Eremos

Between You and God: A Review of Surrender to Love

Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality
by David G. Benner.

What does God think of you?
Do you relate to Him with fear or trust?
How does that affect your life?

David Benner, a professor of psychology and spirituality, summarizes the Christian life in his title: Surrender to Love. He recognizes our longing for love and connection – indeed, it is our life purpose – yet we are hesitant to be vulnerable.

The book contains only five chapters, and is not burdensome to read. It takes the reader through a progression as follows:

First, he poses the question, “what do you think God feels about you?” He encourages us to think if God as the Father of the prodigal son – loving us despite our sin. He also points out that Jesus, God incarnate shows us that God is love. The problem, however, is that many people know this, but don’t feel it. They need to experience it.

Second, Benner addresses fear. Some people relate to God in this way, as if God only offered His gift of Love “at gunpoint.” And, living in fear, we seek safety by seeking to control ourselves and others. Only knowing the safety of God’s uninventable, inconceivable gracious love can free us from fear, to vulnerably receive.

Third, he argues that obedience to God, which leads to our well-being, needs to be in surrender. We can’t strive to obey by our own strength; we must abandon control, and trust His love. Obedience should be restful, like flowing in a stream, rather than striving by our own strength. It is preferring His way, and saying “yes” to Him – only possible if we trust His love.

Fourth, Benner outlines the transformational journey this involves. It begins with conversion, which involves repenting or turning from our sin, to God. This requires trusting His love and reorienting toward Him. Next, one must receive the love in vulnerability – only then can it truly transform us. One may know the truth, but they will not be able to change by sheer willpower. Finally, after opening oneself to God, one must “leap beyond belief” and truly experience His love. Only God’s love can truly satisfy, and only His love is perfect enough for absolute surrender; but our love can partially reflect it enough to partially enjoy this transformative love in a human context.

Fifth, Benner addresses how we can “become love.” He points out that conversion involves a death and rebirth of the self. And to become new, it involves meditating on God’s love, rather than trying to mimic it. But, one must experience this love through the cross alone – recognizing our sinfulness and need, and receiving His gift. From there, we lose ourselves and become others-oriented; we become love, in the image of the One Who is love.

What can I say about this book?

If you prefer practical, hands-on, formulaic, how-to ministry manuals, this isn’t for you. Yet, in a way, it does present us with very simple and clear instructions on how to benefit from God’s love.

Perhaps, you may wonder, ‘How can Benner, or anyone for that matter, speak of such things? Aren’t these issues private, between us and God?’

No. Read the Psalms. Read the Bible! We need to talk more about our relationship with God. Yes, it is individual and unique, but it is strengthened in community. Benner doesn’t have the complete view, but neither does anyone else. Yet, we can learn from one another, and I dare say we should learn from what Benner shares here.

So, by all means, check out this book, read it with an open mind, and take from it what you can!

“Know Thyself:” An Introduction to the Enneagram

Navel Gazers

The ancient Greeks are known for their philosophy – almost any idea can be traced, or connected in some way, to the preserved writings of their famous thinkers. The phrase in the title, “Know Thyself,” or γνῶθι σεαυτόν in Greek, is a well-known aphorism, attributed to various ancient philosophers, but famously expounded by Socrates, who concluded, “the unexamined life is not worth living.”

While this idea may sound like self-absorbed navel-gazing to a Christian, the value of introspection is not foreign to Biblical and later Christian writers. For example, King David’s words in Psalm 139:23-24 are still repeated by Christians today, as part of what is called the Prayer of Examen:

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Such a prayer makes it clear that, while a Christian’s primary pursuit would be to know God (Philippians 3:8-10), a healthy and reciprocal relationship with our Creator will involve learning about ourselves from the One Who knows us best. Perhaps the greatest example of this in later Christian writings would be Augustine of Hippo, who practically invented the genre of autobiography. After his long search for meaning and truth brought him back to the faith of his childhood, he confessed:

For see, thou wast within and I was without, and I sought thee out there.

Unlovely, I rushed heedlessly among the lovely things thou hast made. Thou wast with me, but I was not with thee. (Confessions)

Centuries later, Paul wrote to the Roman church, instructing them on the essential beliefs of the Christian faith. Then, he closes his letter with practical instructions on how to get along and function in relationship to one another:

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. (Romans 12:3-6).

For Paul, a self-awareness of one’s personal identity in Christ, and of one’s personal gifting, is crucial for healthy participation in Christ’s community. While many later writers have built on this idea, one notable example from recent times would be Henri Nouwen. In his book, Reaching Out, he argues that one must come to peace within themselves in order to reach out to others:

It is there that our changing relationship to ourself can be brought to fruition in an ever-changing relationship to our fellow human beings. It is there that our reaching out to our innermost being can lead to a reaching out to the many strangers whom we meet on our way through life (65).

Again, one last time, this idea should not lead to self-absorption. For Paul, knowing one’s unique gifting comes after surrendering oneself to be transformed by God and conformed to His will (Romans 12:1-2). It is in relation to God that we find our true selves. Jesus states, even clearer, that we must give up our lives in order to truly gain them (Luke 9:24) As C.S. Lewis states in Mere Christianity,

But there must be a real giving up of the self. You must throw it away “blindly” so to speak. Christ will indeed give you a real personality: but you must not go to Him for the sake of that. As long as your own personality is what you are bothering about you are not going to Him at all. The very first step is to try to forget about the self altogether. Your real, new self (which is Christ’s and also yours, and yours just because it is His) will not come as long as you are looking for it. It will come when you are looking for Him…Keep back nothing. Nothing that you have not given away will be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.

So, as we proceed to explore the Enneagram, may we do so with an attitude of openness to God, joining David in saying, “search me, O God.”

The Enneagram

I recently finished reading Discovering Your Personality Type: The Essential Introduction to the Enneagram by Riso and Hudson.

As the title indicates, this would be a good first book for anyone wanting to learn about this fascinating and useful personality indicator. It contains introductory materials, a 144-question survey to indicate your type, an explanation of each of the 9 types, and some guidelines of interpretation.

As with any good personality indicator, the results should seem intuitive. This test should put into words what a person already feels and observes. And, equally important, it should give language to what we observe in others. The enneagram has become widely used in business circles, counseling, and faith communities in order to gain insight into our personal, relational, and spiritual dynamics.

