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."

King in a Straitjacket

(for the North Huron Citizen, Dec. 24/22 issue)

            It’s an almost seemingly insignificant detail, but it’s lodged there in our memories through the traditional telling of the Christmas story. Almost a throw-away line – yet in some ways it symbolizes the essence of the unique Miracle Man’s ministry and purpose.

            “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7 KJV) Hearing this with our 21^st-century ears, we might respond, “How quaint! But what in the world are ‘swaddling clothes’?!”

            Again, as if to make sure we didn’t miss it, the sacred text repeats this small detail a few verses later. Apparently it’s one of the special identifiers by which the shepherds will be able to locate the birthplace of the Miracle Man – or so they are told by the heavenly messengers... “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12 KJV)

            All right, our curiosity is piqued. What’s this ‘swaddling’ about? Obviously it’s not a modern-day ‘onesie’ Mary puts the baby in, so what is it?

            An online dictionary gives this meaning: “To bind (an infant, esp. a newborn infant) with long, narrow strips of cloth to prevent free movement; wrap tightly with clothes.” The Greek word behind the English translation derives from a root “to wrap with strips”. Swaddling a newborn infant probably served several functions. It would help keep them warm. The confinement of cloth would give them a sense of security, and perhaps help prevent them waking up startled should involuntary arm ‘jerks’ happen. (which the young parents would appreciate!)

            A newborn infant is already vulnerable, dependent upon others for care, it won’t survive if left to itself. Yet it’s even more constricted if wrapped head-to-toe in strips of cloth it’s unable to dislodge. The equivalent for an adult would be a straitjacket! You’re helpless, immobilized, unable to make a move.

            Theologically, this is the last thing anyone would expect if God were to suddenly appear on earth. The Almighty Creator, who formed the heavens and the planets, the oceans and the mountains, has power beyond anything the material universe holds. But in Incarnation He does not burst on the scene as a mighty Titan, one foot on the sea and one on the land, towering above all human edifices. Instead, in Christ God took on human form at its most vulnerable point. (Though even somehow mighty and terrible King Herod found it impossible to snuff out this tiny baby’s life when the despot threw his military might against it.)

            Jesus’ whole ministry showed incredible restraint. He performed miracles of healing, yet declined to rain down fire from heaven upon Samaritan villages that refused to let Him and His disciples lodge there when passing through. Jesus drove demons out of a maniac and sent them rushing down a hill into a lake, yet when the townsfolk asked Him to leave their area, He did not object but quietly complied and went elsewhere. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, but when this proved the last straw for the Jewish religious leaders who began to plot how to destroy Him, He did not ultimately resist them but stood silent against their trumped-up accusations and allowed Himself to be crucified as a blasphemer (even though His enemies were absolutely mistaken).

            Jesus in His earthly form would exit much the way He entered – wrapped in strips of cloth, embalmed hurriedly by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. He became weak in order to make us strong. He became slaughtered in order to provide us with new life. He became unjustly condemned and the innocent victim of capital punishment in order to take from us the burden of our sins and provide us with forgiveness. As was prophesied about Him many centuries before, “...He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12)

            Being swaddled, straitjacketed (if you will), made powerless is a startling symbol of the style or posture of Jesus’ whole ministry. The Almighty subjected Himself to limitation, hunger, ridicule, and unjustified flogging and death for the express purpose of freeing us from our own bondage, our entrapment, to sin and death – to besetting sins, temptations, persistent addictions that would otherwise drag us down and destroy us. By His wounds (stripes), we are healed; by His strips we are loosed to walk free in the eternal love and light of our Heavenly Father.

            The Apostle Paul described Jesus’ whole attitude as one of pouring-out, giving up His own power and privilege for the benefit of others... “Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8 NASV)

     A ‘bond-servant’. May the binding of the Miracle Man in strips of cloth, becoming bound and restrained as a helpless babe, become especially precious to you this Christmas as you trust in Him and learn to walk with your Saviour in the eternal life and freedom He has procured for you. 

Keep Life Meaningful: In Search of the True Hyper-Human

Column for the North Huron Citizen, Sept. 9/22 edition

When society is breaking down and lawlessness increases, people become desperate in their hurting and deprivation. They long for a strong leader to emerge who will guide them back to safety and security. That could describe the nation of Germany back in the 1920s & 30s which was struggling to make reparations for its part in the First World War. A charismatic dynamic leader rose to popularity who proposed Germans had the makings of a master race, their potential was great, they could be leaders in the world. His name was Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist party turned the nation’s economy around and whipped people’s fervour and confidence to new heights through various programs and propaganda.

Hitler was embodying the philosophy of one of his heroes, Friedrich Nietzsche, a German (actually Polish-born) philosopher (1844-1900). When Hitler officially congratulated the Italian fascist dictator Mussolini, he gave him a copy of Nietzsche’s book! Nietzsche introduced the concept of the ‘ubermensch’ or what we might call the ‘hyper-human’. Nietzsche perceived that humans at large had killed God – hence he coined the phrase “God is dead”. But if there’s no God, that paves the way for nihilism (“the rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless”). Now that would be discouraging! For life to be meaningless, pointless, no sense of right and wrong, good or bad. Nihilism leads to despair. To fend that off, Nietzsche proposed this ideal of the “hyper-human’ or ubermensch, the human that transcends others and points a meaningful way forward.

Do you see how this fed into Nazi philosophy, tyranny, and eugenics? Hitler would believe himself to be the “strong man”, providing leadership and direction to others in society. Relegate society’s misfits – the disabled, those suffering from gender confusion, non-Aryans like the Jews – to the gas chambers. His approach “worked” to the point that his fellow citizens largely granted him and his cronies increasing power politically.

In Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessalonica, he looks into the future and warns of another “strong man” or ‘man of lawlessness’ who will arise to prominence in a time of rebellion and proclaim himself to be God. What else would you expect, if God is in fact ‘dead’? That creates a huge vacuum, a meaningless environment people find hard to tolerate. But Paul foretells the destruction of this ‘strong man’ or ‘hyper-human’ by One stronger yet – God (i.e. Christ) may have been dead in a tomb three days, but rose again!

But let’s explore a more productive and positive angle. What is the ‘hyper-human’ God is calling us to become through faith in Christ? How is He transforming us mere mortals from fallen sinners into overcoming saints? Let’s see who, through faith, according to Paul and by God’s grace, we are gradually fashioned to be!

First, believers are selected saints. “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit...” (2Thess.2:13a) Jews in the Old Testament were designated God’s chosen people, picked to be witnesses for Him to the nations. Christians are chosen by the Lord similarly to let our light shine before others in such a way that they see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit indwells us and “sanctifies” us, making us holy, set-apart for God’s purposes, nudges us to increase in personal righteousness, living Jesus’ way.

Believers are truth-trusters. “...God chose you to be saved...through belief in the truth.” (v.13b) We are truth-trusters, putting our faith in the Gospel or message about Jesus – a message that will be shown to be true, according to reality, when Jesus comes back to gather us to him (v.1). Believing is key to salvation. As John put it in a most assuring way in 1John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Third, we are glory-sharers. The Holy Spirit is producing His fruit and gifts in our lives so we come increasingly to resemble Jesus, whose love and caring and peace drew people to Him magnetically. And when He returns, we will share His glory more overtly. Paul writes, “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v.14) The best beauty-treatment is to have the Lord’s joy, peace, and love bathing your heart and consciousness!

Fourth, believers are teaching-tethered, anchored in God’s instruction amidst life’s confusing messages and temptations. “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (v.15) The phrase ‘passing on’ is akin to that in rabbinic Judaism where a rabbi repeatedly ingrained Biblical truth and sayings into the memories of his disciples. Also this hints that Paul’s teaching is not something he cleverly invented or ‘made up’ as he went along, but he was as a steward entrusted with a sacred deposit passing along to others the same teaching he had received – whether from Scripture, or others who followed Jesus before him.

Could you make it a personal goal to try to read the Bible and pray daily (even if it’s just for a short time)? That practice anchors your soul, gives you a solid base from which to construe meaning from life, and God’s voice will coach you on the path to take. As the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah put it, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’” (Jer.6:16)

Fifth, we are core-encouraged. Do you find life discouraging or challenging at times? Does it seem sometimes the world’s gone to pot, and things just keep getting worse instead of better? Has an endless stream of negative news started to make you cynical? Find encouragement in your Lord. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts...” (vv.16f) There’s God’s ‘love’ for us again (see point 1 ‘Selected Saints’). The Greek root here for ‘encourage’ is a term Jesus uses for the Holy Spirit, our Counselor, Comforter, one who comes alongside to help. Is there someone you know who might benefit from you sharing with them the comfort and encouragement you find in knowing Jesus?

Last, we are goodness-giving. Paul notes, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father...strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (vv.16f) Our job is to share God’s goodness with other people, to dispel the rumour that ‘God is dead’ – or even worse, that God is malicious or a meanie. Would those who know you best describe you as someone eager to do good? Or, instead, eager to goof off and hog the remote, say?

Meaning is one of the four key things any worldview worth its salt must address (origin, meaning, morality, destiny). As society flounders on the verge of nihilism and the desert of value-bereft meaninglessness, the transcendent ‘hyper-human’ that can prove a worthy ideal drawing mortals forward is not Nietzsche’s ‘ubermensch’ (e.g. Hitler, Stalin, and their ilk) but the virtuous Christ-follower described by the apostle – Selected Saints, Truth Trusters, Glory Sharers, Teaching-Tethered, Core-Encouraged, Goodness-Giving. Our world will be better for it as we emulate Christ in those facets of character.

A God Big Enough to Care for Each One of Us

Column for The Citizen, August 5 2022

Have you seen any of the new images from the James Webb Space Telescope? Some of the pictures are truly breathtaking – stars and galaxies in the process of formation from very early in time. The instrument’s attention is concentrated on a very tiny portion of the sky. NASA tweeted, “If you held a grain of sand up to the sky at arm’s length, that tiny speck is the size of Webb’s view in this image. Imagine – galaxies galore within a grain, including light from galaxies that traveled billions of years to us!”

Scripture portrays a God who is the Creator of all that is, from one side of the universe to another, however many dimensions there may be. The prophet Amos declared, “He who made the Pleiades and Orion and changes deep darkness into morning, who also darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the Lord is His name.” (Amos 5:8) And the prophet Isaiah notes, “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” The scientists behind the Webb Telescope project will be kept busy assigning names or labels to new stars they discover, but even the furthest ones have long been known to our Creator ‘by name’!

Jeremiah has a big view of God, His immensity: yet Jeremiah also realizes God is very personal and intimate in His dealings with people. For the ‘bigness’ of Jeremiah’s view of God, hear what he says in the midst of a description of man-made idols: “No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.” (Jer. 10:6f) Jeremiah recognizes how big God is. The end of Jeremiah 12 even describes how God is concerned with the nations around Israel, and will uproot or establish these Gentiles depending on whether they learn His ways and acknowledge Him. God is sovereign and concerned about other nations, holding them accountable, not just the Jews.

