Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Time crunch!
Due to time pressure with various church activities, mettings, etc. I have not been able to update this blog for a couple of weeks. Normal service will be resumed shortly. Please pray for us.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 16 February 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 1:1 - 3:17
Mark 1:29 - 2:12
Psalm 35: 17-28
Proverbs 9: 13-18
Psalms reading: I glossed over this reading yeaterday, as it seemed to be one of those Psalms where David was having a good old whinge to God, and wanted to see how things turned out today. And please forgive me, but it really seems to be one of those Psalms where David is not only whining a lot; he is also trying to strike a bargain with God. "If you do this for me, then I will praise you and thank you". The unwritten implication seems to be that if God will be praised provided that David gets what he wants.
Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but maybe therein lies the lesson for today. How often do we come to God with our "shopping-list prayers", beseeching God to act in a certain way and even going so far as to thank God in advance for doing what we would want God to do? Okay, none of you reading this site pray like that, but I must confess that I do this from time to time - even in public prayer when leading a congregation.
Now don't get me wrong (I seem to be saying this a lot lately) - God does want us to ask for things in prayer. And we do rejoice in God when our prayers are answered. And we should thank God for the blessings bestowed upon us. But how about from time to time praying to God just because of who God is? A real "no strings attached" prayer. No shopping list. No confessions. Not even giving thanks for something that God has done previously. A prayer that focuses on God, and God alone.
Try it ... such a totally God-focused prayer may prove to be incredibly liberating.
Leviticus 1:1 - 3:17
Mark 1:29 - 2:12
Psalm 35: 17-28
Proverbs 9: 13-18
Psalms reading: I glossed over this reading yeaterday, as it seemed to be one of those Psalms where David was having a good old whinge to God, and wanted to see how things turned out today. And please forgive me, but it really seems to be one of those Psalms where David is not only whining a lot; he is also trying to strike a bargain with God. "If you do this for me, then I will praise you and thank you". The unwritten implication seems to be that if God will be praised provided that David gets what he wants.
Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but maybe therein lies the lesson for today. How often do we come to God with our "shopping-list prayers", beseeching God to act in a certain way and even going so far as to thank God in advance for doing what we would want God to do? Okay, none of you reading this site pray like that, but I must confess that I do this from time to time - even in public prayer when leading a congregation.
Now don't get me wrong (I seem to be saying this a lot lately) - God does want us to ask for things in prayer. And we do rejoice in God when our prayers are answered. And we should thank God for the blessings bestowed upon us. But how about from time to time praying to God just because of who God is? A real "no strings attached" prayer. No shopping list. No confessions. Not even giving thanks for something that God has done previously. A prayer that focuses on God, and God alone.
Try it ... such a totally God-focused prayer may prove to be incredibly liberating.
The One-Year Bible - 15 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 39:1 - 40-38
Mark 1: 1-28
Psalm 35: 1-16
Proverbs 9: 11-12
Mark reading: "This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God." So begins the earliest of the three Synoptic Gospels that were written; many scholars believe that Matthew and Luke used much of Mark's Gospel as a source for their own writings.
Be that as it may, Mark makes his intentions clear right from the very first verse - this is good news about Jesus, whose credentials are both Messiah and Son of God. There is no ambiguity about who Mark understands Jesus to be. Jesus is clearly the Saviour, God's only begotten Son, and Lord.
I sometimes wonder whether we as Christians beat around the bush a bit too much when stating who Jesus is. We try to impress others with our learning, gleaned from hours of Bible study. And it's right and good that we do spend the time studying Scripture. But perhaps we need to take a leaf out of Mark's book (if you'll pardon the pun), and be succinct and to the point about exactly who this Jesus is whom we claim to serve.
Exodus 39:1 - 40-38
Mark 1: 1-28
Psalm 35: 1-16
Proverbs 9: 11-12
Mark reading: "This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God." So begins the earliest of the three Synoptic Gospels that were written; many scholars believe that Matthew and Luke used much of Mark's Gospel as a source for their own writings.
Be that as it may, Mark makes his intentions clear right from the very first verse - this is good news about Jesus, whose credentials are both Messiah and Son of God. There is no ambiguity about who Mark understands Jesus to be. Jesus is clearly the Saviour, God's only begotten Son, and Lord.
I sometimes wonder whether we as Christians beat around the bush a bit too much when stating who Jesus is. We try to impress others with our learning, gleaned from hours of Bible study. And it's right and good that we do spend the time studying Scripture. But perhaps we need to take a leaf out of Mark's book (if you'll pardon the pun), and be succinct and to the point about exactly who this Jesus is whom we claim to serve.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 14 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 37:1 - 38:31
Matthew 28: 1-20
Psalm 34: 11-22
Proverbs 9: 9-10
Proverbs reading: "Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser". Those who are truly wise, that is, possessing wisdom that comes from the fear (respect) of the Lord, will become even wiser through sound teaching because such persons have a teachable spirit. They will also be able to discern sound teaching from that which is unsound. Such wisdom does not come from book knowledge alone.
While I'm not suggesting that formal theological education, private reading, study of the Scriptures, and the like are not helpful for one's growth as a Christian, head knowledge is not enough. In fact, for this kind of knowledge to even begin to make sense, one must start with a relationship with God - "the beginning of all wisdom". For it is God who reveals the mysteries contained in the Scriptures to those who would seek to know God better, not only know about God.
Exodus 37:1 - 38:31
Matthew 28: 1-20
Psalm 34: 11-22
Proverbs 9: 9-10
Proverbs reading: "Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser". Those who are truly wise, that is, possessing wisdom that comes from the fear (respect) of the Lord, will become even wiser through sound teaching because such persons have a teachable spirit. They will also be able to discern sound teaching from that which is unsound. Such wisdom does not come from book knowledge alone.
While I'm not suggesting that formal theological education, private reading, study of the Scriptures, and the like are not helpful for one's growth as a Christian, head knowledge is not enough. In fact, for this kind of knowledge to even begin to make sense, one must start with a relationship with God - "the beginning of all wisdom". For it is God who reveals the mysteries contained in the Scriptures to those who would seek to know God better, not only know about God.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 13 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
Matthew 27: 32-66
Psalm 34: 1-10
Proverbs 9: 7-8
Exodus reading: Moses puts out the call to all of Israel, each with varying gifts, talents, and crafts, to contribute towards the building of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the various sacred items that God had commanded.
What's noteworthy about this particular reading is how each and every person is called upon to play their part. Everyone is required to contribute - those with monetary wealth, to bring funding. Those with skills, to use their skills according to what God has bestowed upon them. Those with the gift of organisation were appointed as overseers of the work. Those who could provide labour were called upon to do so. Each one contributed according to the means in whatever form.
It's also important to note that the people were eager to help in God's work, bringing their gifts freely to the Lord. This was not some human institution that was being set up - this was a structure that would facilitate worship of the most high God. My prayer is that (a) our institutional church would be seen as a means of worshipping God and bringing the light of Jesus to the community, not as an end in itself; and (b) that the people would be eager and willing to play their part in making this a reality. For it is only in this way that we can truly be part of the purpose and mission of Jesus.
Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
Matthew 27: 32-66
Psalm 34: 1-10
Proverbs 9: 7-8
Exodus reading: Moses puts out the call to all of Israel, each with varying gifts, talents, and crafts, to contribute towards the building of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the various sacred items that God had commanded.
What's noteworthy about this particular reading is how each and every person is called upon to play their part. Everyone is required to contribute - those with monetary wealth, to bring funding. Those with skills, to use their skills according to what God has bestowed upon them. Those with the gift of organisation were appointed as overseers of the work. Those who could provide labour were called upon to do so. Each one contributed according to the means in whatever form.
It's also important to note that the people were eager to help in God's work, bringing their gifts freely to the Lord. This was not some human institution that was being set up - this was a structure that would facilitate worship of the most high God. My prayer is that (a) our institutional church would be seen as a means of worshipping God and bringing the light of Jesus to the community, not as an end in itself; and (b) that the people would be eager and willing to play their part in making this a reality. For it is only in this way that we can truly be part of the purpose and mission of Jesus.
Remember Me
Richmond Methodist Church
Communion service - 13 February 2012, 09h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Genesis 14: 10-24; I Corinthians 11: 17-34; Luke 22: 7-34
Good morning to you all – I bring you warm Christian greetings from your sister Society in Camperdown, and I would like to thank both your minister and you as a congregation for allowing the “appie” the privilege of sharing the message with you this morning. I understand that Dennis has been doing a series on the Ten Commandments with you, entitled “Ten Timeless Texts”, but I thought that rather than me trying to break into that series, I would instead share some thoughts on the celebration of Holy Communion, seeing as we are to partake in this celebration this morning.
Let’s first have a look at the feast itself – and immediately we have a potential problem, especially if one looks at the way many churches practice Communion, including our own Methodist Church. Imagine if you will that you are an outsider looking at the Christian celebration of Holy Communion for the first time. I’m sure that you could be forgiven for thinking that we must be a pretty weird bunch of people. After all, who in their right mind would have a “meal” consisting of a teensy-weensy piece of bread or a wafer, and what looks like a shot glass of wine or grape juice, and then refer to these tiny quantities as a “feast”?! It doesn’t make sense, does it? So clearly there must be something more to it than the actual food and beverage being used.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here...]
Communion service - 13 February 2012, 09h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Genesis 14: 10-24; I Corinthians 11: 17-34; Luke 22: 7-34
Good morning to you all – I bring you warm Christian greetings from your sister Society in Camperdown, and I would like to thank both your minister and you as a congregation for allowing the “appie” the privilege of sharing the message with you this morning. I understand that Dennis has been doing a series on the Ten Commandments with you, entitled “Ten Timeless Texts”, but I thought that rather than me trying to break into that series, I would instead share some thoughts on the celebration of Holy Communion, seeing as we are to partake in this celebration this morning.
Let’s first have a look at the feast itself – and immediately we have a potential problem, especially if one looks at the way many churches practice Communion, including our own Methodist Church. Imagine if you will that you are an outsider looking at the Christian celebration of Holy Communion for the first time. I’m sure that you could be forgiven for thinking that we must be a pretty weird bunch of people. After all, who in their right mind would have a “meal” consisting of a teensy-weensy piece of bread or a wafer, and what looks like a shot glass of wine or grape juice, and then refer to these tiny quantities as a “feast”?! It doesn’t make sense, does it? So clearly there must be something more to it than the actual food and beverage being used.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here...]
The One-Year Bible - 12 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 34:1 - 35:9
Matthew 27: 15-31
Psalm 33: 12-22
Proverbs 9: 1-6
Psalms reading: "But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death, and keeps them alive in times of famine." this is one of the verses of Scripture that brings me great comfort, knowing that God watches over those who would seek to serve God, responding to God's extravagant love.
It is a source of comfort especially when things are not going particularly well, when it seems as though there is pressure from all sides. Those are the times where we need to look to God, secure in the knowledge that God is casting a loving caring eye over us at all times.
Exodus 34:1 - 35:9
Matthew 27: 15-31
Psalm 33: 12-22
Proverbs 9: 1-6
Psalms reading: "But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death, and keeps them alive in times of famine." this is one of the verses of Scripture that brings me great comfort, knowing that God watches over those who would seek to serve God, responding to God's extravagant love.
It is a source of comfort especially when things are not going particularly well, when it seems as though there is pressure from all sides. Those are the times where we need to look to God, secure in the knowledge that God is casting a loving caring eye over us at all times.
The One-Year Bible - 11 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 32:1 - 33:23
Matthew 26:69 - 27:14
Psalm 33: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 33-36
Exodus reading: The dangers of ministers pandering to the fleshly desires of people are plainly evident in this passage. Aaron, newly-ordained as priest, has soon thereafter acceded to the people's demands to build a golden calf for them to worship in place of God, even going so far as to oversee the building thereof and to direct the festivities.
But let us modern ministers not be too smug and look down on Aaron, for we have been giulty of building a few "golden calves" ourselves. Too often we have failed to be prophetic when confronted with issues; pastoral when needed by our people; apostolic when the wider church and community has called on us, teachers when people have needed to be taught, and evangelistic when called us to be witnesses.
When we neglect these roles of ministry in a weak attempt to try and keep everyone happy (i.e. doing what they want, rather than what helping them become who God wants them to be), we create golden calves, substituting junk food for the nourishment of the Gospel. Eventually we end up failing to even recognise the God whom we are meant to be serving.
Exodus 32:1 - 33:23
Matthew 26:69 - 27:14
Psalm 33: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 33-36
Exodus reading: The dangers of ministers pandering to the fleshly desires of people are plainly evident in this passage. Aaron, newly-ordained as priest, has soon thereafter acceded to the people's demands to build a golden calf for them to worship in place of God, even going so far as to oversee the building thereof and to direct the festivities.
But let us modern ministers not be too smug and look down on Aaron, for we have been giulty of building a few "golden calves" ourselves. Too often we have failed to be prophetic when confronted with issues; pastoral when needed by our people; apostolic when the wider church and community has called on us, teachers when people have needed to be taught, and evangelistic when called us to be witnesses.
When we neglect these roles of ministry in a weak attempt to try and keep everyone happy (i.e. doing what they want, rather than what helping them become who God wants them to be), we create golden calves, substituting junk food for the nourishment of the Gospel. Eventually we end up failing to even recognise the God whom we are meant to be serving.
The One-Year Bible - 10 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
Matthew 26: 47-68
Psalm 32: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 27-32
Psalms reading: The joy of receiving forgiveness, and the resultant cleansing of the soul from all guilt, are the focus of the Psalmist in this Psalm. One of the leading causes of anxiety, mental anguish, and physical distress is that of unresolved guilt. Yet God is gracious and just to forgive those who confess their sins. It's noteworthy that David experiences a sense of anguish, the oppressive hand of discipline, and even physical discomfort while his sin remains unconfessed. Contrast this with the joy of release once he has confessed and received forgiveness from God.
Yet this is not a licence to go out and do as we like, and to blazes with the consequences. Confessing one's sin involves being accountable for one's action. Wherever possible, confession needs to be accompanied by restitution if one is considered to be truly repentant.
God also gives us guidance - "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control". Therefore, we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit to follow the right path and to do the right thing. Yet we can give thanks to God for those moments when we do slip up, that God is ready to forgive us and set us right.
Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
Matthew 26: 47-68
Psalm 32: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 27-32
Psalms reading: The joy of receiving forgiveness, and the resultant cleansing of the soul from all guilt, are the focus of the Psalmist in this Psalm. One of the leading causes of anxiety, mental anguish, and physical distress is that of unresolved guilt. Yet God is gracious and just to forgive those who confess their sins. It's noteworthy that David experiences a sense of anguish, the oppressive hand of discipline, and even physical discomfort while his sin remains unconfessed. Contrast this with the joy of release once he has confessed and received forgiveness from God.
