Wednesday, June 11, 2025

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.” (2 Thessalonians 2: 16 – 17, New Living Translation)

 (I will be on hiatus for a couple of weeks or so as we make our big move to Whitby this week; not sure when the internet will be hooked up. Blessings.)

           Eulogy for my big, blue comfy recliner. Thank you for your embracive welcome as I sat in you over the last several years. Thank you for allowing me to snuggle in your soft solace when I was recovering from shoulder surgery and other illnesses. Thank you for the hours spent in you watching baseball games by the score. Thank you for giving me moments of reflection from where some of these blogs were inspired from. I have watched church services, watched family videos, participated in on-line committee meetings, played endless video games, all from the comfort of your hugging hold on me. I am grateful for all those years but the time has come to say good-bye as we make this move. Parting is such sweet sorrow…

            You might be thinking, “Get a grip, Soble. You’re losing it! You're off your rocker.” (Pay attention - it's a recliner.) 

            But it has me thinking about comfort. What gives you comfort in your life? It might be as simple as some ice cream or a cold drink on a hot day to something more serious like the good company of friends and family during times of stress and challenges. It might be a favourite Psalm or the Lord’s Prayer. It might be recalling favourite memories or spending time sitting on a dock along the water.  It might be the love from a pet. It might be reading a good book or taking time to meditate or pray.  We all find comfort in different ways and we all need comfort from time to time in, Comfort is the time we take to catch our breath, find our equilibrium, refocus on what matters, seek guidance, repurpose ourselves and seek strength and courage.

            Jesus understood the need for comfort. “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) We mourn not only after the loss of a loved one but we may mourn lost loves, loss of faith, loss of a job, loss of a marriage, loss of a friend, loss of health, loss of youth and its vitality. We look for comfort in these types of occasions, something which will give up some energy, some hope, some encouragement or some reassurance. We need something which nurtures our spirits and boosts our morale.

            Of course, Jesus promised that we would never face anything alone in our lives. “No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” (John 14:18) Not only does this point to a hopeful future, Jesus also recognized that we need his Spirit in the here and now. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (John 14:16) Some translations use the word “Comforter” instead of “Advocate”. Either way, we are never alone, never without Someone on our side and in our corner and invested in our well-being.  “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” (Romans 8:26)

            The idea of a force that will never leave us is a source of great comfort. ”Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

It was a very comfortable chair. But, whereas chairs get old and lumpy over time, God through Christ and the Holy Spirit covers me constantly with their  Love, Grace and Mercy. And that never gets old or tired! 

Dale

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

“What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.” (Galatians 6: 15 =-17, New Living Translation)

           Finally, my car has gone to the collision repair shop to have its ugly dented hood and fender replaced. It has been several weeks since our horrendous ice storm here in Peterborough.  A huge tree limb fell on the hood during that storm.  It was a grievous blemish on a brand-new car. I was reminded of it every time I got in the car. So, I am relieved that it is going to be repaired and hopefully it will be as good as new.

            Would that human scars could be so easily repaired and our hearts, souls and minds made new. “I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” (Psalm 73: 14) Many of the Psalms speak honestly, frankly and unabashedly about the burden of conflicts, suffering, hopelessness and despair which get between themselves and others or between themselves and God. They pour out their hearts and souls with complaints, confusion, weariness and fear. ‘I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain.” (Psalm 38:17) They often refer to the scars left my enemies, opponents, critics, judgers and all those who seek them harm. Sometimes, the hurt comes from someone close and beloved: “It is not an enemy who taunts me - I could bear that… Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.” (Psalm 55: 12 -14)  

            So yes, we all carry scars, I believe. Some may be physical as well as mental as in cases of abusive relationships.  We may have emotional scars from someone who has taunted us, ridiculed us, argued with us, told lies about us, insulted us, ignored us, told us off, hated us or treated us as unimportant and insignificant. These wounds hurt; they fester; their toxins spread; they leave their nasty mark on our soul and psyche. And one just can’t drive into the body shop and leave it there and come back when it is fixed. These types of scars tend to be forever visible and present, an ugly reminder of the past. “I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.” (Psalm 69:29)

            So, what is a person supposed to do? Of course, the answer is to turn your life over to Jesus Christ. (Hey, I am not much of a preacher/writer if I don’t say that, am I?)  Specifically, I am thinking along the lines of what Paul wrote a number of times, “to have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:2) We choose intentionally not to give into all the negativity, all the disturbing noise, all the disapproval, all the nastiness and pain.  Rather, we fill our minds, hearts and souls with the positivity, the wellness, the redemption which Jesus Christ gives us. “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Philippians 2:5)   

Have the same mind; try to think and act as if Jesus was by your side and encouraging you every step of the way. It may take some time or some practice to have the mind of Jesus. Get to know him more deeply by reading about him in the Gospels; pray more often; think about what he does and what he asks of us.  Ask yourself how you can be more like him, hour by hour, day by day.  The scars and pain will become less vivid, less sore, less intrusive, less destructive.” So, you have pain now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”  (John 16:12) With this new mindset, those scars now signify that you belong to Jesus.

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse… Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (Philippians 4: 8-9, The Message Bible)

Dale

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (2 Timothy 3:16, The Message Bible)

(I am doing a pulpit supply at First Baptist Church, Port Hope, for a few Sundays. Service time is 11:00 a.m. I have found the people to be very warm and friendly. If you live in the area, we would love to see you.)

                 Books, books and more books. We could fill  a small library. As we sort and sift through our household in preparation for the big move into an apartment in June, we realize just how many books we have.  Fantasy. Mystery, Science Fiction, Novels. History. Bird books. Cook books by the score. I gave away over half of my personal library when I retired but I still brought home 6 or 7 boxes of theology, commentaries, and favorite authors like Walter Brueggemann, William Willimon  and N.T. Wright. Haven’t touched them since I brought them home.  I don’t just want to throw them out either. There should be book rescues like there are pet rescues. Do you know a good home for a commentary on Timothy? A lot of our other books are going to be donated to the “Friends of the Library” for their annual book sale, but I doubt there is much market for a preachers’ library.

