Living Words

The following was written by:
Margaret Manning who is a member of the writing and speaking team at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Seattle, Washington.


Questions of interpretation, whose interpretation, which interpretation, what interpretation, are at the forefront of discussions about truth and certainty in our postmodern milieu. In this milieu, it is suggested that the modern assumptions of objective and definitive truth are false. We are left with suspicion as to whether or not we can know anything truly.

Issues of interpretation, of course, are not simply matters of intellectual speculation. Rather, most of us, at one time or another, have been personally involved in discussions about the interpretation of reality. What political party accurately assesses national realities? Which media outlet presents the news fairly and without bias? Which cultural icons and artists illuminate the human condition in all of its complexity?

Of course, people of all faiths wrestle with questions of interpretation, as well. What does this passage mean? What are its implications? How does it make sense in the world today? And how can there be so many different interpretations for the same passage?

Questions of interpretation notwithstanding, the Christian faith claims to know and to represent the truth. Christians claim that the truth is contained in Scripture. But we are less clear in the murky world of interpretation about how that truth is to be presented and how it is able to transcend culture and language. St. Augustine, writing in the fourth century, asked similar questions about the opening words of Genesis:

Does it mean in the beginning of time, because it was the first of all things, or in the beginning, which is the Word of God, the only begotten Son? And how could it be shown that God produced changeable and time-bound works without any change in himself? And what may be meant by the name heaven and earth? Was it the total spiritual and bodily creation that was termed heaven and earth, or only the bodily sort? And in what way did God say Let light be made? Was it in time or in the eternity of the Word? And what is this light that was made? Something spiritual or something bodily?(1)

Augustine's questions concerning the first chapter of Genesis give just a glimpse into some of the complexities of interpreting the text of Scripture. Yet, even with questions, Augustine understood that as one inhabited the world of the Scriptures, God was being revealed through a living story. The story of Israel and the person of Jesus portray a God who redeems. The writers of the Old and New Testaments were inspired to write down their time-honored oral traditions in order to make them 'alive' for future generations, and to give testimony of God's redemption for future generations. In this way, God saw fit to "enflesh" not only the essence of the spoken and written words that had come before, but also something of the very nature and truth of reality.

Christians believe that Jesus is God's ultimate act of speech. He is the living bible, and the one who interprets the very nature and truth of God. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews tells us that "in the former days, the days of old, God spoke through the prophets; but in these last days, God has spoken to us by a Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2). And in the Gospel of John we are told that God's ultimate word to us, God's ultimate form of speech is the inscription of the person of Jesus: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; and we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from God" (John 1:1-2, 14). These writers of the written word tell us that the ultimate, final, definitive word of God is the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the living bible and his life communicates the truth of God to us. Therefore, the truth is more than facts and information to acquire, the truth is a Person.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews makes this very point. There is a distinction between what had been inscribed (the law and the teachings of the prophets) and the living word, Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father. Of course, the advent of Jesus as the living word does not nullify or invalidate the written word. Indeed, the two have something of a reciprocal relationship. All of written scripture points to the living word, Jesus, and to the saving activity of God. Jesus fulfills the written word, and all of the written word finds its meaning and its completion in the life and teachings of Jesus. Indeed, Jesus is the living embodiment of Israel's law and prophets! Jesus says this about himself in the Sermon on the Mount: "Do not think that I came to abolish the law or the prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill." In his life, Jesus embodies God's Kingdom and as the Word made flesh interprets for us what it looks like to live in God's kingdom-order.

Issues of interpretation will continue to press us as we seek to faithfully communicate and make sense of reality. People of Christian faith are called to be living bibles as we claim to be followers of Jesus. British New Testament scholar N.T. Wright says it this way: "The authority of scripture is most truly put into operation as the church goes to work in the world on behalf of the gospel, the good news that in Jesus Christ the kingdom of God has come and the living God has defeated the powers of evil and begun the work of new creation in this world."(2) Like the God who has given us a living story of redemption, those who act on behalf of redemption retell this story. The God who saved is saving still—our lives make plain the interpretation.

(1) Saint Augustine, The Literal Meaning of Genesis, Volume 1 (Ancient Christian Writers Series; New York: Paulist Press, 1982),168-171.

(2) N.T. Wright, The Last Word: Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture (San Francisco: Harper, 2005), 113.

Why does God allow all the pain, suffering, and evil in this world?

I think the first thing to do, in trying to answer this question, is to examine what we think about God’s character.

If we believe that God is good, loving, and perfect then I think the answer can be discovered more easily. It may not be a fully satisfying or adequate answer from our human perspective but it is the best answer I have found.

I say this because it means that I need to trust that a loving God would ultimately set up the best world possible. Prior to creation, He would have been able to look ahead and see how all of the possible scenarios would work out in the future. This means the world that God has made must be the best option. It ultimately comes down to the question, “Do I trust God?”

I have come to the point where I am willing to trust that God has set up the type of world that would maximize the number of individuals who will hear him and freely choose to respond to his love. This world has to be a world where “free will” exists because love cannot exist unless it is freely chosen. The problem with “free will” is that individuals can choose to say or do unloving and evil things. And all people make mistakes. We unintentionally make “free choices” that have a negative impact on us and others. This explains most of the reasons for the pain, suffering, and evil in the world. It is caused by us. G.K. Chesterton answered the question, “What’s wrong with the world?” with this simple response, “I am”

But this does not adequately explain why God allows terrible sickness, injuries, and the crushing results of natural disasters like the recent tsunami in Japan. I have not found a satisfactory answer for this question. It just doesn’t seem right. But I am prepared to trust a “Good” God with this paradox and will wait patiently for a fuller explanation when He gets me to the other side.

PS – If we decide not to believe in a loving and perfect God then we really shouldn’t worry about the source of evil or at least not try to assign blame. If there is no God then we have no absolute moral law. If there is no absolute moral law it means that absolute good and evil do not exist. This means that the presence of good and evil actually supports that God is real. Otherwise, when we hear on the news about murders, riots, and war it is (as Ravi Zacharias has said) “Mankind worshipping his maker”. Our maker in this case is pure “CHANCE”. As many atheists believe, “Slim + Time + Chance  make up the formula for how we arrived here and what happens to us is just the result of Chance”.

The Friendship of God has a Cost

Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.  For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of Him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels.            Luke 9:23-26

A long time ago, I realized the harder I tried doing what Jesus asks of me the more I failed. The more I worked at it the more I saw my limitations and short comings. I finally threw up my hands and said, “I can’t do it. I need help!” I had reached a crisis point in my life. Was I willing to push aside my pride and self-centeredness? Was I willing (as C.S. Lewis wrote) to tell them where to get off.