Yet this is not a licence to go out and do as we like, and to blazes with the consequences. Confessing one's sin involves being accountable for one's action. Wherever possible, confession needs to be accompanied by restitution if one is considered to be truly repentant.
God also gives us guidance - "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control". Therefore, we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit to follow the right path and to do the right thing. Yet we can give thanks to God for those moments when we do slip up, that God is ready to forgive us and set us right.
The One-Year Bible - 9 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 29:1 - 30:10
Matthew 26: 14-46
Psalm 31: 19-24
Proverbs 8: 14-26
Matthew reading: Sometimes one gets the impression that the Christian walk is about blind obedience to God, yet this account of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane shows that even our Lord had struggles with being obedient to God. Knowing that going the way of the cross would involve much physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, Jesus was asking his Father whether it would be possible not to go this route. In fact, Matthew's Gospel records that Jesus prayed this prayer three times, reflecting a desperate hope that he would not have to go through such suffering and pain.
But note that I did not say that Jesus had a problem with obeying God, for the passage records that in each of Jesus' prayers, he ended off in an attitude of submission and obedience: "Not my will, but your will be done". Yet the lesson for us is that often obedience comes as a result of great inner turmoil and struggle, particularly when obeying God comes at great cost.
I believe, therefore, that Jesus is showing us here that obedience to God is often born of struggle and turmoil, and that it is not wrong for us to experience these kinds of struggles. Anyone who is calling upon people to blindly obey without considering the cost of obedience is probably heading up a cult - it's doubtful that such blind obedience is something asked of us by God.
Exodus 29:1 - 30:10
Matthew 26: 14-46
Psalm 31: 19-24
Proverbs 8: 14-26
Matthew reading: Sometimes one gets the impression that the Christian walk is about blind obedience to God, yet this account of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane shows that even our Lord had struggles with being obedient to God. Knowing that going the way of the cross would involve much physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, Jesus was asking his Father whether it would be possible not to go this route. In fact, Matthew's Gospel records that Jesus prayed this prayer three times, reflecting a desperate hope that he would not have to go through such suffering and pain.
But note that I did not say that Jesus had a problem with obeying God, for the passage records that in each of Jesus' prayers, he ended off in an attitude of submission and obedience: "Not my will, but your will be done". Yet the lesson for us is that often obedience comes as a result of great inner turmoil and struggle, particularly when obeying God comes at great cost.
I believe, therefore, that Jesus is showing us here that obedience to God is often born of struggle and turmoil, and that it is not wrong for us to experience these kinds of struggles. Anyone who is calling upon people to blindly obey without considering the cost of obedience is probably heading up a cult - it's doubtful that such blind obedience is something asked of us by God.
Are women still second-class citizens?
Camperdown Methodist Church
Women's Auxiliary Dedication service
9 February 2012, 09h30
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture reading: John 4: 7-30
Are women still regarded as second-class citizens in South Africa in 2012? And if so, what is the Church doing about it?
In the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, we read how discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender is prohibited. Yet today, many women are fighting to find their rightful place in a male-dominated world.This may seem like a strange message to be shared by someone who is male.
But I believe that the way in which we respect women reflects on the way in which we respect ourselves. And Jesus Himself gives us many examples of the high regard which He has for women. So let us have a look at the stereotypes that existed during Jesus’ time, and how Jesus’ attitude towards the woman at the well can be a lesson for us today.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here...]
Women's Auxiliary Dedication service
9 February 2012, 09h30
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture reading: John 4: 7-30
Are women still regarded as second-class citizens in South Africa in 2012? And if so, what is the Church doing about it?
In the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, we read how discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender is prohibited. Yet today, many women are fighting to find their rightful place in a male-dominated world.This may seem like a strange message to be shared by someone who is male.
But I believe that the way in which we respect women reflects on the way in which we respect ourselves. And Jesus Himself gives us many examples of the high regard which He has for women. So let us have a look at the stereotypes that existed during Jesus’ time, and how Jesus’ attitude towards the woman at the well can be a lesson for us today.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here...]
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 8 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 28: 1-43
Matthew 25:31 - 26:13
Psalm 31: 9-18
Proverbs 8: 12-13
Matthew reading: If Jesus' purpose was being sent to bring Good News, and his mission for us was to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, then this passage would serve as the "report card" that outlines whether we have met the requirements. Indeed, the final judgement that is presided over by Jesus will be based on these criteria.
"I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me ... whatever you did for the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me [Jesus]".
I wonder if we would get a passing mark?
Exodus 28: 1-43
Matthew 25:31 - 26:13
Psalm 31: 9-18
Proverbs 8: 12-13
Matthew reading: If Jesus' purpose was being sent to bring Good News, and his mission for us was to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, then this passage would serve as the "report card" that outlines whether we have met the requirements. Indeed, the final judgement that is presided over by Jesus will be based on these criteria.
"I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me ... whatever you did for the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me [Jesus]".
I wonder if we would get a passing mark?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 7 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 26:1 - 27:21
Matthew 25: 1-30
Psalm 31: 1-8
Proverbs 8: 1-11
Matthew reading: The passage known as "The Parable of the Talents" is another of those parables that seems inherently unfair, and one could easily come to this conclusion were it not for the words of Jesus: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like ...".
But it brings to mind a conversation that I was having with my son James this morning. He is quite strong academically, having narrowly missed out on being granted a scholarship at Maritzburg College but has nonetheless been placed in their "top stream" in his grade. So without wanting to sound boastful, good grades are something that we have come to expect from him.
And he rarely disappoints ... except for last term. The marks themselves were good, but that was not the point. The point was that, by his own admittance, he had cruised a little and not done his very best. I indicated to him that it was not whether he had got a 60 or an 80. If 60 was his absolute best, I would be happy with that. However, if 80 did not represent the best he could do, then it would not be good enough no matter how high the mark may be.
This, I believe, is the point of this parable. Each servant was given sufficient amounts of money to invest, according to their abilities. The master knew what each servant was capable of, and thus differing amounts were doled out. Note also that the master was equally pleased with the returns of the servants who were given ten and five pieces of silver respectively. Yet he was not pleased with the third servant - not because there was no return, but because he had not even made an attempt.
God does not expect us to do beyond that which we are able. God only expects us to do our best. WE are not expected to do more than our best, but God also does not expect us to do less than our best, either.
Exodus 26:1 - 27:21
Matthew 25: 1-30
Psalm 31: 1-8
Proverbs 8: 1-11
Matthew reading: The passage known as "The Parable of the Talents" is another of those parables that seems inherently unfair, and one could easily come to this conclusion were it not for the words of Jesus: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like ...".
But it brings to mind a conversation that I was having with my son James this morning. He is quite strong academically, having narrowly missed out on being granted a scholarship at Maritzburg College but has nonetheless been placed in their "top stream" in his grade. So without wanting to sound boastful, good grades are something that we have come to expect from him.
And he rarely disappoints ... except for last term. The marks themselves were good, but that was not the point. The point was that, by his own admittance, he had cruised a little and not done his very best. I indicated to him that it was not whether he had got a 60 or an 80. If 60 was his absolute best, I would be happy with that. However, if 80 did not represent the best he could do, then it would not be good enough no matter how high the mark may be.
This, I believe, is the point of this parable. Each servant was given sufficient amounts of money to invest, according to their abilities. The master knew what each servant was capable of, and thus differing amounts were doled out. Note also that the master was equally pleased with the returns of the servants who were given ten and five pieces of silver respectively. Yet he was not pleased with the third servant - not because there was no return, but because he had not even made an attempt.
God does not expect us to do beyond that which we are able. God only expects us to do our best. WE are not expected to do more than our best, but God also does not expect us to do less than our best, either.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 6 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 23:14 - 25:40
Matthew 24: 29-51
Psalm 30: 1-12
Proverbs 7: 24-27
Psalms reading: "When I was prosperous, I said, 'Nothing can stop me now'". How often we fall into this trap - we go through times of trial, during which we ask God for provision and blessing. Then when God honours this prayer and blesses us, we think it's all about us.
It is for this reason that Jesus remarked that "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven". The problem is not with being wealthy; the problem is that we become self-reliant and are no longer dependent on God. Many a wealthy person has encountered a business disaster that has resulted in the total loss of their wealth, suddenly finding themselves without the bank balance they regarded as their security.
Churches, too, fall into this trap. I know of a church that had struggled for many years that was one day left a massive legacy by one of its members who had recently died. There was great rejoicing at what was seen as God's provision, and certainly much good was done with this money. Unfortunately, the congregation began to look to these funds for their provision, and stopped being obedient to God in their giving. When the money dries up, this congregation is in for a shock, since the discipline of regular, consistent giving will have been lost.
Exodus 23:14 - 25:40
Matthew 24: 29-51
Psalm 30: 1-12
Proverbs 7: 24-27
Psalms reading: "When I was prosperous, I said, 'Nothing can stop me now'". How often we fall into this trap - we go through times of trial, during which we ask God for provision and blessing. Then when God honours this prayer and blesses us, we think it's all about us.
It is for this reason that Jesus remarked that "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven". The problem is not with being wealthy; the problem is that we become self-reliant and are no longer dependent on God. Many a wealthy person has encountered a business disaster that has resulted in the total loss of their wealth, suddenly finding themselves without the bank balance they regarded as their security.
Churches, too, fall into this trap. I know of a church that had struggled for many years that was one day left a massive legacy by one of its members who had recently died. There was great rejoicing at what was seen as God's provision, and certainly much good was done with this money. Unfortunately, the congregation began to look to these funds for their provision, and stopped being obedient to God in their giving. When the money dries up, this congregation is in for a shock, since the discipline of regular, consistent giving will have been lost.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 5 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 21:22 - 23:13
Matthew 24: 1-28
Psalm 29: 1-11
Proverbs 7: 6-23
Proverbs reading: The proverbs reading of the past few days have dealt with the entrapments of "the immoral woman". Without wanting to get bogged down on why it is the woman who gets the bad rap (men, too, can be immoral - witness the latest campaign in kwaZulu-Natal warning young girls against so-called "sugar daddies"), this proberb provides a clear warning against those who would lure others into sexual sin.
Extra-marital affairs can destroy the strongest of marriages. In fact, it seems that Satan's deception rears its ugly head in the marriages in which one would least suspect marital infidelity. It is the couple that becomes complacent avout their relationship that are in the gravest danger. And like all sin, sexual sin does not present itself by showing the hurt, pain, and broken homes - it presents the "beautiful blankets, with coloured sheets of Egyptian linen ... perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon", where the invitation is to "drink our fill of love until morning, ... [enjoying] each other's caresses".
There is an environment where you can enjoy all that stuff - with your spouse to whom you are committed in holy matrimony. Adultery is not worth "going big" for - just "go home"!
Exodus 21:22 - 23:13
Matthew 24: 1-28
Psalm 29: 1-11
Proverbs 7: 6-23
Proverbs reading: The proverbs reading of the past few days have dealt with the entrapments of "the immoral woman". Without wanting to get bogged down on why it is the woman who gets the bad rap (men, too, can be immoral - witness the latest campaign in kwaZulu-Natal warning young girls against so-called "sugar daddies"), this proberb provides a clear warning against those who would lure others into sexual sin.
Extra-marital affairs can destroy the strongest of marriages. In fact, it seems that Satan's deception rears its ugly head in the marriages in which one would least suspect marital infidelity. It is the couple that becomes complacent avout their relationship that are in the gravest danger. And like all sin, sexual sin does not present itself by showing the hurt, pain, and broken homes - it presents the "beautiful blankets, with coloured sheets of Egyptian linen ... perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon", where the invitation is to "drink our fill of love until morning, ... [enjoying] each other's caresses".
There is an environment where you can enjoy all that stuff - with your spouse to whom you are committed in holy matrimony. Adultery is not worth "going big" for - just "go home"!
Where our treasure is, lies our heart
Camperdown Methodist Church
5 February 2012
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Acts 2: 42-47; 4: 32-35, James 2: 14-26, Malachi 3: 1-12
There’s a story about a minister of a struggling little church with dilapidated buildings who stands up in the pulpit one morning, greets his congregation, and then exclaims loudly: “I have good news, and I have bad news. The good news is that we have finally raised all the money we need to repair the buildings. The bad news is that it’s still in your pockets!”
I don’t know who this particular minister was that said these words, or whether this is a made-up anecdote aimed at getting members of churches to loosen their purse-strings a bit more, but most congregations who hear this little story groan inwardly as they think, “Oh no. Here it comes – the church is after my money again”.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here]
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 4 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 19:16 - 21:21
Matthew 23: 13-39
Psalm 28: 1-9
Proverbs 7: 1-5
Exodus reading: A modern or post-modern reader of ths passage will probably be astounded at how quaint some of the laws are that were given to the children of Israel. Many would even be aghast at the laws concerning slavery. I wonder what the likes of John Wesley and William Wilberforce would have made of these passages?
Yet one needs to understand the context in which these commandments were given. The Israelites had lived under unbelievably harsh conditions in Egypt, but now that they had escaped and obtained their freedom, there could easily have been a temptation to live a completely lawless existence in a situation where no government as such even existed. They only had Moses as their leader, and numerous accounts in Scripture indicated that many were somewhat disinclined to heed Moses' leadership.
Therefore, in constrast to what seems to us as inhumane laws, these laws represented a massive leap forward in an attempt to get people to treat others with dignity and humaneness - even those who were in indentured labour. Today we struggle with a legislative framework that aims to address the scourge of unemployment on the one hand, and the evils of exploitative labour practices on the other - two seemingly conflicting requirements. Given the pestestrian pace at which legislative change takes place even today, whether in the country at large or within organisations such as the Church, perhaps we should not be too harsh in judging the lawmakers of old.
Exodus 19:16 - 21:21
Matthew 23: 13-39
Psalm 28: 1-9
Proverbs 7: 1-5
Exodus reading: A modern or post-modern reader of ths passage will probably be astounded at how quaint some of the laws are that were given to the children of Israel. Many would even be aghast at the laws concerning slavery. I wonder what the likes of John Wesley and William Wilberforce would have made of these passages?
Yet one needs to understand the context in which these commandments were given. The Israelites had lived under unbelievably harsh conditions in Egypt, but now that they had escaped and obtained their freedom, there could easily have been a temptation to live a completely lawless existence in a situation where no government as such even existed. They only had Moses as their leader, and numerous accounts in Scripture indicated that many were somewhat disinclined to heed Moses' leadership.