                There are some who might say that the only book I really need is the Bible. There is much truth in that thought. It has been my constant companion for my whole professional career and then some. It has been the first source for my sermons. It has been my personal guide and inspiration. The Bible has been the cornerstone for the growth and development of my theology.  The scriptures have painted a picture and forged an understanding of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I wouldn’t and couldn’t write this blog without my reliance on the Bible. In short, where I go, my Bible goes.

                But you don’t have to be a pastor or a theologian to enjoy the grace, beauty and message of our Bible. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119: 105, The Living Translation) There are some parts that hard difficult to read (e.g. Leviticus) or perhaps to see their relevance. But for the most part, the Bible teems with wisdom, inspiration, moral checkpoints, encouragement, and best of all, perhaps, the stories about Jesus. “Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.” (Psalm 119: 133)

                We Baptists (as well as others, of course) affirm the Bible as the sole authority over our discipleship and within our churches. It doesn’t mean we all agree in our interpretations and understanding. As has been often said about Baptists, when you put two Baptists in a room together, you will  end up with  three opinions. Sadly, we have had some very deep divisions  in our Baptist history over the use of scripture. Even today there are significant divides between us,  over women in ministry, church memberships, sexual orientation, and so on.

                Traditionally, Baptists have practiced what is known as Soul Liberty. “Soul liberty is the freedom to choose what one's conscience or soul dictates is right in the religious realm. It is the freedom to worship according to one's own conscience. Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, is accountable to God personally. Soul liberty asks the believer to accept responsibility for his own actions and not try to force anyone else to do or believe anything contrary to his own conscience.” This definition has also embraced our understanding of scripture. It doesn’t mean that any old meaning will do to suit our purposes. Even Satan can quote scriptures (cf. Matthew 4:6) But it allows us the freedom of thought, of choice in picking our path toward the truth, without any external authority

                Yet, I also believe that our mutual discussion and conversations, even preaching to a congregation, enrich and enhance our understanding of the Bible. We need to gather together around God’s Word.  Not only do we need to read it on our own in our daily or weekly devotional times but we deepen our understanding when we listen to others share their relationship with scriptures. “The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.” (Psalm 119: 160) It is always better to get to that essence by reading, listening and sharing together “Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.” (1 Timothy 4: 13)

                “This commandment that I’m commanding you today isn’t too much for you, it’s not out of your reach. It’s not on a high mountain—you don’t have to get mountaineers to climb the peak and bring it down to your level and explain it before you can live it. And it’s not across the ocean—you don’t have to send sailors out to get it, bring it back, and then explain it before you can live it. No. The word is right here and now—as near as the tongue in your mouth, as near as the heart in your chest. Just do it!” (Deuteronomy 30: 11 -14 The Message Bible)

Dale

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” (Philippians 3: 8 - 9)

                I’d like to think of ourselves as savers, not hoarders. Our adult children may be  thinking otherwise.

                They have stepped up and, on their weekends, our kids are emptying our house of all the junk and detritus in order to get us ready for our big move in June. They are sorting through 20 years of stuff that has amassed over that time. I suspect that there are boxes that came from Brantford when we moved here which were never unpacked. The kids have sorted out their old rooms and now some of our junk is their junk. Nathaniel took home a huge tub of action figures which I am sure delighted  Declan and Naomi, our grandchildren. But we really have no one to blame for the amount of junk than ourselves. Both the sunroom (now immaculately empty) and the garage became easy dumping grounds for whatever we weren’t using or didn’t need. Things pile up over 20 years and after a while I don’t think we even saw any of it anymore. The vast majority of it is worthless garbage. And we don’t need to take any of of it with us to Whitby.

                In our text, Paul is looking back on all the religious baggage that he has stored up over his lifetime up to then and   he came to the conclusion that it really wasn’t worth anything. He uses words like worthless or garbage which, when more literally translated, means something far stronger; “dog dung” is how the Message Bible translates it.  I don’t think he was saying that his life was worthless but that all that religious weight of rules, regulations, proscriptions and dogmas (i.e. the Law) were of no value in living a life in Jesus Christ. Mind you, Paul never gave up on the Law but he put it in in its proper, secondary perspective, “so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.”

                It can be very difficult to put the past behind us. We tend to have good (?) memories and we collect and hold on to all sorts of worthless stuff. We hold grudges, for example. We hang on to hurts, insults and broken promises. I know that this is not really what Paul is writing about but I think it can be applied. Sometimes, we can’t let go of old biases, prejudices, assumptions or judgments. We continue to see others in stereotypes and old paradigms. We cling to tired old religious doctrines and dogmatic labels. We fail to discard that which weighs us down, takes up room in our minds and hearts, and piles up to our detriment. There comes a time when we need to let go and let Christ free us from all that garbage. “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1)

                When we make our move to Whitby, it will be a new start, free of all that stuff we have accumulated over the years. When we are in Christ, we let go of the past; we let go of emotional baggage; we let go of old physic and spiritual damages; we let go of failures and disappointments; we let go of Sin. It is freeing. It is liberating. It is redemptive. “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!” (2 Corinthians 5: 17)

                It may seem daunting (our move to a new home has seemed that way, at times) but  to let go and let Christ become the centre of your life offers you a whole new future, rich in possibilities and opportunities, especially to love, to do good, to fill your new space with harmony, joy, hope and love.

                Let’s make room for God’s best: “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Matthew 6:38)

                Where did I put that broom?

