Mary: Faith changes everything (Luke 1:39-56)

We’ve talked recently about how to be (or bring) a blessing to others; but another worthy question is how best to experience and enjoy God’s blessing ourselves. In an endeavour to embrace that question, we can again observe Mary, the mother of Jesus. Last week we saw how she made the most of God’s personal presence that came to overshadow her. But in the text of Luke, we also see Mary moving from shock and puzzlement to extraordinary faith, and also an understanding that such faith leads on to blessing – for we read in Luke 1:45, “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord”.

Once Mary had earlier realised that the astonishing words being spoken to her were from God, she complied with God’s wishes (“let it be with me according to Your word” – v.38), and while we could see this as an initial step of faith, it perhaps is more an act of humble obedience (that opens the way for faith). Faith doesn’t just happen – one has to be ready for it, open to it, and prepared to do something with it! When Mary paid her visit to Elizabeth, Mary received all the confirmation she needed, that indeed God was at work – the child in Elizabeth’s womb “leaped for joy” (v.41, 44), and Elizabeth identified Mary as the mother of her Lord (v.43). We then have those words of Elizabeth that recognises Mary’s receipt of faith: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (v.45). Elizabeth rightly recognises that Mary will continue to be blessed, because having heard the voice of God, she trusted and believed that what had been said to her would come to pass; an apt forerunner of all those in the future who would come to believe in Jesus, and bring themselves under a similar blessing!

What did Mary believe? What was her faith enshrined within. We would have to go back to the earlier words of God’s angel to Mary (v.31-33): “… You will conceive in your womb and bear a son … Jesus … he will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David … he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end”. Believe that if you will … and Mary did! Mary believed that the child within her was the long awaited Messiah, Christ, Anointed One – the One who would save her people from the perilous state they were in. As we have said, through such faith, Mary has thus put herself in the place of God’s blessing.

The faith being expressed here, by Mary, indeed changes everything. It firstly changes a frightened and perplexed young girl into the bold and committed mother of the Son of God. Mary’s faith also places her in a state of blessing whereby God can really work in, with and through her, to bring about God’s own purposes. Humility led to faith which led to blessing. This is the same as our discipleship path today: humility (or openness) leading to faith, in turn leading to blessing – where “blessing” indicates a consciousness of the presence, acceptance and approval of God. And Mary would indeed need such a ‘blessing’, because she would still face the accusative looks of a faithless crowd.

Faith in God changes everything, in fact it can bring about complete reversals, as indicated in the words that follow. Mary speaks or sings words that are familiar to her, largely drawn from the scriptures of her upbringing (v.47-55), but now with new faith-filled meaning. Mary now sees the fulfilment of these ancient texts in the coming of the child she will bear. She also gains much reassurance that in placing her trust firmly in God, that, no matter how tough it gets, God is with her, and everything will work out for the best. This song of Mary highlights God’s gift of mercy, and also reflects that those who faithfully respond to this mercy can expect to see significant reversals – i.e. the lowly will be lifted up, and the proud will be brought down.

God’s choice has passed over the proud, the rich, and the mighty, and has instead fallen upon Mary as the future mother of the Son of God (Wilcock). The very notion of the Son of God being born to one viewed as a lowly servant puts any such earthly status into a new perspective. The “lowly” will be lifted up (v.52b) and the “hungry” filled with good things (v.53a) … why?? Because they have opened themselves to God! The “proud” will be scattered (v.51b) and the “rich” turned away (v.53b)… why?? Because they have no room for God … indeed many have erected huge barriers separating them from hearing God’s voice! The Kingdom of God is centred around faith not position. When viewed in the light of Jesus, earthly powers will always be seen to be lacking (v.52a). For with the eyes of faith in Jesus, God’s people will see things differently according to more enlightened perspectives. And at some times and in some places these Kingdom perspectives will need to be acted upon against the tide of the defensive status-quo.

The possibilities of new faith are fuelled by God’s mercy, a mercy which reaches down and touches the world through Jesus. First Israel, and then the Gentiles across the whole world (in line with God’s covenant with Abraham), will receive the offer of such mercy. The new Israel, the new family of God, will be those that humbly receive God’s mercy and become lifelong followers of Jesus. And for all this, God deserves our praise; and Mary offers this – “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. This was living under blessing par excellence! There is a connectedness in relationship here that is worthy of our attention. What might we say (in confirming our belief in God)? Echoing Mary (refer v.31-33), we might simply say ‘Jesus IS the Lord’! Have we sufficiently experienced the faith that changes everything to be able to say ‘Jesus IS Lord’?

Mary: God's Personal Presence (Luke 1:26-38)

“The Lord is with you”. How does this happen, and what does this mean?? “The Lord is with you” (verse 28). These are the words the angel said to Mary when introducing that Mary would conceive and bear a son, who will be called Jesus, the Son of God. We read (in verse 29) that Mary was quite perplexed about this and was pondering what this “greeting” meant, so we might ponder about this also! “The Lord is with you”. These are really appropriate words, because, as the Lord God would draw close to Mary, she would give birth to the child, that would draw close to all humanity. Indeed, this child would actually be the answer to humanity’s most pressing need. Jesus would bring God close to everyone, because Jesus was to take up human life on earth. Indeed, “the Lord is with you”!

Mary, being perplexed herself about what this “greeting” meant, and then wondering however it could be that she was pregnant, then heard the angel give the following assurance: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you; and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v.35). God’s attentiveness to Mary was very ‘up close and personal’ … very intimate. And this foreshadowed and demonstrated God’s available presence to all the people of His creation. All the community of God – the Trinity – are involved here: God the Creator, Parent, Initiator; Jesus the Saviour, Redeemer, Lord; Holy Spirit the Guide, Comforter, Transformer.

There are two references in the surrounding verses to Mary finding God’s favour: “Greetings, favoured one!” (v.28), and, “Mary … you have found favour with God” (v.30). What was going on here!? Obviously, in one way, Mary had shown certain character traits to allow her to be chosen for this most important and blessed of roles. And the wisdom of God’s choice, as always, was seen in Mary’s later statement, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (v.38). Still … pretty impressive for a girl maybe as young as 12 or 13! But also, there is a sense in which this expression of “favour” upon Mary, foreshadows and demonstrates the “favour” (or, grace) of God upon all people. God loves us so much, and so wants to connect with and relate to the people of His creation, that God brings this outstanding and unprecedented gift of grace to all humankind. The “favour” upon Mary leads to the great gift of the glorious Son of God to all of us on earth! Jesus will then come to reign over a kingdom made up of all his followers from across all nations.

Part of God being with us, is what he wants to do in us, with us, and through us! It is clear what God was going to achieve through an obedient Mary, but what does it mean for each of us that God is with us??? God’s grace is not only saving grace, but also purposeful grace – “the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v.35) … meaning an ‘effective’ and ‘purposeful’ God overshadows us!! God’s grace is not only so that we can escape something (darkness, sin, death), but also so that we can engage in something (eternal life, kingdom living, mission). Yet, lest we start to shake in our boots, this will never be in the absence of God’s presence … but actually quite the opposite – like Mary (v.35), we are being “overshadowed” too. Have a look at the front cover of Leonard Sweet’s book ‘I am a Follower’, and you’ll see a bit of what this means.

