Wednesday, October 31, 2018

“People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (Luke 21:26, New Revised Standard Version)

                Boo! Did I scare you – after all today is Hallowe’en.

                Our young grandsons are all reacting somewhat differently to Hallowe’en this year. William, age 5, is really getting into the Hallowe’en spirit. He wanted to have a real scary face carved on his jack-o-lantern. He loves the house down their street because it is decorated with lots of real spooky stuff, causing him to think they will give out great Hallowe’en candy, too. Henry, age 3, is less taken with this shrine to Hallowe’en, finding it a bit too scary. His pumpkin has a great big, happy face!

                Spencer, age 2, is OK with Hallowe’en, for the most part.   But he does insist that Mom or Dad close the living room curtains so that he can’t see the skeleton face hanging in the window.

                These three grandsons – our fourth, Declan, is not quite old enough to create his own reaction just yet – seem to represent how any of us might handle our fears and qualms. Some face their fears and deal with them head on, like William. Some put on a happy face and avoid their fears, like Henry. Some pull the curtains on life’s terrors and try to avoid their fears, like Spencer.

                I think I may be with Spencer on this one. During this past week there has been enough horrible, awful, scary, evil, terrifying, dreadful things happening in the world and in our lives that I would just as soon close the curtains on the face of the world and not ever peek behind the drapes for life nor money.  This whole Fall has seemed to be one hellish thing after another.

                Fear can be a good or healthy thing. It can warn us of risks, dangers, problems, threats and menaces. Fear can make us take a more cautious and careful approach to matters - to look before we leap. Fear can even energize us to action and dealing with hazardous life situations.

                But fear can also paralyze, intimidate, disable, or bully us.  Fear can take over our lives or become debilitating phobias. Fear can force us into making bad choices or rash decisions. Fear can make us lose heart, lead us into despair, and give up on hope and drain us of joy and peace.

                Our text is embedded in a passage which forewarns the people about a time in which the world will be in a deep, deep mess. Even heaven is shaken by the events of chaos and upheaval, like a tidal wave of disorder and darkness.

                It seems ominous and foreboding indeed. But there is also a bright light of hope in this passage. There is a fresh, energizing appearance of the “Son of Man”, i.e. Jesus Christ, who takes power over the chaos and turbulence and restores his Shalom (peace) and Creation itself.  We are not abandoned to the evils of this world. We are not left to face the world’s terrors by ourselves.  In fact, the passage ends on a note of encouragement and hopefulness. “When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!" (Luke 21:28, The Message Bible)

                It leads me to the confrontation between Light and Darkness, a theme that runs throughout the Gospel of John. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5, NRSV) John asserts time and time again that Jesus is that one-of-a-kind light who takes on all various forms of evil, sinfulness and chaos. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life," (John 8:12, NRSV).  He is ever present in this battle against the deeds and habits of darkness, “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” (John 12:46, NRSV) All those who trust in Christ need to hang on to the hope that “the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.” (1 John 2:8)

                So take that that – you big, scary and chilling masks of darkness. I’ve got your number, and you have no power over me or my family or our friends, or the world for that matter, because perfect love casts out fear. Or as Jesus once said, “But take courage; I have conquered the world!" (John 16:33, NRSV)

Dale      

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

“Then Jesus added, ‘Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more.’” (Mark 4:24, New Living Translation) 

                One of the recurring criticisms of our municipal government during the recent election was that the elected representatives on our City Council “weren’t listening to the people”.  I am not convinced that this was actually the case as much as they tried to listen to all the voices, no matter how contrary the various ideas and opinions, and ended up, sometimes, paralyzed in doing anything, lest it might offend someone.  Afterall, various City Councils have been debating the idea of a Parkway through Peterborough for over 50 years! And still they are nowhere close to getting it done or forgetting about it altogether. Yikes!

                But, more to the point, it seems to be that often when someone accuses others that they are not listening to them that the only way they will ever be convinced that they are being heard is if  the listeners agree totally with what has been said. “You aren’t listening” may become “You aren’t doing what I want you to do” or “why aren’t you agreeing with me?” or “You must know that I absolutely right about this!”

                Of course, it is entirely possible that I have indeed listened, heard, understood and comprehended everything that another has said, but that even after listening I simply don’t agree with the proffered point of view. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that I didn’t listen at all.

                Don’t get me wrong, there are many, many instances in our human communications when listening gets lost in the process. We become defensive or argumentative, stubborn, and become too busy forming our own little speeches wanting to win the debate or argument at any cost, so that any attempt at sincere listening gets drowned out by loud and frustrated voices.