It was at this juncture (I am broken Lord and need your help) that I opened the doors and windows of my heart and let the wind of God blow through to restore, refresh, and recreate me. Only then, after His spring cleaning, did the Spirit of Jesus come along side to help me succeed where I had failed so many times before.

With His forgiveness, His resources, and His power I could start accomplishing what He asks of me:

a) “Deny yourself.” - His will be done not mine

b) “Take up your cross daily” – literally crucify (put to death) my pride and self-centeredness.

c) “Follow Me” – Do as he would do. See others through His eyes (Sacrificial Love).

We cannot be followers of Jesus until we abandon our self-centeredness and let the wind of God fill our sails. Bruce Cockburn sings, “I’ll be a Child of the Wind for the rest of my days” and from the lyric of Grandma Wickens’ favourite hymn it says, I feel the Wind of God today…”

What's in a Name?

My name “Michael” means “Who else is like God?” This is a rhetorical question with an obvious answer. No one else is like our creator!

What’s in the name of Jesus? Some called him Yeshua, (yesh-wa), others called him Eesho (ee-sa), and still others called him M’sheeka. These are just a few of the many names given to Him.

The name “Jesus” according to the Bible means “Savoir” or “God Saves”. “You will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

“Yeshua”, based on one author’s research means “Cursed one”. The long version, in Hebrew, is Yemach Shmo w’Zikro. Yeshua (y + sh + w) is a contracted form, supposedly shortened due to misconduct of the name-bearer. It means “May his name and memory be blotted out”. In Galatians 3:13 it says, “Christ redeemed (saved) us from the curse (guilt & consequences) of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

It is suggested that the Jewish name “Eesho” (originating from northern Palestine) means “Night Watcher” or “Nightly Visitant” “Esh” (a root of this name) means a bright northern star or the stars in Ursa Major, commonly called the Big Bear or Big Dipper. At the beginning of John’s Gospel it says, “In Him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” The “North Star” or “Polaris” has been a guiding light in the darkness to many travelers.

“M’sheeka” means Messiah. This name or title originates from the prophecy of the Old Testament which refers to the coming of a special one who will save His people,

Jesus has been given many other names: The Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, the Bright Morning Star, the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, and so on. One of my favourites is “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” This provides background for understanding one of the key elements of the Christian faith. God has actually visited us. God-the-Son was somehow fully human and yet fully God at the same time. His name is especially important. “For there is no other name under heaven given to us by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).

The instant reaction (to Acts 4:12) is often an accusation of narrow mindedness and intolerance for other faiths. I respond by saying, “I have searched diligently for more than 30 years. I am absolutely convinced that Jesus is the best revelation of God to the human race. This allows for the important concession that God can be partially revealed outside of Christianity and outside of religion. For I believe creation itself testifies to a divine designer.

What’s in a name? For me, everything! All that I have done and will do finds true value and eternal purpose through the name of “Jesus Christ”

While surveying the aftermath from Allied bombing, the post-war Chancellor of Germany said to Billy Graham, “Except for the resurrection of Jesus Christ there is no other hope for mankind”

What will you say if a child asks?

I like to encourage people to seek the answers to what I believe are the key questions of life.  I suggest this, in part, because I know that children will at some time or another confront the grown-ups in their lives with a need for answers.  The answers we give them will not provide the final word on the subject but will give them various points of reference for developing their own answers as adults.

These key questions are the building blocks for what is called a "World View"  Everyone has a world view of some kind or another. It forms the foundation for everything we say and do.

In general a person's world view can be defined by answering the following questions:

1) Where do we come from?  How did we get here?

2) What determines our standards for right and wrong?

3) What is our purpose?  Why are we here?

4) Where do we go after this life?  What happens when we die?

In summary, a person's world view is made up of their answers to questions about origin, morality, meaning and destiny.

The book "Have a Little Faith” challenges the reader to examine their world view, to answer these questions for themselves. The author, Mitch Albom, does not prescribe a specific path but suggests that we all have a need to be part of something bigger than ourselves. I agree with this whole-heartedly. Erwin McManus writes, "If life was just about me it wouldn’t be very interesting or fulfilling".

What is my advice regarding this? Avoid becoming trapped inside the comfort, safety and security of the “Small World of Self”. Take the risk of reaching out beyond yourself to something bigger.

Deeper Water

Life is easy when the weather is warm, the water refreshing, and we can touch bottom. But what happens when we are pushed into deeper water, with stormy skies, tossed by waves, exhausted from treading water, and chilled to the bone? I have found the help I need when life takes me into deeper water.  I am so grateful for His sacrifice, His forgiveness, and the new life He offers us. The "Wild Goose" (of Celtic tradition), the "Paraclete", the "Rider of the Wind", the "Spirit of Jesus" is now along side me, lifting me up on wings like eagle's.  He comes along side me in good times and bad. Everything in life is now redeemable and worthwhile, filled with His purpose.

This quote from Malcolm Muggeridge echoes my thoughts and feelings about the only person we can put our hope in:

“We look back on history and what do we see? Empires rising and falling, revolutions and counter-revolutions, wealth accumulating and wealth dispersed, one nation dominant and then another. Shakespeare speaks of ‘the rise and fall of great ones that ebb and flow with the moon.’

“In one lifetime I have seen my own fellow countrymen ruling over a quarter of the world, the great majority of them convinced, in the words of what is still a favorite song, that, ‘God who’s made the mighty would make them mightier yet.’ I’ve heard a crazed, cracked Austrian proclaim to the world the establishment of a German Reich that would last a thousand years; an Italian clown announce that he would restart the calendar to begin his own assumption of power. I’ve heard a murderous Georgian brigand in the Kremlin acclaimed by the intellectual elite of the world as a wiser than Solomon, more enlightened than Ashoka, more humane than Marcus Aurelius. I’ve seen America wealthier and in terms of weaponry, more powerful than the rest of the world put together, so that Americans, had they so wished, could have outdone an Alexander or a Julius Caesar in the range and scale of their conquests.

“All in one little lifetime. All gone with the wind. England part of a tiny island off the coast of Europe, threatened with dismemberment and even bankruptcy. Hitler and Mussolini dead, remembered only in infamy. Stalin a forbidden name in the regime he helped found and dominate for some three decades. America haunted by fears of running out of those precious fluids that keep her motorways roaring, and the smog settling, with troubled memories of a disastrous campaign in Vietnam, and the victories of the Don Quixotes of the media as they charged the windmills of Watergate.

“All in one lifetime, all gone. Gone with the wind.

