TOUGH ASSIGNMENT

Jeremiah was a reluctant prophet. When God came to him with his "prophetic call", Jeremiah tried to avoid it. "I do not know how to speak. I am only a child." It is not likely that he was actually a child but that tasked with speaking for God, Jeremiah felt very inadequate, as though he was a child.
However God tells him:" Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." When Jeremiah resists his call, God tells him: "you must go to everyone I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you." Jeremiah 1:4 - 8
If Jeremiah had known the kind of condemning, warning, critical messages he would be given to deliver to hard hearted rulers and people, I am sure he would have resisted the assignment even more than he did. Not many Old Testament prophets had as tough a career assignment as did Jeremiah.
As I read this section the other day, I was struck by how strongly this passage speaks to the issue of abortion. How could anyone who believes the Bible and reads this passage not believe that the unborn child in the womb is very human; and known to God?
Jeremiah was chosen by God; so are you. "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." Ephesians 1:4 You may not have been chosen by God to be his special prophet (be thankful, prophets were not often popular) but you are God's chosen child.
He has chosen us to live for his glory, to enhance his reputation. A major part of this assignment is to live in obedience to Scripture, to follow Christ by the power of the Spirit, so that our lives are "holy and blameless". May we his children cause the name of our Father in Heaven to be "hallowed" by the way we live.

THE SAME ETERNAL HOPE

Sadly, the 58 year old wife of the President of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam passed away on Friday after a brief battle with cancer. Today Jan and I attended the 8:00 am funeral service held in our "home" church building. (Funerals are normally held early in the morning here.)
About 1200 people attended today's service. Three church choirs each sang a hymn as well as a 200 voice choir made up of the entire ECVN Bible College student body. A variety of denomination leaders spoke and prayed during this two hour service. President Truong spoke for a few moments and his son brought a tribute.
On Sunday mornings at this church, English translation is provided for the 15 to 30 English speaking attenders (some regulars, some tourists). Today however there was no translation. We may have been the only westerners in the congregation. Jan and I could recognize words, but we are far from having enough fluency to understand what was said. We could read the words of the congregational hymn but most of those Vietnamese words are not yet part of our vocabulary.
However the tunes of the congregational hymn and the hymns sung by the four choirs were all familiar to anyone raised in an evangelical hymn singing church. They were translations of hymns such as "It is Well With My Soul", "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" and "I Know Whom I Have Believed".
We felt very united with the 1000 Vietnamese (including one Canadian Vietnamese Pastor and his wife who flew in for the funeral); not simply because of the familiar hymns or because we know several of the pastors who participated in the service.
We are united with these believers, in spite of language and culture differences because we have the same Father, the same Saviour and the same Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We are united because we share the same wonderful hope (certainty) of resurrection life with Christ which marks Christian life, death and funerals as very, very different.
Funeral processions led by one or a few Buddhist monks regularly pass by our apartment building early in the morning. Though the five piece band that follows the procession always plays up beat music, we know that those who mourn have no eternal hope.
How very conscious we were again today of the vast difference between those sad processions we observe on our street and today's funeral service. Praise God for a Risen Saviour!

GOD AND THE NATIONS

Ever since attending a missions congress as a teen I have had an interest in Missions. One year living in Japan and a few opportunities to preach and teach in Europe, Asia and Africa have been the sum of my first hand experience in missions. Yet like many of you, I have read articles and books on God's work around the world, and interacted with many international workers. I have also pastored two multi-ethnic congregations.
Yet I think that now, in our present location, I am more sensitive than ever to notice how often the nations, not just Israel, are mentioned in the Bible. God's heart for the world, and sometimes a human concern for the nations, shines through brightly.
In the case of Isaiah, at one point he called for God to reveal himself out of concern for God's reputation. "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! --- come down to make your name known among your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you." (64:1, 2) The prophet saw far too many people opposed to God and to Israel, the nation that represented God. In our day, don't you often want God to "come down" so that His name would no longer be used as a curse; that millions would cease worshipping idols; that His principles and laws - His righteousness would be honoured?
In spite of the spiritual darkness of our many cultures, God really does love the people on planet earth. The promise of "one day" rings through so many pages of Scripture. For example, again in Isaiah, God says that He is "about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory. --- They will proclaim my glory among the nations. And they will bring all your brothers from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord ---." (66:18 - 20)
In one sense, the nations now worship God. Never has the Good News been so widely spread. There are reports of at least some followers of Jesus in every nation of the world. (Although not yet in every known people group).
However we know that in another sense, it will not be until Jesus returns that we will see the nations honour our Triune God as He deserves.  Until then we pray, give, and share the Good News with others. For most of us, our witness to the nations is in our own city: through immigration, the nations have come to us. For others of us, there is still a call to go across an ocean or language barrier, to another nation and share the Good News. We all firmly believe that the final great day - when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess - that day is coming!

JESUS HAD FAVORITES

Early in his ministry, Jesus quoted Isaiah 61 and told his listeners "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:18, 19) Although Luke quotes Jesus only reading parts of Isaiah 61:1 and 2, it is highly likely that Jesus read at least verses 1 - 3 if the whole chapter.
In this passage, Isaiah quotes the coming Messiah who is describing his mission and his target audience. It is evident that the Messiah is coming to help those who are hurting, who have serious physical, freedom or emotional/spiritual needs. Those who "have it all together", who are doing well, who have little felt need, don't even register on the list for whom the Messiah is coming.
According to this passage, the expected Messiah (Jesus) would come to preach good news to the poor (Blessed are the poor in Spirit); to bind up the brokenhearted (Blessed are those who mourn); to free captives and release prisoners from darkness (Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness).
His deep concern is for those who mourn, grieve and despair. This Messiah comes to minister with great compassion to those who have been wounded and beaten down by the sin of the world. The ministry of this gentle Messiah is so tender, described in one poetic sentence: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." (42:3)
I am conscious now of poverty and pain as never before. While I have visited and ministered in impoverished countries before, now we are living in a developing country. While things are improving here, and signs of increasing wealth are evident, there are millions who live with very little. Daily we see those who sweep sidewalks and streets for a living; those whose only income derives from selling cheap lottery tickets on the sidewalk; multiple young men offering to shine shoes as their only source of income; sidewalk vendors who are scratching out a living. Vietnamese are hard working, but most of them work hard for very little pay.
Jesus came to love and care for those who live in poverty. He had and has deep concern for those at the bottom of the social scale. And He has a soft heart for those who are brokenhearted in this world of broken relationships. (Are not broken relationships, by death, departure or betrayal the cause of most broken hearts?)
Yes, Jesus has favourites according to Scripture. So if you are hurting today - if you face serious financial difficulty, suffer from an aching body or a mourning heart, chances are very good that you are one of His favourite people. He wants you to allow His love, His truth, His power, His promises to minister to your need.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND

