Joy in the Saviour Sent to the Brokenhearted

For The Citizen newspaper, December 15, 2023

     This coming Sunday marks the third in the part of the church year called “Advent”, the weeks leading up to Christmas – while also anticipating Jesus’ eventual return. Advent is about a Saviour coming - someone who can help us in our distress. The wonderful thing about Christ's incarnation is that He as Messiah has been injected into our human situation precisely at our point of need.

     If you watch the news or even just talk to people you bump into, you start to realize there's a world of hurt around us. A friend posts on social media about a dear parent having passed away. A fresh round of COVID and seasonal influenza is making many sick, including those more vulnerable in nursing homes. You don't have to go far to find people with problems: just have an open sensitive heart and listen.

     The Bible doesn't primarily address the issue of a theoretical world in the sky by-and-by; it addresses the real world we live in, broken, messed-up, and hurting as it is. God knows about our hurts, our predicament, and cares enough to get involved. We can see this reflected in one of the traditional Advent readings, Isaiah 61.

     Verses 1-7 contain words that reflect common global burdens: poor, brokenhearted, captive, prisoners, mourn, grieve, ashes, despair, ruined cities, shame, disgrace. Change the technology a little bit and you might say the kind of world the prophet spoke to 7 centuries before Christ – nearly 3000 years ago – was the same world we live in today. People were carrying on as sinful people do, causing hurt intentionally and unintentionally; evil, sickness, and death were as destructive then as now.

     Isaiah's not being melodramatic or exaggerating how bad things are. His book is very true to the situation after Assyria then Babylon invaded Israel and Judah: cities were burned, people had been killed or deported – the term 'devastated for generations' would be quite accurate. Yet, God in His sovereignty through the Holy Spirit is at work. It's not just going to get left that way. Yahweh is a saving God – that's the essence of Jesus' name – and His ultimate deliverance is cause for hope and joy.

     The word "Christ" is a title in Greek translating the Hebrew word "Messiah" or "Anointed One". Anointing with oil was the traditional way prophets, priests, and kings were consecrated to their role in the Old Testament. Here in Isaiah 61 the speaker is anointed though with more than oil, and for more than one task; "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to...” [and then follows quite a list, what Messiah's for]. (v.1) But note the anointing – with God's Spirit rather than oil. This came true at Jesus' baptism; John the Baptist testified, "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him." (Jn. 1:32)

     Jesus applied this Isaiah 61 passage to Himself more than once; He identified Himself as the One the prophet foretold. For example, at the synagogue in Nazareth in Luke 4(18f), He read it aloud, rolled up the scroll, and remarked, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Later when John the Baptist in prison sent messengers inquiring, "Are you the one who was to come?" Jesus answered that they should report back to John what they saw: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." (Mt 11:5) A direct echo of Isaiah's prophecy.

     In Luke's account, Jesus' public ministry begins with this Isaiah 61 passage being read at Nazareth. In Matthew's gospel, it's the Beatitudes instead; but even there in Mt. 5(3f,6,11) you can see the same sort of effect: "Blesses (or, happy) are the poor in spirit...Blessed are those who mourn...Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." The world is a tough place, and Messiah has come to make a difference in our mess. Knowing Jesus provides comfort and assurance no matter what heartbreak you may be facing.

     The prophet says Christ will 'proclaim freedom for the captives': speaking to the Jews who believed Him, Jesus likened sin to a type of slavery and said that if they hold to His teaching, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free...So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (Jn. 8:32,36) Maybe there's some addiction or craving or tendency trying to trap you, it's taking control of your life: Christ has power to set you free from what would reduce you to the gutter.

     Isaiah proclaims "release from darkness for the prisoners..." (v.1) A sinful or carnal outlook on life is a dark mindset, focused on deceptive idols. Paul says Jesus called him to be an apostle "...to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'" (Ac. 26:18)

     The Isaiah 61 passage continues, "to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour..." Paul wrote to the Corinthians in view of what Jesus had accomplished, "I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation." (2Cor 6:2) Have you opted to take God up on His favourable offer rather than His approaching wrath? Jesus has done you a huge favour by paying your way.

     It says Messiah will 'comfort all who mourn.' (v2) Knowing Jesus, Paul could write that ‘the God of all comfort’ "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." This happens as "through Christ our comfort overflows" (2Cor.1:4f).

     And it says Messiah will "provide for those who grieve" by bestowing beauty, "the oil of gladness instead of mourning..."  (v3) Jesus' death and resurrection offer real hope and consolation for those who grieve. Jesus told His followers, "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy... Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." (Jn.16:20,22) When we truly encounter the Resurrected One, death no longer is the last word.

     Looking back at Isaiah 61, we can see that Jesus has checked off the list – each of the Messianic predictions in Isaiah 61 has its fulfilment in the New Testament as a result of His coming.

