the Father speaking

a verse or two

"Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father...Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing...You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. A selection from John 14: 9 - 14

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Recall God the Father speaking to you.

I encourage you to reflect on times past when God the Father has spoken to you. To a time when you heard his voice, his words and he spoke into your life. Recall that moment. What has happening? What was the Father saying? What was the Father’s tone? What was the Father like? What were the words He said? Were they words of judgement or encouragement and love?

The more I reflect on the moments when the Father has clearly spoken to me – they have not been words of judgement or of telling off. They have been words of encouragement and building up.

So I wonder if we judge ourselves way too hard…way too much. And God wants us to slow down and hear His words of love, His words of building us up. He wants us to hear his words of acceptance.

I remember one day when at university I was running late and rushed down to the dining room, grabbed my breakfast and was about to eat and say grace when I realised I had not said hello to God that day. So I said “sorry, I forgot to say good morning” (or words to that effect – this was over 20 years ago). I do remember hearing very clearly God the Father’s voice saying to me to not worry about it, it was fine. I don’t remember the exact words but I do remember the tone of love, acceptance and encouragement and I remember it was in words that made sense to me and not in Hebrew or 1611 high English.

Can I encourage everyone here at St. David’s to remember and know that God the Father’s love for each one of you is much, much, much more than even the most articulate preacher could ever describe. God loves you.

Something to do: Read and think.

Sometime this week make time to read John 14: 9 – 14 a few times. And then think about what it means for your life right here and now. What does it mean for you, your family, and your neighbours? I don’t think there is a secret formula here for prayer. I think the issue is knowing Jesus and the Father are one and that we can sit on God’s lap and talk with Him – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

To Ponder and Pray: The Lord’s Prayer.

James Smith notes that the Lord’s Prayer gives a glimpse into the nature of God. Read the prayer and note how it demonstrates that God is present, pure, powerful, provides, pardons and protects. I encourage you all to sit on God’s lap and spend time with him in prayer knowing that He welcomes you with open arms.

Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:9 – 13 (NRSV)

Traditions and Commandments

a verse or two

" 6 Jesus answered them, “How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! You are hypocrites, just as he wrote: These people, says God, honour me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me. 7 It is no use for them to worship me, because they teach human rules as though they were my laws! Mark 7: 6 - 7

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Traditions and Commandments.

Today will be another sermon based on the notes from my recent study leave so let’s muse on Mark. In chapter seven I keep coming back again and again to Jesus confronting the Pharisees and teachers of the Law over their Traditions and Commandments. How the “religious leaders” of the day were using religious rules, not for the betterment of people and society but for themselves and to give themselves a loophole out of doing the right thing. (Another thing they were doing wrong was pushing human tradition above the word of God).

A question I ask is: how do we do that kind of thing at the moment? How are we pushing religious traditions / concepts that in fact hinder the betterment of people and society? One idea could be when we claim Jesus is coming back really, really, really, really soon, instead of just plain old ‘soon’. I say this because it can be used as an excuse to not get involved and think hard on societal issues. Instead there a temptation to bury one’s head in the sand hoping Jesus will appear and solve the problems magically, when what He really wants is for us to take the Kingdom into that situation. God’s wisdom is for all parts of life.

Another idea: some might argue that no Sunday trading was a way the church used to push Traditions and Commandments and that is it was in fact an old fashioned ideal and unhelpful. Well, as I see it, people are nowadays working nearly 24/7 – what has happened to the 40 hour working week? It could be argued that quality of life has lessened and is now shallower with Sunday trading. Keeping Sunday free of most shopping and allowing it to be a family day with more rest and relational activity would benefit society. (It’s interesting how the idea of Sabbath rest is not an old fashioned human tradition but rather one from scriptures, Sabbath rest is a gift to us from God).

Something to do: Make a list.

Write down some of the subtle things that we do that might seem to be following “the law” but are in fact not in “the spirit of the law” (and are in fact a human tradition based on incorrect interpretation of scripture).

To Ponder and Pray: Faith beyond the church walls.

Jesus accused the leaders of naming some things as sacred and therefore they didn't need to give those "sacred" things to those in need. It would seem to me that we make some things sacred, and sometimes hold onto things that God would say, “hey let it go”… “give it away”…“use that gift I gave you”.

Ponder this – what is God saying to you right now? Sometimes I wonder if false humility is one of those things we use to stop us taking our faith beyond the church walls, eg. when God is saying ‘you can do such and such,’ (like speaking in public for example), we hold back saying to ourselves “because it’s not within a church context I will not speak”, and all the while God is saying “you have the wisdom for that situation – go for it”.

Dear Lord, help us to live our faith outside the church’s four walls.
So Lord, give us the words, give us the heart and let us share your good news.

Be expectant

a verse or two

" 1 Jesus left that place and went back to his hometown...Many people were there; and when they heard him, they were all amazed...What wisdom is this that has been given him? How does he perform miracles? 3 Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary...And so they rejected him."
From Mark chapter 6

Spiritual Walk and Musings: We can trust the scriptures.