I would say even that our rampant, embroiled, uncivil discourse in our current culture is indeed because we aren’t listening to each other very well. We are drowning each other out by our heated rhetoric, unfiltered animosity towards those who are different, and the overemphasis on individualism fanned by technology  which all, therefore, leads to the loss of deeper community.

                The loss of listening happens in all sorts of our human relationships and institutions: dating, marriage, family, organizations, churches, and so on. When we stop listening and then accuse others of also not listening because we are so convinced of our rightness, it is small wonder we can’t keep from hating each other, call others names, labeling others, and refusing to get along with anyone who doesn’t agree with us. “Everybody is sinful, but you and me and I am not too sure about you!”

                Listening is hard work. I am probably the last person who should be giving advice about listening which some of my critics from my churches would quickly tell you.  Nevertheless, listening takes effort, patience, time, and commitment. One usually needs to suspend making facile, quick, immediate judgements. Often, one should be slow in speaking or offering opinions, if at all, until the appropriate moment. Wait until the other person is finished, with little or no interruption. Ask clarifying questions. Then repeat back to the other person what you think you have heard to see if you actually got any of it right.  Even if you disagree with what the other says, one responds with courtesy, respect, civility and, dare I say it, with love!

                I think about Job’s three friends who came to console him during his terrible afflictions and trials. Everything was going so well - until they opened their mouths and started to tell Job all the ways he was wrong.

                “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”  (James 1:19, NLT)

Dale

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18, New Living Translation) 

                I noticed an interesting bumper sticker on a car yesterday.

                By using the symbols that traditionally represent the major faith groups of the world it spelled out the word “co-exist” – a meaningful, relevant and evocative message, one too easily lost or, worse, mangled in our secular society.

                The last letter in this rebus was the letter “t”. This, of course, represents the Christian tradition, particularly the cross, the means of death upon which our Lord and Saviour was inhumanely and brutally crucified. I think that everybody would agree that the cross is the universal symbol for us who are Christians. We may not always agree on just what that symbol means but, in one way or another, it defines a chief tenet of our faith, maybe the chief tenet.

                Therefore, it baffles me, somewhat, that the new government in Quebec has decided that in its discriminatory ban on all religious symbols among their civil servants the cross has been deemed not a religious symbol, but merely a cultural icon  from its history.

                I think I am offended. I once lived in Quebec and if I was still there I would be writing a strong letter of protest that in solidarity for the principle of religious freedom of expression if other religious symbols are being banned so should the cross. Otherwise, this unique symbol which speaks to the means and purpose of Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice and death is at risk of becoming irrelevant, domesticated, immaterial and an out-of-date artifact. Whereas the other symbols seem to be dangerous in this government’s secular agenda and mind, the cross has become a pleasant memory, and simply not worth the bother of excising from public space.

                The cross is an enigma. The Quebec government is not the first government in our history to deem the cross foolishness in one sense or another as Paul wrote. But for Paul the cross was a potent, scandalous, unprecedented way for God to act. Even some Christians struggle with why God would use such an horrendous implement to allow his son to be so grossly executed. After all, “when he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” (Galatians 3:13, NLT)

                Of course, even we Christians have polished up the cross, sanded off the rough edges,  shellacked and varnished it and made it to look pretty. We wear it as jewellery in many forms. We trudge it out once a year on Good Friday and even that name indicates we need it to make it sound better than it actually was for Jesus. Good for us – but not so much so for Jesus.

                I am reminded of a documentary which I saw many ears ago about one of the American mega churches. The lead pastor was asked why there was no cross in their worship centre. The pastor explained that they didn’t want to offend the new seekers who were worshipping with them, saying, to the effect, that the cross sent the wrong message to newbies in the faith.

                Move over Quebec government, you have company!

                There are a few meaningful ways to absorb the full meaning of the cross which I won’t get into here. But I would make the point that one needs to stand at the foot of the cross in order to begin to understand its power, meaning and the purpose behind Jesus’ ignominious death.  The ugly side of humanity is fully exposed there – humanity’s proclivity for evil and sinfulness, cruelty, injustice, suffering and abuse of power.  Jesus believed that his death would challenge and defeat the power of such things and the Power behind such things. “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.”  (Colossians 2:14, NLT)

                The cross – the power of God.

                Forgive them Lord; they know not what they are doing. 

Dale

               

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1, New Living Translation)

                 All Saints Day is not until November 1^st, but I have been thinking about a few saints who, over many, many years, have surrounded our family and invested their love and time in our lives and ministry.

