LOVING JESUS MORE

I commented recently on two suppers and the wonderful act of worship/giving seen as the unidentified woman breaks her jar of expensive perfume and pours the contents onto Jesus. (Mark 14:1 - 9)
Luke recounts a similar event which some NT scholars feel must be the same incident; they feel it is simply refashioned by Luke. I would side with those scholars who, noting the different context and the different teaching accept that these are two different stories; two different women who provide two related, but different lessons.
The lesson Jesus provides (in Luke's story) for the host, the guests and for almost 2000 years of readers, is simple yet profound. When a debt is forgiven - a debt of money or a debt of sin - the person with the largest debt is most likely to be most appreciative. The woman was forgiven many sins and as a result loved much more than the host, Simon, who no doubt felt he was a very righteous man. (Luke 7:47)
When I read this story, my mind recalls the deep love and appreciation I've seen in those who wandered far from God and finally came to faith; in those who for many years knew nothing of God's forgiveness and then finally trusted Christ; in those who had lived blatantly sinful and sordid lives, but then found Christ and rejoiced that they were truly forgiven.
And I think of some Christians I've known who seem to go through the motions of worship and prayer; who exhibit little spiritual joy and demonstrate little appreciation of what Christ has done for us. All of us as humans have the sad ability to become accustomed to anything and then to take it for granted. This can happen with anything: we can lose our appreciation and take for granted our health, or  our freedom; we can lose our appreciation and take for granted any relationship: our marriage or our life in Christ.
May it not happen to you or me. In fact just as love and appreciation really grow and deepen in a healthy marriage, so it is in a healthy spiritual relationship with Christ. The longer we know His love and forgiveness the more we grow to appreciate what He has done for us. I love Him more now than I did decades ago. One major reason? I understand more of how offensive my sin and sins have been before God; and how amazing it is that I am really, fully forgiven. I don't ever want to take for granted this eternal fact: I am forgiven!

FAITHFULNESS BRINGS REWARDS

We hear a lot and read a lot about the broken marriages not just in Hollywood but in evangelical Christians circles. I talked some months ago with a Canadian pastor who had learned of four marriages where adultery occurred. This in his mid-size church and all within just a few months. I learned last week of a small evangelical church in Germany where the pastor's marriage as well as several others was in the process of being broken.
Our spiritual enemy and great enemy of God, Satan, does not want us to enjoy faithfulness and intimacy in our life with God. Scripture teaches that faithfulness, love and intimacy in marriage is a picture of our relationship with Christ. (Ephesians 5) Therefore it should not surprise us that Satan attacks Christian marriages. Add to that our own sinfulness with all of its potential for causing pain to others that is most exposed and experienced within the intimacy of marriage.
Yet the Bible calls us to faithfulness, love and purity within marriage. It is (perhaps) a difficult calling, but one that is not only possible, but lived out by a large majority of Christians. Millions have experienced that a committed, long lasting marriage brings great reward. It cannot match the excitement and drama of extra marital affairs. It does not work well as the story line of movies. But it brings huge rewards. But especially in the early years of marriage and when the going is rather rough, you must take it by faith that God's way is the best: one man, one woman, one marriage for life.
It is only as the years and decades roll by, where both have made the investment of love, servanthood, sacrifice and faithfulness that husband and wife enjoy the dividends. It does pay to follow Christ. It does pay to obey Scripture. It does pay to love God most of all and within His love to love your spouse exclusively.
Jan and I can affirm this not only by faith but by decades of experience. We celebrated our 44th anniversary yesterday. (Yup, we are that old.) We talked about several of the very special years in our married life. We looked back with pleasure, enjoyed thinking together about the present and anticipate the future, enjoying the fruit in marriage of simply believing and obeying the revealed wisdom of God.

LESS ATTENTION

How much do you know about the prophet Elijah? I hope you are not one of those Christians who read only the New Testament and Psalms - are you? :) Of course not. You've heard sermons about Elijah. After all he is the "lead performer, the center of attention" in the last few chapters of I Kings and in II Kings. He displays amazing bravery and wonderful miracles are done for him and through him.
Now how much do you know about the "second Elijah"? I just read familiar words about the shocked, older, childless priest being told by an angel about the son he and his wife will be given. I read again the description of how important their son would be.
"He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink,and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:14 - 17

It suddenly struck me: John the Baptizer was a great man, a powerful servant of God, the "second Elijah" yet how little we really know about him and his ministry. Jesus said of him:
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence,^[a] and violent people have been raiding it.For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Matthew 11:11 - 14