“Behind the debris of these self-styled, sullen supermen and imperial diplomatists, there stands the gigantic figure of one person, because of whom, by whom, in whom, and through whom alone mankind might still have hope. The person of Jesus Christ.”

What would I say on my last day?

The first thing I would say is how much I love my wife, my family, and my friends and then I would try to provide some insight into an age old question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

The problem with this question (at this stage of our journey) is that no one is totally good or totally bad. The Bible says that the sunshine and rain come down on both the good and the bad alike.

For now the labels “Good” or “Bad” are not permanent ones. God has planned for the wheat and the weeds to grow together. If we prematurely try to make the distinction between the wheat and the weeds we risk pulling out weeds that may eventually become wheat.

I believe that God is an “equal opportunity” creator, in that all people have the chance to be restored to a relationship with the one who made us. This is why we are encouraged to “Love our Enemies” because these weeds may eventually open the door to God’s transformation.

I believe that this age of human-kind is:

- a classroom
- a proving or testing ground
- an opportunity for many free choices
- an age of grace and forgiveness offered
- an opportunity to build character, to be refined by fire
- not a time of final reward or final consequences
- an age brimming with potential growth and transformation
- a time I call the “Age of Caterpillars” with the opportunity to soar as butterflies

This is a critical age of choices and decisions for each one of us. Gordon Lightfoot touches on this issue in his song “Waiting for You”. He sings, “I could be tossed in the arms of the sea. I could get caught between decks eternally. Waiting for you to ask what’s keeping me.

Are we going to be left behind as caterpillars constantly searching for the best leaf salad we can scrounge up for ourselves?

Are we going to struggle with the storms of life only to sink to the sea-bottom “caught between decks eternally?”

Or instead, are we going to soar into the wide-open spaces of God rather than being trapped in “The Small World of Self?”

Have a little faith

A good friend of ours recommended a great book.  "Have a little Faith" (written by Mitch Albom) was an excellent read.  It focuses mainly on the Jewish and Christian perspectives and challenges everyone who is seeking a richer understanding of faith.

The most valuable aspect of the book, in my opinion, is the way it poses the questions that many of us are trying to answer for ourselves. But it doesn't use strong-arm tactics to push the reader in one particular direction or another.  It simply relates the very different journeys of two men, one a Jewish Rabbi and the other a Christian who once had a shady past. 

The following are some of the questions raised during the course of this short but very interesting story:

1) Do we feel a need for faith?

2) Do we hunger to be part of something bigger than ourselves?

3) Does God really exist?

4) Why do bad things happen to good people?

5) Is human nature basically good or evil?

6) What will give us true happiness and joy?

7) Is the object of our faith real and true?

8) What's next after this life?

9) Are we unsettled by the "great unknown" after death?

10) Are we afraid of being forgotten when we pass on?

Enjoy the book, if you decide to read it. It may not fully answer all these questions but it certainly provides some sign-posts for anyone seeking to be part of something bigger than themselves.

He waits for a moment of opportunity!

In my reading this morning, in Luke Chapter 4, I found the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.  What caught my attention the most was the comment after this temptation by Satan.  It says, "Now when the devil had ended every temptaion, he departed from Him (Jesus) until an opportune time "

This opportune time was in the garden of Gethsename, just prior to Jesus' crucifixion.  The following paragraphs (an excerpt from a previous blog) describes this opportune moment.  Satan will often attack when we are at our weakest.

In John, Chapter 18, Jesus encounters one of the most pressure-packed, stress-filled moments of His life. Even the name of the garden, where he seeks strength and solace from the Father, provides an overwhelming metaphor for the moment. "Gethsemane" means "Oil Press". Jesus will be squeezed to the breaking point as he battles against Satan's final temptation, his last attempt to knock Jesus off course. That old serpent tries to push Jesus toward a self-serving path of disobedience to God-the-Father.

Temptation is often the catalyst for transformation. The pressure it causes in our lives reveals "who we are" at the very core of our being or should I say, "Whose we are".

In the movie "The Passion of the Christ" Mel Gibson depicts what I believe is the most triumphant moment in history, next to the "Resurrection of Jesus". In Gethsemane, we can see the agony of Jesus as He contemplates the cross and asks the Father if this cup might be taken away. Satan's serpentine temptation is slithering its' way toward Jesus. Suddenly, without warning, His foot comes crashing down on the snake's head. What a moment! The prophecy of Eden comes to the silver screen - "The serpent will bruise His heel but His heel will crush the serpent". At this critical juncture we have no doubt concerning Jesus' choice.

The pressure of this moment was the catalyst for "God-the-Son" as the "Son of Man" to perfectly embrace and assert His life of perfect obedience to "God-the-Father" by declaring, "Father, thy will be done!" Excruciating pain and suffering would follow but one of the toughest hurdles in history had been successfully cleared.

Temptation is part of everyone's life. It is a catylyst for building character if we let God help us. It can be a disaster if we try to navigate our way, through the pressure of temptation, without relying on God's strength.

Deeper Magic before the Dawn of Time

(From the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis)

The rising of the sun had made everything look so different - all colours and shadows were changed that for a moment they didn't see the important thing. Then they did. The Stone Table was broken into two pieces by a great crack that ran down it from end to end; and there was no Aslan.
"Oh, oh, oh!" cried the two girls, rushing back to the Table. "Oh, it's too bad," sobbed Lucy; "they might have left the body alone." "Who's done it?" cried Susan. "What does it mean? Is it magic?" "Yes!" said a great voice behind their backs. "It is more magic." They looked round. There, shining in the sunrise, larger than they had seen him before, shaking his mane (for it had apparently grown again) stood Aslan himself.
"Oh, Aslan!" cried both the children, staring up at him, almost as much frightened as they were glad. "Aren't you dead then, dear Aslan?" said Lucy.  "Not now," said Aslan."You're not - not a - ?" asked Susan in a shaky voice. She couldn't bring herself to say the word ghost. Aslan stooped his golden head and licked her forehead. The warmth of his breath and a rich sort of smell that seemed to hang about his hair came all over her.  "Do I look it?" he said.  "Oh, you're real, you're real! Oh, Aslan!" cried Lucy, and both girls flung themselves upon him and covered him with kisses.
"But what does it all mean?" asked Susan when they were somewhat calmer.  "It means," said Aslan, "that though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know: Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time.  But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards.
"And now - Oh yes. Now?" said Lucy, jumping up and clapping her hands. "Oh, children," said the Lion, "I feel my strength coming back to me. Oh, children, catch me if you can!" He stood for a second, his eyes very bright, his limbs quivering, lashing himself with his tail. Then he made a leap high over their heads and landed on the other side of the Table. Laughing, though she didn't know why, Lucy scrambled over it to reach him. Aslan leaped again. A mad chase began. Round and round the hill-top he led them, now hopelessly out of their reach, now letting them almost catch his tail, now diving between them, now tossing them in the air with his huge and beautifully velveted paws and catching them again, and now stopping unexpectedly so that all three of them rolled over together in a happy laughing heap of fur and arms and legs. It was such a romp as no one has ever had except in Narnia; and whether it was more like playing with a thunderstorm or playing with a kitten Lucy could never make up her mind. And the funny thing was that when all three finally lay together panting in the sun the girls no longer felt in the least tired or hungry or thirsty.  "And now," said Aslan presently, "to business. I feel I am going to roar. You had better put your fingers in your ears."  And they did. And Aslan stood up and when he opened his mouth to roar his face became so terrible that they did not dare to look at it. And they saw all the trees in front of him bend before the blast of his roaring as grass bends in a meadow before the wind.

