"Bold Leadership" (2 Timothy 4:1-8)

Prelude

How would you describe a leader?

What attributes does a good leader have?
Who are leaders?

Paul was clearly a leader in the 1^st Century Jesus-following movement. Towards the end of his life, he was keen to see other leaders step up. Reading this text from 2^nd Timothy, we are being invited into this call to leadership. And, especially in verses 2 and 5, we read descriptions of what leaders need to engage with. I will contend here that we are all called to be spiritual leaders within the community in which we live.

Introduction

We began this month … considering the idea … that the love we have received creates a debt of love to others. Because God has imparted so much love in our direction, typified in what Jesus did for us – then our only response could be a love for neighbour … that factors in all their needs, especially their spiritual need. Then John talked about difficult truths concerning eternal destiny that should motivate us further concerning the spiritual needs of others. Rhett talked about the priority we should give to 'spiritual fitness', not only for our own benefit, but also, and most importantly, for the well-being of all those we encounter (and thus have the opportunity of sharing life and faith with). Last week Sylvia Fraser spoke about the hope that is so missing from so many people's lives – yet this is the very hope we have, the blessed hope of Jesus – that we should be able to share. Sylvia challenged us … that we will never really be able to share hope, until we rid ourselves of 'worldly passions' and become more pure channels.

We have been reminded of what it takes to make a difference in the world with the gospel of Jesus. It takes a full appreciation and sincere gratitude for the love of God available to all people. It takes an appreciation that the decisions made in this world have eternal consequences. It takes a commitment to prepare ourselves as best as possible, to truly become growing disciples of Jesus. It takes a whole lot of repentance from all those things of heart, mind and action, that are contrary to God’s ways. It takes a love of neighbour that looks beyond all sorts of offences, to the spiritual need that lies deep within everyone. It takes surety, courage and boldness; but also a confidence that God’s Holy Spirit is preparing the way. It takes the sort of humility and gentleness that allows us to connect genuinely with other people.

Can we engage with our neighbourhoods and community with bold leadership ... such that people around us will know that Jesus is alive and seeking them out? Can they see our hope and our peace?? Have you considered yourself to be a 'spiritual leader' in your street? What would it take to see yourself as this?? Our community, and society in general, needs spiritual leadership! We shouldn’t look to others, we certainly can’t look to politicians or any secular leader – it’s not their responsibility; we should look in the mirror. We worship and follow the greatest leader of all – Jesus – who in turn calls us to serve and to lead in human community today!

The great apostle Paul was keen that there would be other leaders (after he departed) who would follow in the way of sharing Jesus with integrity and effectiveness. A young man named Timothy was of particular interest to Paul. Timothy would have to be bold if he was to make a difference in the difficult circumstances the early church was in. So Paul put up the challenge to Timothy – “Timothy is to carry on Paul’s ministry in a world in which there is no promise of eager response” (Gordon Fee). And as this is the living word of God, the challenge is also there for us today. This passage serves to motivate us (concerning our impact), in whatever circumstances we encounter, and in whatever places we find ourselves.

Leadership

There is something here for everyone, as we all have a leadership role … whenever we are in any form of social interaction – family, work, school, community, church, etc. This is because we follow a man (called Jesus) who had impact wherever he went and whoever he spoke with or spent time with. This is a spiritual leadership enabled by the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity [goodness], faithfulness, gentleness, self-control); and empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit shared amongst us. As we are called to be witnesses to Jesus, we are necessarily spiritual leaders wherever we go.

This does NOT mean we are in charge. This does NOT mean we inflict our agenda on the unwilling. This does NOT mean we apply pressure. This IS a serving leadership, where our focus comes off ourselves, and goes firmly onto the well-being of others, and the well-being of a community as a whole. This is the sort of leadership where people recognise Jesus through true concern and compassion. This is the leadership where any words we might subsequently say, make sense on the basis of the life people have seen presented before them. This is the leadership where the results are actually the responsibility of the Holy Spirit – which  removes the possibility of both pride and anxiety. Yet, this is still the leadership that is prepared to move beyond comfort … into places of need, come what may. Where lives are dying, time is short.

Text – verses 1 to 4

In his time and context, how did Paul describe the nature of this spiritual leadership? As we live in the sight of God, and also minister in the company of Jesus (who is the ultimate judge of every one of us), in the knowledge of both his current and future kingdoms, this is what we should do: persistently proclaim the good news, in both good and bad seasons, always be on duty – being ‘on hand’ standing by, always being ready whether it suits us or not, whether it works to our advantage or not – and often it will not be to our personal advantage. The “patient teaching”, “encouraging” and “convincing” doesn’t sound too bad, and can be addressed in a gentle life-style evangelism type way. We are simply people who know the truth and live the truth, and progressively the truth becomes convincing. However, Paul includes another word, which is not so comfortable – do you see it there in verse 2 – “rebuke”.

In its mildest form, “rebuke” means to ‘correct’, or ‘set straight’. This effect can naturally come as part of the teaching and encouraging, but sometimes there are more specific behaviours that have to be addressed: where someone is going down a particularly destructive path, or having a bad affect or influence on someone else, spreading negativity, being violent or generally hurting others. So within the word “rebuke” is also the notion of ‘admonishing’ or ‘intervening’. Parents know all about this. This is speaking with great seriousness into tense situations. This is stating that certain attitudes or behaviour is wrong, and in some cases intervening to stop such behaviour. To “rebuke” is to ‘warn’ … in order to prevent an action or bring one to an end.

Yet even here, we need a serving mentality! To just say something is wrong, where there is no moral or ethical groundwork to consider it so, is likely to be unhelpful. ‘That’s just plain wrong’ … I’ve said it myself often; but that is because I have already formed (largely from the Gospel) the sort of moral and ethical code which determines something as being wrong. Other people, maybe increasingly, in this individualistic culture, are not there yet – like those referred to in verses 3-4, who have basically decided to just live for themselves.

The leadership skill here, is to provide “rebuke” in such a way that it connects with the hurt that is being caused to themselves and others, rather than the abstract offence it may be causing us (as if we were a Pharisee). This then can be seen as a positive input into their lives (and those being affected around them), rather than a bland negative criticism. This “rebuke” would also separate the behaviour from the person themselves. So, a proper “rebuke” would be, for instance … ‘do you see how you are hurting that other person’, rather than simply ‘you are a bad man’.

