"Companions of Jesus" (Acts 4:5-14)

Introduction

What a great compliment was paid to Peter and John, here in Acts … to be described as “companions of Jesus”. Could we be easily described in the same way … as “companions of Jesus”? What evidence would be available to support this description? These are the challenging thoughts that enter my mind when I get to verse 13.

In a recent book by Phil Cooke & Jonathan Bock, they provocatively ask, “Why did the early church succeed where we are failing?” They go on to say … that the early church did things that astonished the Romans: they took in their abandoned babies, they helped the sick and wounded, they restored dignity to slaves, they were willing to die for what they believed – after a while, their actions so softened the hearts of the Romans, that they wanted to know more about who these Christians were, and who was the God they represented.

Context

This passage, from Acts chapter 4, is the culmination of the incident where a man that had been lame from birth went walking and leaping and praising God … following his meeting with Peter and John. This incident, of miraculous healing, caused a bit of a ruckus, and Peter and John were arrested and brought before the ruling authorities to explain themselves. You would have thought everyone would be happy about such an event – a man who had been unable to walk from birth and likely living in destitute conditions begging for food … having been liberated! Good eh!!

But such is the human propensity to be negative, and want to keep their own measure of power, there had to be an interrogation. What was Peter and John’s crime? We read earlier that they had upset the ruling authorities by claiming that Jesus had risen from the dead. These rulers thought they had dealt with this – thought that they had got rid of Jesus and his threat to their seat of power. They did NOT want to have any aspect of Jesus’ mission carry on; they wanted the memory of Jesus to die away! They thought if they could threaten Peter and John enough … they would retract this notion of Jesus still healing people.

What a Change!

In response, it was Peter who spoke, and this is significant, given what happened in the hours leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. This was a very different Peter now! We know that Peter had been very scared and denied even knowing Jesus three times. Under guilt and shame, he even began to give up following Jesus and went back to the fishing business. But very quickly, he was met by the resurrected Jesus, forgiven, reinstated as a disciple, and given leadership within the future mission. Most impacting of all, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and never looked back from there!

Yet this still was a remarkable change in a very short time, and we should never underestimate how hard it is to muster courage in the face of fear, failure and disappointment. If the resurrection and the Holy Spirit were to make such an amazing difference in the life of Peter, then Peter was going to have to be willing and open and ready enough for all this to happen – it was still a choice Peter had to make! Through humility, Peter was indeed ready to embrace a new and different future – even under a real and even greater threat to his life!

Peter immediately and confidently testified to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection; and to the fact that this previously ‘lame’ man had been healed because Jesus was alive and still active in the affairs of humankind. And at great personal risk, Peter also pointed out rather strongly, that although certain people had sought to destroy Jesus – quite clearly they had failed in their objectives. Jesus remains the centre piece of human functioning, and would be the cornerstone … the major building-block … of God’s Kingdom.

The Result

On the basis of their clear and strong testimony, though they were NOT trained public speakers, together with the clear evidence of the 'fruit' of their ministry, Peter, with John standing next to him, were described by their interrogators … as "companions of Jesus". The act of healing stood for itself - it could NOT be denied.

The people of that district knew well the circumstances of this formerly ‘lame’ man's life (refer Acts 3:9-10); it is later noted that he was 40 years old (4:22). This was an undoubted and significant healing event! If Peter and John were able to effect such remarkable change in this ‘lame’ man's life, when they were clearly just ordinary Galilean fisherman, then something else must be happening. Obviously summoned as a witness in this ‘trial’, this ‘lame’ man just walked in, and stood before them – stunning everybody. This COULD NOT be a hoax!

The rulers would NOT yet be prepared to admit to Jesus’ divinity nor resurrection, but the credibility of the healing, and the disciples’ testimony, could NOT be questioned any further. And (new) possibilities were being raised in these people’s minds. Ultimately, Peter was saying that, on the basis of what has been publicly seen by all, Jesus cannot be sensibly rejected.

The Means

We read in verse 13, that Peter and John acted and spoke with “boldness”. The word translated “boldness” here, also conveys courage and clarity. Peter and John were, in a good way, ‘uninhibited’; meaning they were NOT in any way muddled or fearful in the way they spoke or acted. They were free of inhibitions, and had received wisdom from the Holy Spirit. [They were completely unashamed of their testimony.]

There is a back story to all this! Some time previously, when they were still fearful young disciples, Jesus had said to them, “When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers and the authorities, do NOT worry about how you are to defend yourselves, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:11-12). How true was that!! Because of the progress of their lives under the Holy Spirit, Peter and John knew instinctively what to say … when the moment came.

Peter and John were no longer worried about putting up a ‘defence’ – they didn’t need to be ‘defensive’; for they had on the tip of their tongues the most positive message of all – the positive message of the Gospel! Their words (in tune with their acts of mercy and kindness), cut through, with authenticity, the closed mind-sets and resistance of their detractors. The ruling authorities recognised that these men, Peter and John, not only healed like Jesus healed, but also, that they argued their case with the same intensity and credibility as Jesus had. Indeed, they were “companions of Jesus”.

Our View

As we read this text 20 centuries down the track, our hearts are enlivened, and our faith is enriched, as we conclude that the resurrected Jesus was working through these disciples. Yet we also sense the challenge being put to us! Can we be so confident and so real and so fruitful and so effective ... despite being normal and human ... that people will see us as "companions of Jesus"?

Lying behind what has been translated here as “companions of Jesus” is the idea of ‘having been with Jesus’. This means walking with Jesus, having learned from Jesus. This means travelling on the same pathways as Jesus walked, and heading in the same direction toward the same destination. Companions or friends going on a hike together … ideally start to together, travel together and finish together. This is to choose to walk the road of life with Jesus.

This means that we will be achieving two things: firstly, directing other people’s thoughts … beyond ourselves … toward the person of Jesus – as the old hymn said, “speaking in living echoes of [Jesus’] tone” {“Lord speak to me, that I may speak – in living echoes of Thy tone”}. And, secondly, we sometimes get to contribute to some miracles – leading to transformed lives. As we live in the light, we get to shine brightly, bearing grace and peace (often against the norm).

Application

This all does require the words of our mouth and the practical output of our heart ... to be totally in sync! We have to be worshipping – lifting up the name of Jesus, explaining who Jesus is and what he means to us; at the same time as reaching out our hands with serving love. And when we are loving and serving our neighbour with a practical hand and hospitality, we would want to be able to point to the One – Jesus – who has made all the difference for us, and can have that same effect for others. This is what we see Peter and John doing … acts of mercy and kindness in the name of Jesus – therefore people came to describe them as "companions of Jesus".