Dale

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

God, investigate my life;
    get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you;
    even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say
    before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there,
    then up ahead and you’re there, too—
    your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful;
I can’t take it all in! (Psalm 139: 1-6, The Message Bible)

                It would be easier to buy a house than it is to rent an apartment these days.

                The rental companies ask for deeply personal  details about our financial trustworthiness. They want proof and documentation about everything.  Credit ratings. Proof of government pensions. Copies of our house sale. Bank statements. ID authentications. We have totally opened and exposed ourselves to their scrutiny.  We have hidden nothing and they know our financial situation as well as we do, maybe better. The good news is that we passed their examination and as of June 1^st, we have a place to live in Whitby.  Whew! (I think our children were fearing that we would be living in their spare rooms and they really don’t have any.)

                ‘You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body.” (Psalm 139: 15)  That profound divine knowledge about us might make some of us squirm just  a tad or more.  I read somewhere recently that every person has about seven deep secrets about themselves which they never share with anyone. But God knows about them. Scripture tells us that God knows the numbers of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7). I expect God doesn’t actually count the hairs on our heads (surely, God has better things to do) but the text means that God knows us intimately, all  our inner thoughts, all our tendencies, our attitudes, our egos, and everything that makes you and me you and me. That includes our sins, warts and failings but, as well, our goodness, our good works, our successes and triumphs. As Adam and Eve found out from the very beginning, one cannot hide from God. “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” (Genesis 3: 10) God will always find us.  He has seen us naked, fully exposed, fully known, fully examined.

                But wait a minute. That is not as bad as it sounds. God has amazing filters in his examination of us.  God is able to sort out the bad from the good. God certainly sees our sins and shortcomings but God is also able to practice his grace upon us and protect us from ourselves with his everlasting Love. “Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me - too many to count! My sins pile up so high; I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.” (Psalm 40: 11 -12, New Living Translation)

                Just as in the parable of the Lost Sheep, God goes to the fullest lengths in order to find us and pull the brambles from our souls. “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:19) I have met many people who think that they are worthless and that God could never love them and it was hard to try to convince them otherwise. But the truth is that God gets to know us completely in order to love us just as completely. No one is out of his range of his Vision of Love or left exposed to fear, despair and separation. It is not what is on the outside; it is what is inside. “It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” (Galatians 6: 15) God can take what we are and change what he sees, making us into someone he loves deeply and joyfully.

                “Search me, O God, and know my heart;  test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139: 23 -24)

 

Dale

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

“You throw me into the whirlwind and destroy me in the storm.” (Job 30:22, New Living Translation)

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind…” (Job 40:6)

             Stop the world; I want to get off.

Over the last several weeks, certainly ever since the ice storm, but even before that, it has felt that Susan and I have been living in a whirlwind of circumstances beyond our control. It seems to be one dang thing after another to weary our souls, sap our energy and even test our faith. There are, no doubt, thousands of people worse off than us by far but when one is going through one’s own personal challenges, that thought is of little comfort. I will spare you all the details but a recent example has been the sudden decision to sell our house.  We have talked about it but had really done very little to move forward. The preparation to put the house in order for selling  was daunting, to say the least. But reality reared its ugly head and it became a leading priority.

We listed a week ago this past Sunday (better the day, better the deed as my mother would say). In little more than a week, we sold the house just last night. Yikes!  We don’t even know where we will be living other than it will be an apartment, probably in Whitby where our daughter can keep an eye on us. We have to be out of here by mid-June. Double yikes!!

We are in the midst of this whirlwind and feeling just a bit overwhelmed to say the least. But sometimes you just have to put your face into the wind, trust God and move forward. I am not saying that we have to like it or enjoy it, but like Abraham and Sarah who were sent out by God into unfamiliar territory, so Susan and I are plunging into the unknown and the unfamiliar, a new chapter in our lives.  Thankfully, we have the full support and help of our family. It could be far worse. It will be interesting. I will be thankful when the dust settles.

Yet, having complained somewhat like Job, we have also discovered that God is there in the whirlwind. Even the selling of the house has God’s fingerprints on it.  We have discovered hidden resources that we didn’t know we had but came along just at the right time. God has had our backs in more ways than one.  God speaks to us out of the whirlwinds in our lives. It is still all a whirlwind but we know that we are not alone.

Of course, I cannot help but think of that stormy night on the sea of Galilee. The disciples are caught out in the storm in their small fishing boat. “But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.” (Mark 4:37) Despite the storm, Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat. The terrified disciples are aghast that Jesus is sleeping while they are in danger of drowning. They shake him awake. “When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (4:39)

A great calm.  That sums up my hope right now. I am waiting through the whirlwind in faith that there will be a great calm, a peace, a sanctuary, a time to catch our breath and feel safe once again after all the turmoil. “But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” (2 Timothy 1;12) Jesus is in your and my boats, even if we feel we are going against the wind without a paddle. Jesus is nestled in our storms and upheavals and he does have the spiritual power to bring calm to our situations. It is hard, I know, (believe me, I know) to trust in that powerful Love and Mercy. But it is that or be swept away in despair, anxiety and worry.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3: 5 -6)

 

Dale

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.”  (Luke 10:36, New Living Translation)

                You know you’re pegged as a senior when the neighbours start checking up on you.

                When we suffered through the horrific ice storm a few weeks ago here in Peterborough, we discovered some very caring and helpful neighbours. We are not a chummy sort of neighbour and we have not really gotten to know many of our neighbours over all the years that  we have lived here. A friendly wave, a brief hello and that is about it. I know their dogs’ names better than I know their names.