This whole business of God being with us is so important. It means we can overcome our fear, deal positively with our suffering, cope patiently and courageously with outside opposition, and not feel so daunted about the challenges of life (especially being involved in God’s mission). Just as Mary needed to be reassured about this reality at the moment of her calling to be Jesus’ mother, the original disciples needed a similar reassurance when Jesus pointed them toward the mission-field. Matthew records Jesus saying to his disciples, “And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20b). Luke records these words of Jesus: “You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:48-49). You can see the common themes between God’s angel’s words to Mary and Jesus’ words to his disciples … both incorporating God’s close presence and God’s purposeful effectiveness (or “power”).

This ‘divine presence’ and experience of empowerment is worn so close to us it is like the clothes that we wear next to our skin – that is how close God can be. Now, because this ‘divine presence’ has such an activation of grace attached to it, what is happening here would perhaps be better designated ‘divine agency’! Luke’s whole ‘birth’ narrative here emphasises ‘divine agency’ – God, and God alone, has brought about these remarkable events. And, as a result of these first Christmas events, ‘divine agency’ will ultimately facilitate a transformation in people’s lives so that they can live out, in their various contexts, the life of Jesus. “Together, these transformed human beings form an unmistakable Jesus community that is capable of transforming the world into a Jesus kind of place” (Leonard Sweet, p.225). Hard to imagine!?! Or can we just begin to imagine it?!? “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). 

Preparing for Christmas: A Time for Joy

The angel said to the shepherds, Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day … a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).

Unusual things were happening, so there was much fear around. Mary was unexpectedly pregnant, and an angel of the Lord needed to say to her, “Be not afraid”. Joseph, to his great shock, discovered that Mary had become pregnant, so an angel of the Lord needed to say to him as well, “Be not afraid”. Now the shepherds, minding their own business watching over their sheep, were confronted by this great light or Divine appearance all around them, and they needed to hear the words, “Do not be afraid”. Why, “do not be afraid”? Because this was not a time for fear, but for joy (and indeed for celebration)! Why, why “joy”?? Because, as unusual as events might appear, this was the resolution of God’s eternal plan to bring salvation into the grasp of all the world’s people. This is indeed “good news of great joy”. So this is what Christmas is about – “good news of great joy”! But sometimes, for a variety of reasons the potential for joy can be robbed from us.

So my little message this Christmas surrounds the idea of finding ways to maintain a level of joy. We don’t want to allow anything to unnecessarily take away the possibilities of joy this Christmas. But that’s exactly what can so easily happen. People can get too busy – rushing, rushing, rushing – often over things that really are quite peripheral in relation to the big ticket item. Yes, for some people, there is a lot to get done. But if all these things work to take away “joy”, then perhaps these things are being seen with wrong perspective. Then there are the distractions … what we might call the material side of Christmas. If we are looking for our ultimate “joy” here, then I think we are looking in the wrong place. This is because the real “joy” of Christmas is completely tied to the good news of the birth of the Saviour. There is “joy” to be found in the love that has come down at Christmas: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours” – the Creator of the Universe has personally come to earth, in all his generosity and compassion, to connect with us. “Joy to the world, the Lord has come”!

Now, it’s true to say that there are some really significant factors that can at times make our Christmas less than joyful. This is usually connected with sad losses we have encountered during the year, especially recently. This could also be connected to our own health concerns, or deep concerns we have for family members. How can we recover some “joy” within these circumstances? Well here we can draw on some good memories from Christmases past – times when we have been together with loved ones … celebrating and sharing life’s stories. Then we can also draw deeply in the centre of the message of Christmas: God has come to the earth in human form and identified with all the suffering and all the trouble and offered to become our friend and co-traveller. This is a message of great hope … that God will never leave us uncared for … never! If we ever feel lonely, we can talk with God. And God is not an abstract concept – Jesus has made God so real, and personal, and approachable. We read about Jesus and learn what God is like.

Even in desperate situations there could be one thing that can be found (and hung onto) that brings enough “joy” to keep us going: the smile of a little child for instance, or the beauty of a rose; what about the warmth of the sun, or even a refreshing shower of rain; then there is the taste of that good piece of chocolate. Then there are those instances in life that can restore our faith: a simple act of kindness, a timely word of encouragement, a new friendship, or just an inescapable sense of the presence of God. A successful search for “joy” can not only benefit our own well-being, but also can be encouraging for others. Smiling can go viral, spreading from one person to another to another, leading to ever larger celebrations of life itself. Christmas can remind us that Jesus is the source of our deepest joy. And just imagine the great joy that God expressed as he created the earth and everything in it. We ourselves can draw from this same immense depth of joy, not only to satisfy our own needs, but also to soothe the troubled souls of those around us. 

Joseph: Dealing with fear (Matthew 1:18-25)

Joseph was in a predicament! His world had been thrown upside down. Joseph was without doubt envisaging a fairly normal marriage and family life with Mary. Mary was ‘betrothed’ to Joseph … a marriage-in-waiting, just the formalities to go through. He loved Mary so much – but now she was pregnant … and Joseph knew that he had had nothing to do with this baby’s conception. The sense of betrayal, the pain, the confusion! Joseph could publicly reject Mary and leave her to endure public disgrace or worse. But Joseph loved Mary! Yet, how could she have done this to him. Still, he loved Mary … but to take on the responsibility for this child as if it was his – this would open him up to a lifelong stigma. So, Joseph would just have to do the best he could in the circumstances.

Joseph would not seek revenge or vindication … Joseph would just dismiss Mary quietly, seeking to spare her the worst of the public humiliation and shame. This is how it is that Matthew’s Gospel can describe Joseph as being “a righteous man” (v.19) – a man who would do the right and generous thing. Despite the hurt and disappointment he felt, he wasn’t going to take Mary down for no good reason. Thus, Joseph, “the righteous man”, was the sort of person who might just be ready to listen to God! Joseph just might be a person ready to listen to God … even when what he was going to hear would be almost impossible to deal with … almost impossible to even believe. And we find Joseph heroically up to the challenge! God speaks to those who are ready to respond!!

Now, this would not have been easy for Joseph, this would’ve taken courage. What Joseph undoubtedly feared the most, was exactly what God was going to ask him to do. In going ahead with his marriage to Mary, Joseph was as good as admitting (even though it wasn’t true) that he was the father of this child. As mentioned earlier, this would mean for Joseph – a lifelong stigma. Would his reputation ever recover? And then those that thought that Joseph could not really have been the father, would have called Joseph a complete idiot for taking the sort of extraordinary action he did. But Joseph rose above all this in the cause of following God’s will.

And all Joseph had heard was the simple yet profound explanation, that this child had been conceived by the Holy Spirit. What a remarkable response … “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him …” (v.24)! Such was Joseph’s readiness, this was all he needed to hear – “for the child conceived in [Mary] is from the Holy Spirit … She will bear a son, and you are name him Jesus” (v.20-21). Joseph was a man ready to serve God! And in being open and ready like this, he was able to hear and understand that this special child Jesus would save humankind from their sins. Given his availability, Joseph had been chosen for this role, and he didn’t let God down. It was when Joseph heard “do not be afraid”, and then got on top of his fear, that God’s plans went forward.

