"Downward Mobility" (Philippians 2:1-13)

Paul writes to the church in Philippi asking them to have the same mind as Jesus. After all, the church is founded on no other name than the name of Jesus! This would mean that they should think like Jesus, have the same attitudes as Jesus did – thus imitate Jesus and follow his example completely. So, what was it about Jesus … that was so worthy of imitation, and so significant … as to build the whole church upon it? How does Jesus stand out … as the One who we should stake our life on? This was an important question to be explored, as Paul was writing before the Gospels were available in a written form. People were still grappling to know who this Jesus was, and what was he like.

It is likely that what Paul quotes in verses 6 to 11, to describe Jesus, was an early hymn. Likely these words were written and sung … to try to build understanding in the early church about the person of Jesus, especially those twin features of divinity and humanity. At the same time as being equal with God, and part of God, in respect of being part of the Divine Community (known as the Trinity), Jesus became a fully-fledged human being born of an earthly mother. In so doing, Jesus engaged with all that it means to be human – from the joys of family and fun, to the challenges of isolation and conflict. No one could ever now say … that God doesn’t know what it’s like to be living in this world!

God, in Jesus, meets us in the everyday affairs of human life … wherever we are, whatever we are doing, whatever complex challenge sits before us. This was NOT to bring judgment or find fault, but rather a ministry of love and grace. This is made clear by repeated references to Jesus being … “in the form of a slave”, “born in human likeness”, “found in human form”. Religious people, as well as spiritual seekers, were looking for a Messiah – a new king. It seems that, mainly, they were looking with the wrong definition of ‘kingship’ in mind. They were thinking power, God was thinking service.

What sort of a king was Jesus? Thirty-three years after the first Christmas, he rode into Jerusalem humbly on a donkey. Jesus had taught, healed, gained committed yet fallible followers, and generally created a bit of a stir (for three years). Then, when, for some, he was a threat, and for others a disappointment, the powers that be … crucified him. Yet ironically, for God, this was a case of sacrifice – a willing sacrifice of love. Jesus could have called on power to avoid the cross; but he had from the outset of his ministry, before the devil, and before his disciples, focussed himself on a humble ministry of service to the world. Jesus is the ‘Servant King’! Some would criticise his choice of friends, or those he spent time with, but Jesus came to set the captives free; and as a healer for the sick, not a convenience for the self-satisfied.

Why is it that we seek power and influence, when we follow the ‘Servant King”!?! We might even compromise some core beliefs, to gain that power. For me, this was the temptation that many American evangelicals recently fell for (in their support of their president-elect). Now they will have to live with it (and we will have to live with it too). Rather, isn’t the message of Christmas clearly about following the humble path of service, especially when the tide turns against us. Jesus, the King of Glory, born to earth in humble circumstances, reaching out to the blind and lame, speaking about love of enemies … becomes the ‘Servant King’, and dies on a cross to redeem all humanity and all creation!

Jesus was here described in terms of a “slave”, indicating the adoption of the humblest human status (even accepting the type of death proscribed for slaves – crucifixion). God’s response to the darkness, evil and sin in the world, was NOT from anger, although you would have easily excused such feelings, considering what humanity had done to God’s beautiful acts of creation. RATHER, God’s response was from love (and desire for relationship). And quite the opposite from turning his back on the world, God paid the earth a visit … and not a brief (passing) one, but rather quite an extended visit! Actually, God moved right into our neighbourhood. How might we describe this in another way?

[In spite of his best efforts, surgeon Richard Selzer had to cut a nerve in a young woman's cheek in order to get at a tumor. The result was that her mouth was permanently misshapen. Dr. Selzer was uncertain as to how her husband would respond to the change. Therefore, he was encouraged when the young man came in and was warm and caring to his wife, even joking about her new cute look. But when he saw what happened next, Dr. Selzer's encouragement turned to awe. The young husband bent down towards his wife, twisted his lips to fit her crooked mouth, and gently kissed her.

Christmas is all about the incarnation; about the Divine Word "making himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:7). In so doing, God bent down, 'twisted his lips’, and kissed the crooked lips of a world, misshapen by sin and despair, with His love and grace. From: Steve Nordbye, Charlton, Massachusetts; source: David McCullough, Trivialization of God (Nav Press, 1995), pages 47-48.]

This was all a case of ‘downward mobility’. This was an unprecedented offer of relationship and blessing, of healing and wholeness … to a world in desperate need. One crucial issue to deal with though – getting past our guilt. To go forward, we would need to experience God’s mercy – forgiveness from our sins from God’s perspective, and also from our own perspective … there is always that mountain of being able to forgive ourselves.

God, in Jesus, took upon himself the worst suffering imaginable, the torture of a cross, the product of a devious Roman mind … to prove how much he loves us, values us, and wants to relate to us. Where we were lost – largely a product of our (own) poor decision-making; where we couldn’t find our way forward, imprisoned in destructive life patterns … along comes Jesus. Where God couldn’t reach us from a distance, because we had stopped listening, Jesus entered our environment … everywhere we live and go – to show us His love and compassion. And he lifted our burdens there at Calvary!

