Give What You Cannot Keep, Gain What You Cannot Lose

'But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.' 1 Timothy 6:6,7 

In recent years we have seen the ascendency of digital or cryptocurrency with the Bitcoin, founded in January 2009. There are no physical bitcoins just a virtual commodity that has purchasing power or value that could be traded online and even for real goods. Bitcoins are not backed by gold, banks or governments. They are not even legal tender. Yet, one Bitcoin is valued at S$47,641 today, up from S$0/- when it was introduced in 2009 and S$0.08 in 2010. In the month of May 2021 alone, one Bitcoin was valued at the lowest price of S$45,569 to highest price at S$78,000.

In that volatility, many investors in Bitcoins have gained and some have lost their fortunes, almost instantaneously. It seems that nowadays, money need not be hard earned. 

Life has become complicated. 

What is the value of things? What is Wealth? "Our wealth is not measured by what we own but what we give away," wrote Bishop Robert Solomon (Ref 1) Bishop was not merely advocating generosity with that statement, he was urging us to keep life simple and not to allow one's wealth to complicate one's life. The missionary and martyr, James Elliot learned this lesson early in life, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

John Wesley urged Methodists, "Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can." Each instruction in the dictum highlights a certain way to live, a certain habit to develop, a certain value to possess. They are Diligence, Frugality and Generosity. Living by these principles, Bishop Solomon surmised, will bring Simplicity to one's life.

Kent Nerburn wrote in the Introduction to his book Simple Graces, "We dream our lives in grand gestures, but we live our lives in small moments. For though we may not live a holy life, we live in a world alive with holy moments. We need only take the time to bring these moments into the light." (Ref 2)

How then do we keep our lives simple, contented and unafraid? Jesus reaches out to us and tells us to walk with Him. A song 'I Know Who Holds Tomorrow' clarifies this.

I don't know about tomorrow

I just live from day to day

I don't borrow from its sunshine

For its skies may turn to grey

I don't worry o'er the future

For I know what Jesus said

And today I'll walk beside Him

For He knows what is ahead

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow,

And I know who holds my hand

I don't know about tomorrow

It may bring me poverty

But the one who feeds the sparrow

Is the one who stands by me

And the path that be portion

May be through the flame or flood

But His presence goes before me

And I'm covered with His blood

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand

 Jesus said in Matthew 6:25,26 and 34

 

'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body what you will wear. is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.' 

Keep Life Simple. 

Lionel

Ref 1. Bishop Robert M Solomon. Spiritual Disciplines for Urban Christians. Genesis Books, 2021

Ref 2.  Kent Nerburn. Small Graces, The Quiet Gifts of Everyday Life. New World Library, 1998.

Parable of The "Lazy" Gardener

An English Garden in Spring May 2006

'For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.'  Isaiah 61:11

There is nothing more pleasing than a walk through an English Garden. On a cool spring day, it is a sheer delight to take in the sights, sounds and smells of a well laid out landscape. 

How does your garden grow? Tending to the garden should not be taken too lightly, it is hard work. We may take these beautiful gardens for granted and miss the tremendous efforts of the gardeners to plant, manicure and maintain such  artistic displays. 

Yet, despite their hard work, the gardeners cannot cause the plants to grow nor cajole the flowers to blossom. Beneath it all, the discerning person should see the hand of God, invisible yet clearly evident, in the making of the garden. This is the miracle of growth.

Remember, the English nursery rhyme? It makes gardening so easy.

 

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells, and cockle shells,

And pretty maids all in a row

Jesus in Mark 4: 26-29 explained that while one can acknowledge the labour of the farmer, the miracle of growth takes over and we all benefit from the harvest.

'This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.'

a. Growth is a miracle. When we leave it to God, the seed left alone will grow. God gives the increase

b. Growth is gradual. Don’t expect crops to grow overnight. The patient hand of God is at work.

All we need to do is to plant a little seed. The Story of Teddy Stallard helps to drive home this point

The story is an encouragement for the witnessing teacher, doctor, pastor, missionaries, indeed for all of us! Don't think that the things you do are insignificant, Jesus said in Matthew 13:32 and Matthew 5:16

"Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."

"Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

A song released in 1969 'Put A Little Love In Your Heart' echoes these same sentiments.   