Underlying the mechanics of the enneagram is a belief that everyone has a basic type. While nurturing factors can affect the way that we develop, relate, and act outwardly, there is an assumption that, deep down, we all have an inborn nature that affects the way we experience life. As far as this paradigm is concerned, our “type” is irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or season of life. Rather, those external factors may affect other aspects of the enneagram. No type is better than another; rather, each type has its own corresponding vices, fears, and levels of health.

While many personality paradigms present binary choices, and simply provide people with a static label, the
enneagram is more dynamic.

First, rather than binary, it is tertiary. All people are divided into one of three triads, based on their “centre of consciousness:” thinking, feeling, or instinctive (gut). These three categories essentially express how people make decisions. Then, within each triad are three sub-sections: one assertive, one dutiful, and one withdrawn. The result is that each person has two characteristics, assigning them one of nine basic types. There are additional levels that psychologists have added, further dividing each type again.

Perhaps most uniquely, the enneagram is dynamic. Not only does a person stand solidly within their “basic type;” but there is also conditional movement between the types. When a person is stressed, they tend to act like a specific other type; when they are secure, they tend to act like another type. People also tend to have a “wing,” or secondary type that is adjacent to their main one. Thus, the enneagram accounts for the diversity we experience, and provides an explanation for human development and regression when experiencing consolation and desolation.

In short, the enneagram explains a lot. And the more familiar one becomes with it, the more insight one can gain into personal, relational, and spiritual dynamics. We can gain language to explain why we feel, think and do things, why we clash with certain people, and what wholeness and health looks like for us and others. The enneagram does not rank types in comparison to each other, but provides a framework for seeking maximum health within one’s own type.

So, if you are curious to explore your personality dynamics further,
or if you are inclined to openly approach God as David did in Psalm 139,
or if you are ready to heed Christ’s call to turn your life over to Him for transformation, consider using the enneagram as a practical tool!

Is Your Church is Too Safe?

Just over a year ago, I was called by Parkdale Evangelical Free Church to join their family and serve as Pastor. God had led me through a searching year of letting go of where I was and what I was doing – and now He had shown me the next step. God provided us with a ministry calling, a home, and a loving community to join. We moved on September 1, 2016.

Since then, people have often asked me, “How’s it going at Parkdale?” I tell them that I am very grateful to be part of such a healthy, loving family of believers. I appreciate that our gatherings can provide a time and place for people of various generations and backgrounds to unite in worship and warm fellowship. It is a family that likes being together – whether it be cheering on their softball team, building homes in Mexico, or enjoying a barbecue lunch. Parkdale is a community that I am glad to share about with others, and when they visit, they speak of it’s warm atmosphere.

Not long into my time as pastor here, a senior member of the church showed me a photo directory of Parkdale, from the early 1980’s – before the time that I was born. What struck me most was not the odd hairdos, or the lack of ethnic diversity that are characteristic of that decade – it was simply this: that less than a handful of the people in this directory still attended the church!

This is not to say that there are no seniors at Parkdale. Thankfully, we have a good cohort from that generation. While some from the 1980’s directory have passed on to glory, there are many who have not.
So, where are they?

Some people leave. It can be connected to a pastor’s departure – three have left since the early ’80’s. It can also be for personal reasons – a crisis of faith, a personal conflict, or a new chapter in their life journey. But, for every “leaver,” there is usually a “comer” – someone leaving elsewhere and coming our way for a similar reason. So, what do we do when they come?

Some people move. People don’t keep jobs and careers like they used to. And when one member of the family moves, it can start a chain reaction, as others follow to support or be supported by living closer together. And yet, Victoria is not de-populating. On the contrary, Victoria’s population has grown from 64,000 in 1981 to 85,000 in 2016. Over the same time, Saanich has grown from 78,000 to 109,000. People leave and people come. Are we reaching those newcomers?

This is where the conversation gets a little uncomfortable. It is wonderful to enjoy and participate in a loving church family. But times change, and people don’t always stay forever. Therefore, unless new people are welcomed into the fold, it’s only a matter of time before every church will go extinct. Fortunately, in Parkdale’s case, the departure of 90% of the people from the early 1980’s has not resulted in the extinction of the church. It lives on!

What does this mean for us, today?

Well, for one, the church is not all about us – nor is it all about the people who are in it. Just like a family, there is an understanding that we are living, gathering, and serving for others – for the lost who will be found, for the next generation, who will rise to take our place.

Second – safety, stability, and even unity are not our goal. They are wonderful to have, but are fruits of something else, something deeper: a common mission of following Jesus Christ. In church, there can develop a “Noah’s Ark” mentality, of creating a safe place to gather and visit – safe from the world and its evils. But, pursuing safety leads to exclusivity, and stagnation. We fear people who are different, who might hurt us or influence our kids badly. We hesitate to try new things, or to be too generous. We shrink back from doing anything together outside of the walls of our building – for fear of being seen, tested, and rejected. And, as a result, the life is drained from the fellowship.

If, however, our goal is to follow Jesus, and to invite His transformation of our lives, then safety takes a back seat. Jesus calls us to give up our lives and trust that He will give us a better, truer, eternal one. Paul tells us that God’s will is our sanctification and wholeness. He is working through all the challenges of our lives, to make us more like Christ. As we give up our old lives, our new lives are being restored back into the likeness of our Creator.

This transformative journey can involve discomfort. We may experience turbulence. But, strangely, there is nowhere where we will find a deeper sense of safety than in our Heavenly Father’s arms; there is no more stability than in being part of God’s eternal plan; there is no truer unity than the fellowship of following Christ together, being one in Spirit and purpose.

Where have you experienced these things? For me, it is when I know that I am in the centre of God’s will for me, exactly where he wants me, doing what He has created and called me to do. Whether that be on an overseas mission trip, or feeding the downtown homeless, playing with my children, or praying with church members, there is safety, stability, and unity in following Jesus together.

What is He calling us to do?