                Yet on that horrible Sunday morning, with the hydro out, trees down and a state of emergency being announced, we encountered some very caring neighbours. First of all, a neighbour from a couple of doors down came to our door to make sure we were all right and if we needed anything. She gave us her cell number and told us to call if we needed anything. With horror, I had watched a huge limb fall off the maple tree beside our driveway, ending up across the hood of my brand new car (I only had it a month). But another neighbour stopped by to check on us and offered to remove the limb on the car after a friend of his would arrive with a chainsaw. He, too, had some trees down. Then our son-in-law, Gary, came and took us to Whitby. When we returned four days later, the tree limb was gone off the car. All of the branches, debris, limbs, etc. were piled up alongside the street curb. I discovered that a volunteer group of retired veterans were responsible for the clean-up. There is still a lot of damage left but it was incredible to have so much support. I don’t know how to thank everyone adequately.

                I have often read about how neighbours would rally in the face of some disaster but it is another thing to experience it oneself. Appreciation doesn’t begin to express our gratitude. Sometimes, you have to count on the kindness of strangers.

                Jesus believed in and affirmed the strength of good neighbourliness. When asked about which are the greatest commandments, the first was loving God but the second was also critical, “The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:31) The familiar parable of the Good Samaritan underscores the value of helping others, no matter the inconvenience, the cost, or the bother. It is often too easy to walk on by, avoid eye contact, leave it to somebody else, or be too discriminatory when we see someone who needs our help. The least likely person to help a suffering Jewish mugging victim would be a Samaritan. They were usually bitter enemies.  But Jesus had this covered, too, in his teachings. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:43 - 44)

                Of course, if the Samaritan had just stopped and prayed for the fallen victim, that wouldn’t have been much help. Faith without the deeds to back that faith up is dead as James the epistle writer wrote. “Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” (James 2: 14 -17, The Message Bible)

                We’re told that the Samaritan, “soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” (Luke 10: 34 -35.) Talk about going the extra mile or giving the coat off your back.  

                Our neighbours were terrific. But they also remind me that I should always pay back their kindness by paying it forward, helping someone else, friend, stranger, alien, enemy, everyone or anyone. We are not living in a very neighbourly society these days. There is so much animosity, prejudice, selfishness and me-first attitudes. We all need to get back to the basics of loving all of our neighbours as ourselves. “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)

                Go on; give your neighbour a smile and a helping hand. You’ll be glad you did.

 Dale

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – Easter Journey: The Road Less Travelled

“That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along, they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.” (Luke 24: 13 – 16, New Living Translation)

                 One more road. Doesn’t that always seem the way? More distance to cover. More stones in our sandals. More weariness in our steps. Walking away, trying not to look back. Trying to cover the distance between then and now, here and there.  One more road – feet aching, hearts breaking, home still far off. One step at a time. Anywhere but there. One more road…

                So it was as the two disciples trekked to Emmaus after the Crucifixion. As they talked about the what-ifs, maybes, failure of the Jesus movement, all now seemed lost because of Jesus’ death on the cross. It was time to go home, to go back to their ordinary lives, to shake off the dust of Jerusalem and resume their lives. Heavy-hearted, disappointed,  shocked, discouraged, confused, they took the frequently travelled road to home, back in Emmaus. There was nothing left for them in Jerusalem, anymore.

                It would appear that the resurrected reality of Jesus Christ was elusive. Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize him in the Garden. These two had no inkling who it was now walking with them. It is hard to say why God would want to keep such a marvellous thing so mysterious so as not to be immediately recognized. But sometimes, we need to be prepared before we can fully understand and appreciate the Resurrected Lord. Resurrection defies the imagination, transforms our sense of reality and rationality, re-invents history and the past. So we need to be taught, informed, brought to our new senses slowly, helped to see a new path. “Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (24: 27)

                But sometimes, words and scripture, alone, still leave us a step away from recognition. “As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” (24: 30 -31) It is in the familiar, physical interaction with Jesus that we recognize him. It is in the relationship with a living Lord that we see him for who he is. It is when he feeds us, nurtures us, cares for us, and interacts with us that we comprehend that a New Story is beginning and we are in it. The road less travelled is one of faith, joy, assurance and hope.

                Because of their experience, the two disciples change direction. This, too, is the power of the Resurrected Lord. They head back to Jerusalem with their Good news. The city they were running away from becomes their destination because the Lord had appeared to them.  The Resurrected Jesus empowers us to face our fears, our worries, our failures, our discouragement, our doubts and confusion. We can be emboldened to walk back to where once there had been a cross, death and a tomb and now walk by a whole new light. “And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, ‘The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.’” (24:33)

                One of the great lines of scripture comes from Paul who was recounting the appearances of the Resurrected Jesus in 1 Corinthians, first Peter, then the other disciples, then a crowd of 500 people, them James and the apostles and then Paul wrote: “Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” (1 Corinthians 15: 8, New Revised Standard Version) May Jesus appear to each and every one of us, whatever road we are on, whatever detour we have taken, whatever we are trying to run away from, whatever direction we are being pulled.  Jesus walks with us, whether we know it or not. He is right there beside us, ready to reveal himself and show us the way.

             I walked today where Jesus walked,
             In days of long ago.
             I wandered down each path He knew,
            Those little lanes, they have not changed,
            A sweet peace fills the air.
            I walked today where Jesus walked…

            I walked today where Jesus walked,
           And felt Him close to me.

Dale

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Holy Week
                The Lenten Journey - The Road Less Travelled

"All of them deserted him and fled." Mark 14:50, New Revised Standard Version)

        Many years ago, I recall watching a documentary on one of the mega churches in the United States. It was bulging at the seams at several of their Sunday worship services. It was revealed  that the church's policy was not to preach or teach about the Cross to new comers or seekers as the leaders feared that such a horrific story would be a turn-off or a deterrent to them in their faith walk. They wanted to keep things more spiritually positive and uplifting than scare them off with the story of Jesus' terrible death. It was not that they didn't affirm the forgiveness of sin through Jesus' Crucifixion but it was a story for more mature Christians.

     There is something indeed awful about the story of Holy Week (as well as awe-ful), especially  Good Friday. "But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten  so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." (Isaiah 53:5, New Living Translation) This is a challenging story for any of us, despite its familiarity and even though we know the ultimate outcome - the Resurrection.