Yet this righteous, just, almighty God is also kind, loving, caring, intimate. Jeremiah confesses, “Yet you know me, O LORD; you see me and test my thoughts about you.” (Jer. 12:3) Fascinating! God is not so big, so preoccupied with governing the forces of the universe or judging the rulers and nations, that He does not also see you personally and know you better than your closest friend. He ‘tests your thoughts’ about Him because what you think of Him matters greatly to the Lord.

We see this intimacy reflected in Jesus teaching His followers to call God “Our Father”, “Abba/Papa”. This is a Heavenly Father who ‘gives good gifts to those who ask Him’ (Matt. 7:11). This Abba/Papa knows the number of hairs on our head (Matt. 10:20). Now that’s detailed intimate knowledge!

Yes it’s a great big world, at times a scary and unpredictable world. There are plenty of hucksters and con artists and scalpers out there wanting to trip you up and scam you and profit at your expense, kick you to the curb even. But God sees you and knows you, He’s got you in His faithful care when you trust totally in Him.

The prophet Hosea described God’s care in terms of strong cords coupled with tenderness: “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.” (Hosea 11:4) The naturalist S. L. Bastian tells of a certain kind of spider that builds its nest in the branch of a small tree or bush. In this delicate enclosure the baby spiders are hatched. If the nest is disturbed in any way, the little spiders will all rush out in fright. At once the mother goes to their side. She is alerted to their potential danger in a most unique manner. Each of the young ones has a thin silky strand attached to it, and all of these threads are joined to the body of the mother. When the babies are threatened by an enemy, they naturally scurry off, giving their lines a sharp tug. This is instantly felt by the adult spider. Within seconds she pulls them back to the nest where they are protected from harm.

Mary Slessor served as a missionary to Nigeria. She would rescue babies who were in danger and dying, and often the infants filled her home by the dozens. How to care for them through the night became a problem, especially when one of them stirred and cried. Mary learned to tie a string to each little hammock, lay in bed at night, and pull the strings as each baby needed soothing.

Yes God is big – bigger than the whole universe, which He made – yet in Jesus He draws us to Himself through the cross. The gentle cords of His eternal love tug all our hearts and hurts to Him.

What are You Counting On?

[For The Citizen newspaper - June 23, 2022]

What are you counting on to truly satisfy you? Is it working?

“I can’t get no satisfaction” is the title of a song by the Rolling Stones, released in June 1965, their first ‘Number 1' single in America. The theme of their song sums up the dissatisfaction fed by our insatiable consumerism, addicted to advertising. The first verse of their song goes: “When I'm driving in my car / When a man come on the radio / He's telling me more and more / About some useless information / Supposed to fire my imagination / [I can’t get no satisfaction...]”

If we’re counting on worldly wealth to give us security, fluctuations in the markets and vagaries of the economy, complicated by global conflicts and supply chain issues, are enough to give us the heeby-jeebies. There will always be a newer model, better features, tempting us to upgrade. When will we ever reach ‘enough’? The Bible points out, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) The millionaire John D.Rockefeller was asked one time, “How much does it take to satisfy a man completely?” He said, “It takes a little bit more than he has.”

In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus reminded us what’s really worth putting our trust in, what can truly satisfy and won’t finally disappoint us. “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’” (Luke 12:16f ) Does the thought ever cross his mind that he might give some away? Be generous, because maybe others haven’t been so fortunate? Maybe their land missed a shower or two at seasons that were critical for kernels to set. Maybe their parents or ancestors fell into serious debt and had to sell their land. What an opportunity to be a big blessing to his neighbours! He could donate a truckload to the local community food bank. He could sell it and convert it into funds to buy food in war-torn or drought-hit areas on other continents through Canadian Foodgrains Bank. (Well, at least now he could!) Maybe back then it would take the form of donating more through the temple system, for Levites to distribute to the needy in their local areas.

But no, our fool doesn’t think globally, or even locally. All he can think about is himself! He narcissistically has an inner dialogue with himself. “Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’” (vv18f ) Literally, “keep on” relaxing, “keep on being” merry – a protracted private party stretching on interminably into the sunset. At least, in his mind...

Here we see, in its rawest form, the selfish, grasping, insular mindset of our consumer culture, closed in upon itself. Sealed up so tight it can barely breathe. The unholy trinity of “me, myself, and I”. A person who’s all wrapped up in themselves makes a very small package!

The rich hoarder is in for a rude shock. Despite his best conjuring of a preferred future, it’s not to be. God is about to prick the balloon of his over-inflated selfishness. “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” (Luke 12:20) The meaninglessness of having heaped up wealth, like Ecclesiastes said, is about to become abundantly obvious. The fool thought he was ‘all set’, but there are many things money cannot buy – and that includes long life.

Paul Lee Tan wrote, “There are many things that money cannot buy. Money can buy: A bed but not sleep. Books but not brains. Food but not an appetite. Finery but not beauty. A house but not a home. Medicine but not health. Pleasures but not peace. Luxuries but not culture. Amusements but not joy. A crucifix but not a Saviour. A church building but not heaven.”

Jesus’ closing line points in a different direction about what it means to be truly rich: “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” (12:21) Wow! Now there’s a phrase worth unpacking! What’s it mean to be ‘rich toward God’? How is the Master prodding us to redefine “rich”?

When we’re rich toward God, we put our trust in Him not in gold.

When we’re rich toward God, we say to Him, “You are my security.”

