the end of the service. Turned out that the person's phone had triggered the call by 'accident'.
The second was the sermon to a grand total of five members, by a young female priest. I went
there primarily to receive the " body and blood of Christ" - to know Him more, to see Him " face to face", as the song writer famously wrote. But as it turned out, I got more.
" Welcome to news at 10; to nationwide news; to Barbara Gloudon; to Mutty", she intoned gravely". Take your pick. All of them dishing out bad news. Gloom and doom. That's how she began. Her sermon was based on the prophet Zephaniah's warning to the people of Israel, the chosen people of God. That the " Day of the Lord" was coming. And if they did not repent of their wickedness, there would come a time of " gloom and doom" for the nation. Fortunately King Josiah responded and enacted legislation which made the people behave in a more acceptable way. But he soon died, and then they returned to their old wicked ways. So the "day of the Lord" came indeed and the nation suffered greatly.
The message - One, that there is nothing new under the sun. Wickedness and murder and rape and abduction have been around for a long time. The behaviour of humankind has not changed much. Rebellion against the Living God, by both believers and non-believers has not changed much. As the prophets of old, like Zephaniah and others, spoke to Kings and the common man alike. To the chosen people of God and to unbelievers alike. Challenging them to uphold the laws of God. But they all failed. Thus God sent His Son, Christ Jesus, so that in and through a relationship with Him, and not because of the law, lives could be changed - forever.
Therefore the second part of the message, to all five of us, was that, " Legislation is not the answer". " It can help. But it has definitely not been the answer to human problems ever since Creation and the Fall, and it is certainly not the answer in this 21st century Jamaica and the world.
Translation! Hanging, in and by itself, is not going to put a end to crime and violence in Jamaica. Nor will the retention of the current Abortion Act, in and by itself, prevent people from carrying our abortions. Nor will the overturn of the gay marriage act, in and by itself, do anything to change the actions of gays. The challenge to the church is for each of us, to establish a relationship with one person at a time, and share the love of Christ with that individual. So that, over a period time, the Holy Spirit of God will lead that person to a relationship with Christ, who is the only person capable of changing the human heart - if they are willing. And we have to accept the fact, that they may not be willing. Further, that seeds sown today will take time to grow. So do not expect miracles on a regular basis. The problems that we are witnessing in Jamaica today, are the results of seeds, poisonous seeds - my words - sown a long time ago.
I thought about her sermon on the way home, especially in the light of the most significant aspect of Obama's victory - bringing hope to diverse and hurting people by establishing a relationship with them. Young and old. Men and women. Blacks and whites. Latinos and Asians. Gays and Straight. Democrats and Republicans. Americans and the rest of the World tired of the Bush Doctrine. I thought about the gay people in Jamaica whom we, for the most part, have ostracised and made to feel less than human. Are we being fair to them when we know that 'sin' is with all of us? And therefore " there goeth I , but for the grace of God". As no one, for the most part, chooses to be homosexual. No one, for the most part, sets out to be a wife beater. Or a pedophile, or an unfaithful partner, or a murderer, or a common thief, or a persecutor of Christians, or to have sex at 12, or to have a baby at 13, or become a rapist 14, or to have an abortion at 15, or to intentionally rebel against the living God. All of these things result from Sin - a disordered relationship with the God of Abraham, who revealed Himself fully in the person of Jesus Christ. And Sin is not something brought on by the society in which we live, but from the inheritance we have from Adam. Sin is something that has been with us for a very long time and is not a new phenomenon.
Therefore, can the Christ who lives within the heart of every true Christian, through the power of His Holy Spirit, touch the hearts of homosexuals, those who would abort the lives of
" fearfully and wonderfully", made babies in the womb, and those who would kill and maim human beings, made in the image of God, as if they were of no more importance than an insect? Can we who claim Christ cease our dependence on legislation, and seek to establish relationships with all persons, one at a time and so share the Redemptive power and love of Christ with them. Yes we can, as "with man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible". This is the essence of the gospel message.
The third message came directly from Scripture
" Since, then, we know what it is to we fear the Lord, we try to persuade men......For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.......So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sin against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as if God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God...... As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says,
" In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation"
2. Cor. 5:11-6:2 NIV
Please do not miss (whether you are an unbeliever or believer, political, business, professional, or religious leader of a country or the ordinary man, of royal blood or the common man) the significance of the opening and closing statements. God is to be feared, and one day according to Zephaniah, the day of the Lord will come and then the judgement. In Christ Jesus, that day is here. ...." now is the day of salvation. So when God's fellow workers seek to establish a loving caring understanding, non-judgemental relationship with you, be careful how you ignore them and continue your " wicked " ways. When the living God warns us about " being distracted", by the many cares and problems of this world, thus leaving less time to spend with Him. Be obedient. When the God of Abraham warns us that we should, " try to persuade men", if we
truly fear Him. Let us be obedient. When He reminds us that Christ's love should " compel us".
Let us be obedient, as today is the day of salvation. Today is the "Day of the Lord".
Amen
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Yes we can - Obama: Yes we are - Christianity
A few years ago, I spent a few weeks in Singapore. And one of, if not the most enduring memory I have of that remarkable country, is that of a young girl, all by herself, waiting on the bus in the dark, at 5;30 in the morning - quite unperturbed as we jogged by, or in my case , walked at a fast pace. In that country, at that time, and I believe it remains that way until now, no one would dare to trouble her. Since then, I have always thought to myself, that if ever I had a chance to be in charge of my country, my first priority would be to ensure the safety of our young girls and women.
This week as I listened to, and looked in the eyes of a tear- filled young professional woman, I had reason to ponder that dream. She had just heard the news that, on the night before, gunmen had abducted three women from a popular fast food establishment, and she was terrified out her wits. " I don't want to be raped" she said. She lived alone and was in great fear of being assaulted and then killed. It's the latest in a long list of violent and wicked acts being perpetrated by men who clearly are no longer constrained by any rule of law in this country - just a few days ago they attempted - unsuccessfully thank God - to abduct a young schoolgirl, on a busy street, in "broad daylight", as we say here in Jamaica. So there is widespread panic as the country descends further into mayhem. Not being able to offer her any great human consolation, we prayed together and asked God for mercy and peace - not because we were worthy or deserving, but because He is a merciful God, and has shown this mercy, most profoundly in the death of His Son Jesus Christ
That is one perspective. The other is all about the Obamas . Barack, Michelle - I almost mischievously said and Abendego - Malia and Natasha - aka Sasha. Newspapers have become collector's items, as everything in print is being gobbled up. E-mails are being sent at warp speed. Face Book is all about Obama and so I would imagine are countless blogs.
And in the middle of all of this Obama " madness", a young preacher at my church today, delivered a wonderful sermon with authority and interspersed with moments when his voice cracked as his emotions almost overwhelmed him, and which brought us back to reality and connected us with the Obama victory.
"Yes we can", he declared in true Obama style. Yes we can as Christians, provide the kind of HOPE that the victims of rape and abduction need at this time in the nation's history. Yes we can offer the HOPE to the father and family of young Pia Phillips who died so tragically, as reported in last week's message. Yes we can be the HOPE to those who are at risk to turn to drugs, or a life of crime, and thus may become a rapist in the next generation. How! Help Other People Endure in times of crisis. Every male Christian ought to be mentoring a young person, preferably a young man. All Christians are called upon to sacrifice time at work, at home, in the community, to lend a listening ear to someone who is in need. Someone who is in crisis. Further, that in the spirit of the God who inspired the prophet Amos to pen those stirring lines, often used by Martin Luther King, the acknowledge forerunner of Obama," But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream", we too are called to break down the citadels of injustice, and to live holy lives. Not just on a Sunday morning, but at home, at work, and the community. That is how we are to going to provide HOPE for our people desperately in need of God's love in and through Christ Jesus - and whose body is the church.
But how does that help a nation in crisis, some would argue? How will that deter the wicked, bent on carrying our more spectacular acts of evil day by day? I am not sure, but certainly deep in the words of an old hymn is a message: "What God has done for others , He will do for you...."
It took a long time for change to come to America, but thank God it has. Likewise it took a long time for change to come to South Africa, but thank God it did. It took a long time for the " Berlin Wall" to come down, but thank God it did. It took a long time for slavery to end in my country, but thank God it did. And in every instance where injustice and unrighteousness have been defeated, God's mysterious hand, through His agents of change, has been at work. So change will come one day to Jamaica too, but it all depends on how we as Christians - God's agents of change - respond, as the young preacher declared today, in times of crisis.