The fear that Joseph could have suffered from was the fear of what others think. Such a fear could have made Joseph withdraw from his calling and retreat from being involved. Such a fear could have made Joseph neglect Mary’s needs. Such a fear as worrying about what others think, could have completely diverted Joseph from being the person God had made him to be. “Fear” is when the anxieties and feelings of alarm within us stop us doing what we know we should be doing. Fear stops us taking adventurous risks; thus fear tends to disrupt the discovery of all what God has for us in life. For example, if Joseph had let his fear control him, being too worried about what others would think, then Mary, at the very least, would have been left destitute and vulnerable. And, if Joseph had caved in to the sneers of his community, this would have lost Joseph his very important role in history.

But when Joseph heard the “angel of the Lord” say to him, “do not be afraid”, he found the faith within him to comply completely with God’s will. And Joseph went on to adopt and affirm his role as human father to Jesus by giving him his name … “and he named him Jesus” (v.25). There was probably unbelieving whispers around Joseph for the rest of his life, but Joseph knew that he had done the right thing … the God thing! And now with Jesus in his life, for Joseph, there is really nothing left to fear! So, where did all this courage and faith come from?? God spoke … and Joseph listened!! God is speaking to us today, especially when we suffer fear. God speaks to us … how??? Through his Word. When we pray (with openness/receptiveness). In his creation. In our imaginations. In and through other people. In particular events, happenings or circumstances. Are we listening!?!

Bringing a Blessing

We recently, at our Bible study group, studied Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Now I think it would be fair to say that if we are advised to “bless our persecutors”, then we should have the attitude of blessing everybody. What then does it mean to “bless” other people? Well that’s what I want to get a better understanding of!

Another point here is the reference to “not cursing our persecutors”. To “curse” someone would obviously include wishing ill toward them or wanting revenge to be dished out. To “curse” is to speak in a way that destroys the prospects of another person. This is something we cannot do, not even when it is done to us; for Jesus said in Luke 6:28a, “Bless [even] those who curse you”!

We could perhaps take this even further, to say that … a failure to “bless” is itself a “curse”!!! People need to live under blessing, and if they are deprived of this, then they are actually living under a “curse”.

What does it mean then to “bless” someone, or to give them a ‘blessing’???

Ø  Praying for someone?

Ø  Provide some sort of support ministry to someone?

Ø  A word of encouragement (often very powerful in such a critical world)?

Ø  Probably more than this!

Let’s look at a well-known blessing, known as the ‘Aaronic blessing’, for it is the blessing that God gave Moses to give to Aaron to bless the people of Israel with (refer Numbers 6:22-26). These words were to be spoken to and over the people:

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you his peace.

This particular ‘blessing’ involved some very positive vibes. It includes the notion of God’s “keeping” – a guardianship and protection from [the worst effects of] evil and misfortune. It includes God’s positive and light-filled interest in people and an offering of God’s grace (which of course brings with it love, mercy and forgiveness … in the face of weakness and failure). It also includes God’s very presence to people, with gifts of reconciling love, which in turn brings the possibility of living in an experience of peace and well-being. The word translated “peace” is “shalom”, which is more than the absence of hostility, and includes: health, welfare, friendship, justice and salvation. There is the sense here that God can meet all human need. This ‘blessing’ seeks to impart a life that is as ‘full’ as it can be.

Then we read in verse 27, that this blessing that Aaron and his sons will bring to the people, will, “put [God’s] name on the Israelites” – and they are thus claimed as God’s people. These people carry God’s name, and as such, experience God’s personal presence and effectiveness. Now as Israel from the time of Abraham were themselves to be a blessing to all the nations of the earth, we can see how such a blessing as this can also extend to the ends of the earth. As we focus on the last phrase of verse 27, we can see that as this ‘Aaronic blessing’ (or God’s name) is spoken over the people … God blesses them.

So is this the sort of ‘blessing’ we can speak into people lives today?

This is clearly in line with Jesus’ teaching on prayer. This ties right in with the prayer that says, “Your [as in, God’s] Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it [already] is in heaven”. This is seeking the life of God in community, that we call the Trinity, to be more evident in daily life. In seeking to “bless” people, we release something here on earth, as we act in unison with the cry of heaven.

We can speak (or pray) the name of Jesus into the very fabric of the neighbourhood, street or home we seek to place a blessing upon. This can include prayer for the removal of all and any contamination or blockage that would tend to disrupt God’s blessing.

A “blessing” affirms what is already good – what already represents a ‘Kingdom’ value; while presenting a picture of what could be with God involved or if God was released.

Who should be involved in such acts of ‘blessing’??

It is Aaron the priest who is to speak this ‘blessing’ in Numbers 6. “The priest as representative of the people prays to God for these blessings, and as God’s anointed he bespeaks over the people God’s will to bless” (J L Mays). This priestly role of ‘blessing’ the people was to be understood as both a privilege and a responsibility. Who are God’s priests in our Jesus-following New Testament context?? We are, I hear you say!! “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Part of being a ‘priest’ to a community is to come to identify deeply with this particular locality, being at one with its people, and thus connected with this area’s beauty and needs. Another part of taking a ‘priestly’ role of blessing, is to become as open and as clear a channel as possible – which may require confession and repentance. This might also involve confessing our own role in any community hardship e.g. over-consumption, or even past faithlessness. We may also have to suspend judgment, and deal with any critical tendencies – becoming what Roy Godwin (in “The Grace Outpouring”) calls being “grace first” people. Roy says (page 28), “We’re still asking people to turn away from rebellion against God, but we’re seeking to be part of the revelation from [God] that his primary desire is to bless those he created in his image”.

So it is more likely that we emphasise God’s available love, so that this is fully experienced and appreciated before the question of “sin” is approached. Such a realisation, as the need to change, is often part of a process, as new spiritual eyes and ears are gradually opened. And, God’s Spirit is quite capable of convicting people of the need for repentance, and is far more accurate than we in strategically targeting a particular area of behaviour. ‘Good news’ needs to be initially perceived by people as just that … good news (not as something that seems to be a curse). We should emulate Jesus, who interacted with people via telling stories, asking questions, and also eating with people in their homes (which was certainly, for him, a means of blessing).

Sometimes we will be able to use standard ‘blessings’ as appropriate to certain people and contexts; other times we will need to be heavily reliant on the Holy Spirit to give us more precise and specific words to “bless” a more complicated or delicate situation. Either way, the concept of blessing people and the neighbourhood should become as natural as breathing.

Who or what can we “bless”??

·         the community in general, particular neighbourhoods, certain homes

·         parks, playgrounds, community centres, schools, kindergartens, playgroups, retirement villages

·         hospitals, medical centres, cafes, shopping centres, businesses

·         individuals, teachers, doctors, nurses, medical health workers, community leaders, council, local media

·         people groups, families, community organisations, social & sporting groups

·         waterways, land, nature reserves, animal & birdlife, crops, community gardens

And what difference might such ‘blessings’ make??