When we’re rich toward God, we fear Him most of all, we revere Him, we treasure Him, He’s dear to our heart.

When we’re rich toward God, we sense He’s pleased to give us the Kingdom, He’s looking out for our basic needs like food and clothes even more than He regularly furnishes for the ravens and the lilies as we seek His priorities.

Being rich in our relationship with the Lord must surely be reflected in time we want to spend with Him, listen to Him by reading His word, sharing our concerns and requests with Him through prayer, pursuing more depth about what it means to be a follower of Jesus through group study and fellowship with other believers.

Scripture suggests when we share with others in need, God perceives that as ‘richness’ in the sense of giving to Him. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17) As has been said, “Do your givin’ while you’re livin’ then you’re knowin’ where it’s goin’!”

John Greenleaf Whittier wrote this poem about the blessing of giving... “Somehow, not only for Christmas / But all the long year through, / The joy that you give to others / Is the joy that comes back to you. / And the more you spend in blessing / The poor and the lonely and sad, / The more of your heart’s possessions / Return to make you glad.”

Breath for Brittle Bones

Column for The Citizen (June 10/21 edition) by Pastor Ernest Dow, Huron Chapel EMC, Auburn

                As the pandemic wears on, it’s been getting more difficult to keep our hopes up. A news item featured Toronto psychotherapist Sarah Ahmed talking about the phenomenon of ‘languishing’. That’s the term that’s been used to describe pandemic doldrums – you’re not exactly feeling depressed, but as Sarah Ahmed says, “Languishing is essentially described as a feeling of emptiness, numb, feeling stuck, feeling as though we have no motivation, no ability to focus, tasks take longer...” Being a psychotherapist with an active practice, she warns that people’s mental health may end up being affected in the long run if our feelings are left unattended. It helps to identify and acknowledge our feelings, as a start.

                Languishing is prompting some folks to have their so-called “mid-life crisis” earlier than they might have otherwise. Ahmed explains, “It’s forced people to stop and take a look at what’s going on, ...that kept me so busy, that kept me so occupied, and why do I feel like this?” It begs the question of purpose and long-term goals – “Is this really what I want to be doing with my life?”

                The article is not written from a religious perspective so there’s no mention of reflecting on your life in the light of eternity. To be convinced our daily existence actually matters and has significance requires validation from outside ourselves; the Bible points to God our Creator and Redeemer as the One who ultimately judges our life’s worth. If you’re languishing, if you’re experiencing ‘pandemic fatigue’, there’s no better time than the present to reflect on your life goals and priorities, to weigh your activities in the light of Scriptural truth and the Lord’s calling for you.

                In Ezekiel 37, the prophet is given a vivid object lesson that visualizes people’s need to receive God’s enlivening Spirit when all seems lost or futile, and hope has vanished. At this juncture in Israel’s history, judgment has happened: Jerusalem has been reduced to a heap of rubble, exiles have been removed in successive waves from their homeland. How devastating and crushing all this must have felt for the Jews! The beautiful temple of Solomon has been destroyed. Ezekiel, being both prophet and priest, must have felt deeply the loss of the temple where sacrifices were offered and people gathered to worship. Now here he was stuck in Babylon, some 2700 km away.

                So we might say Ezekiel and the Jewish people were languishing. All hope had been lost. They were a defeated and exiled people, strewn abroad to the four winds. They were done for – or so it seemed.

                The Lord deposits His prophet in a valley of dry bones. “He asked me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ I said, ‘O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.’” (Ezek.37:3) Does that valley of very dry bones reflect your situation today? Are you up against some seemingly impossible obstacle? Are you frightened by the global pandemic with its new variants cropping up? Has your business been curtailed because of lockdown measures? Do you just miss your relatives, being able to give hugs, it seems all too long since we could go about life as “normal”? Those feelings the psychotherapist described of being “empty” and “helpless” are very real.

                As Ezekiel is led back and forth amongst these great many very dry bones, the Lord tells him to prophesy to them. As he does, bones are connected, flesh comes on them, and eventually they stand on their feet like a great army. Then, the Lord interprets the vision to Ezekiel. He has been aware of their languishing, their sense of defeat and hopelessness. Here their feelings and emotions are identified. “Then he said to me: "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’” (v.11)

                But God has not forgotten or abandoned them; disciplined them, yes, and provided the Promised Land its missed “sabbath years”. But God’s plans and purposes for the nation are not over.

                There is a wonderful promise in verse 14 – “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live…” The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, shows us how grieved the Lord is by our trespasses and rebellion, and moves us to turn to Him in confession and new patterns of living. The Spirit opens our eyes to God’s holiness, our shortcomings, and pierces us to the heart so we become receptive to Him.

                Paul describes this remarkable turn-around the Holy Spirit makes possible this way to his co-worker Titus: “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7) ‘Justified’ means put right with God in His sight – by grace, what Jesus has done for us – so that followers of Jesus are now heirs, inheritors of all that awaits us, having “the hope of eternal life” – not left languishing hopelessly, no matter what pandemics or losses or challenges this life may bring us.

                An old-timer who’d lived all his life way back in the bush by himself went into a hardware store early one morning and asked for a saw. The salesman took a chain saw from the shelf and commented that it was their “newest model, with the latest in technology, guaranteed to cut ten cords of firewood in a day.” The old-timer thought that sounded pretty impressive, so bought it on the spot.

                The next day the customer returned looking exhausted. “Something must be wrong with this saw,” he moaned. “I worked as hard as I could and only managed to cut three cords of wood. I used to do four with my old-fashioned saw.” Looking confused, the salesman said, “Here, let me try it out on some wood we keep over here out back.” They went to the woodpile, the salesman pulled the cord, and as the motor roared to life, the customer leaped back and exclaimed, “What’s that noise?!”