What a King! What a Leader to follow! Not remote, but near. Not power-seeking, but relational, personal and self-giving. Not coercive, but invitational and welcoming. And the only thing that would befit such a ‘king’ is a complete resolution and total reversal: what seemed to be humiliation and defeat turned into exaltation and victory. Jesus returns in all fullness to his Divine role: firstly raised from death to defeat death, and then restored to Heavenly Community and cosmic authority. A resurrection in glory! The whole of salvation history turns on Jesus. Jesus was brought low, so that we too may be raised up! Through Jesus’ resurrection, there is a possible reversal for us, should we choose it, a restoration of our created potential to live in God’s image.

So here is the greatest Christmas gift of all! You are being invited to accept this gift … in humility and repentance. You are being invited to unwrap this gift … in being healed and becoming a disciple. You are being invited to appreciate this gift … in worship and witness. You are being invited to share this gift … in service of others. Which invitation do you need to respond to positively today? You may know that the gift is under the tree, but have not grasped it. You may have the gift at hand, but never unwrapped it – so it has never been any use to you. You may have actually experienced the gift in some way, but never really found any joy in it, or been able to express new found love. You may have accepted, unwrapped and appreciated the gift okay, but then kept it all to yourself. What invitation will you respond to today??

Christmas is a wonderful reminder of the ‘downward mobility’ of God to us – a ‘Servant King’. God continues to come down and touch our lives, as well as the circumstances happening around us. We pray, and things change, because God hears our prayers, sees our faith, and acts. We may not see this clearly all at once. We may only notice God’s activity in hindsight. But we should be looking! Where is God working? What is God doing? Healing – physical maybe, spiritual certainly. Relationships – easing the tensions. There is a fresh indwelling presence. Faith is able to be newly shared. Doors are opening for ministry to others. Confidence is growing in the use of gifts and abilities. People are coming to know Jesus.

Yes … Christmas is a wonderful reminder of the ‘downward’ mobility of God for us. Yet it is also a profound challenge for us to embrace similar journeys of ‘downward mobility’. Let us lay aside any power, privilege or position – to give ourselves in love to others, so that, some might be saved. [Edited from: Mark Leach, Rector of Darling Street Anglican, Rozelle, Sydney.] For us, it would be more like an ‘outward mobility’. How might this work?

Anne Cetas in ‘Our Daily Bread’ tells the story of Christine and Kyle getting married in 2007, doing something that most of us wouldn’t think of doing. Instead of hosting a sit-down dinner, they bought in a truckload of food, delivered to the church carpark, and invited their wedding guests to help distribute it to people in need. As a response to God blessing them with each other, they wanted to start their marriage serving others. This, I think, is a magnificent example of counter-cultural difference, in the face of much wedding extravagance. This clearly would be something that Jesus - the 'Servant King' - would do!

A closing quote from ‘Saturate’ by Jeff Vanderstelt. “Jesus came as a king, but his posture is that of a servant. He did not come to be served, for he needed nothing. He came to serve, because we needed everything he had! And he provided us with everything we need – as a servant who laid down his life, so we could have life!

"A Mother's Faith" (Luke 1:26-38)

Introduction

I am overwhelmed by the beauty of this passage of scripture – my mind runs away with me with all the remarkable features we read here. Most particularly, where Mary ultimately says (Luke 1:38), “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”. A complete giving over of her life. Extraordinary! I am in awe of Mary, and the faith and commitment exhibited here. Considering all that had just been laid on Mary! I’m caused to think … how can I ever emulate this level of response and faith? Well, this same text gives us an answer … in two places. We’ll come back to this.

I think of ‘nuns’ who take special vows … into a life of prayer and service to God. I think of my own ordination to ministry, and the serious vows I took concerning God’s calling to mission and pastoral care. Yet, the bible teaches that all of us are under a calling, irrespective of our particular vocations and situations. God calls all the disciples of Jesus to witness, encourage, pray and care. How can we say, with genuine commitment, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”?

The ‘Favoured One”

What sort of a person was Mary? The remarkable news, concerning a blessed baby, came to Mary completely out of thin air! Or did it? Was Mary the sort of person, even as a young girl (of maybe 12 or 13), that was, in some way at least, anticipating God’s activity in her life?! We read that “the angel Gabriel” called Mary “favoured one” (1:28). I think this indicates that Mary WASN’T just plucked out at random, but rather chosen … chosen on the basis of character, openness and readiness. God had to know that his Son would be in good hands. Even if she had no idea of the specific call upon her life, Mary seems to have been well-prepared for this angel’s visit.

At the same time, we see God’s hand in the fact that Jesus came into a very ordinary family, indicating God’s natural connection with the humble and poor (more so than the proud and powerful). And Jesus would not be born with pomp and ceremony, but rather quietly in a barn with the animals. Thus, we could consider Mary as the most appropriate woman alive to carry the Son of God. What if an angel appeared to us! Are we anticipating that God wants to work in our lives in very particular ways, and draw us into something significant? If we are anticipating this, then likely, when the day comes, we too are more ready to say, “Here I am, the servant of Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (1:38)! Could it be, given our particular personality and experiences, that we are most appropriate person for a certain task or ministry?