Therefore, in constrast to what seems to us as inhumane laws, these laws represented a massive leap forward in an attempt to get people to treat others with dignity and humaneness - even those who were in indentured labour. Today we struggle with a legislative framework that aims to address the scourge of unemployment on the one hand, and the evils of exploitative labour practices on the other - two seemingly conflicting requirements. Given the pestestrian pace at which legislative change takes place even today, whether in the country at large or within organisations such as the Church, perhaps we should not be too harsh in judging the lawmakers of old.
The One-Year Bible - 3 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 17:8 - 19:15
Matthew 22:34 - 23:12
Psalm 27: 7-14
Proverbs 6: 27-35
Psalms reading: Ministers are also human, and it hurts when we feel that we may have somehow dropped the ball in any particular area - especially when it seems that everything that started off so right now seems to be going wrong. Just as the 1995 Van Morrison song goes, when it seems that things are going just a little too right and we get a little smug with ourselves, be assured: "there'll be days like this".
And so whenever one is going through the odd "day like this", we can draw comfort from this Psalm. Starting off with an anguished cry to God for help - even when it seems that all around things are falling apart, there is that assured proclamation in Verse 10: "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close". That is an encouraging word indeed.
Many of us are going through some or other trial at the moment. Bur if ever there was a word from the Lord that is apt for the situation, it is Verses 9-10: "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
Do I hear an Amen?!
Exodus 17:8 - 19:15
Matthew 22:34 - 23:12
Psalm 27: 7-14
Proverbs 6: 27-35
Psalms reading: Ministers are also human, and it hurts when we feel that we may have somehow dropped the ball in any particular area - especially when it seems that everything that started off so right now seems to be going wrong. Just as the 1995 Van Morrison song goes, when it seems that things are going just a little too right and we get a little smug with ourselves, be assured: "there'll be days like this".
And so whenever one is going through the odd "day like this", we can draw comfort from this Psalm. Starting off with an anguished cry to God for help - even when it seems that all around things are falling apart, there is that assured proclamation in Verse 10: "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close". That is an encouraging word indeed.
Many of us are going through some or other trial at the moment. Bur if ever there was a word from the Lord that is apt for the situation, it is Verses 9-10: "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
Do I hear an Amen?!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 2 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 15:19 - 17:7
Matthew 22: 1-33
Psalm 27: 1-6
Proverbs 6: 20-26
Exodus reading: "Give us this day, our daily bread". These words from the revered "Lord's Prayer" have brought comfort and connection to God to believers ever since our Lord first uttered them. Yet as precious and meaningful as these words are, I sometimes thing we have made an idol out of the wording, rather than the sentiment expressed therein. For Jesus did not day to his disciples, "This is what you should pray" - instead, he said. "This is how you should pray". Sometimes I think we just rattle off the Lord's Prayer without thinking about what we are saying.
These words come to mind when reading the Exodus passage set for today. Here we see the Israelites, having been led out into the desert after their escape from Egypt, finding themselves without food, and God miraculously provides them with manna (a bread-like substance) that was gathered up each morning. Yet God issues strict instructions to the Israelites to gather up only what they and their families need for that particular day. Those who attempoted to gather up more were disappointed, since any surplus hoarded was rotten the next day (the only exception being the sixth day, where they were instructed to gather sufficient for the Sabbath as well).
So what is the lesson in this? While it is prudent to want to provide for tomorrow, I believe that Jesus is also calling upon us to trust God today for what we need today. This applies not only to our material needs, but also our spiritual and emotional needs. Let our prayer today be to give us today what we need for today. Tomorrow we will ask God to give us what we need for tomorrow. And in this way, we trust God to provide each and every day of our lives.
Exodus 15:19 - 17:7
Matthew 22: 1-33
Psalm 27: 1-6
Proverbs 6: 20-26
Exodus reading: "Give us this day, our daily bread". These words from the revered "Lord's Prayer" have brought comfort and connection to God to believers ever since our Lord first uttered them. Yet as precious and meaningful as these words are, I sometimes thing we have made an idol out of the wording, rather than the sentiment expressed therein. For Jesus did not day to his disciples, "This is what you should pray" - instead, he said. "This is how you should pray". Sometimes I think we just rattle off the Lord's Prayer without thinking about what we are saying.
These words come to mind when reading the Exodus passage set for today. Here we see the Israelites, having been led out into the desert after their escape from Egypt, finding themselves without food, and God miraculously provides them with manna (a bread-like substance) that was gathered up each morning. Yet God issues strict instructions to the Israelites to gather up only what they and their families need for that particular day. Those who attempoted to gather up more were disappointed, since any surplus hoarded was rotten the next day (the only exception being the sixth day, where they were instructed to gather sufficient for the Sabbath as well).
So what is the lesson in this? While it is prudent to want to provide for tomorrow, I believe that Jesus is also calling upon us to trust God today for what we need today. This applies not only to our material needs, but also our spiritual and emotional needs. Let our prayer today be to give us today what we need for today. Tomorrow we will ask God to give us what we need for tomorrow. And in this way, we trust God to provide each and every day of our lives.
God Lives Under The Bed
Camperdown Methodist Church - Good Companions gathering
1 February 2012, 10h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture reading: Matthew 18: 1-14
This is a delightful story about the kind of child-like faith we all need to have...
I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed.
At least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen. 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed ...'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humour. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labour. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas, and that aeroplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favourite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her new-born child.
He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays – oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!', Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to the Lord, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God – to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my beliefs, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances – they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all!
1 February 2012, 10h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture reading: Matthew 18: 1-14
This is a delightful story about the kind of child-like faith we all need to have...
I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed.
At least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen. 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed ...'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humour. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labour. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas, and that aeroplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favourite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her new-born child.
He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays – oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!', Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to the Lord, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God – to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my beliefs, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances – they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 1 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 13:17 - 15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26: 1-12
Proverbs 6: 16-19
Matthew reading: Jesus speaks of accessibilty to the Kingdom of God being much harder (if not impossible) for the chief priests and elders than for "corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes", because the latter heeded John the Baptist's call to repentance while the so-called "righteous" did not. Further on, Jesus refers to the Kingdom being removed from the "righteous" and handed to "a nation that will produce the proper fruit."
While in a literal sense this could perhaps be seen as Jesus removing his salvation from the Jews and bestowing it instead on the Gentiles, that would be a somewhat narrow reading of these words. A more magnanimous view, in keeping with the very nature of Jesus, would be that those who do not bear the fruits of repentance (whether Jew or Gentile) would not experience the Kingdom, while those who do repent (whether Jew or Gentile) will receive the Kingdom.
So why, then, the reference to "corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes?" Could it be that the message of salvation through acceptance of Jesus as Lord is available to all who will hear and accept the message - regardles of who they are or what they have done? That is a bitter pill for many Christians to swallow, but that is also the essence of the Gospel message.
Exodus 13:17 - 15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26: 1-12
Proverbs 6: 16-19
Matthew reading: Jesus speaks of accessibilty to the Kingdom of God being much harder (if not impossible) for the chief priests and elders than for "corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes", because the latter heeded John the Baptist's call to repentance while the so-called "righteous" did not. Further on, Jesus refers to the Kingdom being removed from the "righteous" and handed to "a nation that will produce the proper fruit."
While in a literal sense this could perhaps be seen as Jesus removing his salvation from the Jews and bestowing it instead on the Gentiles, that would be a somewhat narrow reading of these words. A more magnanimous view, in keeping with the very nature of Jesus, would be that those who do not bear the fruits of repentance (whether Jew or Gentile) would not experience the Kingdom, while those who do repent (whether Jew or Gentile) will receive the Kingdom.
So why, then, the reference to "corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes?" Could it be that the message of salvation through acceptance of Jesus as Lord is available to all who will hear and accept the message - regardles of who they are or what they have done? That is a bitter pill for many Christians to swallow, but that is also the essence of the Gospel message.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 31 January 2012
Readings:
Exodus 12:14 - 13:16
Matthew 20:29 - 21:22
Psalm 25: 16-22
Proverbs 6: 12-15
Exodus reading: This passage describes the meticulous planning required for the first Passover, marking the celebration of how God spared the Israelites during the final and most devastating plague to befall Egypt - that of the death of the first-born.
However, what's striking for me is Chapter 13: 8-9, which speaks of the celebration or remembrance of what God did in rescuing Israel from Egypt as a visible sign, like "a mark branded on your hand or forehead". It was similar marks that signified the death of Jesus - the ones on his forehead caused by the crown of thorns, and the ones on his wrists caiused by the nails that held him on the cross - which we remember whenever we partake in Communion.
Which makes me wonder about the symbolism of the so-called "mark of the beast" described in Revelation - 666 - that the Antichrist will force people at that time to wear on their foreheads or wrists.
I'm not convinced that this mark is necessarily derived from our modern UPC barcode (despite many books having been written depicting the three sets of double-vertical bars representing the number 6), nor do I believe that this mark is necessarily the logical conclusion of a cashless society. Rather, I think that this sign or mark, which is to be worn on the wrist or forehead, represents an obliteration of our remembrance of all that is Godly.
Instead of remembering the Old Testament God who rescued the Israelites from Egypt, or the New Testament God (Jesus) who rescued all who believed in him from the clutches of sin, could taking on this "mark of the beast" perhaps be seen as removing one's focus from God and focussing instead on "anti-Christ" things, practices, or persons? It certainly sounds plausible, doesn't it?
Exodus 12:14 - 13:16
Matthew 20:29 - 21:22
Psalm 25: 16-22
Proverbs 6: 12-15
Exodus reading: This passage describes the meticulous planning required for the first Passover, marking the celebration of how God spared the Israelites during the final and most devastating plague to befall Egypt - that of the death of the first-born.
However, what's striking for me is Chapter 13: 8-9, which speaks of the celebration or remembrance of what God did in rescuing Israel from Egypt as a visible sign, like "a mark branded on your hand or forehead". It was similar marks that signified the death of Jesus - the ones on his forehead caused by the crown of thorns, and the ones on his wrists caiused by the nails that held him on the cross - which we remember whenever we partake in Communion.
Which makes me wonder about the symbolism of the so-called "mark of the beast" described in Revelation - 666 - that the Antichrist will force people at that time to wear on their foreheads or wrists.
I'm not convinced that this mark is necessarily derived from our modern UPC barcode (despite many books having been written depicting the three sets of double-vertical bars representing the number 6), nor do I believe that this mark is necessarily the logical conclusion of a cashless society. Rather, I think that this sign or mark, which is to be worn on the wrist or forehead, represents an obliteration of our remembrance of all that is Godly.
Instead of remembering the Old Testament God who rescued the Israelites from Egypt, or the New Testament God (Jesus) who rescued all who believed in him from the clutches of sin, could taking on this "mark of the beast" perhaps be seen as removing one's focus from God and focussing instead on "anti-Christ" things, practices, or persons? It certainly sounds plausible, doesn't it?
The One-Year Bible - 30 January 2012
Readings:
Exodus 10:1 - 12:13
Matthew 20: 1-28
Psalm 25: 1-15
Proverbs 6: 6-11
Matthew reading: This parable about the landowner and the workers hired to work in his vineyards was the source of some heated arguments at the Probationers' Seminar that I attended in Benoni last week, with opinions sharply divided between those who saw the landowner as an exploitative capitalist pig who short-changed the workers that worked the full day, and those who commended what they saw the landowner's benevolent generosity by agreeing to pay all of the workers the same wage.
I'm inclined to go for the latter view. Firstly, without going into extensive extra-Biblical research, one cannot tell for certain whether the going daily wage - one denarius - was a fair and acceptable wage or a slave-level punitive wage. Let us give the writers the benefit of the doubt and assume, for purposes of this reflection, that the daily wage was a fair one. Secondly, the parable is introduced with Jesus' words: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like...". This tells me that the intended illustration is one that must be good and desirable if it is to represent the Kingdom.
So what, then, is this parable telling us? I believe that the key message is one of Jesus bestowing his grace in equal measure on all who call upon his name. Such grace is not dependent on our works, but on Jesus' benevolent generosity and love. Although we do not deserve it, we will all receive the same measure of Jesus' grace - not too much or too little, but in good and sufficient measure.
When I answer the assignment question, good scholarship demands that I present a number of possible points of view. However, my understanding of a Jesus who loves us to the extent of being willing to lay his life down for us makes the above point of view (for me) the most plausible one.
Exodus 10:1 - 12:13
Matthew 20: 1-28
Psalm 25: 1-15
Proverbs 6: 6-11
Matthew reading: This parable about the landowner and the workers hired to work in his vineyards was the source of some heated arguments at the Probationers' Seminar that I attended in Benoni last week, with opinions sharply divided between those who saw the landowner as an exploitative capitalist pig who short-changed the workers that worked the full day, and those who commended what they saw the landowner's benevolent generosity by agreeing to pay all of the workers the same wage.
I'm inclined to go for the latter view. Firstly, without going into extensive extra-Biblical research, one cannot tell for certain whether the going daily wage - one denarius - was a fair and acceptable wage or a slave-level punitive wage. Let us give the writers the benefit of the doubt and assume, for purposes of this reflection, that the daily wage was a fair one. Secondly, the parable is introduced with Jesus' words: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like...". This tells me that the intended illustration is one that must be good and desirable if it is to represent the Kingdom.
So what, then, is this parable telling us? I believe that the key message is one of Jesus bestowing his grace in equal measure on all who call upon his name. Such grace is not dependent on our works, but on Jesus' benevolent generosity and love. Although we do not deserve it, we will all receive the same measure of Jesus' grace - not too much or too little, but in good and sufficient measure.
When I answer the assignment question, good scholarship demands that I present a number of possible points of view. However, my understanding of a Jesus who loves us to the extent of being willing to lay his life down for us makes the above point of view (for me) the most plausible one.
The One-Year Bible - 29 January 2012
Readings:
Exodus 8:1 - 9:35
Matthew 19: 13-30
Psalm 24: 1-10
Proverbs 6: 1-5
Exodus reading: Frogs, locusts, gnats, boils, hail, dead animals - these are some of the plagues befell Egypt due to Pharaoh's hardened heart and ro release the Israelite slavery. And of course, at Sunday School we tend to focus on the plagues themselves. On the other hand, there are some scientists who maintain that it is physically impossible for such events to have occurred at all.