                Trying to saw wood without the power of the chainsaw motor is like us attempting to live without the daily empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We very much need His divine breath to connect us with God and help us stand on our feet, having renewed hope, leaving languishing behind. 

Bottom-up Leadership

(Newspaper column for North Huron's The Citizen  - Apr. 29/21 edition)

            COVID-19 is all about taking shots. Some are taking vaccine shots. Yet-another-lockdown prompts others to take shots of alcohol. And then, still others seize the opportunity to take pot-shots at our leaders.

            It must be a tough time to be in leadership, with hospitals filling up and hundreds dying, and officials having to impose restrictive measures in order to try to help people safeguard their health. On social media we see memes poking fun at, or downright critical of, our elected leaders. One I saw recently depicted a woman with a frying pan raised, ready to whack our prime minister in the head from behind. Another graphic showed our provincial premier with eyes superimposed from the main comic figure of Mrs. Brown’s Boys, supposedly making a humorous expletive statement. The situation isn’t helped by our premier’s recent confession of having made a mistake in threatening police action to investigate citizens’ movement during the lockdown.

            I do not envy our politicians in their delicate and imposing task of guiding millions of independent, strong-willed, anxious citizens through a pandemic! I have the greatest respect for many of them. Even when the freedom of churches to gather for public worship is curtailed, I recall Scripture’s injunction to submit to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). The Apostle Paul also writes: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour...”  (1Tim.2:1-3) At times like this, our leaders need our prayers more than our pot-shots!

            At the risk of criticism for being duped, I will admit I have been impressed by the verbal statements of three leaders in particular: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Quebec Premier Francois Legault, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Even though Premier Legault’s English is broken, for instance, I can still hear his heart coming through in his voice. All three have the sound of being genuine, sincere, trying to do their level best for the people they serve. Our elected officials remain fallible human beings prone to errors of judgment like the rest of us, and deserve our ardent prayers through this present crisis.

            It is perhaps endemic in human nature to be extra critical toward those who are in authority over us. Adam and Eve rejected God’s instruction about which fruit to eat in the Garden of Eden. Cain rejected the Lord’s warning not to let envy override the need to be his brother’s keeper. The Hebrews throughout Old Testament history bucked at God’s laws transmitted through Moses, earning them the reputation of being a “stiff-necked” rebellious people that eventually found themselves exiled to a foreign land as punishment for disobeying the covenant. In fact their first royal leader, King Saul, was roundly rebuked by the prophet Samuel for not carrying out God’s instruction: “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” (1Samuel 15:23)

            The prevailing temptation for worldly leaders is to exploit power, to milk it for all it’s worth. Scripture warns against politicians who take advantage of citizens to enrich themselves: “A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.” (Proverbs 28:3) Jesus sought to show His followers a better way. He acknowledged the common failing of abuse of political rank. “And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.’” (Luke 22:25) However He held out a higher ideal, backed by His example. He went to say, “But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

            Jesus came to inaugurate an upside-down kingdom, different from the usual worldly political kingdoms where ‘big fish eat little fish’ (as it were). He came not to establish a political entity such as just another country or state; He came to call a people to Himself, to give us ‘new birth’ as God’s very sons and daughters, who live not for this world but for love of God and others, with eyes on what God is seeking to bring about through us and in us. When we discover what His grace and forgiveness are all about, we are ‘graced’ in turn by His Holy Spirit to pour out our lives in service for others just as He poured out His life on the cross for us, to bring us to God.

            Scripture reveals to us the ongoing role of our Risen Messiah – not so much ruling with an iron rod as interceding and pleading for His people, upholding us before our Heavenly Father. He is the Christ who has the ‘right’ to recline at table (referring to the Roman style of banqueting) – but He becomes the waiter, serving us instead. This is His “High Priestly” role, interceding for us. Paul refers to this: “Christ Jesus, who died— more than that, who was raised to life— is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34) And the author of the Book of Hebrews puts it explicitly, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

            If we have such a great High Priest whose ongoing task is lifting us up before His Heavenly Father, we can in turn be lifting up our elected officials! They may be imperfect, granted – but just as we are all too aware of our own imperfections, their human fallibility can prompt us to pray for them that much more intently. We become aware God’s sovereignty is big enough to superintend and steer even the most powerful political figures. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” (Proverbs 21:1)

Coming Alongside ‘Those’ People

 (Column for the North Huron newspaper The Citizen, March 18 2021 edition.)

            Are you quick to form opinions about people? It’s easy to jump to conclusions about others, to judge a book by its cover, to form prejudices based on very limited evidence. A lady visiting New York for the first time was being led to her hotel by the bellboy. As she walked through the door she became indignant and snapped at the man, “I tell you that I won’t have this room. I'm not paying my good money for this cramped cubbyhole with a tiny folding bed not fit to sleep on. And there's no TV, no phone, and I suppose you expect me to walk down the hall to use the...” The bellboy cut her short: “Ma’am, this isn’t your room, this is the elevator.”

            It’s all too easy to jump to conclusions in forming our judgments!