Yet, there was understandable concern for Mary … to work her way through (1:29). She was so young! What was happening to her dreams of a quiet life with Joseph? What does it mean to be a “favoured one”? Was this angel really saying what she thought she had heard? This would all be quite intimidating. Bearing a child who be a king! And, how could Mary be pregnant? Again, a natural question to have. Mary was only engaged to Joseph, and although fully and legally committed to one another, they had not begun to live together yet. The answer was that this would be a very unique one-off conception. This child Jesus would be conceived through the Holy Spirit, and be in reality God’s Son (1:35).

As this was a very special visitation, Mary was reassured that she should not be afraid (1:30). Yet, even the acceptance of this miracle birth was laden with threat. Mary would still be exposing herself to the possibility of the contempt and rejection of her community for having a baby out of wedlock, and even the legal penalty of stoning for alleged adultery; and for all she knows, the possibility of being dumped by Joseph. And, what was Joseph going to think about all this? [For the answer go to Matthew 1:18-25]. But there just seems to be a trust in God displayed here, Mary quickly believing that everything will be alright!

Mary’s life, which was of great value, was going to play out as God intended, because Mary exercised her freewill in the right way! Sometimes the hard thing to do, is actually the right thing to do! We should never, though, downplay Mary’s feelings as a mother, concerning all the implications of what the angel was saying. Surely such a role in the world as this, would be tremendously challenging for her son – she would feel for him in advance. As it turned out, Mary came to witness Jesus suffer more and more opposition to his ministry, leading to his eventual crucifixion. Mary did understandably waver at times about all this, but I think she was ably reassured.

Yet, her son's crucifixion was devastating – despite knowing who Jesus was, and what was being achieved. The burden of universal guilt laying upon one set of shoulders, must have been hard to watch. A mother likely only sees the pain and the torture, and has a keen sense of her own loss. Jesus himself apparently sensed his mother’s anguish, as he asked his disciple John to take Mary into his own household (John 19:26-27).

I think, that this young girl Mary, that we read about at the opening of the Gospel, already anticipated some of this heartache, and accepted God’s will wherever it would lead – “let it be with me according to your word” (1:38). So, Mary had not only anticipated God working in her life, but also that there would likely be some personal cost. In the midst of all this concern, Mary chose to accept any pain, inconvenience, false accusations or danger that came her way … in faith and commitment to her God.

The ‘Son of God’

But what about the upside! Her son Jesus, had been identified to her, by the angel, as the long-hoped-for Messiah (Luke 1:31-33). The very name Jesus means ‘salvation’. Jesus is really God’s Son! Jesus is the One who is rightly placed to take David’s throne over God’s people. Jesus would also become part of a family which had descended (through Joseph) from David, thereby fulfilling the Hebrew prophecies concerning the origin of the Messiah. Jesus will fulfil the promises made to the patriarchs, that God’s kingdom will stretch beyond the Jews deep into the Gentile world.

People of faith and insight like Mary, would have understood, that God’s Messiah would NOT have been that conquering hero (that so many had hoped would crush the Romans), but rather be the suffering servant that Isaiah spoke about so often. People don’t need a political liberator, so much as a spiritual liberator. [It is through spiritual liberation that we will more ably address society’s problems and rampant injustice]. The text makes it clear (for those ready to hear) that this was most assuredly God’s long-awaited anointed One (1:32-33) – so why did the people of the day largely reject Jesus??

The broken are likely to respond when Jesus comes to town. However, self-contented people don’t want to be challenged about their life.

What happens in our outer life is so much controlled and destined by what is happening on the inside. And on the inside we need a Saviour. So no wonder Jesus is so often rejected! Who wants to be confronted with the necessity of major change on the inside!?

In Isaiah 7:10-14, we read of King Ahaz, who only wanted to hear what he wanted to hear, not so much what God wanted to tell him. So given the opportunity, King Ahaz would rather not ask, than get the wrong (or non-preferred) answer for him. Ahaz should NOT put his trust in political alliances, but rather in “Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Someone to wipe my problems aside … ‘that’s what I want’! No! Jesus came to do a work on our inside, so that we would be transformed inside-out toward doing His will. Then our new selves would see the problems and challenges around us in a new light. But you have to be ready for this.

The “Immanuel” – meaning ‘God is with Us’ – that King Ahaz heard about seven centuries earlier has turned up. The baby conceived in Mary is the Son of God; and given the name Jesus … he would save people from their sins. Jesus is still and will always be the Saviour of the World. This was God’s way of cleaning up our lives, and this is the grand provision that we celebrate at Christmas!

The Blessed Assurances

So in Mary’s predicament, or in any faith or commitment challenge that comes to us, what is the way forward … where is our reference point??