Comments:

The excerpt above, from the Chronicles of Narnia, is not a mere invention by C.S. Lewis. He always intended these adventures to be a “baptizing of the imagination” for young and old alike. The following verses provide the Biblical background for this part of his Christian Allegory. His writing magically expounds the meaning behind the Apostle Paul’s words.

1 Corinthians, Chapter 2, Verses 6 to 10:

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

Romans, Chapter 16, Verses 25 to 27:

Now to him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began by now made manifest, and by; the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith – to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

Help from my Daughter

As I made my way to work the other day, I was listening to Ravi Zacharias admit that his children have taught him much more than they have learned from him. Instantly, the words of my daughter jumped to mind, “Dad you often have good suggestions and ideas but sometimes you need to listen to what I am saying!”

I am glad I listened to Sarah and took her suggestion to read a book that she received from her mother-in-law. Journaling about this is my way of thanking them both for helping me expand my understanding of the God whom we worship and serve.

Notes Re: Book – “So you don’t want to go to Church anymore”

The authors of this book challenge the conventional way of worshiping God and “doing church”. The following are some points they ask readers to consider if a more authentic personal relationship with God is their desire:

1) Do the work God gives you to do and watch Him provide for you as you do it.

2) Don’t just do something because you’re anxious to provide for yourself.

3) When it comes to doing God’s will there isn’t a set rule “one size fits all” that can be applied to every situation we encounter or the decisions we make.

4) Be open every day to what Jesus is asking you to do. Is He trying to nudge you to reach out to someone or head in a certain direction?

5) Learn to live by what God puts before you, not by your own agenda. He will provide all you need though He may not do it the way you want Him to.

6) Just keep following Jesus one step at a time, doing what you know to do each day. God’s bigger picture will become clearer with time.

7) Be aware that circumstances, routine, ritual, the need for security, your preferences, the opinions of others, the wants of others (as opposed to their real needs), and the daily tyranny of the urgent are just a few of many things that can become enemies of your personal day-to-day relationship with Jesus. We have total freedom to follow Christ and love people like He does.

8) Jesus should be our central focus. We should set our eyes on Christ. He is always out front, willing to lead us, if we are willing to follow.

9) Don’t try to force or manipulate the decisions or actions of others. Try to guide them towards making their own decisions by helping them consider the various options. Don’t resort to using shame as a way to motivate people based on guilt-induced manipulation. This type of system is used by many churches in an attempt to control the behavior of their congregations.

10) People can become addicted to shame and bounce between self-pity and self-glory, never finding freedom to just live in Jesus.

11) Admit your anger with God when that is how you’re feeling. Put it before Him, otherwise you may compound the problem because of the guilty feelings which arise from holding onto your anger.

12) Many churches try to press people into spiritual change. You can’t press a caterpillar into a butterfly mold and make it fly. It has to be transformed from inside. People need help to trust the Father more and to find that He is the one changing them, transforming their hearts. This eventually changes “what we want to do” and “why we want to do it”

13) Be transparent. When we acknowledge our own sins before God and those close to us it leaves us in greater awe of our loving God who so graciously forgives us.

14) Sunday Services and Meetings can become the focus rather than Jesus Himself. They can become a “God-substitute” but are obviously a poor replacement for a personal relationship with Jesus.

15) Always challenge your motivation for the choices you make. Is it for financial security, personal validation, public credibility, hiding failure, avoiding rejection, or is it truly what God has indicated you should do?

16) Look at life as the adventure God intended it to be. If you are watching and listening for Him you will be surprised how often Jesus will come along side through a nudge or a thought that suddenly comes to mind, or by way of a fellow seeker at your work-place, or through the stranger that comes to your door. With God’s help we can have eyes that fully see and ears that truly hear. He will open up relationships with others who hunger for Him.

17) Ask God’s help to avoid laboring under the oppressive guilt of: (a) how far short we fall from His holiness, (b) the hardship of seeking performance-based acceptance, or (c) the demanding obligations of self-produced righteousness. And ask Him to help you to not impose these burdens on others.

18) Be aware that institutions can become abusive if the demand for conformity takes over. If you conclude this is indeed the case then run for the cover of your friendship with Jesus and help others being abused to do the same.

19) Realize that the machinery of maintaining an institution, for its own sake, can siphon off energy and resources to the point that it can leave you exhausted, empty, and really no closer to Jesus. It creates an illusion of community without the power and freedom God intended for each of us.

20) Consider spending your time serving others rather than attending endless meetings that involve the exasperating experience of trying to accomplish everything by committee.

21) Structures, institutions, and programs are often run by people who do not know God. These individuals are seeking the self-glorification and warped satisfaction that is derived from the power to control others, often by manipulation and deception. They usually resent those who are growing to know Jesus because they cannot fully control them. This is the freedom we have in Christ. Look at what happened to Jesus when he would not submit to the Pharisees!

22) Ravi Zacarhais comments as follows: Jesus freed us from the tyranny of locational worship. The church buildings of today are not “Houses of God” in the way the temple in Jerusalem once was. Jesus explained to the Samaritan women at the well that locational worship will be replaced by more authentic worship “in spirit and in truth”. This has come to pass because each follower of Christ is a temple of God. God sends the Spirit of Jesus to reside in our hearts if we open the door.

23) In conclusion, we need to be aware that the way we “do church” today (whether it is a congregation gathering in a building, a small group meeting as a house church, or just an informal circle of friends) it may have become a God-substitute or is hindering us in some way from more fully knowing Jesus and walking with him daily.

PRESSURE !