And the God who is always ahead of us provided another perspective on this issue of our response in times of crisis, from a meditation from Chris Tiegen.
FOR HIS HONOR OCTOBER 15 CHRIS TIEGEN
" Father glorify your name ". John 1218
IN WORD One of the ways we can determine whether we are becoming Christlike is how we act in a crisis. When the pressure is on, what will we do? Or, even deeper, when the pressure is on, what motives will direct us?
Jesus came to hour that He had long predicted. He was clear about His purpose in coming to Jerusalem. He would die there. The disciples couldn't understand it, but He had foretold the Cross and the Resurrection numerous times. And now the hour had come.
It wasn't a pleasant hour. Nothing in human flesh --even that of the divine Son of God --enjoys suffering. Jesus dd not ask God to save Him from this hour in John 12( v 27) but when He gets to the Garden of Gethsemane, He wants to know if it's possible for the cup of suffering to pass Him by ( Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22). Human nature is so very ambivalent; the spirit is willing , but the flesh is very, very weak. Even God, when clothed in human flesh, wanted the less painful way, But -- and here's the measure for us -- in the middle of His crisis, one motive still guided Him: He preferred the glory of God's name over His own self-preservation. God's reputation weighed heavier on His heart than His own comfort and life.
IN DEED Are you becoming Christlike? It is God's plan for you to be conformed to the image of His Son. But how can you know if you're growing toward that goal? Examine your motives, especially in the midst of a crisis. What is your agenda? Do you prefer the glory of God to your own escape? When it really comes down to it, what would you sacrifice for his glory?
Jesus sacrificed a huge following. His school of disciples, His comfort and health, His current reputation, and even His life in order that God's name might be honored. Would you?
Wow!. Would I? ( Thank God for blogs. The power just went, and had it not been for this technology, all of the message would have been lost). The point is that what Jamaica and the world needs now, in this time of crisis all over the globe, are Christians who are willing to sacrifice, not just for themselves, their neighbours and nation, but for God's glory. And according to Amos, His glory is achieved whenever and wherever we usher in Justice and Righteousness in our lives and in the lives of others around us.
And how do we sustain this desire for God's glory? According to the Gospel today about the five wise virgins and the five foolish ones -- by having a little more oil in my lamp to keep it burning, keep it burning 'til the break of day. And as I reflected deeply on the extended version of this wonderful song, I understood very profoundly what God was saying in this Gospel message.
I pray God that all of us who spend the time to listen will come to offer HOPE to our people, in the same way that Obama's victory, in and by itself, has already brought hope to millions across the USA and indeed the world. And I can hear the Pentecostals singing that wonderful up tempo sanke, in respect to Jesus' coming : " Things already better, things already better....."
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning.
Give me oil in my lamp I pray. Give me oil in my lamp
keep me burning, keep me burning 'til the break of day
CHO Sing, "Hosanna!" Sing, "Hosanna!"
Sing, " Hosanna!" to the King of Kings.......
Make me a fisher of men
Keep me seeking....
Give me joy in my heart
Keep me singing.....
Give me love in my heart
Keep me serving.....
Give me peace in my soul
Keep me praising.....
Place your faith in my heart
Keep me trusting
Hide your Word in my heart
Keep me learning.....
So it is in the seeking of others to bring them to Christ, in the singing of spiritual songs and hymns, in the serving of others ( providing HOPE), in the praising of God each day ( Bless the Lord O my soul), in the trusting in God in all situations and in the learning from His precious Word, that we will have " oil in our lamps" to be Christlike in the midst of crises of life and seek to bring all honor and glory to our Father. Thus will change come to Jamaica - and the whole world. So let us heed the words of the " community organizer" and begin the process : brick by brick, church by church, community by community, school by school, acts of faith by acts of faith, one day at a time, and trusting in God. Amen
This week as I listened to, and looked in the eyes of a tear- filled young professional woman, I had reason to ponder that dream. She had just heard the news that, on the night before, gunmen had abducted three women from a popular fast food establishment, and she was terrified out her wits. " I don't want to be raped" she said. She lived alone and was in great fear of being assaulted and then killed. It's the latest in a long list of violent and wicked acts being perpetrated by men who clearly are no longer constrained by any rule of law in this country - just a few days ago they attempted - unsuccessfully thank God - to abduct a young schoolgirl, on a busy street, in "broad daylight", as we say here in Jamaica. So there is widespread panic as the country descends further into mayhem. Not being able to offer her any great human consolation, we prayed together and asked God for mercy and peace - not because we were worthy or deserving, but because He is a merciful God, and has shown this mercy, most profoundly in the death of His Son Jesus Christ
That is one perspective. The other is all about the Obamas . Barack, Michelle - I almost mischievously said and Abendego - Malia and Natasha - aka Sasha. Newspapers have become collector's items, as everything in print is being gobbled up. E-mails are being sent at warp speed. Face Book is all about Obama and so I would imagine are countless blogs.
And in the middle of all of this Obama " madness", a young preacher at my church today, delivered a wonderful sermon with authority and interspersed with moments when his voice cracked as his emotions almost overwhelmed him, and which brought us back to reality and connected us with the Obama victory.
"Yes we can", he declared in true Obama style. Yes we can as Christians, provide the kind of HOPE that the victims of rape and abduction need at this time in the nation's history. Yes we can offer the HOPE to the father and family of young Pia Phillips who died so tragically, as reported in last week's message. Yes we can be the HOPE to those who are at risk to turn to drugs, or a life of crime, and thus may become a rapist in the next generation. How! Help Other People Endure in times of crisis. Every male Christian ought to be mentoring a young person, preferably a young man. All Christians are called upon to sacrifice time at work, at home, in the community, to lend a listening ear to someone who is in need. Someone who is in crisis. Further, that in the spirit of the God who inspired the prophet Amos to pen those stirring lines, often used by Martin Luther King, the acknowledge forerunner of Obama," But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream", we too are called to break down the citadels of injustice, and to live holy lives. Not just on a Sunday morning, but at home, at work, and the community. That is how we are to going to provide HOPE for our people desperately in need of God's love in and through Christ Jesus - and whose body is the church.
But how does that help a nation in crisis, some would argue? How will that deter the wicked, bent on carrying our more spectacular acts of evil day by day? I am not sure, but certainly deep in the words of an old hymn is a message: "What God has done for others , He will do for you...."
It took a long time for change to come to America, but thank God it has. Likewise it took a long time for change to come to South Africa, but thank God it did. It took a long time for the " Berlin Wall" to come down, but thank God it did. It took a long time for slavery to end in my country, but thank God it did. And in every instance where injustice and unrighteousness have been defeated, God's mysterious hand, through His agents of change, has been at work. So change will come one day to Jamaica too, but it all depends on how we as Christians - God's agents of change - respond, as the young preacher declared today, in times of crisis.
And the God who is always ahead of us provided another perspective on this issue of our response in times of crisis, from a meditation from Chris Tiegen.
FOR HIS HONOR OCTOBER 15 CHRIS TIEGEN
" Father glorify your name ". John 1218
IN WORD One of the ways we can determine whether we are becoming Christlike is how we act in a crisis. When the pressure is on, what will we do? Or, even deeper, when the pressure is on, what motives will direct us?
Jesus came to hour that He had long predicted. He was clear about His purpose in coming to Jerusalem. He would die there. The disciples couldn't understand it, but He had foretold the Cross and the Resurrection numerous times. And now the hour had come.
It wasn't a pleasant hour. Nothing in human flesh --even that of the divine Son of God --enjoys suffering. Jesus dd not ask God to save Him from this hour in John 12( v 27) but when He gets to the Garden of Gethsemane, He wants to know if it's possible for the cup of suffering to pass Him by ( Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22). Human nature is so very ambivalent; the spirit is willing , but the flesh is very, very weak. Even God, when clothed in human flesh, wanted the less painful way, But -- and here's the measure for us -- in the middle of His crisis, one motive still guided Him: He preferred the glory of God's name over His own self-preservation. God's reputation weighed heavier on His heart than His own comfort and life.
IN DEED Are you becoming Christlike? It is God's plan for you to be conformed to the image of His Son. But how can you know if you're growing toward that goal? Examine your motives, especially in the midst of a crisis. What is your agenda? Do you prefer the glory of God to your own escape? When it really comes down to it, what would you sacrifice for his glory?
Jesus sacrificed a huge following. His school of disciples, His comfort and health, His current reputation, and even His life in order that God's name might be honored. Would you?