Yet there is not one chapter of Scripture where John is featured as "the center of attention, the lead performer." There are a few verses that describe his lifestyle and his powerful outdoor ministry calling people to repentance and preaching the Kingdom. We know he was feared by King Herod and killed because Herod's wife hated him. But the spotlight does not shine on the second Elijah.
Why not? Of course the answer is obvious. In the Old Testament, God is the major actor, the chief character, the protagonist. Yet He often works in the background, He works in and through people like the prophet Elijah.
But in the Gospels we read the wonderful story of God entering human history in the person of Jesus Christ. He takes center stage in all of history - and in the Gospel records. There is no room and no reason to make John or Peter or any other person a star performer. There is One and only One lead Performer in the Gospel story - our Lord and Saviour.
John the Baptist knew that his role was to be a supporting actor. When John's disciples complained to him that Jesus and his ministry were becoming more popular than John, John replied,
"He must become more important, while I become less important." John 11:30

So it should be with all who follow Jesus. From the most popular Christian musician, athlete, church leader or preacher down to those known only by a few - all of us need to remember, there is only One Lead Performer. We all point to Him. Our goal in life is to help more people see His importance.

THE CROWD

We are all influenced by "the crowd". Each of us has our own "crowd", those whose opinions matter enough to affect what we wear and do; how we talk and what we buy. It is easy for adults (including parents) to either be irritated or amused by the way pre-teens and teens are influenced by "the crowd". Trying to shop for the best clothes at the best price is very hard with a young person who is much more concerned with what "the crowd" is wearing this year. However now, in many secondary schools that most important "crowd" may vary widely, depending on who your teen hangs with or would like to hang with.
Of course we adults easily fall prey to the "the crowd" influence. Its just that we have a more varied crowd from which to choose. I won't try to provide illustrations - you know what I mean.
I once was told by a woman, "my husband doesn't seem to care what others think of him". I smiled and said nothing. Had I commented, I would have said "of course he cares what the crowd thinks. It appears that way to you because he is not concerned about what the regular, average people think". I knew him and knew he had a very select "crowd" that influenced his choices.
When we read the crucifixion story, we can feel anger, sadness and maybe even some sympathy for Pilate. Ultimately, he had the final say (humanly speaking), on that fateful day. He it was who condemned Jesus to be crucified. Why did he do it? Mark puts it this way:
"Wanting to satisfy (or please)  the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified." Mark 15:15
If ever Pilate should have demonstrated independence and courage; if ever he had the opportunity to show he was a leader, it was at that moment. He felt pressure from the religious leaders and he gave in when they were backed up by a shouting crowd. He had a choice: do what he knew what was right, or give in and please the crowd. In that moment, under pressure, he chose the crowd.
Sometimes of course, following the crowd; letting the crowd dictate what we choose to eat or wear may be harmless. But there are other times when "everybody does it or is doing it" leads us into disobedience and sin.
Just as I wrote those words I thought of all of the Christian young people who are settling into a first or another year at college or university. Would you join me in taking a moment and pray for them. The crowd that drinks, uses drugs, engages in pre-marital sex can be terribly influential when you are away at school.
Dear Lord, help our young university adults to stand firm for what they know is right. keep them from the pressure to "please the crowd."

TWO MEALS

Two meals are mentioned during our Lord's last week on earth. One we all know. We often refer to it as the Lord's Supper. The other one is not nearly as significant. In the midst of the Passover meal, Jesus   instituted the "Lord's Supper", often called Communion. The main character in this story is our Lord, with the disciples providing the other characters. During the meal our Lord demonstrated to the disciples the attitude and action of a servant and called them to serve and love one another. (See John 13)
Sadly, while they were in the Upper Room, sometime during the meal, the disciples got into a heated argument. Luke records it this way:
"And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest." Luke 22:24
Jesus has to rebuke them and teach them again about the "upside down kingdom of God." To be great they must serve.
When I read this, I wince with discomfort. I imagine that Jesus was very preoccupied with His impending arrest and crucifixion. He was only hours away from all the sorrow, pain and suffering involved in our salvation. He has almost finished the time of mentoring those who will form the original building blocks of His Church. And these men are arguing over which one of them is the greatest! How discouraging.
Recorded in Mark 14 is another meal that took place in the last week of Christ's life. It occurred just a couple of days before the one in the Upper Room. It took place in Bethany at the house of Simon. The main character in this story is the Lord. The disciples are also present along with others. But the person who shares the spotlight with our Lord is not one of the apostles. This person is not worried about how great she is or will be. Her concern is to demonstrate her love and commitment to Jesus. So she brings an expensive container of oil and pours it over our Lord. How encouraging this must have been to our Lord.
What a contrast between these two meals. A pure act of love and worship vs. selfish, proud arguments over personal importance.
Sadly both tendencies toward love and worship and toward selfishness and pride can be found among His followers today. In fact both tendencies can be found in my heart and yours. Dear Lord, have mercy and keep growing us into love and worship.




