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

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

“Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life; I’m blazing with glory, God’s glory!’  (Psalm 18:28, The Message Bible)             

                “Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear light, Like a little candle burning in the night.
                  In this world of darkness we must shine, You in your small corner and I in mine.”

                 According to the all-wise, all-knowing Google, this coming Saturday will the mark the Chinese celebration of the Lantern Festival. (But, hey, men, don’t forget it’s Valentines Day on Friday.) It’s the final day of the festivities for the Chinese New Year. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “The Lantern Festival aims to promote reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness.” People decorate their homes with brightly coloured and elaborately decorated lanterns. “Festival celebrations also include lion and dragon dances, parades, and fireworks.”

                Whatever its purposes and origins, I am for anything which brings more light and joy into our world. I am tired of snow, of politics, of wars, of all the negativity which surrounds us these days. I have my SAD light on as I write this but I am pretty sure it is not adequate enough by itself. I crave more light. So, I pray like the Psalmist, “Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.” (Psalm 43:3, the Living Translation)

                There is a much said and written about light, lamps and darkness, for that matter, in our scriptures. One might say that there is on-going battle between light and darkness, at least in symbolic terms.  The RSV translation of the above text is a little less flamboyant than The Message but bears repeating, “You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.” When our spirits, souls, hearts and minds are being overshadowed by gloom and doom, the Love of God shines through. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119: 105)

                John picks up this theme, beginning in his prologue to his Gospel. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5) In fact, the word ‘light” is used over a dozen times in his Gospel. Usually, it is in reference to Jesus himself as being the Light of the world. “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘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) Jesus is God’s brilliant lantern for us, in full display and brightness. “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (John 12:46)

                “Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus I come, Jesus, I come. Into Thy freedom, gladness and light, Jesus, I come to Thee.” (W.T. Sleeper)

                But wait, there’s more. We are to be  lanterns, too, in this dark world. We are to  reflect the Love of God, the works and words of Jesus. We don’t just selfishly absorb the Light but reproduce the Light through our lives, actions, words and works. “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14 -16, The Message Bible)

                The saying is that it is better to light a single candle than curse the darkness. Our times need all the light it can get.

                Lord, the light of Your love is shining
                In the midst of the darkness, shining
                Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
                Set us free by the truth You now bring us
                Shine on me, shine on me.

                As we gaze on Your kingly brightness
                So our faces display Your likeness
                Ever-changing from glory to glory
                Mirrored here, may our lives tell Your story
                Shine on me, shine on me. (G. Kendrick)

                Let us all shine indeed!

Dale

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.’ (Leviticus 19:34, New Revised standard Version)

               How did “immigrant” become a four-lettered word in North America and Europe? Why have we demonized these outsiders? Why have we turned then into monsters who are invading every nook and corner of our lands? Why have we labeled them all as rapists and terrorists and murderers? (At least, according to some of the recent American election ads.) Since when are immigrants the targets of our prejudices, fears, repudiation and lack of toleration?

                Unless we are among the indigenous peoples of North America, we are all of immigrant stock. My father’s family came from Germany; my mother’s side from England. They all found and made a good home here in Canada.  They prospered and contributed to the goodness of this country. But they were first immigrants, looking for a new home, a fresh start, a place to thrive and prosper. Good citizens, if you will.

                Today’s immigrants are from a host of countries and cultures. Unlike maybe Germany or England, their customs, language, cultures, food seem strange and alien. They tend to keep to their own people, understandably and some, not all, are slow to integrate. But the immigrants whom I see are trying to make a honest go of it.  Like Abraham and Sarah, they have left a familiar homeland to go to a new and strange land. They take menial jobs, and some more than just one, to begin to eke out a living. They work hard. We find them as maids in our hotels, janitors in our churches, running our corner variety stores, cleaning staff in our hospitals or picking crops in our fields.

                There was a Ukrainian woman who was one my mother-in-law’s palliative care givers. She had been a doctor in Ukraine. But we won’t give her accreditation here in Canada or even help her to get her certification other than to make it a long, drawn-out process. She is a warm, caring, compassionate and very competent health-care provider. Susan and I are without a family doctor right now; and I would sign up with this woman in a heartbeat if she was allowed to come to Peterborough to practice family medicine.  

                Are there bad apples among immigrants. Sure, as there are in any sorts of people, no matter their or our nationality. Does it frustrate me when a telemarketer phones and I am unable to understand because of the thick accented English? Yep! But I also need to understand that this might the only job they could get. For all I know, I could be talking to an engineer, a lab technician, a professor or a researcher.

