A Place of Refuge

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, Psalm 46:1-2.  

The new millennium has experienced some of the world’s worst disasters in a period of just ten years. The tsunami of 2004 and the recent Haitian earthquake are the most memorable, while the floods in Pakistan and China and the wildfires in Russia and British Columbia currently occurring, are the latest of examples of continuing disasters throughout the world.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle east, and the atrocious wars in Sudan and Congo pale beside nuclear weapons in the hands of unstable nations like North Korea and Iran, never mind the terrorists who would also like to get their hands on a nuclear device. For a different dread, yesterday, the news declared that bed bugs are creeping across Canada from the east, and an invading superbug has landed in Vancouver.Today it's in Alberta!

It is certainly a time for vigilance. So is the psalmist’s lack of fear folly or faith? For those without belief in God, or consider Him irrelevant, they have a right to fear, for there is no escape or comfort in disaster. But the psalmist reminds us that God is involved in our sorry state, especially in times of adversity.

But the question remains: When I am being swept away by the flood, and those dearest to me have been torn from my side, how then, is God an ever-present help? Is he going to stem the flood, place me on dry land and restore my family to me? Far from considering God near, I am likely to ask why an absent God allowed these things to happen. 

While we accept that misfortune of greater of lesser magnitude will befall both those of faith as well as those without it, there is a qualitative difference on the attitude to disaster by those with faith in God. 

For one thing, their perspective is broader than the momentary troubles on earth, however horrific and devastating an event may be. They fix their eyes, not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal, 2 Cor 4:18. There is an assurance that one day they will be in a final place of security, and be re-united with those lost loved ones who departed earlier.

But of immediate comfort, so many have felt that indefinable, yet conscious, presence of God in their extremity. It seems the psalmist had that experience, a sense of God’s overshadowing and His strength to cope; that ever present help that sustained him in his adversity. Will we trust God for that same hope in whatever difficult days may lie ahead?

Family Dreams Part I: From our Daughter, Alexandra

Some of you know the losses G & I have had over the years. 

Ultimately, our little family of 3 is the joy of our existence.  However, there are those days where we dream of another child to join this petite famille!  (Recently that is often for me.)  That day has not yet come and as each day goes by, I choose to trust that my Father knows best.  Like those times that I must say no to Buddy, not out of a lack of love but because of love.  For now, maybe for all our days, the answer has been no.

We do however, have three precious faces waiting to meet us at our Final Reunion.  My parents book, Happy Together, reminded me of this the other day.  Here is an excerpt.

When our youngest daughter and her husband put their house up for sale, they had a number of people view it.  There was one couple from an Eastern background who were familiar with artefacts having meaning rather than just being ornamental.  As they passed the dining room table, the wife noticed a centrepiece with three candles and asked if there was some meaning for that display.  For most of us in the decorating mode of Western culture, the answer would probably have been: "It's just an ornament."

In this case, the answer would have been wrong.  Alexandra and her husband had been trying to have children for some time, and the last three pregnancies had resulted in miscarriages. Most would have put these behind them as part of life's misfortune; after all, our culture considers the unborn child as a non-person, with no human rights or significance.  However, Alex kept these three candles as a reminder of the three children that she had lost, despite the fact they had not been born.  Apart from giving honour and respect to the unborn, they kept alive another Christian belief--that of final reunion.

Those three children that God took home to be with himself for reasons best known to him, had not been lost--they will be there to greet their parents in the place where all tears will be wiped away.  None of us who have lost children or other loved ones in the Lord will be deprived of a final, complete and eternal fellowship with them.  That is why we "do not grieve like the rest who have no hope" (I Thess 4:13-14).  The reunion with Christ and loved ones who have gone before is one of the most precious expectations of all Christians.  We may look back at events in life with sorrow, but we look forward to that final reunion with joy.

Are you shedding tears because of loved ones you have lost?  My prayer is that you can rest in that knowledge of seeing them again because of their faith in Christ.  It is what gives me hope for this family, ultimately a family of six, some already resting in the lap of Jesus.

Friday January 22, 2010

Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds, Habakkuk 1:3.

Buried under the frantic efforts to bring relief to Haiti, this question persists. We are not the first to condemn the senselessness of this destruction and suffering; Habakkuk faced a similar horror, and asked the question of God, as humans have since the beginning of time.

The violence of nature is an ongoing, devastating phenomenon: wild fires in Australia, California, floods in Europe and South America, volcanoes in the Philippines, mudslides in South America, and the potential menace of global warming, are a few of the recent tragedies.

