Relating to God No Longer

Many people speak of family members or friends who no longer go to church or pray or seek God. Some call this "back-sliding". And no matter what they do, or how consistently they present a message that God is still relevant, this all seems to fall on deaf ears. I have an untested theory, that such people need a new faith entirely - attempts to rekindle something that now hardly exists will NOT work. Can you help me with my thinking and research on this? Two reasons why trying to rekindle the past will NOT work in my opinion: (i) there are bad experiences unalterably attached to faith of the past; (ii) the faith of the past, if it does not exist in reality today, was likely borrowed (from say a parent) and was more about people-pleasing, than it was real. So why won't the "back-sliders" (a term I'm not really comfortable with) return? Because there is nothing substantial to return to, or, what they might return to is so tarnished in hypocrisy, abuse or neglect, nothing could be further from their mind. Please contact me at warrenhodge@optusnet.com.au if you have any insight on these matters. Thanks.

"Who is Jesus?" (Luke 2:21-52)

1.     Introduction

-         who is Jesus (to you)?

-         glimpses about Jesus from his parents, prophets & himself

2.     Background

-         It is only Luke who records these incidents from the early life of Jesus.

-         [Matthew is where we find the narrative about the escape and return from Egypt.]

-         Jesus was named at his circumcision when he was eight days old.

-         Then, Mary and Joseph, having waited out the 40-day period when Mary would have been regarded ceremonially unclean, made the 8 kilometre journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem to make the required sacrifice in the temple, and present Jesus to the Lord as per the custom.

-         Here this family encountered two Godly characters named Simeon and Anna.

-         Then we jump twelve years to the time Jesus became a missing person.

-         Why did Luke include these incidents? Because they show us something about Jesus.

3.     Character Overview

(a)  We have Jesus’ parents, Mary & Joseph, who continue to wonder (v.33, 48, 51b) at the things that are said about Jesus, and being astonished about how Jesus himself behaves. Expressed here was even some sense of consternation (or being indignant … v.48b) and then some confusion (v.50). We know these parents were given all sorts of information from angels and shepherds about how important this child Jesus was. We could probably understand that this was all sounding so fantastic, that coming to terms with it all might take some time.

Mary and Joseph had been made aware of who their son would be, but they still seemed surprised when the nature of Jesus’ ministry was mentioned. Fair to say though, who would take easily to the notion of your son being destined for what Jesus was destined to: standing out in the crowd, being an easy target for ridicule and rejection, and personally taking responsibility for the sins of the whole world. So perhaps, there was even some state of denial here, that stretched many years into Jesus’ early life.

How hard was it for Mary to hear that Jesus would face such opposition, and that – “a sword will pierce your own soul too” (2:35b)! Mary and Joseph, especially Mary (who would live through it), were going to share in the cost of Jesus providing salvation for humankind. This might be like the parents who have to watch their young son or daughter go off to a war zone. Mary would be there at the foot of the cross at Jesus’ crucifixion. Mary and Joseph could have been forgiven for thinking that bringing the ‘Son of God’ into the world would have been something that would have been long celebrated, rather than opposed. Those who would reject the notion of God working in this new way will decide to reject Jesus. Despite the thrill of what the angels and the shepherds had to say about Jesus, you could forgive Mary and Joseph for just wanting a normal everyday son!

Maybe it was the swift and increasing publicity about Jesus (seen through Simeon and Anna) that added to this sense of amazement; or maybe it was the mention of “Gentiles”, taking Mary and Joseph’s breath away with the breadth of what was being said about Jesus’ mission. Rarely does good news come that is without some complexity … some need to accept or act outside of what we had previously planned. Good news leads to change … new paths and new adventures.

This “wonder” or consternation gives us an introduction to what will follow throughout the Gospel narratives, and what still happens today. Many people in the Jesus’ own time didn’t know what to do with him, and this is still the case. Many wanted an avenging Messiah, who would destroy the Romans, and make life easier just the way it was. Maybe we too would like a particular Jesus – a Jesus more of our own making, a Jesus of convenience, rather than the One in the Bible. We are probably happy with a sacrifice that takes away our sin and offers us eternal life. But are we as happy about the Jesus who says to follow him? Are we as happy about the more challenging nature of Jesus’ life: spending time with outcasts, leaving everything else behind, being out on a limb against the tide, loving our enemies!!

On the other hand, the radical nature of Jesus can be quite attractive to some; but the deeply spiritual side, not so! Jesus was deeply connected to God in prayer. Jesus talked about the essential need to be born afresh and to experience the Holy Spirit. Jesus reflected on our spiritual lostness without forgiveness. Jesus talked about God’s deep love for all of us, seeking our response.

(b) Then we have two prophets, Simeon and Anna, who were well aware of who Jesus was. Obviously the way for Jesus had been carefully prepared, and there were those who could see it. Here we are given a confident and clear picture of who Jesus is. NOW WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO BE SOMEONE WHO COULD JUST SEE AND UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT GOD WAS DOING LIKE THIS!?! Interesting then, that Simeon was described as right living, wholly committed, expectant; and most interestingly, it was said, that he had the Holy Spirit resting on him … way before Pentecost (2:25). This was a man in good shape to be God’s voice!

Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms, and identified Jesus as the source of God’s salvation. This was so longed for by many people within a nation which had lost its way under Roman domination. Prophets like Isaiah had talked about this seven hundred years before. This was the way in which God would act in the ‘fullness of time’. Simeon knew that God had a plan, and now that plan was being enacted. And this would not only be revolutionary for Israel, but for all the Gentile peoples as well.

Let’s look at verses 34 & 35. This indicates that Jesus would be the point of decision for people; the person on which the whole of life turns. For Jesus or against Jesus; rising or falling! The inner thoughts and motivations of people will be revealed (or exposed) as they reject Jesus. This is either because they don’t think they need Jesus, or because they know they do need Jesus but refuse the offer nonetheless. Some reject passively; others reject actively, and seek to take others down with them. There is often a deep self-centredness or self-satisfaction revealed here. [However, we should not confuse this with those who are deeply troubled in life, or have never been properly presented with the good news.]

Many people claim to be Christian or to know God, but their behaviour driven by their inner thoughts and motivations, denies this. When tested against the attitudes and priorities of Jesus, their real inner selves are exposed.

Anna was a great worshipper and ‘prayer-warrior’. When Anna sees this family that day in the temple, she gets the fact that God’s grand plan to bring his people home to him has taken a massive leap forward (Gary Millar). People sensed their community had need; but sometimes people seek to resolve the problems in their lives in the most unhelpful of places. This Anna was able to communicate to all those who were seeking change, that this child was the answer to all prayers. We often get troubled about things in life. At the heart of all our need, there is a need for Jesus. This has always been the case, and God, in the fullness of time, at the first Christmas, provided for all our needs.

(c)  And then we have the words from Jesus’ own mouth when he was twelve years old. Jesus had been around and about the temple for three days listening to the teaching and asking questions. Jesus was also contributing to the discussion, and people were “amazed at his understanding and his answers” (2:47). We sense that Jesus would have been brought up with the stories of ‘old testament’ faith, and would have been interested in seeing how they applied to modern Jewish life.

Jesus had to be in his Father’s house preparing himself to do his Father’s work. These were Jesus’ first words in the Gospel … verse 49. Certainly Jesus’ was beginning to have some self-understanding regarding his role, if not his identity, by this time. Any 12-year-old who goes missing for 3 days or so (from a loving home), is likely to be first hugged and kissed, then screamed at for quite a while (with all the worst-case-scenarios in mind), then hugged and kissed again in absolute relief. So any pent-up anxiety here was understandable. However, the truth needed to be told!

[Lest we think that the 12-year-old Jesus was a little brattish … he did go home with his parents to Nazareth and was obedient to them (2:51a).]

We can look at verses 48 & 49 and see a shift in Jesus’ main allegiance. His family relationship was one thing, but there was a higher call on his life. Besides, Jesus’ real father is God, not Joseph, and we hear for the first time from Jesus himself that he will live a life of service to the purposes of God (Joel B Green, NISB). Jesus had a destiny of doing God’s works in God’s world! Joseph must have known deep down, that this day would come.

Perhaps at this early stage, Mary had an inkling of what was going to happen later, when Jesus preferred to spend time with his disciples rather than his unbelieving family, because of the necessity of doing the will of God unhindered (refer Luke 8:19-21).

Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." But [Jesus] said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."

4.     Learnings

(a)  In verse 21 we had the name officially given as Jesus; meaning ‘God is salvation’. Jesus will save his people from their sins (refer Matthew 1:21). This is where each and every one of us has strayed, and need the burden and negativity of this sin lifted off us … through forgiveness and by taking a new direction (following Jesus). But such rescue is more than a one-off experience – it goes on to touch all the needy places of our lives. “Jesus” – this was the name given to Mary and Joseph, and became the crux of the Gospel. Through an experience of salvation, people would find their destiny, their purpose, their potential and could now flourish in life. Jesus is only a prayer away. We only need to ask Jesus to take control of our lives, and then start to read the Gospels and learn what Jesus is all about.

For Jesus, doing the will of God, was central, the only thing to be really addressed. If we want to know what God’s agenda is, we only need look at the things Jesus got up to. Jesus showed that from the time he was twelve he was destined to be a teacher par excellence.

In John’s Gospel we read Jesus saying, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me”. This is because, without knowing Jesus personally, the only wholly complete revelation of God, we cannot see and experience the heart of God.

(b) These days, where Christianity is not the centre of attention, it’s not so much that people reject Jesus (per say) … although some people may reject some presentations given of Jesus … the problem really is the changes that Jesus wants people to make (both personally and relationally). People are set in their ways; despite being unsatisfied with life, they seem to want to stick in their old comfortable clothes (even when they’re a bit saggy and a bit worn). The biggest problem with Jesus is that, we want to suit ourselves, while Jesus wants us to serve others. Yet the “good news” for all people persists and God continues to love. The offer of grace abounds, and we are witnesses (or personal testimonies) to this. Jesus wants us to gather all people into worshipping and serving communities that make a positive difference in the world. Anything less is a waste.

Who is Jesus? The person on which the whole of life turns.

"Good News for All People" (Luke 2:1-20)

Introduction

I’ve got some “good news”. Well, some might say back to me, ‘good for you, so what, what difference does that make to me’!

But this is “good news (of great joy) for all people”! That’s what the angel said to the shepherds (to quell their particular fears). The birth of Jesus is such very good news! How can the message of Christmas be widely communicated as good news today?

If this particular “good news” is really for all people, it truly is a big deal, and it should be shouted from the mountain tops. How might we communicate the “good news” with the impact of this angel (in the Luke 2 narrative verse 10f)?

There is certain “good news” that might be relevant to a small group of people – a 21^st birthday or engagement. Then there is certain “good news” that relates to a bigger number – Australia winning a test match or a gold medal. And then there is “good news” that applies to whole nations, in terms of a growing economy or a move to democracy. But here is “good news” for all people!! No one should be left out!

If there seems LESS space these days to have discussions about Jesus, is there any point in getting defensive about this? It does NO good to defend God – as if it was in any way compulsory to believe (God doesn’t even go that way, rather giving everyone freewill to accept or reject). We are simply called upon to gently and humbly present a case for God … that makes sense, that makes a difference, that touches hearts and changes lives, that can actually be demonstrated with credibility – that can be received as “good news”.

Christmas time seems to be a natural season to be interacting with people over issues of beliefs and faith. How do we go about this? After all, the shepherds of old were just minding their own business that day, tending to their sheep – just like so many people are doing today … just going about their business. But nonetheless, there was a message coming for those shepherds (that was going to change their lives forever).

Good News for the Shepherds

Back then, there was an angelic vision given to a pack of shepherds; which was glorious, although also a bit scary – maybe we just say it was “awesome”. A voice said, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day … a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (2:10). This was the fulfilment of the words of many an Israelite prophecy; God would ultimately respond in a very personal way to the desperate state of human life.

The shepherds bought right into this quite unreservedly: “Let us go now to Bethlehem …” (2:15). These shepherds were also expectant and confident: “Let us go now … and see this thing that has taken place” (2:15). [After meeting with Mary, Joseph and Jesus, they later went on to talk all this up quite publicly (2:18), and started worshipping God expansively (2:20).] Why did the shepherds respond like this … so quickly and wholeheartedly?

Was it because this news interacted well with where they were at in life? Was it because they were just so pleased that such lowly shepherds had been given the privilege of such a sound and light show! This would have been unexpected – didn’t everything important happen in the temple or the synagogue?! But this was out in the fields! And in some minds, shepherds may have been one of the least likely groups to receive a revelation like this – because of their constant care of the sheep, they didn’t get to the synagogue much. Shepherds were certainly out of the mainstream, and not generally well-regarded!

What else could have connected well with the shepherds? The promise of “joy”, perhaps to people only used to the mundane. Perhaps the notion of rescue coming through a Saviour, which connected to how they felt about the issues in their lives. Or could it have been the mention of a Messiah, and the grand effect this may come to have generally on their community.

There seems to be a sense of humble privilege in the shepherd’s response. [Does this mean we need to model a sense of humble privilege … that we have been so loved by God, and so deeply touched!]

How do we need to communicate to see such unreserved and expectant responses? After all, this “good news” is for … “all people”. We regret that other people don’t see Christmas the way we do. Decorations, shopping, parties, Santa, presents, family feasts, hangovers … that’s it! Where does the responsibility lie? The council doesn’t want to have a prayer that includes God anymore. Sometimes the Christian message doesn’t seem to be welcome. Often we sense that Jesus has been crowded out, just like when there was no room for him (2:7), except out the back with the animals. Where does the responsibility lie? What should we do … criticise and condemn, or speak with gentleness and humility and simply love people? Can we just say that if you don’t feel you can pray for yourself, we will pray for you! In what ways shall the good news be heard?

Lights and Sirens

Maybe the good news needs to be (first) seen – like in that sound and light show that the shepherds got … though perhaps not so mystical – more down to earth! Maybe the good news needs to be lived out … lives that exhibit hope, love, joy and peace – qualities straight from the life of Jesus.

Part of this effort might be an examination of our lives, and intentionally discarding those things that are not life-giving to ourselves or others. Such things might be called ‘bad news’. We might need to make more room for the “good news” ourselves. What if we considered everything we did in a day was part of God’s agenda!? What then wouldn’t seem to fit well (with God’s agenda)?? Part of this might be an appreciation that following Jesus effects every part of our lives, and how we view everything that is happening around us … in community life, politics, economics, climate, music, film, fashion, sport, culture, social media, health and welfare. Part of this might involve very significant and public contributions to the great causes of our time – participating in the healing of the world and the renewing of creation – feeding the hungry, caring for the lonely, supporting the refugee. Yes, part of this would be modelling values that are clearly aligned with Jesus. Lights and sirens!

Who is God calling us to befriend, spend time with, to listen to, or care for? How should our time be invested? Where should we be? How do we use our resources? Is the spotlight of Gospel interest shining on us (or not)? This is not just about dialogue, but also about deep engagement with people! We can engage with others in issues that are important to them, while perhaps having our own distinct and biblically related perspective … that eventually we might be able to share about. We can build trust and the space to share our journey.

Is there someone we should reconcile with? Can we model forgiveness sufficiently well that others might sense a pathway to freedom? Does coming to experience the peace of God in our lives, mean that we have now become an active peace-maker?! Knowing Jesus must make a difference. We know that when the cheating tax-collector Zacchaeus met Jesus, there was an immediate transformation. Zacchaeus quickly tried to make things right, and became a generous donor to the poor (Luke 19).

Can God’s glory and splendour, that was so highlighted by the angel and the multitude, actually be glimpsed in the work of Jesus operating through us?!

What about our worship? Can it be contagious; because it is so sincere, faith-filled, and life-enriching? What about our gatherings? Can they really touch the deepest parts of life? Can we really help each other to grow? Are we truly encouraging? If we can say ‘yes’ to these questions, then surely this would reveal the “good news”? What about our church generally? Is this an environment in which people can flourish? There are lots of questions to ask.

Angels of Good News

Let us put ourselves in the position of this ‘angel’ sharing with the shepherds that day. If we are ‘angels’ with the message of “good news”, who will be the shepherds that respond? Won’t these potentially be the people that we are normally in contact with through the course of a week! We may, though, have to pray for special openings … spaces in the conversation or some uninterrupted times of sharing. We shouldn’t feel pressured – just follow the natural flow of life: God’s person in God’s place in God’s timing. This is modelled on Jesus himself entering into the human environment, sharing its suffering, bringing light into the darkness, offering a good measure of friendship. Where is Jesus leading us to be?