            As Jesus’ ministry started picking up speed, His miracles earned quite a name for Him; He began to attract a large following. Yet people never would have dreamed Jesus might pick a tax collector to be one of His closest followers. But He called Levi (also referred to as Matthew) from his tax collector’s booth. (Mark 2:14) The tax collection system in Palestine under Roman occupation had become kind of a mash-up between civic duty and organized crime. Tax collectors constituted a despised profession in Palestine: such people were viewed as traitors, having bought tax franchises from the Roman overlords. Subsequently, skimming off a large surplus over what they were required to remit, many tax collectors became wealthy at the expense of their fellow-citizens. When Jesus called Levi, the collector could have been “set for life” in a prime location. We find out from the context he probably had a fine house, of good size that could host a banquet with numerous guests.

            Christ just says two words - “Follow Me” - and it’s enough. Levi gets up and follows Him. Had his conscience been bothering him, collecting over and above what was really due? Had the sneers and abuse from Levi’s fellow Jews been eating away at the satisfaction of seeing his nest egg accumulate? For whatever reason, something deep inside Levi prompts him to respond, to get up and get moving with Jesus. As a result we have the first book of the New Testament, the Gospel according to Matthew [aka Levi]. Levi was obviously a careful recordkeeper, good at his job – but he chose to give all that away to follow this mysterious Messiah. Not depending on money, or income, or the power of the government to back the fleecing of his fellow Judeans... Levi turned his back on all that and committed his future into Jesus’ hands.

            He felt so good about this decision, he decided to throw a banquet and celebrate. When Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, we are told they were joined by “many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.)” (Mark 2:15, New Living Translation)

            Are we talking about those people? Did your parents fill you in on those people while you were growing up? I used to think my parents were pretty unprejudiced, but we did pick up also by osmosis some of their attitudes toward people they didn’t really have a very good opinion about.

            There was that family up the road, who had more kids and seemed to keep on having more kids, who didn’t really seem to have a regular job, whose children dressed not as nicely as we did and used bad words, the kids who sometimes seemed to steal from us when items went missing. I’m guessing the parents drank some, and we didn’t. Those people.

            There were the indigenous people we never met but Dad had stories about; a man who when he was growing up in the 1920s had walked right into their home as if he owned the place, took what he wanted to eat, and left again. That sort of story prompts you to form an opinion about a whole group of people. Those people.

            There were the Catholics who inhabited the north half of the township and attended the big imposing Catholic church in Dublin. The Protestants in the south half preferred not to have much to do with the north half. Almost as if there was an invisible dividing line halfway across the township, and the two groups just avoided each other. Those people. Little did I realize I would be in close partnership years later with Frere Armand, a Catholic lay brother from France who taught Braille and other classes at the newly-formed National Institute for the Blind in Congo. I actually got to know him and appreciate him, one time going for a meal with his other lay brothers in their little community.

            Do you have any of those people in your acquaintance? What measures did your parents use to induce you to put up invisible barriers that would seal you off safe from those people that might influence you, that you were better off not having too much to do with? Who for you are those people today, that you’d rather not meet coming down the street?

            As for Jesus, He seems to have been surprisingly at home with those people. Teachers of the law complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why does He eat with such scum?” (Mk.2:16) You can almost hear the sneer in their voice! To eat with someone in the Middle East implies acceptance, even approval, if you break bread together.

            Yet, Jesus is not pressured or manipulated into leaving the feast of the so-called ‘sinners’. Jesus responded, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Christ came to call sinners, those who know they’ve fallen short, those who realize they’re not able to stand on their own feet before a holy God, those who are ready to submit their attitudes and priorities and mindset because they’re just not working to give the meaning and relationships life ought to have. Jesus came to treat the morally sick, to inoculate them with this vaccine called ‘the Kingdom of God’, to help them re-think their whole approach to life oriented around what God most wants. You’ve got to be ready to have your worldview turned upside down to discover how God really looks at things. You don’t need a do-over on the surface, you need a heart transplant!

            Only those who recognize they are spiritually sick, that they are not healthy, are the ones Doctor Jesus can help. They are the ones He came to save: not the righteous, but sinners – those who have reached the end of their rope and realize there is no way they are ever going to impress God.

            The recent military coup in Myanmar has brought many protesters to the end of their rope. Sister Ann Rose Nu Tawng is a nun in Myanmar who knelt in front of police that had been shooting student protesters. The students ran for safety to a clinic where she was working; she knelt pleading for the police to stop the killing, and even to take her life instead of the students’. (Thankfully, it worked – the police relented.) That is like Jesus coming to give His own life in the stead of sinners, to be a doctor healing those who are spiritually sick and calling out for help.

“God-powered Humility & Helpfulness”

Philippians 2:1-13  Oct.25/20

PARTNERSHIP OR PARTISANSHIP? BATTLING THE VANITY VIRUS

Our focus today is HUMILITY – now humility is not thinking less of yourself in the sense of putting yourself down, but rather thinking of yourself less – by focusing more on Jesus and, consequently, others as well. Because as we’ll see, Jesus leads the way for us in humbling Himself, and in fact His Spirit indwelling us becomes the engine that empowers humility.

Have you heard of the three secrets of French cooking? Butter, butter, and butter! Similarly, if you’re looking for the recipe for ‘what makes a top-notch Christian’, we might say – humility, humility, and humility!

The famous Reformed theologian John Calvin quoted St.Augustine when writing Institutes of the Christian Religion. "When a certain rhetorician was asked what was the chief rule of eloquence he replied, 'Delivery.' What was the second rule, 'Delivery.' What was the third rule, 'Delivery.' So if you ask me [Augustine says] concerning the precepts of the Christian religion, first, second, third, and always I would answer, 'Humility.'" (Augustine, quoted by John Calvin, Institutes 2.2.11)

What’s the opposite of humility? Well, we might say someone is very “full of himself” or “full of herself”, stuck up. Such a person is proud, conceited, vain, self-focused, often to the point of being arrogant, others seem to mean little to them. It’s hard to reason with them: their mind’s made up, and it’s “their way or the highway”. Not partnership but partisanship.