        It is indeed tempting to avert our eyes, to be like the disciples who absented themselves from the actual day of the Crucifixion and who, in fact, fled and abandoned Jesus at the first opportunity when the going got tough and risky. There is a host of Christians  who will avoid Good Friday services and then show up on Easter Sunday. There are those who are aghast that God would resort to allowing the death of his only son, even to save humankind. This is a strange, disturbing story, full of betrayal, denial, failure, lies and brutality, ending up in Jesus' execution, nailed on a Roman Cross. At first glance, there is nothing "Good" about  Good Friday.

It would be only human to want to turn our backs on such a grizzly scene and flee. Perhaps, it is so that we are not accused  of being a troublemaker or associated with his man, to avoid the same fate. Perhaps, like Peter once did, we think that this is an absurd plan for the Messiah and want no part of it, especially when it seems to be going so badly. Perhaps, it shatters our hopes and instills fear and doubt in our hearts. The disciples could not see past the immediate moment of Jesus' arrest, sensing only that it was going to end badly and they fled for their lives. In the face of Jesus'  Crucifixion, what do you want to do? Don't run to Easter Sunday until you face how you react to Good Friday, The two are inseparable.

A couple of verses later than our text, we read how one follower, (scholarship thinks it may have been Mark himself), was grabbed by the mob as he fled. He broke away from them by unrobing and we're told that he "ran away naked" (Mark 14:52) The story of Holy week leaves us exposed to the painful reality of our humanity. Remember Adam's words to God, "I heard you (God) walking in the garden, so I hid because I was naked." (Genesis 3:10) It reveals our sinful pride and our lostness and faithlessness. It reminds us that we are not perfect by a long shot. It lays bare our weaknesses and frailties. That is tough news to take, to face head on,  to accept. we run and hide.

But there is indeed Good News in the Crucifixion if we are willing to watch, learn and experience it fully. "Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned but he died for sinners  to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit." (1Peter 3:18)  every sinful thing we have ever done, said our even thought, however morally we have failed, every hurt we have caused others, every time we have tripped up, fled away or bared our fears, Christ takes to the Cross, nails our transgressions with him, and gives us a whole new opportunity to take the road less travelled - not one of  fear and shame but the road of trust, faith and discipleship.

"The message of the cross is foolish to those headed or destruction. But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Dale

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – Lent Six

                The Lenten Journey: The Road less Travelled

 “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51, New Revised Standard version)

            No one ever really wants to face, head-on, the risks, perils and upsets in life. This is not to say there are no remarkable tales of courage, tenacity and perseverance in the face of calamity and tragedy. It can be amazing how some people respond to hard times and difficult situations. Regardless, I know there have been times when I have wilted under difficult circumstances. I wanted to flee and escape what was ahead. I prayed for rescue or relief or some intervention that would take the problems away. I wanted to avoid what was wrong. I wanted to pull the covers over my head and pretend that all was well with my world.

But it wasn’t going well. The problems weren’t vanishing despite my earnest prayers and pleas. One of the biblical verses which has always challenged me comes from Corinthians: “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 13:10) I have tried to hang on to that promise as best I can, both for myself and in my pastoral care of others. But sometimes, it is easier to slip into the painfully honest language of the Psalms: “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?” (Psalm 13:1)

In the horrid circumstances  which  awaited Jesus in the days ahead, Jesus "set his face to go to Jerusalem.” It is not like that he wasn’t aware of what was going to happen there. “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.” (Luke 9: 44) He understood the types of betrayal, anguish, suffering and demeaning death he would experience. Even so, he sets his sights on the road ahead to Jerusalem and that destiny.

It has never struck me that Jesus had a martyr complex. We hear his anguished prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death…. My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.” (Matthew 26: 38, 39) We hear his cry from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46) It leads me to believe that Jesus experienced fear and trepidation about the road less travelled to Jerusalem. Nevertheless, he set his face to go to Jerusalem, to walk ahead on this road which God has mapped out for him: “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Those are tough words in the face of threats, obstacles and hard challenges or even death itself. Sometimes, we may think that Jesus knew the final results (Resurrection) and that somehow made it more palatable or easier to undertake this journey to death. But that would make Jesus less than fully human. Yes, he had indomitable courage but he also demonstrated his vulnerable humanity in very real ways.

“Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.  It’s obvious, of course, that he didn’t go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.” (Hebrews 2: 14- 18, The Message Bible)

         Jesus identifies fully with our human nature so we may identify with him in his ultimate act of sacrifice on our behalf. It is this relationship between Jesus and us that becomes “the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”  His courage, his strength, his endurance, his obedience, his perseverance, his vulnerability are passed on to us through the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t take away our pain, suffering and hardship but it redeems us in the midst of them. It promises us that there is more yet in this story than pain and suffering. “But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:33)

                Whatever the road that you are currently on, know this: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) 

Dale

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – Lent Four

                                The Lenten Journey: The Road Less Travelled

 “And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”  Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? (John 14: 4 -9)

               Yesterday, Susan shared a news story with me. It was about an American woman who was being interviewed and asked the question about how she would react if Jesus returned in the United States (of all unlikely places). She replied that it would be fine “as long as he entered legally.” Perhaps, she meant it as a joke, but I doubt it. If it wasn’t so sad, it would be funny. In today’s America, in his triumphant return, Jesus Christ would likely be deemed an illegal alien and deported.  Well, he has had to deal with hostile powers and principalities before. This would be right up his alley:  “Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.” (Ephesians 1:21)   

                 But that aside, the woman’s remarks illustrate a fundamental ignorance of Jesus Christ – who he is, what he is, what he has done for us, what discipleship means. Perhaps, unwittingly, she does see Jesus as some sort of alien, an outsider, an intruder, someone outside the rules and regulations of her world.  I am sure that she is not alone, throughout the world. The presence of Jesus invokes choices, sometimes radical ones, always life changing ones. “There is no neutral ground. If you’re not on my side, you’re the enemy; if you’re not helping, you’re making things worse.” (Matthew 12: 30, The Message Bible)

                Like Thomas, so many people no longer know the Way. They have become unfamiliar with the paths of righteousness i.e. goodness, mercy, compassion, truth, justice and love. The Rev. Dr. Peter Holmes, in Sunday’s sermon, told the story about a recent Elon Musk interview in which Musk said that the problem with America (i.e. USA) is that there is too much emphasis on empathy, of trying to help others and going the extra mile. He treated empathy like a social disease which needs to be eradicated in order to make America great again, I suppose. Yikes!