For Mary, she heard, right at the beginning, “The Lord is with you” (1:28b). Then as the particular calling upon Mary’s life was unveiled, and concerns or doubts were expressed, she heard that, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (1:35a). This is a reoccurring biblical reassurance, that wherever God’s people are given a challenge, there is the accompanying promise of God’s presence. When Jesus pointed his disciples toward the mission-field, he said to them, “And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).

And just in case anyone remains unconvinced … that this is God bringing about the remarkable, and underwriting the whole process – we are given the example of Mary’s relative Elizabeth. This Elizabeth was elderly and believed to be “barren” (thus incapable of bearing a child), but here she was in the sixth month of her own pregnancy – a seemingly impossible outcome! Mary could, and did, check this out for herself; and found it to be true. Whether it be Mary, or the original readers of Luke’s Gospel, or us … the only conclusion possible, is that nothing will be impossible for God (the Creator of the universe and all life within) – 1:37.

The call to faith and commitment to God comes with assurances. Not ease, often the opposite. Not status, but rather service. Not comfort, more often inconvenience, and sometimes danger. But in all this, the assurance rings loud and clear, “The Lord is with you” (1:28b), and, “The Holy Spirit will … overshadow you” (1:35a).

Conclusion

Like Mary, we can have faith and commitment, because it will always be supported by the close and supportive presence of God. Mary’s experience of God in this scripture is so personal, so comforting, so affirming. May our experience of God be so personal, comforting and affirming! God is so close, he is like the clothes we wear next to our skin. God “overshadows” us, which suggests a complete covering of our lives and our movements.

In fact, so much of Mary’s experience here is as a faithful and open channel. God is actually doing it all! We live under “Divine agency”. When we talk about being an ‘agent’ or representative of Jesus, it is not as scary as it sounds! Jesus is not remote, but close by. It’s not like God is at a distance with a long-range remote-control. Rather, God dwells close and is right at hand.

There is something special about a God who enters into the reality of human life through the gateway of everyday birth, yet at the same time remains the God who can all-powerfully deal with all the tragedies and difficulties and brokenness in our lives … with transforming power. Jesus was able to understand and involve himself in human dilemmas, yet was also able to lift people up toward new possibilities. Happy Christmas indeed!

"Making Good Connections" (Luke 10:1-12)

Introduction

How do we best invest the time we have available to make connections and build relationships?

If we have a desire to share the good news of Jesus, how might we start?

As always, the Bible can help guide our deliberations.

And we have turned to Luke chapter 10, where Jesus has sent his followers out on mission.

But we would have to translate this into something that would be relevant to our time and culture.

Yet the principles remain the same.

What can we make of this for today?

How would we apply this text in today’s situation?

What takes your eye??

The Text

What do you find interesting??

1.     Sent to places that Jesus “intended to go” (v.1b). Jesus sent out seventy (or seventy-two) of his followers two-by-two on a bit of a forward mission – to places and people that Jesus himself was interested in. These Jesus-followers (or disciples) were to be ‘agents’ of Jesus. Oops … do we know Jesus well enough to be his representatives? Well … we have the witness of the Gospels to how Jesus lived and the sort of character he displayed. And we can be assured of the inner witness to Jesus that the Holy Spirit brings to us (Matthew 28:20b). An ‘agent’ of Jesus will shine for Jesus, with inklings of love, joy, peace and hope.

Having said this, it is also our raw human experiences (both positive and negative) that can often allow us to connect with others. People need to see the real us, not a person covered over by multiple layers of ‘acceptability protection’. We need to be open, if others are going to be able to get to know us, and come to truly trust us as a friend. How we handle downturns, and how God has turned things around for us, can be hugely relevant to other people. So, we, as we are, yet growing in faith, represent Jesus as his hands and feet; meaning sometimes bringing words of encouragement, and other times a practical helping ministry.

2.     “In pairs” two-by-two (v.1a) – just like the dual witnesses required in Jewish courts … where one witness may be doubted, two provide much more credibility. This also brings companionship, teamwork and accountability; working together as families or with friends. We don’t see ourselves as individuals … each with our own brand, but rather we work in combination, and in cooperation, under the single brand name … of ‘Jesus’.

3.     “The harvest is plentiful” (v.2a). Jesus conceded that there was a big job to do … there are many people who are ready to respond … seeds have been planted that have taken root and produced plants with the potential of fruit. God has been preparing the way. There are never enough people to bring in all the harvest. We should never conclude that no one is interested … only that we need new ways of connecting with the people that God is preparing the way with. That of course takes us to prayer, and hearing from God.

4.     The call to prayer … “ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers” (v.2b). Why the need to pray – God could just do this!? To build relationship, and to bring forward faith that would partner with God in a commitment to the harvest. These ‘disciples’ had already been sent, but now were put in a more prayerful frame of mind concerning the immensity of the mission, and the need for more workers. At the same time as praying though, they had to go … “Go on your way”. And in their going, they were actually committing themselves to being part of the answer (to their own prayers). Pray for “labourers” … oh, yes, I’m a labourer … that means me … off I go! We don’t have to be especially ‘called’ and ‘sent’ … each of us has already been called and sent. We don’t have to discover our mission field … we already have one.