We might need to first connect the “good news” to the ‘bad news’? As we have said, the shepherds were not well-regarded, and some thought them to be outcasts; yet they heard that this remarkable “good news” was for everyone. Our “good news” may have to first be connected to other people’s need, to people’s pain, or at least to the ways in which they are currently viewing life. This could only really be achieved relationally – where we get to know someone well enough to hear about their journey, begin to understand their struggle, and listen to what they sense is missing in their life. We can talk about the things that others want to talk about, but at the same time be ready to bring some new perspectives into the conversation.

Then, we may be able to connect up the ways in which Jesus has made (and is still making) a difference in our life. This personal approach is preferable to any pre-packaged or set presentation, irrespective of who we are sharing with. It is good for us to regularly reflect on (and rehearse telling the story) of what God is bringing to our lives. Then, our acceptance of Jesus into our own complicated lives of need and pain may be encountered as relevant and helpful to others. We will surely then give the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15), in a gentle and respectful way! We pray that such people come to say, “Glory to God in the highest”, as they accept Jesus (and his offer of salvation) for themselves.

God is building wisdom into us as we continue to reflect on our life experiences and where God has been within them. But there will still be times when we will have to send out a quick prayer for help … to deal with certain tricky circumstances, and to somehow respond in the most helpful (and redemptive) way possible.

What do we need to be an ‘angel’ bearing “good news”?? We have already used certain crucial words: humble, credible, gentle and respectful. We also need: a listening ear, a hospitable spirit, a caring openness, a sincere interest in others. We need also to be well tuned into God (dismantling disruptions), and be providing spaces of trust and safety. Maybe we could envision Jesus sitting beside us, as we relate the benefits of having him as our best friend.

"The Greatest Love" (John 15:12-17)

Introduction

How would you describe love???

·        Love is patient and kind; love is not envious nor boastful nor arrogant nor rude. Love does not insist on its own way, and is not irritable nor resentful.

·        Love rejoices in the truth, bears all things and hopes all things; love never ends (from 1 Cor. 13:4-8).

·        Love is generosity.

·        “Love doesn’t have to; but love does” (Mark Greene, Fruitfulness on the Frontline, p.100).

·        Love is about, “taking the focus off ourselves and proactively thinking about how we might help someone else” (M Greene p. 108-9).

·        Love means giving forgiveness.

·        “Love is about wanting and seeking the best for someone else – and that can be expressed in a variety of ways” (MG p.109).

Love starts with God!!!

·        God is compassionate, patient and kind.

·        God offers us ultimate truth, purpose and relationship.

·        God does not insist in any forceful way, but rather gives us space (freewill) to decide for ourselves.

·        God’s love outpours freely, and doesn’t play favourites.

·        God bears with us continually; God hopes and acts for the best outcomes.

·        God’s love never ends.

·        God is love, and love is God.

Prime Example

Our greatest example of love is, of course, Jesus. Not just God’s commitment in sending him, but also how Jesus carried through his mission. This is why I selected this particular passage (John 15:12-17), which provides both a description of love in action, and the command to Jesus’ disciples to share in that sort of love. For the deepest description of love we look at verse 13: No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

We often hear this verse 13 quoted in connection with soldiers – service men and women – who have made the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ in military conflict. Especially in Australia we see this in terms of ultimate mateship – sacrificing for the team, protecting those we are united with in service. Then there is the even bigger concept of sacrificing life for the freedom of others – the wider society of the future. We see the sacrifice of soldiers 100 years ago, even though they didn’t know us (or us them), as an act of ‘mateship’ toward us. So it is, that Jesus sacrificed his life for everyone … all 7 billion people alive now, the countless billions previously alive, and who knows how many more into the future. And this sacrifice of Jesus was costly … in his own pain, sweat and blood.

It is in this context, that Jesus commands us to “love one another” … “as I have loved you” (v.12). Wow ... very sobering! And Jesus is pretty serious about this, because in verse 14 he ties our continuing friendship with him to his call to love others. This was the one command that all other good attitudes and behaviours would flow out of. Only one commandment would really be necessary for the sincere follower of Jesus, because if this one was taken seriously, everything else would fall into place. It would be impossible to hurt another person if this ‘love’ dynamic was truly operating.

Love Who?

These words were originally addressed directly to Jesus’ disciples. Jesus had opened a pathway for them to friendship with God, but true friendship would be consummated, not just by love for God (in heaven), but also love for all their fellow disciples. Yet, I think we can easily deduce that through instructing his disciples about their attitude to each other, that this attitude of love was also to cross over into all their relationships on earth. The way in which these disciples related to each other was a training ground for how they would relate to everyone else.

John chapter 1 leaves us in no doubt that Jesus’ incarnation i.e. Jesus taking up residence on earth with a mission of grace to all people, was to be emulated by his followers. And we know well that God’s love is for everyone (John 3:16):

                For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Credible Witness

This was also a matter of providing a credible witness to Jesus. Jesus had said to his disciples earlier (13:34-5),

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you should also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

If one says that they have encountered and received the love of God, then there should be a tangible expression of the difference this has made. As we experience and embrace God, part of this relationship would best demonstrated in love toward others. Again we say, loving God and loving neighbour go hand in hand. Love for God does NOT stand up as real or credible without love for other people. And such love is not just a concept or sentiment, but has practical and active implications.

Why is this called a “new” commandment (in 13:34)?? Those of us who know that “loving your neighbour’ goes right back to the earliest Jewish law, might be surprised that a call to love one another is referred to as “new”!! This may indicate that people weren’t going too well with this “love” thing! Also, if people were trying to love others purely as a response to the ‘law’, and it had become a real effort to do so, then one could see how they would have failed. Various Old Testament incidents show behaviour quite the opposite to love (which seek to be excused on the basis of justice).

So, necessarily, there was something fresh about this commandment. This “love” commandment was now to be based out of one’s relationship with Jesus … out of the discipleship or discipline of a relationship with Jesus. Love has to become the essence of who we are (in Jesus); not a struggle to obey a rule, but rather something that comes naturally – that becomes a normal part of our character. Loving one another is now not ‘law’ centred, but rather Jesus-centred. We love out of a connection with Jesus … whose love for others knew no bounds. Love is the mark of a Jesus community. This is a love like Jesus’ love … others’ needs above ours.

Love that Surpasses Ourselves

One could just imagine the disputes and arguments that took place between such a disperse band of disciples! Often passionate people from a broad range of backgrounds clash when brought together to work on a particular project. We might either detect in the Gospel narratives, or otherwise easily imagine, that James and John maybe (initially) had tickets on themselves, that Peter was a bit reactive and unpredictable, that Matthew carried issues from having been a hated tax official, and that Judas might have been acting suspiciously at times. Jesus said to them, if you want to be considered a friend of mine … love each other. Jesus, despite his disappointments with his disciples, got up every morning and went to bed every night, loving them entirely. Jesus loved them without reservation and without limit, simply expecting them to do the same (M C Tenney).

Many would have experienced behaviour amongst ‘believers’, or in the church, which could hardly be referred to as love … the stuff of rivalry, suspicion and secrecy. Yet a sincere determination to love one another in Jesus’ name … can only foster new levels of acceptance, trust and care.

Friendship with Jesus

The nature of our relationship with Jesus is explained a little in our text as well – NOT master/servant, but friends. The fact that friendship brings obligation was mentioned earlier, but there is also the real up side of this. It is difficult to consider the relationship between a “master” and a “servant” being described in terms of love. There is also some distance between “master” and “servant” in terms of status, because the servant’s role is to do whatever the master determines without necessarily knowing why. Friends are different! There is mutual esteem and affection. There is a sense of partnership. We may not know the details of what God is doing around us on a day-by-day basis, but we do know what the main game is.

Jesus has shown us that God’s main game is … loving people into His Kingdom (v.15b). God is NOT a slave-driver, and NOT like a boss. Our obedience is NOT to an ogre, but to a LOVING parent; and that obedience is defined in terms of loving others. In this way our obedience can be both swift and joyous (M Greene p.88). As we join in with Jesus’ love mission, he doesn’t consider us as servants, but as friends. It is as we are friends with God, that we go about loving and serving people.