                No, we don’t know the way. Sometimes, maybe often, we have absolutely no idea where we are going or where Jesus is leading us. So how can we know the way, we ask.

                There is a lot about the disciple Thomas, I can appreciate. He seems to want to follow Jesus but he is always looking for assurances, road-signs, evidence, and confirmations that the way ahead makes logical sense. He needs a spiritual GPS. He wants clear and precise directions, not spiritual mumbo jumbo, not vague religious platitudes.  Philip joins the chorus of those seeking clear answers: “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Give us the plain and easy road, dear Lord. “Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.” (Isaiah 40:4, NLT) Then we will follow.

                But this is the road less travelled and it’s not always filled with Holiday Inns and nice restaurants. It is a road that has some hills and valleys, bumps and obstacles, roadblocks and detours. Yet, even under these circumstances, it is okay to ask our Lord about how we can know the way. What strategies, what principles, what tasks, what direction, what plan will Jesus give us to know the way.

                “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”  It isn’t about maps, explanations, procedures or such; it is about our relationship with Jesus himself. We follow Jesus, not a CAA trip-tik. As we learn from him, see him action, watch him deal with others, even and especially the outcast, the immigrant, the poor, we are given insight and instructions for the way ahead to live a wholesome, thriving Christian life. “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.” (Psalm 25:4) We have been shown the path. It is to walk with Jesus all along the way and to do so in faith, trust and obedience.

                “In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.” (Ephesians 4; 1 -3, The Message Bible)

                Best you put on you running shoes for this.

 Dale

Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Lent Three

                The Lenten Journey:  The Road Less Travelled

 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living.  Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. (Matthew 4: 18 – 20, New Living Translation)

                 Sometimes, simply following along is not the best recipe for fulfillment. To go along with the flow may seem to avoid pitfalls and mistakes, but it may also lead to poor choices. I would seldom recommend just following blindly.  To some, perhaps, following conjures up images of timidity, servility, avoidance of change and new directions. Others might see following as passivity, meek compliance, maintaining the status quo or taking the easy or simple way through life. All of this may be true. Following the crowd is not always our best option.

                Yet Jesus spoke to Peter and Andrew and beckoned them both to “Come, follow me.” Incredibly, it seems that they immediately left their nets and followed Jesus. There was nothing certain or normal or conventional about their decision or the path they were choosing. It boggles the mind. The Message describes their decision: “They asked no questions.”  Any of us might want more details, answers, explanations, time to think it over, time to make arrangements, time to pack. But, “they left their nets at once and followed him.” Were they acting like two gullible, naïve, ignorant dupes? Did they have any idea what they were getting into or the outcome of such a radical decision?

                Perhaps, they had heard of Jesus or even seen him in action, but the text doesn’t say that. I think the Gospel writer wants us to understand the compelling choice which Jesus gives any of us when he calls us by name.  The brothers were about their normal, everyday occupation - fishing. It was hard, manual labour, working often through the night, sometimes coming up empty. Jesus interrupts their work and calls out to follow him.  It is not just an invitation or a suggestion or a request. It is a call. Maybe not a demand exactly but a challenge, a test, a life-changing choice.  I think the brothers knew the radical nature of that call and chose to follow Jesus despite the sheer nonsense of it in anyone else’s minds.

                Much later in this journey with Jesus, Peter askes Jesus, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” (Matthew 19:27)  There is enough evidence in the Gospels to see that the disciples, Jesus’ band of followers, were often expecting glory to be their end-game, to have power, and sit in high places of honour.  They are amazed and dismayed to hear Jesus talk about the need to pick up crosses and follow him to the Cross. Surely, that wasn’t what they signed up for when they left their nets. In Matthew 19, Jesus responds to Peter: “And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” But the pathway, the road less travelled, is one of humility, sacrifice, service, loving others and giving up blindly following the ways of the world. “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12)

                Following Jesus is unlike any thing else we can choose to do with our lives. It alters our perspective; changes our direction; gives us purpose; holds us to account, and leads us in paths of righteousness, justice and love. And, oh yes, did I mention it is the road to our redemption, the forgiveness of God and our salivation? What more do you want? It is not always easy to take this path to follow Jesus. There are those who will try to dissuade us and lure us into following some other road. There can be trials and tribulations which will tempt us to give up and walk away. We can get discouraged and disappointed. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7: 13 -14)

                There were many ups and downs in Peter’s and Andrew’s discipleship. But they persevered. They didn’t quit or give up. They grew in knowledge, experience and faith. They lived up to the challenge that Jesus gave them that day by the shore. May we simply stop what we are doing and pay attention to the voice of Jesus and turn our faces and move our feet in the direction he is leading.

                I have decided to follow Jesus;
                I have decided to follow Jesus;
                I have decided to follow Jesus;
                No turning back; no turning back.

                If no one joins me, still I will follow;
                If no one joins me, still I will follow;
                If no one joins me, still I will follow;
                No turning back; no turning back.

