Fourth Sunday of Lent
Ephesians 2:1-10
"...even when we were dead in our trespasses and sins, [God] made us alive together with Christ" Ephesians 2:5a.
In this epistle the scene has been set. The blessings that are ours in Christ have been proclaimed - chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgive, sealed (1:10-19). The purposes of God have been declared - unity of all things in Him. The power of God has been asserted, and the reality proclaimed - all things are under the authority of Christ. We are urged to set our hope in Him.
Why? Because in Christ we are made alive.
There is a passive at work here. We did not come alive - God made us alive. It is his power that ser us free, it is His mercy that forgave us, and His love that embraces us. There is nothing we can do that will save us - it is God's power that does this. His work in Christ allows us to walk out the prison doors, which he has unlocked. Our faith in what Christ has done enables us to enter this new life.
Then what? What is required of us?
In one sense - nothing! But since God has freed us, why wouldn't we want to serve Him and do the works of the one who has given us life?
We have been made alive in Christ. Our lives should be spent in a way that will honour the One who gives us life. Let us do the good works prepared for us.
Friday, March 27, 2009
March 22 Gospel
Fourth Sunday of Lent
John 3:14-21
"Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that thier deeds have been done in God" John 3:21
There are some very familiar words in this passage.
John 3:16 is the 'gospel in a nutshell' - a succinct expression of what the coming of Jesus into the world is all about. It is this verse that is trumpeted freely - and it is one of the verses that can add weight to the criticism of the Christian message being all about life in heaven, ' pie-in-the-sky' faith. The message of John 3:17 - a message of grace - is often overlooked, but the concluding verse just seem to be ignored.
The theme of light versus darkness runs throughout John's gospel. Here we find that contrast again. Those who do evil hate the light. If they came to the light their actions would be evident to all, and they would be exposed for what they are.
There are some things that we would all rather not expose to the world - and it is right and proper that the intimate relationships of marriage are not exposed to all. But our lives should be open to others - at least to some degree. In the area of sexuality those whose proclivities are outside the acceptable norm often move away from where they are known to indulge in their depravities. Those unable to do so try to keep their activities secret by means of deception and threat.
On our journeys over recent days there have been articles about corruption in South Africa and Tanzania. In South Africa the police chief proclaimed his innocence, and appealed for his challengers to bring forth the information so he could face them in court. In Dar Es Salaam the accused did not turn up at court, and could not be found.
For me there are two causes for sadness in these events.
The first is that in economically underdeveloped countries some people take advantage of positions of power to steal funds that can make life so much better for their people. Even when they are well provided for themselves, they take advantage of their position for greater personal gain. It is an on-going issue that is not confined to underdeveloped countries. In Australia it was revealed that some government staff received increases in pay at the same time as he Prime Minister was calling for wage restraint in tough economic times. Maybe they earned this pay increase, maybe they deserved this reward - but it was in stark contrast to the fire fighters (some of them volunteers) who will receive verbal acclamation and public praise, but will no get any extra money for risking their lives to save the property and possessions of others.
While not on the same scale as the alleged fraud in Tanzania the underlying motives are closely aligned - I deserve more for what I do, and my financial reward is more important that the 'public interest'. At least in Australia it was transparent, even if ill timed.
My second sadness is that innocent people, accused unjustly, are tainted and stained by accusation alone. It is my prayer that when the light shines brightly innocence will be seen by all, and the motivation behind false accusations will be brought to light.
At Lent, he challenge for disciples of Jesus is to live transparent lives, to invite the light of Christ shine not only upon our actions, but also on our motivation as well.
John 3:14-21
"Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that thier deeds have been done in God" John 3:21
There are some very familiar words in this passage.
John 3:16 is the 'gospel in a nutshell' - a succinct expression of what the coming of Jesus into the world is all about. It is this verse that is trumpeted freely - and it is one of the verses that can add weight to the criticism of the Christian message being all about life in heaven, ' pie-in-the-sky' faith. The message of John 3:17 - a message of grace - is often overlooked, but the concluding verse just seem to be ignored.
The theme of light versus darkness runs throughout John's gospel. Here we find that contrast again. Those who do evil hate the light. If they came to the light their actions would be evident to all, and they would be exposed for what they are.