Not long after I began serving at Parkdale, I invited the church to read a book together: Your Church is too Safe. Perhaps the title turned some people off; but, evidently, the title attracted some – before long a group was gathering to discuss it. The author, Mark Buchanan, had pastored on the Island for 17 years, and this was his 7th and final book – a last word, before he moved on to teach at a Seminary. The book was full of stories – funny stories, inspiring stories, challenging stories. Together, our group caught a vision for what church could be:

In the world:

Venturing into middle ground to meet people
Offering compassionate presence, not just money
Being hospitable guests, not just hosts
A fellowship of travellers, not tourists
Break down walls: free the captives

Not of the world:

Both attractive and relevant, by loving well
Utterly dependent on God, embodying faith
Full of grace and truth
Attractive and magnetic, unified community
Build walls: distinguish selves

Overcoming evil with good:

Transforming, not avoiding what is unclean
Reflecting God’s risky generosity
Turning the world upside down

Over the past year, it has been encouraging to see God at work among us at Parkdale, in some of these ways.

When an AA group asked to use our building, they were welcomed and accommodated. We opened our doors, knowing that hospitality also means vulnerability. What will come of this? I hope and pray that our new friends will discover Jesus as the Higher Power.
When COBS Bread asked for charities to distribute their leftover bread, our people jumped at the opportunity. Each week, bread is gathered, bagged, and given to those in need (even of just some cheer). Gathering and bagging takes time and energy. Distributing it takes courage. What will come of this? I hope and pray that it will create common ground with others and facilitate fruitful conversations
When I asked if there’d be an interest in beginning Freedom Session at our church, again, the response was positive. This ministry will involve confession. It will involve openness. It will involve accountability. But, I trust, it will open the door to healing and spiritual growth in our lives, and the lives of others who we reach.

Are we still too safe? Perhaps. Who knows what steps of faith Jesus will call us to take, as we follow Him? How can our worship, our fellowship, our Daycare/Preschool, our homes, our jobs, and our social lives become instruments for His glory?

But I am grateful for the steps we’ve already taken together on this journey together. Let’s be listening for His voice as we proceed.

Seeing People with God’s Eyes

I remember the fascinating and ground-breaking 1999 movie, The Matrix. Neo, the protagonist, is living in an artificial reality – a dream-world created by robots who’ve conquered the earth. Most humans have been reduced to dormant power-generators for their mechanical masters. At some point, Neo is awakened from his slumber, and comes into contact with a few humans who have been liberated from the blindness to reality. Their leader, Morpheus, enlightens him, beginning with the now-famous question:

“What if I told you everything you knew was a lie?”

Actually, no, he didn’t say that. That line summarizes the main idea of the story, but much ink has been spilled in discussing and clarifying that this now-popular meme did not exactly originate in the matrix. See discussions here and here and the movie clip here.

But this just strengthens the point. Neo was deceived into believing in a false reality, and so were many of us. I was one of many who, before writing this post, would have agreed that the quote above was spoken by Morpheus. But it turns out to be a fairly common phenomenon – we often fail to see things as they truly are.

If there’s one thing I could say about Jesus’s teachings, it would be this:
More thank correcting our doctrine, deeper than cleaning up our behavior, Jesus is interested in completely transforming our entire worldview.

Jesus calls for repentance. In Greek, the term metanoia literally means to change one’s mind. We need to understand things differently. When He says that He is the Light of the World, He means that He is the Source of truth, the embodiment of Truth, the One Who can reveal how things really are. C. S. Lewis put it this way:

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

Many of Jesus’s teachings were difficult to accept. He repeatedly turned people’s world upside down, affirming returning prodigals over self-righteous servants (Luke 15), affirming repentant sinners over prideful religious leaders (Luke 18:9-14), and assuring all that our reward from God is a result of His grace, not our work (Matthew 20:1-16). He affirmed attentiveness over busyness (Luke 10:38-42) and indicated that earthy fortunes may be reversed in the afterlife (Luke 16:19-30). In light of this different worldview, He began His Sermon on the Mount this way:

³“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
⁵“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
⁶“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
⁷“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
⁸“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
⁹“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
¹⁰“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Wow, what a different way of viewing the world!

Perhaps it should not be surprising, then, that Jesus’s earthly brother, James, should teach along a similar vein. In a previous post, I’ve already shared how James seeks to give us perspective in the midst of trials. In 1:9-11, he reminds us that the current state of both rich and poor is transient. Therefore, we should learn what we can from present trials, and realize that God is the solution, not the cause, of our problems.

Now, in chapter 2:1-13, James addresses a practical issue: showing partiality. For those who hold faith in Jesus Christ, there should be no partiality shown. Then, just as Jesus illustrates a deeper point by giving practical instructions on how to throw a party, James illustrates his point with instructions for seating at an assembly: do not distinguish between rich and poor when you gather to worship.

Why not?

Because showing partiality does not correspond with the new reality that we see in Jesus Christ. No doubt remembering Jesus’s words from Matthew 5 quoted above, James reasons:

⁵Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

The truth of the matter is that the poor may actually be rich, and the rich might actually be poor. As became quite evident in Jesus’s ministry, it is the “poor in spirit” who tend to receive the kingdom of God (His reign in their lives). It was the Rich Ruler who rejected Jesus’s invitation, prompting Jesus to remark,

“How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! (Luke 18:24)

It is difficult because the rich are tempted to trust in their things, rather than God. Their things might be financial savings, educational credentials, social reputation, dwellings, life insurance, etc. To the extent that they give in, they are cheated from experiencing the joy of growing in faith through trials (1:2-4), and knowing God as the Giver of everything good (1:16-17). in chapter 2, James is even harsher, claiming that it is the rich who oppress you and blaspheme the Name by which you were called (2:6-7).

After denouncing what is wrong, James points us to what is right: the “royal law” of loving our neighbour as ourselves. Showing partiality is antithetical to this simple and all-inclusive law to love. A person who keeps the whole law, but fails at this point is as guilty as someone who broke the whole thing (2:9-11).

So, what should we do? James concludes with this exhortation:

¹²So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. ¹³For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Verse 12 summarizes how we are to operate in this world. If we view the world through worldly eyes, we will operate under worldly laws of how the world works. We will pragmatically show partiality, in order to win the favor of powerful friends. We will judge others to raise our own profile. But if we view the world through God’s eyes, we will operate under the “law of liberty” that sets us free from the trappings of backstabbing competition, working for everyone’s approval and grasping for security.