Wow!. Would I? ( Thank God for blogs. The power just went, and had it not been for this technology, all of the message would have been lost). The point is that what Jamaica and the world needs now, in this time of crisis all over the globe, are Christians who are willing to sacrifice, not just for themselves, their neighbours and nation, but for God's glory. And according to Amos, His glory is achieved whenever and wherever we usher in Justice and Righteousness in our lives and in the lives of others around us.
And how do we sustain this desire for God's glory? According to the Gospel today about the five wise virgins and the five foolish ones -- by having a little more oil in my lamp to keep it burning, keep it burning 'til the break of day. And as I reflected deeply on the extended version of this wonderful song, I understood very profoundly what God was saying in this Gospel message.
I pray God that all of us who spend the time to listen will come to offer HOPE to our people, in the same way that Obama's victory, in and by itself, has already brought hope to millions across the USA and indeed the world. And I can hear the Pentecostals singing that wonderful up tempo sanke, in respect to Jesus' coming : " Things already better, things already better....."
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning.
Give me oil in my lamp I pray. Give me oil in my lamp
keep me burning, keep me burning 'til the break of day
CHO Sing, "Hosanna!" Sing, "Hosanna!"
Sing, " Hosanna!" to the King of Kings.......
Make me a fisher of men
Keep me seeking....
Give me joy in my heart
Keep me singing.....
Give me love in my heart
Keep me serving.....
Give me peace in my soul
Keep me praising.....
Place your faith in my heart
Keep me trusting
Hide your Word in my heart
Keep me learning.....
So it is in the seeking of others to bring them to Christ, in the singing of spiritual songs and hymns, in the serving of others ( providing HOPE), in the praising of God each day ( Bless the Lord O my soul), in the trusting in God in all situations and in the learning from His precious Word, that we will have " oil in our lamps" to be Christlike in the midst of crises of life and seek to bring all honor and glory to our Father. Thus will change come to Jamaica - and the whole world. So let us heed the words of the " community organizer" and begin the process : brick by brick, church by church, community by community, school by school, acts of faith by acts of faith, one day at a time, and trusting in God. Amen
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Yes, we can - Obama: Yes, I Have - Jesus
Today is a new day in the history of mankind. Against all the odds, against the weight of history,
an African American, Barack Hussein Obama - yes we can - is now President elect of the only remaining superpower in the world. In a few short weeks, all authority of the American state will be vested in the hands and mind of this remarkable young man. What will he do with all of this power? How will the American people respond to the challenges he gave them in in his victory speech last night? How will the world respond to the his assurances that those who threaten America will be defeated, and those who offer the hand of peace will find in him, an ally. Will there be any change for us in the Caribbean, and in particular for us here in Jamaica, a nation under siege from "kidnapping and murderous gunmen".
As I watched the tears streaming down the faces of black and white folks alike last night, my mind went back to Harriet Tubman, that great American heroine who organised the " Underground Railway" - piloting slaves from Confederate South to freedom in Union North; back to Martin Luther King - the great civil rights leader, whose oratory and commitment to non -violent change, both combined to produce one of the great human beings of this century; back to Jack and Bobby Kennedy whose flames burned brightly for a while, and who both offered America and indeed the world so much hope. And a now a bright young man, standing on the shoulders of these giants, who embodies the hopes and aspirations of great men and women, now ascends to power in America - the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yes we can indeed.
But as much as I celebrated last night, and shared a special time in history with my son and my wife - can you believe that my daughter fell asleep - and woke to listen to the Lord in the early morning, this is what He said - a sobering message for all of us on the one hand, and yet on the other, yes, a message that we can celebrate, regardless of the times, as long as we seek to carry His agenda. Yes we can.
As you read this meditation, think back on last night and see how much the words relate to many of the scenes we saw played out on television, what Obama said, and what experiences we are all having at this time. And how we as Christians and non-believers are responding - I need to reflect deeply on this mediation as sometimes the angst and the pathos associated with the violence threaten to overwhelm me. Finally, I had no plans to write this morning, as this is Wednesday not Sunday. In particular, I had no plans to read a meditation on June 20th. But the Lord planned it. Did He also raise up Obama for a special purpose? We shall soon see.
CHILDREN OF " ALL AUTHORITY" CHRIS TIEGEN JUNE 20
" All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me". Matthew 28:18
IN WORD There is no greater authority, not in this world or any other. Our universe is governed by the Son of God, the Ancient of days incarnate, the alpha and the Omega. If being in the presence of rulers and celebrities gives us a thrill, how much more wonderful to know Immanuel - God with us. Whatever impresses us, frightens us, threatens us, embitters us, or thrills us --all that we can imagine and more - is under His reign. He is the ultimate power.
That's great, we might think. But what does it have to do with us? The answer is glorious. This infinite power, ultimate authority and the King above all kings is the very same One who intercedes for us. He is on our side. And if the ultimate Authority intercedes for us, who will overturn His intercession? What request of His will be overruled? The greatest power in all the universe - over all the universe, in fact - is already inclined to us, dedicated to working out our good, and available through our prayers. We might think not notice such support if we are bent on our own agenda, but if we are bent on His, there is no obstacle that can obscure it.
IN DEED Sounds too good to be true? Yes, it does. And it often appears that way. While the ultimate Authority reigns benevolently over us, we have trials and tribulations. Our children may have life-threatening illnesses. Our finances may come to ruin. Our security might be in danger. Our relationships might suffer irreparable conflict. It doesn't always look as if He is exercising His power.
But He is. The world He has placed us in is enemy territory, and we will not pass through it uncontested. When we focus on it, we will be discouraged and depressed. When we absorb its values and goals, we will be disappointed. And that's why Jesus comes to His disciples and says all authority is His. We need to know that - and to live as if we know it.
Amen
an African American, Barack Hussein Obama - yes we can - is now President elect of the only remaining superpower in the world. In a few short weeks, all authority of the American state will be vested in the hands and mind of this remarkable young man. What will he do with all of this power? How will the American people respond to the challenges he gave them in in his victory speech last night? How will the world respond to the his assurances that those who threaten America will be defeated, and those who offer the hand of peace will find in him, an ally. Will there be any change for us in the Caribbean, and in particular for us here in Jamaica, a nation under siege from "kidnapping and murderous gunmen".
As I watched the tears streaming down the faces of black and white folks alike last night, my mind went back to Harriet Tubman, that great American heroine who organised the " Underground Railway" - piloting slaves from Confederate South to freedom in Union North; back to Martin Luther King - the great civil rights leader, whose oratory and commitment to non -violent change, both combined to produce one of the great human beings of this century; back to Jack and Bobby Kennedy whose flames burned brightly for a while, and who both offered America and indeed the world so much hope. And a now a bright young man, standing on the shoulders of these giants, who embodies the hopes and aspirations of great men and women, now ascends to power in America - the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yes we can indeed.
But as much as I celebrated last night, and shared a special time in history with my son and my wife - can you believe that my daughter fell asleep - and woke to listen to the Lord in the early morning, this is what He said - a sobering message for all of us on the one hand, and yet on the other, yes, a message that we can celebrate, regardless of the times, as long as we seek to carry His agenda. Yes we can.
As you read this meditation, think back on last night and see how much the words relate to many of the scenes we saw played out on television, what Obama said, and what experiences we are all having at this time. And how we as Christians and non-believers are responding - I need to reflect deeply on this mediation as sometimes the angst and the pathos associated with the violence threaten to overwhelm me. Finally, I had no plans to write this morning, as this is Wednesday not Sunday. In particular, I had no plans to read a meditation on June 20th. But the Lord planned it. Did He also raise up Obama for a special purpose? We shall soon see.
CHILDREN OF " ALL AUTHORITY" CHRIS TIEGEN JUNE 20
" All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me". Matthew 28:18
IN WORD There is no greater authority, not in this world or any other. Our universe is governed by the Son of God, the Ancient of days incarnate, the alpha and the Omega. If being in the presence of rulers and celebrities gives us a thrill, how much more wonderful to know Immanuel - God with us. Whatever impresses us, frightens us, threatens us, embitters us, or thrills us --all that we can imagine and more - is under His reign. He is the ultimate power.
That's great, we might think. But what does it have to do with us? The answer is glorious. This infinite power, ultimate authority and the King above all kings is the very same One who intercedes for us. He is on our side. And if the ultimate Authority intercedes for us, who will overturn His intercession? What request of His will be overruled? The greatest power in all the universe - over all the universe, in fact - is already inclined to us, dedicated to working out our good, and available through our prayers. We might think not notice such support if we are bent on our own agenda, but if we are bent on His, there is no obstacle that can obscure it.