For maximum influence, we need to be careful NOT to be distracted by minor issues that having little bearing on the mission of God. When all is said and done, it is NOT the correctness of our beliefs or the breadth of our knowledge that will save anyone, but rather the fruit of our lives. We have to guard against becoming fixated on things that will just bring division, confusion or just be a turn-off for others. Jesus was content with his major focus on serving through love of neighbour, that led him all the way down the path of sacrifice.

An Example From Modern Literature

What I loved most about reading the novel "The Robe", was how when the Roman tribune Marcellus, who was part of the squad who crucified Jesus, actually became convinced that Jesus had risen from the dead and thus was the Son of God, he became more and more transformed into the image of Jesus each day, and because of this, had such a remarkable effect on everyone he met. In his previous life he was only receiving orders, obeying orders, being used on the one hand, and being feared and hated on the other. Now things were totally different. People couldn’t believe the transformation that had occurred, and the light that Marcellus now exuded.

The people around Marcellus were so keen to seek and find an explanation for all this. Just through the character of his new life, whole communities changed, newly expressing love and compassion; and (in this novel) the barriers between masters and slaves started breaking down - because it just didn't make sense anymore. If we truly follow Jesus, lots of things that may have seemed logical or important - just don't make sense anymore! This should be so simple! Just living as Jesus taught us to!! And when those challenges and threats come - there is enough of the life of Jesus available to us (in Word and in Spirit) that we can still emulate him.

Conclusion

What is there in our lives that demands an explanation? Joy, hope, peace, purpose? What "fruit" do we need to be growing in? The fruit of the Spirit (in Galatians 5:22-23) is always a good guide.

Also, I reckon in the teaching of Jesus himself we find some 'no-brainers' (yet, admittedly, these often require a preparedness for some degree of sacrifice):

• peace-loving & peace-making;

• speaking the truth (rather than half-truths or lies or being divisively secretive) – following Jesus entails being a person who tells the "truth" – not only the truth of the gospel, but also the "truth" about who we are (as we deal in the reality of each moment); in this way we become a more trustworthy community member;

• a desire to maintain and reconcile relationships where at all possible (rather than divide and conquer); and,

• looking after the vulnerable and hurting.

While these are often counter-cultural and against natural human tendencies, they remain ESSENTIAL behaviour patterns of the growing Christian, and prerequisites for being seen as "companions of Jesus".

"A Significant Life"

Introduction

Our reading from Acts chapter 2:22-36, is part of Peter’s first sermon following the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Here we see Peter talking about a significant life, the most significant life of all – Jesus. Peter spoke these words, to convey to his particular audience, how extraordinary Jesus was and is. Now, according to Peter, the whole world will turn on our response to Jesus. Jesus performed wonders of great help to many, and when he was rejected and crucified, he rose again – because it was (just) impossible for such a one as him to be held by death. God has made Jesus both Lord and Messiah.

Jesus is the ultimate significant life. How can we too then, have a significant life?

Following Jesus, of course, yes … but how?

How might we assess ourselves, or develop ways in which we know we are following Jesus?

Today, I have six areas we could consider. I acknowledge writer Robert Jeffress for leading me into some of these thoughts.

Six Areas of Significance

1. Discovering your Unique Purpose

Jesus knew his unique purpose. Even though there were many facets to his incarnation, his unique purpose was summed up this way – “For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life [as] a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Others could participate in teaching, healing, serving, and loving enemies, but only Jesus could provide a sacrifice that could bring the possibility of forgiveness for all.

Every follower of Jesus has general purpose in life. Bringing glory to God in their actions and choices. Witnessing to the effectiveness of having Jesus central to one’s life – sharing the good news. Loving our neighbour. But each of us also have particular unique callings upon our time and abilities. This is also linked to our spiritual gifts. Sometimes this calling will be our profession or career as well, e.g. aid workers, pastors, theological educators. What we do as a job can also be what we were born to do, and through this we make a significant contribution to the lives of others and the whole community, e.g. teachers, doctors, nurses. Then sometimes we earn a living and support our family through what we are good at, and then we have a calling to use the rest of our time in God’s service doing other things. In each of these ways, when we come together in the church, we have the different callings coming together to form a very comprehensive mix of ministry. We might think of the quilt where people provide different squares and it’s all stitched together. We might think of the jigsaw puzzle, that is only complete when all the unique pieces are clipped together. We might think of Paul’s ‘body’ metaphor, where all the various body parts are required to make up a functioning cohesive whole.

We should be able to answer the question – why specifically am I here? Do you know your particular calling … the contribution/s you are meant to be making?? There are NO passengers in the Kingdom of God. What is your particular role in church and community??? And these roles are ALWAYS to be performed as part of a church body, NEVER in isolation. Even if you are working at some distance, like a missionary in a far-flung area, you must ALWAYS be accountable to the Body of Christ! Those that have found themselves distant from the church, need to find their way back to be truly in God’s will.

If you need help discovering your unique purpose, then please come and speak with me. There are various means we can use to discover the answer to this.

2. Determining to Influence Culture

The classic text here is: “You are the light of the world. {A city built on a hill cannot be hid.} No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but [rather] on the lampstand; and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). This is what Jesus taught and lived.

The first reaction many Christians have to an increasingly anti-Christian culture … is to retreat, withdraw (like a turtle pulling its head and legs into its shell). Or, they might just judgmentally lash out, without any consideration for the cause and reasons behind such a cultural reaction. Or, Christians might just go into a ‘holy-huddle’ or self-protection mode (confining the rest of the world to hell). Each of these are inappropriate and unbiblical responses. Jesus made it clear, that rather than ever isolating ourselves, we are all supposed to engage in attempts to make a positive difference. The peace and hope and quality of our lives are supposed to shine like light in the darkness. Sometimes we need to consciously rise above how we might humanly react, and make sure that the new nature is replacing the old.

As one example, are we people of the truth? Have we left lies, half-truths, deception and secretiveness behind? Have we dispensed with that selfish divide-and-conquer mentality. To be significant in God’s eyes, we will need to be people of truth. Another example is the power of forgiveness and peacemaking, which often shines a very bright light; as does the attitude of loving even those who persecute us. And serving others, especially the most vulnerable and oppressed, is a key to influencing culture in a better direction. Living with a view to the needs of others is certainly counter-cultural in today’s individualistic mindset.