When we realize that “every good and perfect gift is from above,” and we receive His “word of truth,” we are “brought forth” as “firstfruits of his creatures” (1:17-18). Born again. New Creation. Believing and receiving the truth makes us children of God – adopted into a new family, with a new identity. Old lines of division are wiped away, and we are united together as we are united to Him.

When we operate under the “law of liberty,” we are putting our faith in Jesus Christ, who set us free from the guilt and power of our sin. We are believing that “mercy triumphs over judgement.”

So, James says, if you view the world this way, then “so speak and so act” like it! Show the mercy to others, that you’re counting on receiving from God!

Two Ears, Two Eyes, Two Hands, Two Feet, One Mouth

As a teenager, I took a trip to some northern First Nations reserves, where my youth group planned to work with a local missionary and serve the community there. During a training session, our instructor shared with us a proverb from the local tribes:

You have two eyes, two ears, and only one mouth.

The point was obvious – we should approach the people as humble learners, earning the privilege to speak. Jesus, in coming to earth as a baby, took His time to relate to humanity before beginning His ministry. In fact, 90% of His life could be considered to be preparation!

As our Bible sharing & prayer group read through James 1:19-27, it seemed that James seemed to be describing us in a similar way, to make a slightly different point. To James, the present concern is living a righteous life, or practising “pure religion” – and the way to accomplish this may be surprising.

19-21 – First, we are to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Here, we’re reminded of how many ears and mouths we have. Speaking quickly is associated with anger, which “does not produce the righteousness of God.” What an understatement! What a gentle, Canadian way of telling us what a bad idea it is to speak quickly, in anger. Rather, we should put away evil, and “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

This “word” is the Good News of Christ, Who lived to show us God’s love, Who died for our sins, and rose to reign over His followers, dwelling in them and working through them by the Holy Spirit. In 1:18, James calls this the “word of truth,” which essentially makes believers reborn as a new creation, and a foreshadow of the great renewal to come.

While speaking in anger does not produce God’s righteousness, hearing the Word can save our souls, and make us a new creation – making us righteous in heart, and increasingly in deed. But the word must not just be heard, but we must “receive with meekness the implanted word.” The Word must be humbly received, with a silent mouth, open ears, and open hands.

22-25 – But, having heard the word, which saves us, we must also be “doers of the word.” Using our two ears should lead us to activate our two feet. For James, this involves using our two eyes. We are called to “look into the perfect law, the law of liberty,” and not just hear and forget, but respond with action, and be blessed.

James offers an analogy – if you hear without acting, you’re like a person who looks in the mirror, and forgets his own appearance. This analogy is appropriate, because the law functions like a mirror – its purpose is to show us our sin, and our need for Christ. But, James doesn’t just say “law;” he says “perfect law, the law of liberty.”

What’s the difference? While the Old Testament Law showed us our sin and pointed forward to our Savior, James is here referring to God’s “perfect” law – in Greek, that word is teleios – meaning finished and complete. Jesus fulfilled the law, just as He said He would. In His life, He interpreted the heart of the law – that it is all about loving God and one another – and then He fulfilled it perfectly. In His death, He paid for our sins, freeing us from the law which condemns, to serve in His grace. And having resurrected, He reigns over all, living in us by His Spirit – to fulfil the law through us. By faith, we receive Christ’s righteousness, and become “instruments of righteousness.”

This “perfect law, the law of liberty: (25) is the same as the “implanted word, which can save your souls” (21). It is the good news of Jesus Christ which, when believed and received, brings us new birth (18) as a sort of firstfruits of the coming harvest – a redeemed creation, reconciled with God! As John says in 1:12 of his Gospel account:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

And what is life, as a child of God, like? Here, we go full-circle – having heard God’s word of truth, having looked into God’s perfect law of liberty, we are called to put the words into action. For James, belief necessarily leads to action. If belief results in a new birth, a new beginning, and a new identity, then a new way of life should follow: pure religion.

26-27 – Religion has become a dirty word in our language and culture. It is often associated with rigid, restrictive rules that suffocate our lives and leave us feeling inadequate or worse, condemned. But, strictly speaking, religion simply refers to one’s order, system, or way of life that flows from their beliefs. In other words, it is faith applied.

James begins by asserting that anyone who cannot bridle their tongue, but rather deceives their heart – their religion is worthless. Being “quick to speak” is associated with anger, and not with God’s righteousness. Rather, righteousness comes through hearing and receiving God’s word of truth.

Then James delivers one of the most memorable phrases in his entire letter: That, in God’s eyes, pure and undefiled religion looks like this:

visiting orphans and widows in their affliction
and keeping oneself unstained from the world

Visiting orphans and widows – do you know any? You may or may not. But, it might be more likely than you think. In Biblical times, when there was no old age pension or social welfare system in place, people would rely on family when in need. Those who lacked family would hope that there’d be help in their community – especially their religious community. Today, do you know anyone who has lost a spouse or their family? This can happen through death, divorce, estrangement, abuse, etc.
How many people do you know, who’ve been through the foster care system, or through divorce? They may lack a lot of the relational support that others may take for granted. Pure religion calls us to give to others what we have received from our generous Father.

Remaining unstained from the world. Here’s where it begins to sound really difficult. Usually people tend to succeed at either the former requirement, or the latter. It’s hard to do both! While offering great compassion and understanding to those in need, we run the risk of falling into temptation – to conform to the lifestyle of others, or enable their unhealthy behavior. On the flip side, by focusing on remaining “unstained,” we run the risk of being cold-hearted, aloof, and neglectful toward those in need. We are saved to be sent; we are blessed to bless. Pure religion involves holding your tongue, and offering a helping hand – while “keeping them clean”.

What could this wholistic religion look like? Look to Jesus for an example. And continue with me in this Letter by the Apostle James!

3 Words of Wisdom to Help with Trials

Temptations. Suffering. Persecution. Hardship. Waiting. Sickness. Unemployment. Relational Strife. All of these, and more, may fall into the category of what the Apostle James calls “trials of many kinds.” That’s the topic with which he begins his letter to the early church – a very relevant topic for Christians living in the Roman Empire, and perhaps for you as well. After hearing from the life stories of people at our prayer & sharing time on Thursday, I could see why they chose to read this book of the Bible together!