A current illustration of partisanship is, of course, the election south of the border, vividly represented by Thursday night’s debate between two candidates. At the end of the day the public will have to choose one or the other but not both. I found this debate much better to watch than the first one because they stuck better to the content and answering the questions posed by the moderator, instead of just attacking the other candidate. The “mute” button was a good innovation; all they need now is a “fact-check buzzer” that sounds loudly whenever someone speaks an untruth. However then I should probably install the same thing here for my sermons! (Ha)

Partisanship may belong in politics but not in the church. In Paul’s second chapter to the church at Philippi he urges them strongly to develop unity and oneness. 2:1-4 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Being UNITED with Christ; FELLOWSHIP with the Spirit – that’s koinonia, sharing in common, participating together. He goes on to say be like-minded, have the same love, be one in spirit and purpose. Does this sound like a church near you? It ought to!

Unfortunately, church history is riddled with the carnage of denominational splits and doctrinal splinters. “There’s no fight like a church fight” – probably because both parties feel they have God on their side! Paul in these verses lists several enemies of unity and oneness, things that contribute to partisanship instead of partnership.V3 selfish ambition or vain conceit; v4 looking only to your own interests.

Hold on a minute! Isn’t that the way the world EXPECTS us to be? If we’re all just random molecules bumping into each other evolving from primordial soup, what’s to prevent big fish from eating little fish, the survival of the fittest? Our capitalist consumer culture grooms us through endless advertising to ask, “What’s in it for ME?” “We do it all for you!” sounds like it’s very legitimate for us to want everybody else to cater to our creaturely desires.

But Scripture teaches that ‘selfish ambition’ is one of the deeds of the flesh. [omitting quite a bit in this list] Gal 5:19ff “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity...witchcraft; hatred, discord...SELFISH AMBITION, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness...I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” That’s stern talk! Persist in selfish ambition and you’ll miss out on being eternally with God. Or as CS Lewis observed, the doors of hell are locked from the inside. Hell’s theme song is “I did it MY way.”

“Vain conceit” (v3) is literally empty-glory, NLT “try[ing] to impress others”. We love to make ourselves look good. We fill our Facebook or Instagram stream with only the most flattering selfies that portray us and our lifestyle in the best possible light. It’s seems foreign to our culture, unthinkable, for Paul to say in v4 “Each of you should look not only to your own interests...” Wouldn’t our economy dramatically slow down or even collapse if we started looking to others’ interests instead of just our own?

Another apostle, James, warns about the true source of selfish ambition in Jas 3:14-16: “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.”

Disorder – COVID, racial tensions, political differences, people being out of work – all these contribute to our current unrest and instability. Indigenous and non-indigenous lobster fishers clash in the Maritimes. Neighbours are supposed to call in illegal over-capacity gatherings on ‘snitch’ lines given COVID restrictions. So much strife and unrest, and it would seep into church fellowship too.

THE ‘NO’ IN KENOSIS

What’s the key to humility in all this crock-pot stewing selfishness? Paul points us to Jesus. In what seems to be poetry, perhaps an early Christian hymn, verses 6-11 highlight the path Jesus chose to take in order to become someone who could save us. V5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...” Not just because He’s a good model, but because through repentance and baptism we have been ‘sunk into’ Him, and have His Spirit living in us and transforming us.

V6 “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped...” Jesus was ‘in very nature’ God before creation and time existed; Jn 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” Heb 1:3a “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” The beauty and love and goodness of God the Father is also found in God the Son, along with power and omniscience and other divine attributes. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus!

Yet in order to become our Saviour, Jesus divested Himself of heavenly privileges and came to earth, being born as a dependent and fragile baby, enduring hunger and tiredness and discomfort like other humans. Others put it, “He stripped Himself of the insignia of majesty.” (Lightfoot) “He did not count it a prize which must be clung to tenaciously...but was willing to lay aside His glory and make Himself a servant.”

Jesus said “no” to keeping all that pre-cosmic equality with God status and took on limited form as a human, becoming “Son of Man” as well as “Son of God”. So He can relate to us! That’s a marvel! Heb 4:15 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet was without sin.”

That saying “no” to keeping divine privilege is part of the “no” in kenosis – the Greek term we find in v7: “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”  Gk kenoo “to make empty, make void” from kenos “empty” like in v3 “empty-glory” / vainglory kenodoxia. There is a NO in KENOSIS, Christ “Made Himself Nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” SERVANT? But He’s Lord, He’s the boss! What an upside-down reversal of roles!

The lowering, humbling, saying ‘no’ to privilege, didn’t stop there. V8 “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” This was no ordinary death, like passing away peacefully in your bed. Romans executed their criminals in the most torturous excruciatingly painful way possible, as a deterrent to others. And Jesus CHOSE that suffering so forgiveness would be possible for you and for me. Heb 5:7ff “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him...”

Jesus said NO in kenosis, emptying Himself, becoming a servant, humbling Himself all the way to obediently dying on the cross, suffering immensely, as a propitiation (payment) for our sins. He loves you that much! He said “no” to so much to which He was entitled, so He could say “yes” to welcoming you to heaven, a forgiven and sanctified former sinner. He said “no” to become our divine “yes”, making good all God’s promises for those who are His! 2Cor 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ.”