A good exercise … might be to consider at the end of each day, either individually or in family groups, how each of us has influenced culture in a good Jesus-like way that day!

3. Discerning God’s Will through Prayer

Jesus showed that he was completely tuned into God’s will, even when under severe temptation. Yet, when facing a torturous death, he still needed to call upon a particular resource – and that was prayer. Even though Jesus was Son of God, the human experience was so real for Jesus, that he felt the need to bridge a feeling of separation from God through prayer – “Jesus said, ‘Abba Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet not what I want, but what you want” (Mark 14:36).

The reality of a difficult situation was expressed, but there was also a statement of absolute trust in God’s wisdom. Now, if Jesus needed prayer to stay within God’s will for his life, we too would obviously need prayer on an ongoing basis, and in most, if not all, circumstances. It’s as we spend time with God in prayer, individually, and in groups, that we gain clarity about what we are supposed to be doing.

It’s amazing, that when I have shared a prayer point with a group, that the answer comes through the way another expresses their prayer for this particular concern. Just sharing things out loud, and praying with others, brings new clarity and perspective to what may have previously been a blur. I like Psalm 36:9 – “For with you [referring to God] is the fountain of life; in Your light, we see light”.

Our prayers need to be persistent, reactive to the circumstances around us, and proactive toward a better vision of the future.

4. Leaving the Past Behind

There were those that left everything to follow Jesus. There were also those who seemed to qualify their preparedness to follow. There were still earthly things to attend to, that were seemingly being given higher priority – but Jesus said to them, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Jesus himself showed the way – for when he set his mind toward Jerusalem, at the end of his three-year ministry, he did not waver from his forward progress.

The salvation we are being offered through God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice, is powerful enough to deal with each and every issue in our past and present. We can see in the Gospels how the liberation and healing from all dark influences and demonic strongholds can be absolutely complete. Sometimes we need help to realise the full potential of our salvation – but that help is available within God’s church through the Holy Spirit. But maybe sometimes we hold back, keeping a foot in the past … for whatever reason – maybe the old shoes are still comfortable in some ways, maybe we just haven’t been able to trust Jesus enough!? Yet, we have to come to the conclusion, that we should NOT be looking back (other than to the lessons we can learn).

[This can be true as well for seasons in the church, where we need to wholly commit to the new season and leave the old seasons behind. I invited those writing for the annual report this time around to reflect on the past as it relates to the future – so I commend to you prayerful consideration of our annual report.]

Returning to the notion that Jesus has dealt with all the negativity that can beset us – songwriter Lyndon Wesley wrote in his song ‘Life Extraordinary’ the words, “I made my choice – [I’m] not going back to history”! We have to set our face forward … growing and maturing into the image of Jesus. We must eliminate all possibility of retreat! Hedging our bets and holding back is NOT an option. Paul wrote to the Philippian church, “… forgetting what lies behind, and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).

The guilt we may have carried in the past has been FORGIVEN! The shame has been lifted! Some disappointment in ourselves may linger, but we must allow the Holy Spirit to carry us forward into God’s plans for our lives … we just MUST!

5. Learning How to Handle Bad Days

There are often battles to be fought – from within and from ‘without’. Jesus knows all about rejection, betrayal and torturous abuse. Yet, on the worst day of his life in many ways, from the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

As part of life, there are worries, doubts and even despair. We have to deal with our share of bad days that include everything from flat tyres, to sore throats, to having just too much to do (which we might blame on others), to the threat of serious illness, to real dents to our faith. On such days, we will need an extra dose of whatever it is that can assure us of God’s love for us. It could be a psalm in the bible, or a story from the gospels covering how Jesus helped a person in need, or a song we need to sing, or to firmly establish God’s presence through prayer, or to have a coffee with someone who is utterly trustworthy to give us good counsel, or to just consider how this perceived setback fits in the larger story of our lives.

Often when someone hurts us, or offends us … they do not fully appreciate the negativity they have brought to us. Even if they do, and it was deliberate, it is coming from a dark place in them that no doubt has a back story. We cannot let resentment build, because it will only hurt us further, and also badly affect those who live around us. Those who crucified Jesus were evil in their deed, and did so for a variety of reasons, ranging from power to convenience. Yet Jesus still had a view to the bigger picture, as he forgave them from the cross.

We should NOT accept abuse and bullying and negative criticism – such things are never okay, but we need to follow the example of Jesus to get beyond it.

6. Looking at the Legacy We Leave

Jesus realised that when he died, and even when he rose again, that the real impact of all this would be dependent on others. That is why, knowing what lay ahead, Jesus invested very deeply in a group of disciples, who would ultimately be the leaders in taking the mission of Jesus forward. Even though Peter, when put under pressure, denied even knowing Jesus – he was later reinstated in ministry with the commission, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). This was because a failure like his, still did NOT undermine his magnificent potential!

And, of course, the resurrection of Jesus, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, changes everything. This all set a pattern for the early church to be interested in developing people into Kingdom-building roles through apprenticeship and mentoring (refer Acts 6). Yet this still would not work without Divine assistance. That is why Jesus made sure that the disciples would gather together, and be filled together with the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to his disciples, “See, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). A significant life can NEVER be divorced from the power of the Holy Spirit.

Any serious legacy we can leave behind will be empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit turns good ideas and good intentions into serious advances in the life of a community. We need to invest in others, especially the young, allowing the Holy Spirit to design and guide the outcomes. We need to use our resources, time and energies well, in efforts to build community. Who is it we can invest in? Who is it that we should allow to invest in us??

All Mr Holland wanted to do, in the film ‘Mr Holland’s Opus’, was to write his great symphony. To support his family while he wrote it, he needed to become a music teacher, a prospect he hated the very thought of. As it turned out however, it was NOT the great symphony that became his life’s work, but rather it was the students he invested his personal mentoring into … this became his great ‘opus’!

"God is Available" (Luke 17:11-19)

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem and entered a village along the way. Jesus was always out and about and available to people. God is always available to us! Sometimes, Jesus would withdraw for rest and prayer, but was soon ready to engage with people all over again. And Jesus had gained a reputation for healing people with all sorts of medical problems. In this case, there were ten people suffering from ‘leprosy’ looking for help.

‘Leprosy’, in these times, was a general term for a variety of skin conditions, whether they were contagious or not. Yet, all these people with obvious skin or flesh issues were grouped together, and shunned from general society. They were forced to live in remote and desolate places, often enduring horrible conditions. These people, therefore, suffered poverty, hunger, mental anguish, and shame (even though they were not at fault).