     So, where does that leave believers - just sitting around soaking up heavenly joy-juice, oblivious to this world of hurt that surrounds us? Would we have even had a Messiah if Jesus had just stuck around heaven soaking in the eternal loving fellowship of the Father and the Holy Spirit? No – His joy spilled forth, it wanted to be shared.

     Isaiah says those bestowed with the oil of gladness "will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour." (v3) We're to broadcast God's goodness, display His glory to others. Jesus said, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (Jn.15:8) Don't be closet-Christians – others won't get to see God-in-you that way. Paul prayed His converts would be "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God." (Php 1:11) What opportunities do those around have to see the fruitfulness of your spirituality – or is that hidden away in a 'Sunday morning only' compartment?

     A reporter once asked Mother Teresa where God was when a baby died in a back alley in Calcutta. She replied that God was right there suffering along with the baby; then added [I'm paraphrasing], "What's more to the point, where were you?"

     We receive joy, we are comforted so that we in turn may comfort others with the same comfort we've been blessed with through faith in Christ. Share the joy of knowing Him whatever way you can!

What Makes for Peace?

 For The Citizen, November 10, 2023

     As Remembrance Day approaches, we may be especially conscious in 2023 of the various conflicts raging on the globe. Not only is the Russia-Ukraine conflict dragging on as a sort of ‘proxy war’, but since October 7 we have seen the Israel-Gaza turmoil escalate. There is also the risk of a broader conflict developing should some of Israel’s neighbours become drawn into the fray, making it a regional war, with backing by superpowers that are far away but have vested interests.

     War and peace... Is there some secret that would tip the scales towards the latter? At Remembrance Day we honour those who fought in the World Wars and other conflicts, many giving up their lives to protect our country and its allies from enemies. I had a deep impression made upon me by my mother who grieved the death of her fighter pilot brother, killed returning from a mission into Germany in January 1945. I grew up frequently hearing stories of my father who as a “D-Day Dodger” fought as part of the Canadian Army up through Sicily and Italy from 1943 til war’s end, concluding with liberation of the Netherlands. He was wont to observe, “War is hell!” Thankfully we his family were spared from the more gruesome experiences he must have endured.

     The epistle-writer James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” (Jas.4:1) What indeed? It’s been said if we can define the problem, we’re already halfway towards the solution. From whence spring our conflicts?

     The inspired writer continues, “Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (Jas. 4:1-3) The exterior battle arises from our warring desires within. Ukraine has rich resources and is Europe’s bread-basket, so becomes a desirable target for expansionist Russian appetites. The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is hotly contested by both Jews and Muslims, being a sacred site for both religions. We want what the other fellow has, so we’re tempted to grab it for ourselves when others’ backs are turned – and we’ve left God out of the picture, we haven’t asked Him for our needs.

     A little earlier James describes additional factors giving rise to conflict: jealousy and selfishness. “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (Jas. 3:14–16) Such ancient wisdom as the Tenth Commandment warns against coveting what belongs to our neighbour. Selfishness puts my desires ahead of my neighbour’s, leading me to suppose I have some ‘right’ or justification to help myself to what properly belongs to them. Such thinking or philosophy (‘wisdom’) James points out is downright demonic. Yet our consumer culture caters to selfish desire.

     By contrast, James espouses a different kind of attitude or ‘wisdom’, an approach that is heavenly not earthly. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (Jas. 3:17-18) Purity avoids mixed or hidden motives. To be considerate means I take the other person’s interests into account. When I submit, I subject my own claims or ‘rights’ to another’s, to be harnessed for their benefit rather than my own advancement. Mercy exercises forgiveness where one has been wronged in the past, refusing to exact revenge, having pity upon the destitute and disadvantaged. When I am impartial, I do not show preference for those who are more closely tied to me, those towards whom I might otherwise be inclined to show bias for personal reasons.

     “The seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (Jas. 3:18 NASV) Do we really want to sow peace? What does that seed look like? Jesus said peacemakers are ‘blessed’ for they will be called ‘sons of God’ (Mt. 5:9). So we somehow reflect God’s nature when we sow peace. Jesus urged His followers, “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” (Mk.9:50) Making an effort to be at peace with others has a salting / flavouring / preserving effect. And Jesus instructed those He was sending out, “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” So it would seem peace ought to be a priority for those who would convey Christ’s Good News.