Even though it is our decision whether or not we will positively respond to this invitation to friendship, Jesus has always had in mind a plan and a purpose for our lives. God has always been seeking us out. Imagine this, Jesus has a plan and purpose for each of us to fulfil as his follower (amongst other followers). So we have to ask … what helps us engage with this plan, and what hinders us engaging with this plan. Where do we need to be, and what do we need to be doing, to best connect with Jesus’ plan for us?

Who, specifically, are the ones that Jesus wants us to love?? Is it a refugee from Burma? Is it a deserted child in Zambia? Is it a bible student in PNG? Is it a Muslim in Kazakhstan? Is it a poor indigenous family in Arnhem Land? Is it an atheist living next door? Is it the staff at Blackbird café? Is it our gardener? Is it a footballer or netballer struggling with life issues? Is it a young student struggling with their identity? Is it someone living alone? Jesus says, “go and bear fruit that will last”.

What is the Greatest Love?

What is the greatest love?? Is it ... God’s love for us? Our love for God? Jesus’ sacrificial act on a cross for all humankind? Maybe this … our participation with Jesus in loving others … or shall we say, loving as Jesus loved! This love was unreserved and limitless. The greatest love is marked by sacrifice (v.13) – a humble service to others. John never relented on pushing this barrow. Later in his first letter, John wrote (in 1 John 3:16):

                We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us – and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.

What might be some of the marks of a love like this??

·        It is not defined by convenience; often love in action will be inconvenient.

·        Love actively looks for opportunities; love is alert to possibilities; love is open to the promptings of God.

We might say that this is all pretty tough, and we lack this or that to carry it out. But then, what more could we really need to love someone. Some situations may seem beyond us, but these are not beyond God. If this is truly God’s calling, and spreading love and friendship always is, then God will give us everything we need to succeed in this (v.16b). For this is all about Jesus, and making him known. God will do the reforming and refashioning so that we might truly love, at the same as we reflect on and deal with those areas which interrupt our availability to love.

Conclusion

This was the initiation of a new dynamic, which would need to start with Jesus’ first disciples and then spread. Ultimately this is the love that has always existed within the Divine Community (the Trinity of Father, Son and Spirit) and is busting to get out! The world will come to know about Jesus through the credibility of his disciples’ love.

This call to love, is not so much a call to individual believers, but to the whole band of Jesus’ disciples. Once they learned to love each other, they were ready to love the world. We can act on this together, as today’s Jesus-followers. As well as having God’s assurances of help with our character, we have each other’s faith, experiences and encouragement to draw upon in any times of fear, weakness or failure. Love will make God known, but love with a united front (with a ‘oneness’) will shine even brighter. As we set an example of sacrificial love, our fruitfulness is assured!

Each new day, each fresh interaction, is a new chance to love another person. Mother Teresa said, “Spread love everywhere you go; let no one ever come to you without leaving happier”.

Jesus - a Gift to the World (John 1:1-18)

Introduction

What, can we communicate this Christmas, of value? That Jesus is a great gift to the world! We would need to appreciate this fact ourselves first, so that we can convincingly share this with others. Part of this entails being able to tell the stories of what Jesus has done for us.

Prologue to the Gospel of John

The beginning of John’s Gospel tells how God makes himself known to the world through Jesus. We may never have seen God, but it is Jesus who makes God known. Want to know what God is like … then look to Jesus; want to introduce someone to God … then point them towards Jesus (1:18). But it is also HOW Jesus makes God known that is in view in this passage. Not from on high, through some mystical experience; but rather God is made known right here on earth; in the nitty gritty of human experience, and in the cut and thrust of life in community.

The first Sunday in Advent speaks of hope. Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness”. And darkness is often what we first experience, leaving us in need of something to guide us through where we cannot see our way. For many, in the dark years of apartheid in South Africa, there was the need to search for and cling to any source of light (through which to maintain hope). And, for many, this light was seen and found in Jesus. How? Why Jesus?? Because Jesus could be found within the most difficult and challenging of circumstances.

The story is told of a man who regularly visited poverty-stricken areas of a large city to tell people about Christ. One day, as he was talking to a woman, she suddenly said, “It’s one thing for you to come and tell us about Jesus and salvation, and then go back to your comfortable home again every evening”. GOOD POINT! This woman continued, “But would you be willing to leave your nice house and neighbourhood and actually live here in some dilapidated, rat-infested shack in order to help us”? A GOOD QUESTION!! Whatever that man answered that day, and whatever he then did, we know that Jesus rose to the challenge of the state of deep human need – Jesus left the riches and splendour of heaven to come to earth and give us life in all its fullness (1:14). Jesus opened the life-gate that all may go in. Praise the Lord! (Fanny Crosby).

This is the Jesus who, with God and the Spirit, participated in creating the world at the beginning of time (1:1-3). Matthew and Luke start their Gospels with the stories about the birth of Jesus. The Gospel of John takes us back right to the very beginning! In all his glory, Jesus took on the frailty of flesh and blood, and entered the danger of a self-obsessed culture, bringing the full measure of grace and truth. Jesus had done exactly what this (questioning) woman had suggested was necessary for credibility sake, and made himself subject to everything that a negative framework could throw up to him. Jesus was tested in all ways, but his light never dimmed.

If we would ever question God’s intentions in sending Jesus, or doubt Jesus in the nature of his ministry … there is a phrase here that should grab us (and make us reach out in awe) – “From his fullness we have all received, GRACE UPON GRACE” (v.16). From the depths of God, from his great and loving character – “grace upon grace”. Not judgement, that we should hide. Not duty, that we should rigidly line-up. But “grace upon grace” that we can simply receive and enjoy.

Incarnation

Eugene Peterson in the message translates verse 14 as: The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood. God through Jesus entered our physical and social environment. Other modern translators, looking at the Greek text of verse 14, go with something like … the Word (i.e. Jesus) became flesh, and “took up residence”, or even, “pitched his tent” where we lived. I used to like this translation as I talked to my previous churches about the importance of pitching a marquee in the midst of community events, as a physical representation that God is more than prepared to meet people where they are. From such a marquee you would provide free children’s activities, or serve sausages, or whatever it was that added something positive and helpful to the community’s experience that day. And from such a space you can connect with people in a non-threatening and happy environment.

God is not aloof nor standoffish; quite the opposite! Ross Langmead wrote: “It is central to who God is, that he reaches out to us through becoming one of us, and demonstrating in the life of Jesus the love he wants to express”. This is God revealing himself; the will of God is profoundly understood in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the window through which to observe God at work!

Jesus was a gift to all the world. Jesus brought hope, love, joy and peace. God came to humanity, so that humanity could come back to God. God entered into the depths of our life, so that we could enter into the heights of God’s life. Yet, some would oppose Jesus; some would be apathetic. But also, some would welcome him, and humbly receive him, and believe in him, and they would become the children of God – through a new spiritual birth (v.12-13). That special relationship we were designed to have with God … has been restored! Yet, what about those who rejected him, or didn’t understand him, or who were undecided about him, or didn’t get to meet him? What about those who, so to speak, remained in the darkness. The witness of Scripture is that the light (which is the life of Jesus) still shines in the darkness – that the darkness CANNOT overcome the light (1:5).

There is such hope here for the lost, and such hope here for those seeking to share Jesus with the lost. There is an assurance here that Jesus will never be defeated, silenced or forgotten. Witnesses to the life of Jesus will continue to be raised up, bringing times of great renewal in different places in various seasons.

The Fullness of Time

It was in the fullness of time that Jesus came, according to Paul in Galatians (4:4), meaning at just the right time.

Human beings had existed for many thousands of years on this planet before Christ's coming. But what's really crucial here is not the time involved; rather, it's the population of the world. The Population Reference Bureau estimates that the number of people who have ever lived on this planet is about 105 billion people. Only two percent of them were born prior to the advent of Christ. Erik Kreps of the Survey Research Centre of the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research says, "God's timing couldn't have been more perfect. Christ showed up just before the exponential explosion in the world's population."