There are some things that we would all rather not expose to the world - and it is right and proper that the intimate relationships of marriage are not exposed to all. But our lives should be open to others - at least to some degree. In the area of sexuality those whose proclivities are outside the acceptable norm often move away from where they are known to indulge in their depravities. Those unable to do so try to keep their activities secret by means of deception and threat.
On our journeys over recent days there have been articles about corruption in South Africa and Tanzania. In South Africa the police chief proclaimed his innocence, and appealed for his challengers to bring forth the information so he could face them in court. In Dar Es Salaam the accused did not turn up at court, and could not be found.
For me there are two causes for sadness in these events.
The first is that in economically underdeveloped countries some people take advantage of positions of power to steal funds that can make life so much better for their people. Even when they are well provided for themselves, they take advantage of their position for greater personal gain. It is an on-going issue that is not confined to underdeveloped countries. In Australia it was revealed that some government staff received increases in pay at the same time as he Prime Minister was calling for wage restraint in tough economic times. Maybe they earned this pay increase, maybe they deserved this reward - but it was in stark contrast to the fire fighters (some of them volunteers) who will receive verbal acclamation and public praise, but will no get any extra money for risking their lives to save the property and possessions of others.
While not on the same scale as the alleged fraud in Tanzania the underlying motives are closely aligned - I deserve more for what I do, and my financial reward is more important that the 'public interest'. At least in Australia it was transparent, even if ill timed.
My second sadness is that innocent people, accused unjustly, are tainted and stained by accusation alone. It is my prayer that when the light shines brightly innocence will be seen by all, and the motivation behind false accusations will be brought to light.
At Lent, he challenge for disciples of Jesus is to live transparent lives, to invite the light of Christ shine not only upon our actions, but also on our motivation as well.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
March 15 - Epistle
Third Sunday in Lent
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
"For since, in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe" (1 Cor 1:21)
The world did not know God through wisdom!
An intelligent and articulate man, the apostle Paul addressed the 'wise men' of Corinth and reminds them tat it was not human wisdom that saved them - it was belief in the message about Jesus Christ, Son of God - crucified yet risen again, the One in whom is salvation.
Truly it makes little sense - but the reality around us reveals that human wisdom has not saved us. It may have made life a little better - but we still suffer and die, and people are still abused, mistreated, and oppressed even by their own tribe or race. We may have more control over our personal environment - but nature still unleashes forces that we cannot control.
If we cannot exercise ultimate control in the physical realm how can we expect to have any control in the realm of the Spirit, or any control over our final destiny?
Yet God - in what to human wisdom does seem foolish - took on human form in Christ, suffered and died at the hands of broken humanity, and rose again to reveal his power over death, For us it seems upside down - the power of God should be exercised with strength and might, imposing God's will on all. Yet that is not the way of God, who chose the path of suffering and vulnerability.
It is then our choice to believe and follow.
It is in our hands to chose our eternal destiny - God in grace gives us the choice. In ultimate terms, it is foolishness NOT to believe.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
"For since, in the wisdom of God the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe" (1 Cor 1:21)
The world did not know God through wisdom!
An intelligent and articulate man, the apostle Paul addressed the 'wise men' of Corinth and reminds them tat it was not human wisdom that saved them - it was belief in the message about Jesus Christ, Son of God - crucified yet risen again, the One in whom is salvation.
Truly it makes little sense - but the reality around us reveals that human wisdom has not saved us. It may have made life a little better - but we still suffer and die, and people are still abused, mistreated, and oppressed even by their own tribe or race. We may have more control over our personal environment - but nature still unleashes forces that we cannot control.
If we cannot exercise ultimate control in the physical realm how can we expect to have any control in the realm of the Spirit, or any control over our final destiny?
Yet God - in what to human wisdom does seem foolish - took on human form in Christ, suffered and died at the hands of broken humanity, and rose again to reveal his power over death, For us it seems upside down - the power of God should be exercised with strength and might, imposing God's will on all. Yet that is not the way of God, who chose the path of suffering and vulnerability.
It is then our choice to believe and follow.
It is in our hands to chose our eternal destiny - God in grace gives us the choice. In ultimate terms, it is foolishness NOT to believe.
March 15 - Gospel
Third Sunday in Lent
John 2:13-22
"His disciples remembered that it was written 'Zeal for you house shall consume me'" (John 2:17).