Legally, they would have to “keep their distance”, and call out ‘unclean, unclean’, if someone who was unaffected came close to their location. So, even though these sufferers (from leprosy) did “keep their distance”, this was still a bold and brave move for them to approach Jesus like this. This also speaks of Jesus’ very public reputation … in being able to help. Given that Jesus was the incarnation of God into the world, we have here an example of the universal availability of God to address even the most complex needs … right across society.

Mercy is what Jesus trades in, and mercy is what the people of God should trade in. Why? Well God, we believe, created this world in love, and therefore is committed to its well-being, and to the well-being of all its inhabitants. We, especially living here, have a witness to God’s creative genius every day. And God continues to reach out to this world in love. And that is why we built this building – because we want to maximise our opportunities to share that message. In just a small way, this building represents God’s caring presence in the world, and availability to each of us.

In those times, when a person with such a skin condition experienced a recovery, they would need to present themselves before their priest to be declared ‘clean’ and healthy, and thereby be allowed to re-enter mainstream life. So, the assumption was, that, as Jesus had shown “mercy” to them, inevitably, they would be declared ‘clean’ and they could return to their neighbourhood. Today, in such a circumstance, people might be sent to their doctor to certify them healthy.

But the centrepiece of this story, is the one person who stopped, turned back, and returned to thank Jesus. This person left his visit to the priest for a bit later, understanding that the remarkable thing that had happened, was purely as a result of connecting with Jesus. I can just imagine this person going on their way, then suddenly realising the significance of the encounter, and the greatness of the person who brought this healing.

There was here, an opportunity, really an invitation … to come back to Jesus for a further blessing … actually for the ultimate blessing! Now feeling free of any restraint, this former “leper” … fell at Jesus’ feet in exultant excited gratitude! He realised that his life had been touched by God, and he wanted more. And with almost a throw-away line, the storyteller informs us that this person was, quote, a “Samaritan” – to remind us that even, and perhaps especially, it may be the least likely who might surprise us all … with their positive response to Jesus.

The ultimate blessing here, as a result of faith in Jesus, was not only physical healing, but also spiritual transformation, or what we often call ‘salvation’. This is where we become ‘whole’ and fully alive. This person’s life was put right! But, before this happened, this person needed to step up … in gratitude and faith, to be able to move forward in life. As we said before, the turning point of the story … is this person’s discontent with his own life situation, his realisation of who could, and who had, helped him, and his active decision to embrace the answer. This story gives us a window … into how Jesus is able to change the course of people’s lives in extraordinary ways.

God is available! If anyone has questions about faith, the Bible, Jesus, maybe even the existence of God – they can know … that we built this place for them. We seek to make our unique contribution toward the spiritual well-being of this community. Because of this, we also seek to assist with the very real and present needs of our neighbours. We want to participate helpfully and encouragingly … in what’s happening all around us. As we represent Jesus as best we can, hopefully getting better at it by the day, we want to show that God is available! Amen!

"Beautiful Service" (Mark 14:1-11)

Introduction

In recent weeks, we have been talking about serving one another, and having the “beautiful feet” of those who share the good news. All good! Yet, sometimes, such things like serving and sharing become tasks on the to-do list, and at busy times can seem hard to fit in. When such things become simply tasks, this can take all the joy out of serving and sharing the good news. This can even set us up for feelings of guilt … for not getting involved.

How can we stop this from happening? This is where we need to understand the source of our serving and sharing. Why do we serve and share? These are not activities that come out of our human capacity, but rather they are endeavours that come out of God’s Spirit working through us. So, sometimes, we need to step back, and reconnect with the source behind our ability to love our neighbour!

Being With

We need to resist the Martha within us, to embrace the Mary. In that famous incident, recorded in Luke’s Gospel (10:38-42), Martha was so busy doing, that she missed an opportunity to just be with Jesus. As important as those tasks no doubt were, Martha was so set on them, that she even criticised Mary for just being with Jesus and listening to him.

This is similar to the point being made in Mark 14. The Gospel of John, if it’s the same incident, actually identifies this woman as Mary (sister of Martha), whereas Mark prefers to keep this woman anonymous (perhaps more highlighting the act over the personality). This woman who poured the perfume over Jesus … was criticised too. There are critics everywhere! Yes, we should be serving the poor, there will always be opportunities to serve the poor, but sometimes we will need to just spend time with Jesus – that will then actually enable us to carry on with that level of serving … especially through tougher times.

We simply need to know and love Jesus!! That is why, when we gather around God’s Word, to consider how we can best serve the interests of God’s Kingdom in the world – for that is the point of bible study – not knowledge, but practice – we also need to spend good time simply worshipping God in Jesus’ Name. We need to, time and time again, commit ourselves to Jesus, and embrace the Holy Spirit’s leadership in the life of our church.

We can be running around seemingly busy with good deeds, but lose the reason and the source behind such activity, i.e. the love and compassion that begins in the heart of God. We might say that there are so many other pressing matters, but are there really?! Do the alternatives really stack up?! Are there easy excuses?!

Losing Our Way

It is NO coincidence, that following this incident (in Mark 14), Judas goes off to betray Jesus – off he goes … to conspire with Jesus’ bitter opponents. Dramatic isn’t it!! Judas clearly failed to appreciate the importance of what this woman had done for Jesus. Judas had been following Jesus for three years, but clearly failed to really understand what he had got into.

Jesus had presented a great ideal for Judas, but without a personal investment in who Jesus was, Judas was NOT going to last the journey. Worse than that, Judas went totally the other way! Judas had NOT allowed himself to fully appreciate and apportion the depth of Jesus into his life. Nor did Judas deal properly with his problematical addiction to money – and this, ironically, cost him everything.

Worship

This woman had encountered Jesus, had experienced being with Jesus, had likely been ministered to by Jesus, and now she responded to him in the most beautiful of ways. Sincere gratitude was spilling over. As this was an expensive liquid, we are left in no doubt that this was an act of lavish worship. Nothing was held back, the perfume was NOT measured in any way. She just broke the jar, and poured it all out!! There was nothing conventional about this, it was radical, extraordinary and impressive! She followed her heart, not caring what others might think!

The NIV translates the last part of verse 6 with Jesus saying, “She has done a beautiful thing to me”. Surely that is something we would want to emulate! Verse 9 points out the importance of all this. This act will be remembered and recorded and read and talked about for ever. It was the most poignant act of worship! Yet, as mentioned before, as this woman is not named here, it is actually the act of worship itself that is the centrepiece – an act that can be emulated and repeated by others – and by us!!