But the plagues themselves are not the point. How often do we try to bargain with God, begging God to take way some or other calamity and promising to do good if only this calamity could be taken away? And no sooner does God come through and bring us out of the storm, than we go back to our old ways and forget about serving God. Little wonder, then, that some of us seem to spend our lives lurching from one crisis to the next.
God is not an ATM - deposit today, withdraw tomorrow. God is God. And we should serve God not because of what we can get, but because of who God is. While this is no guarantee that the calamities of life won't impact us, we will be in a far better place knowing the God we serve, rather than trying to strike a bargain with God for which we have no intention of keeping up our end.
Exodus 8:1 - 9:35
Matthew 19: 13-30
Psalm 24: 1-10
Proverbs 6: 1-5
Exodus reading: Frogs, locusts, gnats, boils, hail, dead animals - these are some of the plagues befell Egypt due to Pharaoh's hardened heart and ro release the Israelite slavery. And of course, at Sunday School we tend to focus on the plagues themselves. On the other hand, there are some scientists who maintain that it is physically impossible for such events to have occurred at all.
But the plagues themselves are not the point. How often do we try to bargain with God, begging God to take way some or other calamity and promising to do good if only this calamity could be taken away? And no sooner does God come through and bring us out of the storm, than we go back to our old ways and forget about serving God. Little wonder, then, that some of us seem to spend our lives lurching from one crisis to the next.
God is not an ATM - deposit today, withdraw tomorrow. God is God. And we should serve God not because of what we can get, but because of who God is. While this is no guarantee that the calamities of life won't impact us, we will be in a far better place knowing the God we serve, rather than trying to strike a bargain with God for which we have no intention of keeping up our end.
The One-Year Bible - 28 January 2012
Readings:
Exodus 5:22 - 7:25
Matthew 18:21 - 19:12
Psalm 23: 1-6
Proverbs 5: 22-23
Psalms reading: I was listening to a debate on the radio the other day concerning corporal punishment in the home. Proponents of this form of punishment tend to quote "Spare the rod and spoil the child" from Proverbs, and also refer to "the rod of correction".
Now I must confess that when my son was smaller, I did smack him on occasion, but I think it was more the fright from the sound of flat hand on padded nappy that was the punishment, rather tan the physical pain. Call me narrow-minded, but when a two-year-old is throwing a wobbly, there's no such thing as reason and at this point their ears are attached to their backside and need to be helped back into the right place with a little percussion therapy. But I'm not convinved by the corporal punishment argument for older kids. Once they can reason and understand, I believe that there are more constructive methods of punishment than smacking.
Which leads me to these words of Psalm 23: "Your (God's) rod and your staff comfort me". A traditional shepherd would carry a rod, which would be used to beat off predators, and a staff, which was used to gently guide the sheep to where they need to go. A good shepherd will not use either implement to beat the sheep. If Jesus is our Good Shepherd, the staff is his gentle hand guiding us in the direction we must go, while the rod is his protection over us. And it is in this that we find comfort. Which leads me to believe that perhaps the "rod of correction" has less to do with corporal punishment than we believe, perhaps?
Exodus 5:22 - 7:25
Matthew 18:21 - 19:12
Psalm 23: 1-6
Proverbs 5: 22-23
Psalms reading: I was listening to a debate on the radio the other day concerning corporal punishment in the home. Proponents of this form of punishment tend to quote "Spare the rod and spoil the child" from Proverbs, and also refer to "the rod of correction".
Now I must confess that when my son was smaller, I did smack him on occasion, but I think it was more the fright from the sound of flat hand on padded nappy that was the punishment, rather tan the physical pain. Call me narrow-minded, but when a two-year-old is throwing a wobbly, there's no such thing as reason and at this point their ears are attached to their backside and need to be helped back into the right place with a little percussion therapy. But I'm not convinved by the corporal punishment argument for older kids. Once they can reason and understand, I believe that there are more constructive methods of punishment than smacking.
Which leads me to these words of Psalm 23: "Your (God's) rod and your staff comfort me". A traditional shepherd would carry a rod, which would be used to beat off predators, and a staff, which was used to gently guide the sheep to where they need to go. A good shepherd will not use either implement to beat the sheep. If Jesus is our Good Shepherd, the staff is his gentle hand guiding us in the direction we must go, while the rod is his protection over us. And it is in this that we find comfort. Which leads me to believe that perhaps the "rod of correction" has less to do with corporal punishment than we believe, perhaps?
Friday, January 27, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 27 January 2012
Readings:
Exodus 4:1 - 5:21
Matthew 18: 1-20
Psalm 22: 19-31
Proverbs 5: 15-21
Proverbs reading: "Drink water from your own well - share your love only with your own wife". It's interesting that this reading should come up when I've been away from my wife for the past week whilst attending a probationers' seminar in Johannesburg - perhaps this is a reminder (or even a warning) of the promises that my wife and I made to each other, in the presence of God and witnesses, just over 20 years ago? Or is it just the homesickness in me talking?
Either way, these verses, in contrast to the prohibition on adultery found in the Ten Commandments, extols instead the benefits of remaining faithful to one's spouse. In what can be regarded as rather suggestive language, the writer reminds (particularly) those of us who have been married for some time to enjoy the intimacy of our relationship. The injunction to "rejoice in the wife of your youth" is a call to rekindle that first flush of love we had when we were first married.
Given that this has probably been written to couples who are past their child-bearing years, it is a wonderful illustration of the gift of sex that God has given to married couples for mutual enjoyment. While I may have many friendships, the physical union with my wife signifies the uniqueness of our relationship in marriage - an intimacy that we share with no-one else. This is indeed a precious gift, and possibly the closest one can come in human relationships to experiencing the union between Jesus and ourselves.
It's a little over 24 hours before my wife and I will be united again. Thank you, God, for reminding me of just how precious our marriage relationship is.
Exodus 4:1 - 5:21
Matthew 18: 1-20
Psalm 22: 19-31
Proverbs 5: 15-21
Proverbs reading: "Drink water from your own well - share your love only with your own wife". It's interesting that this reading should come up when I've been away from my wife for the past week whilst attending a probationers' seminar in Johannesburg - perhaps this is a reminder (or even a warning) of the promises that my wife and I made to each other, in the presence of God and witnesses, just over 20 years ago? Or is it just the homesickness in me talking?
Either way, these verses, in contrast to the prohibition on adultery found in the Ten Commandments, extols instead the benefits of remaining faithful to one's spouse. In what can be regarded as rather suggestive language, the writer reminds (particularly) those of us who have been married for some time to enjoy the intimacy of our relationship. The injunction to "rejoice in the wife of your youth" is a call to rekindle that first flush of love we had when we were first married.
Given that this has probably been written to couples who are past their child-bearing years, it is a wonderful illustration of the gift of sex that God has given to married couples for mutual enjoyment. While I may have many friendships, the physical union with my wife signifies the uniqueness of our relationship in marriage - an intimacy that we share with no-one else. This is indeed a precious gift, and possibly the closest one can come in human relationships to experiencing the union between Jesus and ourselves.
It's a little over 24 hours before my wife and I will be united again. Thank you, God, for reminding me of just how precious our marriage relationship is.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 26 January 2012
Readings:
Exodus 2:11 - 3.22
Matthew 17: 10-27
Psalm 22: 1-18
Proverbs 5: 7-14
Psalms reading: If I must be honest, I've been avoiding the Psalms for the past few days. At times they seem so militaristic - God is powerful, gives me power, allows me to crush my enemies - as if God is little more than some kind of big brother who will come and beat up those who beat me up.
Then we come to a Psalm like Psalm 22, in which the writer is completely and unabandondly pouring out their heart before God. What makes this particular Psalm all the more poignant is that portrays exactly the kind of anguish that Jesus went through when he was about to die on the cross. Indeed, many of the elements of Psalm 22 have a prophetic ring (the casting of lots for his garment, for instance).
But what stands out for me is the plaintive cry at the beginning: "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Of course, we know that God would never lus nor forsake us, but there are times where the storms of life seem so heavy that it seems as though God has completely deserted us. Yet often God's greatest blessing is found in the midst of the fiercest storm - when we've just about reached the end of our tether. That's when we experience the grace of God, and when we look back on such events, we become aware that God was with us all the way through.
So if you've come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on - for God is about to do something amazing in your life.
Exodus 2:11 - 3.22
Matthew 17: 10-27
Psalm 22: 1-18
Proverbs 5: 7-14
Psalms reading: If I must be honest, I've been avoiding the Psalms for the past few days. At times they seem so militaristic - God is powerful, gives me power, allows me to crush my enemies - as if God is little more than some kind of big brother who will come and beat up those who beat me up.
Then we come to a Psalm like Psalm 22, in which the writer is completely and unabandondly pouring out their heart before God. What makes this particular Psalm all the more poignant is that portrays exactly the kind of anguish that Jesus went through when he was about to die on the cross. Indeed, many of the elements of Psalm 22 have a prophetic ring (the casting of lots for his garment, for instance).
But what stands out for me is the plaintive cry at the beginning: "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Of course, we know that God would never lus nor forsake us, but there are times where the storms of life seem so heavy that it seems as though God has completely deserted us. Yet often God's greatest blessing is found in the midst of the fiercest storm - when we've just about reached the end of our tether. That's when we experience the grace of God, and when we look back on such events, we become aware that God was with us all the way through.
So if you've come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on - for God is about to do something amazing in your life.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 25 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10
Matthew 16:13 - 17:9
Psalm 21: 1-13
Proverbs 5: 1-6
Matthew reading: We sometimes have a strange concept of what it means to be a Christian - we accept Jesus as Lord, and then expect ourselves to be perfect from then on. And when one's halo slips from time to time because of our inherent human weakness, we put the boot in, labelling the person as fleshly, or influenced (or even worse) possessed by some evil spirit. This means that instead of acknowledging our human frailties, repenting of our wrongdoing, receiving the forgiveness of Jesus, making right where needed, and moving on, we get into this whole state of "needing deliverance". Then, when we slip up the next time, we condemn ourselves and even believe that the demonic influence has not yet left us.
That's why Peter has such a special place in my heart. One moment he receives the divine revelation of who Jesus is, for which Jesus commends his steadfastness; next moment, he is trying to turn Jesus from his (Jesus') mission and purpose. Later, we see Peter promising never to betray Jesus, then he denies Jesus three times. Then we see the miracle of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit manifests and gives Peter such power that even his brings healing. He preaches the most anointed sermons, but has issues with Gentiles. In other words, Peter is as weak and fallible as the rest of us.
In a sense, then, Peter is like all of us - bumbling, saying stupid things, biased, bigoted, impulsive, yet when he submits to Christ, his life is the most incredible testimony of one who walks with Jesus, led by the Spirit, honouring God. We are not called to perfection; we are called to relationship. Our relationship with Jesus allows us to become more Christ-like. And it is our relationship with Jesus that makes all the difference in our lives and in the lives of others.
Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10
Matthew 16:13 - 17:9
Psalm 21: 1-13
Proverbs 5: 1-6
Matthew reading: We sometimes have a strange concept of what it means to be a Christian - we accept Jesus as Lord, and then expect ourselves to be perfect from then on. And when one's halo slips from time to time because of our inherent human weakness, we put the boot in, labelling the person as fleshly, or influenced (or even worse) possessed by some evil spirit. This means that instead of acknowledging our human frailties, repenting of our wrongdoing, receiving the forgiveness of Jesus, making right where needed, and moving on, we get into this whole state of "needing deliverance". Then, when we slip up the next time, we condemn ourselves and even believe that the demonic influence has not yet left us.
That's why Peter has such a special place in my heart. One moment he receives the divine revelation of who Jesus is, for which Jesus commends his steadfastness; next moment, he is trying to turn Jesus from his (Jesus') mission and purpose. Later, we see Peter promising never to betray Jesus, then he denies Jesus three times. Then we see the miracle of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit manifests and gives Peter such power that even his brings healing. He preaches the most anointed sermons, but has issues with Gentiles. In other words, Peter is as weak and fallible as the rest of us.
In a sense, then, Peter is like all of us - bumbling, saying stupid things, biased, bigoted, impulsive, yet when he submits to Christ, his life is the most incredible testimony of one who walks with Jesus, led by the Spirit, honouring God. We are not called to perfection; we are called to relationship. Our relationship with Jesus allows us to become more Christ-like. And it is our relationship with Jesus that makes all the difference in our lives and in the lives of others.
The One-Year Bible - 24 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 48:1 - 49:33
Matthew 15:29-16:12
Psalm 20: 1-9
Proverbs 4: 20-27
Proverbs reading: "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life". Freedom of choice is one of the greatest gifts that God could have bestowed upon us. It's not somethimg I'm convinced that I would have given out if I was God, given the poor choices that we often make, but then again, if we are created to be in fellowship with God, it surely can only be real if we have the choice not to be in fellowship.
Acknowledging Jesus as Lord is one such choice - a life-changing choice, in which we invite Jesus into our hearts and pledge ourselves to live for him. And it is this that I believe we need to guard at all costs. For it is our relationship with Jesus that allows us to make correct choices - those that are affirming and life-giving - and it is only as we allow Jesus to guide our lives that we are able to become more Christ-like, pleasing to God and a witness to others.
Genesis 48:1 - 49:33
Matthew 15:29-16:12
Psalm 20: 1-9
Proverbs 4: 20-27
Proverbs reading: "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life". Freedom of choice is one of the greatest gifts that God could have bestowed upon us. It's not somethimg I'm convinced that I would have given out if I was God, given the poor choices that we often make, but then again, if we are created to be in fellowship with God, it surely can only be real if we have the choice not to be in fellowship.
Acknowledging Jesus as Lord is one such choice - a life-changing choice, in which we invite Jesus into our hearts and pledge ourselves to live for him. And it is this that I believe we need to guard at all costs. For it is our relationship with Jesus that allows us to make correct choices - those that are affirming and life-giving - and it is only as we allow Jesus to guide our lives that we are able to become more Christ-like, pleasing to God and a witness to others.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 23 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 46:1 - 47:31
Matthew 15: 1-28
Psalm 19: 1-14
Proverbs 4: 14-19
Genesis reading: Isn't hindsight a perfect science? God uses Joseph as a source of provision for Egypt and the surrounding lands during the seven years of famine, but we also see that once people's money had run out in order to purchase food, Joseph instructed them to bring their livestock (their means of generating income), their lands, and ultimately their labour (as slaves). While Egypt was being ruled by a relatively benevolent Pharaoh, all was well, but in future years a different Pharaoh made life extremely difficult, especially for the Israelites.