     But there is a cost to peace. Christians understand that peace with God is a costly gift bought by Jesus for us at the cross: forgiveness doesn’t come cheap, somebody has got to pay! So towards His last earthly hours Jesus could say to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” And, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 14:27; 16:33)

     Peace has a cost, it may require sacrifice for it to happen. My grandson Aiden (14) in Neerlandia, Alberta wrote a short piece for Remembrance Day recalling how ordinary citizens sowed peace in the face of a persecuting and murderous Nazi regime in WWII... “One of the most inspiring things that happened during the Second World War was how an abundance of people rose up and hid the Jews. The punishment for this was not only their deaths, but the deaths of those they hid. I honestly just assumed that they would hide them for a day maybe, and then the Jews would go, but in reality, they could be hidden for a very long time. It wasn’t just a matter of keeping them hidden though; they had to keep the Jews fed, clothed and healthy. Not only did they have to be afraid of the Nazis, but they lived in constant fear of everyone including their neighbors, friends and family. But their efforts were not in vain; because of these courageous people, countless lives were saved.

     “There were many people who hid the Jews in their homes, as I just described, such as Corrie Ten Boom; but there were also courageous people who helped Jews in different ways, such as Oskar Schindler. Oskar was a German businessman who saved the lives of over 1,000 Jews by hiring them to work in his factories. He and his wife did many things to make sure that the Jews were kept safe, which included...providing the Jews with food and medical care.”

     My grandson concludes, “In all of these great stories there were courageous people who were willing to take a stand against evil, and fight, even at the cost of their lives. Could we be more like them? Could we take a stand against the wrong that's always there? Even just little acts of kindness can make a person's day.”

     Sowing peace-seed by gestures of consideration, submissiveness, mercy, and impartiality... Such little acts planted could bear significant fruit in a conflict-fraught world!

The Key to Contentment

 For The Citizen newspaper "From the Minister's Study"

            This weekend we celebrate Thanksgiving here in Canada. Many families make arrangements to gather for a special meal and holiday time together. For some, it marks the season to close up the cottage or otherwise start preparing for the coming of winter. Others are busy gathering in produce from their gardens, while farmers continue to harvest crops from their fields. But do we actually stop to participate in the action for which the holiday is named? Are we truly “giving thanks”?

            We live in an ad-soaked consumer society which hums along on the premise that the populace needs to be triggered routinely into discontentment through advertising. So we are constantly bombarded by images designed to get us hankering after the newest, latest, and greatest innovations. It’s hard to remain content for very long with what we have, as so much is not only prone to wearing out but also being updated and “improved”.

            Contentment is an endangered species in the consumer world.

            Benjamin Franklin once observed, “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.” And Martin Luther said, “Contentment is a rare bird, but it sings sweetly in the breast.” Where can we find this increasingly rare species?

            Here’s where Thanksgiving can help – it’s hard for discontentment to co-exist at the same time with a thankful heart. So, what are we thankful for? As we reach out our hand for that scoop of dressing or drumstick of turkey, can we use our five fingers to identify at least five things for which we’re thankful?

            Well, first of all, at least one thing is fairly obvious – food! We thank our Creator for providing for our bodily needs. “...Certain foods... God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving...” (1 Timothy 4:3-4)

            Next, in our increasingly secular society, many doubt whether God exists or can be known. Some, based on negative experiences and past hurts, question whether there is such a thing as a benevolent deity; they would posit instead random uncaring chance, or perhaps some cruel or malicious Fate. Those influenced by eastern religions might suspect existence of an impersonal force or ‘karma’ which mysteriously keeps score and metes out punishment based on actions in a previous life.

            But the Bible reveals a God who is both good and loving, and for that I am thankful. This is a divine being we would want to have connection with, not one we’d prefer to avoid. A personal God that is full of goodness and love at His very core, a praiseworthy benevolent caring being we can truly appreciate.  “Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1) “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love... This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:8,10)

            Holiday celebrations have a way of centering on food, for very good reason: if we don’t eat, we die. Life itself is fragile, we are mortal, prone to exhaustion and sickness. Infectious diseases continue to be a threat. Some of us have had close family members impacted by cancer (or even we ourselves).  Are we thankful for life? And what about its end – what comes after?

            So, thirdly, I am thankful the Bible holds out hope for eternal life, thanks to the victory of Jesus Christ at the cross, procuring forgiveness for our worst sins. I am grateful Jesus’ resurrection holds out hope for life beyond the grave. The Apostle Paul framed the situation this way. “If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.’ ... The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:32,56f)

            Yet, I am also thankful I do not have to wait until I die to experience God’s saving power: it is already available to help me in my daily life and struggles. Paul talks about a ‘law’ or dominating power or influence that evil and sin have in our lives. Scripture cautions us to be wary of three enemies that would subvert our soul – the world, our ‘flesh’ (or unregenerate self), and the devil. But God sends the Spirit of His Son into our lives by faith in Jesus, coming alongside us in our daily living to buttress us and help us overcome temptation. Paul writes, “...I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:23-25)

            These positive effects of the Lord in the lives of believers are communicated through the instrumentality of His word. Media fills our environment with words seeking to persuade us to follow particular political views or search out certain products that promise to make our lives so much better. With the internet and social media, anyone can publish their latest thought and flame out in angry speech to make their voice heard. Sometimes we feel like we are drowning in a sea of words; we become adept at ‘tuning out’ advertisements.

