I’m a bit of a news junkie. Well, maybe a bit more than a bit. Florence would likely say I’m a news addict. I know that some of you don’t watch the news at all because you find it depressing. Thing is, I never watched the news before I became a Christian for the simple reason that I just didn’t care. I simply preferred to be entertained and the news is not that. After I became a follower of Christ, I quickly developed more of a conscience for the world I live in. And, as a pastor, I feel it is an important part of my responsibility as someone in leadership to actually know what’s going on! I admit that a lot of the time it is slanted, sensationalized, frustrating and all the rest (to be honest I enjoy the challenge of sorting it out). But I just can’t imagine, at least not now, living in the world without being aware of what is happening locally, regionally, nationally and globally. After all, we are all related, whether we like to acknowledge it or not. I know that now.
Lately of course, two major stories completely dominate the Canadian media – the election and the royal wedding, and not necessarily in that order. It is a bit of a fanfare that they are taking place at the same time; these two completely unrelated events. Or so it seems. It wasn’t until just recently that it dawned on me; the close correlation between the two. True, they are very different in nature and they don’t look anything alike, apart from the media blitz. But they are very related. They are both about governance. I know that they keep insisting that the wedding is not a political event, but we are talking about royalty (IE. kingdom), whether the monarchy is only a figurehead or not.
It’s fascinating to peruse world history and see this as one of the most significant and common threads that runs through life from beginning to end. We certainly have a love-hate relationship when it comes to the concept. I guess it’s quite natural really. We resent being bossed around or told what to do. But we love to think we have someone watching out for us, fighting our battles and being there when we need them to hear our cause and to hopefully take it up. We like to do our own thing but then we want someone else to blame when those things don’t work out for us the way we think they should.
When I started this post, I had no idea where I was going with it. Now, as I look back over what I have just written, I have no idea where I’m going with it! How about this - most people tend to feel the same way about God. They resent the dictatorial nature of His involvement in their lives wishing instead that He would just mind His own business so they can just do as they please. But, wow, do they ever like to blame Him for everything on the planet that doesn’t go the way they think it should; from a flat tire in the driveway to the famine in Africa. It’s kind of ironic isn’t it! We have both the need for and the resentment of authority.
I’m caused to consider, that should we take the kind of responsibility for our lives to do what is right and just and good and to really follow God’s directives in good conscience, whether we would continue to resent His ‘intrusion’, or whether we would then begin to understand His good-will and to earnestly seek His personal involvement; something He is undoubtedly waiting for. And then He will be more than just a figurehead and have more than just a title. He will actually be our King and the Lord of our lives.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Renting Of The Veil
Probably more than any other literary work, the Bible uses incredible symbolism to get its message across. Not only is there a seemingly endless number of symbols employed in Scripture, the quality of the metaphors is without equal.
The Bible teaches that life is relational in nature and that our relationship with our Creator God is the very source of life. To be separated from Him is to die. The Bible also teaches that the entrance of sin into the world effectively severed that relationship for every one of us. We are estranged from God, separated from Him by our sinful state and, in the words of the apostle Paul, we are ‘dead in our sins’.
This separation from God is pictured in numerous ways throughout Scripture, but one of the most striking examples is the curtain (‘the veil’) that hung in the tabernacle, and then in the temple modeled after it, serving as a divider separating the holy place from the most holy place (also called ‘the holy of holies’) where God was said to dwell among His people. God had ordained it to be so, graphically depicting the barrier that exists between a holy God and sinful men. The book of Exodus records God’s instructions to Moses on how to fashion this thick veil from blue, purple and scarlet materials and fine twisted linen. (Ex 26:31,33)
The Jewish Talmud speaks of the veil that hung in the temple of Jesus’ day (often referred to as Herod’s temple) as being the thickness of a man’s hand and woven of seventy-two cords, each cord consisting of twenty-four strands. It was said to be forty cubits long and twenty wide. A cubit was the distance from the elbow to the finger tips or approximately 18 inches. This would make the veil 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. It is said to have the labor of 82 women to weave such a work and 300 priests to wash it if it became soiled (‘unclean’). They also tell us that it was replaced twice a year! The famous first century Jewish historian Josephus recorded the veil to be four inches thick and that horses tied to each side could not have pulled it apart.
The profound symbolism of the veil didn’t end with it’s mere existence though. This coming Friday is Good Friday and our minds are focused on the death of Christ. The gospel writers Matthew, Mark and Luke, each mention the veil in the temple being torn in two at the exact moment of Jesus’ death upon the cross (Mt 27:51; Mk 15:38; Lk 23:45). Matthew and Mark both describe another detail – it tore from top to bottom.
This last bit of information is of the utmost importance because it means that the veil did not tear of any natural cause, such as the earthquake that occurred at that same moment for example. Any natural phenomenon would have resulted in the veil being torn from the bottom according to simple physics. The obvious deduction we are to take from this is that God Himself tore the temple veil. There is no other explanation.