Reading Mark 6: 1 – 6 often leads to preaching on ‘a prophet is not listened to in their own town’. Yet what caught my attention this time round is when reading between the lines, the idea of Jesus doing miracles was something very unexpected, the people in the town where he grew up had never seen him do this kind of thing ever before.

I can remember reading scholars who lambast the authenticity of the Bible saying that the church in the first few centuries kept out writings that should have been included in the Bible. I’ve read some of these “Gnostics writings”, like stories saying when Jesus was a child he would do magical tricks and the like (including raising a dead bird back to life). And so on reading Mark 6: 1 – 6, I find it interesting the folk of Jesus’ home town did not expect him to do any tricks or miracles. It’s as if when they saw him grow up – he never did any then and so why should he now? This idea seems to prove the ‘Gnostic gospels’ were in fact inferior and fanciful, and validates the wisdom of the church councils to keep the Gnostic writings out of the Bible.

And for me this proves (once again) that the sceptical scholars who discredit the Bible were indeed biased in their opinion and not open to the possibility of a living God. A living God who loves humankind – loves humankind so much that the gospels we ended up with are in fact authentic so we can know that God is not a monster who has left us blind. The Bible tells us enough to be able to have a friendship with Him and know that He is love.

Something to do: Some miracle counting.

Read through Mark 6 and take note of all the healings and miracles (and not just Jesus’ ones). Spend some time pondering that the Jesus who lived in the Bible times and healed is the same Jesus who heals today. And ponder that not only Jesus preformed miracles in Mark chapter six – his followers did. Umm – if I recall correctly – we are his followers too!

To Ponder and Pray: Be expectant.

What is scary about Mark 6: 1 – 6 is the way that when no one expected any miracles not many happened (just a few healings). Could it be if we don’t expect any miracles to happen, we will have the same problem? Conversely if we start to expect miracles, then they will become frequent. This is a challenge to all of us – let us be expectant.

Lord – work on our hearts so they become expectant
instead of the typical kiwi complacent.

the sweetness of grapes

A Poem: The Bunch of Grapes

Joy, I did lock thee up: but some bad man hath let thee out again:
And now, me thinks, I am where I began
Seven years ago: one vogue and vain, One air of thoughts usurps my brain.
I did toward Canaan draw; but now I am
Brought back to the Red sea, the sea of shame.

For as the Jews of old by God's command travelled, and saw no town:
So now each Christian hath his journeys spanned:
Their story pens and sets us down.
A single deed is small renown.
God's works are wide, and let in future times;
His ancient justice overflows our crimes.

Then have we too our guardian fires and clouds; Our Scripture-dew drops fast:
We have our sands and serpents, tents and shrouds;
Alas! our murmurings come not last.
But where's the cluster? where's the taste
Of mine inheritance? Lord, if I must borrow,
Let me as well take up their joy, as sorrow.

But can he want the grape, who hath the wine? I have their fruit and more.
Blessed be God, who prospered Noah's vine,
And made it bring forth grapes good store.
But much more him I must adore,
Who of the law's sour juice sweet wine did make,
Even God himself, being pressed for my sake.

George Herbert (1593-1633)

Spiritual Walk and Musings: the sweetness of grapes

“Paul was at the end of his life's journey and wrote to Timothy: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7). We all will arrive there someday. As Herbert says in today's poem, this is a journey not unlike Israel's exodus across Sinai. But instead of pillars of cloud and fire to guide us, we have Scripture and the Spirit; in place of manna we have the Word of God; sand and serpents vex us in the common troubles and ills of life; and life seems as temporary as a tent. And yes, like Israel, we murmur almost from beginning to end.

Have you ever asked, "OK, Lord, where is the reward? What is in this for me? You gave Israel that huge cluster of grapes as an incentive to continue the journey into the Promised Land. How about giving me something like that?" This is not uncommon. At such times it is prudent to remember that you are not living in Old Testament times. Since the advent, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers' rewards are not physical.

This is why Herbert makes a distinction between the grapes and the wine. God was "pressed" on the cross in the person of Jesus Christ. Our reward in this age is the sweet taste of that which Jesus accomplished there. The human journey today is much the same as in past millennia. The difference is that we may enjoy the ineffable effects of redemption.” [Copied from Philip Comfort & Daniel Partner, ‘A Poem a Day’]

From Jon: I don't fully agree with the comment “believers' rewards are not physical”. I would think that such things as the sweetness of grapes, the smell of a newly bathed baby, the sound of beautiful music – all point to a crescendo of that which Christ won for us and we would be remiss to not enjoy them now. I wonder if in spring one day, the whole church should have a yummy evening meal in the hall and then with full stomachs watch the movie ‘Babette's Feast’.

Something to do: Eat some grapes.

Take the scooter (or car or bike or by foot), purchase a small bunch of grapes and make your way down to the cemetery. Enjoy the sweet flavour while wandering among the graves. Sense the contrast – that while in this life there is bitter pain and grief there is also sweetness. As you enjoy the sweet flavours let it be a picture of that which Christ won on the cross. Let the sweetness be a reminder that there are more good days than bad. Let the sweetness remind you that the Kingdom of God is now but also not fully yet, that the best is both now and the best is still to come. God Bless, Jon.