I don't want to question Joseph's motives - in all likelihood, Joseph believed that he was honouring God and therefore probably acted in good faith and with integrity. Yet his actions, although contributing to people's rvation and well-beinghort term, inadvertently led to their eventual enslavement.
There are parallels with modern capitalism. Entrepreneurs who are willing to take risks, are successful, and can accumulate capital tend to become wealthy. However, over time these businesses sometimes develop into large corporations, which (in some cases) can abuse their dominant position. Individuals, on the other hand, have nothing to offer but their labour, and so become "wage slaves".
The lessons are numerous. For those seeking to do good, careful thought of the possible consequences must take place (e.g. feeding people is good; creating a culture of dependency is not). For those who are working (the majority of us), it is critical that we temper our lifestyles and put something aside rainy day, lest we become dependent on others (and risk being exploited).
Genesis 46:1 - 47:31
Matthew 15: 1-28
Psalm 19: 1-14
Proverbs 4: 14-19
Genesis reading: Isn't hindsight a perfect science? God uses Joseph as a source of provision for Egypt and the surrounding lands during the seven years of famine, but we also see that once people's money had run out in order to purchase food, Joseph instructed them to bring their livestock (their means of generating income), their lands, and ultimately their labour (as slaves). While Egypt was being ruled by a relatively benevolent Pharaoh, all was well, but in future years a different Pharaoh made life extremely difficult, especially for the Israelites.
I don't want to question Joseph's motives - in all likelihood, Joseph believed that he was honouring God and therefore probably acted in good faith and with integrity. Yet his actions, although contributing to people's rvation and well-beinghort term, inadvertently led to their eventual enslavement.
There are parallels with modern capitalism. Entrepreneurs who are willing to take risks, are successful, and can accumulate capital tend to become wealthy. However, over time these businesses sometimes develop into large corporations, which (in some cases) can abuse their dominant position. Individuals, on the other hand, have nothing to offer but their labour, and so become "wage slaves".
The lessons are numerous. For those seeking to do good, careful thought of the possible consequences must take place (e.g. feeding people is good; creating a culture of dependency is not). For those who are working (the majority of us), it is critical that we temper our lifestyles and put something aside rainy day, lest we become dependent on others (and risk being exploited).
Right of Admission Reserved?
Campedown Methodist Church
22 January 2012, 09h00
Rev Steven Jones
Once upon a time there was a young man walking down a road. As he walked, he noticed that everything had a shadow. The trees, the buildings, even the stones – all had shadows. And the people, especially the people, had shadows with many shapes and intensities. The shadows of the people were part of the world in which he lived.
He could hardly bring himself to look at his own shadow because it was very dark and very long, as if a bright sun was setting behind him. Even thinking about it, he felt ugly. Very ugly indeed. When he looked inside of himself he saw the kinds of things you would expect to find in sewerage pipes and drains.
The amazing thing about this young man was that he was quite beautiful to look at. Quite beautiful indeed. In fact, as he walked down the road, people thought to themselves, “What a healthy, strong, good-looking young man that is. How I wish I had some excuse to talk to him and get to know him.”
But the young man was not able to be friendly in return, because he absolutely did not think anything of himself. He would just look at his own dark, long shadow and feel, “What would such a friendly person want with me if they could see me for real? If they could see my shadow, they would want to get far away from me as far as possible! They would want to go home and have a good, hot shower with some strong antiseptic soap.” [To read the rest of this sermon, click here; to access the video clip for "In My Room", click here (please ignore some of the comments under the clip - the language is less than savoury, but that's the price one pays for the benefit of accessing an open file-sharing platform)]
22 January 2012, 09h00
Rev Steven Jones
Once upon a time there was a young man walking down a road. As he walked, he noticed that everything had a shadow. The trees, the buildings, even the stones – all had shadows. And the people, especially the people, had shadows with many shapes and intensities. The shadows of the people were part of the world in which he lived.
He could hardly bring himself to look at his own shadow because it was very dark and very long, as if a bright sun was setting behind him. Even thinking about it, he felt ugly. Very ugly indeed. When he looked inside of himself he saw the kinds of things you would expect to find in sewerage pipes and drains.
The amazing thing about this young man was that he was quite beautiful to look at. Quite beautiful indeed. In fact, as he walked down the road, people thought to themselves, “What a healthy, strong, good-looking young man that is. How I wish I had some excuse to talk to him and get to know him.”
But the young man was not able to be friendly in return, because he absolutely did not think anything of himself. He would just look at his own dark, long shadow and feel, “What would such a friendly person want with me if they could see me for real? If they could see my shadow, they would want to get far away from me as far as possible! They would want to go home and have a good, hot shower with some strong antiseptic soap.” [To read the rest of this sermon, click here; to access the video clip for "In My Room", click here (please ignore some of the comments under the clip - the language is less than savoury, but that's the price one pays for the benefit of accessing an open file-sharing platform)]
The One-Year Bible - 22 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 44:1 - 45:28
Matthew 14: 13-36
Psalm 18: 37-50
Proverbs 4: 11-13
Matthew reading: "That isn't necessary [to send the people away to buy food] - you feed them". How often do these words of Jesus put fear and trembling into our arts? We know that people are hungry (whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, or otherwise), and yet in our own strength we are also aware that our means are inadequate for feeding them.
Yet despite this, Jesus still calls upon us to do the feeding. It's not a question of being adequate - Jesus knows we fall short - it's a question of trust and obedience. We tend to refrain from feeding because of what we see as the inadequacy of our own resources. But Jesus calls upon us to use what we have. Our task is to do the feeding; Jesus is the one who satisfies.
Genesis 44:1 - 45:28
Matthew 14: 13-36
Psalm 18: 37-50
Proverbs 4: 11-13
Matthew reading: "That isn't necessary [to send the people away to buy food] - you feed them". How often do these words of Jesus put fear and trembling into our arts? We know that people are hungry (whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, or otherwise), and yet in our own strength we are also aware that our means are inadequate for feeding them.
Yet despite this, Jesus still calls upon us to do the feeding. It's not a question of being adequate - Jesus knows we fall short - it's a question of trust and obedience. We tend to refrain from feeding because of what we see as the inadequacy of our own resources. But Jesus calls upon us to use what we have. Our task is to do the feeding; Jesus is the one who satisfies.
The One-Year Bible - 21 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 42:18 - 43:34
Matthew 13:47 - 14:12
Psalm 18: 16-36
Proverbs 4: 7-10
Matthew reading: "This is what the Kingdom of Heaven is like ...". Jesus uses these or similar words numerous times to introduce a metaphor that attempts to describe what God's Kingdom is like, and in today's passage Jesus uses the analogy of fishing. The net is thrown into the water, and all kinds of fish are caught - both good and bad. Those catching fish then sort out the good from the bad, and discard the bad.
A similar separation will take place between wicked and righteous. But notice who does the separation. It is the angels (who act, presumably, under God's direction) who do the separation. Our tendency as humans is to want to take on a task that was never delegated to us. It is God who throws out the net (by the prompting of the Holy Spirit - call it "prevenient grace" if you like). God also acknowledges that this net will bring in both good and bad. And finally, it is God who does the sorting.
So what, then, is our role? Taking our cue from the parable of the sower, out task is to sow - irrespective of where the seed may fall. The seed will fall in all sorts of ground, which represents our choice to respond. We can decide whether we will be wicked or righteous. But ultimately it is God who does the sorting. Deciding on behalf of others who is righteous and who is wicked is not our job!
Genesis 42:18 - 43:34
Matthew 13:47 - 14:12
Psalm 18: 16-36
Proverbs 4: 7-10
Matthew reading: "This is what the Kingdom of Heaven is like ...". Jesus uses these or similar words numerous times to introduce a metaphor that attempts to describe what God's Kingdom is like, and in today's passage Jesus uses the analogy of fishing. The net is thrown into the water, and all kinds of fish are caught - both good and bad. Those catching fish then sort out the good from the bad, and discard the bad.
A similar separation will take place between wicked and righteous. But notice who does the separation. It is the angels (who act, presumably, under God's direction) who do the separation. Our tendency as humans is to want to take on a task that was never delegated to us. It is God who throws out the net (by the prompting of the Holy Spirit - call it "prevenient grace" if you like). God also acknowledges that this net will bring in both good and bad. And finally, it is God who does the sorting.
So what, then, is our role? Taking our cue from the parable of the sower, out task is to sow - irrespective of where the seed may fall. The seed will fall in all sorts of ground, which represents our choice to respond. We can decide whether we will be wicked or righteous. But ultimately it is God who does the sorting. Deciding on behalf of others who is righteous and who is wicked is not our job!
Friday, January 20, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 20 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 41:17 - 42:17
Matthew 13: 24-46
Psalm 18: 1-15
Proverbs 4: 1-6
Psalms reading: God has surely blessed David with an incredible gift to use words, since his Psalms convey vivid images of who God is, how God manifests, and the way in which God relates to people. This Psalm is no different - in the first few verses David paints a picture of God's steadfastness, using words like strength, rock, fortress, shield, and place of safety. There is much that can be gleaned from this Psalm as it goes on to describe God's magnificence and might, with images of shaking mountains, smoke pouring forth from God's nostrils, thunder, lightning, and the blast of God's breath in command.
But today I want to focus on the steadfastness of God - that steadiness and security that comes from knowing that God is strong, God can be relied upon, and God wants to give us sanctuary. We can give thanks to God for the assurance that, come what may, this mighty, powerful God loves us mere mortals so much that God is willing to hear our prayers, enfold us with love, protect us, and save us.
Halleluyah! God is good!
Genesis 41:17 - 42:17
Matthew 13: 24-46
Psalm 18: 1-15
Proverbs 4: 1-6
Psalms reading: God has surely blessed David with an incredible gift to use words, since his Psalms convey vivid images of who God is, how God manifests, and the way in which God relates to people. This Psalm is no different - in the first few verses David paints a picture of God's steadfastness, using words like strength, rock, fortress, shield, and place of safety. There is much that can be gleaned from this Psalm as it goes on to describe God's magnificence and might, with images of shaking mountains, smoke pouring forth from God's nostrils, thunder, lightning, and the blast of God's breath in command.
But today I want to focus on the steadfastness of God - that steadiness and security that comes from knowing that God is strong, God can be relied upon, and God wants to give us sanctuary. We can give thanks to God for the assurance that, come what may, this mighty, powerful God loves us mere mortals so much that God is willing to hear our prayers, enfold us with love, protect us, and save us.
Halleluyah! God is good!
The One-Year Bible - 19 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 39:1 - 41:16
Matthew 12:46 - 13:23
Psalm 17: 1-15
Proverbs 3: 33-35
Genesis reading
These reflections are from notes I have compiled for an as-yet unpresented Bible study on sexual morality.
Joseph had been sold into slavery because of the jealousy of his brothers, and had been taken into Egypt where he was purchased as a slave by Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. The passage picks up where Joseph, having portrayed evidence of God’s favour upon him, is appointed head over Potiphar’s household where he served with diligence. Having proved himself in this role, Potiphar gradually transferred total responsibility for his affairs to Joseph.
However, Joseph was not only an astute administrator, but was also handsome and had a well-built physique. These traits had come to the attention of Potiphar’s wife, who became physically attracted to Joseph. Taking advantage of their relative differences in status (bearing in mind that, despite his responsibilities, Joseph’s status was still that of slave), Potiphar’s wife made sexual advances towards Joseph, which were emphatically rebuffed. She was however quite persistent in her pursuit of Joseph, and made a grab for him when none of the other servants were around. Deciding that a good run was better than a bad stand, Joseph fled the house, leaving his cloak behind in the scuffle.
Since “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”, so the old saying goes, Potiphar’s wife cried foul, accusing Joseph of attempted rape. Given that Potiphar would invariably take his wife’s word over that of a slave, and believing that Joseph had broken his trust, he had Joseph imprisoned.
Questions for reflection:
Genesis 39:1 - 41:16
Matthew 12:46 - 13:23
Psalm 17: 1-15
Proverbs 3: 33-35
Genesis reading
These reflections are from notes I have compiled for an as-yet unpresented Bible study on sexual morality.
Joseph had been sold into slavery because of the jealousy of his brothers, and had been taken into Egypt where he was purchased as a slave by Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. The passage picks up where Joseph, having portrayed evidence of God’s favour upon him, is appointed head over Potiphar’s household where he served with diligence. Having proved himself in this role, Potiphar gradually transferred total responsibility for his affairs to Joseph.
However, Joseph was not only an astute administrator, but was also handsome and had a well-built physique. These traits had come to the attention of Potiphar’s wife, who became physically attracted to Joseph. Taking advantage of their relative differences in status (bearing in mind that, despite his responsibilities, Joseph’s status was still that of slave), Potiphar’s wife made sexual advances towards Joseph, which were emphatically rebuffed. She was however quite persistent in her pursuit of Joseph, and made a grab for him when none of the other servants were around. Deciding that a good run was better than a bad stand, Joseph fled the house, leaving his cloak behind in the scuffle.
Since “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”, so the old saying goes, Potiphar’s wife cried foul, accusing Joseph of attempted rape. Given that Potiphar would invariably take his wife’s word over that of a slave, and believing that Joseph had broken his trust, he had Joseph imprisoned.
Questions for reflection:
- What evidence can be found in this passage that Joseph was a God-fearing man who obeyed God’s laws? Comment on similar character traits that would apply today that would indicate to the world that a person is God-fearing and obedient to God’s laws.
- Discuss how the above character traits would apply specifically to sexual ethics and morality.
- Joseph is described as being “well-built and handsome” (verse 6). When a woman is raped, some people make statements to the effect that she “asked for it” because of her attractiveness, wearing revealing clothes, being in the “wrong place at the wrong time”, etc. In this reversal of roles where the woman (Potiphar’s wife) is portrayed as the sexual predator, would Joseph’s handsomeness have been a contributing factor to Potiphar’s wife making advances towards him? Discuss and critique the fairness (or otherwise) of this statement.
- Do you think that Potiphar’s wife took advantage of Joseph? If so, ignoring for the moment the constraints imposed by the master / slave relationship, what measures do you suggest that Joseph could have taken to protect himself from being taken advantage of in this manner?
- Having had her advances spurned, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of rape. Because no-one else was around at the time, it boiled down to Joseph’s word against that of Potiphar’s wife. In 2006 Jacob Zuma faced a similar accusation of rape. Although the court subsequently acquitted him, his reputation was harmed to the extent that people still talk about it five years later, with cartoonists such as Zapiro still parodying Zuma based on that alleged incident. Discuss some of the consequences of allowing oneself to be in a compromising position such as this (once again, ignoring the constraints imposed by the master / slave relationship in this passage).