            But God’s word is qualitatively different from mere human speech. God is spirit, and His words are spirit and life (John 6:63). God’s word is “living and active”, shaping and moulding the lives of those who have been born over again (Hebrews 4:12; Romans 12:2). So, fourth, I am thankful for God’s working word active and having effect in my life. So the Apostle Paul could write to one church, “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

            Fifth and finally, I am thankful the Christian life is not a solitary experience, but one lived in the companionship of other believers. I am reinforced and encouraged by my sisters and brothers in the faith. When I stumble or fall, I need others to help pick me up and get me heading again in the right direction. I need their patience, kindness, and gentleness to bolster me – each of these reflecting the goodness and love of our heavenly Father. “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3) At its best, the church is a truly caring faith-family that experiences the grace of a supernatural connection and close bonding. “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

            May these good gifts be experienced by you and yours this Thanksgiving, creating lasting contentment, and prompting appreciation to well up in your hearts toward the divine Giver!

How Crumby is Your Theology?

 

For The Citizen newspaper "From the Minister's Study"

                Is your view of God, your theology, crummy? Or is it crumb-y? Perhaps I’d better explain the difference.

                I was environmentally friendly before it became a “thing”. Those three R’s? I am by nature a conserver, looking for ways to preserve and repurpose resources. It is a challenge for me to make a trip to the dump and not bring home something that looks just too useful to be thrown away. Does anyone else out there share this struggle?

                As a member of the Boomer generation myself, I grew up with parents who weathered the Great Depression as children. This left its mark indelibly upon them, prompting them to be conservers. My Dad had a welder – he built his own milking parlour – so of course any extra metal was kept in reserve: “Might have a use for that some day!”

                Perhaps genetics had an influence as well. My forebears originated from Scotland, and the people of that nation have a reputation for being frugal and thrifty (if not downright cheap!). Perhaps a result of having to survive in the relatively inhospitable climes of the rugged highlands or the windswept barren Hebrides.

                So my go-to approach to life in many cases could be labeled a “scarcity mindset” as opposed to an “abundance mindset”. I am prone to accumulate clutter, to hoard; it is very hard for me to throw things out that have become a little damaged or worn. While this might help me survive as a castaway on a desert island, it can be hard to live with a family member who is a skinflint, who never wants to spend if one can “make do” with what one already has, someone who is always looking for the least expensive way to do something, who finds it hard to be generous. A conserving attitude can quickly deteriorate into greed, covetousness, resentment, and miserliness. Our children suffer if we never open our hands and bless them by lavishing love on them, and there are many times when ‘love’ of course translates into material provision.

                We can even be tempted to project this frugal attitude onto God. But that would be a mistake... The Bible does not portray the Lord as a skinflint. God is the Creator of all that is, He “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”. (1Tim.6:17) To suppose otherwise would be to have a crummy theology.

                Jesus taught that His Heavenly Father was good and giving, seeking to bless His creatures. We see glimpses of this in Jesus’ seminal Sermon on the Mount. He says God causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. He prompts us to just ask to be given our daily bread. The Heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the grass which is so impermanent, so will much more provide for us. Jesus confidently speaks of a heavenly Father who gives good gifts to those who ask Him. (Matt.5:45; 6:11,26,30; 7:11)

                One of Jesus’ classic parables features a vineyard-owner who hires workers at various points throughout the day. When it comes time to give them their wages, those hired last, who worked only an hour compared to those who laboured all day, are paid just as much. When those hired earlier protest this perceived injustice, the owner points out he paid them as expected: “I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you... Are you envious because I am generous?” (Matt.20:14f)

                At one point, Jesus tests a person who turns out to have the correct perspective on God’s generosity. A foreign woman begs Jesus to drive a demon from her daughter. At first He resists, because the primary focus in His earthly ministry has been to preach and minister to God’s Covenant People, the Jews in Palestine. He uses a word-picture, that it’s not right to toss the children’s bread to the dogs. Yet the woman has too profound an insight into God’s nature to be put off. She replies, “Yes, Lord – but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” (Mark 7:28)

                In other words, God is a God of generosity: He offers a surplus that spills over to others. There are crumbs to spare. He lavishes love unstintingly. This is not crummy theology but crumb-y theology: the Mighty One has crumbs abundant to spare. God is kind and good, not stingy. He calls us to be generous too. As Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

                C.H. Spurgeon once said, “God is satisfied with Himself, and sufficient to His own happiness. Therefore, surely, there is enough in Him to fill the creature. That which fills an ocean will fill a bucket; that which will fill a gallon will fill a pint; those revenues which will defray an emperor’s expenses are enough for a beggar or poor man.” The Apostle Paul clung to a similar promise of a God who is good and giving: “...My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Php. 4:19) Let’s experiment – let’s share some of our “crumbs” with others as we have had our own needs provided in the past.