Luke 22:24 - 30

ASLEEP

For half of the year, Hanoi's maximum daily temperature averages 30 degrees C or higher. This is not one of the hottest cities in the world but it is often very hot and humid. As in other warm parts of the world, it is not surprising to see people sleeping or napping during the day. If you visit a small store in the middle of the day, you may awaken the storekeeper. It is amusing to see those who drive motor bikes for a living, parked by the side of road, stretched out on their seat with feet perfectly balanced on the handlebars, apparently fast asleep.
Many taxi drivers work very, very long hours. At slow times they also can be found at the side of the road, in the shade if possible, fast asleep. Sometimes if we need a taxi we knock on the window and the driver quickly scrambles awake and turns on the engine. At other times we don't want to disturb them so we walk to another taxi. They get their nap but lose our business.
In Mark 13 Jesus is asked a question about the future. He describes vividly some of the pain and difficulty that lay ahead. Some of what He describes was fulfilled in 70 AD when Jerusalem was destroyed. Biblical students debate how much of Mark 13 was fulfilled then or in later years and what still lies ahead of us.
No matter what stance we take on future prophetic fulfillment, the last verses of the chapter apply to all of us. Jesus warns His followers that one day the end will come; one day "the owner of the house will come back." Then Jesus says:
 "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Mark 13:36, 37
Of course Jesus is speaking metaphorically about a householder and his servants. The point is that we are managers of the resources God has given each of us. He calls us to live with an awareness of a day of accountability that could come at any time. Each of us are responsible to use our gifts, our personality, our opportunities, our stage of life in a way that is pleasing to God.  Not some day in the future but now.  If we aren't careful we may be found unprepared to meet our Lord. We each have a different pace and a different calling. I may not be expected to do as much as you for the Kingdom of God. She may be expected to do more than you. But all of us must guard against being lulled to sleep; the sleep of procrastination or of simple spiritual laziness: "I'll obey some day. I will become really pure some day. I will be more active in serving God some day.""Some day" may never come.
On the day of accountability, you don't want Him to find you sleeping!

SCRIPTURES AND THE POWER OF GOD

I enjoyed lunch today following a large seminar. I sat beside someone I did not know whose English was quite good. As we talked I learned that he worked in the financial department of a large company. I asked how he became a Christian. He told me that he had earned a scholarship to Russia about 22 years ago. It was expected that he would become a communist. While he was there a co-worker from Kenya shared the Good News of Christ and he became a Christ follower. After earning three degrees and living many years in Russia he returned to Vietnam and now is involved in the church.
I marvelled again at the powerful work of God. A Vietnamese goes to Russia, comes to faith through a Kenyan and returns to help the church in Hanoi. God's Truth and God's Spirit are moving around our globe, drawing people to himself.
How tragic are the word's of Christ to some Sadducees who thought they would cause Him difficulty with their apparently difficult theological question. Jesus questions them, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?"Mark 12:24
How many people who attend church are failing to understand the Christian life and failing to live for Christ as they should because of this same error. If we know little or nothing of Scripture and experience little or nothing of God's power, we will miss so much of what God wants to do and through us. We will miss the joy of the Lord and miss being part of what God is doing around our world.
I must remember in Canada, Russia, the USA or in Vietnam: never underestimate the power of God's Word and God's Spirit.

FORBIDDEN

Jan and a friend from Ho Chi Minh City were touring Hanoi yesterday. Our friend is quite fluent in Vietnamese which means, unlike Jan and myself, she is able to read all the signs in Vietnamese that remain a mystery to us. One sign they saw yesterday at a temple said simply, "It is forbidden to break the law."
You could have a lot of fun speculating about the implications of a sign like that. Which law is forbidden? Is it acceptable to break all other laws? Should you pay attention only to the laws that are expressly forbidden? Are there gradations as to which laws are forbidden; somewhat forbidden; not at all forbidden; just written for fun?
Anyway, a day or two before they found and translated the sign, I was reading the early chapters of Mark's Gospel. Jesus was a conundrum to the Jewish priests, pharisees, teachers of the law and the common people. They could not understand what was guiding His teaching and His actions.
When Jesus calls Levi (Matthew), a tax collector to become his disciple, he then attends a dinner party at Levi's house. The guest list includes all kinds of people that are not among the most religious or most respected in town. The religious leaders wonder, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 2:16 The actions of Jesus are confusing.
Then some people are concerned that Jesus' disciples seem either to be enjoying life too much or are not religiously disciplined enough. "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting but yours are not?"2:18
Next, the religious leaders observe his disciples ignoring traditional laws about the Sabbath. "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" 2:24
Mark puts these events right next to each other in his book because he wants us to see how and why there was a build up of anger and resentment against Jesus. He does not fit their ideas of what good religious people are like; especially Jewish rabbis. The antagonism really surfaces in the next section. It is again the Sabbath, and there in the synagogue is a man who needs healing. But the religious leaders know that "it is forbidden to break the law". So they watch to see if Jesus will "do work" on the Sabbath. They are not concerned about the man with a paralyzed hand; they are not simply confused about Jesus, they are now antagonistic. They are watching to gain evidence that He is a "law breaker."
Jesus questions them, trying to help them thing beyond regulations to biblical principles, but they won't even consider this. Then "He looked around at them in anger and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts." 3:5 Knowing how they will react, Jesus still moves ahead and heal the man.  His angry opponents begin to plan together how they might be able to kill this man Jesus who doesn't keep the rules.