IN DEED Sounds too good to be true? Yes, it does. And it often appears that way. While the ultimate Authority reigns benevolently over us, we have trials and tribulations. Our children may have life-threatening illnesses. Our finances may come to ruin. Our security might be in danger. Our relationships might suffer irreparable conflict. It doesn't always look as if He is exercising His power.
But He is. The world He has placed us in is enemy territory, and we will not pass through it uncontested. When we focus on it, we will be discouraged and depressed. When we absorb its values and goals, we will be disappointed. And that's why Jesus comes to His disciples and says all authority is His. We need to know that - and to live as if we know it.
Amen
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Closing arguments from Obama, Christ and St. Paul.
This past week, on day before Barack Obama spent over $5.0 million presenting his closing arguments, someone whom I have known since she was one month old, was help up by gunmen. And so terrified was she, as she begged for her life, that she lost control of one of her bodily functions. So what can Obama do for my friend here in Jamaica.? On Tuesday November 4, exactly forty years and seven months after Martin Luther King Jnr. finished his work on this earth, having had a dream that, "my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character", Barack Hussein Obama, by all accounts,will fulfill that dream by becoming the first President of the USA who is an African American. So what can Obama do, not for only black folks but for all the people of American? On January 20th, if he wins, Obama will officially close the deal, and take over the reins of power in the USA - the world's only remaining superpower. And from all accounts, the entire free world is waiting to " exhale" and see what Obama will do for peace, for climate change, for the world economy, for the good name of America.
As I contemplated these issues this week, like many others, my country is caught up with "Obama fever". My wife who has never voted in her entire life, has suddenly become a political expert on American politics, and CNN is almost always on in my house - from the days of the Democratic primaries. But equally so is my country caught up the "fever" of violence and is a nation racked by daily reports of murder, kidnapping of young girls, rape, and just absolute mayhem. And today's news report just about shattered all who heard it.
A young girl with a bright future, on her eighteenth birthday, the head girl of one of our top schools was killed by the gun. Her father's gun. A dad who came to the rescue of his family, who were under threat from marauding gunmen, slipped and fell and the gun went off hitting his daughter who later died. The gunmen escaped. And we cannot begin to understand the pain that this poor man is feeling now. So far no party, no leader, no private sector mogul, no insightful journalist, no policeman has presented any closing arguments to help stem the tide of crimson which is staining the streets of our country.
So this week, I was led to the closing arguments of two persons, whom, if we follow carefully, can help, not only Jamaica, black folks and white folks in America, but the entire world to find the only true peace which is available this side of heaven. The shalom, the peace which my friend who was terrified by the gunmen needs and which that guilt-ridden father needs desperately. Which Obama himself needs if he is to truly bring into being the final element of King's dream - Freedom. Freedom from more than racism and sexism. But also from poverty and persecution. From violence and extortion. From the consequences sexual immorality and moral laxity. From ignorance and fear. From greed and pride.
"When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" The closing arguments of King's famous " I have a dream " speech
So let us reflect on the closing arguments from who He, who is the only One who can allow to sing:" Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.
" A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, ' Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say ' Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.......For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry.
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there thy crucified him, along with the criminals - one on his right, the other on his left, Jesus said, " Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing".
Luke 23:26-34
" Later knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, " I am thirsty". A jar of wine vinegar was there , so they soaked a sponge it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, " It is finished". With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
John 19;28-30.
Note that this event took place on an old rugged cross on a hill far away from the "glare of the television cameras". Only Holy Scripture records this kind of detail and places the whole of Christ's life into perspective, and which story is captured so eloquently by verses of two hymns on which I was led to reflect this week.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in my Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me who him me to death pursued
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou my God, shouldst die for me
He left His Father's throne above
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love
And bled for Adam's helpless race
' Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For O my God, it found out me...
My God I love thee, not because
I hope for heaven thereby
Nor yet because those who love thee not
Are lost eternally
Thou O my Jesus, thou didst me
Upon the Cross embrace
For me didst bear the nails and spears
And manifold disgrace
And griefs and torments numberless
And sweat of agony
Yea, death itself -- and all for me
Who was thine enemy
Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ
Should I not love thee well.......
Not from the hope of gaining aught
Nor seeking a reward
But as thyself hast loved me
O ever-loving Lord...
In a few short words above, the essence of the Christian message is taught. And all of what life is about is shared. That the work of Salvation - Peace, Shalom, wholeness, restoration of sinful man with God the Creator, freedom from sin and death, empowerment with the power of the Holy Spirit - is all finished. That because of love God sent His only begotten Son, and Christ was obedient - emptied Himself of all but love, and died for Adam's helpless race. That all of this is ;''Tis mystery all! The immortal dies. Who can explore His strange designs. So we love Christ, not for gain. Not because we understand everything. Not because He is going to " cut taxes to the middle class", or " redistribute wealth to the poor", or help to " regain Jamaica's good name", or " bring an end to the war in Rema, or Clarendon or St. James. No, we love Christ simply, because he first loved us - even when were sinners. His enemies.
This is the "closing argument" which will set those of us, who trust God, free and enable us to say like Christ to those who persecute us, who ignore our message, who pour scorn on our fixation on " what is unseen rather than what is seen: " Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing". For surely the advice for the women in Jerusalem to weep not for Him but for themselves, holds true in today's world, as we witness one atrocity after another. Tonight there is a report of man, apparently in his right mind, who shot his mother to death, wounded his brother, and only by the grace of God, was he prevented from causing more bloodshed in the household. the rash of kidnapping and raping and killing our women is surely another manifestation of the fact that, those who turned this nation away from the living God, do not know what they have done.
The other " closing arguments" come from St Paul when, near the end of his life, he wrote to his "son" Timothy about, what I consider to be, the most challenging issue facing the church in its quest to be both relevant to the society and faithful to God. And equally so for those who " have an interest in the Saviour's blood", but who either do not understand the faith, or are not prepared to give up anything for Christ, but expect to receive is benefits. The challenge? Sound Doctrine.
" If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understand nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk,evil suspicions and a constant friction between men of corrupt mind who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain ( A major problem for many denominations). But godliness with contentment is a great gain, For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.........
But you man of God, flee from all of this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness....1 Timothy 6:3-11
" In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will love the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge. Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them, a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering ad the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing"
2 Timothy 4:1-8
So my prayer for Obama as he takes over this awesome task in the affairs of men, is that, not only will he " have an interest in the Saviour's blood", but more importantly, that he may be instructed in sound Doctrine. The lack of which is the main reason why the world suffers so much today, as to much of our energies, as disciples of Christ, are directed at solving the problems of this world, and seeking a reward for doing so, rather than loving Jesus first and foremost - because He first loved us. And instead of preaching the Word in season and out of season, we gather around us a great number of teachers who tell us what our itching ears wish to hear.
Finally, the closing 'chapter' in the day's ( and no doubt the week's too) meditation last night.
And which meditation poses some serious for we who have decided to " follow" Christ, on account of His closing arguments on an old rugged Cross on a hill far a way from CNN.
YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN: OSWALD CHAMBERS : MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST
NOVEMBER 1.
" Know ye not that....ye are not your own?" 1 Cor. 6:19
There is no such thing as a private life -- " a world within the world" -- for a man or woman who is brought into the fellowship with Jesus Christ's sufferings. God breaks up the private life of His saints, and makes it a thoroughfare for the world on the one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ. We are not sanctified for ourselves, we are called into the fellowship of the gospel, and things happen which have nothing to do with us, God is getting into fellowship with Himself. Let Him have His way; if you do not, instead of being the slightest use to God in His Redemptive work in the world, you will be a hindrance and a clog.
The first thing God does with us is to get us based on rugged reality until we do not care what becomes of us individually as long as He gets His way for the purpose of His Redemption. Why shouldn't we go through heartbreaks? Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with his Son. Most of us fall and collapse at the first grip of pain; we sit down on the threshold of God's purpose and die away of self-pity, and all the so-called Christian sympathy will aid us to our death bed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son, and says --" Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine". If though a broken heart God can bring His purpose to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart.
As we in the Anglican faith celebrate All Saints day today, and recall our Rector's words:
" Saints are not only the famous ones of history - St Paul, St. Mark -- but those who in the face of suffering and persecution of all sorts, keep the faith." Pray God then, that we may not only get Obama fever, but more importantly be full of zeal for the One who died on the old rugged Cross for all mankind - Jesus Christ our Saviour. And that we may know the faith, live the faith and keep the faith, for Christ's sake and for the Salvation of the world.