When Christ came, the nation of Israel had already been prepared by prophets like Isaiah, yet at the same time this nation’s religion had in its various forms become rigid, compromised, perverted and/or withdrawn. Thus, there were many seekers after real truth and spiritual freedom – Jews, and also Gentiles … for the ‘gods’ of the Roman world didn’t offer any real hope either. The Roman peace (the ‘Pax Romana’) operated over the whole the Mediterranean world, so there was greater freedom of movement and pathways of trade; this was also an age of literacy and learning. The stage was very well set indeed for the advent of God's Son into the world.

What the law (the ‘Torah’) would never be able to do (as a set of instructions), a personal relationship with Jesus could achieve! God would never become fully known through ‘law’, only through a person. The life of Jesus is a description of God based on fact.

(Sources include William Lane Craig from a debate with the atheist, and now deceased, Christopher Hitchens).

The First Witness (v.6-9f)

The first witness to Jesus’ earthly ministry was John (the Baptist). What was the nature of John the Baptist’s witness (v.7)? John was going to testify to the light, so that all might believe (in God) through that light. So whatever John was going to say or do, he hoped that it would be the light of Jesus that shined out. For only Jesus could ultimately save. In all he said and did from this time on, John the Baptist would seek to prepare the way for faith in Jesus.

John the Baptist had gathered followers of his own, and one might think that he could have become even more famous in his own right pointing to himself (and perhaps also avoid an early death). But instead he chose to be a follower … a follower of Jesus, and point to him. In another Gospel, we hear John say that he is not even worthy to unfasten the sandals of the one he is pointing to (Mark 1:7), such is the difference between them – or should we say, such is the greatness of Jesus. [Yet, at the same time, Jesus said that he came not to be served, but to serve (and give his life as a ransom for many) – Mark 10:45.]

How can we witness to Jesus? >

Ø By knowing well how Jesus has made a difference in our life

Ø By listening and observing well how other people are travelling

Ø By forming intersections between the two

Ø And by sharing a journey.

This is about discovering and resolving whatever separates other people from God.

For me, Jesus gives me clarity – a knowledge of who God is and what God’s will is. This may intersect with those who are struggling to get a handle on life. I don’t have a dramatic conversion story that many of you will have; but those who do have significant stories of rescue, can probably intersect well with the life situations other people find themselves in. Of course, simple friendship and relationship building, tinged with light, can provide beautiful witness to Jesus.

Darkness

Let’s look back to verse 5. How might we describe this darkness, into which the light of Jesus still shines?? How does this darkness look in everyday life???

·        The absence of light

·        Life divorced from God - deadness in spirit, spiritual void

·        Lack of hope, absence of peace, feeling of being unloved

·        Poverty, unemployment, homelessness, depression

·        Oppression, enslavement, entrenched injustice

·        Violence, abuse, cruelty, evil.

Yet, there is no burrow down which Jesus cannot go. This is the point of Matthew and Luke telling us about the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth – born in a barn with the animals, born to parents with controversy hanging over their heads. Jesus is ever-present with his love. We might also say that God remains undeterred by any human disinterest. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

The Body of Christ

Now we are the Body of Christ … we are the incarnation of God in the world. We are the ones who are to live out the life of Jesus in the way he lived life in the world. C.S. Lewis tells us that what God could do himself perfectly in the twinkling of an eye, he nonetheless chooses us to do, even if it is done slowly and blunderingly. We have the responsibility, especially when things clearly aren’t right, to be representatives of the light and love of Jesus.

Everything that Jesus said and did was fruitful. Jesus lived love, compassion and grace. Jesus was a mouthpiece for truth and justice. Jesus influenced culture towards an appreciation of the kingdom of God. Jesus opened the path of forgiveness and salvation for all humanity. We can show love, compassion and grace. We can be a mouthpiece for truth and justice. We can influence culture towards an appreciation of the Kingdom of God. Our lives can point towards the good news of forgiveness and salvation. We have seen how John’s Gospel commences – later in chapter 20 we read Jesus saying (to his disciples), “As the Father has sent me, so I send you (20:21). Jesus’ human life is the epitome of what a human life lived in God’s Spirit looks like – so we imitate him (Michael Hardin, The Jesus Driven Life, p.258-9).

Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost write that the truly missional church, “disassembles itself and seeps into the cracks and crevices of a society in order to be Christ to those who don’t yet know him (The Shaping of Things To Come, p.12).

Ultimately Jesus will shine for himself in his Second Advent, but there is a good reason for us not knowing the time of this. It is because we have been given all that we need to shine for Jesus now. The crucified Jesus brings us forgiveness. The resurrected Jesus brings us a new life orientation. The Holy Spirit develops our character, fruitfulness and giftedness, allowing us to make a difference. Our sisters and brothers in the church make up for our deficiencies with their various qualities, as we become a mutually encouraging and effective body. God will guide us into the frontline of all we need to do in His name, and for His glory, and sometime in the future this will be enough.

"Wonderfully Made" (Psalm 139:7-18)

Verses 13-16

When Psalm 139 was written, attributed to David, there was a sense of how special human beings are. This might come as a surprise when we see how some human beings treat each other and how badly they behave in general. This might also surprise us as we look at ourselves, and at how sometimes we do life. Especially so, if we translate as some suggest verse 14 should be, “I am awesomely wonderful”. But this is in our creation, and in our redeemed potential, not necessarily in the reality of certain moments. David himself had plenty of moments when his life was far from ‘awesomely wonderful’. These verses, especially verses 13-14, simply, but also deeply, express the human ideal – the potential of how a human life looks in the hands of God … intelligently formed, wonderfully made, intricately woven, lovingly overseen.

This is the same human ideal we read about in Genesis – that we were all made in God’s image … male and female created in God’s likeness (Genesis 1:26-27); this creativity described as “very good” (1:31), so well engineered were we, that we were given the collective responsibility for caring for all the rest of God’s creation (1:28). All of the water under the bridge does not deny the great human potential encased in God’s design. Despite all of life’s bruises and dark experiences, we can return to how God views all people of his creation. Each of our senses of self-worth should be lifted by this psalm’s view of humanity. Potentially, each life is a gift to the earth, and a gift to each other. We each have a destiny in God’s purposes, prior even to our birth.

But then, something goes wrong! Despite the original perfection of God’s creation, the accumulating indifference towards God in this world brings pressure upon our decision-making. The glorious freewill we have been given through which to choose God for ourselves, also means that we can choose against God. We want control ourselves, we think we can do it better; and we reach out and take our own apple from the tree … the only tree from which we were forbidden … the tree that displaces God out of our lives. At some point, each of us steps aside, as our human freewill intersects with a world that tempts us to put ourselves into number one position. And at that point, we start to lose our way. Not only do we start to lose track of God, but we also compromise all of the relationships in our life. Once we are in the centre (rather than God) we lose our contact with the needs of others, and our sense of the common good.

Verses 7-12

Life can take us to some very dark places, not only through our own poor decisions, but also sometimes because of what other people have done to us. But this is never the last word on life, because God has not lost interest in us. In this fact, there is great hope. When the first disciples had lost hope (because their master and friend had been crucified), Jesus rose from the dead! Bright hope resurfaced out of the gloom. God never loses track of us! God never forgets us. We may head off in our own direction, but God always knows where we are. “All our hidden motives and fears are like an open book before God; he knows where they came from, and he understands what they are doing to us and what we are doing with them” (NT Wright). God is never far away!

Even if we make our bed amongst the dead (as per the metaphor in v.8b), God can find us. God has been drawn to the places we have gone, and can be found there still claiming our heart. Why?? Because as we saw in verses 13-16, God has a large investment in how our lives turn out – this makes God’s interest in us inevitable. When we invest our money into something, it is very natural to take a very keen interest in the progress of our investment. So it is, with God’s investment in our creation.

None of this is expressed to bring us into fear, nor to make us cower in the light of God’s presence, nor to make us feel horrible about ourselves. It’s just that life is such a struggle without God! Each of us has a void that only God can fill; but too, happily, each of us also has a capacity for a personal relationship with God. These words are expressed in this way so that we might feel encouraged and welcomed back into God’s family. God’s presence and close interest is NOT a negative threat, but rather a positive blessing and an open ongoing opportunity!