Think of your fellow man

Lend him a helping hand

Put a little love in your heart

You see it's getting late

Oh, please don't hesitate

Put a little love in your heart

And the world will be a better place

And the world will be a better place

For you and me

You just wait and see

Another day goes by

Still the children cry

Put a little love in your heart

If you want the world to know

We won't let the hatred grow

Put a little love in your heart

Take a good look around

And if you're looking down

Put a little love in your heart

 I hope when you decide

Kindness will be your guide

Put a little love in your heart

Do we need any more convincing? To do a lasting deed, plant a little seed.

Lionel

All You Need Is Love

'Love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is Love.' 1 John 4:7-8

Modern society especially its entertainment industry has a fixation on love. It is a theme that draws and tugs at the heartstrings of young lovers. For a brief moment in life they can revel in its romance.

In July 1967, the Beatles released a single, All You Need is Love, at the first live global broadcast by satellite in the international TV programme, One World. This was at the height of the Hippie movement, the eclectic flower children, which culminated in the Summer of Love in 1967. More than 100,000 young people camped at San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood wearing hippie style outfits, sporting long hair, listening to hippie music, some smoking pot while others shooting hallucinogenic drugs. It was a celebration of love. 

All You Need Is Love expresses with very simple lyrics, the celebration of love.     

Love, love, love

Love, love, love

Love, love, love

There's nothing you can do that can't be done

Nothing you can sing that can't be sung

Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game

It's easy

Nothing you can make that can't be made

No one you can save that can't be saved

Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time

It's easy

All you need is love

All you need is love

All you need is love, love

Love is all you need

There's nothing you can know that isn't known

Nothing you can see that isn't shown

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

It's easy

It did not last. By the end of that summer many participants left the scene, resumed school studies, got jobs and started on their careers. The realities of having to make a livelihood forced them to abandon these feelings of love in order to face the uncertain future. Like the hippies in the 1960s, many young lovers will soon realise that romantic love can be fleeting.

But, the need to love and be loved remains. This song by Burt Bacharach and Hal David What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love emphatically states this reality.   

What the world needs now is love, sweet love

It's the only thing that there's just too little of

What the world needs now is love, sweet love

No not just for some but for everyone.

Lord, we don't need another mountain

There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb

There are oceans and rivers enough to cross

Enough to last till the end of time 
 

Lord we don't need another meadow

There are cornfield and wheatfields enough to grow

There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine

Oh listen Lord, if you want to know

Comparing these two songs, one should notice that the second recognises God and realises there isn't enough of this kind of love - 'the only thing that there's just too little of.' 

In his sermon at Aldersgate Convention Singapore on 22 May 2021, Bishop Gordon Wong brought this love of God to our attention. Speaking on the passage of the love of God in 1 John Chap 4, Bishop Wong (and the apostle John) made a few points that are worth repeating

• Love with the Love of God. In asking us to love one another, the reason is presented that love comes from God. If we do not love we actually do not know God either, for God is Love (1 John 4:7,8). To love somebody, we rely on the love God has for us (1 John 4:16)

• Love God by loving others. John states that Jesus Christ has given us a command, anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. Put in a negative way, anyone who does not love their brother or sister whom they have seen cannot love God, whom they have not seen. (1 John 4:20,21)

• Love without fear. This means we should love unreservedly. We need not fear of loving too much or giving too much or have a fear of being made used of when we love someone. There is no need to fear in giving love. (1 John 4:18)

Bishop Wong went on to say that the love of God is in us; this is Perfect Love. 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning understood this perfect love as she expresses her love to her husband in Sonnet 43 How Do I Love Thee?. She moved from romantic love to spiritual love. She posited that true love is everlasting, all-encompassing, surpassing time, space and death.  

Elizabeth's love is Agape Love, Christian Love. The Love of God starts a relationship of love in every Christian and connects us to an everlasting community of love not just for one brief summer of love.

Lionel

A Solitary Space

Garden at Kubota Ichiku Kimono Musuem

'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.' Mark 1:35

In April 2007, I chanced upon this quiet wooded area just outside the Ichiku Kubota Kimono Art Musuem on the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko in the Yamanashi, Japan. The extensive gardens designed by the artist himself stretch from the entrance gate far into the wooded slopes behind the museum buildings. I took a solitary stroll along quiet paths and hummed softly the Christian song, In The Garden. 