How often have you heard someone (perhaps yourself) make the puzzled comment: "I don't understand what God is doing."Are you surprised that you don't?
Sometimes it is framed as a question, when strange things happen. I wonder why God has allowed that to happen? Or, I wonder how long God will allow that to continue? Or, I don't understand what God is trying to teach me in this?
Sometimes it is framed as a future answer. I guess I won't understand this until I look back on things.
Sometimes it is framed as a complaint. Am I being punished for something I did wrong? My "Aunt" is a fine Christian, why is God doing that to her? If this is how God treats His friends, I am not sure I can believe in Him any more.
Sometimes people claim to know exactly what God is doing (not doing) and why. She hasn't been healed because her faith is so weak. His business is failing because God knows he treats his family so badly. God is teaching you patience. God is disciplining you.
To all of the above there seems a very biblical response given by God many centuries ago.

  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.     Isaiah 55:8, 9


Who am I to think I can understand the purpose and plans of God? His perspective is eternal, I am time bound. He sees the whole picture, I see a tiny part of the puzzle. He is the Creator of all, I am one small player on one small planet.
Yes, He has revealed much about how He works and why He works. As we study Scripture we gain increasing insight into the ways of God. But we should never let ourselves think that we can definitely, regularly say "this is what God is doing and this is why He is doing it." Humility should keep us couching our best biblical wisdom as "God may be telling you"; "I think God is teaching me"; "You might consider that God is allowing this because".
What young child understands fully why she is taught the alphabet, why she really must learn to swim or why she can't have the toy she so desperately wants? Yet she is far closer to her parents in knowledge and understanding than we are to God's omniscience.
So while we are called to pursue knowledge and wisdom, we must continue to live by faith! Our Heavenly Father knows best and He is in ultimate control. 

FOR SALE, FOR FREE!

Estimates vary only slightly regarding a country's GDP or PPP (Purchasing power parity). In one recent ranking, Canada's estimated PPP was 22nd in 2010, at $39,600. Ghana, which I visited six times a few years ago, ranks #200 (out of 228 countries) with a  PPP of only $1,600. Vietnam where I presently live ranks #166 with a PPP of $3,100. In fact seventy countries have a PPP of less than 10% of what Canadians enjoy. There is no question as to who enjoys more to eat and drink.
I am so glad that God's offer of spiritual food and drink does not in any way depend on PPP, ethnicity, education or personal wealth. I love the way His generous offer is extended in Isaiah 55:1, 2

¹ “Come, all you who are thirsty,
   come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
   come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
   without money and without cost.
² Why spend money on what is not bread,
   and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
   and you will delight in the richest of fare.


What great, world wide Good News! You don't eat better spiritually, you don't have better choices of nourishing spiritual water according to your country's PPP or your personal income. No, God's offer of eternal, life giving, spiritual food and drink is absolutely free.
In fact, according to Jesus, it is normally the poor who more readily accept this generous offer from God. It is the rich who so often "spend money on what is not bread and your labor on what does not satisfy." The rich (95% of Canadians compared to the developing world) are much more likely to say "No Thanks" to God's offer. The rich foolishly think that material things and new experiences will satisfy their spiritual hunger.
God says "Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live." (Isaiah 55:3) Or as Jesus said to that vulnerable, wounded woman 2000 years ago: "whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

LOOK AND LISTEN

I suffer from a common male disease. I have a hard time finding things - in the closet, in the refrigerator, in the house. I know it is a male disease for two reasons. First, Jan often finds the item after I have failed and call for help. Second, I have had many men (or their wives) affirm that I am normal. Somehow I look without seeing. I refuse (at least for now) to discuss that I may also have an occasional marital "listening"problem. (It has nothing to do with my one deaf ear.)
If you read Isaiah 51, it is hard to miss how many times God tells his people to either "look" or "listen". I have circled 13 times in my NIV that words such as "listen, look, hear, awake, see" occur. God seems to be telling His people, here is important stuff, great Good News, now please pay attention.
He asks them to pay attention to the blessing He provided to Abraham and Sarah; to the righteousness and justice that comes from Him; to their discipline that He is bringing to an en. God calls them to be attentive to what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do.
I read this chapter and I wonder if we His people are paying attention. Do we need to be reminded to "Pay Attention!"? How easily we forget the great things God has done: in biblical history, among Christians in recent decades, in our own lives and right now in our world. I suspect most of us need to pay closer attention.
We presently live in SE Asia and mingle with believers from many different countries. When I might become discouraged by not "seeing" special things happening right around me, I am so encouraged by "hearing" reports of what God is doing in different parts of the world.
For example, recently someone told me of several villages in one SE Asian country, where the whole village turned to Christ. This was told me by a reliable person and confirmed by another, both of whom live in that country. Of course we don't know if every one of those village people has personally become a believer. We do know that most of the villages in that country are 100% Buddhist/animist. Therefore it is a wonderful work of God when all those in one village declare that they will follow Christ.
I may be failing to notice God at work in or around me. I may fail to watch and listen for what He has done and is doing elsewhere. And if I miss or forget the great activity of God, my appreciation, my worship and my thanksgiving will be the poorer.
 When you read Scripture, watch carefully and enjoy the great things God has done. Listen closely (through Christian media and personal testimonies) to the great things God is doing today and rejoice. And maybe you have missed, or taken for granted what God is doing right in front of you. We don't want to miss the amazing activity of our God!

