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?