1) The PRESSURE of Temptation:

In John, Chapter 18, Jesus encounters one of the most pressure-packed, stress-filled moments of His life. Even the name of the garden, where he seeks strength and solace from the Father, provides an overwhelming metaphor for the moment. "Gethsemane" means "Oil Press". Jesus will be squeezed to the breaking point as he battles against Satan's final attempt to knock him off course. That old serpent tries to push Jesus toward a self-serving path of disobedience to God-the-Father.

Pressure is often the catalyst for transformation. Pressure in our lives reveals "who we are" at the very core of our being or should I say, "Whose we are".

In the movie "The Passion of the Christ" Mel Gibson depicts what I believe is the most triumphant moment in history, next to the "Resurrection of Jesus". In Gethsemane, we can see the agony of Jesus as He contemplates the cross and asks the Father if this cup might be taken away. Satan's serpentine temptation is slithering its' way toward Jesus. Suddenly, without warning, His foot comes crashing down on the snake's head. What a moment! The prophecy of Eden comes to the silver screen - "The serpent will bruise His heel but His heel will crush the serpent". At this critical juncture we have no doubt concerning Jesus' choice.

The pressure of this moment was the catalyst for "God-the-Son" as the "Son of Man" to perfectly embrace and assert His life of perfect obedience to "God-the-Father" by declaring, "Father, thy will be done!" Excruciating pain and suffering would follow but one of the toughest hurdles in history had been successfully cleared.

Pressure is part of everyone's life. It is a catylyst for building character if we let God help us. It can be a disaster if we try to navigate our way, through the pressure of stressful situations, without Him.


2) The PRESSURE to conform to this World:

In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 33, we see that Hezekiah's humble walk with God, as one of Judah's greatest kings, is totally ignored by his son. When Manasseh takes the throne, after his father's death, he succumbs to the pressure exerted by the idolatrous nations surrounding them. He did evil in the sight of the Lord. He rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden idols. He also sacrificed his sons to the false god Molech by burning them to death. He practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritist. Manasseh seduced Judah to do more evil than the nations that God destroyed when they came into the promised land. The Apostle Paul warns us about this kind of pressure in Chapter 12 of his letter to the Romans. He says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will."

3) The PRESSURE from our Human Nature:

In Malachi, Chapter 1, we are shown some examples of the pressure that can be exerted on each of us by our self-centered human nature. God's people are focused on their own affairs and have become weary of worship. Sensing and serving God, the essence of worship, had deteriorated into empty rituals devoid of meaning. Their was no longer any "worth-ship" placed on a relationship with their heavenly Father. They had ceased to reverence and honour Him. Their hearts were not in it. The sacrifices being offered were blemished. The people were keeping the best for themselves and giving God their rejects, the left-overs. A willingness or desire to resist the pressure of their selfish nature appears to be largely absent during this period.

4) The PRESSURE exerted by Truth:

In Revelation, Chapter 19, Jesus returns on a white horse as the "Lion of Judah", "King of Kings", and "Lord of Lords". He rides into the last battle to defeat all those who persist in their rebellion against Him. The messianic age of God's amazing grace, forgiveness, and loving patience will come to a close. God-the-Son is the "Truth". He is the "Word of God". If during this short life-time we ignor the pressure of "Truth" exerted by Him who is the"Truth" we are only deceiving ourselves. When we pass beyond this earthly existence, God's ultimate question will be, "What did you do concerning my Son?"

Algonquin Otters

A number of years ago, Janice and I did some canoeing in the Hailstorm Marsh just off the north-west arm of Lake Opeongo in Algonquin Park. Early that morning, we were transported by water-taxi from the south end of the lake and dropped off on a sandy point at the entrance to the marsh.

We quickly off-loaded our canoe and packs and pushed off for a great day of paddling. This area was particularly known for the moose that would frequent it's shallow waters to eat water lilies and other plant life. We kept our eyes peeled for these beautiful woodland creatures.

After paddling for about an hour, I was startled when a small otter popped its' head up through the sun-sparkled surface of the water. As it quickly ducked out of site another head popped up on the opposite side of our canoe closer to Jan. This second otter quickly dove below the surface just before a third otter appeared near the stern as I completed a "J" stroke and lifted my paddle from the water.

We both stopped paddling and quietly waited for a repeat performance. We were not disappointed. They entertained us for about twenty minutes. At times separately and at other times rolling together in a living ball of shear joy and delight. You couldn't distinguish one from the other. They would chase each other, sliding in and out of the water, darting effortlessly through the plant life of the marsh. Their free abandon and obvious enjoyment of each other was amazing. I smiled all that day and even now as I remember this gift from God.

Three of the drawings I have posted on my blog were inspired by this experience. I truly believe that God gave us a glimpse of Himself through these playful otters. If He is a "God of Love" then He must have loving relationships within Himself. He is one being made up of three persons - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As the otters rolled together in that tight ball, it gave me a small yet imperfect glimpse of the three persons within God. One aspect of the Trinity had been revealed to me. Within God you find loving, playful, and supportive relationships that should be the ultimate model for our families and for all our relationships.

When looking at the illustrations you will see within "God-the-Father" an endless circular design the symbolizes His eternal existence. Within the drawing of "God-the-Son" you will see the form of a fish - a Christian symbol. The Greek acronym that spells "fish" represented the phrase "Jesus Christ our Savoir". And in the last drawing of "God-the-Holy Spirit" you will see the shape of an empty cross. Jesus had to die and rise again from the cross before the Spirit could be sent to those who put their faith and trust in Him.

The Gift of Relationships

The following is an example of some interaction between two friends (the real names are not used) to help illustrate the great gift that God has given us in our relationships with each other. God actually reveals himself through each of his children. That is why every single life is so special and valuable. I believe that a unique piece of God exists in every person; therefore the diminishing of any person will diminish our world and our ability to know God more intimately.

A) Initial e-mail from Peter to Sam:

Hi Sam

I just finished reading the information regarding the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Amazing!!!

It has provided me with some great insight as summarized below:
(Sam - please review my conclusions to confirm whether or not I have understood the information correctly)

1) If only living beings can make more orderly molecules and systems (and therefore block the tendency towards entropy) it is logical to conclude that the orderly world that we live in could not have happened by chance. A living being must have created it – namely God.

2) Therefore one could conclude that each day (instead of asking, “Why me?” when things periodically go wrong) we should ask, “Why not me?” We should be continually grateful that more things don’t go wrong. I believe that it is God who has created the many safety barriers that require activation energy (Ea) from an outside source to break them down. These safety barriers, unless tampered with, will almost always protect us. But God has allowed mankind (whom he created in His own image) to freely manipulate His creation if we so desire. He has allowed us to be creative like Himself. This means that we are free to tamper with the safety barriers He has set up to protect us and ultimately put our existence at risk. (For example – the nuclear bomb, global warming, etc.)