FROM BEGINNING TO END

In my early years we moved a lot: from London, Ontario to New Jersey to two different parts of Toronto to (what back then was) the small town of Markham. After marriage, Jan and I moved to places far apart - Japan, Edmonton, Florida then finally back to Toronto.
I remember during our twelve years in Toronto how much I enjoyed meeting people who connected with my past: my Sunday School teacher from when I was ten; the Camp director from when I was a 16 year old counsellor; a couple of classmates from high school. When we moved to Calgary a few years ago, Jan and I were able to reconnect with folks we had know 25 years before in Edmonton. It is special to share life history with others.
Those of you who have always lived in the same area cannot appreciate as much what you have always enjoyed. On the other hand there are those friends and family members you have known who have moved away or passed away.
But God! I love what He says to Israel: "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, --- you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you."Isaiah 46:3, 4
What was true for the nation of Israel is also true for every Christian believer. Scripture in a number of places reminds us that our Creator was with us long before we could have any conscious belief or relationship with Him. And He will be with us in the middle years and to the end. If we will lean on Him He will sustain us - at age 12 and 32; at 52 and 72.
Human relationships for a variety of reasons usually last for only part of our lifetime. Isn't it great to have a Creator and Saviour who knew us while still in the womb and promises to be with us all the way through our last years of life? Jan and I have been best friends for over 4 decades but it took me 22 years to find her! And though I expect to be with her until "death shall separate us" we don't know who will go first and who will be left behind.
How marvellous it is to know that while human relationships come and go, the One who has known you from the beginning will be with you - to the very end!

DINNER CRUISE

It seems that every city built on the water offers a dinner cruise. Living for many years in Toronto I have always enjoyed taking the ferry across to the Toronto Islands, but never have gone on a dinner cruise in Toronto's harbour.
In Ho Chi Minh you can walk from downtown to the Saigon River. There is a small park with a choice of four or five different boats, all of them handling 100 - 300 passengers. The tables are set and tourists   enjoy a meal as they cruise up and down the river. We can see the brightly lit boats at night from our apartment. Frankly view from the boat are mostly of dockyards so the attraction must be being on the water. We have not been tempted to try it.
In Dubai several months ago, while with International Church pastors we were treated to a dinner cruise with our group of 40 that went around the harbour as we ate. The scenery there was more enjoyable varied as you could view the changing city skyline.
Yesterday I enjoyed a lunch cruise with a small group of men. There are dozens of small boats that offer this river cruise. They all seem to be the size of our boat - just large enough for 14 of us to sit on cushions at a low table. The entire dinner was set out before the boat left dock. Then we went slowly up river driven by a loud motor that made conversation almost impossible. However when we turned for the return trip, we enjoyed the silence as we floated back with the current carrying us.
The view was of a grassy, heavily treed river bank, with some houses peering through the trees. Some large fish farms with dozens of fish pens were located at several points in the river. I am told the fish are fed antibiotics (and maybe hormones?) to make the fish grow faster and larger. We also saw several school age boys doing some fishing on their own in the river. It was a nice casual 75 minute lunch break for our group.
I was given the opportunity to speak three times to these men yesterday and once this morning. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with men from seven different countries, all bound together in Christ. I speak once more to another group tonight and then fly back to Ho Chi Minh tomorrow.
It is always a privilege to see and hear of what God is doing. His work continues in every country of the world, for God loves the nations and longs to bring them to Himself.

THE SAME AND YET DIFFERENT

I am in Laos for the weekend speaking to a group of International Workers. The capital city is Vientiane which sits right across the Mekong River from Thailand just a couple of hours by air from Ho Chi Minh. This  small city has a definite "Thai" look as far as its building styles. Even the main terminal has a curved roof that looks "Thai". Then there are the many Buddhist temples that look like what we would expect to find in Thailand.
While we see Buddhist temples in Vietnam of course, they don't appear to be as numerous (I am making this comparison from a wealth of ignorance) nor are they in the Thai style. Buddhism is much more evident here in the person of monks as well as temples.
Laos and Vietnam share the same sad history regarding the war of the 1960's which did not conclude until 1975. Since that time they have shared the same style of government. But while these countries share a border and some history they are quite different in language and culture. I have read about this and now for a couple of days I get to observe the differences.
Let me shift gears and say that we from western cultures in 2011 are very different from those in Israel around 700 BC. Yet we share a sad, strong tendency to sin - even those of us who know and love our God. How fortunate we are that God is gracious and merciful. He is eager to forgive those who look to Him.
Isaiah shares this Good News in many places, two of which I noted this morning. Hear these remarkable gracious words to Israel: "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake and remember your sins now more." 43:25 Again Isaiah writes: "I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like a morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." 44:22
Are you convinced; are you living daily in the deep down joy of knowing your God is both quick to forgive and delighted to forgive your mistakes, your failings, your sins?
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9

