"Opportunities open" (Acts 16:16-34)

1.     Preface

God can open opportunities through which faith can be shared and people can respond.

What might help such opportunities occur? How have you seen such opportunities open?

2.     Historical Incident

Paul and Silas find themselves in prison. They were there because they had been accused of causing a disturbance, something the control-freak Romans didn’t like. Paul had exorcised, from a certain girl, some form of ‘demonic spirit’ that had her involved in “fortune-telling”. She was doing this for money … money that went to those who ‘owned her’ (she was referred to as a “slave girl”). So Paul had no doubt cost this slave girl’s “owners” quite a bit of money. And they were furious, and were not going to take this lying down. They wanted to get the crowd on side to force the Roman authorities to take the strongest possible action against Paul; beware people who are separated from their money. They callously fed into the anti-Jewish sentiment that existed in Philippi, as well as the Roman objection to alternative religions (refer verses 20-21). Opposition built, and the Roman magistrates acted without any trial. Paul and Silas were stripped and beaten with rods – what was described as a “severe flogging” (v.23). Then they were thrown into maximum security prison. Their feet were fastened into wooden stocks with chains that would have connected to the wall (minimising movement). Such was the treatment of prisoners at the time, there would have been no reason to provide any point of relief at all … in the cause of making escape impossible.

So naturally Paul and Silas cursed in outrage, groaned in pain, and bitterly complained. No … it seems they didn’t at all (v.25)! Paul and Silas, it is reported, were “praying and singing hymns to God”. Remarkable! This was a totally unjust imprisonment, not to mention the degrading and inhuman cruelty that preceded it. If they had been given a chance to defend themselves, it would have been revealed that Paul and Silas were actually Roman citizens, and thus should never have been treated like this. And all Paul had basically done was intervene for someone was being badly exploited. They could have been praying for their release, and that would have been fair enough, but the context, and just the feel of this passage, suggest to me, that they were simply worshipping God.

This would have included trusting God for the outcome of this imprisonment. It might have seemed untimely, but perhaps there was some reason behind it. Their prayers I reckon were more likely to be selfless, hoping that God could bring some good out of this difficult situation. This seems to be confirmed by the actions Paul and Silas took later in staying put and not escaping; which also leads us to sense that there was some level of expectation in them that God would indeed do something. Certainly God’s answer was most to do with the opportunity to witness to faith. Singing hymns, as they were, would have provided a visible positive take on what was seemingly a bad situation.

What do you also notice in verse 25?? There were others prisoners also locked up here; and as Paul and Silas worshipped God, they were “listening to them”. And obviously they were impressed – maybe, blown-away, gobsmacked … for later they did not flee when they had the chance either! And I think that, on the basis of what follows, the prison guard was listening too! When we are worshipping (in the sense of living out our spiritual lives with sincerity and integrity), people are likely listening and observing.

Then there was what is described as an “earthquake”, but may have just been a strong earth tremor that often beset this area. Either way, it was enough to shake up the prison, open up the doors, and break chains away from walls. Certainly mass escape became both possible and likely!! When the shaking stopped, the prison guard … the “jailor” … immediately thought the worst (read verse 27). He might have already been feeling the heavy responsibility of his situation, and knew well the Roman custom – that he would suffer an extreme penalty if he failed in his job. He was on the edge, himself shaken, in an extreme emotional state, and prepared to take drastic action.

Quite often human beings have to reach the brink, before they think about the most important questions in life!

Lo and behold … Paul, Silas and other prisoners were all still there! The “jailor” heard Paul remarkably call out, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here”. How did Paul know, people ask, there in the dark, that the “jailor” was ready to take such drastic action? Some say that there just must have been some semblance of light for Paul to see by. But don’t you think this is one of those moments where God speaks to our spirit about something we would otherwise be unaware of. This is like when we get that clear thought that we should contact someone or go somewhere. And it is not until we ring or arrive that we find out why – that in fact is was crucial.

Now put yourself in the jailor’s shoes. Given high responsibility, seemingly failed (although it wasn’t really in his control), prepared to end his own life … only to find that his prisoners, who surely in any normal circumstances would have been long-gone out the door, were still right there. A situation, that has seriously gone pear-shaped, still bears the possibility of survival. Yet how? This is like life that starts to expire under severe difficulty, yet there comes the possibility of rescue. This all happens in the context of the “jailor” having heard Paul and Silas spend all night worshipping God, despite their sense of injustice, extreme discomfort, possibly enduring significant suffering.

The “jailor” fell down trembling before Paul and Silas in relief, respect (and possibly in hope). Was the answer to life’s central problems to be found through these guys? The singing, the praying, the earthquake, the prisoners non-escape, the calmness of these men (Paul & Silas) – all together this was quite unusual … were these servants of God? Paul and Silas had not been worried about ‘saving’ themselves … they seemed to have a higher agenda. The “jailor” took Paul and Silas outside, perhaps indicating that he felt that they shouldn’t have been in prison in the first place … these two men surely couldn’t have hurt anybody or caused any real concern!

The “jailor” asks respectfully (in verse 30), “What must I do to be saved”? The “earthquake” didn’t kill him, and he was already spared the wrath of his employers – what was he asking? All his needs, which centred in his spiritual needs, must have suddenly been exposed. Paul had “saved’ that girl the previous day from her demon-possessed servitude. Was this his moment – had all this been orchestrated to his benefit. This “jailor” man wanted to be whole – he wanted ‘salvation’!