Divine Community and Our Loneliness Epidemic

 (for the North Huron Citizen, June 16, 2023)

     There is a sneaky epidemic creeping across our land. Perhaps you’ve noticed its indicators. For example, a group of young people are seated together at a restaurant awaiting their order. Twenty years ago, they likely would have been engaged in conversation, maybe talking about the latest movie or what they’re planning to do this summer.

     Not now. Heads down, they are all looking at the device in their hands, basically oblivious to each other’s presence.

     That’s just one example of the latest insidious epidemic: loneliness.

     In May, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory “calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection” in that country. The first iPhone was released in 2007; since then, smartphones have become ubiquitous, even amongst pre-teens. Yes, we are more ‘connected’ than ever to the internet; but the same technology that connects online may in many instances cause people to be more disconnected in person – as with our aforementioned restaurant diners.

     Not only do such devices give us an excuse to be somewhat rude to those beside us (ignoring them, or interrupting conversation if a call or message comes in); the popularity of social media heightens our sense of isolation as we view our friends’ carefully-curated posts showing them enjoying fabulous holiday resorts, travelling to exotic places, enjoying the latest fads... Leaving us behind in our apparently not-so-fortunate dust.

     The Surgeon General declares, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health.” The related government announcement notes these statistics: “The physical health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%.”

     Wow! Isolation can be – deadly!

     In the Christian understanding of things, there is a somewhat mysterious doctrine that may offer some insight and hope into our current dilemma. It’s traditionally known as the doctrine of the Trinity. This holds that while God is ‘one’ divine being, He consists simultaneously as three distinct yet interconnected Persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Three-in-one. (No, mathematics is not going to help us here!)

     As critics point out, you won’t find the actual word “Trinity” anywhere in the Bible. The word is a bit of a mash-up cobbled together in the early life of the church in an attempt to summarize a rather complex and nebulous reality we nevertheless see described in the Bible.

     A quick search reveals around 20 verses in which the members of the Trinity are alluded to. There are even more references if you consider passages that span more than a single verse. But let’s consider just the beginning and end of the ministry of Jesus, and what He had to say on the subject.

     At the outset, at Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, Jesus comes up from the water; the Spirit descends; and a voice from above declares, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” The whole Trinity is involved. (Matthew 3:16f)

     At the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, following the resurrection, He commands His followers to make disciples “baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...” (Matthew 28:19) About the same time He told them to wait in Jerusalem “for what the Father had promised...You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit...” (Acts 1:4f)

     His last full night on earth with His disciples, just before He was betrayed and crucified, Jesus spoke to them about “the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name...” Also that “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me...” (John 14:26; 15:26)

     So we can see from Jesus’ own words that Father / Son / Spirit work together in close cooperation and harmony. Jesus is keen to glorify His Heavenly Father, and the Spirit’s purpose is to testify about Jesus the Son. They share a common focus, highlighting each other, working in total unity.

     The Bible reveals a community of love within the Godhead that has existed from all eternity. “God is love.” (1John 4:8,16) That same night Jesus acknowledges in prayer to His Father, “You loved me before the creation of the world.” (Jn.17:24)

     And the reason Jesus came to live and teach and die was so we sinful humans could be forgiven through His perfect sacrifice, have the “dividing wall of hostility” (whether race prejudice, or other forms of prejudice and hatred) broken down with regards to other people, and become acceptable to (and even welcomed by) a Holy God through the atoning blood of His Son. Jesus promised, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (Jn. 14:23)

     The universe can seem a vast, expansive, cold, and lonely place if one supposes there is no God. In such a view, we become merely random conjugations of molecules adrift on a wandering planet, accidental and purposeless, dancing to our DNA. ‘Big fish eat little fish.’ But, on the other hand, given the truth about the Trinity – how exciting to realize that at the very core of the cosmos, even before any created thing came to be, love was already circulating amongst the three persons of the Godhead, a complete community of love!

     One can certainly not do justice to such an enigmatic topic in a short newspaper article. Suffice to say, the community that exists within the Divine is bathed in love and offers hope for our epidemic of loneliness, for those willing to receive Jesus’ teaching and triumph. Augustine, while puzzling over the doctrine of the Trinity, was walking along the beach one day when he observed a young boy with a bucket, running back and forth to pour water into a little hole. Augustine asked, “What are you doing?” The boy replied, “I’m trying to put the ocean into this hole.” Then Augustine realized that he had been trying to put an infinite God into his finite mind.