But all these, tragic as they are, are still vastly less than the violence and suffering caused by “man’s inhumanity to man.” The last century alone saw the loss of more than 100 million lives due to warfare, with vaster numbers maimed, displaced or bereaved. That doesn’t include the many victimised by despotic powers’ greed and corruption and lives destroyed by slavery and exploitation.

Two news stories today highlight this menace. Two boys, 11 and 12 years, in Britain brutally assaulted and tortured two younger boys in a “prolonged, sadistic violence for no reason other than that you got a real kick out of hurting and humiliating them," according to the judge who jailed them indefinitely.

In Vancouver, two police officers pulled a man out of the wrong house and attacked him without reason or identifying themselves, sending him to hospital. This seems to be a case of two policemen using the pretext of a domestic violence call to beat a man up—in this case the wrong man—purely for the sadistic delight gained from it.

The question comes to mind, whether the two—natural disasters and human violence--are related. The Bible infers that the sin of humankind seeps into the fabric of the earth destabilizing it, see Gen. 3:17, Lev 18:24-28, Jer. 3:2 and 9, but godly virtue increases the land’s fertility, Lev. 25:18-19.

This is not a one for one response, any more than every sickness can be blamed on the individual. Haiti, as others have done, is suffering some of the widespread natural violence as a result of worldwide sin. Of course, a direct human element is often observed in natural disasters, but it seems the general pervasiveness of sin is their underlying cause as with all suffering.

Yet despite all this, the Haitians, a deeply religious people, are facing this disaster with remarkable resilience. Of all the pictures I have seen, one stands out: a large column of people marching through the streets singing and waving their arms in defiance of the conditions inflicted upon them. Could I do the same, I wonder?

Thursday January 14, 2009

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. 2 Thessalonians 1:6–7.

No-one can see the devastation in Haiti and be unaffected. Immediate reports indicate that no resources are available. Columns of survivors walk with nowhere to go, carrying their dead and wounded. There are no police, politicians, government officials to be seen, no heavy equipment to rescue the trapped, simply looters scrounging from the rubble.

One reporter offered a hungry girl some money—but there is no market standing to buy food! Most of the capital, Port au Prince, is destroyed. There may be thousands, under the rubble, alive, injured or dead, no-one knows. Others lie dead or seriously injured in the streets with no help in sight. Away from the city certainly thousands more are in a helpless state, no-one knows for sure, communications are destroyed.

One reporter reminded us that “God” and “Jesus” are common currency in Haiti, one woman saying, “God is very angry”! It is popular wisdom, it seems, to blame God for a catastrophe like this, if not for a deliberate act, at least for allowing it to happen. But reviewing the recent history of Haiti, there are other, man-made reasons contributing to such devastation.

Michaelle John, Canada’s Governor General, escaped from the despotic rule of Papa Doc Duvalier with her family when she was 11 years old. Since then, Haiti has been plagued with poor government, violent street gangs, and continued grinding poverty. Those who do work mainly subsist off the land from their own crops. Successive self-serving governments have failed to provide basic infrastructure for the county, leaving it with absolutely no resources to help itself.

The majority of buildings in the capital were considered unsafe without the effect of an earthquake, yet 50% of the population who are unemployed could have been gainfully employed for half a century developing the country’s infrastructure. By contrast, with all its failures, the US was able to tackle hurricane Katrina’s devastation with its own resources.

The bigger picture from the Bible suggests that sin in general has destabilised the planet that is our home. Genesis 3:17–19 suggests that sin infected the earth causing it to act contrary to its original design, and Romans 8:20–22 looks forward to the time when it will be restored. Furthermore, today’s text promises that there will be a final accounting for those who deliberately create conditions of misery—not just in Haiti, but by exploitation and terror around the world throughout history.

Belief in a God of compassion and love is the only way to work through tragedies such as this. For if that God does not exist, then there is no hope for restoration or justice—this world is all we have. In fact, there is a massive international humanitarian effort underway to assist Haiti in its need. What is most noticeable, it is countries with a Christian heritage that are in the forefront of disaster relief, here and in previous disasters.

The ability they have to provide relief is the comparable prosperity they have to afford it. It is their Christian values—albeit currently in decline in the west—that have been largely responsible for these countries to develop the freedom and affluence they enjoy or exploit today. And it is the reflection of a God of love imaged within them that motivates their compassion for those in need.

Tuesday January 12, 2010

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved, Ephesians 2:4-5.

Well, Ann and I have just finished our walk in the university here in Lethbridge. It’s convenient, only a few minutes drive away, and inside in the poor weather. The university is built into the side of a coulee, so there are plenty of stairs for exercise, and it takes us about half an hour for the return trip bottom to top. It provides at least the minimum exercise for folks of our vintage!