All “rebuke” should be aimed toward positive change, and ultimately to the open receipt of the gospel. What might it have been like … wearing another person’s shoes as they grew up?! This is a way of keeping open to God’s ‘unconditional’ love to all, especially when we feel uninclined towards certain individuals. This is how we stay open to the possibility of radical repentance.

All “rebuke”, if it is to be regarded as spiritual leadership, must be aimed at reconciliation between estranged parties, including between lost souls and their Creator God and Loving Father. As Kent Hodge (no relation) puts it, “There are always errors to correct in all of our lives, but these errors are to be corrected with and through a reconciling spirit”. Or as the prophet Isaiah put it, “You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (58:12b).

Offering “rebuke” can be very difficult and challenging. This is why we need to be careful listeners to God’s small voice. Offering “rebuke” is NOT likely to win many friends. We all like to be popular, but sometimes there are higher priorities to consider for the sake of others. Friendships can be strained when the high priority of spiritual growth (or community justice) necessarily needs to be addressed. But this remains the call of the Gospel.

Text – verses 5-8

Rhett reminded us, two weeks ago, that we should make sure we are prepared in advance for any situation or opportunity to help someone out ... this is our ‘spiritual fitness’ campaign. Philip H Towner writes: "It is 'available' Christians who will be able to seize the moment and win people for Christ or come to the aid of struggling brothers and sisters in the church". Being ‘available’ is likely more important than being ‘able’! This sort of ‘availability is described in verse 5.

(a)  Our constant availability (in season and out) wherever we are and whoever we are with, is assisted through being “sober” – meaning a whole lot of things ... being able to 'keep your head' (in all situations); being ‘cool’ under pressure (without acting rashly); being watchful, alert and discerning; having a 'presence of mind'; being well-balanced – using careful judgment and wisdom; being self-controlled (or better God-controlled) – spiritually attuned. This is being able to see in behind events … to where God has been active.

(b)  We also need to be settled in any personal suffering – exhibiting peace and hope despite difficult circumstances. In this we can be a great witness, and offer good leadership to the struggling. We should expect some degree of suffering, and be prepared to creatively deal with it – being positively expectant of God's provision.

(c)   Doing the “work of an evangelist” is broader than being an evangelist (which is more a specific gifting). This is being a witness, a follower of Jesus, and a spiritual leader, with a definite view toward people coming to know Jesus (as their Saviour and Lord). It is so easy to just hope for the best concerning others, but it is much more intentional to imagine … what a blessing it would be … if they came to know and follow Jesus. We can each ‘work like an evangelist’ according to our own personality and gifting – all with a team approach.

(d)  The last phrase is the one that most captured my attention – “carry out your ministry fully”. What does this mean?? Not leaving anything to chance, giving full attention to our calling; being wary of distractions (that unnecessarily bring dry spots or periods of unfruitfulness), creatively dealing with disappointments so they don’t lead to discouragement.

This is in a time and culture, where, generally speaking, there is a preference for what suits me - this being where the quest for the common good has been lost. This was already a perceived reality in the first century (v.3-4). Where the boundaries have been blurred, it's easy to drift. It's also easy to defer to what is right before your eyes, rather than looking beyond to the things of the Spirit, to the things that we don't easily see yet remain the most important. The highly visible clamours for our attention, while the less visible is missed. An alternative mindset is, “It’s not worth a thing, if it’s not for the King”.

Paul, nearing the end of his time, provides himself as an example of “fully carrying out a ministry” (v.6-7). A "libation" refers to pouring out wine or other liquid on an altar as a sacrificial offering, meaning that Paul had poured out his life … he has given everything to his ministry, right to the end, and ultimately at considerable cost. Paul has remained true both in the soundness (truth and quality) of his ministry as well as the length of his ministry; right to the end - he kept on serving through all the circumstances that befell him. Paul had completed ALL that he was given to do.

Paul didn't say this in pride, but to inspire Timothy with what is required. And not just Timothy … “but also to all who have longed for his [Christ's] appearing” (v.8). Paul hoped that bold leadership would inspire bold leadership. The "crown of righteousness" here refers to an endorsement that righteousness has been sought, developed and practiced in the life of Paul (refer TNTC p.188) – not a reward, but an endorsement of a reality already brought about through the grace of God. Paul had been loyal to a trust placed in him. Paul had also remained true to the Gospel.

We are to live as if we know that the things of this world are temporary, all its pleasures are passing, and it is the eternal things that count for the most. Paul says his commitment was thoroughly worth it! The "crown" is for those who have longed for Christ's "appearing", such that they have been available for spiritual leadership. This doesn't mean they wanted to escape, but rather that they lived an inspired life in anticipation of Jesus' return (NTCS p.208).

Conclusion

The reason for the seriousness of all this is given in verse 1. God and Jesus are present with us. We can't live in a careless way, because the way we use our lives is being observed by the highest court. Embracing the Kingdom of God and making disciples until Jesus returns … is our most pressing job description. Bold spiritual leadership understands that we can be highly effective instruments of God's redeeming power.

People around us are always seeking. Our prayer and our desire is that they will seek in the right places. There are many other places people can go, and other alignments people can make – those temporary feel good activities. Our calling to spiritual leadership is to make Jesus the first and most significant port of call. Bold leadership doesn’t blame people for making the wrong choices, but rather becomes available to realign and reconcile people toward God’s invitation to a relationship with the Divine.

There are questions that beg to be answered. There are dilemmas to be overcome. There are gaps to be filled, and the challenge is for you to fill them. That is the essence of the high call of spiritual leadership. There is a purpose for your being here. You are meant to answer something, solve something, provide something, lead something, discover something, compose something, write something, say something, translate something, interpret something, sing something, create something, teach something, preach something, bear something, overcome something, and in doing so, you improve the lives of others under the power of God, for the glory of God.  (From: Claude Alexander, Bishop of The Park Church in Charlotte, North Carolina USA.)

This is something for us to consider every day – it’s Jesus that we live for every day. We follow Jesus by emulating his love for neighbour.

"The Debt of Love" (Romans 13:8-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4)

Introduction

What is a debt? To be in debt is to owe something to somebody. Usually this is money, but could also be an obligation for some form of service. Most of us want to relieve ourselves of debt. Debt can be debilitating and burdensome; we don’t feel totally free if we are still under some sort of obligation.