God had created an opportunity though which Paul and Silas could bear witness to their faith to a man on the edge. A question was asked, and we hear the direct and clear answer (refer verse 31). For most people in that day, and in this day, such a statement would need to be expanded on and explained. Who is Jesus? Religious sounding concepts would have to be broken down to real personal experiences. How does salvation work in everyday life? This is what Paul and Silas were able to do, so that this “jailor” could easily understand (v.32). Here I quote from I. Howard Marshall (emphasis added):

            We may note … that it is not enough simply to face people with gospel proof-texts; there is normally need for careful instruction adapted to their particular situation, and for personal pastoral care, if the task of evangelism is to be successful and lasting in its effects.

We note with awe the salvation of this man’s “whole household”. We would perhaps interpret this to mean that the impact on the “jailor” was so great and so complete, that naturally this would pass into a positive response from all his family members. And in these times a person’s household was broader than we might think now. It included any slaves, friends or associates that often frequented this home. This jailor’s new faith spread deeply into the local community. And we immediately see evidence of a new discipleship in this “jailor” – first washing the wounds of Paul and Silas (showing the mercy of Christ), and then being baptised (confirming absolute faith in Christ). Then followed hospitality in his [nearby] home (exhibiting the welcome of Christ), and what seems to be a bit of a worship service (participating in the community of Christ where there was corporate joy in knowing God).

3.     Contemporary Learnings

(a)  Worshipful Attitude – in good times and in bad times

Salvation shows itself to be real in all circumstances. Joy in the Lord in the midst of suffering reveals the power of true salvation. As the prophet Isaiah put it, our “gloom [shall] be like the noonday” (58:10d). This is our witness to the one true God who alone is the way of salvation.

People are listening to our 24/7 worship. When having coffee and conversation are we talking positively (not running people down); are we generally thinking expectantly and hopefully (not being overly negative and allowing things to appear wholly hopeless)?!?

(b) Caring Spirit – in prayer and action

When the opportunity came, Paul and Silas gave high attention to the possibility of someone having his needs met and coming to know Jesus. What Paul and Silas managed to achieve here, summed up the four aspects of witnessing we looked at last week – desiring (example), discerning (why the earth tremor?), inviting (“believe in the Lord Jesus”), and demonstrating (non-escape & biblical explanation).

(c)  Clear Testimony – both in the basics and in personal tones

They went to the jailor’s home – into his zone, and spent time discussing what it means to follow Jesus.

4.     Today’s Opportunity

The “jailor” and his household responded heartily to the example of faith put forward by Paul and Silas. When the path of salvation through Jesus was explained in ways that could be readily understood, they committed, and were baptised. They then immediately started on the road of discipleship (including ministries of care, hospitality and worship).

"Come & See" (John 1:43-51)

1.     Preface

Perhaps we need to be thinking more about those in the community that currently have no place of worship and don’t know Jesus.

2.     Historical Context

Jesus was out and about seeking followers. And Philip was one who followed instinctively. Some people take a while, having heard about Jesus, to make a decision. Not Philip it seems. Philip was obviously ready … he’d been prepared somehow; it was only necessary for Jesus to seek Philip out, and, in a sense, claim his future, by saying “Follow me”. We, no doubt, see God’s Spirit at work in this; but there is probably more to be seen. We might see some of the ‘back story’ explained in verse 44: Philip was from the same town (Bethsaida) as were the fisherman brothers Andrew and Peter (who had previously become Jesus’ followers). As we go back in John’s Gospel, we see that before Andrew became a disciple of Jesus he had been a follower of John the Baptist; and John the Baptist had been speaking about the One was who coming, greater than he, who would be the Messiah. So it could be that first Andrew, then Simon Peter as well, were talking up Jesus all around Bethsaida. And this word spread to Philip. There could be such a great and immediate response from Philip because the word about Jesus had already been spreading well throughout his home town. First Andrew, then Peter, now Philip – who next?

Let’s talk up Jesus! But, how do we best do this? We have recently spoken of the modern 'Pentecost languages' that effectively cross boundaries. The languages of love, compassion, hope and integrity. Let’s continue with the text.

No sooner had Philip begun to follow Jesus, than he thought of another, no doubt a friend, who should also follow Jesus. This friend was named Nathanael. Clearly the easiest place to start talking up Jesus is with those that we know, and with those who know us. Or, is that always the case? Why wouldn’t it be the case?? What gets in the way sometimes … we might wonder? Well probably this should be the case … sharing Jesus with those closest to us!! The simple statement “Philip found Nathanael” (v.45) suggests to me that Philip instinctively acted on his real care and concern for Nathanael (and wanted to introduce him to Jesus).

Philip starts with where Nathanael was at. Nathanael was obviously a well-taught Jew who knew the expectations held in the Hebrew Scriptures toward the coming of a Messiah. Some commentators suggest that the later reference to Nathanael being seen sitting under a fig tree (v.48), suggests that he was praying or meditating on the scriptures, and thus was a seeker ready for the right invitation. If this is true, then certainly Philip was ‘right on the ball’! How many people I wonder, are just waiting for a credible and sincere invitation?!?

The new revelation for Nathanael was that the Messiah had come, and, perhaps outrageously at first hearing, he was identified as a carpenter’s son from Nazareth. This particular town Nazareth did not have a good reputation, and might’ve been, in most people’s minds, the last place to have been the Messiah’s hometown. So this news was viewed with a little cynicism, maybe also a bit of suspicion. Was he being spun a tale? Sometimes people just can’t get past the ‘conventional wisdom’, and see things differently. Perhaps the great city of Jerusalem would have been more likely. But not only was Jesus born in humble circumstances in Bethlehem, but he had been brought up in the working class of Nazareth.

We encounter cynicism and suspicion at times – fair enough, we shouldn’t be defensive about this. Sometimes we have to clear up other people’s misconceptions about Jesus, whatever they might be. I hasten to say that we would want to do this gently! Our mindset would be to clear up certain misconceptions … to make Jesus more understood and more accessible to people. For example, we don’t have to attain to any level of acceptability to be welcomed by Jesus – just come as we are, and let Jesus do the rest. We can see this in the ‘works in progress’ that Jesus took on as disciples.