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

The garden and the solitary walk epitomises man's need for silence, stillness and solitude. Emeritus Bishop Robert Solomon in his book 'Spiritual Disciplines for Urban Christians' (Ref 1) observed that the speed of life has increased in the crowded social environment and the soul cannot keep up with the body. Perhaps the enforced social distancing and the ban on overcrowding brought about by the current Covid-19 pandemic have brought us to recognise this need.

We need to find our God-given space to be alone with God. The Latin term 'Coram Deo' describes this space as being in the presence of God or before the face of God. We need not find a solitary place, just a solitary space, which Richard Foster reminded us as 'a state of mind and heart.' 

Being alone is not the same as being lonely. Being alone or finding solitude is a choice as in Jesus getting up early in the morning and to retire to a solitary place. Being lonely is an imposition much like not having friends, no fellowship and perhaps pining for the company of others.

Sometimes we go out of the way to find peace and quiet as in the case of the garden at the Ichiku Kubota museum. Other times it would suffice just to keep to ourselves in our rooms. Bishop Solomon added "It is not where we are that matters but who we are with. The place of solitude is where we are alone with God." 

The Hebrew word, 'Kavanah' convey the concept of being aware of God's presence. This is especially enhanced when we find a solitude which Henri Nouwen calls the "solitude of the heart, an inner quality or attitude that does not depend on physical isolation." (Ref 2) Dave Adamson wrote "The key is to intentionally focus on God in everything we do. Kavanah comes when you have a mindset that God is in every conversation, every step, every breath, every action and reaction, every relationship, every social media post, everything.' (Ref 3)

Solitude in a lonely garden, a desert or a crowded city engender a spiritual longing for God.

'You God are my God 

Earnestly I seek You

I thirst for You

My whole being longs for You." (Psalms 63:1)

A favourite worship song, written by Don Moen expresses this longing for God in more contemporary language and music - 'I Just Want To Be Where you Are.' 

I just want to be where you are

Dwelling daily in your presence

I don't want to worship from afar

Draw me near to where you are

I just want to be where you are

In your dwelling place

In your dwelling place forever

Take me to the place where you are

'Cause I just want to be with you

I want to be where you are

Dwelling in your presence

Feasting at your table

And surrounded by your glory

In your presence

That's where I always want to be

I just want to be

I just want to be with you

I just want to be where you are

Dwelling daily in your presence

Dwelling daily in your presence

I don't want to worship from afar

Draw me

Draw me near to where you are

Oh my God, you are my strength and my song

And when I'm in your presence

Though I'm weak, you're always strong

In your presence

That's where we always want to be

I just want to be

I just want to be with you

Lionel

 

Ref 1: Robert M Solomon, Spiritual Disciplines for Urban Christians. Genesis Books, 2021.

Ref 2: Henri J M Nouwen, Reaching Out - The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life. Doubleday 1975.

Ref 3: Dave Adamson, 52 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know. Christian Art Gifts, 2018.

The Pearl Of Great Price

 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' Matt 6:21

We spend an inordinate amount of time and expenses in search of possessions, physical beauty and pleasures. This materialistic, modern society places a high premium on treasured possessions as  signs of success. But to store up treasures on earth is not the smart thing to do, they cannot last. The forces of nature and society will corrupt, deplete and devalue these things. 

Jesus taught, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."  Matt 6:20

Tevye, the dairy man in the musical 'The Fiddler on the Roof', dreamt of elusive wealth. Singing 'If I were a Rich Man' he thought of many things he could do with wealth and ended his song with the unforgettable question 'Would it spoil some vast eternal plan, if I were a wealthy man?'

The Bible warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim 6:10) Indeed Jesus says "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" Matthew 6:24.

What can money buy? Recently a Singaporean buyer bought a digital artwork, 'Everydays: The First 5000 Days for a princely sum of USD$70 million'. In 1958, a painting by Leonardo Da Vinci 'Salvator Mundi' was bought for USD$60. In 2017, that same painting was sold for USD$450 million, the most expensive painting in the world.

It seems that wilful blindness are at play in the price of things. Oscar Wilde said, "Nowadays people know price of everything and the value of nothing."