There are also spiritual debts – where we pray to God “forgive us our debts”. These are ‘debts’ caused by the wrong behaviour … which have offended God (and potentially hurt others). In this case, debt is removed through our repentance (i.e. our sincere regret and commitment to change), and then God’s forgiveness (possible because of the sacrifice of Jesus).

In the case of monetary debt, this is removed when the money is paid back to whoever it is due to. In the case of an obligation or responsibility, our debt is paid out when the promised service has been given. We should always have the attitude and intention of paying out our debts.

However, there is one debt that we can NEVER fully pay off. That is ??? the debt of love!! We have a debt of love to all people that can NEVER be fully paid out. Each day we wake up (that’s the definition of a good day!), we have the same obligation to love others. This is our ‘debt’ of love to the One who continues to love us day in and day out.

Paul says (in Romans 13:8), “Owe no one anything, except to love one another”. When we accept that God’s law (i.e. God’s will and God’s ways) is what we want to live by, then we cannot escape this ‘debt’ of love. The NIV puts it: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another”. This is a ‘debt’ that can never be discharged in full! We will NEVER be able to say that we have loved enough!

We gratefully receive God’s grace and the forgiveness of our ‘sin-debts’. However, there is also a sense in which the unconditional love we have received, obliges us to love in the same way. R L Thomas, writes of Paul, “Paul’s post-conversion service was invested as a partial repayment for the personal debt he incurred when God gave him salvation” (New Expositors Commentary). Paul seems also to broaden this ‘debt’ to include … as extensions of love … sharing the gospel (1:14-15), and living according to the Spirit (8:12-13).

How does this ‘debt of love’ play out for us these days??

Well it’s pretty easy to love the lovely, but then there are challenges outside of this. For example,

(i) the person who has hurt us;

(ii) the person we find difficult - the one who tends to over-power us and make us feel small;

(iii) the person we have disagreements with - this disagreement might just be quiet, rather than public, disagreement, but it still disrupts loving this other person as we should.

When diversity of opinion arises in any organisation, particularly within a group of people like a local church, love is necessary, and should still be primary. We have to weave our way through diversity toward a very apparent and effective love.

There could be diversity in a number of areas:

·        how we like things organised,

·        how we fund things (i.e. how we handle money),

·        our preferred worship style,

·        who the leaders should be,

·        what the biggest priorities are,

·        preaching themes;

then more personal stuff like:

·        footy teams,

·        political beliefs,

·        theological beliefs (because there can be a big diversity here beyond the major points of agreement – there are things you hold to be important, that don’t rate on my scale and vice versa),

·        life experiences,

·        personality differences (i.e. introverts and extroverts),

·        particular talents and vocations,

·        financial situation.

All this can, and should, be freely put on the table – THERE SHOULD BE THE SPACE AND OPPORTUNITY AND TRUST FOR THIS, but sometimes there is going to be polar opposites on show.

When this happens, the priority cannot be winning or losing, but rather how God’s “agape” love maintains relationships (and even builds stronger relationships). There can be a bit of a holding back, when a particular tension appears; but the ‘Jesus way’ is to work through and past that, and find a way to love.

As God’s people we do not have to agree with one another on every issue, but how we deal with difference, how we treat one another in the midst of conflict and debate, and how we speak about one another in the public forum, has a great impact on how the world perceives us. After all, the heart of the Gospel is peace, grace, love and inclusion. [With thanks to Daniel Bullock for his writing on this matter, here and below.]

This often requires a major mindset change. Like we said last week when talking about peace-making, we need to get past a very limited and individual way of seeing things, towards God’s vision of ‘flourishing community’ – a vision of life together … the way God describes it (e.g. 1 Corinthians chapter 12).

The Report Card

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church, he prayed that the people there would love one another (3:12). It’s not that they didn’t love each other to some extent, because Paul had already commended their love (1:2-3, 3:6). But here in chapter 3, Paul said, “… may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all’. Paul wanted them to step it up some more!

Now in Paul’s next letter to the Thessalonians, at some later stage down the track, we read,

We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

Now that’s a good report card! That’s a whole lot of love!! This indicates that everyone was loving everyone else; love was being exercised by the entire community mutually. This seems to suggest very little exception! And it certainly states that this love is an increasing reality. PRAYER ANSWERED!

We should be champions of the cause of love! We may have to first repent of our lack of love … to a particular person, or just in general. We may have to follow through on those acts of love we planned, but never quite got around to. We may have to take courage, and challenge any behaviour and language around us … that is unloving, hurtful and harmful, and works against the championing of love.

To actually champion love, we could take the time to share the stories of the actual generosity, kindness and hospitality we have seen and experienced amongst us. Do we have any of these stories?? I’m sure we have plenty!!

Why would this ‘love-debt’ be so important??

(a)  People will know the Jesus-followers by their love. Our relevancy, and the Church’s level of relevancy, has a lot to do with the way we treat each other (and how this impacts the community’s perception of us). To live and act without love is destructive to the witness of the Gospel. John 13:34-35 reads: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” ‘Love’ is the key identity marker of the church – if the church is to point effectively and accurately toward God.

I don’t exactly know how this plays out in a context which is apathetic at best and oppositional at worst. But I do know that this is what the Bible says. So even today, in our secular, chaotic, and often selfish world, love will speak volumes. It is unlikely, however, that people would be inclined towards Jesus, if the people who hold allegiance to Jesus don’t love one another. And that love is often proved in the most practical ways.

(b) Learning to love each other is the training ground for loving those outside of us (the church) … those who we don’t already have a relationship with. David Coffey comments, “In every generation a callous world desperately needs love”. Paul had already made some statements in Romans 12 that are quite challenging, showing that we need to get into the right sort of training (if we are to going to be ready and able to pull these challenges off):

·        Extend hospitality to strangers (12:13)

·        Bless those who persecute you (12:14)

·        Associate with the lowly (12:16)

·        If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink  (12:20).

Conclusion

We can see from this that love is not just a feeling, but rather a ‘concrete good’. Love is practical and outgoing and transforming. Love can be visible in the most ordinary of situations – the smile of welcome, the hand of friendship, the hug of comfort, the listening ear, the tear of empathy, the phone call of encouragement, the lend of a wheelbarrow, the cup of cold water, the prayer of the heart (L Richards).