     We have it on good authority that, where reason runs out, God’s love is there to encompass those who will receive Him.

To Crown a King

 (column for newspaper The Citizen May 5 2023)

What do we hold as of most value in our life – of crowning importance? And what are we prepared to do to protect that?

This Saturday (May 6) marks what for some could be a once-in-a-lifetime event – the coronation of a sovereign. (The crowning of our previous monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, occurred three years before I was born.) King Charles III is to be anointed and crowned at Westminster Abbey in London, England. There will be much pomp and pageantry; royal-watchers will be thrilled. The occasion is to be heralded by a 21-gun salute all over Britain and by Royal Navy ships at sea all over the world. But at the heart of the event is a service of Christian worship that by word and symbol puts a significant spin on what good leadership should be all about.

Politicians are notorious for bending their policies to suit what they estimate will bring them most popularity. Some are very gifted in the art of “doublespeak”, to the point that after you’ve heard their response, you wonder if they ever actually addressed the question that was posed. Many countries flounder and languish because their governments are riddled with corruption, from the top down.

It wasn’t much different back in the first century A.D. Jesus observed to His followers, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.” (Mark 10:42) In other words, throw their weight around, take advantage of others, milk the masses. Jews in Palestine at that time resented their Roman overlords who taxed them heavily and sometimes crushed uprisings with brutality.

King Charles’ coronation service aims to cast a different slant on what good leadership is all about. It begin with a greeting and response: “Your Majesty, as children of the Kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of Kings.” To this the king responds: “In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served but to serve.”

This reflects Jesus’ admonition to His followers regarding leadership. Whatever their position, they are not to go about ‘lording it over’ others and exploiting them. Instead – “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:43ff)

It is encouraging to see that those responsible for planning the coronation service were intentional about emphasizing this theme. The accompanying commentary prepared by the Church of England notes, “His Majesty’s reply echoes the truth of Jesus Christ who came, not to wield power by force, but to show the power of love (Matthew 20.28). This new inclusion marks the tone of the service from its beginning. The magnificence and beauty of the processions and costumes is a great celebration of tradition and joy. But behind the pageantry lies another message which the words and ceremonies to come will demonstrate – our King commits himself, through prayers and oaths, to follow the Lord he serves in a life of loving service in his role as Monarch.”

The presentation of a Bible reminds the new sovereign that they themselves are accountable to a Higher Power to whom they must one day give account at judgment. The presenter states, “Sir: to keep you ever mindful of the law and the Gospel of God as the Rule for the whole life and government of Christian Princes, receive this Book, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is Wisdom; This is the royal Law; These are the lively Oracles of God.” 

The Bible is a “lively” book, God’s words are living and active, piercing to our core. (see Hebrews 4:12) Scripture is “most valuable”, reminding those in government what makes for lasting justice, righteous rule, and peace. And in our personal lives, too.

The epistle reading for the coronation service is another reminder that earthly kings are not ultimately sovereign. “For by him [Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.’’ (Colossians 1:16) Yes, including even thrones.

Later in the service, an adaptation of Psalm 71 (sung in Greek, acknowledging Charles’ father’s roots) recalls that a monarch’s role is to exercise power for the benefit of one’s fellow-citizens. “Give the king your judgements, O God, and your righteousness to the son of a king. Then shall he judge your people righteously and your poor with justice… May he defend the poor among the people, deliver the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.” Rather than the poor being forgotten and subjected to milking by the wealthy.

The most sacred part of the ceremony, screened off from public view, is the anointing of the king’s head, chest, and hands. Interestingly, the oil used comes directly from trees on the Mount of Olives at Jerusalem (pressed outside Bethlehem). This is a tangible connection with Jesus’ incarnation and birth in solidarity with humanity, and His agonizing prayer and struggle prior to His crucifixion for the forgiveness of our sins.

Anointing is connected symbolically with the Holy Spirit, whose guidance and empowerment are needed for ruling wisely and with mercy, love, and justice. Other Christian symbolism – a cross atop the regalia items (crown and sceptre and golden orb), a dove atop the “Rod of Equity and Mercy”, all point to the new king’s need for help to govern in a way that may at the end please God and, as for others who have crowned Jesus as their personal Lord, merit divine commendation – “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21,23)

Serving, it seems, suits even a sovereign! Are we ready to crown Jesus as our King, and serve Him who submitted for our sakes to giving His life in love as a ransom for us?

Grace or Mercy – What’s the Scoop?

(for The Citizen newspaper, March 24/23)

     We are five weeks into our Lenten journey, heading towards Easter on April 9. Good Friday (April 7) marks the supreme substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus at the cross for our sins – a “payment in full” for those who believe, God reconciling a fallen world to Himself. Sheer grace – unmerited, undeserved, freely given. Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus showing God’s ‘stamp of approval’ on the Son’s self-giving, and victory over death and the grave.