Neither do we have to speculate about the significance of this act. Hebrews 9:1-9 explains the significance of the veil in the OT temple design and function. And then in Hebrews chapter 10 we have these words:
“19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:19-25
This is a wow moment. God tore that veil. As surely as He allowed His Son to be pierced and to suffer and die paying the price for your sins and mine, God tore that veil. And in so doing, He made a way, removing the barrier so that you and I could be restored back into relationship with Him. It is sensational! He didn’t just remove it. He didn’t just roll it up or lay it aside. He ripped it open. A violent act in keeping with the slaughter of His Son. Because He was making a statement! It is God being emphatic. Don’t you just love that! I can just picture those priests in the temple when that all went down! Praise God!
“We implore you on Christ’s behalf - Be reconciled to God.” 2Cor 5:20
The Bible teaches that life is relational in nature and that our relationship with our Creator God is the very source of life. To be separated from Him is to die. The Bible also teaches that the entrance of sin into the world effectively severed that relationship for every one of us. We are estranged from God, separated from Him by our sinful state and, in the words of the apostle Paul, we are ‘dead in our sins’.
This separation from God is pictured in numerous ways throughout Scripture, but one of the most striking examples is the curtain (‘the veil’) that hung in the tabernacle, and then in the temple modeled after it, serving as a divider separating the holy place from the most holy place (also called ‘the holy of holies’) where God was said to dwell among His people. God had ordained it to be so, graphically depicting the barrier that exists between a holy God and sinful men. The book of Exodus records God’s instructions to Moses on how to fashion this thick veil from blue, purple and scarlet materials and fine twisted linen. (Ex 26:31,33)
The Jewish Talmud speaks of the veil that hung in the temple of Jesus’ day (often referred to as Herod’s temple) as being the thickness of a man’s hand and woven of seventy-two cords, each cord consisting of twenty-four strands. It was said to be forty cubits long and twenty wide. A cubit was the distance from the elbow to the finger tips or approximately 18 inches. This would make the veil 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. It is said to have the labor of 82 women to weave such a work and 300 priests to wash it if it became soiled (‘unclean’). They also tell us that it was replaced twice a year! The famous first century Jewish historian Josephus recorded the veil to be four inches thick and that horses tied to each side could not have pulled it apart.
The profound symbolism of the veil didn’t end with it’s mere existence though. This coming Friday is Good Friday and our minds are focused on the death of Christ. The gospel writers Matthew, Mark and Luke, each mention the veil in the temple being torn in two at the exact moment of Jesus’ death upon the cross (Mt 27:51; Mk 15:38; Lk 23:45). Matthew and Mark both describe another detail – it tore from top to bottom.
This last bit of information is of the utmost importance because it means that the veil did not tear of any natural cause, such as the earthquake that occurred at that same moment for example. Any natural phenomenon would have resulted in the veil being torn from the bottom according to simple physics. The obvious deduction we are to take from this is that God Himself tore the temple veil. There is no other explanation.
Neither do we have to speculate about the significance of this act. Hebrews 9:1-9 explains the significance of the veil in the OT temple design and function. And then in Hebrews chapter 10 we have these words:
“19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:19-25
This is a wow moment. God tore that veil. As surely as He allowed His Son to be pierced and to suffer and die paying the price for your sins and mine, God tore that veil. And in so doing, He made a way, removing the barrier so that you and I could be restored back into relationship with Him. It is sensational! He didn’t just remove it. He didn’t just roll it up or lay it aside. He ripped it open. A violent act in keeping with the slaughter of His Son. Because He was making a statement! It is God being emphatic. Don’t you just love that! I can just picture those priests in the temple when that all went down! Praise God!
“We implore you on Christ’s behalf - Be reconciled to God.” 2Cor 5:20
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Does God Answer Prayer?
This week for us is a week of prayer. We are doing the 24-7 Prayer experience. Some of our more creative people have converted a classroom into an amazing world within walls that is nothing short of, in a word – inspirational. I was only in the prayer room about 5 minutes before I found myself overwhelmed. Was it the presence of God you might ask? Not exactly. I am very thankful for God’s presence each and every day of my life and I am more or less aware of His presence in all kinds of different ways and places. So why was I overwhelmed? Because the work done by the prayer team in conjunction with the decorating team is of such quality that it elicits prayer and praise. They have created a space in time for us that lifts our hearts. You can’t be there and not pray. This is pretty significant for me. You see, a lot of the time, I have to fight TO pray. It’s hard. In this world prayer is one of those things that can often require a lot of discipline. In the world of the prayer room, however, it would have been a fight NOT to pray! They have done a truly great work.
So, in light of our ‘season’ of prayer, I thought that I would offer a few words about prayer that I believe are important. I have been learning lately how everything in my life and ministry needs to be relational in nature. Evangelism needs to be relational. Discipleship needs to be relational. Preaching needs to be relational. Prayer needs to be relational. That is to say that prayer is never an end in itself. Just as I study the Bible, not just to know stuff or even just to know about God, but to better know Him, so I pray, not just to get stuff or see things happen, but in order to become more intimate with Him.