To Ponder and Pray: We will follow you Lord.

Jesus, our master and friend,
we promise to follow your way,
seek your truth
and live by the example of your life.
Strengthen us by your love,
so that we may be faithful to our promise.

Tolerance

A Poem: On the Late Massacre in Piedmont

Avenge, 0 Lord, thy slaughtered saints, whose bones
Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains cold,
Even them who kept thy truth so pure of old
When all our fathers worshiped stocks and stones,

Forget not: in thy book record their groans

Who were thy sheep and in their ancient fold
Slain by the bloody Piemontese that rolled
Mother with infant down the rocks. Their moans
The vales redoubled to the hills, and they
To Heaven. Their martyred blood and ashes sow
O'er all th' Italian fields where still doth sway

The triple tyrant: that from these may grow

A hundredfold, who having learnt thy way
Early may fly the Babylonian woe.

by John Milton (1608-1674)

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Tolerance.

“In this poem Milton decries the killing of several Christians known as the Waldensians. This sect had lived in the Italian Alps since the twelfth century. They supposedly had religious liberty. But in 1655 the Roman Catholic ruler of the Piedmont trampled their freedom by sending troops to slaughter many of their members.

At this time in history there was tremendous tension between Roman Catholics and Protestants. Milton, a leading Protestant in England, voiced his protest against this slaughter. Speaking for his countrymen, Milton confessed that the English (in the twelfth century) had still been Roman Catholics who worshiped wooden and stone statues, while the Waldensians carried on the true faith. Now (in the seventeenth century) as Protestants, the English were free from "the triple tyrant" (the pope, who supposedly had authority over heaven, earth, and hell). The irony is that the Waldensians, who had come under the pope's sword, were martyrs liberated to heaven—way above his control.

In the last lines Milton prays that the martyrs' seed will multiply a hundredfold, producing many more new believers, who will know the truth and thereby escape "the Babylonian woe." That woe is the destruction of Babylon as depicted in Revelation 18, which Protestants in Milton's day understood to mean the destruction of Rome.

From this sad scene in Christian history, depicted so poignantly by Milton, let us learn tolerance for other Christians—especially those who are most different from us.” [Copied from Philip Comfort & Daniel Partner, ‘A Poem a Day’]

Something to do: Look at a flower.

I’m writing this in the first week of June, but perchance winter still has not come our way, why not go outside and look for a confused flower that already thinks it is spring. Pluck it, smell it, admire it, feel the texture, the colour – each intricate part, each beautiful petal making the whole. Did you know that within St. David’s there are many different textures and flavours and petals and colours and nuances of faith in Jesus Christ? We desperately need each other to make that well formed flower named St. David’s. We desperately need the other churches in our community to make that flower – the church of Richmond Waimea…...…and so on and so on we all need each other. While admiring that flower – pray for the church worldwide and local. God Bless, Jon.

To Ponder and Pray: Unite us Lord

God, you loved the world so much that you gave your Son.
We will give ourselves in worship and service to you.
Bind us together in that fellowship of love
which unites us to you, Our Father,
through the Son
and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do you tell others the story?

A Poem: I Love To Tell The Story.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story, 'tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God's own Holy Word.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

by Arabella Catherine Hankey (1834-1911)

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Do you tell others the story?

“Arabella Catherine Hankey became extremely sick, she was confined to a year of bed rest. During this long, lonely period, she wrote two substantial poems. The first poem was "Tell Me the Old, Old Story." The second poem, printed in part here, was "I Love to Tell the Story." Both poems were later turned into hymns.

In this poem, Hankey overflows with exuberant joy and delight in one special privilege: She can proclaim the story of God's salvation! This is good news for all who will hear and accept it. It is also good news for those who have never heard it and for those who need to hear it again and again. It is food for those who hunger and thirst for God.

The gospel is spiritual food for those who preach it as well. Recall the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. The disciples had gone into town looking for food. Jesus stayed by the well, where he encountered the woman. There he preached the gospel to her, and she drank in this living water. Although Jesus was physically hungry, as he preached he was nourished. The disciples wondered who had fed Jesus when he refused to eat the food they brought him. But Jesus explained to them that he was "fed" by doing the will of his Father. As Christ's example shows us, nothing is more satisfying than proclaiming the Good News.” [Copied from Philip Comfort & Daniel Partner, ‘A Poem a Day’]

Something to do: Tell others the story.

I encourage all St. David’s folk to think through and write down your own testimony (your personal story of Jesus Christ in your life, and what it means to you and why it’s important). Then prayerfully share your story with those you love so they can hear the Good News. God Bless, Jon.

To Ponder and Pray: Messengers of Light

Loving God
As in Christ, you came into the world
to bring light and peace,
kissing the earth with love, with hope , with life,
so we, loving God, would be messengers of light:
light where the world is dark,
and joy where the world is sad.
In Christ’s name. Amen