     Someone has observed that it is grace which sets apart Christianity from every other world religion. No other major religious leader dared to predict that they would rise from the dead (or has managed to do so). No other religious leader presumed to state their life was so pure that they were sinless, and that their death would accomplish forgiveness for others.

     In other religions, works play a major role: the adherent is expected to obey the commands, perform the offerings, and carry out certain behaviours rigorously in hopes of ever being accepted by the deity – yet one can never be certain such acceptance is ever achieved in this life, that one’s works have been ‘good enough’ to earn redemption. So other religions can be characterized as “Do, do, do” – while in Christianity it is, “DONE!” Not by our own human efforts, but by Jesus’ magnificent atonement for sinners wrought at the cross. Thus any grounds for boasting of our own accomplishment is undercut. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

     A common greeting in New Testament letters was, “Grace, mercy, and peace to you...” But what is the difference between ‘grace’ and ‘mercy’? Are the two terms synonymous?

     Broadly speaking, it’s been noted that mercy is “not getting what we deserve”, while on the other hand, grace is (more positively) “getting what we don’t deserve”. Let’s check this out. One place where both terms occur in the same verse is Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Here the lexicon defines mercy as “Kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them; ... of God towards [people]: in general providence; the mercy and clemency of God in providing and offering to [people] salvation by Christ.” Clemency means ‘an act of mercy by a person in authority toward someone who has committed a crime, especially by reducing a punishment’. So, mercy highlights the fact that we were all sinners deserving punishment, alienated from God and bound for hell; yet God intervened such that Jesus bore the punishment instead for those who trust in Him.

     The lexicon gives the following interpretation for ‘grace’ in this passage: “Good will, loving-kindness, favour... of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.” Thus grace in a way is much more positive and all-encompassing than mercy. Mercy ‘lets us off the hook’ judicially speaking, so we no longer have to pay the penalty for our disobedience. Whereas grace reorients us to our Saviour, softening our hearts, transforming us from the inside out to be and behave more like Jesus. Mercy is more technical or legal, like a verdict of “Not guilty!” pronounced in the courtroom; but grace affects the pardoned soul in such a way as to make us appreciative of our Saviour, not wanting to disappoint Him ever again, and empowers real change restoring us more to the likeness of God’s original design for humans.

     A preacher once exclaimed, "Because of God's grace, I sin all I want!" Then he paused for a several seconds and said, "In fact, because of God's grace, I sin more than I want."

     In a materialistic dog-eat-dog world where everybody’s ‘looking out for Number One’, grace can be a rare commodity. People can be loathe to cut others slack; the knee-jerk reaction can be to lash out if we sense someone has treated us poorly. But grace stands out and is remarkable, if we only stop and reflect on God’s goodness to us and then respond to others out of that overflow.

     One example of a gracious response comes from a time when a famous actor had to be cut completely out of a movie. It was the movie 'Silverado' that launched Kevin Costner's acting career. But first he had to weather a huge disappointment. After completing his role in 'The Big Chill,' Costner was called to a meeting with Lawrence Kasdan, the film's director. Kasdan explains: "I told Kevin that I felt terrible about it, but I had to cut out the ending and his part was gone. To my amazement, Costner was totally cheerful, sanguine, delightful. 'Larry,' he said, 'this has been the experience of my life. It has shown me what kind of actor I want to be, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. You have nothing to apologize for – you have given me a great gift.' It was at that moment that our friendship started. I was already planning 'Silverado,' and suddenly I thought, I'm going to write a part for Kevin Costner in that."

     By not reacting in rage in response to being cut, Costner demonstrated graciousness, which was especially appreciated because the director was already feeling bad about having to leave him out of the movie. By God’s grace, Good Friday and Easter can also help us become more grace-giving in our own responses to life’s inevitable disappointments. So let’s come boldly to ‘the throne of grace’.

Winning Your Valentine

 (clergy column for The Citizen newspaper)

     Hurray, we’re past January! The days are starting (almost imperceptibly) to get longer. Yet, it’s still winter. And that means – Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! It’s time to snuggle up and keep warm with your significant other (if that applies – if you’re single, maybe you can apply some of this article to a dear friend).

     However, relationships are not always warm and summery. In marriages, we get to know our spouse better than likely any other person on the planet would – warts and all. And sometimes we can be oh-so-nice to casual acquaintances, yet somehow reserve toxins to spew on those with whom we are most familiar. After all, we typically feel ‘safe’ with those closest to us, so sometimes we’re less guarded in what we say and let hurtful raw feelings and statements slip out.

     If our significant other is giving us the ‘cold shoulder’, what can we do to win them back? How can we coax our Valentine into a less wintry attitude?