POWERFUL AND PERSONAL

Unlike the gods of all other religions, our God is both awesome in power and intimate in relationship. I was again impressed with the contrast in these qualities as I read this morning in Isaiah 36 - 40. Both the powerful and personal are underlined by a real life example and by clear teaching.
First, the example in the life of King Hezekiah and Israel. (His story is also recorded in II Kings and II Chronicles). Threatened by a huge Assyrian army that has conquered many nations, King Hezekiah cries out to God. The Assyrians boldly claim that God is just as helpless to save Israel as the gods of other nations they have conquered. So God in response, demonstrates his awesome power. He sends an angel and (details are not given) the entire Assyrian army is destroyed in one night.
Later, Hezekiah is visited by the prophet Isaiah and given a personal message. He is warned that he is about to die, prematurely. The King begins to weep and to pray, not now concerned about the fate of his nation but personally begging God to extend his life. Before Isaiah has even departed from the palace, God responds to the King's very personal request. Through Isaiah, God promises to extend the King's life by 15 years.
Following the four narrative chapters about Hezekiah, chapters 40 - 66 of Isaiah provide some of the greatest theology in all of the Old Testament. After seeing God's power and personal attention illustrated in Hezekiah's life, we now are taught that God is both powerful and personal in chapter 40.
Our personal intimate God is pictured as a tender Shepherd (40:11). The prophet is instructed that he should speak to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God. See the Sovereign Lord comes with power, --- He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (40:11)
In much of the rest of the chapter, the focus is upon God's vast wisdom and His creative power. God sits like an almighty monarch enthroned above the earth and people appear as small as grasshoppers in his sight. Powerful nations appear to him like a drop in the bucket or like dust that is hardly noticed on a weigh scale. People come and go as quickly in His eternal perspective as grass and flowers that spring up and then die before winter. The picture is painted to impress us that our God is powerful beyond measure.
Yet in the middle of these words about God's almighty power, we find that warm picture of the Tender Shepherd. How comforting it is to know that God cares for His people, just like a human shepherd with compassion picking up a lamb - perhaps cold and frightened - and holding the helpless little animal tenderly to his chest.
Yes, our God is all powerful. Yet He wants us to clearly understand that as He paid attention to Hezekiah's personal plea; like a shepherd who notices the needs of the smallest lamb; God is personally concerned about what concerns you.

LIFE IN VIETNAM

Jan and I keep doing language study - not intensively since we are here to work with expats. Slowly we add words and phrases to our vocabulary. But often, just when you think you have taken another step forward, it doesn't work. Yesterday I was meeting someone for lunch. I got there early so thought i would order a coca cola light (outside of North America there is no diet coke. Ask for coke light.).
I had my sentence in impeccable Vietnamese already to go and said it twice - "Please give me a can of coca cola light and a glass of ice." Not understood. The waiter had to bring someone else over who spoke some English. Was it the fact that they only carry pepsi light? My poor pronunciation? His disbelief that I was speaking Vietnamese?
On the other hand, almost all taxi drivers now seem to understand our reference to addresses, intersections, directions, etc. given in halting Vietnamese
If you follow this blog, you know that there are a few things we lack here, like a dishwasher and a clothes dryer. On the other hand we do enjoy the many pluses. For example, I have only once in Canada bought Jan an orchid. However today we stopped and Jan picked out three lovely orchid plants to decorate our home at a total cost of only $6 Canadian (estimated saving - $50). I don't mind washing the dishes every night if my wife can get flowers this lovely for that price.
I had lunch yesterday with an expat friend from New York. Today I lunched with an expat from Texas and then had coffee (actually a mango smoothie) with a new arrival from California. Jan in the past two weeks has met three women from Calgary. So we continue to broaden our contacts here.
As I stopped at the local outdoor market on my way home, I bought some bananas and oranges (stickers on the oranges say "from California".) I had to dodge a full size garbage truck (picture a similar truck that services your neighbourhood) that was backing up to collect the pile of garbage from this morning's hectic market activity. I think the pile would fill at least half of the truck. But it is cleaned up once or twice a day and I have never glimpsed a rat in the market. Impressive!

COMFORT AND AFFLICT

There is an old saying that a good biblical preacher should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. God's Word does both of these things. All of us need comfort/assurance from God sometimes.
Personally speaking, Jan and I are in a waiting period after 6 months with still no government permission to begin an International Congregation. We have been refused one location (you must have a fixed location as part of getting legal status) and are waiting to hear about another possibility. There is not much we can do in this process. So I read these comforting words today, which may be timely for you as well.
"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:16 My response: Lord, I'm not sure there is anything specific of which I should repent, but I do know that we can't scurry around and make things happen. In quietness and rest we will wait for you to act in regard to this "start up" English speaking church.
On the other hand, many of us don't like Scripture or a preacher to afflict us when we are comfortable. I have always been encouraged when after a sermon, someone has said "the sermon hurt but I needed that." That is the attitude we all should have. We need the Word of God to do its intended work in our lives - teaching, rebuking, correcting and training us in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:15) If we will listen, Scripture will "judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12) and sometimes it will hurt or afflict us - for our own good.
However if I personally, or we as a church, or as a denomination allow our hearts to grow hard we will not want to hear the Word of God. We will either ignore it's truth or discover some new way in which to exegete it, so that it becomes more "pleasant". Sadly there are plenty of modern day examples of what Isaiah describes: "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. --- stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 30:10, 11
Today people and society as a whole, want to be comforted by a Loving God, not confronted by a Holy God. We see this as even some evangelicals "discover" new ways of reading the Bible that seem to offer more loving, accepting viewpoints on sexuality, on God's future judgment, on prosperity, etc. They are in fact much less afflicting views - but are they really true to God's voice?
May God help His people not to draw back from God's loving yet confronting Word. In our correct desire to give and receive comfort, may we not incorrectly shrink from receiving God's rebuking, afflicting Word where it is needed.

NOT JUST FOR FUNERALS

A good, praying friend lost his wife last week. The funeral was yesterday. I wish I could have been there. Thank God for the wonderful words of comfort and precious promises about the future that abound in Scripture. I know this elderly friend will be meditating on many of these passages as he sorrows the loss of his life's companion. He does not sorrow like those who have no hope.


Today reading in Isaiah I came across one of those comforting, hopeful passages. I rejoice that these passages are not given to us only for funerals; only for the time when a loved one has passed away. They are passages that ring down through the centuries with great hope for every day.
We are surrounded by death and tears. In a world of close to 7 billion people, we know that many thousands of people die every hour and thousands more are left behind, filled with grief. We know this is not what God had planned for the children of Adam and Eve. And it is not what God has planned in the future.
Familiar New Testament passages like I Corinthians 15, I Thessalonians 4 and Revelation 21, 22 are often read at funerals and provide great hope.
This passage in Isaiah may not be as familiar to you. So enjoy these ancient words written seven or eight centuries before John wrote Revelation 21 which both echoes and expands on Isaiah. Just to make it fresh for you, I quote from the Message paraphrase.