What is the value of things? Jesus spoke of two individuals. The first person was an explorer who searched for treasure concealed in a field. He discovered it and then pulled together everything he owned to buy the field so that he could possess the treasure. The second person was a businessman who was on a lookout for priceless pearls. He found this one exquisite pearl of incredible value and sold all his fortune in order to buy this one pearl. These two gentlemen had clarity of the bargain. They found treasures, they thought, that had priceless value and lasting worth, acquired them without so much as batting an eyelid.

What was Christ teaching in the stories of these two treasure hunters? Jesus was reminding His listeners to look for real value in life. "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God," He proclaimed. Bishop Robert Solomon wrote that this will mean an internal reorganisation in us, unsettling our worldly priorities and steering us towards the perspectives and priorities of the heavenly kingdom. (Ref 1) 

What is our pearl of great price? I found that pearl when I was only a teenager. I found Jesus and since then, Jesus is all the world to me.

Jesus is all the world to me

My life, my joy, my all

He is my strength from day to day

Without Him I would fall

When I am sad, to Him I go 

No other one can cheer me so

When I am sad, He makes me glad

He's my friend

Jesus is all the world to me

My friend in trials sore

I go to Him for blessings and

He gives them o'er and o'er

He sends the sunshine and the rain

He send the harvest golden grain

Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain

He's my friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,

And true to Him I'll be

Oh how could I this friend deny

When He's so true to me

Following Him I know I'm right

He watches o'er me day and night

Following Him I know I'm right

He's my friend

Jesus is all the world to me,

I want no better friend

I trust Him now; I'll trust Him when

Life's fleeting days shall end

Beautiful life with such a friend

Beautiful life that has no end

Eternal life, eternal joy

He's my friend

Marc Chagall painted the 'Fiddler on the Roof.' This fiddler opens and closes the musical of the same title with a haunting melody, standing in a precarious position on the roof, a metaphor of the uncertainty of this world. Indeed, contrary to expectations the treasures of this world do not bring stability; only the same precariousness as fiddling on the roof  

So, let us find our lasting treasure - Jesus Christ, all the world to us!

Lionel 

Ref 1: Robert M Solomon, Spiritual Disciplines for Urban Christians. Genesis Books, 2021

A Story To Tell To The Nations

'Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope (faith) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect keeping a clear conscience...' 1 Peter 3:15,16

Multi-religious societies by their very nature provide for freedom of religion. Theologian and Lawyer, Dr. William Wan at a recent workshop on Evangelism informed that Article 15 of the Singapore constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all. Every person has the right to profess, practise his religion and to propagate it. He asserted that in a society where people of different faiths respect one another, multi-religious dialogue is not only possible, it is a joy to do so. 

There are two major religions that compel its adherents to propagate their faiths, Islam and Christianity. For Christianity, this injunction was given by Christ when he was meeting His disciples just before His ascension to heaven.

'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' Acts 1:8

But propagating one's faith insensitively and rudely can become a powder keg to the harmony established in a multi-racial multi-religious society. It is to be avoided and for this reason, Singapore has the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, to ensure that while the various religions can keep their freedoms, each must practise mutual-respect for other faiths and stay within the bounds of the societal space given for each religion and race.

Insensitive proselytising is offensive to any recipient. I remember being embarrassed by Christian friends from a certain para church organisation who would corner varsity freshies during the University orientation period. While 'ragging' freshmen, these Christians will present the gospel without regard to the inappropriateness of timing nor opportunity. Uninvited they accosted their listeners, intruded on privacy and offended their intelligence. It was a definite put-off for my non-Christian classmates, many of whom complained, rejected Christianity outright and remained non-Christian to this day, five decades later!

    
So how does one witness and share the faith while maintaining the desired multi-religious harmony? The take home advice is to be careful how one propagates one's faith and to do so respecting the dignity of the listeners. Jesus Christ Himself set this example in His discourse with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, which is recorded in John's gospel chapter 4. William shared how sensitively Jesus engaged the woman in conversation: 

• Advance towards the person. It is evident from the narrative that Jesus had purposed to engage this woman. He initiated the conversation by asking her for a drink. He had her in mind and was aware of her circumstances. He did not retreat from her nor kept his distance. 