There is even more to this combined prayer/action dynamic. This is outstandingly brilliant mission theology from Jesus and Luke! It is actually the people we are prayerfully and faithfully connecting with, who are the future “labourers”. Disciples are only disciples if they are making more disciples!! So, those who receive the gospel from us also become answers to this prayer (as they too replicate the same sort of activity). The “labourers” we are praying for are the ones we will make contact with. There is the indication here, that those that we ‘enlist’ … will never be self-interested ‘pew-sitters’, nor passive ‘consumers’, but rather active disciples and co-workers. Thus the prayer request is really about success in mission.

Many people set their clock alarms to 10:02 … to remind them to regularly pray for more “labourers”. Why 10:02? Luke 10:2. However, we would certainly misunderstand this text if praying was all we did. So the prayer and labouring go on hand-in-hand – one cannot do without the other … the labouring needs prayer behind it and with it, and the prayer needs to be accompanied by movement in the direction of God’s guiding. That’s why prayer-walking around a neighbourhood can be so illuminating … prayer with real intent to connect … moving towards those God is already preparing (and seeking to draw to Himself).

5.     “I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves” (V.3b). These disciples would certainly be out of their comfort zone … facing various levels of opposition and challenge, hence the need for faith. Mission is just not easy! The message may be great, but there will still (inevitably) be mixed reactions. And the difficulties and darkness that exists … is likely to touch us and even abide with us for a time, especially because we really care. Just as well then we’re a team, and we can rely on each other for spiritual and emotional support.

6.     They should travel lightly (v.4) … go without a load or unnecessary weight, with no distractions, without ties, without the need for comfort, and without delay. There is a sense of urgency … in a sense the “harvest” could rot in the field if it is not gathered in soon. Jesus had taught, in the passage just before this, that, “no one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (9:62). We can see here … that all mission for Jesus … is necessarily carried out in utter dependence on God. It is God (seen in Jesus) that is central in this. We go without resources of our own, to ensure that we firmly rely on God’s resources.

7.     Where do we go (v.5)? This is where we need to take the basic principles here and apply them to our modern context. We don’t move so much from town to town; but rather from person to person (within the one general area around where we live), from house to house, from family to family, from shop to shop, from opportunity of ministry to the next opportunity of ministry. Again, this would involve prayer – listening for God’s leading where to go – discerning where limited resources might be best spent.

We might consider where God has already granted us favour with certain people (who don’t know Jesus), or where a clear door of opportunity has already opened. Also, there are people that we seem to have a natural affinity with, where we may, over time, gain the necessary trust to share Jesus with them. Then there are people who seem to already exhibit Jesus-like attributes, who might be described as not far from the ‘Kingdom’. We might also embrace or seek out those people we think will likely respond, as they have already been prepared (by God) beforehand.

Yet we never close the possibilities on anyone. It may actually be … that we are drawn toward the more ‘unlikely’, just as the ‘angel’ spoke of the coming of the Saviour into the world to the most unlikely of all … the most untrustworthy of all … the shepherds in the field (Luke 2:8-20).

8.     Sharing in the peace (v.6). Because we are open to receive hospitality, and more ready to listen than speak, we come almost empty-handed, being open for mutual ministry. We might join together to discuss mutual concerns about the neighbourhood or nation. [For example, our local Alpine RAR group]. We look to bring encouragement, and lighten (or share) the load that others are currently bearing. We certainly look for Jesus in the other. We certainly don’t head for either extreme … we neither ‘accommodate’ – which is watering down our witness to whatever we think will be acceptable; nor do we ‘dominate’ – which is beating people down who may disagree with our beliefs.

People today will not easily concede to just simple belief in the Bible, but rather will want to see how it is lived, how it works, and how it is practiced with integrity and love. We might just have the privilege of surprising some people out of the stereo-types they have held about ‘Christians’, e.g. that they are all rigid, judgmental, institutionally-inclined (rather than relational), gullible, weak, irrelevant. We can actually show that we listen, think and feel, as well as speak.

When we find a house like described in verse 6, or people like this, where the peace we bring seems to “rest”, we should invest our time in deepening this relationship – here is a natural opening. Such a person as this, will likely go on from becoming a new follower of Jesus, very naturally to one who will ‘make’ disciples of others. These have become known in the church planting movement as ‘people of peace’. They are often very well networked and social people. They are not only easy for us to connect with, but they are also well-connected enough to instantly start ministering to others.

We should be careful to not make judgments too quickly, as some of these ‘people of peace’ may not be who we might have first predicted. We can sometimes miss the obvious. The Samaritan woman at the well (in John’s Gospel chapter 4), who’d had that series of husbands and partners, and who had little understanding of spiritual matters to begin with, became quite the evangelist after meeting with Jesus.