And here on this mountain, God will banish
   the pall of doom hanging over all peoples,
The shadow of doom darkening all nations.
   Yes, he'll banish death forever.
And God will wipe the tears from every face.
   He'll remove every sign of disgrace
From his people, wherever they are.
   Yes! God says so! 
                                         Isaiah 25:7, 8

THE MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East has occupied much global interest again in recent months. None of the experts on Middle Eastern politics at the end of 2010 would have predicted the significant changes and the ongoing struggles that we have seen in 2011. The ongoing implications for the Middle East and how at least a half dozen countries will be governed in the future is yet unknown. But change is coming and for some countries has arrived.
The prophet Isaiah 2,700 years ago predicted dramatic change for the Middle East that has not yet happened. He prophesied about three countries which had been enemies for years - Egypt, Assyria and Israel. We know that in fact hostility continues to simmer between these countries today - Israel, Egypt and Assyria - which in Isaiah's day would have included the land now divided between countries including Jordan, Syria and Iraq.
The people of Israel had been led out of Egypt by Moses, empowered by God's miracles and presence seven centuries prior to Isaiah. For all of those years, the nation had known and been reassured that they were God's special people. He might have plans to bless all peoples one day, but Israel was His special nation.
With that background - read Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 19. How radical must those words have seemed - they certainly seem radical today.
"The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, 'Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.'"19:25
Imagine the God of Israel calling an Arab nation "my people, my handiwork"! Imagine grouping these three ancient enemies all under one blessing, as though God loved all of them!
On this side of the cross, we have no trouble believing that God loves all peoples, including those in the Middle East. The New Testament proclaims that the Good News is for Jew and Gentile (all nations and peoples that are not Israel). But can we imagine true peace, true friendship under God in the Middle East?
Politicians, world leaders, academics can only guess what the future holds for the Middle East. We know what the ultimate future is. So this 2,700 year prophecy by Isaiah is something to anticipate, something for which we should pray!
We pray "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Therefore O God, we pray that soon this ancient prophecy might be fulfilled. We long to see the tension, the terrorism, the hatred, the enmity which has seethed through the Middle East in the past, and still boils there today disappear.  We pray that You, the God of Peace, the One who promises to bless these nations, would replace the enmity and fulfill your Word. Would you do so soon? We believe that true peace will only come to that part of the world - to our whole world - when the Prince of Peace reigns. And so we pray for your kingdom and your will to come on earth. Amen."

BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND

I am presently reading a very helpful book by Christopher Wright, The God I Don't Understand. Of course he impresses me also because he wrote very nice words about my son Kent's book, After Shock: Searching for Honest Faith When Your World is Shaken. I recommend both books!

Wright correctly makes the point that we can have deep faith yet struggle with things we don't understand. He affirms that God created us with a built in desire to learn, to question, to search, to reason, to know all we should and become all we ought to be. And yet, God has not made all knowledge available to us. He has revealed in nature, in Scripture and in Jesus all we need to know. Yet there are mysteries we will not understand in this life - nor perhaps in the next life either.

We believe in an all powerful, all knowing Creator: the One who judges nations and individuals and stands above any judging we might wish to do. He welcomes our questions and understands our laments, our pain and our complaints. However in His perfect wisdom He has chosen not tell us all we would like to know.

In his opening chapter, Wright references several old hymns that affirm we don't know or understand some of the ways of God. These hymns raise questions and yet affirm knowledge and faith. 

One he quotes is a hymn rarely sung, yet I love both because of the words and the melody chosen for it. I love the mixture of awe, wonder, affirmation, hope and faith expressed in this hymn. Hope you can pause for a moment and worship as you read it today.

I CANNOT TELL   by William Fullerton I cannot tell why He Whom angels worship, Should set His love upon the sons of men, Or why, as Shepherd, He should seek the wanderers, To bring them back, they know not how or when. But this I know, that He was born of Mary When Bethlehem’s manger was His only home, And that He lived at Nazareth and labored, And so the Savior, Savior of the world is come. I cannot tell how silently He suffered, As with His peace He graced this place of tears, Or how His heart upon the cross was broken, The crown of pain to three and thirty years. But this I know, He heals the brokenhearted, And stays our sin, and calms our lurking fear, And lifts the burden from the heavy laden, For yet the Savior, Savior of the world is here. I cannot tell how He will win the nations, How He will claim His earthly heritage, How satisfy the needs and aspirations Of East and West, of sinner and of sage. But this I know, all flesh shall see His glory, And He shall reap the harvest He has sown, And some glad day His sun shall shine in splendor When He the Savior, Savior of the world is known. I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship, When, at His bidding, every storm is stilled, Or who can say how great the jubilation When all the hearts of men with love are filled. But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture, And myriad, myriad human voices sing, And earth to Heaven, and Heaven to earth, will answer: At last the Savior, Savior of the world is King!

APOLOGY

For those of you who visited this blog recently: the bloodspot site went down for two day. Blogs were available to read, but we could not post a blog. So I was ready to write on Thursday and Friday but was not allowed to.
It is now 11:49 here in Vietnam and we will see if this is posted as a Friday blog. If it posts, I will write one in a few hours which should post as a Saturday blog.