(1)    Opening the pathway for people to experience God (and all that can mean)

(2)    A renewed sense of hope

(3)    A softening of hearts and attitudes towards God and towards other people, and a new receptiveness

(4)    Release insights, wisdom, values, spiritual sensitivity, sense of freedom

(5)    Increase possibilities of the healing of brokenness, the alleviation of poverty, reduction in criminality, general encouragement

(6)    Promote healthy relationships, good family functioning, social interaction, neighbourhood care, reconciliation between hostile people groups, enjoyment, serving others

(7)    Better and more caring schools, kindergartens, community centres, retirement villages, hospitals, cafes, shopping centres (& churches)

(8)    Greater employment opportunities; higher levels of volunteering

(9)    More cohesive community functioning and decision-making

How could we speak such blessings – in what forums???

·         Through church gatherings

·         Out in the open – in public places

·         Prayer triplets/groups – for a set period of time each week

·         In specially designated occasions & settings (e.g. openings, house-blessings)

·         Through personally offering a word of blessing

·         In ‘Local Neighbourhood Houses of Prayer’ – speaking a blessing into the local neighbourhood

An example of a Prayer of Blessing:

We stand in the mighty name of Jesus and bless you (insert name);

That you might prosper under the mighty hand of God.

We bless you that right and generous living might take their proper place within your boundaries.

We bless you that the favour of the Lord might rest upon you and give you peace.

We bless you that God’s compassion might fall upon your people.

We bless your poor that they might be lifted up.

We bless you that the knowledge of Jesus might come in amongst you.

We bless the people of God in (insert name),

That they might rise up with servant hearts and become a people of blessing.

We bless you that the joy of the Lord might be your strength. Amen.

{Adapted from a Ffald-y-Brenin prayer used in each of the places where the Olympic torch travelled around the UK in 2012.}

The Benefits of Faith (Isaiah 40:28-31; Romans 5:1-2)

What are the benefits of faith?

What does faith bring of great value and worth??

If we are to be helpful to other people, we have to show that our faith works. We have to be able to share the joy of faith.

Consuming some Scripture might help, so that we can live it and breathe it in a very public and relational way.

They say ‘we are what we eat’! Well then, we should consume Scripture, so that this is what we live and breathe … who we are!!

Let’s start with Isaiah 40:28-31.

·         These verses have the context of people who are living unknowing who God is – “Have you not known … have you not heard”?

·         We then read about the everlasting God who created everything. This would of course include God’s very personal creation of us – suggesting a high level of investment in how this creation turns out! Can God ever lose sight of me? Of anyone?? No!!!

·         Whereas many things remain a mystery to us in this universe and also in the course of our daily lives, it all makes sense to God. Because of this we can rely on God to be working in our best interests … if we allow Him to.

·         And God never tires of his benevolent work – “[God] does not faint or grow weary”.

·         And further, God does not keep His strength simply to himself, but willingly and actively gives it to us (refer verse 29); and we would have to confess to really needing this (refer verse 30). God does not share His strength on a whim nor as an occasional act, but rather as a part of who He is (Motyer). God knows our frailty – we were designed to be in relationship with God … if we are to survive and flourish. God gives His “power” to the one lacking courage, and God gives His strength to the one lacking their own resources.

·         It is those who “wait for the Lord” who will have their strength renewed. What does it mean to “wait” for the Lord?? This is also translated “hope in the Lord” and “trust in the Lord”. There is here a patient expectation that God will provide!! This is the opposite of worry and frantic activity.

·         Those who have “waited” and their strength has been renewed, will be able to “run” through the busy (or exceptionally difficult) times without keeling over, and be able to “walk” with integrity through the normal routine of life without fear. Such strength can be continually renewed … perhaps an implication of this is that we can actually gain greater permanent levels of strength, effectiveness and influence as we continually “wait” on God or draw closer to God. Another idea behind this “renewing” of strength is replacing or ‘exchanging’ our old worn out strength with God’s ever-resilient effectiveness. This also connects well with the idea of God working through us most effectively in our weakness or as we are empty vessels.

Then we can try Romans 5:1-2.

·         In one of the real highpoints of Paul’s letter, we read that the forgiveness that Jesus has brought to us has resulted in the gift of peace with God. In this state of peace with God, we can also experience a peace within ourselves … a peace about ourselves. We don’t have to fight ourselves! Yes, we are far from perfect. Yes, we have a long way to go. But God accepts us, and we, as a result, are changing for the better. Now that surely is something worth celebrating!

·         Indeed … it is through this experience of grace and the peace that results, that we can “boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God”. This is NOT a prideful demonstration of exclusive superiority – FAR FROM IT. This IS a whole of life and whole of character demonstration of the wonder and effectiveness of an ever-loving God!! This is an ever-loving God that works His ways through us toward ‘Kingdom’ objectives.

·         This “boasting” or “rejoicing” comes from a very clear awareness of where we have come from … frailty, lost-ness, need, and then a confidence in what God (and God alone) has brought about in our lives … peace, hope, purpose. Having said this, we can be genuinely pleased and thankful that we are participating (in a growing way) in the life of God. ‘Look, see, what the Lord has done in me’!

"The Pioneer and Perfecter of our Faith" (Hebrews 12:1-13 & 28-29)

We have been talking about being the sort of church that God can use. We have also talked about the need to fully focus on Jesus if this is to be achieved. Hebrews chapter 12 also addresses these issues, and ultimately can really lift our spirits concerning the Jesus-following life. In verse 1, the “cloud of witnesses” are those faith-filled people who have gone before us, particularly the ancient heroes of faith referred to in the previous chapter of Hebrews (chapter 11). This phrase makes me sense that I’ve become part of such a great heritage of faith, built through those who have followed God’s ways before me. Yet this phrase also brings with it a great sense of challenge … a challenge which is well brought out in the words that follow. Because of the heritage of faith we have joined, we need to do two basic things … whilst looking in one very particular direction.

Firstly, we must “lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely”. The writer goes on to use athletics imagery, so the idea of laying aside weight connects with the runner, who, to cover the total distance required and reach the finishing line, and to obtain the best results, will show determination in doing whatever it takes. This will include the right diet, nutrition, training, equipment, practice, rest, and the removal of anything that would otherwise add a burdensome load or be detrimental.

This crosses to the moral, ethical and spiritual realm when we read about laying aside “sin”, which inhibits our personal growth and disrupts how we interact with each other. How is it that “sin clings so closely”?? It is often hard to dispense with things that bring a degree of pleasure. Also, the sort of “sin” that we see all around is often quite alluring, especially as it is so easily adopted by so many. Yet it needs to be set aside or resisted, for it will no doubt ultimately entangle us and prove destructive. So many believers cannot be recognised as believers because they so much resemble unbelievers!

Following on from laying aside “every weight and sin”, we are told to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us”. The first point to make is that the former statement about laying aside sin makes it much easier to take on the second challenge (in fact it is totally necessary)! For the very need for “perseverance” suggests pre-existing difficulty and trouble. Things don’t often work out the way we want them to, when we want them to. We have to apply patience and courage. And even much more so … for one particular reason!! Can you see it here?? It is because we are in a “race” that is not of our own choosing, but one that is “set before us”. The life of faith is one that is plotted and planned by God! This requires a greater level of perseverance, because the path ahead is not always clear to us. We cannot afford to be hindered in a “race” like this … which has such eternal consequences (R Brown).