• Approach with humility. When Jesus asked her for water, the woman was shocked that he, a Jew would 'lower' himself to speak with her. She was a Samaritan and a woman, two reasons any other Jew would have considered her repugnant. Instead, Jesus interacted with her and took on a humble posture.

• Address practical relevance. Jesus turned a simple encounter, beginning with an innocuous request, into something of practical relevance; finally addressing her condition and circumstance. The woman was ostracised and needed to be accepted. Jesus spoke with her and together they shared their views. 

What transpired at Jacob's well was lifestyle evangelism. Jesus discussed with the woman issues concerning her lifestyle. This was relevant and it spoke to her heart. In return the woman had an insight into Jesus' humanity and deity - His lifestyle. She was willing to listen and receive His message. Furthermore she went back to her village to share the good news.

Many non-Christians are repelled when we present the gospel, going around knocking on doors uninvited and unapproached. In contrast, the conversation at Jacob's well was mutual, friendly, engaging and non-threatening. The art of evangelism is to be able to turn around a conversation and weave in religious matters and issues that are real and relevant to the listener. Views are heard and shared sensitively and sensibly. This also means that we are listening to the story of the listener and open to his/her views. 

We should be thankful that Singapore's religious harmony laws do not restrict us from propagating our faith. There is however one proviso, we cannot convert the person against his will. We must wait on the Holy Spirit to create a need within the listener until he/she will ask, "How can I be a Christian?" It will require faith, belief and action on the part of listener who willingly requests to become a Christian. It also requires humility when we present the gospel and give the reasons for our belief. 

Let us be authentic and do our best to witness, then let the Holy Spirit work on the heart of the recipient. Allow the Christian in us to shine through and let God do the rest.   

'But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope (faith) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect keeping a clear conscience...' 1 Peter 3:15,16

We have a story to tell to the nations, a message that we can deliver effectively as individuals or as a church 

We’ve a story to tell to the nations,

1. That shall turn their hearts to the right,
   A story of truth and mercy,
   A story of peace and light,
   A story of peace and light.
   • Refrain:
     For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
     And the dawning to noonday bright;
     And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
     The kingdom of love and light.
2. We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
   That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
   A song that shall conquer evil
   And shatter the spear and sword,
   And shatter the spear and sword.
3. We’ve a message to give to the nations,
   That the Lord who reigns up above
   Has sent us His Son to save us
   And show us that God is love,
   And show us that God is love.
4. We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
   Who the path of sorrow has trod,
   That all of the world’s great peoples
   Might come to the truth of God,
   Might come to the truth of God.

Lionel

This article is inspired by a Workshop on Evangelism given by Dr William Wan at the Discipleship Training Centre on 26 April 2021

  

The Truth Will Set Your Free

Jesus said, "If you hold on to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth , and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

At the time of Jesus the Jews came under the influence of false teachers whose  teaching made the Mosaic Laws very oppressive. The Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus were feeding the people with these false teachings so much so that the Jews were held captive to very repressive beliefs. 

It was not meant to be. God in Deuteronomy 30:11-14 actually made it very clear that His commandments and laws are not meant to be crippling

'Now what I have commanded you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us that we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.' 

Jesus refuted such oppressive and repressive teachings.  He said that the truth of His teaching will be truly liberating, "Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." 

Have you ever wondered why some people are captive to lies and false information? Why do they not want to know the truth? Perhaps they are too scared to know the reality. Perhaps they are too proud to admit that they are wrong. Perhaps their beliefs restrict them from exploring the truth about themselves nor to discover their reasons for living. Perhaps they are misled.

In this information-manipulative world, much of truth have been mixed with half-truths, half-lies and lies. So much misinformation has been spread online; sensational news, overblown claims, misinterpreted facts. For example, many listening to exaggerated news of side effects refused to take the Covid vaccines and prefered to remain unprotected. In a way the misinformation we consume from cyber communications manipulate us, control our thoughts and emotions. Many are ever willing to allow these lies influence our choices and lifestyles. 

In 1969, Billy Graham in a classic sermon on Truth and Freedom spoke prophetically about this modern communication age and our attitudes towards truth. It may be worth our while to listen to this great preacher, it is liberating!

There is an information overload in this modern world. It is folly to listen to the many voices around us if we fail to listen to the one voice that really matters. Jesus is the voice of truth - Truth of God. Jesus is voice of authority - Breath of God. Jesus is the voice of solidarity - God with Us.