                As our text above indicates, God wanted to ensure that immigrants or aliens were safe and accepted among the Jews. “You shall love the alien as yourself…”  It is interesting to me that there are those folk who will quote Levitical law to bash and condemn certain people, but will totally ignore this statement. But the Law says a great deal on this matter: “When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien.” (19:33) Yes, there were ideals and expectations within the Law which were outlined for the immigrants to adhere or obey.  “You and the alien who resides with you shall have the same law and the same ordinance.” (Numbers 15:16)  But they were to be cared for with compassion. “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and for the alien: I am the Lord your God.” (23:22) God himself has passed this into law. His signature is right there. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Act with justice and righteousness and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place.’”(Jeremiah 22:3)

                Of course, Jesus leads by his own example in his ministry. We should remind ourselves that he and his family were immigrants in Egypt, shortly after his birth. But it is his relationships with outsiders, foreigners, gentiles which should inspire us and soften our attitudes towards those not-us. He was open to all people and accepted them and reached out to them with his love and compassion. It is as if immigrants have become modern-day lepers to be kept out of our way, out of our presence, out of our lands. But Jesus has demonstrated that even “lepers” can be loved, included, restored and brought into the fellowship and grace of humanity.

                “You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.” (Ephesians 2:19-22, The Message Bible)

Dale

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16, New Living Translation)

                Holy Lego set, Batman!

                Yes, it is that time of year, in the middle of January’s winter doldrums, that I am, once again, tackling an adult Lego set. It says right in the box – 18 years plus; I am very much in the “plus” category. This year, it is a cityscape of Gotham City from the Batman sagas. There are 43 bags of Lego pieces which add up to thousands of pieces, many of which are quite tiny. There are two thick instruction manuals with meticulous details for step-by-step construction. I am currently on bag 17.

                It gives a whole new meaning to the words “I am falling to pieces” or “Get it together.”

                It makes me think of the man who was possessed by an evil spirit and was out of control. He cried out “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” (Mark 5:9) He was torn apart in many directions. There was no consistency, no inner harmony, no lasting internal structure or any sense of peace and steadiness. He was a broken man. Jesus took compassion on him and cured him. Later on, in the story, we find the man “perfectly sane” (v.15) In fact, he becomes an evangelist, of sorts, visiting towns in the region “to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him…” (v.20)

                The love of Jesus is a wonderful stabilizer for us. His Spirit helps us to make sense of life’s instabilities and brokenness. His words lead us through times of confusion and fragmentation. His Voice mends the broken-hearted and heals the disintegration of our spirits and souls. Jesus is at the core of our psychic unity, our inner harmony, our sense of having it together. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” (John 14:1) Jesus knows the Way and he gives us his direction. “Since I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)

                This gift of peace and harmony extends into our relationships. “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly…” Paul often mentions the need for unity and harmony in his letters to the churches. But I am taking the liberty to suggest that we can apply his remarks to any of our close relationships like families, neighbourhoods, or anywhere people are trying to get along to make a difference for good. It is hard to get a group pf people to come together for a common purpose and mutual benefit. It always seems that arguments, different agendas and disagreements arise.  But the sign of a mature, healthy church or family or group is that even in difficult situations our faith supports conflict resolutions: “So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life.” (1 Corinthians 6:3)

                Jesus is the glue that binds us personally and in fellowship with others in love. If and when we feel that life is falling apart, that our relationship are in tatters, that nothing makes much sense, that we are going “insane” in some measure, then we need to be open to the loving Voice of Jesus which can bring clarity, coherency, and restore us to our senses. “He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” (Ephesians 2: 15 -16) In the same spirit, he tears down the barriers between families, church folk, races and religions. Christ is the author of a world-wide effort to bring Love, Peace, Justice and Hope to people. It’s called the Kingdom of God. It begins with each of us personally and then spreads from brother and sister to others.

                I don’t build a 43-bag set of Lego in a day or even a week. It takes time to put all those pieces in the right place. Likewise, it takes work and effort for each of us to “get it together” and build a life of goodness and holiness. The same is true of our relationships.

Hear this bold statement: “He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” (Colossians 1: 17) Trust that “he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.” (Colossians 2:19)

Bag #17, here I come!

 Dale

 Wednesday, January 22, 2025

“He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” (Colossian 1: 20 -22, New Living Translation)

               “This includes you who once were so far away…”

                Our minister, the Rev. Dr. Peter Holmes, preached a great sermon, this past Sunday, as he related his experience in a hospital waiting room to the idea of the church as sort of hospital in its own right. The church welcomes the vulnerable, the hurting, the broken and offers healing, restoration and curative blessing. Amen to all that! Well said!

                But it also reminded me of a recent experience which Susan and I had in our hospital’s waiting room as we waited for her regular bi-monthly appointment with her oncologist. These waits tend to be long at the best of times. It’s just part of the process. You learn to live with it. Just don’t plan anything else for the morning. When we finally were escorted into the examination room, we waited for Dr. Shandoake to arrive. We really like Dr. Shandoake, a lot. He’s friendly, thorough and relational.  But after an hour in the examining room, it seemed an exorbitant amount of time to wait. I finally went out into the hall and spoke to a nurse. Within a minute or two, Dr. Shandoake rushed into the room,  full of apologies.  We had been forgotten. His notes got buried under a pile of other notes and he didn’t know we were waiting until he accidently came upon our appointment.

                We had been forgotten. It was nothing personal, of course, just a snafu in the system. Probably won’t happen again.  But nobody likes to be forgotten – or ignored or snubbed or neglected or disregarded.