- Referring to question 5, Jacob Zuma is widely believed to have been guilty of the rape he was accused of, notwithstanding the findings of the court. Without getting into the merits of the particular issues around Zuma personally, discuss the obstacles that a rape victim faces in terms of being believed, and seeking justice. What role can the Church play in creating a climate that can overcome these obstacles?
- If, hypothetically, Joseph had consented to having sex with Potiphar’s wife, there would still have been the issue of adultery to deal with. Discuss this in the light of today’s permissive sexual morals, including some of the risks and potential consequences (both in terms of relationship, as well as from a health perspective) that could arise from unsound sexual ethics.
- Did Potiphar have a role to play in contributing to his wife’s dalliances? Discuss and critique.
- What other lessons can this passage teach us today?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 18 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 37:1 - 38:30
Matthew 12: 22-45
Psalm 16: 1-11
Peoverbs 3: 27-32
Matthew reading: Blaspheming against the Holy Spirit - the "unpardonable sin" that Jesus refers to. Many people have chatted to me about this over the years, often with fear and trepidation that they may have inadvertently committed this particular sin, from which forgiveness is apparently unobtainable.
Yet Jesus was not referring to this; rather, he was speaking of a people who had consciously and deliberately so hardened their hearts that they had completely cut themselves off from any prompting by the Holy Spirit. In this case, the Pharisees (who, remember, were deeply religious people) had gone as far as to label Jesus' casting out of evil spirits as the work of Satan. Despite numerous encounters with Jesus, they refused to even listen to the merits of his arguments, let alone consider that Jesus may just be speaking the truth that comes from God.
However, I believe that even then, had any of these same Pharisees seen the light and chosen to repent, they would have received forgiveness from Jesus. "Blaspheming the Holy Spirit" therefore meant that they had so hardened their hearts that it is as though they denied even that the Holy Spirit even existed, let alone be willing to open themselves to the possibility of the Spirit's changing power.
So if you claim to be a Christian, are earnestly desiring to be more Christ-like, and have a teachable spirit, and are concerned that you may have inadvertently committed the "unpardonable sin" by blaspheming the Holy Spirit, don't worry - you haven't!
Genesis 37:1 - 38:30
Matthew 12: 22-45
Psalm 16: 1-11
Peoverbs 3: 27-32
Matthew reading: Blaspheming against the Holy Spirit - the "unpardonable sin" that Jesus refers to. Many people have chatted to me about this over the years, often with fear and trepidation that they may have inadvertently committed this particular sin, from which forgiveness is apparently unobtainable.
Yet Jesus was not referring to this; rather, he was speaking of a people who had consciously and deliberately so hardened their hearts that they had completely cut themselves off from any prompting by the Holy Spirit. In this case, the Pharisees (who, remember, were deeply religious people) had gone as far as to label Jesus' casting out of evil spirits as the work of Satan. Despite numerous encounters with Jesus, they refused to even listen to the merits of his arguments, let alone consider that Jesus may just be speaking the truth that comes from God.
However, I believe that even then, had any of these same Pharisees seen the light and chosen to repent, they would have received forgiveness from Jesus. "Blaspheming the Holy Spirit" therefore meant that they had so hardened their hearts that it is as though they denied even that the Holy Spirit even existed, let alone be willing to open themselves to the possibility of the Spirit's changing power.
So if you claim to be a Christian, are earnestly desiring to be more Christ-like, and have a teachable spirit, and are concerned that you may have inadvertently committed the "unpardonable sin" by blaspheming the Holy Spirit, don't worry - you haven't!
The One-Year Bible - 17 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 35:1 - 36:43
Matthew 12: 1-21
Psalm 15: 1-5
Proverbs 3: 21-26
Matthew reading: Healing on the Sabbath - this became the "Big Issue Of The Week" to the Pharisees, who prided themselves on adhering to the letter of the Law. Trouble is, they were somewhat less concerned with the spirit of the Law, and so there results a tendency to condemn people when they do things that are not considered "holy" on God's holy day. Yet Jesus, as with many other things, turns matters on their head. Since God places a higher priority on mercy rather than sacrifice, Jesus argues that it is entirely appropriate (and, in fact, required of us) to perform acts of mercy whenever the opportunity arises - even on the Sabbath.
The sad thing, though, is that instead of rejoicing over the fact that a man with a badly-deformed hand received healing, they chose instead to show anger towards Jesus. One questions why this is so. Was it their self-righteousness coming through - "we are right and you are wrong"? Or was Jesus getting a bit close to home, in that by healing this man Jesus was showing the kind of mercy that the Pharisees themselves were expected to show - and didn't? Whatever the reason, we need to ensure that before we jump up to condemn someone's seemingly "non-spiritual" action, we must carefully question our own motives for placing ourselves in the position of judge and jury.
Genesis 35:1 - 36:43
Matthew 12: 1-21
Psalm 15: 1-5
Proverbs 3: 21-26
Matthew reading: Healing on the Sabbath - this became the "Big Issue Of The Week" to the Pharisees, who prided themselves on adhering to the letter of the Law. Trouble is, they were somewhat less concerned with the spirit of the Law, and so there results a tendency to condemn people when they do things that are not considered "holy" on God's holy day. Yet Jesus, as with many other things, turns matters on their head. Since God places a higher priority on mercy rather than sacrifice, Jesus argues that it is entirely appropriate (and, in fact, required of us) to perform acts of mercy whenever the opportunity arises - even on the Sabbath.
The sad thing, though, is that instead of rejoicing over the fact that a man with a badly-deformed hand received healing, they chose instead to show anger towards Jesus. One questions why this is so. Was it their self-righteousness coming through - "we are right and you are wrong"? Or was Jesus getting a bit close to home, in that by healing this man Jesus was showing the kind of mercy that the Pharisees themselves were expected to show - and didn't? Whatever the reason, we need to ensure that before we jump up to condemn someone's seemingly "non-spiritual" action, we must carefully question our own motives for placing ourselves in the position of judge and jury.
The One-Year Bible - 16 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 32:13 - 34:31
Matthew 11: 7-30
Psalm 14: 1-7
Proverbs 3: 19-20
Psalms reading: "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God' ". Many people place themselves and others under condemnation because of this verse, often in response to honest doubt or a cry of anguish. For example, someone who does not yet have a relationship with Jesus may doubt the existence of God only because they have not yet come to the place where they have encountered God personally. Our response should be to witness and testify, not to condemn. Likewise, when someone go through some sort of trauma or tragedy, it may seem to them in that moment that God is absent from their lives. Yet they know in their heart that this is not true - it's just the hurt crying out in the heat of the moment, and we should respond with comfort rather than judgement.
I'm therefore not convinced that the Psalmist is referring to the above situation. Rather, it is the person who consciously and wilfully chooses to renounce God, or deny God's existence, who is the "fool" in this instance. Even then, the love of Jesus can soften even the hardest hearts. It is therefore not for us to judge, but to love - and to allow the love of Jesus to shine through us. For even the most obstinate "fool" may come face to face with the living God!
Genesis 32:13 - 34:31
Matthew 11: 7-30
Psalm 14: 1-7
Proverbs 3: 19-20
Psalms reading: "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God' ". Many people place themselves and others under condemnation because of this verse, often in response to honest doubt or a cry of anguish. For example, someone who does not yet have a relationship with Jesus may doubt the existence of God only because they have not yet come to the place where they have encountered God personally. Our response should be to witness and testify, not to condemn. Likewise, when someone go through some sort of trauma or tragedy, it may seem to them in that moment that God is absent from their lives. Yet they know in their heart that this is not true - it's just the hurt crying out in the heat of the moment, and we should respond with comfort rather than judgement.
I'm therefore not convinced that the Psalmist is referring to the above situation. Rather, it is the person who consciously and wilfully chooses to renounce God, or deny God's existence, who is the "fool" in this instance. Even then, the love of Jesus can soften even the hardest hearts. It is therefore not for us to judge, but to love - and to allow the love of Jesus to shine through us. For even the most obstinate "fool" may come face to face with the living God!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 15 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 31:17 - 32:12
Matthew 10:24 - 11:6
Psalm 13: 1-6
Proverbs 3: 16-18
Matthew reading: Stuck in prison because of his testimony, John the Baptist could be forgiven for thinking that Jesus may possibly not be the promised Messiah, prompting his question: "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"
In his reply that was sent with the disciples, Jesus not only declares his purpose but also calls on John to see the fruit of Jesus' lordship: "[T]he blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor". When people are searching for this Jesus that we proclaim, they're not interested in pie-in-the-sky - they want steak on the plate! For it is when the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf dear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor - that is when they see Jesus!
Therefore, we are called be the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing the same purpose and following in his footsteps, as we were commissioned in Matthew 28. So let's get going already!
Genesis 31:17 - 32:12
Matthew 10:24 - 11:6
Psalm 13: 1-6
Proverbs 3: 16-18
Matthew reading: Stuck in prison because of his testimony, John the Baptist could be forgiven for thinking that Jesus may possibly not be the promised Messiah, prompting his question: "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"
In his reply that was sent with the disciples, Jesus not only declares his purpose but also calls on John to see the fruit of Jesus' lordship: "[T]he blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor". When people are searching for this Jesus that we proclaim, they're not interested in pie-in-the-sky - they want steak on the plate! For it is when the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf dear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor - that is when they see Jesus!
Therefore, we are called be the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing the same purpose and following in his footsteps, as we were commissioned in Matthew 28. So let's get going already!
The One-Year Bible - 14 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 30:1 - 31:16
Matthew 10: 1-23
Psalm 12: 1-8
Proverbs 3: 13-15
Proverbs reading: "Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding". I was once asked (in a corporate setting) whether I would prefer to be wealthy or wise, and I answered that it would be far preferable to be wise. If one is wise, one can become wealthy, but if one is wealthy without wisdom, the chances of losing one's wealth is far greater.
If this is true for earthly wisdom, how much greater truth is to be found in Godly wisdom. For it is in the wisdom of God that we find true wealth - in love, in relationship, in the comfort of doing God's will, and (where necessary for the extension of God's ministry here on earth) materially as well.
Genesis 30:1 - 31:16
Matthew 10: 1-23
Psalm 12: 1-8
Proverbs 3: 13-15
Proverbs reading: "Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding". I was once asked (in a corporate setting) whether I would prefer to be wealthy or wise, and I answered that it would be far preferable to be wise. If one is wise, one can become wealthy, but if one is wealthy without wisdom, the chances of losing one's wealth is far greater.
If this is true for earthly wisdom, how much greater truth is to be found in Godly wisdom. For it is in the wisdom of God that we find true wealth - in love, in relationship, in the comfort of doing God's will, and (where necessary for the extension of God's ministry here on earth) materially as well.
Friday, January 13, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 13 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 28:1 - 29:35
Matthew 9: 18-38
Psalm 11:1-7
Proverbs 3: 11-12
Matthew reading: "[Jesus] said to his disciples, 'The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields'." One of the challenges of being a minister is to balance the expectations of the people with what is physically possible, given that we have the same 24-hour day that everyone else has. Often I make the glib comment that I don't mind doing all the work of the ministry, as long as people don't mind that the church then won't be doing much ministry work at all.
We read in Ephesians 4 that the task of the full-time minister is to "equip the saints for the work of the ministry". One person cannot do it all, and for that matter, one person alone is not called by God to do everything. In the Methodist Church we call it "the priesthood of all believers"; other churches refer to "every member ministry". Either way, as Christians we are all called to be ministers. A few just happen to have been theologically trained, set aside to do the equipping of others in a congregational setting, and (occasionally) wear a piece of Tupperware in their shirts.
Genesis 28:1 - 29:35
Matthew 9: 18-38
Psalm 11:1-7
Proverbs 3: 11-12
Matthew reading: "[Jesus] said to his disciples, 'The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields'." One of the challenges of being a minister is to balance the expectations of the people with what is physically possible, given that we have the same 24-hour day that everyone else has. Often I make the glib comment that I don't mind doing all the work of the ministry, as long as people don't mind that the church then won't be doing much ministry work at all.
We read in Ephesians 4 that the task of the full-time minister is to "equip the saints for the work of the ministry". One person cannot do it all, and for that matter, one person alone is not called by God to do everything. In the Methodist Church we call it "the priesthood of all believers"; other churches refer to "every member ministry". Either way, as Christians we are all called to be ministers. A few just happen to have been theologically trained, set aside to do the equipping of others in a congregational setting, and (occasionally) wear a piece of Tupperware in their shirts.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 12 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 26:17 - 27:46
Matthew 9: 1-17
Psalm 10: 16-18
Proverbs 3: 9-10
Matthew reading: "I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices". Sometimes we allow our religious practices to overshadow the underlying meaning thereof. One example is that of baptism - should you be sprinkled, dunked, immersed, or drowned? Well - so what? Baptism was never about the amount of water used; it's about the recognition of God's grace. Yet churches have been split, and even new denominations formed, because of trivial issues such as this - and all the while, the world just shakes its head at our religious idiocy.
More serious, though, is when we impose certain so-called "standards" on people, citing religious practices, thereby determining who is "in" and who is "out". Yet Jesus, the Great Physician, has only one standard - if the person is sick in any way, he is there to heal them. A church should therefore be like a hospital, and in a hospital there are only two states - you are either sick, or you are part of the staff. This means that those who have received healing (in whatever form) through the ministry of a local church and wish to remain part of its ministry should only do so if they are prepared to "join the staff", that is to be agents of Christ's healing to others.
This means that we, just like Jesus, need to see people not as "scum", as the Pharisees termed them, but as "patients" in need of a physician. That physician is Jesus, and as Jesus' agents we are to be his hands and feet, bringing healing to all whom Jesus sends across our paths.
Genesis 26:17 - 27:46
Matthew 9: 1-17
Psalm 10: 16-18
Proverbs 3: 9-10
Matthew reading: "I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices". Sometimes we allow our religious practices to overshadow the underlying meaning thereof. One example is that of baptism - should you be sprinkled, dunked, immersed, or drowned? Well - so what? Baptism was never about the amount of water used; it's about the recognition of God's grace. Yet churches have been split, and even new denominations formed, because of trivial issues such as this - and all the while, the world just shakes its head at our religious idiocy.
More serious, though, is when we impose certain so-called "standards" on people, citing religious practices, thereby determining who is "in" and who is "out". Yet Jesus, the Great Physician, has only one standard - if the person is sick in any way, he is there to heal them. A church should therefore be like a hospital, and in a hospital there are only two states - you are either sick, or you are part of the staff. This means that those who have received healing (in whatever form) through the ministry of a local church and wish to remain part of its ministry should only do so if they are prepared to "join the staff", that is to be agents of Christ's healing to others.