No matter how far we think we may have strayed, God remains lovingly available. God is bending close, not to catch us out, but rather to express his love. We might wonder how God can pull this off!?! Personal and informed interest in over 6 billion people all at once! But I think those of us with personal relationships and deep experiences with God could attest to the truth of this. God has found us where we are, when we have needed him the most.

Now, there is no price to be paid to re-enter God’s family … that Jesus has not already paid on our behalf. God’s graceful closeness reminds us of the free access we have to God. So, indeed, we don’t have to fear God’s closeness. God knows us through and through at all levels, and stills wants to be in relationship with us. God fully understands all our difficulties, circumstances and relational tensions, and just wants to help us forward. The book of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus, in his human life, experienced temptation, testing, rejection, disappointment, misunderstanding, grief, betrayal and torture, so he can certainly empathise with us. Then Jesus took all human burdens with him to the cross, such was his love for us.

“The realisation of being known so fully and yet loved so uniquely by God, is wonderful good news indeed” (Frances Hogan). Yet, through encountering God in this way, we are faced with the need to change. We would become unsettled at the state of lives. We would want to embrace that human potential and God-given destiny created within us. We sense something of what is missing. And this can all be solved by accepting what Jesus has done of our behalf. Forgiveness is there for the taking. Healing and renewal is at hand through the Holy Spirit. A daily relationship with God is established.

When the psalmist considers God’s closeness and availability, he acknowledges (in verse 10) the great worth of God’s guidance (“… even there your hand shall lead me”) and God’s guardianship (“your right hand shall hold me fast”). Guidance and guardianship are the blessings of a daily relationship with God. We are truly part of God’s family, and are ready to listen to God’s voice of reason. Just as a parent should guide their children toward maturity, God (through Jesus) can guide each of us into spiritual blessing. God has made all of this possible … first through our very life, and then secondly, through an invitation into his family – our decision is whether we want to be a part of it. A decision of whether we come to Jesus just like a little child - with humility, openness, teachability, trust (Mark 10:13-16).

Verse 16b

I just want to go back to verse 16. God already knows how the days of our lives will pan out (refer v.16b). This is in NO way pre-determined, but rather a foreknowledge that will allow God to prepare us (if we are willing) in such a way that we will be able to cope, even excel, through all the challenges of life.

It’s like God being a couple of pages ahead in the book of our lives … wanting to draw us into the best case scenarios. God knows what we will face, what we can learn out of it, how we can grow through it, the purpose we can fulfil, and thus be constantly nurturing and preparing us. I reckon that every experience I have had in my life up until this moment, is in preparation for what the next day will bring.

Verses 17-18

For those of us well on the way, I give you verses 17 and 18. The more we seek God, the more there is to learn. We should not be satisfied with the milk of our infancy, but rather chew on the meat found in the depths of God. God’s thoughts are more than the sum total of the grains of sand on earth. Now that is vast! We should be now setting our minds on an ongoing journey of discovery, where we can ultimately say, “I come to the end – I am still with you”.

I have continued to seek God’s thoughts … “I come to the end – I am still with you”. Will we be able to say this?!? This then leads into an eternity that reveals even more of God than we had ever imagined.

Invitation

God loves you with a love that just does not dim. There is nothing ever standing in your way (that can't be adequately dealt with). God’s interest has never faded. Hebrews 4:16 reads, “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”. With "boldness"? Yes, with "boldness", because we belong there ... at God's throne of grace!

"Discovering the Will of God" (Matthew 12:46-50)

1.     Introduction

How do you respond to a text like this? What jumps out at you?

·        We see here something about our focus, and also possible distractions.

·        We see something about how close a relationship disciples (like us) can have with Jesus. We think of our family as those who are most intimately connected to us. Jesus here was highlighting the intimacy, relationship and connectedness that he would be experiencing with his disciples – all those who come to him to do the will of God. These ones were at least equally, if not more so, considered to be Jesus’ family.

·        We see here something about how we might discover God’s will for our lives.

2.     Discipleship

Look at verses 46 & 47. We wonder what Jesus’ family members want to talk to him about? Mark chapter 3 covers some of the background to this. Jesus was often mobbed and didn’t have time to eat or rest. Others thought Jesus was crazy or demon-possessed; others rejected him outright. Jesus’ family may have wanted to protect him, which was understandable, but, in so doing, still showed a lack of understanding of what Jesus’ mission was about. Of course he would be criticised and rejected. Of course he would put himself in challenging situations. Despite whatever Jesus’ mother Mary believed, we hear from John’s Gospel (7:5), that his brothers did not believe in him. Family members could even have wanted Jesus to abandon his ministry entirely and return home.

Jesus’ family would have believed that they were well within their rights here, however Jesus would have none of this! Remember what happened later on when Peter suggested that Jesus should not go to the cross … as if this was not a big enough temptation without being encouraged this way. Jesus responded strongly to Peter … and knocked the idea right on the head – “Get behind me Satan … for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things (Matt 16:23)! Jesus was not going to allow any family connection nor any cultural convention to disrupt his ministry to the lost ones God had sent him to; especially so when there were crowds gathered around him wanting to hear what he had to say.

Culturally, Jesus dismissing his family in this way, would have been shocking to those there that day. Jesus would have been seen to be shirking responsibility. So clearly this highlights that, from Jesus’ point of view, the most important thing there is … is to do the will of God (v.50), no matter who that puts you at odds with. This might be family, but it also might be an employer, it might be a friend, it might even be the law. In the Gospels, Jesus often took on laws, like the Sabbath laws, or the ruling religious authorities, if these got in the way of him fulfilling and promoting the will of God.

After all, Jesus himself staked his life’s purpose on God’s will. When all the implications of death on a cross started to impact on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, when humanly speaking he was contemplating alternative courses of action – what did Jesus say? Not my will, but God’s! Matthew 26:39 reads, “And going a little farther, Jesus threw himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; YET NOT WHAT I WANT BUT WHAT YOU WANT’.”

It was the disciples that Jesus pointed at, when identifying who it was that was doing the will of God. This is because it was they who had made the determination to follow Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew has already noted that these disciples have already LEFT EVERYTHING else behind to follow Jesus (e.g. 4:18-22). This is all a far cry from accepting Jesus just for what we can get out of it. We might start there, but we can’t stay there. This is also far more than just intellectual assent – there is an emotional and practical response required. Embracing Jesus ultimately also means … embracing the will of God.

In Luke’s telling of the same incident, we hear Jesus saying, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it” (Lk.8:21). We know that these disciples didn’t always get it right, nor fully understand what was going on, but nevertheless, with only one exception, they kept going forward. They were in the game. They weren’t observers, nor critics; they were card-carrying, risk-taking, followers of Jesus. For them, there was only one way of discovering the will of God … on the journey with Jesus.

[Jesus was not necessarily downgrading his natural family, but was certainly uplifting and adopting those who had determined to follow him – his spiritual adherents. Happily, we later read, in Acts, how Jesus’ family have become believers and are a vital part of the Christian community (his brother James becoming a leader in the church at Jerusalem and a New Testament contributor); but this happened after Jesus ‘stuck to his guns’ and went through with his mission. He completed his mission of salvation for his earthly family as well as everybody else.]

3.     On the Road

How do we discover what the will of God is? And how would you go about doing the will of God? For the first disciples, the instruction manual hadn’t been written yet. These disciples could only be a part of God’s will and purposes one way. They had to follow Jesus, and be a part of everything he was doing. Jesus was their rabbi – their teacher. To be a disciple means to live under the discipline of another (in this case Jesus). For me, there is only one way still to discover the will of God, and that is being on the journey with Jesus. This involves a growing relationship with our teacher.

This means, sometimes, that we have to ignore contrary voices; those people who don’t think Jesus is cool, or those activities that leave Jesus out. We need to watch carefully what it is that tends to influence us, and what we seem to give priority to, and where we spend our time, and who might be trying to hold us back (either inadvertently or deliberately).

We are much better off than the first disciples were, in that we have some written material to guide us (and some inspired written material at that). We have the whole of the New Testament (and, as well, the Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures to give us more background material). Yet, I fear, that many still aren’t too familiar with these texts. A few comforting proof texts maybe, but not so much the thread of the whole Gospel narrative! My desire is for us all to know the Bible well, and what it is trying to show us for our daily living.