The first disciples had been called to follow Jesus (1:35-51) and in John's gospel the first miracle had been performed (2:1-12). It was near the time of the Passover, and Jesus went to Jerusalem, There he observed the trading of cattle, sheep, and doves. There he witnessed the changing of money - and he drove out the traders with a whip of cords. For Mark, Matthew and Luke this incident is the key, the trigger or catalyst to the Passion narrative. In John's gospel it is this event that marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry. In the synoptic gospels there is an order that builds the tension and leads to the cross.
For John also there is an order - but his order and approach is different. Chronology is not so important - the revelation of Jesus is!
Here in the cleansing of the Temple two things become clear,
First is the zeal, passion and commitment Jesus has for the house of God, and for the things of God. It is this passion that impels him to drive out those who had made the Temple grounds a market place (2:15-18).
Second is the prediction of his death and resurrection (2:19-21).
During this time of Lent we do well to reflect on those things that have intruded into the temple that is our body, and into lives that should be dedicated to God.
It is easy to allow the activities and the business of the world around us to fill our time and drain our energy so that our service for God is hampered. Our attention may be on trading (our careers, money, business) on entertainments, on health and fitness, on family - such that we are not open to allow space and freedom for God to move in us. Perhaps we may have given in to some temptation or 'besetting sin' or addiction that has taken over our lives almost completely. On the other hand it is also possible to have too much of a good thing, and be so busy working for God that we no longer have time to wait on God!
For us, as for the Temple, there are times when a good clean out is needed.
John 2:13-22
"His disciples remembered that it was written 'Zeal for you house shall consume me'" (John 2:17).
The first disciples had been called to follow Jesus (1:35-51) and in John's gospel the first miracle had been performed (2:1-12). It was near the time of the Passover, and Jesus went to Jerusalem, There he observed the trading of cattle, sheep, and doves. There he witnessed the changing of money - and he drove out the traders with a whip of cords. For Mark, Matthew and Luke this incident is the key, the trigger or catalyst to the Passion narrative. In John's gospel it is this event that marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry. In the synoptic gospels there is an order that builds the tension and leads to the cross.
For John also there is an order - but his order and approach is different. Chronology is not so important - the revelation of Jesus is!
Here in the cleansing of the Temple two things become clear,
First is the zeal, passion and commitment Jesus has for the house of God, and for the things of God. It is this passion that impels him to drive out those who had made the Temple grounds a market place (2:15-18).
Second is the prediction of his death and resurrection (2:19-21).
During this time of Lent we do well to reflect on those things that have intruded into the temple that is our body, and into lives that should be dedicated to God.
It is easy to allow the activities and the business of the world around us to fill our time and drain our energy so that our service for God is hampered. Our attention may be on trading (our careers, money, business) on entertainments, on health and fitness, on family - such that we are not open to allow space and freedom for God to move in us. Perhaps we may have given in to some temptation or 'besetting sin' or addiction that has taken over our lives almost completely. On the other hand it is also possible to have too much of a good thing, and be so busy working for God that we no longer have time to wait on God!
For us, as for the Temple, there are times when a good clean out is needed.
March 8 - Epislte
Second Sunday of Lent
Romans 4:3-25
"Therefore his faith was reckoned to him as righteousness" Rom. 4:22
"We hold that a person is justified but faith apart from works prescribed by the law." Rom. 3:28
That we all fall short of the glory of God because we have sinned has been declared. Justification by grace has been asserted - and that grace affirmed as a gift from God through Jesus Christ.
In a section that seems to have the Jewish believers as its target audience Paul draws on the example of Abraham, and uses the Hebrew Scriptures in support of his argument.
Abraham was "reckoned to be righteous" - and that reckoning came before he was circumcised. It is faith that counts for righteousness, not circumcision - and the law was introduced well after the practice of circumcision. It is not the law and obedience to it that makes us righteous, it is faith,
The term 'reckoned' is apparently an accounting term. It refers to the idea of taking an account.
Abraham's journey of obedience to God had been a long one. He had not always acted in straightforward manner, especially when it came to ensuring his own survival (Gen 12:10-20; 20:1-18). Yet his faith in saying YES to God and leaving Haran, his faith in saying YES to God and offering his son, his faith in saying YES to God and believing in God for descendants was credited, accounted, or reckoned to him as righteousness.