Nathanael had assumed certain things about the Messiah, maybe such things had been rammed down his throat for years; which may have made Nathanael less likely to appreciate Jesus. Nathanael may have expected more of a regal king type figure, but then had to get his head around Jesus being a real everyday human being. But this has to be balanced, and later Nathanael would experience the other side of Jesus – an all-seeing, all-knowing Divine God. Ultimately Nathanael would say, “Teacher, you are the Son of God … You are the king of Israel” (v.49)

How did Nathanael get here?? What was the turning point??? Philip gave Nathanael a point-by-point intellectual argument!?! NO HE DIDN’T!!! Philip’s response to Nathanael’s initial confusion was “Come and See” (v.46)! And it was to “come and see” that Nathanael responded positively … in the next verse we see Nathanael heading in the direction of Jesus.

In the case of Philip and Nathanael, this “come and see” was a direct introduction … an introduction from which a relationship could begin to develop. As Philip directed Nathanael toward Jesus, Jesus was already on the march toward Nathanael. And what did Jesus say? Did Jesus say anything about Nathanael’s shortcomings … did Jesus remark on Nathanael’s negativity toward Nazareth?? Jesus actually picked up on the most positive aspect of Nathanael’s life that he could (refer verse 47). Jesus truly encourages Nathanael toward faith. Nathanael was already a truthful and genuine person (“in whom there is no deceit” – v.47) … all he really lacked was a relationship with Jesus. There are so many good people who simply lack a relationship with Jesus to make them fully whole. On the other hand, we know there are many strugglers who need a whole of lot of help, but their greatest need still remains … a relationship with Jesus.

How then can our conversations direct people toward Jesus?

Just as Philip started his witnessing with where Nathanael was at – pointing towards the source of his traditional spiritual hope, Jesus started their relationship by pointing towards Nathanael’s area of strength. So, this suggests to us again about starting where other people are at … engaging with how they are experiencing life and how they are responding to life’s happenings.

We know that bringing people to Jesus is something we can trust – we can trust that Jesus will work with people in exactly the way they need to be. So where we have engaged with others and opportunities present themselves, and there are most likely more opportunities than we at first recognise, our response can be like Philip’s … “Come and see”. But, in these days where Jesus is not physically present, we have to ask, ‘Come where’ and ‘See what’?? We’ll return to this.

3.     Contemporary Context

This passage, through the ministry of Philip and Jesus, and the response of Nathanael, gives us some indicators concerning our public witness to the good news of Jesus. Any thoughts on this so far??? What would be important to remember?

(a)  Desiring – wanting to tell. Do we want to share about Jesus? When opportunities arise for us to speak, this would largely be about what Jesus has done for us … in a real and personal sense, more so than just doctrine. Are there people who we really want to introduce to Jesus? If we find this difficult, might it be because we are not at the moment open for Jesus doing new things in our lives … thus we haven’t much of great worth to share about!?! Effective sharing comes through the stories of what God is doing for us right now!

Philip having experienced Jesus as the Messiah immediately wanted to tell Nathanael about this. The “we have found him … [speaking of Jesus]” in verse 45 suggests to me that Philip was excited, full of faith, and confident in his discovery; which led him to an almost instinctive or spontaneous desire to share with others. This might have come over as the greatest discovery Philip had ever made, which of course it was!

NB. We should practice telling our stories of God’s various blessings with each other, which strengthens and reassures us in the desire to tell these to others.

(b) Discerning – knowing what to say. Are we listening well enough to both God and our friends, that we know what to say to them, to effectively lead them towards Jesus? Are we prayerful about this?? To effectively share such good news as Jesus is, we have to listen well and know where we can make the connections in terms of where another person is at. The key discerning question to prayerfully consider is: ‘Where are they at’?

Philip understood Nathanael’s theological mindset and background beliefs, so that he started at exactly the right place (verse 45).

Jesus started his interchange with Nathanael warmly with encouragement, which creatively opened up the possibility for further conversation (verse 47). This links with what I said recently about ‘good news’ needing to be received as ‘good news’ for it to have the desired effect. Judgment, condemnation or superiority will likely have directly the opposite effect. Jesus restricted his condemnation to the ineffective ‘religious elite’, rather than the general populace.

(c)  Inviting – this is the “Come and see” thing. But, come where; see what? Any ideas? What have you done that has worked well??

Come where? Anywhere that will take a person forward on a journey of faith. Could be church, or a small group – formal or informal, or an activity. Could be simple hospitality. Could be the local café. Could be down the path of practical help. Could be sharing in another person’s burdens, or advocating for them through a particular trial … ‘standing in the breach’. It could be standing up to be counted – making a difference on a bigger scale … ‘repairing the streets’?

How can people practically make a difference for Jesus, say, in their place of work or recreation?

Could just simply be an invitation into sharing life with us, so that over time the Jesus in us will be revealed.

[We are quite programmed to this “Come and see” idea. We get a new house, a new car, a new guitar, a new puppy, a new baby … “come and see”! So it shouldn’t be too hard to let this flow into our new spiritual discoveries.]

(d) Demonstrating – this is more the “see” bit … see what?

See what? Jesus in us, and in the way we live our lives. Seeing how people care. See how people gather together in Jesus’ name, support one another and achieve together all sorts of good community-building objectives. Ultimately seeing that God is alive and active … living in the hearts of people, and drawing close to all those who are suffering.

When Nathanael came into Jesus’ company he began to experience someone who loved him dearly, knew him well, with the potential of experiencing even more remarkable things. This, for Nathanael, was worth attaching himself to. Hopefully people might see something in us worth investigating!?!