                The cross before me, the world behind me;
                The cross before me, the world behind me;
                The cross before me, the world behind me;
                No turning back, no turning back. (Simon Marak)

Dale

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – Lent Two: The Lenten Journey: The Road less Travelled

 The Lord gave this message to Jonah, son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”  But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish. (Jonah 1: 1 - 3, New Living Translation)

                Don’t tell me what to do.  Don’t nag me.  Don’t remind me constantly about what I haven ‘t done and should have done. The more you nag, the more I won’t do it.

                Were she still alive, my mother would tell you that one sure way for me not to do something was to repeatedly nag me about it. Even today, the more anyone nags me, the less likely I will do it. I will confess that it is not an endearing quality to have. But I will resist and procrastinate and neglect the task at hand if anyone starts to badger me about it. (I need to add, for the record, that my wife, Susan, never nags or perhaps she has simply  found a craftier way of doing it!)

                So, perhaps, I can muster up a little empathy for Jonah. God wants him to do a difficult task for him; go to a foreign nation and give them hell for their rotten behaviour. Like that is going to go well over in Nineveh. “Thank you very much, God, for your trust in me but I have business in Tarshish, I’ll get back to you, later.”  So, he books passage on the first available boat out of the country and hightails it   as far from God and Nineveh as he can get, “away from the presence of God,” repeated twice in verse three, making sure we understand Jonah’s motive.  Thus, Jonah “sets out to flee”.

                Let’s be clear about this. This is not mere procrastination, putting off something difficult or unpleasant for a future time. This is outright disobedience. This is refusing a command straight from God. This is open, although cowardly defiance of what God has asked for. This is intentional rebellion against God’s need of Jonah. Jonah has a whale of a problem. He thinks he can outdistance God. He believes he can escape his responsibilities. He tries to outmaneuver God and hide away somewhere until it all blows over or God finds someone else. So, he chose the wrong path, the wrong way, the road to sin. But he soon discovers that he cannot escape God’s call.
            “I can never escape from your Spirit!
            I can never get away from your presence!
            If I go up to heaven, you are there;
            if I go down to the grave, you are there.
            If I ride the wings of the morning,
            if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
            even there your hand will guide me,
            and your strength will support me." (Psalm 139: 7 -10)

                There is a character in one of my fantasy novels whose favourite saying is that it is better to get the job done than to worry and fuss over doing it. There is a great deal of wisdom in that. Especially when it comes to responding to God’s call upon our lives. I am not meaning being called into ministry or to become a missionary.  I am primarily meaning our baptismal call, when we have accepted God’s Grace and Mercy through Jesus Christ. We are given a new road to walk, a new task to perform, new words to say, new lives to give. Our Nineveh moment might be right in our own neighbourhoods and communities, places that need to see, hear and feel the Love of God, demonstrated by our obedience to follow Jesus. “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

                Give up our own way – this is indeed a road less traveled by so many of us. It didn’t work for Jonah. It won’t work for you or me.

            When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
            What a glory He sheds on our way!
            While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
            And with all who will trust and obey.
            Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
            To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

 Dale

Wednesday, March 5, 2025: (Ash Wednesday/Lent One)

                The Lenten Journey: The Road Less Travelled

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you…” (Genesis 12:1, New Living Translation)

               The season of Lent is about reflecting on the choices which we make in our lives. Which fork in the road did we take or are contemplating to take? Are we making healthy, faithful decisions? Where did we go wrong, perhaps? Moreover, it is delving deeper into our walk with Jesus. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Matthew 7:13) The Lenten journey is about the nature of making of that walk with Jesus on roads that are far less travelled.

                We begin with Sarai and Abram. They lived in or near the ancient town of Ur, in what is now Iraq. They were probably simple, nomadic, animal herders, tending sheep and goats, maybe camels for their living. They come from a long line of such folk, with family roots deeply established for generations in this territory. We can assume that they accepted that this was their lifestyle. It was in their past, present and would be in their future. Like their forbears, the couple had settled into the familiar, daily routines of their lives. They seem to be prosperous enough, satisfied and probably content with where they were and what they had. They lived here; they would die here. Life went on.

                But God shows up, out of the blue, and radically throws their everyday lives into a sea of change and unfamiliar territory. Sarai and Abram were told to leave everything and everyone behind and venture into new lands and thereby new experiences, trusting only that God will lead them onward. “Go the land I will show you.”

                Now any of us might insist on some better GPS than simply the words “Go”. Some sort of detailed map.  We might insist on some guarantees about the benefits and rewards of such a venture. Where are we going? What road will we take? How will we know we are on the right path? Will it take long? Are we sure that this God can be trusted?

                It is hard to leave the familiar behind. It is difficult to let go of the past. It Is tough to try something new. It is scary to leave behind loved ones and go off on some new venture. Change can make us anxious, fearful, wary, reluctant, or just plain unwilling and stubborn.

                Yet, Abram and Sarai obey; always faithful that Abram! It was not a straight line to the promised land by any stretch of the imagination. It had a lot of twists and turns. It had detours. It had obstacles. It had stumbles. But eventually, they arrived in Canaan, the promised land, and settled there. (Genesis 13:12) But the road less travelled was not always smooth or convenient or welcoming. We can give them credit for their perseverance, their faith in God, their trust and obedience, their courage and fortitude. They weren’t perfect; they wavered a time or two; but by the grace of God, they ended up where they were supposed to be. “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)

                My lesson is this. This Lent, let us listen carefully to the direction which God sets before us. Let go of the past and look forward to new possibilities. with Jesus leading the way. In John’s Gospel, Thomas, always the sceptic, challenges Jesus’ word about knowing the way ahead. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) Jesus replied with those iconic words: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (14:6) We know the way because we hear and heed the Voice of Jesus. His is the Voice now which cries in our wilderness journeys and leads us out and brings us into a safe and premixing place. “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)

                Be bold this Lent. Be courageous. Be prepared to walk today where Jesus walked. “If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.” (2 Corinthians 3: 9-12)

                Put on your best walking shoes this Lent. God has something planned for you!

