Friday March 27, 2009
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 1 John 3:17.
Of course, there are so many ways in which we can provide for others in need. As I write this, an email arrived from someone confirming their plan to pray for me that the surgery would go well, without complications and recovery would be quick. She is one of many who have promised to pray. But I also think of my surgeon and the supporting medical staff that have made it their life’s work to help those in need. I’m sure that many do it simply out of human compassion, and not necessarily in Christ’s name. But then there are Christians who rarely fill a need for another. I wonder how God responds to this.
We thank God for all those that have provided help when we needed it; my surgery is no exception, we covet your prayers and support. It is with an intense sense of gratitude that we realize God is our final helper and the blessings of life all come from him—but frequently through others who have placed themselves at his disposal. What we do for people is significant. However, it is noteworthy that the text refers to material possessions. Perhaps what we do with our money and possessions is the ultimate test of our commitment to God and his work. As Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday March 25, 2009
'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matt 25:23.
An interesting concept: increased responsibility a source of happiness. Doesn’t fit well with this individual who is still seeking for that comfortable rut! But it does highlight the truth that for most people accomplishment is a source of happiness, while having nothing to do is not. For Ann and myself, boredom is not an issue. I recall Charles Swindoll commenting that he remarked to his wife once as they fell into bed at 11.00 p.m.: “to think that some people are bored . . .”
All this to say that we have always had something to do; sometimes from a sense of obligation, more often working towards a goal we have set for ourselves. But always with a sense that the work is meaningful because it is accomplishing something for eternity. Right now, our first book is ready for printing, and Ann is in the last stages of finishing her Political Science degree; papers to finish within a month, my surgery this Monday and Ann’s foot surgery about a week later. We keep going!
Ah yes: that surgery. It was easy to put it on the back burner for the last three months, but as it comes closer pictures of it flit across my mind a dozen times a day. And the nagging questions: What level of pain will I have to cope with? How long will the after effects last? Will I be able to take care of some upcoming obligations? Add to that the necessity to buy new sleeping attire to replace the rags I usually sleep in. So much to think about!
Surgery is this coming Monday and I’ll probably be in hospital for three days. We are buoyed up by so many of you that have committed to pray for me: that surgery will go well, and recovery will be quick with no complications. Thank you. We will keep you updated, just watch this space . . .
'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matt 25:23.
An interesting concept: increased responsibility a source of happiness. Doesn’t fit well with this individual who is still seeking for that comfortable rut! But it does highlight the truth that for most people accomplishment is a source of happiness, while having nothing to do is not. For Ann and myself, boredom is not an issue. I recall Charles Swindoll commenting that he remarked to his wife once as they fell into bed at 11.00 p.m.: “to think that some people are bored . . .”
All this to say that we have always had something to do; sometimes from a sense of obligation, more often working towards a goal we have set for ourselves. But always with a sense that the work is meaningful because it is accomplishing something for eternity. Right now, our first book is ready for printing, and Ann is in the last stages of finishing her Political Science degree; papers to finish within a month, my surgery this Monday and Ann’s foot surgery about a week later. We keep going!
Ah yes: that surgery. It was easy to put it on the back burner for the last three months, but as it comes closer pictures of it flit across my mind a dozen times a day. And the nagging questions: What level of pain will I have to cope with? How long will the after effects last? Will I be able to take care of some upcoming obligations? Add to that the necessity to buy new sleeping attire to replace the rags I usually sleep in. So much to think about!
Surgery is this coming Monday and I’ll probably be in hospital for three days. We are buoyed up by so many of you that have committed to pray for me: that surgery will go well, and recovery will be quick with no complications. Thank you. We will keep you updated, just watch this space . . .
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday March 23, 2009
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15-16.
There is an incredible comfort in these words. There is a world of difference between the relationship of an employer and employee, and enjoyment in the company of friends. The first is mostly a mercenary relationship, the latter a voluntary sharing of ourselves. The expectation of the business relationship is generally clear; salary paid for work done. Anything beyond that is simply generosity from either side.
Furthermore, our text declares that an employer does not ordinarily share all his company information freely with his employees, but good friend have few secrets from each other. If we have to be guarded about what we share with someone, then what we experience is not real friendship. Generally, the closer the relationship, the freer we feel to disclose ourselves to them. The depth of the friendship Jesus offers us is measured by his disclosure to us of all that the Father has taught him.
Of course, this raises the question of how all the information Jesus has can be passed to us. But the text is clear: it is not all that he knows, but all that the Father has given him for us. That information is complete, as complete as the work he has done for us on Calvary. This reminds me that “he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Rom 8:32-33).
As Ann and I enter the last week before my surgery and Ann’s foot surgery the week following mine, we are glad to have the support of local friends and family for any need during that time. But of greater comfort is the knowledge that our greatest friend, God himself, goes with us.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15-16.
There is an incredible comfort in these words. There is a world of difference between the relationship of an employer and employee, and enjoyment in the company of friends. The first is mostly a mercenary relationship, the latter a voluntary sharing of ourselves. The expectation of the business relationship is generally clear; salary paid for work done. Anything beyond that is simply generosity from either side.
Furthermore, our text declares that an employer does not ordinarily share all his company information freely with his employees, but good friend have few secrets from each other. If we have to be guarded about what we share with someone, then what we experience is not real friendship. Generally, the closer the relationship, the freer we feel to disclose ourselves to them. The depth of the friendship Jesus offers us is measured by his disclosure to us of all that the Father has taught him.
Of course, this raises the question of how all the information Jesus has can be passed to us. But the text is clear: it is not all that he knows, but all that the Father has given him for us. That information is complete, as complete as the work he has done for us on Calvary. This reminds me that “he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Rom 8:32-33).
As Ann and I enter the last week before my surgery and Ann’s foot surgery the week following mine, we are glad to have the support of local friends and family for any need during that time. But of greater comfort is the knowledge that our greatest friend, God himself, goes with us.
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