I think the ‘seeing’ will happen gradually over time for most people. This ‘seeing’ is a process – that starts with acceptance and belonging … being welcomed and included; then becoming … gradually becoming the person each person was created to be; and ultimately believing … believing who Jesus is in total, and accepting Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Part of the ‘seeing’ is in the ‘showing’ or ‘demonstrating’, people being reflections of the Jesus that is seen in the Gospels.

4. Prologue

The ultimate goal of witnessing (to our faith), is that people, our friends and neighbours, our colleagues and acquaintances, also become disciples of Jesus. These new disciples then become partners with Jesus in the ongoing quest for more disciples.

"The Language of Integrity" (Isaiah 58:6-12)

1.     Introduction

Last week we celebrated Pentecost, and considered what the Pentecost text in Acts chapter 2 might mean for us today. You’ll remember that the ‘believers’ were able to communicate the good news of Jesus in languages that they had not previously known or learnt. These languages allowed the good news of Jesus to cross cultural boundaries to a broader audience. We talked about the different boundaries that exist today: non-belief, antagonism, bad experiences and deep hurts; some people not having even heard of Jesus or seen a credible witness to him. And we also talked about the sort of ‘language’ which would help us connect, relate and share the good news today. We mentioned the language of love, the language of compassion, and the language of hope.

There is another ‘language’ too … that is tied up in today’s reading from Isaiah 58. We can well reflect back on the ancient prophet Isaiah, because Jesus himself often fulfilled and typified these writings. When Jesus wants to explain the nature of his mission and ministry (to those gathered in the synagogue in Luke 4), he partly quotes from this passage (v.6). Isaiah often pointed out how God’s people were going wrong, and the poor affect this was having in the general community. So where many people think that the church has let them down, or worse, has hurt them, then we have to listen to these words of Isaiah (and apply them to our particular context). I think that this text should both challenge and inspire us to speak the ‘language’ of integrity.

2.     Proper Fasting

Isaiah refers here to “fasts”, and choosing the right sort of “fast”. A “fast” is generally seen as a commitment to a sacrifice of some kind, i.e. doing without, usually food, in connection with prayer, mourning or repentance, and in the quest for God’s blessing. However such “fasts” could, and often did, become mere religious rituals (where people would “fast” just for the sake of it or to be seen “fasting”). Jesus himself criticised the boastful nature of some of those who were “fasting”, who were only seeking to draw attention to themselves. In this way, “fasting” was no longer connected to the broader issues of life, and to morals and ethics, and thus was seen to be empty and wasted. So Isaiah connects the act of “fasting” to the unchallenged existence of injustice. One cannot make a big thing of their “fasting” (or their spiritual commitment) if it is not connected to the alleviation of people’s struggles.

True fasting and genuine repentance should be connected with turning away from self-indulgence and greed. Isaiah saw people, in this case employers, pretending to spiritually “fast”, while ignoring the exploitation of workers; earlier in chapter 58 we read “Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers” (Is.58:3b). Such lack of integrity, and lack of credibility, will not please God, and will not win any fans. There is a big difference between ‘ritual fasting’ or going through habitual religious motions, to true and complete repentance that leads on to practical fruit. How often has the church self-righteously worried about the specks in the eyes of others while missing the logs in their own eyes.

If, however, on the other hand, our “fasting”, i.e. our sense of commitment and relationship to God, leads us to help those who are struggling, then look at the potential! Structure: verses 6-7 and then 9b-10a speak of the practical activity that comes out of a commitment to God, while verses 8-9a  and then 10b-12 speak of the results. There is a clear connection between our actions in response to need … and the credibility of our witness to Jesus.

It is verse 12 that most excites me! This is another “Pentecost” possibility – seeing the old “ruins” being rebuilt into something that counts, building up a “foundation” for future generations, being the “repairer of the breach” and the “restorer of streets” (v.12). We shall come back to this.

There are other great benefits listed first! As we “fast” i.e. wait upon God and properly set priorities, then:

·        our light shall break forth out of the darkness like the dawn;

·        even our more difficult times will shine out because of the way we handle them (“your gloom will be like the noonday” – v.10b);

·        our capacity for healing and durability shall quickly spring up – first, our own healing (The Lord will “make your bones strong” – v.11); and secondly our capacity to offer pathways of healing and durability to others;

·        it will be obvious that we are following a gracious giving God (“your vindicator shall go before you”), and the shadow that we cast or the reflection that we offer … will be the glory of the Lord (v.8);

·        when we are dry or thirsty, we shall become “like a watered garden” … blossoming, flourishing (v.11) – streams of ‘living water’ refresh parched and fragile places;

·        also, there will be various obvious and ground-breaking answers to our prayers – God will be clearly present with us guiding us (v.9,11). Our prayers, coupled with the right heart responses that back them up, will surely be effective. There will be something of a free-flowing relationship with God (Motyer). If … if … if!

3.     The Language of Integrity

If … if … if!! If we respond holistically!!!

‘Loosing’ the “bonds of injustice” … is really about responding to things that just are NOT right. Light can only shine where ‘evil’ is renounced! For example:

·        there are more people in slavery in the world today than ever before; there are political prisoners – in jail for simply having a different opinion; there are those under religious persecution; there are those living in refugee camps and detention centres who are ‘stateless’ and no one wants them; there are those living under incredible poverty;

·        there are the hungry who need to be fed; the poor who need clothes; there are the homeless who need to be welcomed, given accommodation and hospitality, offered a home and family (bit of a challenge the way this is put – v.7 … “bring the homeless poor into your house”);

·        also, there are our own family members who need us – v.7 … “and not to hide yourself from your own kin”, and in some cases families need to be reunited;

·        and, there is also something here about creating the environment in which quality relationships can be built (v.9b) – this involves desisting from “pointing the finger” and “speaking evil”. “Pointing the finger” in judgment, and being critical of others, is usually based around self-interest, and lifting up ourselves over others. This discouragement can be the beginning of a new oppression for others, as they start to suffer under the weight of such negative assessments. This is NOT consistent with the grace that we should be known for. James puts it this way, “From the same mouth come[s] blessing and cursing … this ought not to be so” (3:10)!