The path of Christianity is the path of humility, servanthood, obedience, allowing God to BE God in your life, not yourself, not some other enticing idol that begs our worship. Jesus taught in Mt 23:12, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” He lived it, He demonstrated it. God the Father put His ‘stamp of approval’ on the Son’s sacrifice by raising Jesus from the dead, to be seen by eyewitnesses. Then Jesus would come to His disciples and say, Mt 28:18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

KEY TO RENUNCIATION: BOWING TO JESUS

Paul’s hymn describes this in vv9-11, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” “THAT at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...” God had a purpose in raising Jesus up, exalting Him to the highest place, giving Him rank / name / title above all others: the purpose is that our knee might bow and our tongue confess Him as Lord. When people do that, God’s glory is made known, His goodness to sinners magnified, His wonderful plan to bring reconciliation to a hostile miserable world is unpacked and showcased.

Has YOUR knee bowed? Is YOUR tongue confessing “Jesus is Lord”? That’s at the very heart of becoming a Christian, repentance and the new birth, opening the door in your life to the Holy Spirit. 1Cor 12:3b “...No one can say, “Jesus is Lord”, except by the Holy Spirit.”

You see, there is a virus more deadly and devilish and widespread than the coronavirus. It’s a pride pandemic. All have sinned, we came forth sinners from our mother’s womb (Rom 3:23; Ps 51:5). But there is already a vaccine for this selfishness virus: inject yourself (not with bleach! But) with the cross of Jesus. Let the nails of His cross pierce you, the nails that held Him there for love of you, not because He deserved to die: He was absolutely pure and sinless. We can’t beat the selfishness virus on our own, by our own strength. We need His help, to be born over again by His Spirit; to die to self. Luke 9:23f “[Jesus said] If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever LOSES HIS LIFE FOR ME will save it.” Gal 5:24 “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.”

INDWELT TO ENDEAVOUR

Overcoming selfish ambition and vain conceit begins with the decision to submit ourselves to Jesus’ leading, let Him be our Lord (in control) as well as our Saviour (the One through whom we are rescued from sin and its penalty). But an amazing thing happens when we do that: God’s Spirit comes into our lives to reform our thoughts and desires and empower us to put what God wants into action.

Back up to verse 1 in our passage. Where do we get encouragement? “FROM being united with Christ.” Where do we get comfort? “FROM His love.” Whence springs fellowship? “WITH the Spirit.” It’s an organic union, God Himself coming into our lives and producing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22f) right inside us.

In v12 enjoins the church to be obedient (which comes much more easily when you’ve latched onto humility) and to give expression to their faith through action. 2:12 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed— not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence— continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling...” Revering God, having a proper respect for His omnipotent power and divine right to judge at the end of our lives (or when Jesus comes, if sooner), ought to motivate us to be obedient and at work for Him.

Nate Saint was one of five missionaries who were killed by the Auca Indians. He once said that his life did not change until he came to grips with the idea that "obedience is not a momentary option...it is a die-cast decision made beforehand."

But verse 13 has some jaw-dropping truth that clarifies how this is possible: 2:13 “for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU to will and to act according to his good purpose.” So we’re to ‘work out our salvation’ but we’re not the only ones working!! God Himself is active in the Christ-follower both shaping their desires (“to will”) and their actions (“to act”), bringing these into conformity with His good purpose, what pleases Him.

There was once a laborer who was a mature Christian and gave a solid testimony before all who knew him. His boss came to him one day and said, "You know, whatever you've got, I want. You have such peace and joy and contentment. How can I get this?" The laborer said, "Go to your home, put on your best suit, come down here, and work in the mud with the rest of us—and you can have it." "What are you talking about? I could never do that. I'm the boss, you're the worker. I can't do that. That's beneath my dignity." The boss came back a couple of months later and said, "I ask you again, what is it that you have and how can I get it?" "I told you, go put on your best suit, come down and work in the mud with us, and you can have it." Again the boss became furious and walked off. Finally, in desperation he came back to the laborer and said, "I don't care what it takes! I'll do anything." The laborer said, "Will you put on your best suit and come down and work in the mud?" The boss agreed that he would do even that. Then the laborer said, "You don't have to."

The point had been made... The laborer knew what was standing between the boss and Christ—pride and self. Once he was prepared to swallow his pride and humble himself, getting down to work in the mud even while wearing his best suit, his desperation and submission opened the door to the abundance Christ had to offer.

I like that story too because it pictures in a way exactly what Jesus did to make salvation possible for us! He ‘put off His best suit’ – laid aside His divine glory, with all its position and privilege – and came to earth, down to a humble smelly manger to be born as one of us, here in the mud where we live. His “no” to supernatural glory made possibly His “yes” for us, opening the way to God’s most precious promises!

Repeatedly the Apostle Paul prayed asking God to take away a “thorn in the flesh” that was causing him some undisclosed pain. Jesus’ answer to him was this, 2Cor 12:9f “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." [Paul concluded] Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me...For when I am weak, then I am strong.” May you this week submit your life to God and find out for yourself how His power can accomplish much through you, giving you both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him! Let’s pray.

Gracious Lord, Thank you Jesus for setting aside so much heavenly power and glory all for the sake of becoming human so You could take our sin-penalty on Yourself. We confess our reluctance at times to let You be Lord: we’re so ‘bent’ in the tendency to want to run our own show. Yet we know how much that has hurt others and cut us off from You. Have mercy on us; forgive us, Heavenly Father; send Your Holy Spirit to direct our hearts and help us choose and then do what’s best in Your eyes. Thank You for loving us so, and blessing us with Your unity, Your love and comfort and compassion. May others see You through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.