Moses was the great law-giver, but Abraham preceded him. Without having the law, without the rules and regulations to follow, Abraham was counted a righteous man because of his faith in God. This did not mean he was without his flaws, far from it, but it did mean that his faith in God was seen in his actions, and it was recognized by the One who called him. His faith in God resulted in Abraham being the father of a mighty nation.
None of us are without flaws, but through faith in Christ we can also be reckoned as righteous. Like Abraham of old, our faith will then be evidenced by our obedience.
Romans 4:3-25
"Therefore his faith was reckoned to him as righteousness" Rom. 4:22
"We hold that a person is justified but faith apart from works prescribed by the law." Rom. 3:28
That we all fall short of the glory of God because we have sinned has been declared. Justification by grace has been asserted - and that grace affirmed as a gift from God through Jesus Christ.
In a section that seems to have the Jewish believers as its target audience Paul draws on the example of Abraham, and uses the Hebrew Scriptures in support of his argument.
Abraham was "reckoned to be righteous" - and that reckoning came before he was circumcised. It is faith that counts for righteousness, not circumcision - and the law was introduced well after the practice of circumcision. It is not the law and obedience to it that makes us righteous, it is faith,
The term 'reckoned' is apparently an accounting term. It refers to the idea of taking an account.
Abraham's journey of obedience to God had been a long one. He had not always acted in straightforward manner, especially when it came to ensuring his own survival (Gen 12:10-20; 20:1-18). Yet his faith in saying YES to God and leaving Haran, his faith in saying YES to God and offering his son, his faith in saying YES to God and believing in God for descendants was credited, accounted, or reckoned to him as righteousness.
Moses was the great law-giver, but Abraham preceded him. Without having the law, without the rules and regulations to follow, Abraham was counted a righteous man because of his faith in God. This did not mean he was without his flaws, far from it, but it did mean that his faith in God was seen in his actions, and it was recognized by the One who called him. His faith in God resulted in Abraham being the father of a mighty nation.
None of us are without flaws, but through faith in Christ we can also be reckoned as righteous. Like Abraham of old, our faith will then be evidenced by our obedience.
March 8 - Gospel
Second Sunday in Lent
Mark 8:31-38
'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me' Mark 8:34
Peter has responded to Jesus question "Who do you say that I am?" with an emphatic "You are the Messiah". For Peter that meant Jesus as God's anointed, the one to restore the fortunes of Israel and rebuild David's kingdom. For Jesus to talk of his suffering and death was not only uncomfortable, but also ridiculous. Surely it could not be God's plan to deliver his people by having the Deliverer killed!
Peter took Jesus aside and told him so. Peter effectively told Jesus that he should stop talking such nonsense.
Jesus put Peter straight publicly - even using such strong words as "Get behind me Satan!" Such words must have stung Peter, and certainly would have scared the disciples who heard them uttered.
It would not be surprising if Peter were the spokesperson for the others. He was after all the prominent disciple, and the one most likely to express his thoughts.
Jesus turned his attention "the crowd with the disciples"(NIV). Mark's use of terms suggests that they were not just 'crowds' but a large group who also opted to tag along with Jesus and the disciples. These were interested inquirers, people who had come past the mere curiosity stage to the point where they were learning more about Jesus and his teaching, and may have been considering their response to him. For Mark the term disciples, at this stage anyway, appears to be reserved for the Twelve. These were people who were interested, but not yet committed to the same degree that the disciples were.
To them, and now to us, Jesus issued a challenge - "If you want to be my followers, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me." (8:34)
Deny yourself! Not easy words in the developed world where individualism is rampant. It's all about me, and if I don't get my way it isn't fair....
Not easy words in the East, where family and honour are ingrained in the psyche. There it might mean separation from family and from those on whom you depend, or who depend on you! Not easy words at any time or in any place.
The paradoxical statement about saving your life and losing it challenges us still. Losing our lives for the sake of the gospel...martyrdom, loss of independence, giving up of dreams, ending of hopes, offering our future into another's hands...it is the way of salvation. And salvation is for here and now, and for the 'ever after'. Salvation includes peace, prosperity, security, health, family and future. It is an all-embracing concept - and it includes life with purpose and meaning. This is what Jesus offers. Yet we must be prepared to risk all we have and all we are if we are to be 'saved'.