From the first 18 verses, I’d like to share three words of wisdom that James offers for those experiencing trials:

1. Attitude

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
²Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

One word stood out from the verses, above: “consider.” James acknowledges that “trials of many kinds” will come, but his instruction does not pertain to action. He does not tell his readers to strive to change their circumstances; rather, they should “consider.” James is speaking about their attitude toward their circumstances, not their actions in response. Before they react in frustration, they should “consider it joy.”

Notice the difference?

It’s easy to complain, to get down on life, comparing our circumstances to others, to our past, to our ideals – and to consider ourselves short-changed. But, we are to consider it joy – to recognise the good in the midst of trials. It is actually through these trials that we can persevere and mature in our faith! If faith is “the conviction of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1), then our decision to “consider it joy when we face trials” is a great exercise of faith! Our perseverance in trials will actually work toward our maturity; this is a reason for great joy!

Another reason for joy is that we have a God Who generously provides wisdom to those who ask! Whether we are at a crossroads, in a quarrel, or going about our everyday tasks, we desperately need wisdom in order to do the right thing, and do it well. But, similar to how we view trials, our attitude toward prayer can make all the difference. God generously and freely gives, but He does ask for something from us – our faith. We need to consider Him faithful, Who we ask – as it says in Hebrews 11:6: “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”

2. Perspective

⁹Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
¹²Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

While approaching our trials with the right attitude gets us on the right track, sometimes we also need to step back and gain perspective. It’s nice to know that our difficulties will result in the maturing of our faith – but is that really what you want to hear in the moment of suffering?

Perspective removes us from the immediate circumstances, and helps us see the bigger picture – closer to how God sees it. In verses 9-12, James reminds the reader that our circumstances are fleeting; in fact, in many ways, they are an opposite indication of the eternal reality.

“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position” because, as Jesus said so many times and in so many ways (Matthew 5:3-12; Matthew 19-20), “the last will be first.” Jesus promised to raise the humble, esteem the servant, and reward sacrifice. We are to do good things in secret (Matthew 6:1-18), seek places of lesser honor, give to those who can’t repay – and expect a reward at the resurrection (Luke 14:7-14).

James provides us with perspective – a window into the future, to help us in our present trials: while the rich “will pass away like a wild flower,” those who persevere under trial “will receive a crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” The rich have great resources at their disposal – which certainly don’t hurt, at times. But, in the bigger picture, it is a love for God that will carry someone to the end – not wealth, which is fleeting. As David said in Psalm 62:

¹Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.
²Truly he is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3. Belief

¹³When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
¹⁶Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Finally, while we need the right attitude in the moment and the right perspective toward the future, this all stems from a right belief in God. Trials can lead to all sorts of doubts and questions:

Why did God do this to me? What is His purpose in this?
Why did God allow this? Where is He? Did He abandon me? Does He care?

James reminds us of two things: the source of our temptations, and the Source of all good gifts.

We have already seen that God allows trials to come, which result in our growth when we persevere in faith. He is ready to generously give us the wisdom that we need, when we approach Him in faith. But, He is not the source of our troubles – that would be sin. Though God made everything good, He also made us in His image, with a personality and ability to love. This ability necessarily involves a certain amount of freedom, which we’ve all used in rebellion against Him. We live in a world that is scarred by sin, full of trials and temptations – including our own inner desires.

But the good news is that God is there to help – He “does not change like shifting shadows” of our circumstances; but remains ready and available, with “every good and perfect gift.” He is not the source of our problems, but the Source of our solution. Do we believe that? Do we blame God for our trials, or do we look to Him for help, trusting that He is good?

James tells us the good gift that God gives: “birth through the word of truth.” The good news of Jesus Christ – revealing God in His life, reconciling us in His death, reigning as the resurrected king – gives us birth into a new life. Believing in Him changes us from the inside-out, completely re-orienting our way of thinking. We see that God’s love comes first, which results in our love. We see that we can only give what we receive, and that we must humble ourselves to become great. We see that all the glory belongs to Him. When we believe and receive this and become His child (John 1:12), then we become a sort of “firstfruits,” a sampling of the future renewal of all things (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). God is in the business of reconciling all things to Himself through Christ, and those who are reconciled now are a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17-20) – a small indication of the “New Heaven and New Earth” (Revelation 21:1-5) to come.

I hope that these three words – attitude, perspective, and belief will help you in whatever trials you face. Recognise what God is doing in the moment, what He will do in the future, and how good He is – and it’ll make all the difference!

C. S. Lewis and “The Four Loves”

C.S. Lewis has written many books on many subjects, in many genres. Often, people find his non-fiction writing to be too complex to navigate, or its context too distant to understand. His examples from his contemporary world don’t always relate to today’s reader, and so they require a sort of translation. Many great writers have undertaken this task – of studying and interpreting Lewis’ works, and applying them to the issues of today. In many cases, this proves worthwhile, as Lewis’s writings are often quite applicable to issues that arise in postmodernity.

But, even for those who have not read Lewis or looked into his ideas with any great depth, the name Lewis carries an authority, perhaps unlike any other writer in contemporary Christianity. If one can attach a Lewis quote to any claim, it provides instant validation. Lewis is one of those few people who, after finding success in his given academic field (literature), became an authority in almost any other field – at least in the eyes of his followers. Something similar could be said of Einstein (just look up what the famous physicist says about marriage, philosophy, etc.).

I grew up having the Chronicles of Narnia read to me and my siblings every summer vacation. Their overall narrative allegorised the great meta-narrative of which we are all part; the plot and characters accomplished something similar to what the Bible’s narrative can do. As a young adult, I worked through Mere Christianity, finding well-reasoned treatments of classic philosophical problems – especially concerning the existence of God. Since then, I’ve tried to chip away, little by little, at his other writings. I’m glad to say that, finally, I’ve finished The Four Loves.