We are not in a position to literally smother Jesus with perfume. But there are other ways we can attend to Jesus. Reading about him. Working out how best to follow him – following his ways of living. Praying to him. Worshipping him – which is an act of gratitude, praise, and commitment. Looking for him in others. Loving who he is. Becoming more like him. 

Sacrifice

Pouring perfume on Jesus’ head resembles the anointing of ancient kings. This woman was saying or demonstrating who Jesus was for her. Jesus was her king. She was lifting up the name of Jesus … as her king. We lift up the name of Jesus … by giving Him our total allegiance – as the King of our kingdom. Because he is our perfect infallible King, we worship Him, and we bear further allegiance … in the way we carry ourselves, in the way in which we live.

There was also, in this woman’s act of anointing, a testimony to the sacrifice Jesus would make for others – for all humanity. It was customary, at the time, for the dead to be prepared for burial with a perfume like this – just like the women were seeking to do … when they found Jesus’ body missing from the tomb. Perhaps all this was unconscious; or perhaps this woman had just been given a deep understanding … of the sacrifice Jesus would soon make. As a condemned crucified criminal, Jesus would not have normally been afforded any anointing. So this woman here, presents a testimony of an innocent serving sacrifice from the Son of God - Jesus.

The question for us, out of this, is how deeply do we appreciate what Jesus has done for us, and what do we do about that (in terms of our relationship with him). Do we find a way, our own way, of pouring perfume over Jesus? The Christian life was NEVER meant to be about soaking up the grace, and living unchanged! That is often called ‘cheap grace’. But we can never really make Christ’s sacrifice less expensive. We can only waste it! The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, was always to bring about transformed lives.

Conclusion

We have been taught to serve others. We have been called, all of us, to share the good news of Jesus. To be able to handle this mission adequately – to be able to pull this off for the long-term – we need to approach Jesus, know Jesus, dwell with Jesus, worship Jesus, learn from Jesus, and love Jesus! It will be Jesus himself then, that fuels our efforts to serve and to share (the good news), and make us effective in bringing forward the Kingdom of God.

Important to the success of any football team is their defence. We see those annoying defenders grabbing at and ‘keeping touch’ on their forward opponents. They need to keep tight on these forwards – the coach tells them to “always keep touch on their opponents … lest they get away from them”. We need to ‘keep touch’ on Jesus; NOT, of course, because there is anything to worry about, but rather … because Jesus is our best friend. Let us never lose touch with Jesus!

How was it that this woman understood what to do, and how to do it, such that it could be described by Jesus as a “good service” or a “beautiful thing”? She must have given Jesus her full attention. If we want to be able to love others for the long haul, we will need to continue to experience the love of Jesus for ourselves first. As we do experience such immeasurable love for ourselves, we will likely, much more naturally, express that love “beautifully” to others. Amen!!

"More Beautiful Feet" - reflecting on our church's ongoing journey of sharing good news (Isaiah 52:7 & Romans 10:12-15)

People need to hear the good news! That is why those who take this good news to others … are described as having … “beautiful feet”. The quote that Paul uses in verse 15 (of Romans chapter 10) comes originally from Isaiah 52:7, where we read: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation; who says to Zion ‘Your God reigns’.

The people of God in Israel, when Isaiah was active as a prophet, were often in difficult situations, and thus needing to hear some better news for times ahead. Often they had contributed to their own troubles. But, God never forgot them, never lost his interest in them, never fell out of love with them, always wanting what was best for them.

Isaiah probably modelled his concept of “beautiful feet”, on the messenger that was reporting the very good news about the release of the Israelite captives from the Babylonian exile. A messenger, of good news, like this, is usually on the move, looking for every opportunity possible to spread the very important information that they know to be true.

There is a joyous spring in their step! Even if those feet are tired, calloused and dirty, such feet are actually still “beautiful”, because they carry forth the sort of “good news” that can change lives. And, at the end of the day, as we read in John 13, Jesus himself will [personally] wash the weary feet of those he calls to bring the “good news” message.

People of all generations go through difficult times. Those that we do community with … go through difficult times. Often one challenge follows another. Sometimes the problems are largely self-inflicted. Yet, God loves everybody, and is available to see anyone through any crisis. That is why we need to keep the rumour of God alive.

More than this, we need to demonstrate what a Loving God we serve. This should always guide our lifestyle. Are we promoting, through the way we do life, that there is real hope … through a Loving Saving God? Sometimes, also, we are called upon to speak – to answer questions, or to share the story behind our faith – so that others can find the means of moving forward.

Through such positive witness to God, through explaining how good it is to follow Jesus, we can offer possibilities of life transforming forgiveness and peace. One of the reasons this news is called “good news”, is because often, very often, this will be NEW news. This will be news, previously unheard. This will be a message that, as they say, is ‘news’ to people (Dickson)!

The people who spoke to us last week from the Christian Motorcyclists Association clearly have been “beautiful feet” amongst an often antagonistic culture. Graeme, in his role as sports chaplain, along with many of us in our various community roles, walk with “beautiful feet”. Those here who are tradies, or run businesses, or serve in other ways, also sense their call to be “beautiful feet”. We should celebrate this, and build on this!

We have to concede that there are many, very many, right here, close to us, who have NOT heard – and who have NOT seen a credible witness to Jesus. They require messengers of “good news” – people with beautiful feet! Some people are just waiting to hear some “good news” like this!

It was reported recently that former Labor leader and Governor-General Bill Haydon, a well-known atheist, had come to faith and been baptised (into the Catholic church) at the age of 85. It is reported that his decision had been prompted by a gnawing pain in his heart and soul about what the meaning of life was, combined with having witnessed so many selfless acts of compassion by Christians over his lifetime. So, do WE have beautiful feet? Are we the messengers they need??

Back in Isaiah 52:7, the words that expressed there are, “Your God reigns”. NOT ‘Our God reigns’ – as if we were only talking to each other, but rather “Your God reigns” – speaking to everybody. God reigns over His Kingdom, where everyone is invited. God offers the best hospitality. God is waiting, hoping, reaching out, touching lives, bringing evidence of his creative love – “Your God reigns”. The exciting news that demands to be shouted from the rooftops, is that “Your God reigns”!

This is not in any oppressive or domineering way, but rather an acknowledgement that the Lord God’s love for all humankind can transform the circumstances of lives all around us. [Sharing the “good news” with others, also helps to cement our own faith.]