So, hopefully, we have a determination to follow Jesus in the midst of a growing relationship with him. We have an experience of salvation whereby we have been freed from all guilt and shame, and have been propelled into a new life of peace and hope. We have the Bible, especially the Gospels, to guide us in being like Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to give us more mature understanding and an assurance of God’s presence with us. So what else is there in this pursuit of doing God’s will?? The actual journey of life! What is happening out there in the world? How are we to engage with people? It is in this experience of the cut and thrust of life that we encounter the will of God. Let get amongst it … community life!

Sometimes there will be individual callings that we take up. These can then be prayed for by others. More often there are callings that we embrace together … in small or larger numbers – cooperating together, encouraging one another’s complimentary contributions. Again, we have to be aware that there will be certain voices seeking to divert us, because what we are doing does not suit them. And maybe sometimes those voices seeking to divert us … are our own, because the road is not necessarily easy, and there is always the temptation to take the easier path of least resistance).

I believe that Jesus had a growing understanding of the need for the cross, each and every day that he encountered people in deep need and distress. There was also so much darkness and injustice – he increasingly knew something had to be done to break the impasse of sin. Take for instance what happened when Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time (after three years of ministry). He look down upon Jerusalem … and wept over what he saw … because the people had not recognised what made for peace (Luke 19:41-2). But Jesus was not only moved to tears, he was moved to action. He went to the temple and threw out all those who were cheating people or blocking people from being freely able to worship.

It is the more that we engage with people, that we learn how much they need to know Jesus. Even in the most jovial and seemingly together of our neighbours, if we got to know them a little better, we would discover a deep need for Jesus. And it is as we engage with people, eyes and ears fully open, that we discover more of the will of God – we see and understand where things need to change, and thus respond to the opportunities that present themselves to make a difference for others.

LIVE

The purpose of life is to be useful,

To be responsible, to be compassionate.

It is, above all, to matter, to count,

To stand for something,

To have made some difference.

When we talk about the “will of God”, we are not just talking about the everyday decisions we need to make, and whether they are line with God’s best intentions for us. We are mostly talking about our life’s focus, our highest priorities, and what our lives will count for. T.H. Robinson defines God’s will as, “the supreme and decisive factor in all human consideration”. What does God want me to do? What is my calling?? What contribution am I supposed to make???This is what we want to know – this is what we strive for – this is how we want to live … in line with God’s will.

4.     Relationship

There is an intimacy of relationship promised to those who sign on to the will of God. Remember, Jesus refers to such in the most familiar of terms … “brother, sister, mother”. Such intimacy does not exist naturally, but only through a decision – a decision to follow Jesus into doing the will of God. When so many reject, Jesus clings closely to those who make a decision to be Jesus’ true friends … his spiritual family.

And there is an opening here for everyone. “Whoever” (v.50)! There is an invitation here for anyone and everyone to join Jesus’ family. And this is not just an invitation to be on the outer reaches or ‘back-benchers’ of Jesus’ family, but rather right into the centre. In politics, in government, there is often an inner and outer ministry, where the ones in the inner ministry are closer to the ear of their leader. This is NOT the case here. “Whoever”, i.e. all of us, have an invitation into the heart of Jesus’ life, mission and purpose.

We can not only experience a warm reassuring peace-giving relationship with Jesus, but also a meaningful and purposeful daily partnership in what Jesus wants to achieve – the will of God. Thus, we pray, “Your Kingdom come; Your Will be done – on earth as it is in heaven”. Amen!

Do you want to give your life to Jesus and follow him?

Do you want help in discovering what the will of God is for your life??

Do you want to talk about your contribution to church or community life???

Do you want prayer because all of this is a bit of a struggle?

May the mind of Christ my Saviour live in me from day to day!

"Growing in God Together" (James 5:13-20)

1.     The Heights of Spiritual Community

What we see here, I believe, are the (rare) heights of spiritual community: expressions of passionate prayer, joyful worship, open sharing, healing and forgiveness, and an outgoing ministry. The way this is expressed, gatherings of the faithful lead to prayer and honesty, which in turn leads to healing and experiences of salvation. What potential there is here for good! This is something worth striving for!!

When we enquire about how the church should look and operate, we can turn to 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul talks about the church being like a body, with all its interconnected and interdependent parts, with Jesus as the head. Each and every body part, in an ideal sense, functions in perfect cooperation with all others, each spiritual gift coming together in harmony for the common good. Every body part is needed, and each one has a unique contribution to make to the whole. So, we, in the church are not religious consumers, but rather spirited contributors.

We can also turn to the early chapters of Acts, and sense the unity, and the commitment to mission, in the early Christian movement. Great diversity came together on the Day of Pentecost around the Lordship of Jesus, bringing thousands to faith. People starting gathering in homes, to worship, eat together, share the bread and the cup, to pray, to look after the sick and struggling; pooling their resources for mutual benefit. We should never say ‘that was then’ and ‘this is now’, and thereby miss the beauty and truth of what is conveyed there.

Then (in terms of how the church should look and function) we can turn to these verses in James, which to me convey the depth to which Jesus-following communities can go in their mutual care. But this can also be scary (especially in places like verse 16). Yet we can come to understand this as a process, not something that happens overnight, but something that can develop over time (given the right environment, and the right nurture).

The church united should present to the world a picture of what God looks like and the way God functions. If we are all born in the image of God, what does God look like? The best of all of us combined - the redeemed and sanctified people of God together. Or, the best in each one of us combined - the redeemed and sanctified people of God together.

2.     Growing in God Together

Last week we talked about each of us growing in our relationship with God, and what might be signs of ‘anti-growth’ that we have to be aware of (James chapter 4). This week, the text of James 5 helps us to consider ways in which we grow in God together. Growing in God is not just a personal pursuit with a vertical focus, not when we have been purpose designed as social and relational beings. Spiritual growth also has the horizontal component, where we come together as God’s people to minister with and to encourage each other.

This is about relationship building, not just for its own sake, but with real redemptive purpose. This is about becoming mutual sharers and helpers … bearing one another’s burdens. In so doing we experience more of God, and learn more of God’s character. There is a great depth to God who operates in the community of Father, Son and Spirit that we call the Trinity. [Building horizontal relationships with each other helps us delve into the depths of this community of God.] Through our interaction with each other we can become more clear about how God is being active in our life.

Now there are some realities that we have to acknowledge. This is not easy ground for everybody; perhaps it’s not easy ground for anybody! People have been hurt in the past. People have expectantly put themselves out there only to be disappointed or hurt. Many people have very negative experiences of human vulnerability. It’s natural for people to be a bit defensive, or afraid of what others might think, in a world that is so often judgemental and critical. We seem to even celebrate such negativity in producing and watching something like “Gogglebox”. Then there are little personality clashes that seem to divide if they’re not handled well. Sometimes high expectations aren’t met.

We can’t just wave the Bible, or say a one-off simple prayer, and expect things to immediately be different. But at the same time, any student of the Bible cannot ignore the ideal presented before us. Why? Because it is the well-functioning church, albeit warts and all, that will shine the light of Jesus and offer hope to the community. Why would we spend such time and energy on organising public events like FUSE and a community concert featuring Carter & Carter. It is because our job description as a church is to share the light and hope of the Gospel … the good news of Jesus. And we know that a church without a Gospel mission is no church at all, it is only another social club. So, of course, the Bible challenges us!

So, how can we be the church that Jesus heads? How can we grow in God together?? How can we reach the (rare) heights of spiritual community???

There’s something here about being real, and allowing others to be real. When there is a struggle, we don’t ignore it, but rather we pray. When there is a resolution, we celebrate. What could have been a private struggle becomes a corporate prayer; what could have been individual rejoicing becomes a community celebration. In all things, especially when caught in unknown territory, we trust wholly in God. I have seen this pan out magnificently in my days in Point Cook. There were two days at that church where we did reach the rare heights of spiritual community.

Also, in the church, we should not be afraid of weaknesses being exposed. For it is in our capacity to embrace, support (and transform) weakness that our real strength can be shown. What could be seen as potential liabilities or deficits through ‘worldly’ eyes can actually be our greatest blessings – for they reveal the mighty works of God. Take for instance the formerly lame man who went walking and leaping and praising God in the 3^rd chapter of Acts, or the corrupt tax collector Zacchaeus who became the great benefactor of the poor (Luke 19), or the broken-hearted Peter (following his denials) being restored and ordained to significant ministry.