Then we have the mention of the direction in which we should be looking. In a word – “Jesus”! This is directing one’s gaze to Jesus, and to no other (D Guthrie)! Looking at two or more directions at once will not do! Such rival attractions to which we could look (but shouldn’t look) can be remarkably distracting. One of these alternative gazes could actually be inward – focussing negatively on our own inhibitions or weaknesses, rather than on the positivity of Jesus. And we have even more than just the name “Jesus”, we also have other descriptions worthy of our attention – like the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith”. Many are happy with Jesus the “pioneer” of our faith … in his gift of grace, forgiveness and salvation on the cross. But others are not so happy with the concept of Jesus the “perfecter” of our faith … because this is ongoing and requires continual adjustment and change.

The “perfecter” of our faith seeks to bring that faith to its intended goal. The passage from verses 4 to 11 talks about the “discipline” required to live the life of faith, and that when necessary God brings “discipline” into our lives (despite our dislike of it) so that we might be better placed to fully embrace faith (and truly be a disciple of Jesus). We should also note that the target of our gaze, Jesus, is also one that we can deeply know in relationship. Our faith is ‘perfected’ as we grow in that relationship with Jesus, and also grow in relationship with those who likewise bear allegiance to him. And it is only as we know and experience the guidance and care of Jesus ourselves, that we are able to help others on a similar journey. As groups of Jesus-followers humbly travel and share together, this can bring great opportunities of support for whole communities.

Let’s look again at verse 2, and consider what it means to say “for the sake of the joy that was set before [Jesus] …”, because this particular “joy” must have been something really significant for Jesus to have disregarded the shame that was attached to the criminal’s death on a cross, plus enduring all the torture and pain. We could say that this was about Jesus’ return to the right hand of God in heaven, but on the other hand this is where he was to begin with. So would this “joy” be more attached to what was achieved through his incarnation, and who Jesus would be taking with him into the presence of God!?! I believe so! This “joy” is in response to the completion of Jesus’ mission and salvation of the lost. This “joy” of Jesus could also relate to being able to call others (his disciples) into this mission of bringing salvation.

Returning to “perseverance” (to ‘staying strong’), verses 3 & 4 reflect on the greatest example to us in this matter. “The cross was the unavoidable cost of the mission of God” (CJH Wright); and anyone who becomes involved in God’s mission will likely also face hostility and opposition. Our reading reminds us that, despite all that was thrown at him, Jesus endured and completed God’s will for his life. This is what we have to keep in mind to avoid growing weary and losing heart, for there is a human tendency to gradually slacken in resolve. As we have said, the corrective for this tendency, is “an ever-deepening attention to the glorious object of Christian faith – Jesus himself” (Guthrie). The tragedy of the cross, and also of our own suffering, can lead to the triumph of resurrection and new possibilities. And Jesus is not only an example here, but the one through which we gain the resource of strength to push on through difficulty. This should be found to be of great encouragement – i.e. giving courage to us!

Of course, a major reason for pushing on, is the universality of Jesus’ work of grace, i.e. there are so many people who are yet to receive this gift. Verse 12 picks up this theme with the images of lifting “drooping hands” and strengthening “weak knees” in the face of discouragement and despair. And then follows: “make straight paths for your feet” – for curvy or uneven paths may mean we will topple over! To keep on a “straight” path is not only for our sakes, and the ‘perfection’ of our particular faith, but also for the benefit, safety and healing of the “lame” around us. What is translated “be put out of joint” could be rendered “be dis-located”. There is a real sense of loss in this idea, geographically speaking, of being “dis-located”. So the point is for us to be watching our point of influence, and, especially with the ‘weak’ in mind, that we don’t cause anyone to stumble or get lost.

I’m going to jump across to the concluding verses of Hebrews 12 (28-29), which reflect on the strength of the kingdom of God that has been built on the active faith of so many of our forebears who have listened to God and followed Jesus as their Lord. Whereas our lives and even our faith can take a few hits from time to time, the kingdom we have attached ourselves to is more solid than anything built of even brick or concrete – for it is the kingdom built on the foundation of Jesus. Let us involve ourselves in awe-struck worship, in reverent service, and in faithful thanksgiving; for God has not let the world simply sink in its sinfulness, but has come with redeeming, refining and restoring grace. The writer of Hebrews quotes from the concept of God as a “consuming fire” from Moses (Deuteronomy 4:24), speaking of God’s all-consuming love for his people that passionately seeks faithfulness and worship in return.

The Church that Jesus builds (Matthew 16:13-20)

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it (verse 18).

Following Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, the church would emerge as the gathering point for those who came to follow Jesus. The church would be the central reference point in disciples of Jesus sharing their faith with the world. Jesus forecast this very outcome to his disciples during his earthly ministry. It would be Jesus that built the church, and the church would belong to Jesus – I will build my church!

Yet we are immediately caused to think of the times when the church looks anything but the church that belongs to Jesus! So it is that the church needs to return to this foundation statement (Matthew 16:18) … when churches are being planted, and when churches are being refreshed and refocussed … the church should be a gathering and bonding of people around the person of Jesus. This is not just around the salvation Jesus brings, but also around all of who Jesus was and is! Thus the church built by Jesus will actively express Jesus’ attitudes of compassion, forgiveness and love.

Jesus builds the church on the basis (or on the foundation) of a confession of faith. The “rock” that Jesus builds upon is Peter’s confession of faith that we read in verse 16 – Peter says to Jesus: You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This confession of Peter was the ‘spark’ – the first ‘leap of faith’; and it is those who can repeat these words for themselves that are built into the church. The “Messiah” or “Christ” is the “Anointed One” … the One anointed by God to bring salvation into the world – to bring to fruition the covenant promises made to Abraham so long ago. And Jesus was not only a human being that the people of the time could see, hear and touch, but was also God incarnate – part of the Holy Trinity (the community of God). If we can believe and declare these things just like Peter did, then we can be built into the church by Jesus.

We go on to read that Jesus builds the church in a way that it cannot be destroyed … not by the “gates of Hades” anyway. Of course this applies to the church built upon the confession of Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God, not the “church” built otherwise! So this is not a carte blanche guarantee, but depends upon the quality of the foundation that is utilised. Thus it is still possible for churches to collapse that have not been properly established and grown; but this will not happen if Jesus is central and holding the whole ‘body’ together.

The “gates of Hades” refers to the entrance to the realm of death. But this cannot be a threat to the church because Jesus has dealt with death – members of the church of Jesus will share in Christ’s victorious resurrection. Not only this, but also the “gates of death” will be open to the church so that the spiritually dead may be approached and find new life. It may mean even more than this … for the “gates” of a town were often the place where decision-making councils would meet, coming up with their local laws. So we might paraphrase this to say that: ‘deathly civic decisions (or the worst of humanity’s plans) will not prevail against the church’. Thus, even when Christians are martyred the church will move forward.