Rather than formally reviewing it, and rather than picking out juicy quotes to share, I’d like to share what I got from it: a framework for understanding love. Lewis did not provide a chart, like I have below; he followed his typical essay-format, progressively working through the topics in sequence. Yet, as I worked through it, my systematic mind began noticing relationships between the Four Loves – how they were similar or different in various ways. Below, I’ve attempted to express a few findings that have proved helpful for me:

	Survival, Need Involuntary Feeling Possessive	Civilisation, Enrichment Voluntary Decision Disinterested
Indiscriminate Not Exclusive Giving Unmerited Unconditional	“Affection” = Storge -“Need Love” – Natural sentiment, loyalty, familiarity – Family care “Care for”	“Charity” = Agape -“Gift-Love” – Giving without self-interest; sacrificial without self-protection – Divine source “Love”
Discriminate Exclusive Pleasure Merited Conditional	“Eros” = Eros – Desire to possess – Romantic attraction “Want”	“Friendship” = Philos – Approval, appreciation – Culture, camaraderie “Like”

To me, the advantage of a chart like this is that it doesn’t rank them; like many personality tests, it simply expresses them as a combination of binary choices. The Myers-Briggs test offers four binary choices, resulting in sixteen possible personality types; similarly, Lewis presents us with four possible Love-types, and I have attempted to identify the two binary choices.

Lewis begins with a discussion of Affection, coming from the Greek word, Storge. In many ways, he rehabilitates this word, showing how essential it is for the survival and stability of humanity. It refers to a mother’s care for an infant, and any person’s pity for someone in need. Moreover, it can apply to any sentimental feeling, toward something familiar – a place, a taste, an old friend. The difference between this and Friendship is it’s indiscriminate, involuntary nature; while friendship comes from approval, affection reflects a deeper loyalty. For me, I can think of a few friends who have become like brothers – through our common experience, especially in my younger years, they have become like brothers to me; because of our common past, there is a sense of loyalty. Though I may find others with whom I have more in common, or even for whom I have more respect, no one can share my past. What about for you – what happens when you meet someone new, who has had a similar past, or who is from the same hometown? Perhaps that feeling, that sense of brotherhood, is Storge.

Lewis proceeds to describe Friendship, coming from the Greek word, Philos. Unlike Affection, it is discriminate, or selective. It occurs where there is commonality – of opinions, values, and preferences. A bond forms when people, who have identified themselves with certain interests and characteristics, find the same in each other. Yet, also unlike Affection, it is not needy. Lewis warns of how familial affection can become a “need-love,” when the lover desires to continue being needed. In contrast, Friendship respects the individuality of the other, appreciating and reinforcing his or her unique qualities that make him or her worthy of appreciation. I can think of classmates, teammates, roommates, and co-workers who have stood out from the pack because of their unique qualities. A mutual appreciation formed, where we did not try to change or control the other. Yet, Friendship can also move beyond this to become needy – to become Eros…

Eros, a Greek word referring to romantic, possessive desire, is fairly straightforward. Like Friendship, it is conditional, and discriminate. But, beyond appreciation, Eros involves attraction; like Affection, it is needy and possessive. Family affection can involve an unconditional, but possessive care. Friendship involves appreciation from a healthy distance. Eros combines elements of both – a conditional attraction with a desire to possess. Obviously, this can sound rather negative; indeed, conditional and possessive love can become ugly. But, in light of its similarity to the other loves, Eros can have a positive outcome. Essentially, it involves a desire to move someone from “friend” to “family.” In my own life, I’m glad to have Eros in this assigned place.

Charity, (based on the Greek word, Agape) similarly, combines elements of Affection and Friendship – only they might be considered to be the positive ones. Like Affection, Charity is indiscriminate. The objects of Affection and Charity are not selected – and so the love must be unconditional. Yet, rather than being based on the un-chosen factors of family and background, Charity is based on the un-chosen, un-merited love of God. Charity is given to us by our Creator, because we are His creation. This is often referred to as “common grace;” God shines the sun and drops the rain on everyone (Matthew 5:44-45). Charity is also shown preeminently in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Who died for the sins of humanity (1 John 2:2), so that we can be forgiven, and reconciled with God. It is from receiving this love that we can love (1 John 4:19). While sharing the non-selective nature of Affection, Charity also shares the disinterested nature of Friendship. It is not needy, but enriching to the other. While Eros and Affection desire to possess and be needed, Charity gives unconditionally. Rather than arising from a felt need, Charity, like Friendship, is a voluntary decision. Yet, unlike Friendship, Charity is not exclusive; Charity gives to all, equally.

Charity, of course, is impossible – humanly speaking. I just performed a wedding where the couple chose 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as their theme verses. It gives a perfect, beautiful picture of what Charity/agape is. Yet, as we read this inspiring vision of the perfect love of God, we are also made aware of how much we fall short of it. These verses serve as a double-edged sword, serving as both an inspiring ideal and a condemning comparison.

I actually once heard someone tell another person to insert their name in place of the word “love” in 1 Corinthians 13, and to use it as instructions for life. Imagine reading that – while at first it may sound flattering or inspiring, deep down you’ll know it’s a lie. At the wedding I recently officiated, I didn’t want to just leave the poor newlyweds with a set of instructions. I wanted to assure them that there is good news. Look what the apostle John, “whom Jesus loved,” says about love:

⁷Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:7-11)

In light of John’s words, how should we treat 1 Corinthians 13?
Try inserting “God” in place of the word “love.” God is love. Therefore, God is patient, God is kind…etc.

How does that change things?
We are made for love. Loving God and our neighbor sums up all of God’s commandments, and Jesus’s special commandment to His followers is to “love one another.” Pretty simple. Yet, we are completely unable to do this, until we begin receiving His love. We are not only made to love, but to be loved by God. Only God satisfies the need that we feel, and once we find it in Him, we find ourselves loving others!

Augustine famously said in his Confessions,

“You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in You.”

Similarly, Jesus said,

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

If we are ever to love in the best way, we’d better get good at being loved. We’d better get used to the fact that Christianity is not about what we can do, but what God has done, is doing, and will do for us and through us. Jesus said that you cannot enter His kingdom unless you humble yourself like a child. And this is how you become His child:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

Believe in Who Jesus is, receive His love, and it will transform you.
It will reverse the order of everything in your life, when you find that His love is actually the source of everything else you need to do.
It will re-orient your thinking, and make you a new person – a child of God, growing up to resemble your Father!