Ann likes the time to discuss the day’s events, but I am distracted by the floors. They are mostly exposed concrete with plenty of construction joints and shrinkage cracks. You probably know where I’m going! It’s almost as if I’m driven not to walk on the cracks—recall the expression: “step on a crack, break your mother’s back”? As my mother is no longer with us, her back is quite safe! 

It’s a pity we’re not driven to avoid sin in the same way. I find it impossible to miss some cracks in the university floors, and it reminds me that our sinful nature raises it’s ugly head at times and distracts us from our desired course. That’s why today’s text is so comforting; it’s not our achievements that gain God’s approval, but his “great love” and “rich mercy” that ensures our relationship to him in spite of our failures.

I often feel the same about our writing—now a major vocation in retirement!—it always seems inadequate; always room for improvement. Yet we know that God uses the imperfect, both people and things, to accomplish his purposes and I’m sure you will agree that we are all glad that our imperfection does not deny us a share in that. 

Despite our perceived inadequacy, our publisher has selected us to be spotlighted on their website at www.wordalivepress.ca/author_spotlight.html where you will find revelations about us, and our two books to date. Thanks to so many of you that have encouraged us and even bought our books! May you all experience God’s great love and rich mercy for 2010.

MAKING A NEW START

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1.

What New Year resolutions are you working on this time? I’ve always thought that the best resolution was a resolve not make any more resolutions as they never last through the year! But the idea of a new start is always compelling as we face a new year—even if it’s only to shed the pounds that the Christmas season has accumulated. But if there is an overriding sense of loss for me during the past year, it is the lessening of a constant relationship with our Father.

I have to admit that 2009 has been a good year—at least as good as any previous vintage—and I have nothing but gratitude for the joy that the past year has provided. That makes it even more distressing that the setbacks, disappointments and failures of the year should puncture my faith journey so easily. It is so disturbing that these small things can “hinder and so easily entangle” us.

If omission is a great a sin as commission, then I am compelled to begin 2010 with repentance and seeking forgiveness from Him. In fact, I doubt if any effort to improve my daily walk with God, and consequently with others, can begin with anything less. The idea of “running with perseverance” entails frequent renewal, for constant engagement with the surrounding world, together with my weak nature, continually intercepts my communion with Him.

A passage of Scripture that has a continuing impact on my waywardness is Paul’s reaction to his “light and momentary troubles”—mine are a lot lighter than his ever were! We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18. The lure of the unseen always beckons me forward. The constant nagging that life with Him is far greater than anything this world offers, keeps me coming back to the greater realities of life beyond this.

For having found Him, who alone can completely fill the void of life, nothing else can ever hold the same allure. And as the palmist reminds me, despite my inconsistency, He is always there. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10.

Every day is a “new year” available for a new start. Join me, won’t you, in making not only the first day of January, but every day a renewal with Him?

This letter appeared in the Lethbridge Herald this last weekend. Excellent letter. Read and enjoy. Thanks Edison.

Bryan

Remember the gift that is Christmas

Written by Edison Bardock

Saturday, 12 December 2009

With Christmas, people are so busy trying to find the perfect gift, scrambling to get the cards mailed. The media inundate us with sales offers. In some ways, Christmas is being lost. We are pressed on all sides to accept the plastic interpretation of the real thing and are perplexed to find that after all the gifts are unwrapped, the turkey eaten, after all of the lights go off and the tree comes down, we are not much happier. We wonder why we do not continue to tingle with anticipation and the high level of excitement generated from the overwhelming power of Christmas.

If, like Herod, we fill our lives only with things, if we must fill every moment with action, when will we have time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Brood over the coming of the Child as did Mary? For all of us, there is a desert to travel, a star to discover, a being within ourselves to bring to life.

We hear the true meaning of Christmas is about families, the spirit of giving, about thankfulness. It is all about these, but I would like to remind you, as I often remind myself, that the glue that holds them all together is the realization that we are not alone. Christmas is a day, once a year, to remind us to remember the birth of hope, the birth of Jesus Christ. It is why we give gifts . . . as a reminder of the greatest gift of all.

It is at Christmas that we not only recognize the birth of Jesus Christ, it is a time for us to find, in life, both a meaning and a purpose. I love gifts and the festivities. But there comes a time, shortly after Christmas, when we realize we are in a world not lit by lights and we are able to look at Christmas with the realization of hope that we are here for a reason . . . the feeling that Christmas isn’t a feeling that shoots in like a star and is gone in a flash.

Remember the gift that is Christmas. In this Christmas season, take a moment to rediscover how the holiday started. It will help to have the season and its meaning stay with you all year long.

Edison Bardock

Lethbridge