The church should be a credible, purposeful and hopeful alternative to non-believing assemblies across society. The church should shine with light and joy because of the One who continually is present within, leading through His Spirit. The church lacks nothing in being able to achieve God’s commission of making more disciples. The only thing that could ever get in the way is we ourselves, and our own propensity to get distracted and diverted from Jesus.

Church and Spirit - encouragement for church planters (Revelation 3:7-13)

In preparation for this discussion we should read Revelation chapter 3 verses 7 to 13. This is a passage that I have recently found encouraging in regard to our church planting efforts. Five of the seven letters to churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 have a strong critique and some pretty negative feedback to offer. The most famous critique is contained in the letter to Laodicea (3:15-16): “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth”. The Baptist Union of Victoria recently asked churches to have a look at these seven letters … to see if ‘any of the caps fitted’. So I reviewed these letters a bit, and was taken afresh by the phrase that is part of each of the seven – “Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches” (e.g. 3:13). This stresses the continuous activity of the Holy Spirit, and certainly is a call to attention (Leon Morris)! Listening to “what the Spirit is saying” is clearly something we must always be doing, especially given that it is so easy to just settle into a comfortable pattern. Sometimes we need to be listening well, so that we are corrected, disciplined, and saved from error. Other times, it will be far more subtle than this, where we are just missing the most pressing priorities.

Then there are the further two of the seven letters that carry a far more positive assessment of those particular church groups. There are warm commendations to be found in them; and we should find these encouraging where the ‘cap fits well’. Yet, these two letters are not just warm and fuzzy, for they still contain strong admonitions regarding how to stay on track and move steadily under the leading of the Holy Spirit. We have read together the sixth letter, and obviously one of the two positive ones, the one to the church in the important ancient city of Philadelphia. What can we see here of relevance to us?? The Book of Revelation was sent around as a whole, so all the churches specifically addressed in chapters 2-3 had the opportunity of checking out the messages to the others mentioned as well. Then all the churches down through the centuries have had the same opportunity.

The message, although coming through the human servant John, is voiced as if it is Jesus himself speaking to us. To anyone who would doubt the centrality of Jesus, look at how he is described in verse 7! Jesus is the one who has the key to God’s kingdom – he is the gatekeeper. Jesus opens a gate that no one else can shut. Jesus can also shut a gate that no one else can open. Thus if you shut Jesus out, where else is there to go to gain admittance. Having said this, we should quickly note, that these remarks are made to those inside the church … those you would have thought would never have needed to have had such things said to them. But then, how often does Jesus in effect get shut out of the church!?! How does the modern church deal with a variety of external pressures? The church in ancient Philadelphia firstly had to deal with the tension of being in an earthquake zone, having had their whole city destroyed earlier in the first century. And secondly, as we read in verse 9, they had to face off with a strong group with very opposing views, who were persecuting and seeking to divide this church community. How does one cope with this?

Let’s look at verse 9 specifically. In the first century of the church, there was those Jews who were ardently claiming and seeking to retain God’s covenant within their own exclusive grasp. They had hoped that Jesus’ crucifixion would have completely killed Jesus off. They were now being hostile toward and persecuting all those Jews and Gentiles who were continuing to follow Jesus late in the first century. They had failed to realise and/or accept that God’s plans had always embraced all nations, and that God had now advanced his covenant to encompass all the peoples of the world through Jesus … “the holy one”, “the true one”, the Messiah who had come from the line of David. Such Jews, while claiming to be the true keepers of God’s covenant were actually described here (and earlier at 2:9) as “the synagogue of Satan” (verse 9), because they actually in reality opposed God’s plans (opposing the inclusion of Samaritans and Gentiles, and refusing to accept Jesus as Messiah).

Others, as we know from Paul’s letters, although being attracted to Christianity, showed a preference for their traditional culture ahead of their allegiance to the ways of Jesus. A modern day equivalent of this could be the person who is zealously nationalistic and tries to squeeze ‘their’ Jesus into this mould. Perhaps over the centuries we have seen members of the church prefer the culture and norms of the world over the counter-cultural ways of Jesus. The quest for material possessions tends to provide a major diversion, and the seeking after power ultimately corrupts. May we never oppose God’s plans (and come under such a critique)!! Those who are part of God’s covenant prove this is so through fulfilling their side of the relationship, and this is by seeing that their actions conform to God’s ways and plans.

The members of the church in ancient Philadelphia would have to resist all the opposition and persecution that was thrown at them, and do what??? Verse 11 tells them to “hold fast to what you have”, which would be referring to their faith and their various active responses to God. But perhaps the way forward is more clearly seen in verse 8: keeping the word of Jesus and not denying Jesus’ name! This would in effect mean staying true to Jesus – following what he taught, emulating how he lived, pointing towards what he achieved. The Book of the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ (which many think should have been called the ‘Acts of the Holy Spirit’) shows the many ways the church was a good witness (and had major success) because of the way they followed Jesus through everyday life – in their sharing, and in their caring, and in their ability to adjust to the concept of a worldwide mission.

The church in Philadelphia had been able to do this too, even though they were described as having “but little power”, and were thus commended. Jesus understands and praises them for what they have been able to do, rather than admonish this church for what they have been unable to accomplish as yet (this thought gained from Larry Richards). The commendation comes because their focus has been right. Now I think we can relate to this … having “but little power”! But there is more than this in verse 8 (my new most favourite verse) … “I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut”. What does this refer to??? On a personal level … this is our entry into ‘eternal life’. On a larger level … this is our invitation into mission! This is a mission so open, that if it is done in the name of Jesus, it cannot be shut off!!

Because of their adherence to the name of Jesus, and because they endured patiently, the members of the church in ancient Philadelphia would be preserved through any trials that come (the “I will keep you” of verse 10). We might just sense that Jesus will also actively nullify some of the opposition. They will also be vindicated in the face of their opponents and oppressors (refer back to verse 9b). What a beautiful endorsement of faith is the phrase, “… and they will learn that I have loved you”. And such faith, that conquers all the comings and goings of life on earth, will be a monument to the name of God for all generations to come (v.12) – a ‘big result’ for a church with “but little power”! Such a church will be known as a ‘community of overcomers’ (Robert W. Wall).

So with all this hanging on it, we should certainly be listening to “what the Spirit is saying to the churches”. What the Spirit says are the words of Jesus to us. The Spirit will point toward the particular approaches that will be of particular relevance to the particular circumstances a particular church group will find themselves in. This will answer the question: how can we best and most effectively reflect and offer the person of Jesus to those around us and in our local community. So what about what might seem to us an interminable delay before growth occurs?!? What’s the hold-up? Well, we might rightly ask ourselves what we might still have to learn? But let me also quote helpful words from Malcolm McLeod who recruits and trains church planters:

You can pray in perfect harmony with [God’s] will but [God] is The Lord of timing. I know plenty of Church planters who stepped out in [God’s] Will only to be bewildered by a lack of souls saved and little growth. Each Sunday they would wait on God for His Word only to find precious few to hear what is clearly a Word in season. Why does God at times make His will so clear but seemingly withhold His miracles. The answer is simply ... timing.