3.     The Environment of Faith

Creating an environment of faith, prayer and worship will ultimately bring about healing, forgiveness and restoration. When we gather together we should gather in this mindset – that today’s collection of faith, prayer and worship will lead to healing, forgiveness and restoration … in others and in ourselves. This is a far cry to coming to fulfil a religious obligation, and a far cry from coming to critically assess what’s going on. This is coming with an openness to the Spirit of God that rises way above the many distractions and imperfections.

The passage before us refers to where faith and prayer can lead:

(a)  Healing – i.e. the Lord raising up the sick (v.15-16) – we know that, in the case of serious illness or injury, this does not always mean an ultimate cure, although sometimes it does work out that way (and we should never discount this possibility). Generally speaking this is about God having the space to work, and the opportunity for God to draw close to someone and offer his intimate presence to them. This often takes away some of most serious anxieties and replaces them with God’s peace. Healing really means … whatever God wants to release or bring about in a person. We often sense how God is working away bringing us back to full health, and also reassuring us in times of despair.

It is suggested that the sick seek out the “elders” for prayer (v.14), and this is a very wise thing to do. It is likely that the pastors and elders have the availability and discernment to carefully and wisely deal with even the most complex situations. Like the laying on of hands represents the presence of the Holy Spirit, the “anointing with oil”, mentioned here, symbolises God’s power to restore and heal. Such prayer, though, is offered on behalf of the whole church (with the “elders” as the functionaries or facilitators).

With such prayer we commit a person to God’s best for them. We would of course hope and pray for the best case scenario as we see it, but it is God who has all the information from the whole landscape picture of a person’s life. We don’t limit our expectations, nor do we limit God’s power. Prayer connects a person with God’s will for them. We pray on their behalf, “Thy will be done”. This places people into the hands of infinite love and wisdom.

(b) Confession and forgiveness (v.15-16) – there is also that side of ‘healing’ which is really all about spiritual healing and renewal … beginning the process of salvation … being released from the oppression of sin and entrenched negativity. What is often required here is speaking it out … confessing what has being going wrong, being prepared to talk honestly about our struggles. It is confession that takes one properly down the road of repentance (i.e. new direction) bringing God’s mercy into play. There might be inner struggles, offences against the common good, or the sins of neglect. And there is nothing more isolating and debilitating than guilty secrets. Sometimes it is only when we give voice to our struggle that we can find release … “I’m struggling with this – please pray with me”. There is an element here too of taking responsibility – like the sportsperson who puts up their hand when they made a mistake badly affecting their attempt to score … thus apologising to their teammates. When the people of God admit their mistakes, we can all rejoice in the forgiveness of God.

I have often said that James 5:16 is the most challenging verse in the New Testament i.e. the ‘confessing your sins to one another’ bit. What was in mind here? This could be a confession and apology to one offended person as a step of reconciliation; but I think there is certainly more in view here (in the broader context of our human struggles). Is this confession before a congregation? Confession within a trusted small group? Confession to one other person? Probably, ‘horses for courses’. It probably depends on what, case by case, is the most appropriate, and will bring the most helpful and conclusive results. There are some things that would not be appropriate to share with the masses; while sometimes sharing something with a larger number of people brings with it more far-reaching support. King David went pretty public with his confession in Psalm 51 – we are still reading that one today (and benefitting by it).

I have seen great burdens lifted when confessions are made within small groups who have gained trust in one another. One-on-one accountability relationships have also proven very effective. The point is: being prepared to open ourselves to the wider resources of God that exist in other people. And this, as relationships blossom, would likely become more mutual (rather than just one-way traffic), and generally build the effectiveness of the church. The church, or some sections of it, has become notorious for hiding their sins. To turn this around, we may have to practice what Tim Gustafson (ODB 3.9.15) calls “a risky yet healthy honesty with each other and with the watching world”.

(c)  Restoration (v.20) – there are many people who wander away from God and the church over time, and that is really sad. No one cares more about this than God. Jesus tells the story about leaving 99 sheep behind (even in some danger) while taking up a priority search for one lost sheep. When that sheep is found there is much rejoicing and a huge party. The lost ones need supporters. Sometimes people can be sitting right next to us, but are really a long way away and disengaged from what is happening. They may also need a supporter. We might need to be on the front foot here, acting gently; as long as we are truly tapped in to God’s leading. So crucial is this, that we read success will “cover a multitude of sins”.

What an interesting way to end a letter! What a piece of motivational writing! Verse 20: “… whoever brings back a sinner from wandering … will cover a multitude of sins”. Whose sins are covered?? The person being returned to God’s sheepfold … certainly. The people who have gone out on a search – showing their commitment and sincerity, and backing up their words with actions … I reckon yes! They are clearly in harmony with God. To have neglected such a lost one would have been a sin itself, but that is not the case.

But there is a “multitude of sins” being ‘covered’! Perhaps this is where our actions of today mean that future sins that might have been committed will no longer be committed!! Mine, Yours, Everybody’s! This is the output of faithful spiritual community!?! Extraordinary … do you get excited about teasing out little things like this in the Bible? Did James finish here because he got tired of writing, or was there a deeper reason. Proverbs 10:12 starts challengingly and then finishes stirringly: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offences”. This reference to a “multitude of sins” is not so much there to stress prevalent wickedness, but rather to highlight the extravagance of God’s grace!

4.     The Prayer of Faith

When James talks about the “prayer of faith” (v.15), whose faith is he talking about?? OURS!! The faith of the sufferer is still important, but it is more their willingness to seek prayer that counts, and then the faith of the rest of us that makes the difference. This is just like the faith of the four stretcher-bearers who exhibited great faith in breaking through a roof to make sure their friend could get to meet Jesus (Mark 2).

Verse 16b refers to the “prayer of the righteous” being powerful and effective – and we might think that this could exclude us … this notion of “righteous”. But actually a “righteous” person is simply a person who is right with God i.e. had their sins forgiven and can therefore be a clear channel of blessing to others. The example is given of the great prophet Elijah, and the power of his prayers; however James is quick to remark that Elijah was actually just human like the rest of us. Elijah had times of fear and depression, yet his prayers were powerful and effective, as he fully committed himself to God.

I would like to say that my prayers were powerful and effective, and I would like to say that the prayers of our Wednesday morning prayer group were powerful and effective, and I would like to say that the prayers of our elders and board were powerful and effective, but I would MOST like to say that the prayers of the community called Bright Church of Christ as a whole were powerful and effective! And what if we could say that for all the Jesus-following people and congregations of our area … what a difference that would make!!

As prayers are answered, as comfort comes, the Lord has blessed both the recipient and the supporters, for together they have experienced the love of God and the Holy Spirit’s power. That is how God builds the church (from: ET Welch in Side by Side, p.117).

5.     Preparation

A bold question would be: “Is our church a place where struggles can easily be shared”?

Another question: “What is my role in complementing this??

Sharing openly, or being a listener & supporter, or both!!

All of what James has said in previous chapters forms the preparation for the heights of this sort of spiritual functioning; especially the bits about how we view each other and how we speak to each other. We build trust in each other as we practice encouragement and use words that build up rather than tear down. We don’t judge or grumble or criticise, but rather show patience, and seek to get to know and understand each other, and then welcome each other’s unique contribution to the ‘body’. We pitch in and help! We especially show our credibility as Jesus-followers when we support those in particular need, and without reservation practice the ‘royal law’ – “love your neighbour as yourself”.

We also see the priority of putting our faith into action; in this context, into a ministry of compassion and prayer. First and foremost we humble ourselves before God, receive Jesus into our lives, accept his work of grace for us, trust God (in an undivided way) through thick and thin, reading his word and seeking his wisdom all along the journey of life. As Richard Rohr comments, “The ‘unbound’ ones are best prepared to unbind the rest of the world” (Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps, p.49).

6.     Prayer

Loving God, this is a difficult area of Your teaching for us to consider.

It is challenging to think about sharing our faults and struggles with each other;

Not to mention those who need to listen.

But you do call us to wholeness, and to truly be Your people;

Empower us by Your Spirit to live courageously in honesty and love.

Thank You that as we serve others we engage with Jesus;

Help those around us to recognise the presence of a loving and redeeming God,

And to also see how a caring community can be formed around the person of Jesus.

Amen!