Far too often human religious rules and laws become way more important than simply living all of life with God.  May God's grace keep us focused on the two great commands: it is forbidden to live life without loving God and loving others. To do so is to waste our lives and miss all that God has for us. 

UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM

If you want to be great in the Kingdom of God, than you must become servant to all. This principal is enunciated by Jesus several times in the Gospels. (For example see Mark 9:36; 10:42 - 45) If you want to be first, then take the last, the lowest position which means you serve others.
This goes against all that is natural in any human kingdom; large kingdoms where those in power rule millions of people; smaller kingdoms where the "big man" may lead only 100 people in the company, small town or church; or perhaps the smallest kingdom, the family. Don't we strive to climb the ladder of success so that others will serve us?
The term "big man" is used in a number of countries to refer not just to a position of power but also to a common cultural concept and practice. The "big man" does everything he can to hold onto power. He does not share the knowledge or power he has gained; he does all he can to get money and influence for himself and his relatives.
The teaching of Jesus shocked his disciples in the first century. It is still shocking when the principles of His kingdom are taught and practiced in the 21st century. Why would you struggle to rise to the top position only to use the power and prestige you've gained to serve others? This is simply to turn everything upside down.
Yet the best of leaders: politicians, company CEO's, and others, understand this principle even if they don't know that this was taught by Jesus 2000 years ago. We often are impressed by people of power. But nothing is more impressive than people of power who use that power to serve, not themselves, but others.
Are you aiming for first place today? Who do you expect to serve?

SIBLINGS OF CHRIST

Vietnam note:
 I met a very competent and friendly Vietnames receptionist/office manager at the Canadian embassy last week. She was very helpful as I applied for a new passport (my old one is full). As I was leaving I complemented her on her very good English and learned she had only spent 3 weeks in Canada, her only trip outside of Vietnam.
Today she called me because I had not given the complete information required on the passport. Over the phone she gave me her email address which I understood except for one letter. We had to try about five times before I got it. The letter "g" in Vietnamese is pronounced like a "z". So while her English was fine, when it came to that letter, I was hearing "z" while she was saying "g". When she gave me sample words that start with the "unidentified" letter they all sounded like they started with "z". Finally we had to start at "" and go through the alphabet until we to to "g" that still sounded like "z". Funny and a little embarrassing for us both.

Scripture note:
The higher our view of Christ, the more amazing is the position we are granted. Through faith in Christ we are granted the wonderful status as children of God. While this is huge and totally of grace, I somehow find it easier to understand/accept/believe than the collateral truth that through the work of Christ on our behalf, we become His "siblings".
Of course the terms "children" and "siblings" should not be understood to mean the same as what we mean in family terms here on earth. Yet since Scripture uses them, there must be a significant equivalence.
This is the passage I read this morning:
"Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived.Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” --- Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:31 - 35

Say it quietly, think about it humbly and with wonder: if you are doing the will of God, which starts with trusting in the One He sent, then you are "Christ's sister, his brother". Amazing, that we should become children of God; amazing that in spite of our sin and failure, Jesus Christ, Lord of the universe, is not ashamed to call us his siblings! (See more on this in Romans 8 and Hebrews 2)