“The standard you walk past, is the standard you accept.” (This quote from a message from the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, to the Australian Army following the announcement on Thursday, 13 June 2013 of civilian police and defence investigations into allegations of unacceptable behaviour by Army members.)

This is also about fighting entrenched injustice – like William Wilberforce did in the case of slavery, and Martin Luther King in the case of racism and civil rights, Nelson Mandela with apartheid; like Mother Teresa did for the starving of Calcutta, and Malcolm Fraser with Vietnamese refugees. Many other examples.

We need to be thinking about foreign aid, about closing the gap in terms of aboriginal disadvantage, about what needs to change to address family violence. You could easily add to this.

4.     An Outstanding Vision (v.12)

It is in verse 12 that we see grand new possibilities built out of the ‘language’ of integrity. This is so important when we see people having such a struggle with life. To have a church community which is widely known as a place where help (of various natures) can be found is something to aspire to.

(a)  Whenever the ancient people of Israel were defeated by foreign enemies, their physical and spiritual home in Jerusalem was often ransacked and destroyed. Whenever they returned from a period of exile, they had the opportunity of rebuilding both their material and spiritual lives. Old “ruins” could be rebuilt. No matter how bad things get for people, there is always a chance for a re-birth. All the learnings from the past are compiled into a structure that will count for much in the future. Where people are released from what has held them back, there can be bright new horizons.

(b) This then leads to a good, solid and healthy “foundation” being built for future generations. Everything we do in this church will either build a good foundation for the future, or not!

(c)  The ‘language of integrity’ not only can heal the past and build for the future, but it can significantly impact on the present, e.g. being a “repairer of the breach”. A “breach” is some sort of separation or breakdown – a breakdown of relationship or structure or sense of well-being … some form of human brokenness. To be able to have some role in repairing what has been previously broken is a great ministry. There is that saying about ‘stepping into the breach’; this is giving help in a crisis (where others are lacking the required resources).

(d) And being the “restorer of streets”, not only suggests a positive impact on various individual homes, but also bringing healing to relationships between neighbours, and right throughout segments of the community. This involves being good listeners, interpreters, integrators, reconcilers and relational bridge-builders. This is indeed being the light that shines like the brilliantly lit city built up high on a hill (Matthew 5:14).

5.     Conclusion

I’m not sure what gets you down most as you travel through your weekly lives, or what you are most passionate about. But one thing I know for sure – we can be part of God’s solution. Let’s make sure our “fast” is one that takes into account all of God’s creation, and all of the grace and healing that God wants to bring to everyone around us.

Pentecost for today (Acts 2:1-13)

1.     Introduction – dramatic, exciting; but what does this mean for today???

Can we experience the Holy Spirit like this?? With such great effect??

2.     Being together

The disciples had gathered in Jerusalem as Jesus had told them to. This was 50 days after the resurrection, and 10 days after Jesus’ ascension. The disciples and Jesus’ other followers had not been without Jesus long before the Spirit came amongst them. When Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20), he really meant it. The Holy Spirit would continue to promote the work of Jesus and the mission of God.

This was the ‘Day of Pentecost’ – there was a festival happening because of the end of the harvest (50 days after Passover). Visitors from all over the place were in Jerusalem for this festival. Maximum exposure for the wondrous deeds of God! People everywhere … from all sorts of cultures and language groups. A bit like the culmination of the Autumn Festival in Bright … busy, bustling, noisy crowds.

The Holy Spirit was breaking in! Not that the Holy Spirit had ever really been missing. When was the Holy Spirit first mentioned in the Bible??? The Holy Spirit was there at creation – “a wind from God swept over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1b). The Holy Spirit was also there guiding key figures of Israel to where God would have them be, had also inspired the prophets with key teaching about the ways of God. The Holy Spirit had ‘landed’ on Jesus at his baptism (to acknowledge his unique ministry on earth) and guarded him through the devil’s temptations. But there was something different about this incident. The Holy Spirit was coming upon the ‘believers’ collectively for a great purpose. These ‘believers’ would be moulded together and gifted together, for the purpose of becoming the church of Jesus Christ; a church that would continue to re-enact  the life and ministry of Jesus day by day wherever they were.

So, they had to be “all together” (v.1), and they were all together. There was around 120 ‘believers’ by now (according to Acts 1:15): including the remaining 11 disciples plus the new one Matthias, Jesus’ mother and the other women who had been following Jesus for some time. Now there was also Jesus’ brothers (who had become believers after the resurrection), including James – who would later become an important leader of the church and write the famous letter that we have in the New Testament. They had to be “all together” (v.1), and they were all together.

This begs the question! What would it mean for us to be “all together” (v.1b)? Given the complexities of contemporary life, and the unique context in which we live locally, what would it mean for us (in our context) to be “all together”??? Purpose, unity, love. To be on the same page together, working together. To be worshipping and fellowshipping together as much as possible. Implications for being together with other local churches as well.

Given all that, what would it mean for the Holy Spirit to “fill the entire house” (v.2b)??? Everywhere we go together and also apart (separately), gathered and dispersed; all our homes and everywhere we go … working, learning, playing, eating. The whole area!! All the community!!