We read again and again and again … the most dominant of biblical themes (e.g. Romans 13:9b-10) – “love your neighbour”. We know that love never harms, hurts or manipulates; but we could also say … that genuine love never withdraws due consideration or help either. If we can champion love, both in word and deed, then we will see the Kingdom of God come across our community and beyond – because we as genuine Jesus-followers (in the way we live), point directly to reconciling love of Jesus Christ!

"With Peace & Grace" (Matthew 5:9-12 part four)

“Blessed are the peacemakers”

A “peace-maker” is not just one who desires peace or believes in peace. A “peace-maker” actively works for peace. And surely peace-making activity is what we need at so many levels. We see so much inner turmoil and violent conflict everywhere.

The history of the world is a sad tale of nation set against nation. Conflict is as old as Cain and Abel. God’s ideal of peace was shattered by the human craving for power and control. Take a moment to consider how God feels when He is forced to watch wonderfully made human beings destroy each other.

Jesus rejected violence, and chose the path of a servant (rather than a master). Jesus is weeping over the violence in the world, as he wept over Jerusalem when he observed what was going on there in his time. This violence doesn’t just happen in war, but also, so sadly, in homes, and in neighbourhoods.

What is ‘peace’? Clearly it’s more than just our desire for bit of quiet (or time to ourselves). There is a deeply spiritual component to ‘peace’. There is the Hebrew concept of “shalom” which speaks of the well-being and harmony in which people live. This is in respect of their relationship with God, and also, their relationship with their land, their neighbours, and the whole of creation. “Shalom peace” brings wholeness, completeness, soundness; and thus should lead to less and less hostility. If we are thinking about the lack of peace, then we would be caused to first look within.

In the New Testament there is a clear connection between the presence of the Holy Spirit and the possibility of peace. The gift of the Holy Spirit brings the gift of peace – Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). It is the Holy Spirit that enables Jesus’ work of peace-making to continue through us. Our effectiveness as a peace-maker … derives first … from having peace with God … through having accepted God’s gift of grace and forgiveness.

We have seen (from the earlier ‘beatitudes’) that it is the “poor in spirit or the humble”, and the “mourners or the repentant” … that begin the journey of gaining the peace … that can then be paid forward (through the Holy Spirit). Again we must say, peace-making starts within ourselves, allowing the space for Jesus, ‘the Prince of Peace’, to take up residence in our lives. Jesus went on to say to his disciples, “Peace be with you; as the Father sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). Peace is a divine gift, but also a human work. There is an anonymous saying, “I wondered why somebody didn’t do something for peace – then I realised that I am somebody”.

Frank Rees, in a recent blog, defined peace this way: “Peace is not just the absence of conflict, oppression, noise or demands—though an end to all those things is deeply desirable! Peace is a much more positive and enabling concept. Peace is about the well-being of life and therefore it is about the flourishing of community. Peace is about healthy living with ourselves, each other and with the earth and all its creatures”.

So it is this “flourishing of community” that peace-makers actively promote. This would involve bringing people together who may otherwise stay separate. This is about bringing peace to relationships (starting with our own), helping to reconcile people with people, bringing individuals together, assisting families to interact as well as possible, helping groups to work together effectively, bringing harmony to communities – pointing to common and worthy goals, breaking negative cycles (of abuse); all working toward the elimination of discord and violence.

What attributes or skills does the peace-maker need to develop???

·        Calmness – important, as some people just look like they are ready for a fight all the time.

·        Another skill required – is to be able to bring a broad range of opinions together, and facilitate people moving forward together. This requires good communication skills, and a careful use of words. And this is something we all need to work on (with the Holy Spirit’s help).

We also need to be open to God’s small voice … which is why we had to work through the earlier process … up to and including being ‘pure in heart’ (pure motivations and honesty). If we can be free of any selfish agendas, we have the space to hear God’s voice when we most need it. We need to be able to model forgiveness, as opposed to bitterness or retaliation. We need to strive for peaceful homes. And I think we should add … taking special care for the vulnerable.

In the church, we have the unique calling to bring people to God, who may, for a variety of reasons have been separated from God. Sometimes, tragically, things get in the way of this mission. When, at times, people in churches are using up good energy fighting each other, people are not hearing the Gospel, and also being turned away from the Gospel. When diverse (even competing) views exist, a peace-maker actively works to hold people together, seeing the vision of love as primary.

Over time a variety of attitudes have been brought to the notion of peace-making. On the largest scale, some nations will seek peace through deterrents or strong defensive measures; others through pre-emptive strikes or even invasion. We would always have to allow the teaching of Jesus to comb its way through such activity. Conversely, many people have refused to take up arms, even when their nation has gone to war. The notion of loving enemies, and being merciful, and the predominance of love, have led many to strongly critique war and aggression.

This is all complicated … because there can be NO peace, where justice or freedom is denied, or where important issues are evaded (rather than working creatively through them). In ancient Israel, a person could not truly be at peace if their neighbour was under any oppression. Peace can NEVER be reduced just to how I feel. There is NO shalom where excess and poverty co-exist in neighbourhood and nation – when the wealth of one is at the expense of others.

There can be a sort of ‘pretend peace’ … through covering over the problems or agreeing to disagree, but this just leaves the issues simmering on the back-burner. “Peace in the sense of human community, a community of human flourishing, requires justice … where all have an opportunity to grow, learn, develop their potential” (Frank Rees). Thus peace-making may have a long struggle attached to it (involving some pain); working towards new ways of living together that prevent conflict or oppression and enable peaceful living. Ross Langmead wrote, “The task is huge, and all we can do is bite off a small corner and begin chewing away at it”.

From Paul, who knew something about conflict … Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”. There is the concession here that sometimes it may not be possible, or at least out of our control or influence. But there may still come a day, a day we might even pray for, where we can share a word or a good deed, that speaks volumes into a place of hostility. “Instead of delighting in division, bitterness, strife, or some petty ‘divide-and-conquer’ mentality [that’s the world], disciples of Jesus delight to make peace wherever possible” (D A Carson).

After a stabbing attack in SW Sydney on Saturday 10th September that left grandfather Wayne Greenhalgh in hospital with serious injuries, two Anglican pastors visited Minto mosque with a message of support. In a letter they delivered to the mosque, seven Anglican ministers from South West Sydney said, "We know that the overwhelming majority of our Muslim neighbours want nothing more than to live peaceful lives, working together with everyone else to make Australia a great place to be". The letter encouraged all people in the local community to "rise to the challenge of reaching out in love and friendship to our Muslim neighbours at this difficult time".