                Yes, the church can be like a hospital, full of compassion, hope, care, TLC, prayers and love.  I am convinced that the regular, weekly, pastoral prayers of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church have played a crucial element of Susan’s recovery from her cancer. We are so very grateful.

                But I also know that church can sometimes be negligent in assuring that everyone gets that same level of concern. Not everyone gets included. Some get overlooked.  I recall a few times when someone would criticize me that I hadn’t visited them in the hospital. It was usually because no one had told me that they had been the hospital or their stay was just a day or two before I heard about it. But apologies and reasons don’t cut it if a person is feeling unimportant. Nothing makes a minister cringe than when a visitor says that the church wasn’t very friendly. Nothing stains a church more than gaining a reputation for snobbery. Nothing undermines a church’s status more than cliques, power factions, or those who act like the church belongs to them and to them only. Nothing pollutes a church more than judging others, excluding others, shutting out others, losing others. Anything that distances any person from the Love of Christ is a blemish on the church’s record.

Our text reminds us that Christ’s sacrificial Love was all-inclusive. Even those who feel far away from the Love of God are included, Consider Jesus’ own personal ministry – touching lepers, eating with tax-collectors, rubbing elbows with the Romans and other Gentiles, including women. What did the “church” carp about? “He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!” (Luke 7:34) Or Mark puts more starkly: “Why does he eat with such scum?” (Mark 2: 16)

But the Love of God in Jesus Christ includes all who were once far away.  No one is forgotten, neglected, missed by mistake, or overlooked. Even enemies are loved by this Christ and offered new life. We are, of course, different from one another and may see things from different points of view, even disagreeing once in a while. Yet the Love of God in Jesus Christ is more than enough to smooth out the rough edges and sweeten our dispositions. “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” (Romans 12:16)

Hey, this includes you!

 Dale

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2, The Living Bible)

               “Unique means one of a kind. My grandmother is a unique, one-of-a-kind person.”

                Way back, in grade seven or eight, our oldest son, Nick, was required to write a speech and give it in class.  He chose his grandmother, Barbara Neal, Susan’s mother, as his subject. They had a very close relationship and Nick adored her (as have all our grandchildren). In his speech, he explained why she was so special and unique. He actually made it to the city’s finals because of it.

                Those words take on a special poignancy this week as we remember Grandma Barb who passed away on Sunday night.  She was 93 years old. These words sum her up beautifully yet don’t begin to describe the full,  exceptional character of my mother-in-law. But I can say, with much love and appreciation, that Barb Neal was something else!

                I am sure that much will be remembered and said about her gracious and welcoming hospitality, bringing people from all sorts of backgrounds and nationalities into her home, invited to share a meal or a cup of coffee. University students were a favourite of hers. That’s how I got to know her, as a student in McMaster University, long before Susan Neal became the centre of my love. I was a frequent visitor in their home. Mum Neal always made time for me as she had for many throughout her life.

                Dad, Bruce Neal, was the centre of her world. Together, they made an incredible ministry team.  Mum used the telephone like an extension of her arm. She checked in on seniors, the lonely, the bereaved, church members and on and on it goes. She was the epitome of compassion and kindness.

                But, of course, we saw a side of her, not in the public eye. She was exactly the same. We, her family, were treated with the same love, compassion and concern. Our children loved to visit Grandma Barb and Grandpa Bruce which was shortened to G & G over time.  Their Grandma wouldn’t spoil them with gifts and candy and the like. But she gave them a far more valuable gift – her time and focus. There would be frequent trips to a local park along Lake Ontario, sometimes packing a picnic even though it was icy and cold. It was always followed up by a trip to Dairy Queen. She was always planning some experience for them. Once, they took young Nate to a wolf reserve because he was interested in wolves at the time. At Christmas, she would treat us all to go see the Nutcracker Suite or the like. Our kids never came home saying they were bored, but rather they couldn’t wait to go back.

                One time when Nick was about 5 or 6 years old, I was reprimanding him for something he shouldn’t have been doing. He had the sass to say to me that since we were at Grandma’s house, he didn’t have to listen to me. I can never remember a time when Grandma scolded, disciplined or chastised a grandchild. She used words to persuade, or she distracted them or got their minds on better things. It always seemed to work. Besides, it would be devastating to hurt Grandma’s feelings in any way, shape or form.

                A delightful side of her was her mischievous and sometimes, slightly risqué sense of humour. In the middle of some conversation, she would drop one of these bon mots to see what reactions she would get from the kids. They would hoot and laugh and tease. She knew exactly what she was doing but could look so innocent. Dinner tables at the Neal's was a cornucopia of joy, laughter, stories and now for-ever memories. They will always be holy and sacred memories.

                This just scratches the surface. Remember those old Reader’s Digest articles, “The Most Interesting Person I ever Met.”  Barbara Neal would be near the top of my list. It was hard to choose an appropriate scripture text that would speak to the life she lived. She embodied texts like Romans 15:7: “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” Or she lived out the parable of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25, doing good for the  least of her brothers and sisters, never looking for praise or recognition.

But I will close, in tribute to Mum Barb, with these words from Romans 12: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.  Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

Uniquely, one of a kind!

Dale