Thanks again for the interesting link.
Peter

B) Response from Sam back to Peter:

Hi Peter

I think that your understanding is perfectly correct. From the order in our solar system, down to the order exhibited in the periodic table, it clearly shows the hand of a living God in its creation.

Try to imagine a machine with the complexity of the various systems of the human body--digestive, reproductive, muscular/skeletal, the sensory organs, nervous, endocrine etc. Think about the the symbiotic relationship of other (beneficial) organisms in our digestive tract which allow us to digest food. It really is astounding. And to think that this runs fairly well, not for 5 years until some major repairs come along, like a car, but 40 or 50 and in some cases most all of a person's life without any major medical conditions. Yes Peter, I think you are correct. The real question is "why not me".

It is interesting that you mention the atomic bomb. That is another example where activation energy (Ea) is required. The bomb will not spontaneously explode. It is completely stable (except for the radioactive decay). It requires a small explosion to bring the molecules of enriched uranium so close together that the heat and energy generated by the decay, in the now smaller volume, can't escape fast enough. This causes the radioactive decay to speed up which results is a run-away thermo-nuclear explosion. Here again, God has provided a safe-guard in the form of an activation energy. It now becomes our personal (societal) choice to over-ride that safe-guard or not. The unfortunate part is that it is a societal choice with personal repercussions.
Take care,
Sam

C) Reply from Peter back to Sam:

Thanks Sam

It is amazing how your words and understanding of the scientific aspects of our world inspire my faith. Sam, you truly have an awesome and wonderful mind that can plumb the depths of this aspect of God’s creation. I always tell people (at least those who are willing to put up with my chatter) how I marvel at the talents of others (like yourself) and it does not threaten me or make me feel small. It actually enlarges me and my world with the privilege and honour of seeing portions of God’s image in others. C.S. Lewis says that if you put together all of the positive aspects, of all the people who have lived plus all those who will ever live - you still do not adequately reflect all the goodness and wonder of God. Ravi Zacharias says that God is the only being in whom we can find infinite wonder and novelty. Or in other words, we can be in God’s presence forever and still not get bored. Amazing!!!

Thanks again,
Peter

Note - If science is your thing, here is the link to the information regarding the “Second Law of Thermodynamics” that is being discussed above - http://www.secondlaw.com/

My Baptism

I was baptized as an infant, confirmed as a teenager, but decided to be baptized as an adult at the church I currently attend. The following is the testimony I gave on that day:

What does God want from me? Do I have to sell everything and help the poor? What is it going to take to make God happy? I was desperately asking these questions 26 years ago and urgently seeking answers.

I was a good person. I gave my parents few problems. I graduated from High School with honours. I was even going back to church, and teaching Sunday School. What more did God want from me?

Then a young minister, who overheard my questions, took me aside. He told me that God created us so we could have a relationship with Him. But the desire to run our own lives, apart from God (a desire the Bible calls Sin) has disconnected us from God. The only way to reconnect with God is through Jesus! Jesus suffered and died on the cross to absorb all the consequences of people trying to live their lives disconnected from Him. He paid the penalty for us. Then Jesus rose from the grave, conquering both sin and death and became the bridge back to God.

I then asked “What do I have to do? What does God want from me?” He answered by saying that God wanted me to believe in his only Son – Jesus!” He explained that believing means trusting and putting my full confidence in Jesus, acknowledging that only He can reconnect me with God. I cannot do it on my own. Jesus says “Here I am I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will go in and eat with him and he with me.”

And that is what I did – With a simple prayer, I said I was sorry for hurting Him and others. I thanked him for dying for me and for His forgiveness. Then I opened the door of my heart and asked Jesus to come in.

Some people may ask, “How do you know it really happened? How can you tell that Jesus is actually with you?”

- Initially, I felt an amazing sense of freedom. A weight was lifted. I was forgiven? I was free from the fear of death and judgment!

- Secondly, I received a great sense of relief. I didn’t have to do this on my own. I didn’t have to earn God’s approval.

- Thirdly, I have been given a wonderful sense of purpose. God can use me, in spite of my limitations, in spite of my failures, to help others get to know Him.

- But the most compelling evidence that Jesus is with me comes from the gradual transformation of my heart. I am being changed. These are changes I didn’t expect, changes that I believe would not have happened without the Spirit of Jesus inside of me.

Changes like:

- Turning the other cheek – when often I wanted to strike back.

- Loving my enemies and praying for them, instead of holding grudges and hoping for payback.

- Forgiving and befriending a murderer – someone I would have previously written off.

- Doing what was right – even if it meant my job was at risk.

But there is one thing I’ve learned that I didn’t fully understand at first. There is cost to following Jesus. I have lost my “Self-directed” life, but in the process I have gained much more. Putting my trust in Jesus has given me a “God-connected”, “God-directed”, and God-injected life that will last forever. Nothing can ever disconnect me from God.

My baptism is mainly about what God has done for me – not what I have done in response. It is about declaring and celebrating God’s unconditional love that has come directly from him and by way of the many people that God has brought along side me. I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me and supported me (especially those who are here today) and I would like to venture out and say that your hearts beat so close to the heart of God I am sure that you must know Him.

And now my Dad, a great father and a great friend would like to say a few words.

The Running Father

I was listening to a speaker explain the full cultural impact that the parable of the "Prodigal Son" would have had on the people of Jesus' time. The following is a modern version of this parable which trys to give the equivalent cultural impact of the original story.

The focus of this parable has often been the wayward son who realizes his mistakes and goes back to his father in repentence and humility. This re-telling of the story highlights what is thought to be the greater theme within the story - "The Running Father". It reveals a father who is not concerned about humiliating himself when he chooses to run after his wayward sons. His forgiveness is not withheld because of his pride or because of community expectations. He is like our Father in heaven who loves us with a pure sacrificial love.

Further to this, I was surprised about my misunderstanding of the character of the older son. I now realize that my past thoughts and actions had been most similar to those of the older son who had, until now, the benefit of my misplaced sympathy.


The Running Father

A Father with two sons had decided it was time to retire. He had lost his wife to cancer the previous year but continued working until he was 61 to put his adopted sons through university and post-graduate studies.

Shortly after he retired, news came that a good friend had suddenly died of a heart attack. As a result the friend’s son, who had become the soul beneficiary of his Father’s estate, quit his job and rapidly embraced a decadent life-style of luxury and pleasure.