9.     “Remain in the same house (v.7ff)”. We shouldn’t rush on too quickly; we should settle down with them in friendship and accept their hospitality. Jews may not have been used to what was served at a Gentile table. We might be alarmed at how some people live … with vastly different customs to us. The point here is to NOT put up unnecessary barriers to hospitality, and to relationship, and to sharing the good news. We don’t come with a product to sell, but rather with an openness to relationship. We don’t expect people to buy straight into a bundle of beliefs, rather just simply connect with Jesus.

We don’t come with pride and feelings of superiority, but rather with humility and gentleness – it just so happens that someone shared Jesus with us, and many others have not been so fortunate. In forming relationships with people like this, we may start to make real inroads of blessing … the “seventy” had the possibility of curing the sick (v.9a) – who knows what ‘ills’ we can bring a ministry (of healing) into.

10.Wiping the dust off our feet (v.11). Sometimes we think it will be okay, but it could turn out that the “peace” we came with … is thrown back in our face. Well, no harm done, we gave it a try, we did all we could, we can’t always read situations properly – maybe someone else will have a better chance … we are part of a team approach. It is likely then … to be a good use of resources, and our own energy levels, to move on. Sometimes we will be outright rejected, but we shouldn’t allow our enthusiasm and faith to be dented by this – we need to move on without guilt to the next opportunity. And even in the context of rejection, the light of Jesus has shone out!

Conclusion

I have made a big assumption!?! That we want to share our faith. That it is the most exciting thing about our life, and we want to share that. Another assumption would be that we have a concern for the lost … for their life, for their well-being. No matter how a person’s life looks on the outside … without Jesus … it lacks something pretty crucial. We cannot just keep Jesus to within the walls of the church. We cannot ignore the need of the world.

This passage sets forth what remains a significant prayer and practical challenge. Yet I hope that you can sense how it is written with high expectations for the outcome. This is God’s mission in Jesus, which the Holy Spirit will continue to enliven. God goes ahead of us, always!

Just a few verses later we read, “The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord in your name even the demons submit to us’!” (Luke 10:17). So there was high impact, responded to with joy. Clearly there was deep spiritual work done. But the reference here to “even the demons” means that there was all sorts of other great ministry, relationship building, discovering ‘people of peace’, and sharing of the Gospel. And on top of this, the disciples worst fears concerning opposition, and the power of evil that might fall against them, were completely dispelled! Jesus was with them.

Christmas may be a time when conversations about Jesus become easier or less unnatural. Instead of the normal closed minds, they may be a little point of softness or openness. Blessings upon your sharing of Jesus this Christmas season! May you find some ‘people of peace’. May you share with them richly. Amen!

"Hearing from God" (Proverbs 2:1-11)

Introduction

Early in 1956, during racial tensions in the US, Dr Martin Luther King Jr couldn’t sleep. He had received a threatening phone call that terrified him. So Dr King prayed, confessing that, despite the rightness of his cause, he was faltering, losing courage, and becoming weak. He was afraid that if he lost strength, then so would all those depending upon his leadership. Dr King prayed, “I am at the end of my powers … I can’t face it alone”.

Later, Dr King wrote: “At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine, as I never experienced Him before. It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying, ‘Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth; and [I your] God will be at your side forever’. Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything.” [source: “A Story is Told” from Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Previously

Last week we looked at praying together in a united way. Praying like this builds our relationship with God, as well as committing us to a faithful partnership with God in embracing His purposes. So when we pray, “Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name” – we are acknowledging and building our relationship with our Creator and Saviour. Then when we go on to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it [already] is in heaven”, we are at the same time pledging our commitment to partner God in this cause.

Two-Way Communication

We can easily, once we decide to pray, share words with God – words of praise, thanksgiving, reflection, confession, intercession and commitment. But what might God be saying back, and how can we hear this? How can God speak to us?

Sometimes we will hear something from another person, in the context of a prayer session, that really hits the mark. Time proves that this came from God to us through another human channel.

God speaks most assuredly through His Word – the Holy Scriptures, especially as we prayerfully approach them looking for guidance. Sometimes the answer will jump off the page; other times we will have to go searching. God can also speak as you hear the Word expounded by teachers and preachers, by evangelists, prophets and pastors. These are often important times to have your ears open, as much time and effort has likely gone into studying, understanding and applying these Holy Scriptures. God speaks most clearly, especially about Himself, about His own identity and character, through the life and ministry of Jesus. Do we want to hear what God is like … then we attend to the words and actions of Jesus … and through this God speaks.

Why listen?

Why do we need to listen to God?? To answer this I zeroed in on Proverbs chapter 2. The answer here … is that God desires us to grow. We don’t just receive Jesus as our Saviour, claiming his sacrifice, gladly grabbing his great gift of grace, then sit passively back … just staying as we are! Or we shouldn’t!! We can’t actually, because there is no sincerity attached to this. Clearly God desires us to grow in our lives, becoming more like Jesus! God wants us to grow in our relationship with Him, and also with those others we worship with, and live amongst.

Even those words of solace we might hear, have the ultimate purpose of us growing toward the potential born within us. We are being called forward into God’s mission to the world, and this involves our desire to grow. Why does God speak to us – because he wants us to grow! Why do we listen?? Because we want to grow!! And this growth is not just for our own benefit, but also for all those that God wants to bless through us.