The opportunity to be “beautiful feet” … is an inspiring and challenging vision, because, as we embrace the possibilities of this, the well-being and future of whole communities and whole nations can be transformed. The broad acceptance of this “Gospel” of peace, has the capacity to heal brokenness, release people from bondage, restore relationships, change the nature of leadership, reduce violence and evil, and restore creation.

And, it is up to this generation of Jesus-followers, to invest a legacy of love into this world, for the benefit of tomorrow. We have recently celebrated the investments of faithful loving service that Nan Owen and Kevin Reed have given to this community. Can anyone think of any more important investment … than the investment of being such a messenger of “good news”?!? Do WE have beautiful feet? Amen!

"What Does it Mean to Serve?" (Galatians 5:13-15)

Freedom 

The freedom we receive through Christ’s work on the cross, and his resurrection, does NOT mean that we can live however we like. Quite the opposite. There is great purpose to be found in our freedom. We have freedom, because guilt, shame, and the baggage collected through an old life, has been removed. Living however we like … is actually what we are being saved FROM (NOT to)! Living in freedom is about living with purpose … uninhibited by the chains of sin and negativity. Living in freedom is also about being released from limitations … into the positive space of expressing the will of God. 

Freedom Expressed Through Slavery 

The process of experiencing grace and receiving salvation, actually, strange as it may seem, moves us from one form of slavery to another form of slavery. Yet – very different forms of slavery. We are leaving behind a self-centred slavery to sin … and taking up a selfless ‘slavery’ … toward the great ideal of community. The fact that Paul uses a word and a concept … like “slave” – that would normally be seen so negatively … is striking! This certainly gives plenty of depth to our understanding of the nature of spiritual service. That same word … “doulos – slave”, that same state of being, which is inescapably demanded of that person unjustly enslaved to another, is now used to describe a volunteer action (toward another person)!

We are left to conclude that service for God … is NOT so voluntary after all, but rather a normal and needed response to love, grace and spiritual freedom! In the novel ‘The Robe’, the Greek slave Demetrious has given such faithful and sacrificial service to his master Marcellus … that Demetrious is offered his freedom. Demetrious also had other opportunities of escape, and though tempted, refused to take them. When offered freedom from slavery by his master on this particular occasion, Demetrious refuses, because he has become so connected and committed to protecting the well-being of Marcellus, he cannot imagine leaving his post.

Because of the grace being unleashed in our lives, and the process of salvation we are on – we are NO longer ‘slaves to sin’ (which beings death), NOR ‘slaves to ritualistic law codes’ (which brings disappointment and defeat), but rather, we are … ‘slaves to each other’ (which can bring a deep sense of meaning and joy). And, in fact, this was where the ‘law’ actually pointed all the time. This was how God always intended us to live, before we were deceived into individualism, consumerism, and avoiding the central dynamic of the way in which God created the world – which is … relational community!

Through love, we become slaves to one another (verse 13b). The NIV more freely translates, “serve one another in love”. This statement was being directly put to the churches in Galatia in the first century, where there were various divisions, especially down racial and cultural lines. Jewish and Gentile converts to Christianity were very different people: the Jews from a ‘law-based’ religion, where certain practices (around circumcision, food and the Sabbath) were heavily entrenched, while Gentiles were coming to know Jesus from a wide variety of backgrounds. Rather than fighting over small things, it was time to simply “serve one another in love”. For salvation through Jesus brings such a commonality, which should NOT be compromised by things that count for little.

Service 

There are many ways in which we can serve each other. Encouragement, teaching, practical support, prayer, use of spiritual gifts, etc, etc. Yet, our service to God, and to one another, does NOT stop there. This is the starting point for a practical expression of love that knows NO bounds! Wherever we look in the Bible, we see this repeating message. You know what I’m talking about!! It starts early in the Old Testament (e.g. Leviticus 19:18), it is echoed in the prophets, it is highly promoted by Jesus, and it is repeated by James and by Paul. What am I talking about?? “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (verse 14). This sums up everything that God wants to say. This is how we express our freedom, our salvation, and our discipleship!

Serving one another, the community, and the needs of the world … that is our calling. For Paul and Jesus to say that the “whole [Jewish] law [code]” is summed up in one commandment is actually staggering. For the “whole law” covered every phase of human life – such broad-ranging areas as food, clothing, housing, health practices, politics, economics, family and worship. The “whole law” was applied to everything that happened within the Jewish community from birth to death. And here … it is being summed up in just a few short words … “love your neighbour”! If we truly have this mindset, then we have certainly covered off the ‘big ten’!!

If we ignore this – wherever this is ignored – well, we see quite regularly where that leads. We look aghast at the violence, evil and tragedy in the world. People turn on each other because they want what others have, and don’t care what the damage caused feels like. We see this expressed in verse 15. We have often witnessed a loss of empathy, leading to callous disregard of others, especially those who are different. Sometimes these things touch us personally. What can we do? Throw our hands in the air? Build bigger prisons? Let resentment build? The simple answer is … to live in a different way … to express freedom in service … to live in the ‘Jesus loving your neighbour’ way … to be part of the solution! This is what Paul’s letter to the Galatians is all about – living out our freedom in a world-changing way.

Serving Through Sacrifice 

To serve, in the Jesus-way, means to embrace sacrifice. This means seeing beyond our own needs to the needs of others. We might be content with our comfortable status-quo, or even be seeking it, but following Jesus means breaking away from that, and seeing life a whole lot more broadly. Another’s pain … is my pain too! To serve … means letting go of our desire and need to be served, in preference for seeing our purpose in serving others. Jesus laid aside all his majesty and humbled himself to accept death on a cross (Philippians 2). Jesus, during his earthly ministry, said these words – “For the Son of man came NOT to be served, but to serve, and to give his life [as] a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

We will serve each other well, as we are prepared to listen, encourage, pray for, and practically support one another. We will serve our community well, if we observe, participate, listen, encourage and provide practical support wherever possible. We will also serve our community well, by living in a way that points to Jesus. Let us identify ways through which we can bless those in our networks of connection. What do our neighbours need? Let’s thank the traders and the tradies for their service. We can serve the people of the world well, by standing against any forms of injustice, racism and oppression … that demean humanity and God’s creation.

Service Through Hospitality 

We will also serve our community well, by being prepared to step out in faith, offer hospitality, and also offer invitations to come within God’s people – where they may just find ultimate enlightenment. Where the presence of the Holy Spirit of God resides, there is a witness to the strong possibility of neighbourly love. Andy Stanley wrote about his church, “If you’ve got questions about faith, the Bible, Jesus, maybe even the existence of God – you need to know [that] we built this place for you”. Not for us … for you! And, a serving mindset, does NOT judge nor ridicule, but rather welcome and offer hospitality … in grace and mercy.