Malcolm goes on to speak about what he has learned through personal experience:

The God of time said stop looking at your watch and start looking to Me. Stop asking "why" and start asking "what". I've stopped using the expression 11th hour and 59th minute because I clearly have no clue what time it is in heaven. Clearly a different time zone to anything I can ever understand. All I know is this. Do everything out of response to [God’s] will in your life. Obey Him with absolute resolve. Stop asking “why” and start asking Him “what”. What should I do, who should I speak with. Faith is a doing word. Look at the book of Acts. It is a book of ACTS! Planting Churches is exciting and at times down right frustrating ... BUT ... "In due time you will reap if you do not grow weary" (Galatians 6:9).

Thankfulness (Psalm 107:1-32)

Psalm 107 commences with a reminder about the need for us to give thanks to our God – because God is always good and his love is constantly with us. Sometimes the pressures and problems of life might silence us in terms of expressing thanks, but we should recall the times when we have been redeemed from our troubles – the greatest of our troubles being … a hopeless future! To be “redeemed” is to be brought back from that which previously enslaved us. This psalm possibly reflects on God bringing his people Israel back out of exile, being delivered from all the consequences of such an exile. But this psalm could equally reflect on very typical stress-filled predicaments faced again and again by Israel and all human communities i.e. homelessness, imprisonment, sickness and danger. Some of these states we bring upon ourselves through corrupt decision-making and behaviour, others just happen as part of life, and others might come to us as persecution because of our faith. In each case, God reaches out far and wide. And the people of God’s kingdom have been gathered from all directions – from all points of the compass, and thus should be joining in a chorus of praise. History shows that God has thus acted. Such a chorus of praise should also go back in each of these directions – east, west, north and south, thus gathering others around the name of Jesus.

Read Psalm 107:4-9

What do you make of this? There are those who have found themselves a long way from God and thus a long way from finding satisfaction (let alone reaching their potential in life). They have lost any sense of personhood, relationship and home. In the wide open spaces these ones have no place in which to feel safe. This is not necessarily because of anything negative (or sinful) they have done – it could have just been the circumstances that encompassed them. They could be just like modern-day refugees with nowhere to go and no one wanting them! Their experience of life is dry, uncomfortable and almost hope-less. This level of need entitles them to turn to a compassionate God for help. And, somehow someway, they have sensed that they can cry out to God and be heard. How did this happen? Well in Israelite culture, each person would be well aware of this opportunity; however we cannot say that in our particular time and place! Or, maybe, each person does have that intrinsic sense of the “divine”, that might become more apparent in times of despair.

However it happened, God “delivered” them. This would not necessarily mean that all their troubles disappeared, but rather they had new coping mechanisms and new perspective and new companionship. In finding their way through (refer verse 7), they were reconnected with community life (“an inhabited town”)! This is a place where the previously lost and homeless can settle. God is not a source of the convenient ‘quick-fix’ (putting ‘band aids’ on little sores), but rather is purposeful in bringing about whole new futures! All of this should lead to thanksgiving, although for some this may take some time. Jesus echoes of the words of the psalmist in verse 9 when he says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they [these ones] will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). People remain unsatisfied and broken, not because God is absent, but rather because God is not known to them! The invitation of the Gospel needs to be heard by many in this community and world, so that they may also join in the thanksgiving.

Read Psalm 107:10-16

Those pictured in the next group of verses seem to have fallen to an even greater level of depression. The words and phrases used seem to suggest those who have been imprisoned, because they have done seriously wrong things and thus fallen fowl of the law. As opposed to being lost in wide open spaces (as above), these ones are caught and trapped within very confined spaces. As verse 11 suggests, they have, as evidenced by their behaviour, ignored God’s ways, and therefore probably have drastically hurt other people. From the lowest of the low, they too have found that they can cry out to God and be heard. This particular “crying” would certainly have to involve ‘repentance’ – a determination to change! What a marvellous God we have that can bring people out of darkness into the light, and out of bondage to all sorts of negative and addicted behaviour patterns into freedom. These are wonderful works indeed!

Have a look at the dramatic expression of a new experience of freedom in verse 16. That which holds someone tightly and completely captive is absolutely dispensed with. Whereas the physical imprisonment may continue (due to the seriousness of the crime committed), a person can be spiritually released (and subsequently transformed and rehabilitated)! Jesus is the one who provides the way forward for people in such deep trouble. Jesus speaks of his job description by quoting from Isaiah (in Luke 4:18-19), “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour”. We, as followers of Jesus, can (and should) have a similar ministry to others.

Read Psalm 107:17-22

We have to understand that in the time when this psalm was written, people thought that illness and calamity was caused by sin; the worst example of this was seen in the advice of Job’s friends. We know now that sickness is far more random and wide-reaching – touching people no matter how well or otherwise they live. Often we are simply genetically disposed to suffer certain illnesses. Having said this, there are certain behaviours, like drug-taking for instance, or poor dietary habits, that lead to disease, where we have to take seriously the human responsibility for this. In any case, we see in these verses, what the affliction of prolonged sickness can do to people. They can give up (refer to verse 18)! Again, though, a distress signal goes out to God, and healing comes. Destruction through despondency loomed, but God sent his “word” to them (refer verse 20). This must relate to the encouraging promises of ‘God’s Word’, especially in regards to God’s steadfast love, close proximity and healing touch. The ones who have found new hope and wholeness in God should spend quality time in worship and sings songs that testify to that new joy found in God.

Read Psalm 107:23-32

These verses address specific danger, like what sailors, traders and travellers of old faced aboard boats on the high seas. The waves that seem to come from the deepest of depths and rise to the highest of heights take away the courage of even the best seafarer. This reminds me that things can happen in life that can shake even the firmest and most active of faith. There is an element here that this is how it is meant to be – that the creation around us is supposed to be volatile, so that we can never really feel secure without truly knowing our Creator and Living God (refer verse 25)! There is also the element here, that often there are tests put before our faith – to see how we’ll go!! Sometimes because of the pressure upon us, we lack the ideas to take us forward … we are at our “wit’s end”. Yet when we cry out to the Lord, things can look a little brighter and clearer and quieter and better, and we can begin to be calmer, fear less, and regain our courage (refer verse 30). People need to know this God – so many people are suffering much more than they need to. Our thankfulness can be such that it leads to a greater acknowledgement of God’s availability to all people.

Light, darkness & church abuse - a discussion (Matthew 6:22-23)

Matthew 6:23b says, If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness.

The context suggests the meaning of this. Just look at the passages surrounding this verse. Those who purport to follow Jesus but put more value on “treasures of earth” rather than “treasures of heaven” are in great darkness. Those who seek to continue to waver between two “masters” are in great darkness. Those who unduly worry about peripheral matters (rather than striving first for the kingdom of God) are in great darkness. Those who judge others (without a proper consideration of their own state) are in great darkness. If we fix our eyes on the wrong things and thus allow our vision to become unhealthy we finish up in darkness.

Looking at this another way, and reflecting on the “eye” and the functioning of the “eye” as part of our perceptions … “the view we take of [other] people depends on the kind of eye we have” (Barclay). There are certain things that can distort our vision, blind our eyes, and thus make us live in darkness, e.g. prejudice or hate, conceit or self-centredness, and jealousy or greed. What is then neglected is compassion, generosity and truth. There is a devaluing of other people to the extent that they can either be ignored, or worse, become commodities to be used for one’s own ends. This is the path toward darkness, where there is less and less light to show the way back to Jesus!