We see here, in Proverbs 2, some of the most important aspects of growing in God. Here are words we should easily embrace – wisdom, understanding, insight, the knowledge of God, prudence (or discretion); and the good paths of justice, righteousness and equity. This is what we need to hear about. This is what we need to aspire to. We should be like the young Samuel who said to the Lord, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). But … where do we start?

Opening the Lines of Communication

AN INVITATION TO REPENTANCE

There are some “ifs” in this passage – “if” you accept, “if” you cry out, “if” you seek it. It seems to me that we have to really sincerely want to hear God and grow in God if it is going to happen. Growth doesn’t just happen … it has to be sought. And other things can get in the way – there are so many distractions that take our time and attention. And nothing takes our eyes off God quicker than a focus on self … one’s own needs and desires. This tunnel-visioned approach to life … cuts us off from the big picture … of what God wants to achieve … in the community and the world. We can’t possibly hear from God clearly … while having such a restricted outlook. The worship of self (and any other alternative ‘god’), diminishes the possibility of hearing from God.

So, what is required? Change – a comprehensive change! The biblical word is ‘repentance’. The text of Proverbs, with its use of “if” invites us to the place of ‘repentance’. The “if” words … ask us if we are truly willing to engage with God. What is it that is interrupting the possibility of wisdom, understanding and growth coming upon us?! That’s what we have to deal with … to properly open up the lines of communication from God to us. This is like having all the right apparatus, like two perfectly shaped and operating ears, but internally having them blocked with wax. Or, conversely, whenever anything overly-challenging gets mentioned, that you reckon maybe has the ring of truth, but you still don’t want to deal with it … the hands go up and fingers go in the ears.

There were people panning for gold down at the river in the past week, their eyes fixed looking for that little flicker of gold. Are we really focussed on gaining wisdom and understanding (and those other capacities) from God … as if it is the greatest treasure in the universe?

‘Repentance’ is to turn away from a false god (which could be ourselves or ambition or money or worldly obsessions) and turn towards the One True Creator Saviour God. ‘Repentance’ is to empty one’s life of the negative and destructive, and fill it with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. ‘Repentance’ is to acknowledge that the only dynamic that can fill the God-shaped void in our lives … is God. ‘Repentance’ is to let go of incorrect views of God, that make us think in terms of revenge, control and domination, and replace these with appropriate characteristics of mercy, kindness and love. Leave behind what means nothing – and take Jesus on board as your friend.

This has all become possible, because Jesus, on the cross, has given us grace, forgiven us, and opened the way for a new future. This word ‘repent’ is the first thing God will say to us, so that, as we do, we will be able to hear more! I will quickly concede though, that there is something else that God has said to all of us before this!?!? “My child” (Prov.2:1). God has first, in so many ways, spoken to us of his love for us … from the womb to the present, and is assured into the future. So this desire for relationship, growth and repentance is firmly founded on the basis of God’s love.

From “Saturate” by Jeff Vanderstelt, page 107:

Repentance is turning away from a wrong view or definition of God, or from a person or thing that you have looked to as God, and turning to the true God and the truth about God as revealed in Jesus. Repentance happens when we are ignorant about an aspect of God’s character or being, and the Spirit brings illumination to our hearts, leading us to know him in a new way. It also takes place when the Spirit reveals our unbelief about God and leads us to believe a particular truth about God. Lastly, [repentance] takes place when the Spirit convicts us that we have wilfully rebelled against God, leading us to desire obedience to God in a particular area of our lives.

Once we have heard God’s voice in terms of ‘repentance’ and responded in the way we need to, then the lines of communication have become much more open. The Holy Spirit is now able to bring things to our attention. We are much more ready for the Holy Spirit to point us to Jesus (as revealed in God’s Word).

AN OFFER OF GUIDANCE

We can pray for guidance over so many issues and challenges. And we can sense God speaking to us. As we said earlier, this can come through other people. Our surest guide, of course, is the Bible, which we have free access to ... to just open and read and appreciate. The best use of the Bible is a consistent study, often with some notes or commentary to help us along. Plucking individual verses out of context, especially just to proof-text something we reckoned anyway, is not a good approach. We need to appreciate that the Bible was written in different times to ours and within different cultures; so much care should be given to proper interpretation. At the same time, some of the Bible’s teaching, especially Jesus’ teaching, is already clearer than the nose on your face, and is just waiting to be obeyed.

Hearing the Bible explained at church is good – hopefully engaging with the discussion and sometimes being ready to add a contribution. Bible study within small/home groups, where people learn together, brings various different aspects of understanding. Writing down our thoughts and learnings, often called journaling, is a great tool for many. As we read God’s Word, we continually pray for understanding, and look for how this passage may specifically guide us. The wisdom in the Bible, especially around the person of Jesus, offers everyday direction for how to live the best life possible (Vanderstelt).