YOU ARE FORGIVEN

Some people argue that Jesus never claimed to be God. They usually argue that his later followers claimed deity for Jesus this but He himself never did. It is true that Jesus never said in direct words "I am God." On the other hand, as often pointed out, Jesus said things that by those of his day, and by any objective reader, are understood as clearly asserting His unique deity.
One example is recorded in several of the Gospels. It is the story of the paralyzed man who is let down through the roof (perhaps mud and thatch, possibly with tile over top) by his friends. It is a great example of serious friendship but also of serious faith in Jesus. What is most notable is Jesus' first statement to the paralyzed man.
"Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:5
People were of course startled And the religious leaders present, not knowing who Jesus was, felt He had committed blasphemy. "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Their question was a proper one. Their failure was to recognize the uniqueness of Jesus.
All of us can and should forgive people. Secular counsellors encourage us to do this for our own health. Jesus commands his followers to do so. But in spiritual, theological terms, only God can forgive sins. For He is the universal law giver and eternal Judge.  This is why, although the psalmist had greatly "sinned" against his fellow humans (most feel the author is David writing after committing adultery and murder) he writes:
"Against you, you only, have I sinned." Psalm 51:4
In philosophy it is called a categorical syllogism: a major premises - Only God can forgive sin. A minor premise -  Jesus forgives sin. A conclusion - Therefore Jesus is God.
We who have repented and believed, rejoice in the knowledge that we are truly, absolutely, eternally forgiven through Christ our God and our Saviour.

MIXED EMOTIONS

We all experience mixed emotions. I've watched several friends here in Hanoi as they've proudly rejoiced that their first born has successfully graduated from secondary school. But this always brings mixed emotions in Hanoi for expats. There is no local university choice for their child, so he or she now must board a plane and fly off to the UK, the USA, Korea, or somewhere else too far away from  parents and siblings here in Hanoi.
Mixed emotions. We all experience them. One phrase in the last chapter of Matthew describes the powerful mixed emotions experienced by the women who were first witnesses of the Resurrection. They came early to the tomb and found a dazzling angel and the stone rolled away. The angel told them that their Lord had risen from the dead.
"So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news." 28:8

Aren't those wonderful mixed emotions? Fear and great joy! The women are in awe of the angelic figure who has just conversed with them. They are in rightfully in some state of shock at the display of power: angelic being, huge stone moved, tomb empty, battered, crucified body now risen and full of life! Fear because all of these things were way beyond their experience and imagination.

But oh, such great joy! Jesus is not defeated and dead! He is victor and He is alive! The adventure of following and trusting Him is not over; it has just begun.

I wonder how many Christians who have embarked on a risky adventure for God can recall this same mixture of emotions: fear and great joy. Facing a major challenge that might result in failure and loss; yet experiencing great joy because they dare to move ahead not for ego or money but for Jesus and for people that Jesus loves.

Perhaps we should hope for each other that sometime in the months ahead, as we step out of our comfort zone to serve Jesus, we may experience those same mixed emotions!

We remember how Jesus was confronted by Satan, using the weapons of his devious, most enticing temptations. Jesus, although weakened from weeks without food never flinched in the face of His greatest enemy.
We recall how when sailing across the Sea of Galilee in a wild storm, the disciples though experienced sailors were afraid they might sink and drown; in contrast Jesus was calm and absolutely unafraid.
We are amazed at how Jesus spoke so bluntly to the Jewish leaders who were conspiring to kill him, forcefully challenging them to recognize how sinful they truly were. Apparently He was unconcerned that this would increase their opposition and antagonism.
In each situation there is no evidence of fear or anxiety in the face of evil and danger. Yet the scene is so different when we find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with his disciples. There Matthew records:

"He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them,“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 26:37, 38

We consider this passage with awe and reverence. Three times He prayed to avoid what lay ahead of Him. Truly it is a mystery. The perfect God/man must have been as courageous as any human who ever lived. We know that others, including many Christians with great courage have faced terrible physical suffering and death. Yet here we find Jesus flinching, desperately struggling with a desire to avoid what lies ahead.

We know it must have been the spiritual pain and darkness of the Cross that caused our Lord such mental, emotional and spiritual agony in the Garden. But how it appeared to Him as He looked ahead; and what exactly Christ experienced as He hung on the Cross as He suffered for us, remains a mystery. I only know that as I contemplated it again this morning it caused me to inwardly shudder and to humbly offer my worship and gratitude.

ARE YOU READY

Many Christians over many centuries have been convinced that they were living in the last days. Many false teachers and false prophets have predicted the end of the world and/or the return of Christ. They have provided specific dates and some even the exact time of Christ's return. They were all definitely, absolutely wrong.
But in one thing they were right: all of us should be ready! Jesus made that very, very clear. His followers should manage what God has given them with an awareness that at any time, as some time. the end will be come. And when that time comes, we will be held accountable.
This is underscored so strongly in Matthew 24 and 25 it cannot be missed. If we pride ourselves on paying close attention especially to the words of Jesus; of seeking to respond in obedience to the words of Jesus, then we should live in constant readiness. In these chapters this truth is driven home again and again.
"They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory." 24:30 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."24:42
"Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom the Master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for the that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns."24:45, 46

In the next chapter we find the parable of the ten virgins; five of them were not ready and were left out of the wedding banquet. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."25:13
Then comes the familiar parable of three men all given "talents" to manage for their boss. Finally Jesus talks to them about the sheep and the goats.
Chapters 24 and 25, read at one sitting, can raise many questions in our minds. They provoke much discussion and disagreement among scholars. But whatever interpretative disagreements people may have, we all should be impressed with the fact that we are held responsible and when Jesus comes, He expects to find us ready. Not last year, or next year. Now! I need to be managing my time, my resources, my opportunities now so that if the One Great Owner should ask for an accounting tomorrow or next week, I will be ready.