When the younger son returned from university his Father told him about the friend’s death and the surviving son who was now independently wealthy. His younger son lay awake that night dreaming about the freedom an inheritance could give. As he drifted off to sleep he had resolved to speak to his Father in the morning.

Shortly after sunrise the younger son found his Father in the kitchen enjoying his morning coffee. He sat down and proceeded to ask his Dad if he would consider re-mortgaging the family home. His Father, caught totally by surprise, composed himself and calmly asked why he should entertain such a request. Without skipping a beat His son explained, “If you freed up the equity from the house you could give my brother and I our inheritance before you die. Just think of the pleasure you would have seeing us enjoy the benefits of your legacy.” The Father nodded and asked for some time to think about the request. This would mean an abrupt end to his retirement and the sacrifice of continuing to work in order to make ends meet.

Friends and family became furious with the two sons when they heard that their Father was delaying his well-earned retirement so they could have an advance on their inheritance.

The younger son quickly packed his suitcase and said goodbye to his Father and older brother. He was sick of his life at home, sick of the little town where nothing seemed to happen, and sick of having to struggle his way through life. He was now free!

His new found liberty was short-lived. The money was gone before he knew it. Reality was now burning away the alcoholic fog that he had drifted in for months. The girl who shared his bed had left when the money ran out. The soup kitchen line-up was always longer than anticipated. He was miserable. Could he dare consider returning home?”

Every day, after the departure of his younger son, the Father would anxiously check the mailbox. Once the supper dishes were done he would sit on the porch, sighing with sadness, hoping his son would push open the screen door and step back into his life.

One evening after work the Father stopped at the local donut shop for a coffee. He would often chat with old friends who frequented the place. “I heard a rumour that your younger son will be arriving on the 7:00 o’clock train,” said one of his neighbours who had just sat down. The Father quickly jumped up from his chair after glancing at his watch – it was 6:55. He rushed out of the donut shop and ran toward the train station as fast as his legs would carry him. As he rounded the corner, within sight of the station, the Father could see his two brothers standing with his younger son. From the yelling and the arm gestures he realized it was not an amiable conversation. His son, with his head down, was turning to get back on the train as the Father stepped onto the platform calling out to his boy, “Son, Son, stop!” With three steps he quickly closed the gap between his son and himself. He embraced him with hugs and kisses. Tears of joy were flowing down his wrinkled face. It was time to celebrate. His son had come home.

The next evening the house was buzzing with the conversation of family and friends who had gathered to celebrate the father's unconditional love for the younger son who had come home. Music was playing in the background, steaks were sizzling on the barbeque, and laughter filled the air as everyone partied into the early hours of the morning.

Few people had heard the indignant older son yelling at his Father earlier that evening. He couldn’t comprehend why he and his friends had not been given such lavish parties? He was the dutiful son who had stayed home with his Father. How could this irresponsible son of his, who had squandered his inheritance, deserve such extravagant treatment? Trying to calm him down, the Father drew nearer and put his hand on the older son’s shoulder. He tried to reason with him saying, “You have always had access to everything I own. I held nothing back. All you had to do was ask.” The Father could see that the older son, who had stormed off into the darkness, was unhappy with his answer. He knew that his older son’s problem stemmed from an unwillingness to forgive his brother. Because of the hardness of his heart he was spiritually blind. He could not see beyond a selfish younger brother who should be punished and himself as the injured party who should be more appreciated.

After saying goodbye to the last few guests, the Father sat down on the front porch. His eyes became moist and tears gradually dampened his cheeks. His heart was aching for his older son. Which path would he choose to take?

Can we trust Him?

Will be posted soon

True or False?

A large portion of today’s culture does not believe in absolute truth. Quests for truth are often suppressed in the public arena or washed away by waves of relativism. When people claim that all truth is relative they are actually making a “truth statement”. This creates a self-defeating argument.

The crux of the problem, I believe, is a moral one. Many prefer “relative truth” because it permits them to do as they choose. The popularity of “relativism” is due to its reduction of moral accountability as opposed to the guilt-inducing boundaries imposed by absolute moral standards. As if "guilty feelings" are to be avoided at all costs.

My own conscience tells me that life is made up of many things, spoken or done, that are absolutely good or bad, true or false. The fact that we have this sense of right and wrong within us provides reasonable evidence for the existence of an “external objective moral law” which then logically points to a moral law-giver – to God Himself!

This is where "relativism" breaks down even further. If truth is relative, then no words or actions can be classified as absolutely true or false, good or evil, right or wrong. In this scenario a child could be tortured to death and no one could say, with absolute certainty, that torturing and murdering a child is wrong. Continuing with this type of world view would throw our culture into social chaos and further uncertainty. It would eventually be found unlivable.

The Bible, I believe, reveals portions of absolute truth. It provides a solid explanation of reality that can be fully trusted and relied upon. God’s Word provides coherent and fully integrated answers regarding: (1) Origin, (2) Meaning, (3) Morality, and (4) Destiny. This doesn't mean that Christians have full absolute knowledge of all absolute truth. No! We have access, with God's help, to portions of His absolute truth which have been revealed at various times and in various ways through the prophets and in these last days spoken by His Son - Jesus. This is truth that we can rely on absolutely. In the following readings I found some examples of God's absolute truth woven into the fabric of scripture:


2 Chronicles, Chapter 31:

(a) The Book of the Law, as written by Moses, was discovered after many years of disuse and newly declared to the people of Israel and Judah. This revelation of God’s truth initiated a revival in worship. The Passover was celebrated and the people carried their renewed convictions, based on the truth of God’s Word, back to their towns and villages.
(b) God’s truth helped expose the false worship of other god’s. As a result, the people dismantled and destroyed all things to do with idolatry.
(c) An understanding of God’s truth provided the people with real hope for the future and fostered true gratitude and sacrificial giving. They were donating 23% of their annual income to support the temple worship and its leaders. After meeting the needs of the Priests and Levites the huge surplus of givings was used to support the poor.

Revelation, Chapter 17:

(a) The bowls of God’s "righteous & true" judgments are targeting Babylon which represents the “Final World System”.
(b) The great harlot is a symbol of "false religion" and "religious apostasy" that will be prominent during the end times.
(c) World leaders will ally themselves with the harlot (false religion) who rides the scarlet beast (the antichrist). The harlot will be the beast’s pawn for a period of time in order to establish world unity by fostering false hope through a counterfeit peace. At the right time the beast will discard the harlot and assume political control under a one world government.