Amen
As I contemplated these issues this week, like many others, my country is caught up with "Obama fever". My wife who has never voted in her entire life, has suddenly become a political expert on American politics, and CNN is almost always on in my house - from the days of the Democratic primaries. But equally so is my country caught up the "fever" of violence and is a nation racked by daily reports of murder, kidnapping of young girls, rape, and just absolute mayhem. And today's news report just about shattered all who heard it.
A young girl with a bright future, on her eighteenth birthday, the head girl of one of our top schools was killed by the gun. Her father's gun. A dad who came to the rescue of his family, who were under threat from marauding gunmen, slipped and fell and the gun went off hitting his daughter who later died. The gunmen escaped. And we cannot begin to understand the pain that this poor man is feeling now. So far no party, no leader, no private sector mogul, no insightful journalist, no policeman has presented any closing arguments to help stem the tide of crimson which is staining the streets of our country.
So this week, I was led to the closing arguments of two persons, whom, if we follow carefully, can help, not only Jamaica, black folks and white folks in America, but the entire world to find the only true peace which is available this side of heaven. The shalom, the peace which my friend who was terrified by the gunmen needs and which that guilt-ridden father needs desperately. Which Obama himself needs if he is to truly bring into being the final element of King's dream - Freedom. Freedom from more than racism and sexism. But also from poverty and persecution. From violence and extortion. From the consequences sexual immorality and moral laxity. From ignorance and fear. From greed and pride.
"When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" The closing arguments of King's famous " I have a dream " speech
So let us reflect on the closing arguments from who He, who is the only One who can allow to sing:" Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.
" A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, ' Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say ' Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.......For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry.
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there thy crucified him, along with the criminals - one on his right, the other on his left, Jesus said, " Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing".
Luke 23:26-34
" Later knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, " I am thirsty". A jar of wine vinegar was there , so they soaked a sponge it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, " It is finished". With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
John 19;28-30.
Note that this event took place on an old rugged cross on a hill far away from the "glare of the television cameras". Only Holy Scripture records this kind of detail and places the whole of Christ's life into perspective, and which story is captured so eloquently by verses of two hymns on which I was led to reflect this week.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in my Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me who him me to death pursued
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou my God, shouldst die for me
He left His Father's throne above
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love
And bled for Adam's helpless race
' Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For O my God, it found out me...
My God I love thee, not because
I hope for heaven thereby
Nor yet because those who love thee not
Are lost eternally
Thou O my Jesus, thou didst me
Upon the Cross embrace
For me didst bear the nails and spears
And manifold disgrace
And griefs and torments numberless
And sweat of agony
Yea, death itself -- and all for me
Who was thine enemy
Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ
Should I not love thee well.......
Not from the hope of gaining aught
Nor seeking a reward
But as thyself hast loved me
O ever-loving Lord...
In a few short words above, the essence of the Christian message is taught. And all of what life is about is shared. That the work of Salvation - Peace, Shalom, wholeness, restoration of sinful man with God the Creator, freedom from sin and death, empowerment with the power of the Holy Spirit - is all finished. That because of love God sent His only begotten Son, and Christ was obedient - emptied Himself of all but love, and died for Adam's helpless race. That all of this is ;''Tis mystery all! The immortal dies. Who can explore His strange designs. So we love Christ, not for gain. Not because we understand everything. Not because He is going to " cut taxes to the middle class", or " redistribute wealth to the poor", or help to " regain Jamaica's good name", or " bring an end to the war in Rema, or Clarendon or St. James. No, we love Christ simply, because he first loved us - even when were sinners. His enemies.
This is the "closing argument" which will set those of us, who trust God, free and enable us to say like Christ to those who persecute us, who ignore our message, who pour scorn on our fixation on " what is unseen rather than what is seen: " Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing". For surely the advice for the women in Jerusalem to weep not for Him but for themselves, holds true in today's world, as we witness one atrocity after another. Tonight there is a report of man, apparently in his right mind, who shot his mother to death, wounded his brother, and only by the grace of God, was he prevented from causing more bloodshed in the household. the rash of kidnapping and raping and killing our women is surely another manifestation of the fact that, those who turned this nation away from the living God, do not know what they have done.
The other " closing arguments" come from St Paul when, near the end of his life, he wrote to his "son" Timothy about, what I consider to be, the most challenging issue facing the church in its quest to be both relevant to the society and faithful to God. And equally so for those who " have an interest in the Saviour's blood", but who either do not understand the faith, or are not prepared to give up anything for Christ, but expect to receive is benefits. The challenge? Sound Doctrine.
" If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understand nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk,evil suspicions and a constant friction between men of corrupt mind who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain ( A major problem for many denominations). But godliness with contentment is a great gain, For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.........
But you man of God, flee from all of this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness....1 Timothy 6:3-11
" In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will love the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge. Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them, a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering ad the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing"
2 Timothy 4:1-8
So my prayer for Obama as he takes over this awesome task in the affairs of men, is that, not only will he " have an interest in the Saviour's blood", but more importantly, that he may be instructed in sound Doctrine. The lack of which is the main reason why the world suffers so much today, as to much of our energies, as disciples of Christ, are directed at solving the problems of this world, and seeking a reward for doing so, rather than loving Jesus first and foremost - because He first loved us. And instead of preaching the Word in season and out of season, we gather around us a great number of teachers who tell us what our itching ears wish to hear.
Finally, the closing 'chapter' in the day's ( and no doubt the week's too) meditation last night.
And which meditation poses some serious for we who have decided to " follow" Christ, on account of His closing arguments on an old rugged Cross on a hill far a way from CNN.
YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN: OSWALD CHAMBERS : MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST
NOVEMBER 1.
" Know ye not that....ye are not your own?" 1 Cor. 6:19
There is no such thing as a private life -- " a world within the world" -- for a man or woman who is brought into the fellowship with Jesus Christ's sufferings. God breaks up the private life of His saints, and makes it a thoroughfare for the world on the one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ. We are not sanctified for ourselves, we are called into the fellowship of the gospel, and things happen which have nothing to do with us, God is getting into fellowship with Himself. Let Him have His way; if you do not, instead of being the slightest use to God in His Redemptive work in the world, you will be a hindrance and a clog.
The first thing God does with us is to get us based on rugged reality until we do not care what becomes of us individually as long as He gets His way for the purpose of His Redemption. Why shouldn't we go through heartbreaks? Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with his Son. Most of us fall and collapse at the first grip of pain; we sit down on the threshold of God's purpose and die away of self-pity, and all the so-called Christian sympathy will aid us to our death bed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son, and says --" Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine". If though a broken heart God can bring His purpose to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart.
As we in the Anglican faith celebrate All Saints day today, and recall our Rector's words:
" Saints are not only the famous ones of history - St Paul, St. Mark -- but those who in the face of suffering and persecution of all sorts, keep the faith." Pray God then, that we may not only get Obama fever, but more importantly be full of zeal for the One who died on the old rugged Cross for all mankind - Jesus Christ our Saviour. And that we may know the faith, live the faith and keep the faith, for Christ's sake and for the Salvation of the world.
Amen
Sunday, October 26, 2008
What is your worldview? The viewpoint that informs your perspective on life. Is it based on the temporary or the Eternal?
One minute she was sitting there playing with the children, "getting in the Spirit", in response to the service held by the Itinerant preacher - and she herself was a pastor - and a few minutes later she collapsed and was rushed to the local hospital where she was pronounced dead. It was the second time that morning, within a few minutes, that someone had collapsed in my office. Fortunately the first event had a different result, although at the time I feared the worst. The message for me - all week long? Life, on this side of heaven, is a very tenuous affair indeed, and not to be taken for granted.
So, one day all the hype about the US presidential elections will end. Hopefully Obama will prevail, but his tenure and influence on this world, whatever may be the hopes and aspirations of many, will end one day. So too the most wonderful thing in this world - to be young and in love, or even to be middle aged or old and in love. One day that glorious romance will come to an end. So too, all the great achievements to which one can aspire - a dedicated journalist or lawyer, committed to revealing the truth, defending democracy, fighting injustice, and sharing useful information; a committed social worker; the best teacher in the world; a great mother; a father who is there for his family; the most creative and highly acclaimed artist, a caring physician; a politician who made a difference; a really great artisan; a highly respected and well loved manager; a successful businessperson...... Nothing on this good earth will last forever.
So what did the Lord who not only walks beside, but more importantly, goes ahead of us, each day, reveal to and through his servant during this week, when being ahead of us He would have known about this impending sudden death, and thus prepared us.
