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.