This means that we, just like Jesus, need to see people not as "scum", as the Pharisees termed them, but as "patients" in need of a physician. That physician is Jesus, and as Jesus' agents we are to be his hands and feet, bringing healing to all whom Jesus sends across our paths.
The One-Year Bible - 11 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 24:52 - 26:16
Matthew 8: 18-34
Psalm 10: 1-15
Proverbs 3: 7-8
Matthew reading: "Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping". I've always wondered about this particular storm that brought such fear and trembling to the disciples - bearing in mind that (a) many of the disciples were seasoned fishermen, accustomed to rough weather, and (b) the Sea of Galilee was well-known for its fierce storms. One can only conclude that this particular storm must have been extremely severe indeed.
Jesus never promised that storms would not come into our lives. In this account, we see a particularly severe storm coming literally into the lives of the disciples, even while in the very presence of Jesus. And one thing is certain - even though we believe that Jesus loves and protects us, the storms of life will still come. We are not exempted from them. And when they come, it may seem to us that our Lord is fast asleep. But we can rest assured - Jesus will be there to still the waves, helping us to come through the storms of life and ensuring that even though we may be battered and drenched by the storm's waters, we will not drown so long as our trust and faith is in him.
Genesis 24:52 - 26:16
Matthew 8: 18-34
Psalm 10: 1-15
Proverbs 3: 7-8
Matthew reading: "Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping". I've always wondered about this particular storm that brought such fear and trembling to the disciples - bearing in mind that (a) many of the disciples were seasoned fishermen, accustomed to rough weather, and (b) the Sea of Galilee was well-known for its fierce storms. One can only conclude that this particular storm must have been extremely severe indeed.
Jesus never promised that storms would not come into our lives. In this account, we see a particularly severe storm coming literally into the lives of the disciples, even while in the very presence of Jesus. And one thing is certain - even though we believe that Jesus loves and protects us, the storms of life will still come. We are not exempted from them. And when they come, it may seem to us that our Lord is fast asleep. But we can rest assured - Jesus will be there to still the waves, helping us to come through the storms of life and ensuring that even though we may be battered and drenched by the storm's waters, we will not drown so long as our trust and faith is in him.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 10 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 23:1 - 24:51
Matthew 8: 1-17
Psalm 9: 13-20
Proverbs 3: 1-6
Matthew reading: Jesus is approached by a man afflicted with leprosy, and asks Jesus for healing, "if you are willing". Jesus then responds with probably the most glorious words that the man could have hoped to hear: "I am willing", and heals the man.
Often we are too afraid or too proud to ask Jesus for anything. While we should never approach our Lord with a shopping list and an attitude of "gimme gimme", we should nonetheless have the faith to be bold enough to approach Jesus with our needs and the needs of others. If our prayers are offered with a pure heart and a genuine desire to see Jesus' will being done, there is a strong likelihood that we, too, will hear the Master's voice, saying: "I am willing".
Genesis 23:1 - 24:51
Matthew 8: 1-17
Psalm 9: 13-20
Proverbs 3: 1-6
Matthew reading: Jesus is approached by a man afflicted with leprosy, and asks Jesus for healing, "if you are willing". Jesus then responds with probably the most glorious words that the man could have hoped to hear: "I am willing", and heals the man.
Often we are too afraid or too proud to ask Jesus for anything. While we should never approach our Lord with a shopping list and an attitude of "gimme gimme", we should nonetheless have the faith to be bold enough to approach Jesus with our needs and the needs of others. If our prayers are offered with a pure heart and a genuine desire to see Jesus' will being done, there is a strong likelihood that we, too, will hear the Master's voice, saying: "I am willing".
The One-Year Bible - 9 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 20:1 - 22:24
Matthew 7: 15-29
Psalm 9: 1-12
Proverbs 2: 16-22
Genesis reading: Sarai (now re-named Sarah) conceives, and finally bears Abram (now Abraham) a son, Isaac, the first in a line of many descendents that God has promised to Abraham. Imagine the joy that Abraham and Sarah must have felt as they held their son, whom God had promised for many years.
Now imagine the anguish that Abraham must have felt when God told Abraham to take Isaac to a specified place, where he would be required to be sacrificed. The Scripture does not record Abraham's struggle, but it must have been real and painful. Yet Abraham obeyed God, showing great faith and believing that God would some make a way out.
The rest of the story is well-known (re-read the passage if you' forgotten). But what is striking is where God declares his blessing on Abraham, because Abraham had not withheld his only son from God. As Christians, we are mightily blessed because God did not withhold his only son (Jesus) from us. It can also be argued that God would have deserved to have Isaac sacrificed to him. We, on the other hand, did not deserve to have Jesus die for us. Yet Jesus gave up his life, by his own free will, as the ultimate act of love for humanity.
What an awesome God we serve!
Genesis 20:1 - 22:24
Matthew 7: 15-29
Psalm 9: 1-12
Proverbs 2: 16-22
Genesis reading: Sarai (now re-named Sarah) conceives, and finally bears Abram (now Abraham) a son, Isaac, the first in a line of many descendents that God has promised to Abraham. Imagine the joy that Abraham and Sarah must have felt as they held their son, whom God had promised for many years.
Now imagine the anguish that Abraham must have felt when God told Abraham to take Isaac to a specified place, where he would be required to be sacrificed. The Scripture does not record Abraham's struggle, but it must have been real and painful. Yet Abraham obeyed God, showing great faith and believing that God would some make a way out.
The rest of the story is well-known (re-read the passage if you' forgotten). But what is striking is where God declares his blessing on Abraham, because Abraham had not withheld his only son from God. As Christians, we are mightily blessed because God did not withhold his only son (Jesus) from us. It can also be argued that God would have deserved to have Isaac sacrificed to him. We, on the other hand, did not deserve to have Jesus die for us. Yet Jesus gave up his life, by his own free will, as the ultimate act of love for humanity.
What an awesome God we serve!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 8 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 18:16 - 19:38
Matthew 6:25 - 7:14
Psalm 8: 1-9
Proverbs 2: 6-15
Genesis reading: Much of the discussion around this famous story about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah goes either around Abraham's pleading with God to spare the cities from destruction even if only ten righteous people can be found there, or around homosexuality being the alleged reafor the two cities' destruction.
However, if one reads the account carefully, the sex contemplated amounted to gang rape. For that matter, Lot's own hands cannot be considered clean when one considers that he was ready to sacrifice his virgin daughters to be subjected to such abuse, rather than to violate the tenets of hospitality. Reading further, the account of the same two daughters subsequently conspiring to get Lot drunk in order to be impregnated by him speakes volumes for the generally-unGodly values prevalent in the two cities, and even in Lot's own household.
Genesis 18:16 - 19:38
Matthew 6:25 - 7:14
Psalm 8: 1-9
Proverbs 2: 6-15
Genesis reading: Much of the discussion around this famous story about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah goes either around Abraham's pleading with God to spare the cities from destruction even if only ten righteous people can be found there, or around homosexuality being the alleged reafor the two cities' destruction.
However, if one reads the account carefully, the sex contemplated amounted to gang rape. For that matter, Lot's own hands cannot be considered clean when one considers that he was ready to sacrifice his virgin daughters to be subjected to such abuse, rather than to violate the tenets of hospitality. Reading further, the account of the same two daughters subsequently conspiring to get Lot drunk in order to be impregnated by him speakes volumes for the generally-unGodly values prevalent in the two cities, and even in Lot's own household.
The One-Year Bible - 7 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 16: 1 - 18: 15
Matthew 6: 1-24
Psalm 7: 11-17
Proverbs 2: 1-5
Genesis reading: This reading includes where Sarai, who was unable to conceive, "gave" her servant Hagar to her husband Abram so that they could have the child that Sarai believed she would be unable to conceive. Much debate goes around the treating of servants as mere property in this manner, and some even question whether the sex that took place between Abram and Hagar was consensual (i.e. did Abram rape Hagar?) - not to mention both Sarai and Abraham's clear distrust of God to provide the promised heir.
However, what stands out for me this morning is the age-old human problem - passing the buck. It was Sarai's idea that Abram and Hagar should engage in sexual relations in order to produce a child; however, when things did not turn out according to her plan, Sarai put the blame on Abram. While Abram was by no means innocent in this whole escapade, it was Sarai who shifted the blame rather than take responsibility for her actions - just as Adam did when God confronted him about eating the forbidden fruit.
Often we tend to blame other people, or the devil, or even God, when things go wrong in our lives, yet usually none of these parties had anything to do with it. While the devil may hide the truth from us, or use devious means to deceive us, for the most part our misfortunes are the consequence of our own poor choices. God shows us the way but leaves the decision to us. Therefore, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to make the correct choices - the Godly ones.
Genesis 16: 1 - 18: 15
Matthew 6: 1-24
Psalm 7: 11-17
Proverbs 2: 1-5
Genesis reading: This reading includes where Sarai, who was unable to conceive, "gave" her servant Hagar to her husband Abram so that they could have the child that Sarai believed she would be unable to conceive. Much debate goes around the treating of servants as mere property in this manner, and some even question whether the sex that took place between Abram and Hagar was consensual (i.e. did Abram rape Hagar?) - not to mention both Sarai and Abraham's clear distrust of God to provide the promised heir.
However, what stands out for me this morning is the age-old human problem - passing the buck. It was Sarai's idea that Abram and Hagar should engage in sexual relations in order to produce a child; however, when things did not turn out according to her plan, Sarai put the blame on Abram. While Abram was by no means innocent in this whole escapade, it was Sarai who shifted the blame rather than take responsibility for her actions - just as Adam did when God confronted him about eating the forbidden fruit.
Often we tend to blame other people, or the devil, or even God, when things go wrong in our lives, yet usually none of these parties had anything to do with it. While the devil may hide the truth from us, or use devious means to deceive us, for the most part our misfortunes are the consequence of our own poor choices. God shows us the way but leaves the decision to us. Therefore, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to make the correct choices - the Godly ones.
Monday, January 9, 2012
4 Essentials of Effective Churches
Camperdown Methodist Church, 8 January 2012, 09h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Exodus 18: 9-26; I Timothy 3: 1-13; Luke 4: 14-21; Matthew 28: 17-20
(This message was to prepare the congregationon for our Annual General Meeting that will be taking place on 26 February 2012, in which the congregation considers the mission activities of the church, as well as to elect Society Stewards. It's aim is to lay a foundation in terms of Purpose, Mission, Structures, and Values.)
There is a rather lame story about an ambitious Rice Krispie that was tired of life at the bottom – it wanted to be at the top! This ambition was present right from birth; when all the little Rice Krispies were poured into the big hoppers ready for packaging, our friend declared: “I’m an ambitious Rice Krispie! I don’t want to be at the bottom – I want to be at the top!” So the Rice Krispie went to great effort to make its way past all the other Rice Krispies in its quest for supremacy, but when it finally made its way to the top, the chute opened, the boxes were filled, and the ambitious Rice Krispie found itself at the bottom of the box. Not to be daunted – “I’m an ambitious Rice Krispie – I don’t want to be at the bottom of the box – I want to be at the top!” – it once again climbed and climbed all the way to the top, until it was discovered that the box had been placed upside-down in Kellogg’s warehouse. When it was turned the correct way up, guess what – the ambitious Rice Krispie found itself back at the bottom of the box... (To view the rest of this sermon, click here)
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Exodus 18: 9-26; I Timothy 3: 1-13; Luke 4: 14-21; Matthew 28: 17-20
(This message was to prepare the congregationon for our Annual General Meeting that will be taking place on 26 February 2012, in which the congregation considers the mission activities of the church, as well as to elect Society Stewards. It's aim is to lay a foundation in terms of Purpose, Mission, Structures, and Values.)
There is a rather lame story about an ambitious Rice Krispie that was tired of life at the bottom – it wanted to be at the top! This ambition was present right from birth; when all the little Rice Krispies were poured into the big hoppers ready for packaging, our friend declared: “I’m an ambitious Rice Krispie! I don’t want to be at the bottom – I want to be at the top!” So the Rice Krispie went to great effort to make its way past all the other Rice Krispies in its quest for supremacy, but when it finally made its way to the top, the chute opened, the boxes were filled, and the ambitious Rice Krispie found itself at the bottom of the box. Not to be daunted – “I’m an ambitious Rice Krispie – I don’t want to be at the bottom of the box – I want to be at the top!” – it once again climbed and climbed all the way to the top, until it was discovered that the box had been placed upside-down in Kellogg’s warehouse. When it was turned the correct way up, guess what – the ambitious Rice Krispie found itself back at the bottom of the box... (To view the rest of this sermon, click here)
The One-Year Bible - 6 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 13:5 - 15:21
Matthew 5: 27-48
Psalm 6: 1-10
Proverbs 1: 29-33
Genesis reading: Today's reading mainly covers the settling of an initial dispute between Abram and Lot over access to land, a number of skirmishes between rival kings, and the promise by God that Abram will become a father of many descendents.
However, it is the blessing of Abram by the priest Melchizedek that struck me, in that upon Melchizedek's arrival he brought bread and wine. The passage does not elaborate on why these two elements were shared before Abram received Melchizedek's blessing, but I don't believe that it is coincidental that Jesus used the same two elements at the Last Supper. In this case, Jesus would also have been bestowing a blessing on his disciples, but the ultimate realisation thereof would come through his death and resurrection.
This understanding adds a new dimension to the celebration of Communion. When we remember Jesus at the communion meal, we remember not only his death and resurrection, but also the blessing that Jesus bestows through relationship with him.
Genesis 13:5 - 15:21
Matthew 5: 27-48
Psalm 6: 1-10
Proverbs 1: 29-33
Genesis reading: Today's reading mainly covers the settling of an initial dispute between Abram and Lot over access to land, a number of skirmishes between rival kings, and the promise by God that Abram will become a father of many descendents.
However, it is the blessing of Abram by the priest Melchizedek that struck me, in that upon Melchizedek's arrival he brought bread and wine. The passage does not elaborate on why these two elements were shared before Abram received Melchizedek's blessing, but I don't believe that it is coincidental that Jesus used the same two elements at the Last Supper. In this case, Jesus would also have been bestowing a blessing on his disciples, but the ultimate realisation thereof would come through his death and resurrection.