GOD LOVES CITIES

Jerusalem: God's special city. The city where David and Solomon ruled. The place where the temple was built and God's presence dwelled in a unique manner. The city God allowed to be destroyed because of idolatry and rebellion. The city that He led Nehemiah to rebuild.
Jesus came to that city and found it still falling far short of what God expected. Jesus, knowing both the past, the present and the terrible future of Jerusalem (it was destroyed 40 years after He died), cared deeply for this city.
 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Matthew 23:37 - 39

Yes, the city of Jerusalem experienced special treatment from God - both blessing and cursing. But it is not the only city God loves. Cities are important to God for a number of reasons. Primarily, surely, because so many millions of those for whom Jesus died live in cities.
Here in Hanoi, some of us are learning to care more deeply for this city where God has placed us. No, it has no history to parallel that of Jerusalem. But it has far more people in it than Jerusalem has ever had. They are people for whom Jesus died. We know God must love this city deeply and we want to love it as He does. We want to live out that love more effectively in the days ahead.
Who loves the city where you live? Could you love it more for God's sake?

THAT'S NOT FAIR

Have you ever said that? If not, have you thought it. Maybe we all have. "That's not fair." I remember when one of our children was at a stage when deep offence was taken any time a teacher did something that seemed "not fair."If you are a parent of more than one child, you've probably heard this phrase when one child is being disciplined and not the other; or when one is receiving more than the other whatever it is - larger dessert, larger allowance, getting a second turn, etc.
In a marvellous parable, Jesus puts these words - to be accurate, puts this attitude; the reaction typified by these words - in the mouths of those who work much longer, but receive the same pay. Remember the story? Matthew 20:1 - 16 It seems that the kingdom of heaven is not quite like the average "pay per hour" job. So many religious people feel it is, don't they?
If I put in x number of hours of church attendance, good deeds, Bible reading, or _________, then I will receive a nice life, financial prosperity, protection from harm, eternal life, or _________. The blanks may be filled in differently but the perspective is the same. If you put in something good and/or religious, you should get a fair something from God in return.
Jesus says that the landowner, accused by the workers, didn't see it that way. In the story, he replies:

 ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ Matthew 20:13 - 15

In God's kingdom, the guiding principe is grace not merit. Judging by the legalism found in so many religions and among so many Christians, this is a hard concept for us to grasp. As Donald Carson writes in his commentary on Matthew:
"God's great gifts, simply because they are God's, are distributed, not because they are earned, but because he is gracious."Those who have understood the heart of the Christian faith are humbled and grateful because we know and we count on, not God's justice or fairness but upon His great, amazing grace.

MOST IMPORTANT COMMANDMENTS

Which are the most important commandments? Easy question? Which commandments would Jesus list if He were asked that question?
Jesus once said to a man, "If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man replied.
Jesus then listed five commandments, the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 5th commandments of Exodus 20. Can you name them? I find it most interesting that Jesus did not mention commandments one to four. And that he skipped commandment 10 (one commentator suggests that it summarizes the 8th and 9th). Also, it is interesting that Jesus added the 5th at the end. Did he do that for emphasis?
Now have I caused you to stop and look up Exodus 20 because you can't remember which commandments to with each number? Actually the 5th is "Honour your father and mother". This is emphasized to the rich young man. Evidently the 5th commandment is not just for those under age 18! And this dialogue is found in Matthew 19:16 - 21.

I know, I know, you've been thinking of what Jesus taught in Matthew 22:34 - 40. I agree that the answer found there is His absolute answer to the question: "Teacher which is the greatest commandment in the Law."And there is where we must focus - loving God and loving others.
I referenced the discussion in Matthew 19 just to get you thinking, as it did for me yesterday.

Jan and I were at different congregations today, since I preached at our "original" congregation site this morning. We both enjoyed the worship and fellowship where we were. I hope your Sunday experience is the same - except I should add that "enjoying" is not nearly as important as worshipping well, responding to the preached word and encouraging some fellow believer. I hope that all of the above happened in your Sunday. 