We should note that the Holy Spirit is never our personal possession – as if we could ever contain the Holy Spirit or to confine it our own needs or purposes. The Holy Spirit inhabits us … to point toward Jesus. The Holy Spirit goes ahead of us … to help us make relational connections, and see the doors of hospitality open to us. And the Holy Spirit’s gifts are supplied for the ‘common good’ (1 Corinthians 12:7).

I read this week about an alarm clock that just wakes up one person, even where there is another in the same room. [The “Wake” alarm takes specific aim and directs a tight burst of light and sound at a person’s face.] The Holy Spirit doesn’t generally work that way – not in this Pentecostal context anyway – the Holy Spirit is collectively and universally awakening us!

3.     Wind and fire

The ‘day of Pentecost’ was all pretty dramatic … a strong wind and the appearance of fire. The “wind” covered every square millimetre of where they were situated. The fire started out in one flame, but separated out to touch (to “rest on” – v.3b) each person there gathered. And immediately there was significant output from these ‘believers’. They started speaking in languages previously unknown to them. Previously timid and fearful ‘believers’ had their hearts ‘kindled’, their minds inspired, their mouths activated, and they spilled out into the streets with a message about God.

This all came as a bit of a surprise to the gathering crowd. Look at the repeated reactions of the crowd: “bewildered” (v.6), “amazed and astonished” (v.7) – this was not normal; then, “amazed and perplexed” (v.12) – to be “perplexed” suggests that something has touched a nerve.

This was a miracle in communication. We know that this was a miracle that only God could bring about, because why?? It is noted that these people doing this incredible communicating, were “Galileans” (verse 7). These “Galileans” would NOT have had the education or opportunity of learning these languages of other places; being known as simple and humble folk. This was a work of God; or at least some would come to understand that.

We should note that these “languages” are NOT the spiritual ‘tongues’ we associate with ‘speaking in tongues’ (that Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians). These are real “languages” and dialects of different national groups, through which, when heard, communicated the good news of Jesus – refer verse 6b. This certainly engaged them – every single one of them (everyone was covered)!

4.     Who was there?

Who was there? People of the Hebrew faith from a variety of places far and wide … as far as Rome (listed in verses 9-10). Jews had been dispersed all over the Greco-Roman world over past centuries through various conflicts. So they would have a variety of first languages. There were also “proselytes” (v.10b) – who were not Jews by birth, but had been attracted to the Jewish faith. The Jewish faith had a few attractive features … not late-in-life circumcision, not that … but certainly monotheism (one God), and ethical standards way above other religious or societal standards. In being attracted to the Jewish faith, such ‘seekers’ as these would also likely be interested in this new expression of spirituality. Mentioned specifically were certain Gentiles – Cretans and Arabs – they were also hearing interesting and amazing news in their own languages.

What were they hearing about (v.11b)?? “God’s deeds of power”! If we read on into Peter’s great sermon, we will see that these “deeds of power” were concerned with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; and how this has brought the possibility of forgiveness and salvation to all humanity. The good news about Jesus was being shared in every language present.

5.     Pentecost today

How can this be replicated today? We are God’s people, and having accepted Jesus into our lives, we too have received the Holy Spirit. This is the same Holy Spirit that each of us has received – a “tongue of fire” has “rested on each” of us … from the same Holy Spirit. How will the Holy Spirit deal with us?? Each day we would be waiting to see … expectant for God’s next move. But we also have to ready … more than this, we have to be willing, we have to be open! As we see in the New Testament, there was often things that had to be in place before the Holy Spirit became evident – usually obedience and prayer. And we see in Paul's letters (and in other places like the early chapters of Revelation), often various churches had to be called to account for their behaviour, action or inaction. 

On the basis of what we read here though, the key work of the Holy Spirit in us, will be effective communication. This will happen even across difficult barriers, not just cultural barriers, but other more common barriers such as: non-belief, antagonism, bad experiences and deep hurts. Also, sadly, more and more people (often through no fault of their own) have never heard of Jesus, or seen any credible witness to the life of Jesus. So, when we share our faith in Jesus with anyone, it is unlikely to get an immediate positive response (although sometimes we may be pleasantly surprised). But what we want to create, is the space where someone will ask, “What does this mean?” (v.12). We want a dialogue to begin, which includes both words and also actions; that together add up to a very credible presentation of faith.

Sometimes, we will be sneered at and called all sorts of things – ‘nuts’ and worse, or accused of being ‘on something’. There will be those who misunderstand or pull down the blinkers. But that’s okay surely! We remain true, and wait for those who say, “What does this mean?”. There will always be those who are seeking truth or needing new solutions to old problems. When the ‘believers’ were “all together” and ready for God’s Spirit to move, the Holy Spirit worked, and a crowd was created around the sharing of the good news. Can we actually get involved in things, and conduct activities, that get people to ask the question: “What does this mean?”. This, against the tide of the mockers and cynics; and we might also say, against the tide of the times!?!

We should note that this “Good News” that we share, has to remain ‘good news’ – it needs to be presented in a way that touches people deeply where they are, and significantly answer long-held questions … it needs to be heard and received as ‘good news’. We are all sick of ‘bad news’; lives will only be changed through ‘good news’. This is why we have to be (and discern well) where other people are at, so that we know we are offering ‘good news’ solutions to those problems that frustrate and oppress; rather than speaking words that go above heads or miss targets entirely. The language of our place … our comfortable ‘religious’ words may not translate, so that is why we need other languages up our sleeve – largely the language of love, the language of compassion, and the language of hope. [There are other languages to … more on this next week.]

If we read on in Acts 2, we find that about three thousand people responded to the gospel that day and were baptised (2:41). We pray for people to make decisions for Jesus in numbers like this. Not only so we feel good about ourselves, not only so our faith seems vindicated; but primarily because this is the decision people need to make, were created to make, will be thoroughly thankful for in time.