VIETNAM LIFE

As I walked along the sidewalk today I smiled at how things impossible to find in Canada become a common sight here. For example: on the sidewalk were two teenage girls with their bicycle. They were watching a man repair their tire tube which evidently had a hole in it. He had a fire burning in a coffee can size receptacle over which he was melting something which would be daubed onto the hole. At this same corner we often see larger repairs being done, right on the sidewalk.
Of course there are hundreds of things taking place as sidewalk business. Common are the vendors of various small items; small coffee stalls; meals being eaten as adults squat on child size stools with no table, etc. However occasionally we see a barber cutting hair; a manicurist working on nails; coffee being served; meals being eaten, etc.
Today I walked to the local market to buy a couple of pineapples. Jan has been sick with a cold (not too bad, just enough to slow her down). It was a good time to buy flowers for the love of my life. At the market, several stalls offer hundreds of flowers of all sizes. Being a romantic, I bought a dozen red roses! Yes, and you are wondering how much those roses cost here, aren't you? Given the strength of the Canadian dollar right now: less than $2.50.
One more Vietnam note: today in language class, I commented to our tutor that the words "thank you" and "please" are not used a lot. For example she has told me that when directing taxi drivers I should simply say "turn right" or "go straight". It is not expected that I would add "please". So I referred to this today and she smiled. She said "yes" we don't use those words often. But, she added, now school teachers are instructing young children that they should learn to say "thank you" and "please". I did not ask her if that is just to help them interact with foreigners, or if it is starting a small cultural shift.
What I do know is that we can never say "thank you" enough to our God who loves us enough that He sent His only unique Son to be our Saviour. Thank you, our Father in Heaven!

WE NEED EACH OTHER

The NT author puts it this way: "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together --- let us encourage one another." Hebrews 10:24, 25
The OT author is much more poetic but makes the same point: "Two are better than one --- if one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. --- Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Eccl. 4:9 - 12
The Triune God has eternally been in community - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Fashioned in the image of God, we are also made for community. For many reasons, it is not good for any of us to live alone. and the NT makes it clear that spiritually it is not good, it is not biblical, for us to live in isolation.
Perhaps you feel you don't need interaction with other believers in order to stay spiritually healthy. You get all you need from Scripture, Christian TV, web sites, books, etc. Well then, think of it this way: other believers need you: "to spur them on toward love and good works." They need you in the local church (see I Corinthians 12) to use your spiritual gift(s) as part of the Body. They need you to help demonstrate through loving relationships that they and you are disciples of Jesus. (John 13:34, 35)
Too many of us, too often, can give up on "the church" or become disappointed with a small group. We all will be bruised at times by the imperfect people in our spiritual family. We will each on occasion hurt another. The answer is not to live in spiritual isolation.
"Let us not give up meeting together". When you - or a friend "falls" - someone(s) need to be there in relationship; ready and willing to pick you up; or you will be there to help her/him get back up. We need each other.

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH

I read recently that many wealthy Middle Eastern Sheiks and rulers have purchased homes in the most expensive London neighbourhoods. They may spend little time in these houses but still can afford and insist on the best. The article mentions houses valued at 18, 55 and 65 million dollars each. How much wealth is required to spend that much on your second or third home?
The wealthiest man of his era, the Carlos Slim Helu (Mexico) or Bill Gates of his era, wrote our Bible book of Ecclesiastes. As I read the opening chapters yesterday and today, I was again amazed at how "up to date" and relevant are his observations.
 On wealth and the insatiable human need for more, in the early chapters he observes:
"The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing."1:8
"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." 5:10
The author moves in this book from cynical observations to sharing of great wisdom; from his refrain of "meaningless, meaningless" to wonderful words of advice pointing us to God and life with Him.
It is fascinating to hear him recount how he devoted himself to education, to agriculture, to large projects, to all of the pleasure he could find in a harem, in music, in wealth (I denied myself nothing my eyes desired) and yet in the end found them all meaningless.
He provides a stark, very relevant reminder, that only God and eternal values will bring lasting meaning and satisfaction. May you seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness as you live out this week.

AMAZING MOTHERS

Hmmm, is this Mothers Day for all mothers, or should it be Mother's Day to personalize it for each of our mothers? Either way, on this day I am once again grateful for a good and godly mother who loved her Lord and finished her race well many years ago.
Jan has been and continues to be a great mother to our three children. Shelly our daughter-in-law is a wonderful mother to two amazing grandchildren. And five week's after giving birth to Amara, daughter Jeannie enjoys being a "Mom" on Mothers Day for the first time.
Here in Vietnam they don't celebrate Mothers Day, although the preacher in our local Ho Chi Minh congregation did preach on the theme of "Honour your Mother and Father" today. Instead they do celebrate Women's Day and on the Sunday nearest that day earlier this year, every woman was given a floral corsage as they entered the church sanctuary.
I love the fact (and have preached on the passage) that MattheW, in recording the genealogy of our Lord Jesus, inserts mention of four mothers. If you wonder how shockingly unusual this is, take a look at the many genealogies recorded in the OT, plus the one found in Luke 3. Then of course, Matthew's  genealogy ends with "Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called the Christ."
Mary, mother of our Lord, surely played a role that can hardly be overstated. No wonder she was shocked by the angel's announcement that she would give birth to the long awaited Messiah. Shocked not only because she was a virgin, but because out of the hundred's of thousands of Jewish mothers down through the centuries, she was chosen for this unique role.
Recently I read that a majority of women surveyed, voted for the 1970's being the best decade in which to be a mother. The accompanying comments noted how relaxed society and parenting was in that decade compared to the huge weight of expectations put on mothers in recent years (at least in western culture): to keep their children physically, emotionally and psychologically safe; to make sure they are properly stimulated toward personal growth in those early pre-school years; to make sure their little ones are exposed to all of the correct educational, cultural and athletic opportunities possible; in effect to be "super moms".
In light of that, on this Mothers Day, it would be enriching to pause and consider: what kind of weight was place on "super Mom" Mary during all of the years she was raising the one about whom she was told: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:32, 33
Sometimes you read about the challenge modern parents face who are raising very gifted child prodigies.
Imagine carrying the enormous responsibility, the huge weight of parenting THE unique child, Jesus! Thank you God for your grace to Mary. And thank you on this day for all mothers who have given so much to their children.