Lionel 

Eleanor Rigby - All The Lonely People

Statue of Eleanor Rigby, Liverpool

'The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar in Lebanon...They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.' Psalm 92:12, 14

 

In the St Peter's Church Graveyard in Woolton, Liverpool, a gravestone  bears the name Eleanor Rigby. Eleanor Rigby is the title of a familiar and catchy tune by the Beatles. Paul McCartney consistently denied that he took the name from the gravestone. It remains a favourite tune played over the airwaves and computer bytes to this day. 

Ah, look at all the lonely people

Eleanor Rigby

Picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been

Lives in a dream

Waits at the window

Wearing a face which she keeps in a jar by the door

Who is it for?

All the lonely people

 Where do they all come from?

All the lonely people

Where do they all belong

 

Father McKenzie

Writing the words of a sermon that no-one will hear

No-one comes near

Look at him working

Darning his socks in the night when there's nobody there

What does he care?

Eleanor Rigby

Died in the church and was buried along with her name

Nobody came

Father McKenzie

Wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave

No one was saved

Paul wrote that he lived in a housing estate in which there were lots of old ladies. He enjoyed sitting around with these dear ladies hearing their great stories. He surmised that these were lonely old ladies. Their loneliness connected him with them. 

This song released in 1966, paints a pathetic picture of the elderly, especially of Christians, who spent their time in empty churches listening to sermons that nobody wants to hear. When they die, they depart into oblivion; nobody remembers and nobody cares. It is an unfortunate and sad commentary of old age.

Shakespeare in the play As You Like It, described this decline.

'Last scene of all, that ends this strange eventful history is second childishness and mere oblivion;

Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste and sans everything.'

But it need not and should not be this way. The back cover of Bishop Solomon's book Growing Old Gracefully (Ref 1) literally shouts, 'Growing old doesn't have to be about frailties, loneliness and loss of purpose.' In this book,  Bishop Robert Solomon urges old men and women to take on old age realistically by balancing frailties with continued optimism of useful service and activities.

J I Packer in the book, Finishing Our Course With Joy (Ref 2) wrote, 'Some grow old gracefully, meaning, fully in the grip of the grace of God. Increasingly they display a well-developed understanding with a well formed character; firm, resilient and unyielding.' Packer calls this 'Spiritual Ripeness' which he opines to be worth far more than material wealth. As we age, Packer suggests, like runners in a distance race, we should try to keep something in reserve for the final sprint. 

This final reserve lived with extreme poise and grace was well documented by Mitch Albom in his bestseller, Tuesdays with Morrie (Ref 3). Prof Morrie Swatch had ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a neurological condition affecting the muscles in slow progression and causing weakness and paralysis until it reaches the respiratory muscles; the victim dies of suffocation. Prof Swatch shared his wasting away, dying experience with Ted Koppel in ABC's Nightline and with his student, Mitch Albom. A reviewer, Jon Kabat-Zinn wrote, "A deeply moving account of courage and wisdom, shared by an inveterate mentor looking into the multi textured face of his own death. There is much to be learned by sitting in on this final class."  

Morrie Swatch shared his view on Aging, "I embrace aging. It's very simple. As you grow, you learn more. If you stayed at twenty-two, you'd always be as ignorant as you were at twenty-two. Aging is not just decay, you know. It's growth. It's more than the negative that you're going to die, it's also the positive that you understand you're going to die, and that you live a better life because of it."

Are we worried of the loneliness that comes with aging, leading to a death to which nobody would come? Reading Morrie's commentaries brings to mind another song written by a lesser known English duo Stuart Townend and Mark Edwards, 'There Is A Hope.' This song explores hope, Christian hope, instead of despair.      

There is a hope that burns within my heart

That gives me strength for every passing day

A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part

Yet drives all doubt away

I stand in Christ with sins forgiven

And Christ in me the hope of heaven

My highest calling and my deepest joy

To make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head

A consolation strong against despair

That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit

I find the Saviour there

Through present sufferings future's fear

He whispers courage in my ear

For I am safe in everlasting arms

And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time

That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave

To see the matchless beauty of a day divine

When I behold His face

When sufferings cease and sorrows die

And every longing satisfied

Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul

For I am truly home

In the story behind the song, Stuart Townend wrote, "When the Bible talks of hope, it talks of something that can be broken down into two certainties. The first is that no matter where we go and what we do in this life, God will be with us, and He will love us. The second is that when this life is over, we will not perish but will spend eternity at home with Christ. These certain hopes puts everything in our lives into perspective, and we can live by faith on the solid and certain hope that Christ gives us."