Zechariah, Chapter 13:

(a) We are told that false prophets will receive harsh judgement from God because they misrepresented His truth
(b) We hear the truth of prophecy (500 years before Jesus' birth) concerning a "Shepherd Savior". He will be a companion of God (the second person of the Trinity "God-the-Son"). The sword will strike the Shepherd and the sheep (His followers) will be scattered.

John, Chapter 16:

(a) The ultimate truth concerning our salvation will be available throught "The Helper" (the third person of the Trinity "God-the-Spirit") who Jesus says he will send to us after he rises and returns to God-the-Father.
(b) The Helper: (1) will guide us into all truth, (2) will not speak on His own authority but with the authority of the Father and the Son, (3) will glorify Jesus by taking what is the Son's and declaring it to us, and (4) will glorify the Father because all things that belong to the Son have come from the Father.
(c) True Joy - Jesus says, as prophesied by Zechariah, that His disciples will be scattered when He is struck down. Initially they will lament and weep because of sorrow and the world will rejoice. But their pain will turn to joy because they will see Jesus alive again and no one will be able to steal that "true joy"
(d) True Victory - Jesus tells His disciples that in the world they will have tribulation but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. He has achieved "true victory" over sin and death.

We're all invited!

Will be posted soon

The Hanging Judge?

The Hanging Judge

In the American “Wild West” a judge who gained a reputation for sending men to the gallows often became known as a “hanging judge”. The intent was to provide a strong deterrent against lawlessness by acting swiftly and decisively with the iron fist of the law. But mistakes were made and more than once the punishment did not fit the crime. Many feel that God is like one of these “hanging judges” who used harsh judgments to frighten people into submission. Fire, brimstone, and eternal punishment are terms that come quickly to mind.

There are those who use this negative stereotype of God as justification for not following Him. But in doing so they may not have taken all the facts into consideration:

a) If God is perfect and has no darkness or sinfulness within Him then it is only logical that he must deal with our sins. He cannot ignore them.
b) A God who is truly good and perfect would offer perfect and fair judgments.
c) For every action there is a consequence. We, as imperfect individuals, do not like to be held accountable. We do not want to pay the penalty for wrong thoughts, words, or actions. But someone has to pay the price if God is to be consistent with His character. He must be true to Himself.
d) To reject God because He is a God of judgment is not logical. We cannot ignore or eliminate this aspect of His character if we desire a truly loving and perfect God as the one we choose to worship.

Let’s use the courtroom as a setting to illustrate what God has done for us:

a) A judge, who was presiding over a particular court case, had finished listening to months of testimony regarding individuals who had allegedly committed various crimes that would carry the death penalty if convicted. He then retired to his chambers for deliberation.

b) After a short interval, He re-entered the courtroom and was about to pass judgment, when His Son, an innocent bystander and observer, interrupted the proceedings. “Excuse me your Honour; I am compelled because of my overwhelming love for these people to willingly and freely accept the full weight of your judgment, on their behalf, if you are willing to pardon them”.

c) “This has never happened before” the judge responded, “but there is a provision for an individual, who is without sin, to freely offer his life in exchange for the lives of others. “As a result, my Son” He continued, “You would be absorbing the penalty they deserve in order to offer them the opportunity of pardon and forgiveness. Do you fully understand what you are about to undertake?”

d) “With the acknowledgement of your full understanding my Son”, the judge concluded, “I declare that your actions will fully satisfy this court and permit a full pardon for the accused provided they freely open their hearts to receive your “life changing” Spirit that was so wonderfully revealed in this courtroom today.

e) As the judge left the Court Building, at the conclusion of the trial, it was reported that he gave a smile to the waiting journalists and proudly declared, “That’s my boy!”

f) In conclusion, I believe God-the-Father has nothing in common with the stereo-typical “hanging judge”. When he is not presiding over his courtroom, he is personally searching and seeking out offenders. The judge of all people, whom some call the “Hound of Heaven”, relentlessly pursues those who do not know Him in the hope they will catch a glimpse or taste of His unique self. He who is truth, love and forgiveness is able to transform our “hearts of stone” into “hearts of flesh” if we invite him to reside within us. God is not trying to make bad people good. God is making dead people live through His Son and His Spirit.

In 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 29, King Hezekiah, out of concern for the potential “judgment of God” against Judah, decides to initiate some spring cleaning, to let in the fresh air of God’s Spirit or as Bruce Cockburn sings, “Let the bad air out”. During that time, it is evident that the spiritual condition of Judah was reflected by the condition of the temple. The house of God was full of garbage and debris. It had been closed up and neglected for many years. The people of Judah had filled their hearts with the rubbish of idol worship. “Garbage In! Garbage Out!

The faith and obedience of Hezekiah had led to the cleansing of the temple. Like a baptismal parable, this action helped to prepare both the temple and the hearts of Judah to receive God. This was Judah’s invitation for God to take up residence in the temple once more. True worship in the temple, not practiced since the time of Solomon (over 200 years prior to this time), was restored and produced great joy in Judah. The “Judge”, through Hezekiah, reached out to all the people. They rejoiced and celebrated because God had so suddenly prepared their hearts to receive Him.

In Revelation, Chapter 15 we see, in heaven, that the “tabernacle” or “temple” is open and full of God’s glory. In this chapter we see God as “Judge” preparing to deliver (by way of the seven plagues) his sentence and punishment to those who continue to reject Him.

Those who have accepted the Judge’s “full pardon” are singing a song of praise and deliverance. The ‘Song of Moses and of the Lamb” rises up like incense to God as they sing, “Who shall not reverence and glorify Your name, O Lord – giving You honour and praise in worship? For You only are holy. All the nations will come and pay homage and adoration to You, for Your just judgments – your righteous sentences and deeds – have been made known and displayed.”

In Chapter 11 of Zechariah we see the “Judge” pursuing His people. He is visiting them, in disguise, as a shepherd with a staff in each hand. One staff, called “Beauty”, represents the promise between God and His people. The other staff, called “Bonds”, represents the brotherhood between the tribes of Judah and Israel. This good shepherd intends to back-up His commitment as “Judge” to (a) keep His promise, and (b) to unify His people.

But the foolish shepherds, leading His people, break the staff of “Beauty” and the staff of “Bonds” into many pieces. They reject the good shepherd and fail to recognize Him as God.

In the fourteenth chapter of John’s gospel, we are comforted by the fact that the “Judge” does not have ”a prison with many cells” but rather “a mansion with many rooms”. A room is prepared for each person who trusts in Jesus because He lives, we also shall live, The good shepherd lived, suffered, died and rose again so that each of us could be raised, with Him, to new life. The Judge, disguised as the good shepherd, accepted on our behalf the death penalty we deserved. He then overcame sin and death itself by being the first dead person to walk away alive!