All our goals and plans need to be guided by God. So we need to be continually prayerful about these, seeking God’s best. Sometimes this is tricky. We read in another Proverb, “Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right, but in the end it is the way to death” (16:25). This emphasises even more our need of God’s wisdom. And we have to be alert, on the ball, quick on our feet … to adjust to all the changing circumstances around us … to still be in the right (physical and spiritual) space. This also means being open and ready for something different than you imagined (or maybe preferred). Only God has a complete knowledge of all events, therefore only God ultimately knows what is best (for each and every person … and creation itself)!

Acts chapter 10 records a particular incident where the leading of God's Spirit was paramount. A God-seeking and generous Gentile named Cornelius had a vision concerning making contact with a certain Peter. Clearly Cornelius was looking for more in his spiritual life, and thus was open to receiving this sort of guidance. At the same time, Peter was having a dream which challenged him to put old ideas aside, and wholeheartedly embrace mission beyond the Jews to the Gentiles.

God was preparing both for an upcoming encounter: Peter to think differently, and Cornelius to not give in to fear as to how he might be received. When they eventually met up, Peter enthusiastically shared the good news about Jesus, and Cornelius and his whole household believed and were baptised (with both the Spirit and water). For this great outcome to occur, both Peter and Cornelius had to be open to God's guidance, even when it came unexpectedly. Cornelius and his household had come to know Jesus, and Peter had seen results out of his obedient ministry.

Being well tuned into God, allows us to be reliably directed to call on someone. Many of us would have received that undeniable and compelling message to make a phone call or knock on a door. And when we obey, we sense at least two things: that God has prepared the way for us, and that we were quite an appropriate person to make the contact … given the particular need. A natural extension of this … is to actively ask God for specific opportunities to bless others, and then being attuned to how such opportunities might open.

God’s guidance is most helpful … when considering such life-shaping areas as life-partners and careers and geographical moves. Also, for me and many others, when confronted with so many areas of injustice at home and abroad … with the strong possibility of being overwhelmed – God’s Spirit can guide us into those areas of advocacy and service that are most natural for us.

GIVING SKILLS IN DISCERNMENT

There is a particular spiritual gift of discernment. However, like many of the ‘gifts of the Holy Spirit’ spoken of in the New Testament, discernment is something we all need to have a fair slice of. This is to be able to say the right thing at the right time. More to the point possibly, this is so that we won’t say the wrong thing at the wrong time. So we have a building discretion about the sort of language, words and stories we use in different contexts. What are the commendable and helpful things to post on Facebook or social media, and what are not (Philippians 4:8)?!

So the small voice of God can often be heard saying … ‘maybe you might have not said that, or found a more appropriate phrase’. This is not so much to chastise us, as to help us get it right the next time. Growing in discernment … allows us to much more clearly and quickly determine … what is good and what is evil, what is right and what is wrong, what is truth and what is error, where motives are pure or motives are agenda-ridden (and compromised).

Because we are guided in God’s ways, Jesus’ disciples (i.e. us) can look around and see where things are not as they ought to be. Does this look like God’s Kingdom? What is the Spirit of God saying? Are the hungry being fed? Are the naked being clothed? Are the broken being brought back to health? Are the disconnected being shown hospitality? Are the captives being set free? Are the lost being found? Through this discernment, and our follow-up activity, we can embrace the vision of Isaiah – where he says, “you shall be called the repairer of the breach – the restorer of streets to live in” (58:12b).

"We should always be ready to be the means through which God blesses others" (Jeff Vanderstelt). We can also, at very significant times, be given a very special word for someone … that must have come from God, as it had never before occurred to us. Sometimes we would be wise to sit with this for a little while, to prayerfully test whether it is indeed from God … completely free of our particular agenda. Speaking into other people’s lives is a very serious matter, that we should be rightly cautious about. So, if we sense that God had spoken to us, for the benefit of another, we would also be wise to share it with another trusted person first (to be held accountable that it is truly agenda-free and also consistent with a fair understanding of God’s Word).

Sometimes we pray for someone, and a word DOESN’T come to US. But if we sincerely pray that someone else receives encouragement from God, then that person may receive this directly. Discernment can also help within community decision-making. While different points of view are being broadly discussed in a group, some that have an ear to hear God in that moment, can help clarify the discussion towards where God is leading.

Hearing God on Mission

Hearing from God is not just a personal and intellectual enterprise. We best hear from God as we engage with the everyday stuff of life, looking for signposts of God’s presence, and utilising all the guidance and discernment that we’ve collected so far. And it is out on the edge, out of our comfort zone (like Peter), where we both need to hear more from God, but also grow because we have heard more from God. Our mission trip into the world of our everyday stuff continues, until Jesus comes to finish the job. God is active in the world, wanting to draw us into His plans. When God seems absent or hidden to us, or darkness seems to be prevailing, we will likely need to look harder and listen better. When the lines of communication seem blocked, we know that it is very possible that ‘repentance’ is required.

"The whole essence of the spiritual life consists in recognising the designs of God for us [right] at the present moment" (Jean-Pierre de Caussade as quoted in BST Commentary on Proverbs). Dear God … what are you saying to us right now?!