First and foremost, before the sudden death of this lady, I was led to reflect on passages from one of the most important books in the Bible - 2 Corinthians. And as I spent time meditating deeply on sections of this profound book, I recalled my former spiritual mentor, of blessed memory, Bishop Herman Spence telling me about an invitation to preach for a week long stint in the Bahamas, and how he decided to spend the time expounding on this book. The verse which first struck me was:
" So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal". 2 Cor. 6:18 NIV
The point here is that for far too many of us, even we who claim Christ, the joys and sorrows and challenges and aspirations of this life consume our time, energies, money and emotions. As if this life is all that there is. So we get upset easily, get depressed without struggling, set earthly targets for our lives, and spend out time worry about every imaginable thing as if we do not have a Father in heaven and therefore our lives are subject to the "ordinary forces" of this world.
So I spent some time this week asking the Lord to give me the inner strength, to " fix my eyes" on the unseen, the eternal, and not just the visible and and temporary - as important as they may be. And the joy of this approach to life was very liberating indeed - even though it is a struggle as Satan tries to keep you captured by " the tyranny of the immediate".
The second passage was equally profound and even a bit disturbing - and I have been reading this section of the Bible for years without really coming to terms with the deeper meaning, and I am sure there is more to learn.
" We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed". 2 Cor. 6:10 NIV
Two points stayed in my mind. One that, like the lady who died, forever to this life, so are we called, in a spiritual sense, to die to self and live for Christ. That is basic Christianity. And if one is not prepared to undergo that experience, daily, but wishes to hold on to the " temporary and the seen", then there is no power, nothing of the life changing power of Christ in that person's life - no matter how often the church attendance, how much the giving of money, how long the prayers and how diligent the reading of scriptures. The other point is that, we are called to constantly " fix our eyes on the unseen" - only by those who choose not to believe - reality, of the Redemption wrought on the Cross of Calvary. As by, " carrying around", by constantly remembering and drawing on the power of the death of Christ to overcome sin and death, so will the life of Christ, with power, be revealed in our bodies. That is the only source of power to make a difference in this crazy world that believers have.
The final words from this chapter tell us even more about the "unseen power", that we have at work in our bodies, once we believe. I pray God that all of us will believe these things and so drastically alter our lifestyles, so that through us, the lives of unbelievers may be rescued, and even our own lives may be transformed. But there is a price to be paid.
" For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.....though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen......"
2. Cor. 6: 11-12& 16-17 NIV
Three other revelations/inspirations then followed in this theme of the unseen and eternal:
One was a reminder of a song.
As the deer pants for the water,
So my soul longs after you.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You
Chorus.
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You
The other a meditation from an old Saint found in the Classic Devotional Bible in which
the words " But thanks be to God, who always leads in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance and the knowledge of him" , appear.
Following which, and long ago I ceased believing in coincidence, I read this passage a couple night ago.
OSWALD CHAMBERS MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST OCTOBER 24
THE VIEWPOINT
" Now thanks be to God who always causeth us to triumph in Christ"
2. Cor. 2:14
The viewpoint of a worker for God must not be as near the highest as he can get, it must be the highest. Be careful to maintain strenuously God's point of view, it has to be done every day, bit by bit; don't think on the finite ( the temporary - my words). No outside power can touch the viewpoint.
The viewpoint to maintain is that we are here for one purpose only - to be captives in the train of Christ's triumph. We are not in God's showroom, we are here to exhibit one thing - the absolute captivity of our lives to Jesus Christ. How small the other points of view are - I am standing alone battling for Jesus; I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold this fort for Him. Paul says - I am in the train of a conqueror, and it does not matter what the difficulties are, I am always led in triumph. Is this idea being worked out practically in us? Paul's joy was to be a captive of the Lord, he had no other interest in heaven or in earth. it is a shameful thing for a Christian to talk about getting the victory. The Victor ought to have got us so completely that it is His victory all the time, and we are more than conquerors through Him.
" For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ." We are enwheeled with the odour of Jesus, and where we go we are a wonderful refreshment to God
Finally after reading this passage I was led to reflect on another passage which places the entire message this week into proper perspective and why it is so important for us to spend time listening to what God is revealing to us through events and by His Holy Word, and inspired words.
I even, early this morning , when I read it, send out the message by text to all the pastors in my telephone directory on my cell phone.
" For I am resolved to know nothing while I am with except Jesus Christ and him crucified....My message and preaching were not with wise and persuasive words...so that your faith may not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power"
1 Cor. 2:2-5 NIV
I pray God that we will all reflect on these things, so that by being determined to know nothing else but " Christ crucified", by carrying around the death of Christ in our bodies, by fixing our eyes on the unseen and eternal, God 's power may flow through us to to others , and bring peace to this mad country of Jamaica, where sudden death from the gun or from motor vehicle crashes, not natural causes, have unleashed untold terror and grief in our communities. And which power to change things does not come from Obama or any wise man, but from God Himself at work in our mortal bodies. Amen
So, one day all the hype about the US presidential elections will end. Hopefully Obama will prevail, but his tenure and influence on this world, whatever may be the hopes and aspirations of many, will end one day. So too the most wonderful thing in this world - to be young and in love, or even to be middle aged or old and in love. One day that glorious romance will come to an end. So too, all the great achievements to which one can aspire - a dedicated journalist or lawyer, committed to revealing the truth, defending democracy, fighting injustice, and sharing useful information; a committed social worker; the best teacher in the world; a great mother; a father who is there for his family; the most creative and highly acclaimed artist, a caring physician; a politician who made a difference; a really great artisan; a highly respected and well loved manager; a successful businessperson...... Nothing on this good earth will last forever.
So what did the Lord who not only walks beside, but more importantly, goes ahead of us, each day, reveal to and through his servant during this week, when being ahead of us He would have known about this impending sudden death, and thus prepared us.
First and foremost, before the sudden death of this lady, I was led to reflect on passages from one of the most important books in the Bible - 2 Corinthians. And as I spent time meditating deeply on sections of this profound book, I recalled my former spiritual mentor, of blessed memory, Bishop Herman Spence telling me about an invitation to preach for a week long stint in the Bahamas, and how he decided to spend the time expounding on this book. The verse which first struck me was:
" So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal". 2 Cor. 6:18 NIV
The point here is that for far too many of us, even we who claim Christ, the joys and sorrows and challenges and aspirations of this life consume our time, energies, money and emotions. As if this life is all that there is. So we get upset easily, get depressed without struggling, set earthly targets for our lives, and spend out time worry about every imaginable thing as if we do not have a Father in heaven and therefore our lives are subject to the "ordinary forces" of this world.
So I spent some time this week asking the Lord to give me the inner strength, to " fix my eyes" on the unseen, the eternal, and not just the visible and and temporary - as important as they may be. And the joy of this approach to life was very liberating indeed - even though it is a struggle as Satan tries to keep you captured by " the tyranny of the immediate".
The second passage was equally profound and even a bit disturbing - and I have been reading this section of the Bible for years without really coming to terms with the deeper meaning, and I am sure there is more to learn.
" We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed". 2 Cor. 6:10 NIV
Two points stayed in my mind. One that, like the lady who died, forever to this life, so are we called, in a spiritual sense, to die to self and live for Christ. That is basic Christianity. And if one is not prepared to undergo that experience, daily, but wishes to hold on to the " temporary and the seen", then there is no power, nothing of the life changing power of Christ in that person's life - no matter how often the church attendance, how much the giving of money, how long the prayers and how diligent the reading of scriptures. The other point is that, we are called to constantly " fix our eyes on the unseen" - only by those who choose not to believe - reality, of the Redemption wrought on the Cross of Calvary. As by, " carrying around", by constantly remembering and drawing on the power of the death of Christ to overcome sin and death, so will the life of Christ, with power, be revealed in our bodies. That is the only source of power to make a difference in this crazy world that believers have.
The final words from this chapter tell us even more about the "unseen power", that we have at work in our bodies, once we believe. I pray God that all of us will believe these things and so drastically alter our lifestyles, so that through us, the lives of unbelievers may be rescued, and even our own lives may be transformed. But there is a price to be paid.
" For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.....though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen......"
2. Cor. 6: 11-12& 16-17 NIV
Three other revelations/inspirations then followed in this theme of the unseen and eternal:
One was a reminder of a song.
As the deer pants for the water,
So my soul longs after you.
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You
Chorus.
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To you alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You
The other a meditation from an old Saint found in the Classic Devotional Bible in which
the words " But thanks be to God, who always leads in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance and the knowledge of him" , appear.