So what might be the ‘Pentecost’ vision for today? All of us connected together by Jesus, and by a desire to lift his name high before the entire community (“entire house”) – in our various giftedness, personalities, roles, vocations and interests; empowered by the Spirit to communicate the good news of Jesus in creative, meaningful, understandable, culturally and contextually relevant ways. Exciting yes! But this may mean there are things to be left behind – i.e. convenience, personal preferences, comfort zones.

Another question! Did you want to experience the Holy Spirit working through your life to the betterment of the world? Then this starts at the cross of Jesus.

A Pentecost Blessing:

May we enter the adventure, and discover where the winds of the Holy Spirit are blowing.

A Model Prayer for use in public worship gatherings

We thank you loving God that we can gather here today for worship.

We thank you also that other people can gather in your name in other places.

We have come from our homes and community to meet with one another and with you.

We thank you for the Saturday we had, with all its joys, activities and the various places of gathering.

We thank you that today we can sing your praise, we can read your word, share in communion, and pray.

We thank you for the many resources and gifts you have given us, that we can use in a ministry to others.

We thank you for the recent rains, then followed by some beautiful weather.

We thank you for our family, friends, neighbours, church, and all those who love us and encourage us.

Our minds turn to those we care for.

We pray for any who are sick, incapacitated, lonely or sad.

We pray for a fresh awakening of grace and healing in their lives:

[insert names & particular situations].

We pray for those who are recovering from illness or surgery: […] or anyone else.

We pray for those who are away from us – on holiday or for other reasons:

[...] or anyone else.

We continue to pray for the people of [Nepal], and as well those seeking to serve them.

We continue also to pray for peace to come to troubled places, for evil intent to turn in repentance, for injustice to bow to Jesus.

We pray for those who know that they need to worship, but have found it hard to do so.

We pray that there will be a fresh awakening of your love and Spirit in them.

Help us to be encouragers in the coming week.

Help us to do something or say something that makes a real positive difference in the life of another.

Help us to be part of your mission in the world.

We pray for the challenges and decisions before us as a church, that we will know your very close guidance.

We look forward to seeing many people that are on our minds come to know you.

We look forward to seeing a movement of your Spirit, and of your people;

That we will cause us to grow, and to rise up in even more praise and worship.

We now pray that we can be attentive to your word as it has been searched;

That we might be more ready, more prepared, and more equipped.

Amen!

For Mother's Day - "Care & Service" (John 19:23-30 with emphasis on verses 25-27)

1.     A Human Story

What stands out to you??

This is one of the most emotional, heart-tugging, gut-wrenching, yet inspiring scenes of scripture.

Jesus is in torturous agony – dying an innocent death with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

At the same time there is our view (and also Jesus’ view) of the Roman soldiers dividing up Jesus’ clothes and gambling over his tunic.

At the conclusion we hear Jesus’ say, “It is finished”. There is of course more to this than just the end of a human life – this also speaks of the accomplishment of a mission i.e. the creation of an open door of forgiveness for all those who will humble themselves and believe.

But what else is there? There is yet a stunning reference to the ongoing human story.

Standing near the cross were the four women closest to Jesus. One of these was Jesus’ mother. The disciple John was also there with the women.

We could only begin to wonder how Jesus’ mother would be feeling; no doubt distraught for the situation her son was in.

The anguish and terror of Jesus’ mother at the sight of his crucifixion must have been indescribable.

We have recently seen scenes of how distraught was the mother of Myuran Sukumuran as the time moved closer to his execution … unimaginable anxiety.

Jesus’ mother was no doubt in great need of support and care. She knew who Jesus was … that her son Jesus was actually God’s Son, and that there was a higher purpose behind his death. But that didn’t change the human reality of the moment. That you have some knowledge that this was likely to happen, in no way lessens the pain when it does.

Just because we realise or understand the higher purpose of some particular suffering, this does NOT lessen the human tragedy.

Jesus could have said “toughen up Mum” … but he didn’t; or Jesus could’ve reminded her that he would rise again (which he had spoken about a few times earlier) … but he didn’t!

Rather, Jesus entered into this solemn moment of human suffering, and brought about a tender response.

The tender concern that Jesus showed for his mother, in his own hour of mortality, illuminates Jesus’ true humanity and compassion.

The disciple John would be struggling too. Even though we often see Peter as the leader of the disciples, John and his brother James were often shown to be part of the inner circle. John was clearly very close to Jesus, referring to himself as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved”.

John would need someone to support and care for him as well going forward.

So Jesus, despite his agony, in compassion, reaches out to his mother and to his best friend, and says, “Woman, here is your son”, and to John, “Here is your mother”. Here is love and gratitude, expressed toward both a dedicated mother and a devoted friend. Don’t you just love Jesus!!

Mary was now 33 years older than when Jesus was born, perhaps now in her late forties. Not particularly old, but she’d had more sons, and probably Joseph her husband would have died by now; and she’d had to endure all the criticism, rejection and opposition that Jesus had encountered.

Where were her other sons? Would they not care for her … well not necessarily. We know that they had difficulty accepting and believing who their brother Jesus really was, and just wanted Jesus to pull his head in and just be normal. This possibly had put them at odds with their mother. So they may not have been in the best position to offer good care and support, even if they had wanted to. Mary needed a ‘son’ who understood, and felt the same way she did.

Mary and John were clearly best suited together as mutual carers, because they had both lost so much. John, to his great credit, then follows through, and takes Mary to his home. Here were two faith-filled people necessarily caring for one another, as no one else could care for them (in such a deeply spiritual way).

John, with his brother James, had left the Zebedee family home three years ago, and had followed Jesus everywhere he went. John was now ready to step up into whatever ministry Jesus had for him (without looking back). As we begin to read the book of Acts, we see that taking Mary into his home, did not hold John back from further adventurous ministry. We might imagine how Mary was cheering John on, as he perpetuated Jesus’ ministry in the post-resurrection and early-Church development period. John was good for Mary and Mary was good for John.