A blog post caught my eye the other day. It was one by Dave Miller entitled ‘God Doesn’t Answer Prayer’. (SBC Impact, Mar 18/2011) Yeah, you’re probably thinking the same thing I was when I first saw it!!! And, yes, he admitted in the article that he was giving in to the temptation to be a little bit provocative with that title, but he did have a point. What could possibly have been his point you might be asking? It was this: “God doesn’t answer prayer, He answers PEOPLE!”
Think about it. Prayer in and of itself is not a virtue. In fact, the Bible speaks of times when God says that prayer can be abominable to Him … “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen”. It says He resists the proud but “a contrite spirit [He] will never despise”. It says that if we humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, THEN He will “hear from heaven and will forgive [our] sin and heal [our] land.”
Jesus said that we will receive what we ask for when we ask in His name? What does that really mean? A lot of commentary has been offered as an explanation and a lot of good thoughts on the subject are available. But it got me thinking about the passage in the book of Acts that tells about the seven sons of Sceva. Maybe you aren’t familiar with that one or it’s been a while, so take a look…
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (Acts 19:13-16)
Everything is relational, whether we realize it or not. It isn’t about what we do. It isn’t even about what happens. It’s about seeking Him. Do you have a personal relationship with Christ? Do you know Him? Does He know you?! If so, then you have the most amazing privilege that there is. You can call on Him, anywhere, anytime and He will answer you.
So, in light of our ‘season’ of prayer, I thought that I would offer a few words about prayer that I believe are important. I have been learning lately how everything in my life and ministry needs to be relational in nature. Evangelism needs to be relational. Discipleship needs to be relational. Preaching needs to be relational. Prayer needs to be relational. That is to say that prayer is never an end in itself. Just as I study the Bible, not just to know stuff or even just to know about God, but to better know Him, so I pray, not just to get stuff or see things happen, but in order to become more intimate with Him.
A blog post caught my eye the other day. It was one by Dave Miller entitled ‘God Doesn’t Answer Prayer’. (SBC Impact, Mar 18/2011) Yeah, you’re probably thinking the same thing I was when I first saw it!!! And, yes, he admitted in the article that he was giving in to the temptation to be a little bit provocative with that title, but he did have a point. What could possibly have been his point you might be asking? It was this: “God doesn’t answer prayer, He answers PEOPLE!”
Think about it. Prayer in and of itself is not a virtue. In fact, the Bible speaks of times when God says that prayer can be abominable to Him … “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen”. It says He resists the proud but “a contrite spirit [He] will never despise”. It says that if we humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, THEN He will “hear from heaven and will forgive [our] sin and heal [our] land.”
Jesus said that we will receive what we ask for when we ask in His name? What does that really mean? A lot of commentary has been offered as an explanation and a lot of good thoughts on the subject are available. But it got me thinking about the passage in the book of Acts that tells about the seven sons of Sceva. Maybe you aren’t familiar with that one or it’s been a while, so take a look…
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (Acts 19:13-16)
Everything is relational, whether we realize it or not. It isn’t about what we do. It isn’t even about what happens. It’s about seeking Him. Do you have a personal relationship with Christ? Do you know Him? Does He know you?! If so, then you have the most amazing privilege that there is. You can call on Him, anywhere, anytime and He will answer you.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Blog
What can be more redundant than a blog post about blogging? Well, maybe a few things but not many. The thing is, a few people have brought it to my attention that they are unable to use the comment feature on this blog. When they click on the ‘comments’ button it gives them a hard time about one thing or another. As they say, technology is great when it works!
What I am wondering is if we could try and see just how big this problem is. I have done a little research online and it appears that others are having similar problems. Blogs are supposed to have an interactive feature, and I have really appreciated the comments that have come at times from some of you, but it hasn’t ever really become much of a dialogue. So I would like to address this problem as much as it proves possible and hopefully increase the interactive function of this means of ‘sharing the journey’ with you.
Here’s what I am asking you to do. Simply click on the ‘comments’ button at the bottom of this article and see if it will allow you to post a comment. If it does, then I will get it and publish it. If it doesn’t, could you please email me and let me know exactly what happened when you tried. We may be able to do some trouble shooting and find out what is going on. I really appreciate your help with this. So here goes.
What I am wondering is if we could try and see just how big this problem is. I have done a little research online and it appears that others are having similar problems. Blogs are supposed to have an interactive feature, and I have really appreciated the comments that have come at times from some of you, but it hasn’t ever really become much of a dialogue. So I would like to address this problem as much as it proves possible and hopefully increase the interactive function of this means of ‘sharing the journey’ with you.
Here’s what I am asking you to do. Simply click on the ‘comments’ button at the bottom of this article and see if it will allow you to post a comment. If it does, then I will get it and publish it. If it doesn’t, could you please email me and let me know exactly what happened when you tried. We may be able to do some trouble shooting and find out what is going on. I really appreciate your help with this. So here goes.
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