                There was Marian Marr in Wainfleet, with Marian always an eager babysitter for baby Nicholas. In Montreal there were Bill and Nora Boulet or Marian Lane who took extra care of our children and us. In Ottawa we were “adopted” by Naomi Andrew or “Omi” as young Nathaniel called her who was like a grandmother to our children and held a very special place in our hearts. These are just a few of the saints who have graced and blessed our lives. We will never forget them for their generosity, love and kindnesses.

                But there are two more who must be mentioned. They are Kay and Roy Porteous who are Susan’s Aunt and Uncle, Kay being the sister of Susan’s mother. Roy, at the age of 82, died suddenly last week of pancreatic cancer. They live about a half hour outside of Ottawa. When we lived in Ottawa in the early 90s, Kay and Roy were virtually our kids’ alternate set of grandparents. Quietly and generously they embraced our family in so many wonderful ways.

                There were family dinners at their home or cottage. There were boat rides and sea-doo rides on the Rideau River, allowing young Nicholas even help steer the boat. They looked after toddler Nathaniel on one of our trips to Florida. They have attended many a birthday party over the years. They have travelled to all of our children’s weddings.

                Roy was a wonderful man, always eager to help or serve others. He was deeply involved in his community. We didn’t really realize what a musician he had been until yesterday at his Service of Thanksgiving (as my father-in-law described it). He played the saxophone for a band, back in the day, at one of the local establishments. He was an active and involved Christian at the Osgoode Baptist/Vernon United Church.

                But really his sainthood (he would probably humbly scoff at the notion) was based on a strong character of faith, sensitivity, compassion and caring. He never looked for praise or credit. He had a quiet and dry sense of humour and seemed, at times unflappable. He was open-hearted and open-minded, never judgmental or even critical, except for the occasional wry comment about something. He was generous with his time, with his gifts, with his service.

                Once, when they were visiting our home here in Peterborough, the kitchen sink suddenly started leaking. Before we knew it, Roy was under the sink, finding the cause of the problem and making a temporary fix until we got the plumber in.

                Saints inspire us, lead by example and encourage all of us to be better people. Saintliness is not about piety, pomposity, religiosity, or pretentious shows of “look-at-me” works. I recall Jesus’ disappointment in the Pharisee strutting around the temple boasting of his righteousness: “I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.” (Luke 18: 11-12, NLT) The other person in this parable is meek and humble, a sinner. But Jesus commends the humility and modesty of this man: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14, NLT)

                Think about the saints in your life and be thankful! Better yet, who might need your saintliness these days?

Dale

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

“The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:9, New Living Translation)

                “Along the lines of smoky hills/ The crimson forest stands…” Back in the day, many an elementary student of my generation (i.e. old) probably had to memorize this wonderful poem by Canadian poet, William Wilfred Campbell, from his book of poetry, Lake Lyrics (1889). 

It is quintessentially captures the beauty of our Canadian autumns, bursting with colour and resplendent beauty – very appropriate as we head into our Thanksgiving Weekend.  I was reminded of it when my mother-in-law included it in my birthday card this week.

“Now by the brook the maple leans/ With all its glory spread;/ And all the sumacs on the hills/ Have turned their green to red.”

Trees are not something we should take for granted. As noted in our text, trees were Creation’s sources for humankind’s nourishment, life and health.  There is nothing better than a good tree under which to sit to symbolize God’s grace and love. “But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.”  (Micah 4:4)

By the end of the bible just as there was in the beginning, the tree of life is offered to the faithful once again, fruit free from the rot of our sinfulness, ever since humankind’s fall from grace by disobeying God and eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. “Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.” (Revelation 22: 1 – 2)

There is a tree just down the street from our house that is a brilliant red today. Even on a dreary day it catches one’s eyes. Its colours are vibrant, bold and audacious, standing out in a sometimes drab and weary environment.

One of the Psalms asserts that the faithful are “like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalm 1:3, NLT) Maybe, what this is saying is that you and I need to be continually vibrant in our faith, constantly bold in our witness of good works, and stand out with the colours of love, hope, peace, joy, goodness and justice in a dingy and exhausted world.

Let your colours show! Let the beauty of your character and faith catch people’s eyes! Let the magnificent, colourful burst of mercy, forgiveness of others, and unconditional compassion for all be a remarkable display of transformation and a promise of the life to come.

“Let the trees of the forest sing for joy.” (Psalm 96:12, NLT) 

Dale