If people, generally outside the church, hear and see that we have built a new worship centre – what might they make of that? That we are active, or that God is real!? Hopefully yes! But more importantly, it will be our credible serving that will lead to greater interest still! This may be a place where people do feel free to try a few small steps of faith. Brian Houston (rather prophetically) said, “I see a church that beckons ‘welcome home’ … to every man, woman and child that walks through the doors”. Yet, this can only be real, if God’s love for us, and our love for God, turns into a serious love for our neighbour … in terms of a serving lifestyle!

Conclusion 

“Through love become servants of one another”. This doesn’t mean that half serve and the other half receive! This DOES means that ALL serve, while at the same time, ALL receive service. My strength touches your weakness – your strength touches my weakness. This builds a community of mutual service. Sounds idealistic – well, at least it’s biblical; and thus very worthy of our best attempts. And we will find, as we reach out in service, we will increasingly have the power of the Holy Spirit … hovering around us, to help us, and make us effective in building real relational community. Amen!

"Overcoming Obstacles" (1 Peter 5:6-11)

Introduction

In life, many obstacles can cross our path. There are various setbacks, and difficult decisions to make. We can suffer trauma and illness, experience loss or loneliness or rejection, know great concern or even fear over certain matters, or feel heavily burdened. Troubles can emerge in our relationships. We can be debilitated by a sense of failure, or addicted to the need for human approval. There can be feelings of inferiority and other negative thought patterns. We can feel at the end of our ability to cope. We can be tested to the depths of our soul – our situation can seem dire. Indeed, at times, life can be complicated. We can also become enslaved by bitterness and unforgiveness. And, there are the big obstacles of guilt and shame.

In any of these circumstances, how will we overcome? If we already follow Jesus, how can we keep believing and trusting?? If we don’t yet know Jesus, how can we find him through the maze of obstacles before us??? This is what I want to pursue!

This may not be us at the moment … we might not be affected by too many obstacles – but it could be someone near to us. How can we help? It may not be so much what advice we can give, but more so – what positive coping mechanisms we can model.

Core Beliefs

Sometimes we forget the most foundational truths of life – God’s great love for us, and the mercy that God so much wants to share with us. These should be part of our ‘core beliefs’! Instead we believe such lies … as … ‘we will never be good enough’, or, ‘life will never work out for us’ – lies that are planted in our minds, whispered behind our backs, or said straight to our face.

If we start to take such lies on board, we can start to think wrongly; and such lies can take over our psyche, and change our behaviour and decision-making … towards even more negative outcomes. We may want to consider for ourselves questions like: What lies do I believe? What self-destructive behaviours do I engage in? What am I enslaved to?

‘Core beliefs’ are about what we hold to be true. How we feel about ourselves (and others), and how we interpret the events around us, come out of these ‘core beliefs’. Our ‘core beliefs’ provide the filter through which we think. Therefore, to be healthy, a good decision-maker, and have the capacity to overcome obstacles, we need to have the love and mercy of God set foremost in our mind. This then brings the great reassurance of being valued, and the hope of forgiveness, acceptance and change.

Let’s not doubt God’s love. Life brings circumstances that may tend to confuse us, but we should NOT linger too long … in places removed from embracing the basic truth of God’s love. Indeed, God pursues us through any restlessness, receives us still in our sinfulness, holds us close in our brokenness. We ARE His concern. Sometimes we may doubt God’s closeness or that He really cares for us; but it’s just that often there are lessons to be learned (for our long-term benefit), that require a process involving patience and adjustment.

History

When the people of God, stuck in Egypt, were groaning under the weight of their slavery, they cried out to God for help. Then we read, “God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them” (Exodus 2:24-5). We can be sure that we are never forgotten, and always in God’s view.

Yet the problems and challenges the ancient people of Israel faced, were never fully resolved without their participation in the solution, always involving obedience to the God that was continually loving them. They wandered in the desert, and such was the political situation in which they lived at times … they were taken into exile; yet they were never forgotten, and in the right time, were brought back into a good pasture.

The fact is … that we live in a fallen world, full of darkness caused by sin, where our physical bodies are susceptible to disease, and our very welfare is affected by how others choose to live within our connected social environment. And the Bible is a book full of people struggling with this reality. Yet, as one psalmist reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). But ... we need to allow God space to work in our lives! 

Text

In our reading from 1 Peter 5, we notice … that if we want to be fully ‘lifted up’ in life, where the word used here (in vs 6) is “exalted” – meaning gaining the best possible outcome, we need to trust God completely, like a little child does with a loving parent. Such humility before God, and active trust, is needed, because of the anxieties, dangers and suffering in life. There is also opposition against us.

[Part of “humbling” ourselves, is also to note that we, personally, are NOT the only ones struggling – that there are others who are equally seeking God’s attention. We are not the only one suffering. Even though the type and level of suffering differs from person to person, people are suffering all around the world every day, often with tragic outcomes.]

We also see that this trust we place in God, far from being ‘false hope’ … is so well-placed. God cares for us (v 7b). And, through and beyond the suffering we encounter, God will recreate and rebuild us (gloriously expressed in verse 10). May well we worship God (v 11)!

Yet we should also notice some further action required of us in verse 8 – i.e. applying discipline and staying alert. Life should NEVER be lived glibly, but rather in full knowledge that the next test is likely not far away. We should be good observers of what is happening around us. And we should apply faith to all situations we find ourselves in, so that we can understand where God is … in the particular situation at hand, and work out how we can grow and mature through this particular experience.

We do NOT want to retreat back to the way those without faith may react to setbacks, as if God is not there. So, we need to be able to bow to God’s wisdom – even through the twists and turns, and ups and downs, and through those periods where we think we have been put at some sort of disadvantage.

This leads to some practical suggestions regarding overcoming obstacles.

Ways to Overcome Obstacles

1. Receiving Grace

We need to accept the gift of forgiveness from the cross, where Jesus died to take away all the sin, guilt, shame and baggage … that had kept us separate from God. This is a simple act of release – giving up trying to make it by ourselves, be good enough, or to save ourselves. We lay this type of endeavour aside, and throw ourselves on the mercies of God – who doesn’t need to be convinced of anything – rather is just patiently waiting for our positive response to His glorious and free invitation.