BALANCE IN BUSINESS

Many people in Ho Chi Minh work long hours. Some do it to survive - those who operate a street side kiosk or a small family grocery store. Young professionals and others work long hours because they are caught up in the popular myth that money buys happiness. I spoke recently with a young Vietnamese/American lawyer and he assured me that his hours were close to the equivalent long hours of an American lawyer. Chasing after wealth is a common human chase found in almost all cultures and countries. In this city of 8 - 10 million, many also have a long commute time.
The book of Proverbs provides perfectly balanced wisdom for work and the pursuit of wealth. Here are several examples that don't need any comment.
"Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone ---."23:4
"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." 24:33, 34
"--- give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say 'who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal and so dishonour the name of my God." 30:8, 9
Keep striving for the right balance in your work life and in your attitude toward money. This is an almost constant pursuit, for if we find the right balance it is usually not long before we swing out of balance again. If you regularly read the Bible, you will find much helpful wisdom on work and money beyond the three passages I've shared with you today.
  

BY TRANSLATION

Today I enjoyed a 40 minute meeting with two leaders of our Vietnam denomination. One speaks some English, the other almost none. I had a good translator with me. When preaching or teaching, you stop after every two or three sentences to allow the translator to give almost exactly the same information. However in a conversational meeting like we had today, the one who does not speak Vietnamese (that would be me) listens to 3 or 4 minutes of conversation, after which that person (me) receives a 30 second summary from the translator.
At the end of the meeting, I had a clear summary sense of the conversation and the agreed upon action plan. However there was a lot I missed, because of the language barrier. At the end of the conversation, I was asked about my Vietnamese language learning. I spoke one fluent sentence to them and then gave them the six phrases I regularly use in directing taxis. This demonstration of my language limitation drew large smiles.
Like all those who have not mastered Vietnamese, we daily live with communication limitations. You would think that there would be an even greater communication problem when with our human limitations we pray to the Divine, Unlimited One. Yet in fact we know that God never misunderstands us. Better yet, even when we fail to speak our inner thoughts, He knows what they are.
"The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his innermost being." Proverbs 20:27
How reassuring that God knows my innermost thoughts, longings and motives. How frightening that God knows my innermost thoughts, longings and motives! Truly our innermost being is naked and exposed before our Holy God.
Thankfully, we know that in Christ and his death, God offers us abundant forgiveness and grace. Scripture assures us that we are loved just as we are. In Christ we have a sympathetic High Priest who with great empathy hears our prayers. The Holy Spirit offers us help to clean up, not just our outer life and our spoken words, but our real inner person and our inner thoughts.
Thank you Lord, that we don't need a translator as we communicate with you. Or if in one sense we do, then we are provided the Holy Spirit who "intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26, 27

DESPERATE (HOUSE) WIVES

The book of Proverbs is such a practical book. The warnings regarding sexual immorality are very explicit. As an 18 year old I was irritated that my father read these x-rated passages for family devotions with my 14 year old sister present. Of course I suspect he was making sure his son was familiar with these warnings.
Three thousand years later, our world provides so much in your face sexual temptation: to fill your mind with immoral thoughts and to make immorality commonplace. Doesn't everyone on the screen (and in real life) fall into bed within hours of meeting? Or if they are the conservative type, they wait several days? Doesn't pornography spice up your love life? Doesn't our study of animals tied to evolution lead to the conclusion that we are not meant to be monogamous? And on and on and on ----.
God provides such explicit warning in Proverbs and other Scriptures. If people needed these warnings 3000 years ago, how much more do we need them today. There are a lot of desperate wives who wish their husbands would listen and learn from Scriptures that teach on sex. I can't quote all of the passages I have read over my last three days in the book of Proverbs. But here are a couple of the positive statements.
Following 14 verses warning against adultery, we read "--- may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer - may her breasts satisfy you always." Pr. 5: 15 - 19 Too many Christian men of all ages are looking for satisfaction in pornography when they should be cultivating their marriage relationship and yes, the physical intimacy part of that relationship. We need to pay more attention to the inspired words of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 7:3 - 5.
Much later we read in Proverbs 12:4: "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown". Too many men fail to enjoy this "crown" because they have betrayed and failed their wives and blown up their marriage.
After four decades of marriage, I am more in love and more grateful for Jan than ever. In the early years of marriage you must accept by faith that your love and intimacy will grow deeper and better if you continued to be faithful to God and each other. What Jan and I now share together after all these years - pride in each other's growth, wonderful (and a few painful) shared memories, relationship security, accepting and compensating for each others weaknesses, shared joy in three children, their spouses and three grandchildren - these are mostly lost when people walk away from their marriages.
So please men, if you are not learning to appreciate your wife more; if you are not adapting to her wants and needs; if you are not running away from pornography; if you are not being completely faithful to your God and your wife - please recognize you may be cultivating a desperate wife. Too many husbands wake up when it is too late. As their wounded wife finally gives up and departs the marriage, they suddenly realize all they are losing. And it is too late.
"But a man who commits adultery (or simulated adultery) lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself." Pr. 6:32

SLOW DOWN

Today, Jan visited the French/Vietnamese hospital for a small test. There was some difficulty with our credit card so she came home and then returned with cash to pay the bill. Fortunately there was one woman in the office who was still there. All others in the office and surrounding offices were already gone. It was noon, and like many places here, you don't conduct business there between 12:00 and 1:30.
Yesterday I met with someone from 11:00 until noon. While there were errands to run, I thought I would run into the same problem. So I put them off until today. As with so many warm countries, intelligent Vietnamese eat and rest at noon, even if by now many work in air conditioning.
Most Vietnamese have never heard of a power nap, but it is common to find people taking a nap at noon, or even at other times during the day. Not all businesses close their doors but if possible people expect to slow down for an hour or two.
We from the west know that our pace is far too fast. (Of course Chinese from Hong Kong or Shanghai might say our cities are too slow.) Life is often out of balance because we are moving too fast, allowing our lives to be filled with things that are important but not significant. I am reminded of my former Toronto dentist who did not see patients at the noon hour but instead napped on one of his dental chairs. Maybe that was why he seemed to smile easily.
You may not need a nap. But let me ask, do you have enough "slow by saying no" in your life right now? Should you eliminate a couple of things from your May/June schedule that are really not very important? Should you be planning now to take some healthy "slow" time in the summer? Do you need to carve out more daily time with God? Even if you don't keep a sabbath, do you slow down on Sundays at all?
Living in a cold climate is no excuse to live at a frenetic pace. You don't have to get stuck on "hurry" in order to stay warm. :)  Written while it is 36 degrees outside and only going down to 27 at night.