This understanding adds a new dimension to the celebration of Communion. When we remember Jesus at the communion meal, we remember not only his death and resurrection, but also the blessing that Jesus bestows through relationship with him.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 5 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 11:1 - 13:4
Matthew 5: 1-26
Psalm 5: 1-12
Proverbs 1: 24-28
Genesis reading: Today's reading starts with the account of the Tower of Babel, in which the people of the world attempted to build a tower that would "make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world". The passage perhaps raises more questions than answers, among which includes the question of whether this was an actual event or a metaphorical account of the author attempting to explain the origin of multiple languages found throughout the world.
However, the purpose of this reflection is not so much to get into such questions, but rather to understand the lesson found in the passage itself. I'm not convinved that God simply wanted to scatter people far and wide for the sake of "showing who is boss". Rather, the first ten chapters of Genesis have already painted a picture of a humanity that makes inappropriate choices, often with disastrous consequences, and the author paints the picture of another such choice - that of humankind setting themselves above God (and thus attempting to assert their independence from God).
With this in mind, the author paints a picture of God intervening to protect humankind from themselves, preventing them from setting a path and direction that would seek to exclude God. We see the consequences of such choices by humans even today. While it does not mean that choosing to serve God shields us from all calamity, obedience to God certainly prevents us from making the kinds of choices that will lead to harm. We don't get it right all the time, but many can testify to the grace of God when seeking to do God's will.
Genesis 11:1 - 13:4
Matthew 5: 1-26
Psalm 5: 1-12
Proverbs 1: 24-28
Genesis reading: Today's reading starts with the account of the Tower of Babel, in which the people of the world attempted to build a tower that would "make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world". The passage perhaps raises more questions than answers, among which includes the question of whether this was an actual event or a metaphorical account of the author attempting to explain the origin of multiple languages found throughout the world.
However, the purpose of this reflection is not so much to get into such questions, but rather to understand the lesson found in the passage itself. I'm not convinved that God simply wanted to scatter people far and wide for the sake of "showing who is boss". Rather, the first ten chapters of Genesis have already painted a picture of a humanity that makes inappropriate choices, often with disastrous consequences, and the author paints the picture of another such choice - that of humankind setting themselves above God (and thus attempting to assert their independence from God).
With this in mind, the author paints a picture of God intervening to protect humankind from themselves, preventing them from setting a path and direction that would seek to exclude God. We see the consequences of such choices by humans even today. While it does not mean that choosing to serve God shields us from all calamity, obedience to God certainly prevents us from making the kinds of choices that will lead to harm. We don't get it right all the time, but many can testify to the grace of God when seeking to do God's will.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 4 January 2012
Readings
Genesis 8:1 - 10:32
Matthew 4: 12-25
Psalm 4: 1-8
Proverbs 1: 20-23
Matthew reading: "Jesus called out to them, 'Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people'". Whenever I read any of the accounts of Jesus calling the first disciples, the responses always seem automatic - Jesus calls, and the response is to follow. Yet I've always wondered: Did everyone that Jesus called respond in the affirmative? Somehow I doubt it - that's just not human nature.
There surely must have been those who responded to Jesus' call in the negative. "Thanks, but no thanks - that's not for me". Perhaps this was because they didn't know Jesus? Or maybe they did not trust him enough? Or perhaps the life of Jesus and his followers, being itinerant in nature, was too tough for some? Maybe life as the status quo was too comfortable for some, or perhaps some felt that they would be giving up too much? Or what would their friends and family think about their choice, if they decide to respond to Jesus' call?
What about us today? What excuses do we have for not wanting to respond to the call to follow Jesus? And in what ways do we prevent the Kingdom of Heaven from becoming a reality in our lives, and in the lives of others, because of our reticence? May this passage be a challenge to us today. When Jesus calls, what will our response be?
Genesis 8:1 - 10:32
Matthew 4: 12-25
Psalm 4: 1-8
Proverbs 1: 20-23
Matthew reading: "Jesus called out to them, 'Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people'". Whenever I read any of the accounts of Jesus calling the first disciples, the responses always seem automatic - Jesus calls, and the response is to follow. Yet I've always wondered: Did everyone that Jesus called respond in the affirmative? Somehow I doubt it - that's just not human nature.
There surely must have been those who responded to Jesus' call in the negative. "Thanks, but no thanks - that's not for me". Perhaps this was because they didn't know Jesus? Or maybe they did not trust him enough? Or perhaps the life of Jesus and his followers, being itinerant in nature, was too tough for some? Maybe life as the status quo was too comfortable for some, or perhaps some felt that they would be giving up too much? Or what would their friends and family think about their choice, if they decide to respond to Jesus' call?
What about us today? What excuses do we have for not wanting to respond to the call to follow Jesus? And in what ways do we prevent the Kingdom of Heaven from becoming a reality in our lives, and in the lives of others, because of our reticence? May this passage be a challenge to us today. When Jesus calls, what will our response be?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 3 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 5:1 - 7:24
Matthew 3:7 - 4:11
Psalm 3: 1-8
Proverbs 1: 10-19
Psalms reading: "But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high." When times are tough and we are facing danger at every turn, we often wonder what is happening. It's easy to lose heart and even our faith in God. At such times, it would be trite and pithy for me as a minister to offer platitudes that God will simply take all the hardships away, and that in Christ life is like a bed of roses.
However, the Christian walk is not like that - we are in the world, even if we may not be of it! Yet this passage gives us the assurance that when we submit ourselves and place our trust in God, God will grant us the strength and the faith to hold our heads up high, facing any and all adversity with dignity and the assurance that God is with us, come what may.
Genesis 5:1 - 7:24
Matthew 3:7 - 4:11
Psalm 3: 1-8
Proverbs 1: 10-19
Psalms reading: "But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high." When times are tough and we are facing danger at every turn, we often wonder what is happening. It's easy to lose heart and even our faith in God. At such times, it would be trite and pithy for me as a minister to offer platitudes that God will simply take all the hardships away, and that in Christ life is like a bed of roses.
However, the Christian walk is not like that - we are in the world, even if we may not be of it! Yet this passage gives us the assurance that when we submit ourselves and place our trust in God, God will grant us the strength and the faith to hold our heads up high, facing any and all adversity with dignity and the assurance that God is with us, come what may.
The One-Year Bible - 2 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 3:1 - 4:26
Matthew 2:13 - 3:6
Psalm 2: 1-12
Proverbs 1: 7-9
Matthew reading: "Prepare the way for the Lord's coming! Clear the way for Him". If only we could be more like John the Baptist. John's mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, and once Jesus came on the scene, John stepped back, his work done. We, on the other hand, often don't "clear the way" for Jesus. If anything, our rules and regulations, our selfish actions, and our non-God-glorifying lifestyles place obstacles between Jesus and the people He came to save.
Oh Lord, please help us to clear all obstacles that prevent people from getting to You, and help us to recognise when we need to step back and allow You to do what You came for.
Genesis 3:1 - 4:26
Matthew 2:13 - 3:6
Psalm 2: 1-12
Proverbs 1: 7-9
Matthew reading: "Prepare the way for the Lord's coming! Clear the way for Him". If only we could be more like John the Baptist. John's mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, and once Jesus came on the scene, John stepped back, his work done. We, on the other hand, often don't "clear the way" for Jesus. If anything, our rules and regulations, our selfish actions, and our non-God-glorifying lifestyles place obstacles between Jesus and the people He came to save.
Oh Lord, please help us to clear all obstacles that prevent people from getting to You, and help us to recognise when we need to step back and allow You to do what You came for.
The One-Year Bible - 1 January 2012
Readings:
Genesis 1:1 - 2:25
Matthew 1:1 - 2:12
Psalm 1: 1-6
Proverbs 1: 1-6
Genesis reading: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". So much is said about the origins of the earth ("Big Bang" theory), how old it is ("old Earth" vs. "New Earth" theories), and whether the Genesis 1 account tallies with what we know from science.
To me that is not the issue - after all, our human minds cannot fully comprehend the fullness of God, and ongoing scientific discoveries are a mere scratch on the surface of the possible body of knowledge ofthe universe that God has created. The writers of Genesis, like all humans, are limited by language devices such as metaphor in an attempt to convey the magnificence of God's works. But even if science were to be able to refute the Genesis account factually, that should not impact our faith.
What remains undisputable, which science has not been able to deny, is that God created. How God chose to create should not be our concern - that is God's business. The fact that there is a creator God is what shapes and sustains our faith - it is therefore God who should be our focus.
Genesis 1:1 - 2:25
Matthew 1:1 - 2:12
Psalm 1: 1-6
Proverbs 1: 1-6
Genesis reading: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". So much is said about the origins of the earth ("Big Bang" theory), how old it is ("old Earth" vs. "New Earth" theories), and whether the Genesis 1 account tallies with what we know from science.
To me that is not the issue - after all, our human minds cannot fully comprehend the fullness of God, and ongoing scientific discoveries are a mere scratch on the surface of the possible body of knowledge ofthe universe that God has created. The writers of Genesis, like all humans, are limited by language devices such as metaphor in an attempt to convey the magnificence of God's works. But even if science were to be able to refute the Genesis account factually, that should not impact our faith.
What remains undisputable, which science has not been able to deny, is that God created. How God chose to create should not be our concern - that is God's business. The fact that there is a creator God is what shapes and sustains our faith - it is therefore God who should be our focus.
Read the entire Bible in one year
Read the Bible.
Every day for a year.
Every day? Why bother?
If your life is all about you, don't read this book. Put it down now. Take it back. You won't like where it takes you. But if your life is about something more ...
Even if you suspect that it should be, then read on. But be warned - there are dangerous ideas within. Life-changing ideas.
What do you live for?
Who do you live for?
We were made for something more: CONNECTION.
The creation story tells us that we were made for connection - with God and others. It is not good for us to be alone.
We invite you on a journey. Not complex; not easy. Simple, but hard.
ONE YEAR - to learn, to see, to grow, to connect.
ONE YEAR - to connect with God. God's terms ... not yours.
You will not be left unchanged. Unconnected. The challenge: (1) Do it; (2) Tell someone. Connection is just a word if you're still own. Connect with God, and others. How you do it is up to you. Tell your friends, do the weekly reading together, blog about it. In short, do what you do, be who you are, and let your connection with God shine through.
As part of my personal spiritual discipline in 2012, I have decided to read through the entire Bible this year. This is possible thanks to an amazing resource, The One-Year Bible, which provides a reading plan to enable one to read through the Old and New Testaments (as well as Psalms) once, and Proverbs twice by the end of the year.
To keep me accountable and on track with the plan, I have decided to share a reflection on one of the passages each day. You are invited to join me on this Biblical adventure.
May God bless you mightily as you delve into the riches of Scripture!
Every day for a year.
Every day? Why bother?
If your life is all about you, don't read this book. Put it down now. Take it back. You won't like where it takes you. But if your life is about something more ...
Even if you suspect that it should be, then read on. But be warned - there are dangerous ideas within. Life-changing ideas.
What do you live for?
Who do you live for?
We were made for something more: CONNECTION.
The creation story tells us that we were made for connection - with God and others. It is not good for us to be alone.
We invite you on a journey. Not complex; not easy. Simple, but hard.
ONE YEAR - to learn, to see, to grow, to connect.
ONE YEAR - to connect with God. God's terms ... not yours.
You will not be left unchanged. Unconnected. The challenge: (1) Do it; (2) Tell someone. Connection is just a word if you're still own. Connect with God, and others. How you do it is up to you. Tell your friends, do the weekly reading together, blog about it. In short, do what you do, be who you are, and let your connection with God shine through.
As part of my personal spiritual discipline in 2012, I have decided to read through the entire Bible this year. This is possible thanks to an amazing resource, The One-Year Bible, which provides a reading plan to enable one to read through the Old and New Testaments (as well as Psalms) once, and Proverbs twice by the end of the year.
To keep me accountable and on track with the plan, I have decided to share a reflection on one of the passages each day. You are invited to join me on this Biblical adventure.
May God bless you mightily as you delve into the riches of Scripture!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
What's In a Name?
Camperdown Methodist Church, 1 January 2012, 09h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Isaiah 9: 27; Philippians 2: 5-11; Luke 2: 15-21
How often do you find that what you read and learn in theory does not always readily translate into practice at first? It’s only after a few years “out in the field”, having made many mistakes and bumped a few heads on the way, that we then realise how the two fit together.
I saw this when I was training to be an accountant. One of my colleagues at the small firm we were articled to had a brother who was doing his training at Deloitte, one of the “Big 4” audit firms (or the “Big 5” as it was known then – this was before Enron and the collapse of Arthur Andersen). Now you need to understand how the audit firm pecking order works – those whose daddies are able to send their offspring to varsity full-time complete their degrees first, and are then snapped up by the big boys where they are plonked at clients like Anglo American, Investec, or SA Breweries for three years. Those of us who were born with plastic spoons in our mouths leave school, enrol through UNISA, and join little “mom-and-pop” firms where the sophisticated clients use shoeboxes for their records, the less-sophisticated use dustbin bags, and the unsophisticated have no records at all! So my colleague’s brother tended to thumb his nose at us small-firm plebs with our rats-and-mice clients, until one day he was tasked to complete one of his own client’s tax returns. Despite his already-completed Honours degree and a year in the oak-panelled halls of Deloitte, he simply didn’t know where to start. On the other hand, at our end of the food chain we had been doing tax returns since our second week! [To download the full sermon, click here]
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Isaiah 9: 27; Philippians 2: 5-11; Luke 2: 15-21
How often do you find that what you read and learn in theory does not always readily translate into practice at first? It’s only after a few years “out in the field”, having made many mistakes and bumped a few heads on the way, that we then realise how the two fit together.
I saw this when I was training to be an accountant. One of my colleagues at the small firm we were articled to had a brother who was doing his training at Deloitte, one of the “Big 4” audit firms (or the “Big 5” as it was known then – this was before Enron and the collapse of Arthur Andersen). Now you need to understand how the audit firm pecking order works – those whose daddies are able to send their offspring to varsity full-time complete their degrees first, and are then snapped up by the big boys where they are plonked at clients like Anglo American, Investec, or SA Breweries for three years. Those of us who were born with plastic spoons in our mouths leave school, enrol through UNISA, and join little “mom-and-pop” firms where the sophisticated clients use shoeboxes for their records, the less-sophisticated use dustbin bags, and the unsophisticated have no records at all! So my colleague’s brother tended to thumb his nose at us small-firm plebs with our rats-and-mice clients, until one day he was tasked to complete one of his own client’s tax returns. Despite his already-completed Honours degree and a year in the oak-panelled halls of Deloitte, he simply didn’t know where to start. On the other hand, at our end of the food chain we had been doing tax returns since our second week! [To download the full sermon, click here]
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