Exodus 19 & Numbers 14: God’s Special People for a Special Purpose

I recently had a fascinating conversation about predestination. The issue always seems to come up at some point in a Christian’s journey – Does God show favoritism? Do we really have free will?

Throughout the book of Genesis, we’ve observed how God would initiate relationships with individuals – Abraham and His chosen offspring. He would call them to follow Him, and act specially on their behalf while using them as His instruments. In Exodus, we see God acting specially on behalf of an entire nation – Israel (descended from Abraham). He saves them from Egypt and brings them safely to Mt. Sinai, where He explicitly defines this special relationship with them:

‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” (Exodus 19:4-6).

What? Why are they so special? Why does Israel receive this privilege?
God later makes it clear that it has nothing to do with their own merit. It is also well-known that God does not show favouritism.
So, what is the meaning of this?

This is actually consistent with God’s purpose, all along. Remember that God specially chose humans to bear His image and be stewards of creation. He specially chose Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. Now, He specially chooses Israel to be a kingdom of priests. They are to be holy and set apart – not for their own sake, but as mediators between God and all people. Their salvation would serve as a witness of God’s power, their obedience as a witness of God’s wisdom, and their presence as an inviting light to all nations. It is primarily through Israel that God would work in the world, reveal Himself, and bless other nations. Eventually the promise of blessing all nations would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendent of Abraham. Jesus would also serve as the perfect High Priest and Mediator, dying for the sins of the world:

But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2)

But God’s plan isn’t complete, yet. His purpose is still to work through a chosen people, to bring about the redemption of the world. Jesus calls His followers the light of the world who will be sent out as “fishers of men” to invite all people to follow Him . Now, Jesus’s followers compose the new People of God – united and identified through faith in Christ – not race, class, or gender. Through faith in Christ, they are reconciled to God and to one another – many nations made into one new humanity – a family of God, a new Temple in which the Spirit dwells. Believers are also collectively referred to as Christ’s Body – the instrument through which He still works on earth. Christians are also called a New Creation, and ambassadors who bring God’s message of reconciliation to the world. In fact, Peter refers to the Church in the same wording that we see in Exodus 19:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

But again – why the favoritism? How is it fair that God would choose some? Does He predestine some to be saved, and others not?
If it is not clear yet, I will state clearly now: God’s overarching purpose is the redemption of all things. That is the end of the story – heaven and earth uniting and everything being made new – God and humanity together, again. God is reconciling all things to Himself and entrusting to believers, the beginning of His New Creation, the message of reconciliation. Yes, He actively calls certain people to follow and serve Him; He actively chose a certain nation to be His own; and He has called and chosen His Church to be set apart. Yet, these people are no one special. If anything, weakness is their best quality , which shows God’s strength to the world. But God calls His people to pray for the world, wanting everyone to be saved, patiently waiting for all to come to repentance. To put it succinctly, Paul explains God’s purpose in one, long sentence:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In lovehe predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight,making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christas a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:3-10)

So, God specially calls people to follow Him – for the purpose of reaching out to others. He has plans to unite all under Christ, reconciling the world to Himself – and He plans to do it through His chosen people. N.T. Wright says this about our salvation:

“the work of salvation, in its full sense, is (1) about whole human beings, not merely souls; (2) about the present, not simply the future; and (3) about what God does through us, not merely what God does in and for us.”

Paul claims to have been called to ministry before his birth – but, before call this “favouritism,” see what Jesus says about him at his point of conversion:

he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. (Acts 9:15-16)

Being God’s instrument is no cake walk. It’s not just a free pass. It wasn’t for Abraham, and it wasn’t for Israel. God tests and disciplines His children, wanting to work with willing participants who trust Him. Though God called Abraham and promised to make him a blessing, this plan was not confirmed and fulfilled until Abraham’s faith was confirmed. Likewise, though God called Israel to be His people, and promised to give them rest in the land of Canaan, this plan was not fulfilled until Israel learned to trust Him and receive the promise by faith. When Israel on the verge of entering the promised land, the majority of them lost faith and decided to turn back to Egypt. Though God had saved them from slavery and sustained them in the desert, they did not believe He could overcome their opposition in Canaan. In response, God was ready to wipe them out and start a new nation with Moses – He could accomplish His plan through anyone, and didn’t particularly need Israel. But, see how Moses interceded on their behalf:

But Moses said to the Lord, “Then the Egyptians will hear of it, for you brought up this people in your might from among them, and they will tell the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that you, O Lord, are in the midst of this people. For you, O Lord, are seen face to face, and your cloud stands over them and you go before them, in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if you kill this people as one man, then the nations who have heard your fame will say, ‘It is because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land that he swore to give to them that he has killed them in the wilderness.’ (Numbers 14:13-16)

See Moses’s reasoning? Israel should not be saved for their own sake; they were undeserving, and not essential to God’s plan. But, for the sake of God’s reputation, He should save Israel. In light of His plan to show His power to all nations, He should follow through with His commitment to Israel. For the sake of other nations, God must use Israel’s weakness to show His strength – so that all nations might put their faith in Him. Moses continues:

And now, please let the power of the Lord be great as you have promised, saying, ‘The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’ Please pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt until now.”

Not only would God’s power be called into question if Israel was destroyed, but so would His love. God had claimed to be loving and forgiving, and had treated Israel accordingly up to this point. Moses calls Him to remain faithful to His promise, despite Israel’s unfaithfulness.

And God relents. He pardons Israel, but also disciplines them for their instruction, and as an example for us. Yet, God does not change. His change of course actually reflects His persistence of purpose, and His consistency of character.

Despite Israel’s wavering faith, God continued to pursue His purpose of blessing all nations through Israel. Through saving them, He would show Himself to be the One, true God.
Like a spouse who remains in a troubled marriage for the sake of the children and home, God would remain faithful to Israel for the sake of His greater purpose – the redemption of the world.
Despite Israel’s change of heart, God remained faithful in His commitment to love, forgive, and care for His chosen people.
Like a neglected spouse who continues to do their part, patiently waiting for the other to change, God would remain faithful to Israel because His love is perfect and patient.

Through this episode between God and Israel, we see clearly that God treats people according to His purpose and character. His plan does not depend on our success, nor does His love depend on our worthiness.