CANADIAN ELECTION

I followed the election campaign from afar by reading the Globe and Mail and the Calgary Herald on occasion. And today (Tuesday for us in Vietnam) I viewed with great interest the CBC Monday mid-night summary of the election as I ate lunch.
Astounding results! None of us who have followed Canadian elections over the decades could ever imagine either the Liberal Party doing so badly or the New Democrats doing so well. And did anyone really expect the Parti Quebecois to almost disappear? We can all hope and pray that the Conservative party will be great stewards in their new role as a majority government.
The interesting election results are not quite as dramatic as the changes that took place recently in Egypt or in Tunisia; and are still under way in several other countries. However they are a reminder of how quickly human leadership can change.
I am presently reading The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person by the late E. Stanley Jones, a long time missionary to India with a worldwide ministry for many decades. It is a little repetitious but great reading. Jones hammers away at the truth that there is only one "rule" and one Ruler who cannot be dislodged or ever replaced. It is inevitable that one day "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2
While that is the inevitable future, right now followers of Jesus continue to pray "Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We need to be committed to doing all we can to advance His Kingdom now. That starts by making sure my inner self is submitted absolutely to King Jesus I am His subject and disciple. Then we need to be doing what we can to: help others come to that same commitment of discipleship; to alleviate poverty and its causes; to advance the cause of justice; to help others live in accordance to Kingdom principles, etc.
So kudos to Stephen Harper and Jack Layton on the results of the election. May they and all Canadians understand how brief is their lifespan and learn to live in the light of the eternal Kingdom of God. 

THE LIVING WORD

I am a firm believer in reading Scripture daily and consecutively. God is gracious and when sincere believers are looking to Him for direction and help He may give them assurance and/or direction even though they may misuse the Bible. The Bible is not a magical book -  close your eyes, open at random and the verse you point at will be God's word for you; or a personal promise book - any promise, no matter if totally out of context, no matter how clearly given specifically to a specific biblical person is my promise.
Nonetheless it is the inspired Word of God, providing us with great wisdom and insight. As we fill our minds daily with God's thoughts, the Word is always helpful to us and sometimes will speak a rather personal word to us. I don't expect that to happen often, for I go to the Word to learn about God and about His great truths and principles for life. I learn from His Word about His character, His promises to all of us His children and His commands for all of us. But occasionally something seems especially personal.
Jan and I were discussing God's direction briefly this morning prior to each taking personal time with the Word and prayer. We discussed the variety of happenings and conversations that we need to consider as we seek God's guidance for what is happening - or not happening yet - here in Ho Chi Minh.
When our conversation finished, I began to read Psalm 139, where I left off reading yesterday. I stopped, smiled, and shared the latter part of verse 8 with Jan. "if I settle on the far side of the sea, even then your hand will guide me." Well, we have gone to the far side of a sea much larger than the psalmist could ever imagine. And yes, we believe this truth as deeply as he did. God's hand will guide us, no matter on which side of the ocean we may be living.
Simple truth, obvious and stated many times in Scripture. But this morning, phrased in just the way it was, it seemed an especially fitting affirmation for us today. And I respond with the psalmist "Oh how I love your law (your Word) O Lord."
When you read the Bible daily, pay attention. You never know when a familiar passage may suddenly become very personal and relevant for this day, right where you are. Watch for it.

FREEDOM

Yesterday, April 30, was a national holiday here in Vietnam.  Liberation Day commemorates the end of what is in much of the world known as the Vietnam War. On April 30, 1975, the capital of the South, Saigon, fell to the forces of North Vietnam. That day, after many terrible years of war,and mi the tanks rumbled through the city, burst through the gates and entered the Presidential Palace (now a historic tourist place known as the Reunification Palace) grounds in the heart of the city.
Liberation or freedom has always been a human quest. It is pursued on the personal and community level. Two thousand years ago Jesus spoke to the human need for freedom. His statement has been often misunderstood and misconstrued because so often misquoted or quoted only in part. "The truth shall set you free."
Many educators have thought that the pursuit of truth is enough; that somehow discovering scientific truth about our world, or about ourselves would somehow set us free. The results of our great increase in knowledge clearly prove their misunderstanding. Others in the media or in politics have also quoted "the truth shall set you free" as though their quest to discover the hard facts about "what really happened" or "what that person really will do" would somehow bring freedom.
However Jesus was talking about absolute, life changing, eternity changing liberation. Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." He was calling his listeners to become his disciples, to submit their wills and their lives to Him. What appears to be absolute slavery - submitting to Christ as our absolute Master - in fact brings us in touch with ultimate truth and ultimate liberation.
When this happens (when we become true disciples) we are freed to become all we were created to be.
When this happens we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) so that we can know God's truth and to apply it especial to all of our relationships. We are given the Holy Spirit's power to be freed from the sinful habits and addictions which have enslaved us.
We not only can comprehend the truth but have the power  to let that truth set us free to live as God means us to live. Here is the paradox: when we give up our personal freedom; when we submit ourselves absolutely to the King (Jesus) and to His Kingdom (or reign/rule) we then enter the freedom of true self fulfillment. We are free to reach our true God given potential. We are free to live a life of love. We are free to become like Jesus. Imagine what would happen if everyone who claims to be a Christian were to truly live like this. We would transform society.
So Jesus taught us to pray: "Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."