     Relationship experts Gary, Deborah, and Greg Smalley authored guidance on how to win back one’s spouse if the two of you have drifted apart. Let’s look at some of their advice – whether it be for a marriage or dating relationship, or just to rekindle a friendship with someone you used to hang out with but have become somewhat estranged from.

     To begin, we can attempt to open their spirit if it’s closed. Some reasons others begin to wall themselves off from us include: speaking harshly; discounting their opinions; taking them for granted; being sarcastic; not trusting them; being rude; or ignoring their needs. If that’s the case, we can try to become more tender towards them. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Prov. 29:11) Compassion, kindness, and understanding are called for. Try to understand what they’ve gone through; when we really listen to a person, they’ll sense our attention is fully on them. Try to use “I” statements instead of accusatory “you” statements. Acknowledge they’re hurting, then admit your mistake(s) and seek forgiveness. God will forgive our sins if we confess them to Him (1John 1:9); we can bring that same grace to our relationships with other people. Show genuine repentance where that is called for on your part; "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

     Another way we can help repair a relationship is by honouring the other person. Use words of praise, appreciation, and combine that with acts of practical service. Treat them with dignity and respect whenever you have contact with them. The Apostle Paul admonished the early followers of Jesus, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves." (Rom. 12:10)

     We may need to develop a habit of sacrificial love – love that puts the other person’s interests above my own. That’s not easy in an individualistic, self-focused, pleasure-seeking culture! But it invests relational capital heavily. In marriage, this translates into husbands on occasion laying down their own wishes for the sake of their wife: “The husband must give his wife the same sort of love that Christ gave to the Church, when he sacrificed himself for her." (Eph.5:25) Jesus modeled this by becoming a servant for His disciples – He redefined servanthood as ‘greatness’ (cf. Matt. 23:11). Perhaps love would mean sharing finances if the other person is encountering hardship. Or just offering a helping hand.

     Perhaps what would really help is some change on our part. Change can require a shift in our mental, physical, spiritual, or social habits. Do you regularly do things together? How’s your work/life balance? Does your outward appearance put them off because you’re disheveled? Are you keeping up your walk with God, and open to discussing spiritual topics? Can you share from a recent book you’ve read, or talk about what’s happening in the world at large? New topics can spark fresh interest.

     Whether or not we’re successful in renewing a relationship with a former friend or our significant other, the goal is not ultimately in strengthening that bond alone, but in developing a deeper intimacy with the Lord ourselves. The prophet Samuel explained to King Saul that the responsibility of leading the nation was about to be transferred to a person (David) who made God’s priorities his own: “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” (1 Samuel 13:14) Can we truly say we are a person ‘after God’s own heart’? Are His priorities our own? Or have we relegated what God wants way down on the shelf, compared to our own goals?

     The Smalleys paraphrase the virtues of a righteous person found in Psalm 112: “ A godly man fears the Lord and will be remembered forever. He loves God's Word and puts his trust in the Lord. He is a gracious, compassionate, affectionate, and generous man.  He is secure and knows his true wealth resides in the Lord, not in his bank account.” How counter-cultural is that?!

     How can we get there? It starts with making a commitment to the Lord. Paul notes of the Macedonians, “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.” (2Cor.8:5) Give attention to your prayer and devotional life – focus regularly on God’s word in Scripture, which is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. (Ps.119:105) If you haven’t already, turn your life around by committing your whole being to God... Trust in the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Saviour who came to reconcile us to God the Father; admit you lived a self-centered sinful life in rebellion and/or ignorance against God; and pray, inviting Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life.

     If you are seeing a trail of failed relationships in your wake, more than likely some personal Christian counseling could help you address faulty issues and enable you to see your weaknesses more objectively. “Through presumption comes nothing but strife, but with those who receive counsel is wisdom.” (Prov. 13:10) Even if it costs a bit, it’s not just ‘wasted money’ – it’s an investment in yourself! Roy Bennett has observed, “There is no more profitable investment than investing in yourself... It is the true way to improve yourself to be the best version of you and lets you be able to best serve those around you."

     And if your relationship (such as a marriage) isn’t perfect – don’t despair! Even the most famous Christians had to overcome weaknesses to have lasting connection. This calls for compassion and loving humility, a willingness to accommodate the other’s quirks. Billy Graham wrote, "Ruth and I don't have a perfect marriage, but we have a great one. How can I say two things that seem so contradictory? In a perfect marriage, everything is always the finest and best imaginable; like a Greek statue, the proportions are exact and the finish is unblemished. Who knows any human beings like that? For a married couple to expect perfection in each other is unrealistic. The unblemished ideal exists only in happily-ever-after fairy tales. Ruth likes to say, 'If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary.' The sooner we accept that as a fact of life, the better we will be able to adjust to each other and enjoy togetherness. 'Happily incompatible' is a good adjustment."