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.
Monday, February 13, 2012
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)