Our salvation and our hope are NOT something we earned or created ourselves – these have come through God’s love and faithfulness to us. We therefore need to position ourselves completely and utterly “under the mighty hand of God” (1 Peter 5:6). The process of being ‘lifted up’, that we then experience, as well as being thoroughly spiritual, will likely also be social, and may also be somewhat physical. We will surely be led into (new) avenues of service; and certainly move closer to God’s will for us.

2. Committing Wholly to Jesus

As we have said, there are many unjust situations – but we know that God is suffering with us, experiencing them at our side. God does NOT abandon us. This was proved by Jesus leaving heaven and coming to earth, and willingly encountering all the struggles here. Thus, Jesus is our greatest joy; he is always at our side, and will never let us down.

And, as we read in Hebrews, “Because [Jesus] himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested” (2:18). Jesus was intensively tested in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) by the devil – something that he may have been able to avoid, although in truly being human would naturally experience – especially as it could provide an encouraging example for us … of using the truth of God’s Word to defeat the negative voices.

What a promise there is for us (in vs 10) … that if we keep our head in the game, there is Jesus – who has suffered and understands suffering – who will ‘restore us, support us, strengthen us, and establish us’. We can be repaired! We can be ‘resettled’ to the best place. We will be able to be ‘good stewards’ of all God’s creation. This is what can happen … when ultimately living “under the mighty hand of God”! This is NOT about ‘try again’ or ‘try harder’, but rather about receiving the grace of God. God is always working toward our victory over our ‘demons’, as we follow Jesus wholly through life.

3. Utilising Available Resources

When we are dealing with stuff, we shouldn’t just look inside (where there are limited resources – some, but not all we need). Rather, we also look outward – toward the support, encouragement and resources of others, and upward – to all the capacities of God to help us.

We need to fully utilise the resource of prayer. We read in Hebrews chapter 4, “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:16). Grace and help is assuredly there when we most need it. Yet, we can conclude that this is among the easiest and hardest things to do. It demands a combination of human neediness … and personal confidence in Jesus. The words are honest, open, filled with questions; and they hold on, sometimes just barely, to Jesus, and what he has done. It can feel quite unnatural and difficult at first, but with the right amount of openness, the Spirit of God will give us words to speak.

We can also get into the good habit of thanking God in advance … for how He will help us work out any particular issue. Keeping a prayer journal brings a positive reminder that God is always active.

It could be that we have been unfairly criticised or bullied, and a certain vulnerability has been created, where we start to believe the ‘lie’ that we are less worthy than others – which can lead to a multitude of problems from over-performing to withdrawal, and attempts to inappropriately medicate pain away. However, we can find many Scriptures to remind us of how valuable we are to God, no matter what anybody else might say (e.g. Psalm 139:13-18 … where we read about the uniqueness of our creation, and also the parables of Luke 15).

Let us speak out loud … expressions of resolute trust … even in difficult circumstances. Let us share stories of how God has blessed us through our challenges. This will do us a lot of good – much more so than it does in simpler times! "Burdens are lifted at Calvary"! Let us worship and praise God with open heart and full voice. Let us sing louder! Let the words of the songs we sing … permeate our spirits, so that when the lean or challenging times come, we know well … the power and potential of the One we believe in.

4. Maintaining Our Sense of Purpose

The apostle Paul, in attempting to engage with the mission of God across Asia and Europe, and plant churches far and wide, suffered extreme hardships: including, a debilitating physical ailment, opposition from friends and foes, beatings, imprisonment and shipwreck. Yet Paul kept going, staying on mission, chasing down how God was leading him, and embracing how God was growing him (toward maturity). In so doing, Paul learned (as well as taught), that God’s grace was sufficient for him, and that nothing (at all) could separate him from the love of God.

We all have a mission placed upon us that connects with the great commission of making disciples. We all have been called into a ‘body’ where we embrace that mission together, and express the particular gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the common good. Within this, and through our particular uniqueness, we also have certain purposes to live out. These may vary in different seasons – sometimes there are relationships we need to concentrate upon and build (or possibly repair), and at other times be involved in major projects.

We should note that in the pursuit of any God-given purpose, we will be given the necessary strength and skill through which to succeed. This doesn’t mean that it will always be easy – often there is a struggle involved. But it is creative struggling that produces growth! If struggle was removed, there would be no process that leads to maturity. As Dan Reiland writes, “The process toward spiritual maturity … requires that I face and handle real life tensions … that don’t have easy solutions”.

The huge mission that God had entrusted to Paul [spoken about before], actually gave him hope – there was here something to really live for, despite the difficulties he was encountering. Amid the suffering and conflicts, this sense of ministry purpose enabled Paul to persevere … and persevere hopefully (Cameron Cole). So challenges in life should NOT separate us from a serving ministry, but rather help us grow into doing such ministry in a better more relevant way.

So even when we don’t understand (fully) what God is up to and why (why … we’re having to go through the valley we’re in), we should continue to serve Him and others, and do what we (very well) know needs doing as we wait (for that understanding). Yep … that’s harder to do than say, yet it still aids our process of overcoming obstacles and growing to maturity!

5. Seeking & Accepting Support

Another good thing about God’s grace is that it leads us into a new community – a community of Kingdom living – the church of Jesus. Here we get to receive and give support. We should NOT try to go it alone. Trying to go it alone weakens the ‘body’, while giving and receiving support strengthens the whole ‘body’ – the strengthening of one aids the strengthening of all (in the face of every challenge and against any enemy). If we all are strengthened to the full extent of God’s capacity to do so, together we could be invincible!

When people trust each other and share experiences, difficulties and struggles, they each discover that they are NOT alone. More importantly, they discover that they don’t need to be! The struggles of those we love … will evoke our compassion. We will grieve with those who grieve, we weep we those who weep, we rejoice with those who rejoice; we will move closer to them, and they will move closer to us.

In Conclusion, for now ...

We should guard against seeing God as the One through which we can escape difficulties and challenges. If we thought this way, we would be easily disappointed with God. We know that we should NOT rebel against our trials. But we should also come to NOT resent our struggles, but rather to see the good places these may lead. As James 1:4 puts it, “… let endurance have its full effect … so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing”.

Also, it is in persevering, that we prove our faith. “What is called for [to overcome in life] is NO superficial or sentimental faith, but [rather] a faith that is strong and immovable like a great rock” (C E B Cranfield). And, even in the worst situations that come along, and they do come along - God waits for us, God wants to embrace us, God expects our call. Amen!