Now this all seems an overly harsh assessment; or is it? Consider some of the deeds done by those who were supposedly servants of the living God. Should not they have thought more about these passages. Did they take their propensity to sin far too easily? Did others fail in not pointing out their wrongdoing or not taking enough action to protect the innocent?? Have some been caught in the great hypocrisy of preaching moral standards while personally ignoring them. Patrick Parkinson has said, “… if people preach moral standards and they don’t live by them, they are the worst of sinners in my personal view”.

There is probably an even more clear statement about the seriousness of these matters contained in Matthew 18:1-9. Verses 6-7 read as follows. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!

The world, and many of its citizens, are deeply affected by the abuse inflicted by those who have allowed darkness to reign in the lives. When such abuse has occurred through the hand of those who are part of the church, no wonder the church faces criticism and condemnation, and comes to bear shame. So how do we rally from this? How do we bring glory to God and lift up the name of Jesus in the midst of a somewhat sorry situation?

Having watched the episode on “church abuse” from the Towards Belief DVD series, we should think about the following questions and points:

(1)    What is the appropriate response of churches who know that abuse has occurred in their midst? To the victims? To the offenders?

In many instances the church has failed to support victims, and has not had appropriate measures in place to receive and deal with complaints. In the past there was a reluctance to report matters to the proper authorities, and, in some cases, a sense of trying to protect the institution, rather than trying to provide help for victims. The church must adopt a zero tolerance to abuse within its number. Telling the truth and seeking justice for victims is vital. This is the path toward regaining the community’s trust.

Regarding offenders – while Christians believe that God’s grace reaches out to even the most flawed people, forgiveness relies on true repentance i.e. honestly facing up to wrongdoing, telling the truth, making changes, and efforts toward making reparation.

(2)    When someone says to you, “I could never accept Christianity because of the cases of abuse in the church”, how can you respond?

Ghandi once said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians; they are so unlike your Christ”.

(3)    One sufferer of abuse interviewed said that the abuse he suffered at the hands of a leading pastor has not changed his view of God, his view of Jesus, or his sense of his need for God. How can we explain that?

He said the following: “What I can say is, I never equated that pastor’s actions with Jesus Christ and I never equated it with the church. And so, while I can understand why people would be angry at the church and angry at God for these things that happened to me or to anybody else, this was not what God wanted. This was an abomination. It’s never changed my understanding of the fact that I need God, that this world needs God.”

Where is our heart? (Matthew 6:19-24)

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6 verse 21). What does this mean??

Jesus is making the assertion, with which we may be prepared to agree, that whatever we pursue most in life, and what we give our highest priority to, and where we put our greatest energies – this inevitably shows what we most care about and where our heart is. As Athol Gill once wrote, “Each person sets their heart on what they count as ultimately important … and this allegiance determines the direction of their life”. Allan Meyer defines the “heart” as the inner springs of our life – the place where our motivation and ‘bounce’ comes from! So the question is … ‘where is our heart’?

Jesus begins this section of his ‘sermon on the mount’ by engaging with the minds of those who are particularly focussed on ‘earthbound’ things like material possessions, wealth and status. Jesus sees this as a major indicator of a heart-based problem.

In verse 19 Jesus contends that such things as material possessions and status (referred to as “treasures on earth”) are not as valuable as we first think, because in reality, such things are subject to wearing out and being taken away from us. They are temporary and worthless beyond this life. And these “treasures of earth” cannot necessarily even bring happiness or security in this life (because they were never designed to be able to do so). Yet some people will still invest their heart and soul in such things – continuing toward a high level of anxiety about them, despite this being in many ways irrational. Material acquisition and power has become for many people just as strong and pervasive an addiction as any drug, and as such becomes a very destructive occupation (which brings negative outcomes, and not just for the person themselves).

This then links to verse 23 in terms of someone who might claim to be in the light, but in reality dwells in “great” darkness. This is because, rather than experiencing freedom, their quest for possessions and power – possesses them! An example of this is found within the interchange Jesus had with ‘the rich young ruler’ (an incident recorded in three of the Gospels including Matthew 19). This man desperately wanted to experience eternal life, but when faced by Jesus with the very thing that was standing in the way, he could not give up his possessions.

Jesus speaks further to such people who worry too much about the wrong things in the passage that follows (from verse 25). This is because undue worry about comparatively less important matters, diminishes our usefulness and effectiveness in God’s kingdom. We will come back to the punch-line of that latter passage later.

Now, Jesus, in verse 20, also contends that there are other possible pursuits that are NOT subject to any processes of decline. These pursuits are called “treasures in heaven”. What would these be??? We might start by defining “treasures in heaven” as those things or pursuits or investments that are of immense, permanent and eternal value and significance.

·         Acts of kindness and service … out of a heart of love and gracious compassion

·         Gifts of forgiveness

·         Faith-sharing … where people have the opportunity to come to know Jesus

·         Justice-seeking … in a world with a very unequal distribution of resources

·         Community-building … bringing people together into greater harmony and mutual caring

·         Good character … where the True Light is allowed to shine

·         Growing relationships … with God, family, neighbours, community networks (including church family)

“Treasures of heaven” would ultimately be those things that advance the cause of the kingdom of God. We pray expectantly, as Jesus taught earlier in Matthew 6, that God’s kingdom will advance … Your kingdom come; Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – and in so praying commit ourselves to this cause. God’s kingdom … how would we best define this – the places, minds and hearts where God’s will reigns. This striving for the kingdom of God (or the ‘reign of God’) is to shape the identity and lifestyle of all the followers/disciples of Jesus.

Returning to the ‘rich young ruler’ … what was his particular path toward “treasures in heaven”. We read in Matthew 19:21 that Jesus said to him, If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me. What did “treasures in heaven” look like for him (potentially)? Well, presumably, the output and results of de-possessing himself … to the benefit of the poor! But, unfortunately, it seems, he would never know!!

We read later at Matthew 6 verse 33 … But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well; where “first” gives the sense of priority, and “these things” refer to those things which may have previously competed to be first priority (e.g. food, drink, clothing) but now are allowed to find their natural place in the order of things. Paraphrased in another way, in seeking first the Kingdom of God, we are allowing for everything else to fall into its right place! Michael Hardin writes, “Seeking God’s reign is our reason for waking up in the morning, living through the day and resting at night; it is the food and drink of our existence as disciples” (The Jesus Driven Life, p.83).

The verse about not being able to serve two masters (v.24) emphasises that clear decisions have to be made between competing allegiances. We might think that we can manage a whole range of agendas, but if we don’t prioritise in a very deliberate way, all sorts of distractions will cross our path and cause various diversions … which will inevitably be both unhelpful to us and the cause of God’s kingdom. “When we seek God’s reign we bring our intention in line with Jesus who is the revealer of God’s reign” (Michael Hardin, The Jesus Driven Life, p.82). Thus, simply, our heart belongs with Jesus!!