Here is the choice. Trust our lives into the hands of Christ - or go our own way.
Jesus did not offer any soft options either. Here he used the image of the cross, the Roman instrument of capital punishment. Rebel against their rule and you were likely to find yourself strung up on one, to die a slow and agonising death. Those who hard these words would have seen rebels left hanging on crosses as a warning to others of the folly and results of rebellion. Jesus placed this stark choice before them...if you want to follow me you must be prepared to die. Interestingly enough that was what might await rebels who sought to restore the kingdom of David.
Jesus made it patently obvious that following him as not going to be easy - it demands our whole lives. Following Jesus is not all plain sailing, material blessings, and only happiness. But to follow Jesus will bring eternal rewards and present rewards that cannot be measured in material terms. Not to follow Jesus, to choose 'the whole world' as your profit will never lead to satisfaction, the profit will never be enough.
During this time of Lent we reflect on what Jesus gave up for us, and on the choices that Jesus lays before us if we follow him.
Lord, help us to listen to what you have to say about our choices, and to be ready to say NO to self interest and comfort, and YES to what You desire of us.
Mark 8:31-38
'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me' Mark 8:34
Peter has responded to Jesus question "Who do you say that I am?" with an emphatic "You are the Messiah". For Peter that meant Jesus as God's anointed, the one to restore the fortunes of Israel and rebuild David's kingdom. For Jesus to talk of his suffering and death was not only uncomfortable, but also ridiculous. Surely it could not be God's plan to deliver his people by having the Deliverer killed!
Peter took Jesus aside and told him so. Peter effectively told Jesus that he should stop talking such nonsense.
Jesus put Peter straight publicly - even using such strong words as "Get behind me Satan!" Such words must have stung Peter, and certainly would have scared the disciples who heard them uttered.
It would not be surprising if Peter were the spokesperson for the others. He was after all the prominent disciple, and the one most likely to express his thoughts.
Jesus turned his attention "the crowd with the disciples"(NIV). Mark's use of terms suggests that they were not just 'crowds' but a large group who also opted to tag along with Jesus and the disciples. These were interested inquirers, people who had come past the mere curiosity stage to the point where they were learning more about Jesus and his teaching, and may have been considering their response to him. For Mark the term disciples, at this stage anyway, appears to be reserved for the Twelve. These were people who were interested, but not yet committed to the same degree that the disciples were.
To them, and now to us, Jesus issued a challenge - "If you want to be my followers, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me." (8:34)
Deny yourself! Not easy words in the developed world where individualism is rampant. It's all about me, and if I don't get my way it isn't fair....
Not easy words in the East, where family and honour are ingrained in the psyche. There it might mean separation from family and from those on whom you depend, or who depend on you! Not easy words at any time or in any place.
The paradoxical statement about saving your life and losing it challenges us still. Losing our lives for the sake of the gospel...martyrdom, loss of independence, giving up of dreams, ending of hopes, offering our future into another's hands...it is the way of salvation. And salvation is for here and now, and for the 'ever after'. Salvation includes peace, prosperity, security, health, family and future. It is an all-embracing concept - and it includes life with purpose and meaning. This is what Jesus offers. Yet we must be prepared to risk all we have and all we are if we are to be 'saved'.
Here is the choice. Trust our lives into the hands of Christ - or go our own way.
Jesus did not offer any soft options either. Here he used the image of the cross, the Roman instrument of capital punishment. Rebel against their rule and you were likely to find yourself strung up on one, to die a slow and agonising death. Those who hard these words would have seen rebels left hanging on crosses as a warning to others of the folly and results of rebellion. Jesus placed this stark choice before them...if you want to follow me you must be prepared to die. Interestingly enough that was what might await rebels who sought to restore the kingdom of David.
Jesus made it patently obvious that following him as not going to be easy - it demands our whole lives. Following Jesus is not all plain sailing, material blessings, and only happiness. But to follow Jesus will bring eternal rewards and present rewards that cannot be measured in material terms. Not to follow Jesus, to choose 'the whole world' as your profit will never lead to satisfaction, the profit will never be enough.
During this time of Lent we reflect on what Jesus gave up for us, and on the choices that Jesus lays before us if we follow him.
Lord, help us to listen to what you have to say about our choices, and to be ready to say NO to self interest and comfort, and YES to what You desire of us.
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