Despite the blunders of His people, God persists in His purpose to bless and redeem the world. So, He shows His power by accomplishing His will through our weakness.
Despite the resistance of His people, God’s character remains consistent. He shows His love by forgiving and pardoning us simply because He has promised to do so.

Isn’t it comforting to know that God’s plans are bigger than us?

His faithfulness to His people is for His purpose of reaching the world.

And isn’t it comforting to know that God’s love doesn’t depend on us?

His faithfulness to His people comes from Who He is, not what we do.

Psalm 116:5-7 says:
⁵Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
    our God is merciful.
⁶The Lord preserves the simple;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.
⁷Return, O my soul, to your rest;
    for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Online messages available here.

Easter Week: Remembering with God’s People

Has God done some great things in your life?
Does this have an enduring effect on your life, or is it too easy to forget?

Over the years, God’s people were called to “remember the wondrous works that he has done” (Psalm 105:5). Entire Psalms (105-107) were written to help them with this endeavor, as they sought to “tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done…that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God (Psalm 78:4-7).

Israel was called to always look back and remember their salvation from Egypt and entrance into the promised land – when they passed through the waters of the Red Sea and River Jordan. The work was complete, and they were called to live in light of this new reality. Likewise, a Christian is given the experience of baptism – as a milestone to mark the death of their old self and rebirth as a Christian. The work is complete, and we are called to live out the new life that we’ve been given.

On Sundays at Parkdale, we learn from the stories of God’s people in the Bible – but we also invite people to share testimonies – to help us remember what God has done. There are always parallels between our stories! Yesterday, as the AA group met in our church building, I observed a similar dynamic – people being encouraged as others take time to look back and see how far they’ve come.

This Sunday, we enter the week of Easter. I look forward to kicking it off with a celebration of the Lord’s Supper – followed by a Potluck! Jesus instituted this special meal among His followers as a way to remember His body and blood – given as a sacrifice for our sins. Just as Israel would slay a lamb at Passover (Exodus 12) to remember how God spared them from the plagues in Egypt, so Christians celebrate with the bread and cup to remember how God spared us from our sins – through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:15-20). But that’s not all – the meal is also a time to look forward to the Great Banquet that we will again enjoy with Him when He returns, to complete His kingdom! (Luke 14:15-24; 22:28-30)

May your Easter season be a time of both solemn remembrance, and joyful anticipation, in light of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Online messages available here.

Exodus 1-18: Seeing God in a New Way

What is God like?
Is He all-powerful? All good?
Apart from us? With us?
For us? Against us?

Distinct answers to these binary questions form the basis of worldviews, philosophies, and religions – it all comes down to what you think about God. In light of the problem of evil, Atheists and agnostics will view God’s power and goodness as mutually exclusive – while Christians will trust that God is working to pursue, convince, and redeem His lost, but free people. Many eastern religions (polytheist, pantheist, mystic) emphasize God’s nearness, while western philosophy from the enlightenment (Deist) emphasizes God’s separation from humanity. In contrast, Christians will embrace that both are made possible through the work of the Trinity, as revealed in the stories of Scripture.

If you’ve read through Genesis, I hope you can say that you’ve learned a lot about God’s character. I hope you have observed the manner in which He relates to people. And I hope that you’ve gained a sense of His purpose for humanity. I’ve argued that our purpose in reading Genesis should be to get to know God. He is the Protagonist of the story Who ties it all together. We’re not looking to other characters for an example to follow; rather, we learn through the context of their stories about how God interacts with people.

God specially created humans to bear His image, to be fruitful and multiply – exercising stewardship over the earth on His behalf. When people persisted in rebellion, God specially chose Noah to re-start humanity. When people united in their pride, God scattered the nations and specially called Abraham – a man with apparently limited potential – to father a nation that would bless all others. God entered into a personal relationship with Abraham and his descendants, making promises and inviting them to respond in faith. So, Genesis was all about God’s personal interactions with individuals, who He used to reach out to others.
Four centuries pass between Genesis and Exodus, and Abraham’s descendants have been “fruitful and multiplied” in Egypt. They have now become a great nation – just as God had promised to Abraham – and a threat to Egypt. The time is right for Israel to leave there, and the time is right for them to enter Canaan, where the people have been given their allotted time (Genesis 15:13-16).

Again, the time has come for God to act – to intervene in world affairs, and reveal Himself in a new way. His purpose and methods are still the same – choosing people to use for His glory – but His chosen instrument is different. In Genesis, God related directly to individuals – especially the patriarchs; in Exodus, God now acts on behalf of their descendants – the nation of Israel. After the setting is described, the story of God’s action begins as follows:

During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. (Exodus 2:23-25)

God heard…remembered…saw…knew. A new side of God is being revealed. In fact, in the very next chapter, He personally reveals Himself to Moses in the form of a burning bush. In this one moment, we see that the Angel of the Lord Who is seen in the bush is also the same God Who is speaking from it – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Finding himself in God’s holy presence, Moses removes his sandals and hides his face in fear (Exodus 3:1-6). Yet, this holy God is not aloof and unapproachable. He tells Moses:

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land (Exodus 3:7-8)

This same God Who created the world, called Abraham, and appeared in a burning bush is the Lord who sees, hears, cares, and comes to the rescue. In Genesis, we see references to “God” and “the LORD” interspersed. The generic term, “God,” or Elohim is often used when referring to God’s Almighty, macro-level activity. The personal term, “LORD,” or Yahweh, is used when God personally interacts with humans. It is here, in Exodus 3, that God formally introduces Himself to Moses as Yahweh, the LORD, the I AM. The true, living God of Creation is the One Who is with the nation of Israel. He explains to Moses:

God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant. “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. (Exodus 6:2-6)

And indeed, God brings them out, and saves them. Egypt is devastated by plagues, the sea is parted, and the nation is miraculously fed. God fulfils His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-16), and also to Moses – that Israel would worship God at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 3:12).

In the early chapters of Exodus, we see more clearly than anywhere else (until Christ’s coming) that the Almighty God above is also down with His people. Centuries later, God says in Isaiah 57:15:

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
    who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
    and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
    and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Praise God, who is Big Enough to save, and Near Enough to care!

Online messages available here.