HARD TO BELIEVE

Reading Matthew 19 today, I was struck by how hard the sayings of Jesus really are. Of course we know that this is true occasionally. However I paused to wonder how many of the evangelical Christians I know truly believe - that is are willing to respond to - the sayings of Jesus in just this one chapter. Am I fully committed to His teaching here? Let me put it another way: how many do you know who believe enough to live out what Jesus teaches in just this chapter?
What am I talking about? Well let me give you several examples with just a little comment to prompt your thinking.
Matthew 19:1 - 9. Over the decades, as a preacher and teacher I've wrestled with this text on marriage and divorce. I've read numerous books and articles; preached and taught on the subject. It is a huge subject. I want to simply challenge whether we take Jesus words seriously. Let's take just one sentence from what our Lord said. It is a familiar verse but on that is apparently "not believed" by a huge number of believers.
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 19:6
How many evangelical Christians do you know who, influenced by our culture, have really more or less rejected this statement? How quickly are believers advised: "well if your spouse is doing that or treating you that way" no wonder you've left him/her? How seldom are believers told lovingly but firmly be evangelical friends: "It is a very, very serious thing to separate what God has joined. Be very slow to consider divorce."
I could ask the same thing about our Lord's brief words on singleness (19:11 -12) or his words on wealth and entering the kingdom of heaven. (19:16 - 26)
However in this brief post, let's just look at one of the last verses in the chapter.
^"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." 19:29
How many sincere, quite committed believers do you know who by their actions and word refuse to believe this verse? I have suggested to a variety of believing adults - young and old, those in business and those in Christian ministry - that they consider leaving and serving God in another country and culture. It does not matter whether I was suggesting leaving for one year, three years or a lifetime.
The answer only slightly varies: I couldn't leave: my career; my company; my young adult children; my grandchildren; my pets; my aging parents; my house, etc.
The answer comes often so quickly, often seemingly with little thought, that either they don't know what Jesus promises, or they simply think Jesus does not mean what He promises: "will receive 100 times as much". I know people struggling to find investments that will simply guarantee 10% return!!

I believe divorce is an option in very, very serious marital situations. I know there are other biblical passages to consider. But do we really believe Jesus words about the "God involvement" in marriage?
And of course we all know that most believers are not asked to move and leave everything and everyone to serve Jesus somewhere else. However I doubt that most believers "really believe" his words? Believe enough to seriously consider making such a move, such a wise investment.
Some of Jesus words are indeed "hard to believe."

FORGIVEN

Did someone hurt or offend you yesterday? last month? years ago? Was it something so terrible that no one could forgive? Was it a repeat of what they have done to you numerous times? To live in our world is to suffer pain - physical or emotional; loss - of reputation, of money, of honour; offence - unjust criticism or accusations, disrespect, dishonesty.
To walk with inner peace in our world requires the practice of quick and regular forgiveness. Secular writers, with no reference to God or religion, emphasize this continually. They remind us that if we choose to live with an unforgiving attitude we will become angry, bitter people. The person who will suffer most from our unforgiving attitude is ourselves. These writers/teachers/psychologists have discovered truth - God's truth. What they cannot offer is what God offers to us through Jesus.
We who trust in and follow Jesus; who listen to his teaching and respond, have such a huge advantage in developing a forgiving attitude. A major reason, I think the prime reason, is that we have experienced  God's forgiveness. Huge forgiveness. Eternal forgiveness. Our Holy, Heavenly Father has forgiven the countless sins of thought, word and action that we have committed over a lifetime. He has forgiven all the sins of omission - what we've failed to say and do. This because Jesus, through the cross, has taken our sin and given us His righteousness. (II Corinthians 5:21)
It is as though we have been forgiven a debt of a billion dollars. Therefore when someone by hurting or offending us now owes us $10. or $100. or even $1,000. of forgiveness, we find it relatively easy to say: "I forgive you." "I choose to forgive them."
There is no way to compare the relatively small forgiveness I may have to offer you, with the huge forgiveness I have received through Christ my Saviour. That must be my perspective on forgiveness, starkly presented in the parable of Jesus found in Matthew 18:21 - 34.
I have found this parable, this great truth about the size of God's forgiveness, of great help in "letting hurts and offences go"; great help in truly forgiving others over the years. I hope this parable, the truth it teaches has helped you to become a quick "forgiver". 