Following which, and long ago I ceased believing in coincidence, I read this passage a couple night ago.
OSWALD CHAMBERS MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST OCTOBER 24
THE VIEWPOINT
" Now thanks be to God who always causeth us to triumph in Christ"
2. Cor. 2:14
The viewpoint of a worker for God must not be as near the highest as he can get, it must be the highest. Be careful to maintain strenuously God's point of view, it has to be done every day, bit by bit; don't think on the finite ( the temporary - my words). No outside power can touch the viewpoint.
The viewpoint to maintain is that we are here for one purpose only - to be captives in the train of Christ's triumph. We are not in God's showroom, we are here to exhibit one thing - the absolute captivity of our lives to Jesus Christ. How small the other points of view are - I am standing alone battling for Jesus; I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold this fort for Him. Paul says - I am in the train of a conqueror, and it does not matter what the difficulties are, I am always led in triumph. Is this idea being worked out practically in us? Paul's joy was to be a captive of the Lord, he had no other interest in heaven or in earth. it is a shameful thing for a Christian to talk about getting the victory. The Victor ought to have got us so completely that it is His victory all the time, and we are more than conquerors through Him.
" For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ." We are enwheeled with the odour of Jesus, and where we go we are a wonderful refreshment to God
Finally after reading this passage I was led to reflect on another passage which places the entire message this week into proper perspective and why it is so important for us to spend time listening to what God is revealing to us through events and by His Holy Word, and inspired words.
I even, early this morning , when I read it, send out the message by text to all the pastors in my telephone directory on my cell phone.
" For I am resolved to know nothing while I am with except Jesus Christ and him crucified....My message and preaching were not with wise and persuasive words...so that your faith may not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power"
1 Cor. 2:2-5 NIV
I pray God that we will all reflect on these things, so that by being determined to know nothing else but " Christ crucified", by carrying around the death of Christ in our bodies, by fixing our eyes on the unseen and eternal, God 's power may flow through us to to others , and bring peace to this mad country of Jamaica, where sudden death from the gun or from motor vehicle crashes, not natural causes, have unleashed untold terror and grief in our communities. And which power to change things does not come from Obama or any wise man, but from God Himself at work in our mortal bodies. Amen
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Cometh the hour cometh the man in Jesus Christ; Decision time in Jamaica the USA and the World
Tomorrow is National Heroes day in my country. On a day when we recall the exploits of those who sacrificed much for us, in their memory, many Jamaicans who have served well will be given national honors. Perhaps the most famous of our heroes is Marcus Mosiah Garvey who championed the cause of the black race in his day and inspired a lot of the liberation movements in then colonial Africa which then set the stage for Independence from their European masters. Today Jamaica is in need of another hero. Why? Our country is in the midst of the most violent period of our post colonial history and no one seems to have the answer as to how to rid our nation of these wicked gunmen. In fact, just this week, one of them shot to death a female constable during a robbery at her home, triggering national outrage and another round of tears and pain and grief among relatives and family. Her crime? He found her ID in her bag. But it did not end there. According to the news report, fresh from his 'kill', he attempted to rape her daughter, and was only thwarted by an act of nature. Then as if that was not enough to shock a beleaguered nation, news broke of a pharmacist who went missing and was found dead in a ravine. Her crime? Taking the wrong taxi!
We cannot continue to live like this much longer. It is almost like one is watching a horror movie and just waiting to see or hear who is going to die next. It's just so unreal. Sadly in the middle of it, for many people, after the latest "hiccup" of death somewhere else, life just goes on. Perhaps it is a coping mechanism, as it is very difficult to sustain a high level of personal and national outrage, day after day. Week after week. Lots of promises have been made by the politicians.
Even more new initiatives have been made by the security forces, and the folks in the media do their best to keep us informed, but the thing is so overwhelming that many folks have given up.
Losing hope, they look to migrate to " greener pastures". But with the financial meltdown in the USA and indeed worldwide, the options are getting less and less, literally by the hour.
So what do we do? Who will be the next hero for Jamaica and help us to find peace in "the midst of the storm"?
The answer to this question from the Lord this week as I grieved for my country, is instructive for both Christian believers and even those who do not acknowledge God. As the Lord can, and has " raised up" the most unlikely individuals to do His work. But in the majority of instances it is those who fear God, whom He has " raised up" to build His kingdom here on earth. To bring peace to those who call upon His name in truth.
FIRSTLY
" I am the Lord, and there is no other;
apart from me there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
though you have not acknowledged me,
so that from the rising of the sun
to the place of its setting
men may know there is none besides me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other.
I form the light and create darkness,
I bring prosperity and create disaster,
I, the Lord, do all these things.
Isaiah 45:5-7 NIV - the OT reading appointed in the Anglican church for this Sunday.
As I reflected on the passage the following thoughts came into my mind. Cyrus, who " did not acknowledge God" and who God raised up to do His work - Obama who is not considered sufficiently Christian by the Christian right in the USA, on account of his being on the wrong side of the Abortion and Homosexual debate. It is possible that God has " raised him up", for a special mission in America and indeed the whole world. As a people are we sufficiently convinced, or convinced at all, that there is only one God. Or are we looking for other "gods", to save us. Be it the current Prime Minister, the one in waiting, the security forces, our own intellect or the "necessary resources". Very germane to this question is one of the most profound comments I heard on BBC recently, in respect of the financial crisis worldwide, was the admission, by a clearly secular commentator that, " the market is no longer god". Finally, do we really believe that God " brings prosperity and creates disaster"? In the sense that, is the madness we are going through in Jamaica, a manifestation of the "hand of God"?
SECONDLY
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction....in spite of severe suffering you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit...They tell how you turned to God from idols and to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescued us from the coming wrath.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-10. NIV The epistle for this week.
So now we have the real Hero in the world - Jesus, God's Son from heaven, who died for us and was "raised up", from the grave to " rescue us from the coming wrath". The real Hero who Jamaica and indeed the entire world needs. The only true and living God who alone can " bring prosperity", and who alone can "create disaster". But in order to access His help, we have to turn away from idols - and the Bible includes greed in the list - and turn to the God of Isaiah, the God of Sam Sharpe, Marcus Garvey and other National heroes. And in order to become a hero for our country, like Jesus - which is God's intention when we accept Christ - we need to make a decision. Not to vote for Obama or McCain. Or Portia or Bruce. But something more profound.
And remember that " in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message...". So Christians are called to suffer and to sacrifice - in the like manner, but not in same way that our Saviour did, for the gospel and for building God's kingdom.
THIRDLY
CHRIS TIEGEN LOVER OR HATERS OCTOBER 5
" The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." JOHN 12:25
IN WORD Human nature wants it all. We want to live forever in God's presence, but we're reluctant to sacrifice anything in the meantime. We want heaven on earth as well as heaven in heaven. The fact that this is a spiritual impossibility doesn't faze us. We want it anyway.
Jesus doesn't offer His disciples an impossibility. He speaks in harsh realities. We must make a choice: Invest ourselves in this life --which is passing and subject to decay --or invest in the kingdom of God - which is eternal. There is no " all of the above" in Jesus' gospel presentation. It's either one or the other.
This is hard on us, especially those of us who have been trained to believe only what we see. WE see this life; we want to be comfortable in it. We strive to regain Eden, creating our own insulated lifestyles and filling them with conveniences and pleasures. it just isn't within our human nature to forsake all that the world offers us for a kingdom we can't even see. But Jesus never calls us to live according to our human nature; he calls us to die. The One who likens Himself to a grain of wheat that falls t the ground that falls to the ground and dies, only to produce more wheat in the long run, tells His disciples to do the same. He is the prototype; we are the followers. Just as He makes His choice between the Cross and this passing world, so must we. There is no middle ground. We have to pick sides
IN DEED Can you honestly say that you hate your life in the world? Or at least that your hope in eternal life pales your here-and-now plans by comparison? If not, Jesus calls you to radically change your perspective. You cannot hang on to your visible life and your eternal life at the same time. one must be forsaken. Which will it be?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One good way to forsake the visible life and chose the eternal is to be obedient to the Scriptures and live only to reveal Christ to others.
" Since then we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others..... For Christ's love compels us.." 2 Cor. 2 11&14 NIV
As it is only in revealing Christ to others that we will become His Ambassadors, and thus become the next generation of " heroes", for Jamaica, the USA and the entire world which is so much in turmoil today.
But first, the decision, as, " cometh the hour cometh the man in Christ Jesus".