The blessing of being a “peace-maker” … is to be regarded so like God, that we can be “called” his children. I want to be called a child of God (mainly by God)! This is how important peace-making and reconciling is – it taps into the very centre of who God is. God is a Peace-maker, and we cannot be like God, or grow into the image of Jesus, without being a peace-maker ourselves. You cannot initiate, perpetuate or ignore conflict, and truly be a child of God. How much does the world need to see the children of God!? Romans 8:19 reads, “… the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God”. You can’t get any bigger need than that.

The call to be a “peace-maker” naturally leads on to the thought of persecution, because people who are content in their hates and prejudices, won’t be particularly warm to a peace-maker. Some level of persecution seems inevitable when we have adopted the earlier ‘beatitudes’. The arrogant don’t understand the humble. The care-free don’t understand the repentant. The ‘closed of opinion’ don’t understand the ‘open’. The apathetic doesn’t understand an appetite for purpose. The world doesn’t understand the (Holy) Spirit. The revengeful or heard-hearted don’t understand the merciful. The selfish don’t understand the ‘pure in heart’.

Courage – “Blessed are the Persecuted”

John Stott wrote, “Persecution is simply the clash between two irreconcilable value systems”. We can have many things in common with most people … just from being human. The crunch often comes when we state and live out an allegiance to Jesus. And this is the crunch that needs to come, lest we live a sort of double-life, where any difference we may make for good gradually dissipates. In some ways, persecution (which we might define as … an attack or opposition to what we believe and who we are) is a compliment, because the words you are saying and the role you are playing is significant, and being noticed, and making a difference for good. Persecution is good, in that it brings an end to nominal Christianity (people just going through the religious motions) – only the real Jesus-followers will be seen, for they will be ones who can endure and persist, as they demonstrate their allegiance, loyalty and good works – and great is their reward in heaven.

When Jesus lived out what he was teaching … the people stuck him on a cross. What people don’t understand, they tend to destroy (or at least strike out against). How then did this play out for the Jesus-followers of the first century? They suffered ridicule, slander, social isolation, torture, imprisonment and execution. Why? They were different – their conduct and moral integrity threatened the consciences of others. Their ethics – the way they felt about and treated other people – challenged the ‘dog-eat-dog’ social norms of the time. They refused to worship Caesar or any other ‘gods’. They promoted mercy – i.e. forgiveness and compassion.

We might be okay with the word ‘witness’, because it might sound mild compared to what we are talking about here. However, the same Greek word that is translated “witness” in some places, is also translated “martyr” in other places [depending upon context]. In the first century to be a ‘witness’, was likely also to mean being a ‘martyr’. As we follow in the way of the first disciples, they followed in the way of God’s righteous ‘prophets’ before them – experiencing opposition.

Opposition can happen when we are working on the side of righteousness (God’s ways and will), and working on Jesus’ account i.e. being willing to, or preferring to, suffer for what is right and fair (whatever than means in terms of sacrifice – financial, time, position), rather than just accepting injustice; standing up for people, rather than letting them be oppressed or discriminated against. This involves being willing to stand out in the crowd when necessary; but also to quietly work away at building relationships with due patience. This involves seeking to be consistent in all contexts and all circumstances (no matter what group of people we are with). And we grow in trust that God will provide.

So the lesson here is ‘courage’ (a very real application of faith) … no room for fear, and absolutely no room for promoting fear. With courage and faith we can challenge the world’s values. We come to accept our present toil and tears, remaining steadfast, however much shaken, in our commitment to God.

This is a call to courage ... just like from the psalmist of old - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley [or, the valley of the shadow of death], I fear no evil; for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4a). To truly be with Jesus we must go to the valley of death, not to a bubble that has removed itself from the world [idea from Gemma Bell, CCVT magazine "The Edition", August 2016, p.31].

Claude Alexander, bishop of The Park Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, urges Christians from all walks of life to step up into bold leadership. Here's his take on bold leadership: There are questions that beg to be answered. There are dilemmas to be overcome. There are gaps to be filled, and the challenge is for you to fill them. That is the essence of the high call of spiritual leadership. There is a purpose for your being here. You are meant to answer something, solve something, provide something, lead something, discover something, compose something, write something, say something, translate something, interpret something, sing something, create something, teach something, preach something, bear something, overcome something, and in doing so, you improve the lives of others under the power of God, for the glory of God.

And there is a blessing attached for this level of courage and boldness (the same blessing as for the “poor in spirit”) – truly knowing God. Part of this blessing is the knowledge that God dwells within any trials and suffering that comes as a result of our living for Jesus. Out of this persecution comes the opportunity for growth. It is those living on the edge (out of their comfort zone), sharing their faith (against the tide) – thus likely to face persecution of some kind – who will experience a special measure of God’s presence (and enabling power), and get to grow (toward their full potential). In our courageous bearing of suffering, we really experience God.

Paul epitomises this blessing in Romans 8:31-39:

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 

32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 

33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 

34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 

35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 

36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered." 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 

39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Conclusion

As we look at all these ‘beatitudes’ and consider how close we are to them, and how much we experience the “blessing”, we should think in two ways: (i) we are works in progress that God is not finished with yet; and (ii) we should feel discontent until we have pushed the envelope as far as we can … pushing ourselves up the growth curve (or rather, allowing the Holy Spirit to get the job done). The goal is always … becoming like Jesus.

"A Heart of Mercy" (Matthew 5:7-8 part three)

Introduction

We are on the upward journey. We, hopefully, are being filled – filled with (the capacities of) the Holy Spirit … becoming the sort of person (and people) that God created us to be. This has become possible as we have been emptied of all the blockages to our growth. We have dispensed with pride and humbled ourselves (“poor in spirit”). We have mourned our sin, become emotionally honest, and repentant. We have opened ourselves to the new and become teachable (“meekness”). As we have been emptied of all selfish agendas and egocentric attitudes, we are ready to fully focus on God – we “hunger and thirst for righteousness” and thus can be filled with the Holy Spirit.

We are on the upward journey. In this way we can become like Jesus. The remaining ‘beatitudes’ guide us in our assessment of our growth. We might call these ‘check-points’. If we are truly being “filled”; if we are growing, and becoming more like Christ – then we should be exhibiting “mercy”, being seen as “pure in heart”, actively being “peace-makers” in everyday life, and dealing well with any set-backs … specifically showing courage in the face of persecution.