PETER GOT IT

I read Matthew 16 today and paused again to identify with Peter. Jesus asks his disciples "What's the word about me among the people?" They reply that there are a variety of opinions: Jesus is John the Baptist (just recently executed), returned in another form; or Jesus is Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other OT prophets come back to life. Then he asks the question to his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?"
Was there a pause? Were some of the disciples hesitant because they just weren't sure? Or did they hesitate because their opinion was not high enough and it might offend Jesus?
Maybe they didn't hesitate at all. Maybe it was just that Peter, whether wrong or right, was so often quicker than the rest of them. But we are so glad that Peter "got it". He had figured out who Jesus was. He'd heard the wise, authoritative teaching; seen the powerful nature miracles; marvelled at the compassionate way Jesus healed bodies and cast out demons, setting people free.
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus replied,“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. (16:16, 17)
And we want to say "Bless you, Peter for getting it right! For affirming what so many would deny and still deny. You spoke for all of us believers at that moment."
Then, well you know that Peter spoke again, and said the wrong thing. Although Jesus had alluded to it earlier (12:40), for the first time here in Matthew 16, Jesus clearly predicts his suffering, death and resurrection. He does so when alone with his disciples. And Peter feels he must take Jesus aside and give his Master some wise counsel.
Did Peter say: "Master, there is no way you have to go to Jerusalem. Stay out here in the province and we can start to establish your kingdom away from the religious centre." Or did He say: "Master, you don't realize how strong your popularity ratings are. Hundreds, probably thousands are ready to follow you. You are the one sent from God to re-establish Israel to its proper freedom and status. Please don't talk of suffering and death."

And we, had we been there, would have agreed with Peter. "Thanks for speaking for all of us, and pointing Jesus in a better, more optimistic direction."

I am sure Peter felt he was giving wise advice, sound counsel with loving concern. And he was very  wrong. In fact Jesus rebukes him, because it is evident this advice to avoid the Cross was from the Evil One. Jesus emphasizes that Peter is thinking from a human perspective not a Divine perspective. He needs to learn; we all need to learn and relearn: The way up, is first the way down. The way to win, is first to lose. The way to be greatest is first to become servant to all. The way of the cross is the way all of Jesus' followers are to take. (16:22 - 27)

POWER AND MIGHT

Yesterday we worshipped with a total of just 19 people, including two children. Not very impressive when we usually worship with 175 or so. Not very impressive when we have attended a church service with 4, 000 and others yesterday met with perhaps 10,000 people or more.
Numbers are important to God. I've argued that many times from the book of Acts. God does want thousands to come to faith, not simple dozens. He is pleased when His church reaches many, not just a few at least that is what I read as Acts records the growth of the early church.
Yet on the other hand, God does not always act in large, impressive ways. We don't always find God where things are most impressive in human eyes. Sometimes God's Spirit is doing His work where people hardly notice. So God indicates through His prophet Zechariah as his people begin rebuilding the temple. It was not nearly as impressive as the temple King Solomon built. So God reminds them, lest they get discouraged.

"‘Not by might nor by power,but by my Spirit,’says the LordAlmighty."
“Who dares despise the day of small things," Zechariah 4:6 and 10


So Jan and I rejoiced to worship at the very first service of The Well, a new International Church started in Ho Chi Minh City with legal, official status. How wonderful to see this answer to hopes and prayers of many years. It is the congregation we had hoped to start 18 months ago. Now it is a reality. Small, yes. However faithful Christians are committed to growing this church. Only God knows what He has in mind. Only He knows how He will use this small beginning for His glory. Where His Spirit is at work, power and might don't matter.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

We are in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) this weekend. We enjoyed a wonderful Vietnamese meal tonight in a quaint old house that two years ago was turned into an excellent restaurant. We ate with a good friend who was born here, grew up in the USA and with his wife has lived here for the past four years. Then we watched fireworks light up the sky over the Saigon river as we walked back to our hotel.

Vietnam has fought many wars. At least three are celebrated with a special day. Today one Independence Day to celebrate their independence achieved in 1945 from Japan that occupied the country during World War II. There is also special commemoration and celebration holiday during the year for the hard won independence from France in 1954. And then the Reunification of the country in 1975 is also widely celebrated.

Independence. Tonight I wonder if we believers actually could say we prefer to celebrate Dependence Day. That was the day when we came to the realization that living apart from God was sinful, foolish and very dangerous. It was the day we recognized that we are dependent upon God our Creator for our life, even if we did ignore and deny it. And if ever we were to be saved, put right, made whole we had to declare our Dependence. On our personal "Dependence Day" we confessed our need of God's help. We needed the forgiveness and righteousness only found in Jesus Christ and His death for us.
So every day, but especially on Sundays, we celebrate our Dependence Day. And since many in different Christian traditions share Communion on the first Sunday of each month, perhaps today for you, this has been your special day of the month to declare your Dependence! Freed from the control of sin and eternal death. Liberated to live in Dependence on the One who loves us and gave Himself for us. Maybe we should light fireworks every Communion Sunday!