We cannot continue to live like this much longer. It is almost like one is watching a horror movie and just waiting to see or hear who is going to die next. It's just so unreal. Sadly in the middle of it, for many people, after the latest "hiccup" of death somewhere else, life just goes on. Perhaps it is a coping mechanism, as it is very difficult to sustain a high level of personal and national outrage, day after day. Week after week. Lots of promises have been made by the politicians.
Even more new initiatives have been made by the security forces, and the folks in the media do their best to keep us informed, but the thing is so overwhelming that many folks have given up.
Losing hope, they look to migrate to " greener pastures". But with the financial meltdown in the USA and indeed worldwide, the options are getting less and less, literally by the hour.
So what do we do? Who will be the next hero for Jamaica and help us to find peace in "the midst of the storm"?
The answer to this question from the Lord this week as I grieved for my country, is instructive for both Christian believers and even those who do not acknowledge God. As the Lord can, and has " raised up" the most unlikely individuals to do His work. But in the majority of instances it is those who fear God, whom He has " raised up" to build His kingdom here on earth. To bring peace to those who call upon His name in truth.
FIRSTLY
" I am the Lord, and there is no other;
apart from me there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
though you have not acknowledged me,
so that from the rising of the sun
to the place of its setting
men may know there is none besides me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other.
I form the light and create darkness,
I bring prosperity and create disaster,
I, the Lord, do all these things.
Isaiah 45:5-7 NIV - the OT reading appointed in the Anglican church for this Sunday.
As I reflected on the passage the following thoughts came into my mind. Cyrus, who " did not acknowledge God" and who God raised up to do His work - Obama who is not considered sufficiently Christian by the Christian right in the USA, on account of his being on the wrong side of the Abortion and Homosexual debate. It is possible that God has " raised him up", for a special mission in America and indeed the whole world. As a people are we sufficiently convinced, or convinced at all, that there is only one God. Or are we looking for other "gods", to save us. Be it the current Prime Minister, the one in waiting, the security forces, our own intellect or the "necessary resources". Very germane to this question is one of the most profound comments I heard on BBC recently, in respect of the financial crisis worldwide, was the admission, by a clearly secular commentator that, " the market is no longer god". Finally, do we really believe that God " brings prosperity and creates disaster"? In the sense that, is the madness we are going through in Jamaica, a manifestation of the "hand of God"?
SECONDLY
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction....in spite of severe suffering you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit...They tell how you turned to God from idols and to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescued us from the coming wrath.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-10. NIV The epistle for this week.
So now we have the real Hero in the world - Jesus, God's Son from heaven, who died for us and was "raised up", from the grave to " rescue us from the coming wrath". The real Hero who Jamaica and indeed the entire world needs. The only true and living God who alone can " bring prosperity", and who alone can "create disaster". But in order to access His help, we have to turn away from idols - and the Bible includes greed in the list - and turn to the God of Isaiah, the God of Sam Sharpe, Marcus Garvey and other National heroes. And in order to become a hero for our country, like Jesus - which is God's intention when we accept Christ - we need to make a decision. Not to vote for Obama or McCain. Or Portia or Bruce. But something more profound.
And remember that " in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message...". So Christians are called to suffer and to sacrifice - in the like manner, but not in same way that our Saviour did, for the gospel and for building God's kingdom.
THIRDLY
CHRIS TIEGEN LOVER OR HATERS OCTOBER 5
" The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." JOHN 12:25
IN WORD Human nature wants it all. We want to live forever in God's presence, but we're reluctant to sacrifice anything in the meantime. We want heaven on earth as well as heaven in heaven. The fact that this is a spiritual impossibility doesn't faze us. We want it anyway.
Jesus doesn't offer His disciples an impossibility. He speaks in harsh realities. We must make a choice: Invest ourselves in this life --which is passing and subject to decay --or invest in the kingdom of God - which is eternal. There is no " all of the above" in Jesus' gospel presentation. It's either one or the other.
This is hard on us, especially those of us who have been trained to believe only what we see. WE see this life; we want to be comfortable in it. We strive to regain Eden, creating our own insulated lifestyles and filling them with conveniences and pleasures. it just isn't within our human nature to forsake all that the world offers us for a kingdom we can't even see. But Jesus never calls us to live according to our human nature; he calls us to die. The One who likens Himself to a grain of wheat that falls t the ground that falls to the ground and dies, only to produce more wheat in the long run, tells His disciples to do the same. He is the prototype; we are the followers. Just as He makes His choice between the Cross and this passing world, so must we. There is no middle ground. We have to pick sides
IN DEED Can you honestly say that you hate your life in the world? Or at least that your hope in eternal life pales your here-and-now plans by comparison? If not, Jesus calls you to radically change your perspective. You cannot hang on to your visible life and your eternal life at the same time. one must be forsaken. Which will it be?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One good way to forsake the visible life and chose the eternal is to be obedient to the Scriptures and live only to reveal Christ to others.
" Since then we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others..... For Christ's love compels us.." 2 Cor. 2 11&14 NIV
As it is only in revealing Christ to others that we will become His Ambassadors, and thus become the next generation of " heroes", for Jamaica, the USA and the entire world which is so much in turmoil today.
But first, the decision, as, " cometh the hour cometh the man in Christ Jesus".
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy
This is a 4:00 in the morning message on a Wednesday not a Sunday night. It's short and prompted no doubt by a conversation I had with someone - another Christian - yesterday about Sin. The experience weighed heavily on my mind. So I went to bed praying and thinking about it and woke up this morning to read God's Word and to listen to His voice. And this is what I heard.
That's the only context. But I am mindful of the foundation prayer of this Ministry:
" Lord renew thy church beginning with me. Lord renew thy church that the church may renew the nation."
As always, then, this "urgent" message is for me first and then for others in the Ministry.
" For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with conviction....in spite of severe suffering you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers ........They tell how how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath"
1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 NIV
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God I come....
Verse 1 of a well known hymn
" Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."
Matthew 22:21. NIV
OSWALD CHAMBERS MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST OCT 5.
THE BIAS OF DEGENERATION
"Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". Romans 5:12
The Bible does not say that God punished the human race for one man's sin; but that the disposition of sin - my claim to my right to myself - entered into the human race by one man, and that another Man took on Him the sin of the human race and put it away ( Hebrews 9:6)
- an infinitely profounder revelation. The disposition of sin is not immorality and wrong doing, but the disposition of self-realization -- I am my own god.......
Sin is a thing I am born with and I cannot touch it; God touches it in Redemption. In the Cross of Jesus Christ God redeemed the whole human race from the possibility of damnation through the heredity of sin. God nowhere holds a man or woman responsible for having the heredity of sin. The condemnation is not that I am born with a heredity of sin, but if when I realize Jesus came to deliver me from it, I refuse to let Him do so, from that moment I begin to get the seal of damnation. " And this is the judgement" ( the critical moment), " that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness more than the light.
..........................................................................................................................................................................
That men and women elevated "Caesar" over God. That men and women elevated their own wisdom and desires over obedience to God - even when they heard the gospel. That Jesus died to rescue us from such a disposition. Amen
That's the only context. But I am mindful of the foundation prayer of this Ministry:
" Lord renew thy church beginning with me. Lord renew thy church that the church may renew the nation."
As always, then, this "urgent" message is for me first and then for others in the Ministry.
" For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with conviction....in spite of severe suffering you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers ........They tell how how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath"
1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 NIV
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God I come....
Verse 1 of a well known hymn
" Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."
Matthew 22:21. NIV
OSWALD CHAMBERS MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST OCT 5.
THE BIAS OF DEGENERATION
"Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". Romans 5:12
The Bible does not say that God punished the human race for one man's sin; but that the disposition of sin - my claim to my right to myself - entered into the human race by one man, and that another Man took on Him the sin of the human race and put it away ( Hebrews 9:6)
- an infinitely profounder revelation. The disposition of sin is not immorality and wrong doing, but the disposition of self-realization -- I am my own god.......
Sin is a thing I am born with and I cannot touch it; God touches it in Redemption. In the Cross of Jesus Christ God redeemed the whole human race from the possibility of damnation through the heredity of sin. God nowhere holds a man or woman responsible for having the heredity of sin. The condemnation is not that I am born with a heredity of sin, but if when I realize Jesus came to deliver me from it, I refuse to let Him do so, from that moment I begin to get the seal of damnation. " And this is the judgement" ( the critical moment), " that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness more than the light.
..........................................................................................................................................................................
That men and women elevated "Caesar" over God. That men and women elevated their own wisdom and desires over obedience to God - even when they heard the gospel. That Jesus died to rescue us from such a disposition. Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)