“Blessed are the merciful”

There are two basic ways we can be merciful!?!

1.     Compassion

·        Feeling for others – if we are not moved with compassion because of the needs, struggles and suffering of others, then we would have cause to look at ourselves and wonder why! Could it be that we are somewhat ‘battle-weary’ or hardened? Sometimes our own journey has understandably led us here. A sense of ‘compassion fatigue’ can build. But sometimes there are other factors … mindsets where our own desires are rated much more highly than anyone else’s needs. That is why, if we feel less than compassionate, when compassion would be rightly expected (as a Jesus-follower), we would need to go back to those earlier emptying steps … to see if we have really fully completed them. Are we humble, repentant, teachable and desperate for God enough?

Are we willing and able to let the struggles of others touch us?? Jesus himself, when confronted with disease and a great variety of needs, was moved with compassion to the depths of his being – he was often ‘gutted’ by what he saw. From this level of empathy, Jesus was truly able to demonstrate “mercy”. In this way, compassion unites us with the very heart of God. We should NOT be able to easily turn our eyes away from any tragedy and suffering.

·        Neighbour love – we know from Jesus’ teaching … that our ‘neighbour’ is actually anyone in need. Solidarity with a neighbour involves considering what it is like living in their shoes. This involves developing an understanding of, and empathy for, the difficult experiences that many people have endured. This involves being non-judgmental, slow to condemn, and not giving in to the sort of gross generalisations many people make (typified again this week by Senator Hanson). No doubt that Jesus was here challenging a society that generally lacked compassion (and held onto their racial animosities)!

Also, the “golden rule” (Matthew 7:12) indicates that we need to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. How would we like to be persecuted as a religious minority, or a victim of violence, forced to flee by any means available, and then be stuck in a detention centre (God knows where) having committed no crime! What sort of support and help would we desire (or even expect) when we were in that place of suffering? This then surely guides our response to others.

·        Acts of kindness – practical compassion means acting in kindly ways; which may in some cases be a very hands-on approach with the person next door, and people from here have been wonderful helpers of others, one-on-one, and through involvement with Anglicare and the like. On other occasions (on a broader scale), practical compassion involves a lot of advocacy i.e. talking, social-media activity, letter-writing, project development and fund-raising. If you are interested in this sort of conversation and activity, then we have just formed a group to work and pray in these areas.

2.     Forgiveness

Why do we need to forgive??? For both others and ourselves – to release both others and ourselves.

·        Letting others go – we need to forgive others … so that they might have the maximum chance to change and go forward. This does NOT mean that what they did (and we suffered) was in any way acceptable, but rather it means that the future is opened up … it is the future where potential lies. This does NOT mean that we give ourselves to more abuse, NOR does forgiveness mean that we will necessarily trust the person again – but it does mean that we won’t deliberately take actions that will make the problem worse.

In movies, books, and on reality TV, revenge is celebrated, so much so that ‘revenge’ itself is a bit of a cultural norm. It’s easy to fall into that mode of … because you have done that, you should get this! Justice becomes vengeance. ‘Sweet revenge’ has become acceptable. But this is NOT the way of Jesus, who looked into the face of rejection with the eyes of love and mercy. We should leave all of the accounting to the only wise judge.

Even where a person has not sought forgiveness (and remains seemingly unrepentant), offering forgiveness may open the opportunity of a better future. No-one had sought forgiveness … when Jesus, in torturous agony, opened his heart of gold, and said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing”. In this statement, Jesus forgave them [i.e. all those responsible for him being there on the cross] regarding any personal offence toward him, and also had a mind toward God forgiving them for this whole act of violence. In this way, a whole new future opened for all humankind. We also are forgiven for putting Jesus on a cross; in fact, we are forgiven because Jesus went to the cross in the ultimate act of self-giving.

·        Letting ourselves go – retaining bitterness is the most soul-destroying thing we can deliberately do to ourselves! Harbouring resentment or ill-will towards others demeans us. We need to dispense with bitterness. When bitterness is allowed to build, it destroys more and more relationships. Forgiveness, on the other hand, releases us. And not only that – we bring ourselves into the place of God’s mercy! Without forgiving others, we deny ourselves forgiveness. Through unforgiveness, we put up barriers between us and God. Only those who show mercy, receive mercy.

We shouldn’t just expect mercy, for that blessing, which is mercy, is only afforded to those who first show mercy themselves. That is why, when Jesus teaches us how to pray (Matthew 6:12, 14-15), it is here taken as a given, that we are a forgiving person, and because of this we have the right to ask for forgiveness ourselves. We will only be recipients of forgiveness, after we have forgiven all others ourselves. Only the forgiving, receive forgiveness; only the merciful, receive mercy! We cannot hold back on mercy, while expecting mercy ourselves.

·        Breaking the cycle of negativity – old animosities and hatreds continue to bring destruction through the generations. New disputes occur because of a sense of being offended against. Someone needs to stand up and put an end to this, with an act of radical forgiveness. Allan Meyer tells a story about the thief who comes back hoping for relationship, wondering how we might react to this! “Mercy is a heart attitude that moves a person to act in love – even when there are reasons not to”.

The blessing of receiving “mercy”

Let’s receive the blessing of mercy – being forgiving towards others (together with a heart of compassion) releases God’s stream of mercy toward us! And we really need this blessing … we really need mercy … we really need forgiveness!! We may have caused unnecessary hurt, we may have uttered an unguarded word, we may have treated someone unfairly, we may have broken a promise, we may have let someone down, we may have broken a trust, we may have been dishonest or selfish, we may have contributed to existing hostility, we may have just been apathetic. In your mercy Lord, forgive us and heal us!

Then, when God has forgiven us, we should be prepared to forgive ourselves. If God has determined to put aside our sin, then we should do the same. If we ever feel unworthy of forgiveness, then we could reflect on the extent to which God went to give us forgiveness – which shows how much God values us. However, if we continue to feel unforgiven, we need to consider whether we just might be holding back forgiveness (or holding tightly to some form of ill-will toward another), which may be blocking our own forgiveness and healing. “Our forgiveness of others is the outstretched hand by which we are able to grasp the forgiveness of God” (Athol Gill).