True, though it may be, we need to counterpoise the circumstances of Eleanor Rigby with the promise and expectation of There is a Hope. Then we may grow old gracefully. 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19

Lionel

Ref 1: Robert Solomon. Growing Old Gracefully, Following Jesus to the End. Discovery House, 2019

Ref 2: J I Packer. Finishing Our Course With Joy, Crossway, 2014

Ref 3: Mitch Albom. Tuesdays with Morrie. Anchor Books, 1997

Jesus Is Alive!

The Double Rainbow-A symbol of Transformation

'The Lord your God is with you. He will take great delight in you; he will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.' Zephaniah 3:17

Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive. Today is Easter 2021 and we are all celebrating the Miracle of the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene had gone to the tomb of Jesus only to find it empty. The empty tomb and the appearances of the resurrected Christ fired up, encouraged the early believers and started a movement that has not ended since - the growth of Christianity.

What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to us?

The resurrection validates our faith. Consistently and unabashedly the early Christians cited the resurrection of Jesus Christ as proof of their claims and beliefs. It confirmed all that Jesus taught and sealed His work in the redemption and salvation of all believers. 

'With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all.' Acts 4:33

The resurrection signifies victory over death. We now preach that Christ has triumphed over death, good over evil and hope over despair. Death is not something to be feared and the grave lost its power over us. 

'Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life....Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.' Romans 6:4,8,9

The resurrection releases the stranglehold of Satan and sin in our lives; ushers in a new life in Jesus. We have just enacted the events of a holy weekend, contemplating through Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His torture and crucifixion on the cross, His lying in state in the garden tomb and finally His glorious resurrection on Easter morning. Paul in the book of Romans posited that this is the symbolism in every baptism of Christians. As a consequence, sin should have no influence in our new lives and Satan loses his hold over us.

'Shall we go on sinning?..... By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? For if we are united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly be united in a resurrection like His....we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.' Romans 6:2,5,7

The resurrection provides the certainty of eternal life for all of God's people. It gives Christians an entirely new perspective; no longer of time and space, no longer of the temporal nature of our existence but of everlasting life and eternal values. 

'But now you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 6:22-33

This eternity perspective is a very special gift for Christians. We focus not on the temporary but the long lasting and eternal. We see the world less selfishly and more patiently when we no longer have to measure our lives and achievements in time and the immediate circumstances.  

'For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.' 2 Cor 4:8,9

The resurrection ushers in an era of hope. Emil Brunner said, “What oxygen is for the lungs, such is hope for the meaning of human life.” This new life we receive is one full of hope for the future; a better tomorrow. In the midst of the uncertainties of the spread and waves of the Covid-19 pandemic we  can still pray and hope that life will be better, Auspicium Melioris Aevi!  This hope is not in our ability nor in our goodness. It is a hope enabled by the optimism that the resurrection of Christ brings. 

 

'Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.' 1 Peter 3:3-4

The resurrection indicates that God is with us. Immanuel is one of the names for Jesus. This messianic concept: 'God With Us' was introduced by the Prophet Isaiah, 'Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.' This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. It became real in the lives of all Christians in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people and He will dwell with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' Revelation 21:3-4

There is much for us to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the cornerstone of all of God's prophecies and promises. It is the reason we celebrate Easter, a celebration of Jesus Christ; Celebrate Jesus, Hallelujah Jesus is Alive

Celebrate Jesus Celebrate

Celebrate Jesus Celebrate

He is risen! He is risen!

And he lives forever more

He is risen! He is risen!

Come on and celebrate

The resurrection of our Lord 

Hallelujah, Jesus is alive

Death has lost it's victory

And the grave has been denied

Jesus lives forever

He's alive! He's alive!

He's the Alpha and Omega

The first and last is He

The curse of sin is broken

And we have perfect liberty

The Lamb of God is risen

He's alive! He's alive

Lionel

Double Rainbow photo taken by John Gifford from Marlborough, UK