 Dale

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15: 55 -56, New Living Translation)

               Maybe it’s the long winter affecting me, but for the death of me I am writing about just that – death. Or something better…

                I read an article this morning that explained that some scientists have found that “the brain activity of a clinically dead patient is a sign of the ‘soul leaving the body.’” They think that they have discovered that even when all clinical, vital life signs are ended that there is still some sort of energy flowing in the brain, in fact “an energy spike in the brain.”  Another study found out that there is gamma activity in the brain after death. “Gamma activity in the brain is high frequency and is associated with cognitive functions like attention, working memory, sensory perception, information processing and more.” Interesting stuff for what it is worth.

                But shoot – Christians have always known that there is more to living that just this physical presence alone. “Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.” (1 Corinthians 15: 42-44)

                I have encountered Christians who are very dubious about what happens after death. They think it sounds far fetched. Indeed, it can be hard to get our minds and imaginations around the concept of an afterlife and eternity. Despite the science, one way or the other, the idea of some heavenly ever-after can be a tough hope for us. A glorious hope but one which has no real, tangible proof – again some science aside.

                Mostly, I have encountered Christians who have a robust and lively faith when it comes to what happens after death. Jesus’ words to the thief who was crucified next to him gives us confidence and assurance: “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Family members use the idea of a heaven to look forward to reunions with loved ones. Others may look forward to no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears. Some may look forward to enjoyment of a favourite activity. “Don’t let this rattle you," Jesus said. "You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.” (John 14: 1 - 4, The Message Bible) I am sure we will find something to do in one of those rooms!

                What happens after death is still a mystery. But it’s more than just an unknown. It’s a promise and a hope and a possibility. It will be change.  It will be transformation. It will be beautiful. It may be surprising.

                “But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I’ll probably never fully understand. We’re not all going to die—but we are all going to be changed. You hear a blast to end all blasts from a trumpet, and in the time that you look up and blink your eyes—it’s over. On signal from that trumpet from heaven, the dead will be up and out of their graves, beyond the reach of death, never to die again. At the same moment and in the same way, we’ll all be changed. In the resurrection scheme of things, this has to happen: everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the imperishable, this mortal replaced by the immortal. Then the saying will come true: Death swallowed by triumphant Life! Who got the last word, oh, Death? Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?” (1 Corinthians 15: 51 – 57, The Message Bible)

                Just as surely as there are seedlings under all this snow, and everything looks so lifeless, spring is waiting to raise those seedlings to new life. So it is for us under God’s gift of eternal life. Isn’t Life wonderful!

Dale

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25: 21, New Living Translation)

               I did it. I finished it.  Last week, I put the finishing touches on my Lego set.  All 43 bags of thousands of pieces, some as tiny as a tack  head. The Gotham City city-scape is complete. It took patience, persistence and perseverance. There were times when I had to undo what I had just done and start over again on the section on which I was working in order to get it exactly right. My arthritic fingers sometimes complained about the minutiae of working with so many small pieces.  It isn’t perfect; the instructions were perfect, but I am not. But it all worked out in the end.

                As I built the set, I worked on a small section of the big picture, one section at a time, each just a very small part of the bigger enterprise. Sometimes, I really didn’t know exactly what it was I was building or how exactly it was going to fit into the big picture. But I trusted the creators of the project and forged ahead. When I finished that particular section, I would fasten it to the main board, hoping against hope, that I would feel the little click that told me that it was in its proper, rightful place.  But sometimes, I would become so focused on the small section that I failed to see the bigger, more complete picture which was unfolding before me. It wasn’t really until I was all finished that I could truly appreciate the whole thing and feel very good about what I had accomplished. Even a little amazed at myself for what I had done.

                Consequently, I was drawn to Jesus’ parable about the three workers to whom the estate owner gave financial capital to help the business to prosper and thrive while he was away. Two of the workers   invested wisely and shrewdly, doubling the initial investment. But the third worker became anxious about the responsibility which he had been given and simply buried the money. “Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.” (Matthew 25: 24 25, The Message Bible)

                The third worker was so focused on the minutiae that he failed to see the big picture. He was afraid that he would fail. He was worried about what the ‘boss’ would think or how he would react if his work was unproductive or unworthy or unsuccessful. So he decided the safest course of action was to do nothing. And by doing nothing, he contributed nothing to the Kingdom of God project which I believe is what is implied here.

                It is a parable which encourages us to stretch ourselves when it comes to Christian living. Some people may think “Well I love Jesus and Jesus loves me, so that is all that matters.” And never attempt to build on that great truth. Some may become so focused on themselves that they fail to see how they fit into the bigger picture of building God’s Kingdom. Others may fear making mistakes or feeling inadequate or worrying about God’s judgment that they bury their heads in the sand, hoping that God will gloss over their lacklustre performance.

                “Let each carpenter who comes on the job take care to build on the foundation! Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won’t get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn’t, your part of the building will be torn out and started over. But you won’t be torn out; you’ll survive—but just barely.” 1 Corinthians 3: 11 -17, The Message Bible)

                We really shouldn’t want to live in a “just barely” life. Far better if we were to strive to live a “good and faithful work” life. This a life that strives to do good, a life that thrives in love and compassion, a life that finds joy, satisfaction and fulfillment in following the ways of Jesus Christ. Each of us called to do our part. Sometimes, maybe, we don’t see how our little pieces of the picture fit into God’s overall vision but we need to trust the Creator. We may not be perfect but God is and his plan needs us to participate as fully as we are able.  Nobody said it would be easy. It takes patience, persistence and perseverance. Let us each do our part and then step back and marvel at the wonder of God’s vison and master plan.  You may be amazed at yourself!

Dale