Jesus, from the cross, extends into the future Christian community, the pastoral care he lived out in his earthly life.

We could see this simply as the oldest son making provision for his mother, but an oldest son would have been more likely to enlist the second-oldest son. This has far more to it … here was God (in Jesus) initiating and encouraging caring spiritual community.

2.     What does this say to us?

(a)  Care & support

Part of our response to Jesus (and what he has done for us) is to care for others. And there may be very particular specific others who we are called to care for and support. Very naturally, there will be our parents, there will be our wife or husband, there will be our children. The ideal would be that such caring relationships as these, although primary, would not hold us back from the wider ministry work of Jesus. The ideal in fact would be that these primary relationships would actually fuel us for more and broader relationships. These relationships within the family circle become the training ground and the source of encouragement for more relationships. In mind here are not only brothers and sisters in the Christian community, but also, and importantly, neighbours, friends and acquaintances in the wider community. And anyway, the way for our family (and our church) to grow in well-being and harmony, is for us to also give attention to the broader human dynamic around us. People are hurting with a developing propensity toward depression and destructive behaviour. Maybe some care and support for these and others will not only be personally helpful, but also community-building.

It has to be said that some of our family relationships aren’t in the best shape, for a great variety of reasons. Even when we sincerely try to repair these, it doesn’t necessarily go well. Who knows what Mary’s relationship was like with her other sons! Who knows how close the brothers John and James really were, or what the relationship with their parents was like (having left the family business behind just to follow an itinerant prophet)! But in the following of Jesus, we will have ample opportunities to invest ourselves into the lives and needs of many others. “Woman, here is your son … John … here is your mother”. Who is Jesus asking us to care for and support – to take into our inner family circle?

(b) Mutuality – interdependence

In our formation, God has given us both limitations and responsibility. This is the possibility of making gross mistakes, while retaining great responsibility in caring for God’s world. We are limited on our own and thus need each other. At the same time we have responsibility for the welfare of others. So both our limitations and our responsibility lead us into relationships of mutual care. “Limitations are a sign pointing to your need of the other; while responsibility reveals the other’s need of you” (refer to “The New Parish” page 73).

Sometimes we are ready to care, but are not so open to others caring for us. This is something we need to get our heads around … being open to others caring for us.

(c)  Serving

Many of us want to serve God. But to do this well and maintain this desire is quite challenging. Jesus committed the care of his mother to the one who was closest to him. This might suggest to us again, that if we want to serve Jesus well, into the lives of others, then we have to be close to him i.e. Jesus. Larry Richards wrote, “The closer we are to the Lord, the more likely He is to commit precious things and precious people to our care”. We need to get to know Jesus as well as we can, so that his heart of compassion, understanding and care can rub off on us.

What do we do when we become overwhelmed by the evil and violence in the world? What do we do while our prayers are in the process of being answered?? Follow in the Jesus way: care and service – believing that this will indeed make a difference!

3.     Conclusion: Reversals (in a good way)

Today I selected for the closing song at church “Let the weak say I am strong” for the following reason. The one who has felt weak or poor because of life’s disappointments can be made to feel strong and rich, when embraced by a personal ministry of Jesus through another human traveller. The work of Jesus on the cross is NOT yet complete without it being lived out by us in the service of others. Jesus’ work of salvation is complete, but it still needs to be lived, seen, experienced and felt in the general human environment, especially if it’s going to catch on.

When we sing the third verse, which begins “I will rise from waters deep into the saving arms of God”, can we picture this as happening together, on mass, the whole lot of us, and more; not only because we have been saved by Jesus, but also because we have been ministered to by others (in the name of Jesus).

Autumn Festival Prayer of Thanksgiving

God of Love, we are grateful for all Your creativeness,

And part of this are the colours of Autumn;

We are awestruck by this beauty,

Which reminds us how wonderful You are.

Loving God, we are grateful for your great mercy and many blessings.

Please enliven us through Your Spirit.

Living God, we are grateful for people on the street,

Some of them locals, others our visitors;

Walking up and down, looking, shopping, enjoying,

Which reminds us that You are the giver of life.

Loving God, we are grateful for your great mercy and many blessings.

Please enliven us through Your Spirit.

Lord Jesus, we have enjoyed the festival with all its activities,

The markets, parade, music, art and craft;

Places to go, and people to see,

Which reminds us about the importance of community.

Loving God, we are grateful for your great mercy and many blessings.

Please enliven us through Your Spirit.

God of Grace, we have noticed the local crowds for Anzac Day,

People who want to respect and honour sacrifice;

We would long for there to be peace on Earth,

So we commit ourselves to Jesus, Saviour and Prince of Peace.

Loving God, we are grateful for your great mercy and many blessings.

Please enliven us through Your Spirit.

God of Mercy, we regret that this week has been tinged with sadness,

People losing their lives in Indonesia and Nepal;

Life is so fragile, yet so precious,

We have been reminded of our deep need of You.

Loving God, we are grateful for your great mercy and many blessings.

Please enliven us through Your Spirit.

God of Comfort, we are grateful for our places of worship,

Where we gather to express our love for You;

We thank You that here today we are together,

Which reminds us of our unity in the Name of Jesus.

Loving God, we are grateful for your great mercy and many blessings.

Please enliven us through Your Spirit.

Creator God, we are grateful for this beautiful part of Your world,

With its mountains, trees, rivers, birds and animals;

We have enjoyed both the rain and the sun,

We have been reminded that the Spirit of God lives here.

Loving God, we are grateful for your great mercy and many blessings.

Please enliven us through Your Spirit.

Amen.