IS THERE SOMEONE WHO HAS HURT YOU … THAT YOU HAVE NOT FORGIVEN, AND THUS YOU ARE HOLDING ONTO BITTERNESS?

IS THERE ANYONE THAT YOU NEED TO FORGIVE RIGHT NOW??

LET THEM GO – AND RELEASE THE CHAINS FROM YOURSELF!!

DO YOU NEED TO SEEK FORGIVENESS FROM ANYONE OR FROM GOD?

WE WOULD BE HOPEFUL CONCERNING HUMAN FORGIVENESS!

BUT WE CAN BE CERTAIN ABOUT GOD’S FORGIVENESS (ONCE WE HAVE SHOWN MERCY OURSELVES)!!

“Blessed are the pure in heart”

What does it mean to be “pure in heart”?

·        Pure motivations – our “heart” is the place where our motivations (or our ‘drivers’) lie; these are the internal workings that determine our decisions and behaviour. To be “pure” is to be unmixed – with no ‘impurities’ … not mixed with other substances; or to have been purged of all undesirable elements or pollutants. Proverbs 4:23 reads, “Above all else, guard your heart; for it is the wellspring of life” (NIV); or, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (NLT). So purity of behaviour rests in purity of heart.

Being “pure in heart” is about being truly in harmony with God’s ways, and seeing the things around us as God sees them. This is being really tuned in, even single-minded – no double vision! The “pure in heart” will never serve more than one master. Evil and darkness is rejected, worthless pursuits are shunned; light is embraced! In reading this verse, we are caused to check our motives, goals, desires and priorities – we can take an internal audit, asking: ‘what drives me’, and, ‘why do I do what I do’??

·        Honesty – when a heart is not right or “clean”, often anything goes, and easy justifications follow. To be “pure in heart” is to be sincere, genuine, the ‘real deal’, having integrity – outward actions and inward thoughts are in total harmony. To be “pure in heart” is to be moral and ethical in all our dealings, having good character, having clarity, being transparent (Oxford meaning: free from disguise) … then maybe even translucent; to be clearly/obviously set apart … for a purpose (i.e. “holy”). Using the simple basic ‘yes’ or ‘no’ avoids being loose with commitment. The “pure in heart” will have straight honest open communication. In this way, the “pure in heart” will be very naturally able to critique negativity, falsehood and evil. “Why don’t people come to church”, we sometimes ask – this is what they need to see … the “pure in heart” … have they seen it … will they see it??

·        Resources – the resources of the “pure in heart”, along with the Holy Spirit, are prayer, worship and bible study. Each of these connects us with God, who is, of course, the very essence of purity and holiness. The more we pray (individually and in groups), the more we worship together as the church, the more we search God’s Word (individually and together) for truth and understanding – the more we will sense, know and see God.

“For they will see God”

In fact this is the blessing for the “pure in heart” … “seeing” God. In this way, the “pure of heart” will hold up under pressure, and will likely make a huge difference in the lives of many. As God is the epitome and the definition of ‘purity’, only the “pure in heart” can truly see and understand God for all of who He is. How do you rate on the “pure in heart” scale? Be encouraged … we are works in progress.

Let God in to purify your heart, and more and more we shall see God in all his wonder, beauty and majesty. We see God’s brilliant creation every day, and the provision of sun and rain, and all the other resources we need. But human lives too, can demonstrate God’s greatness. Let’s be part of God’s grand design! As God looks upon the heart, the “pure in heart” are able to see God.

"From Empty to Full" (Matthew 5:5-6 part two)

Introduction - we started out last week considering the 'path to blessing'. We asked ... what blessings can we receive, and how do we get them? We saw that humility leads to really knowing God, and mourning (or being emotionally honest) and repentance leads to a deep sense of comfort and peace. We continue on that quest today ... looking at two more of Jesus' statements.

Also, there is a bit of a process happening in these 'beatitudes' (as taught by Allan Meyer), whereby the willing, as they work down the list, are making the required space - dispensing with certain negatives, and thus becoming empty so they can be freshly filled.

The Meek – there is a particular blessing attached to those who are “meek”. What does it mean to be “meek”?

Obviously arrogance is out, and aggression is out, as well as being harsh or rigid is also out. Yet “meek” is not timid, in the sense of fearful; is not weak, in the sense of being without personal resources; and is not passive, in the sense of doing nothing.

“Meekness” is about being gentle enough not to over-power or dominate anyone else. “Meekness” is having more of an instinct to serve than command. Yet within “meekness” there is still a strength of conviction – Jesus described himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29), but in response to injustice cleared out the temple of those who were cheating and disrupting the lives of honest worshippers.

We can be confident in what we believe, and take whatever decisions our faith dictates; but at the same time not require other people to believe and act this way before they are ready. And, we would take into account, that what we think is important, may not be so important to others. Sometimes we have to ease up a bit, and be a bit more gentle and respectful! “Meekness” is actually the antidote for the sort of close-mindedness that starts wars. How easily unthinking words can crumble relationships.

“Meekness” is about being open enough to receive other people’s contributions to your life. “Meekness” is about being prepared to be a team player. “Meekness” is about hearing alternative opinions. “Meekness” is about being open to learn something new, being prepared to change your mind, and becoming a life-long learner. We can learn, not only from God and each other, but also, from some unexpected sources.

“Meekness” is about spiritual maturity, because God has been given full sway. The meek exhibit self-control, better … God-control. “Meekness” can be seen where forks-in-the-road or various struggles are handled with calm, wisdom, consistency and growing maturity. When Jesus was under pressure facing the cross, he was able to say to God, “Not what I want, but what you want {not my will, but yours}” (Matthew 26:39).

The key characteristic of “meekness” is ‘teachability’. We experience the “meek” when something of significance is shared with someone, and you see the lights go on and a smile appears. From that moment, this person will never be the same again, because they have received new and significant understanding. You hear them talking about it weeks later, because they are continuing to process this new and impacting revelation. Such a person is growing before your eyes. Blessed are the "meek".

The particular blessing here, for those who are as open and teachable as this, is the curious phrase … “they shall inherit the earth”, which could also be translated, “they shall inherit the land”. This is an expression of complete well-being in all aspects of life.

