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