This phrase draws upon the close connection between the Israelite people and their land, whereby their sense of living on their land was closely connected to their relationship with God (much like our own indigenous peoples). When the people of Israel experienced exile in a foreign nation (and absence from their land) due to military defeat (which was often blamed upon rebellion against God), there was also a deep sense of spiritual loss.

To have the blessing of “inheriting the earth or land” … meant that all was put back right – their “inheritance” as God’s people was safe, their physical connection to land and spiritual connection with God was all back in alignment. All of life in community was coherent and harmonious again. This is because the “meek”, rather than being rebellious, have their eyes and ears firmly fixed on God.

Psalm 37:11 reads, “But the meek will inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity [i.e. blessing]”.

How do you rate on the “meekness or teachable” scale from 1 to 10?? How is your sense of well-being in life?

Now if we were to rate ourselves at the low end, then we need to quickly remember that we are works in progress. God has far from finished with us, and we also have the opportunity of investing in one another, so that we all move up the scale.

The Hungry and Thirsty – there is a particular blessing for those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness". In this context, to “hunger and thirst” is to have an ache for something, even be desperate (to the point of death) for something. Hunger and thirst take us to the edge. There is a seriousness about this, to the extent that if the remedy or solution (or the particular food and drink) became available, you would really go for it.

If you hunger and thirst for something, you really want it bad! This is about being fully focussed on and committed to those things that we really need. We can no longer be easily diverted. We hunger and we thirst, so no longer can we be half-hearted or wishy-washy or accepting of mediocrity! And our hunger and thirst cannot be satisfied by things that are bad for us (or less than the best).

Our “hunger and thirst” is for “righteousness”. This, of course, is NOT about some pretense of being 'holier-than-thou' or better than anyone else - absolutely not! This is also NOT about some human striving to be good (through our own effort) – quite the opposite! This IS again about our relationship with God … being “right” with God.

Our minds could go to the thirsty deer in Psalm 42 – “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you, O God” (verse 1). This is about being able to live in a way consistent with the way God would want us to. And this is NOT possible in our own strength. We have too many issues and complications, and frankly, we sin too easily. So we need help. Knowing this, God through Jesus took all the pressure and sense of failure off our shoulders and took it all to the cross. As the old song put it, “Our burdens are lifted at Calvary”. Here is the radical forgiveness we all need. Surely we would be “hungry and thirsty” for this!

Here is the end point of the process of emptying ourselves that I mentioned earlier.

Ø We have given up trying to make it by ourselves. We dispense with pride. We give up on power and control. We admit to being “poor in spirit”. We become happy with a humble approach to God.

Ø And we deeply regret the misdeeds of the past such as we are ready for change. We become emotionally honest. Truly we are “mourners” seeking comfort. We are now better in tune with the needs of others.

Ø And rather than believing we have all the answers (and can find our own way forward), we accept the path of “meekness”. We become newly teachable. The possibility of our original inheritance is now back in view.

We have emptied ourselves and created space ... space that can now be filled. Thus we are “hungry and thirsty” ... "hungry and thirsty" for “righteousness” … for salvation, freedom and new life. To put it another way – our stomachs are now empty and desperate for the right sort of nourishment. “Righteousness”, or, being as God would have us be, will be first sought on the inside, so that then it can be lived on the outside – in a humble public 'righteousness' that makes a difference, shines a light, and promotes hope wherever we go.

Jesus identified that the Samaritan woman at the well (in John chapter 4) was really thirsty. She was thirsty for a relationship in her life that really counted. She had misjudged that relationships with men could fill the void in her life; going from relationship to relationship to relationship with constant disappointment. This woman had failed to understand that each person, first and foremost, has a need for spiritual fulfilment in God. If we neglect this fact, then more likely than not, other things will not work out well. We will look for our acceptance, value and belonging in the wrong place. 

Jesus said to this woman:

Everyone who drinks of this water [speaking of the physical water from the local well] will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life (John 4:13-14).

This woman responded positively to Jesus, seeking this “living water”, and began telling people all about how Jesus had looked deeply into her life and touched her at her deepest point of need. She was indeed thirsty, but then, when given the way forward, drank deeply. When Jesus later referred to himself (in John 6:35) as the “bread of life”, Jesus also said, “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”. This statement followed on from the feeding of the five thousand (which had already proved the point).

Jesus can fill us abundantly. [There are even basketfuls left over.] The more room we have, the larger our capacity for blessing. Jesus provided for those disciples he left behind; and in his absence, he also provides for us ... to the very end of the age.

So, the blessing here, for those who are “hungry and thirsty for righteousness”, is that we will be “filled”. “Filled” with what???

When Jesus had provided forgiveness and salvation, and confirmed that those who entered into the new experience of life were to follow him i.e. follow Jesus into his missional concern for all people of all nations, and to represent Jesus in all the avenues of life, Jesus told his disciples that they would need and receive help. Prior to his ascension, Jesus said,

And see, I am sending you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). This, [Jesus] said, is what you have heard from me; for John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now (Acts 1:4b-5). But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a vital part of our spiritual journey. We know this because the fully human Jesus needed the Holy Spirit himself to deal with all the challenges of the ministry that lay ahead of him over the ensuing three years. It was through the Holy Spirit that Jesus was able to have victory over all the testing and temptation through 40 days in the wilderness. It was through the Holy Spirit that Jesus was able to heal the blind, the leprous and the demon-possessed, and raise the dead. It was through the Holy Spirit that Jesus, when faced with the torture of the cross, was able to opt for God’s will over his own sense of trepidation.

The Holy Spirit will also implant in us the seed of becoming like Jesus, leading to the fruit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a) growing on our tree. Also, the Holy Spirit bestows gifts on us ... so that together we can effectively be his body … bringing heaven to earth. The Holy Spirit is seeking to write the life of Jesus within us (Frank Viola).

Conclusion - from here we will be on an upward trend – toward being merciful against the tide, exhibiting a purity that is noticed and makes a difference, towards active peace-making, and dealing positively with the notion (and potential reality) of persecution.

Are we hungry and thirsty enough? Have we got into the game? Allan Meyer talks about the difference between being active participants on the sporting field, as opposed to those who just observe from the sidelines.

Have we emptied ourselves so that we can be filled? Where are we on the hungry/thirsty scale? Is the Holy Spirit evident in our lives? Are we becoming more like Jesus? Have we opened our lives to maximum levels of blessing?

We shall continue to assess these matters with the four remaining beatitudes over the next two weeks.