Justice and Righteousness - Never-Ending Streams

 

Lady Justice, Singapore Supreme Court

'Let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never failing stream!' Amos 5:24

We tend to make a display of our piety, paying so much attention to ceremonies, rituals, praises and worships. Our temple worships can be like Chinese Opera with clanging symbols and beating of drums. Our church worship can be like Taylor Swift Concerts with electric guitars, electronic keyboards and electric drums. There is no denying that when we worship God together we want to put in our best efforts. However this show of religiosity can be very insincere, and if so it is repugnant to God who used the strongest words through the Prophet Amos.

'I hate, I despise  your religious festivals; you assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard form them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen listen to the music of your harps.' Amos 5:21-23

We may wonder why this litany of pronouncements against false, insincere and showy worship. The Lord prefers His people to 'walk the talk' with sincere justice and righteousness marking their daily living.

'But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream' Amos 5:24

The Hebrew word for justice is Mishpat. The meaning goes beyond just rightness or wrongness, nor punishment of wrongdoing. It also means to treat others with equity, giving people what they are due.

Timothy Keller in his essay on Justice in the Bible (Ref 1) noted, "Biblical justice is not a set of bullet points or a set of rules and guidelines. It is rooted in the very character of God and it is the outworking of that character, which is never less than just." One attribute of the Triune God, noted Keller,  is the immaculate equity and justness in all His dealings with man at all times and in all ways.

Tim Keller wrote, "One principle of biblical justice is universal equality which means that every person should be treated by the same standards and the same respect regardless of class, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender or of any other social category." 

'You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbour.' Leviticus 19:15

The Hebrew word for righteousness is Tzadegah means being upright, as in someone who is straight in his dealings with God and others. Timothy Keller in a short article on Biblical righteousness (Ref 2) noted that it is not just about private morality; it is not personal but inevitably social. Tim Keller noted that Tzadegah refers to day by day living in which a person conducts all his relationships in family and society with fairness, generosity and equity.'

When the Prophet Amos wrote, "Let justice roll like a river and righteousness like a never failing stream" he was referring not about personal nor corporate piety but personal and corporate conduct, the way we treat others. 

Both Micah 6 and Amos 5 told us not to be preoccupied by the practices or rituals of our faith but to put the faith that we have to right practices. The practical expressions of our belief in and love for God should be lived out naturally, abundantly and evidently, like never-ending streams.

The hymn 'Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve' is the Christian call to selfless service and community. We have the chance to show justice, kindness, righteousness and humility in walking alongside others and bearing one another's joys and sorrows. God will be pleased if we learn to treat each other with justice and righteousness.

'To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.' Proverbs 21:3

 

Brother, Sister Let Me Serve You.

Let Me Be As Christ To You;

Pray That I May Have The Grace To

Let You Be My Servant Too.

Brother, Sister Let Me Serve You.

Let Me Be As Christ To You;

Pray That I May Have The Grace To

Let You Be My Servant Too.

We Are Pilgrims On A Journey,

And Companions On The Road;

We Are Here To Help Each Other

Walk The Mile And Bear The Load.

I Will Hold The Christ-Light For You

In The Night-Time Of Your Fear;

I Will Hold My Hand Out To You,

Speak The Peace You Long To Hear.

I Will Weep When You Are Weeping;

When You Laugh I’ll Laugh With You;

I Will Share Your Joy And Sorrow

Till We’ve Seen This Journey Through.

When We Sing To God In Heaven

We Shall Find Such Harmony,

Born Of All We’ve Known Together

Of Christ’s Love And Agony.

Brother, Sister Let Me Serve You.

Let Me Be As Christ To You;

Pray That I May Have The Grace To

Let You Be My Servant Too.

Lionel

Ref 1: Timothy Keller: https://quarterly.gospelinlife.com/justice-in-the-bible/

Ref 2: Timothy Keller: https://generositymonk.com/2016/09/14/tim-keller-biblical-righteousness-exhibits-generosity/

Who Am I? God's Vision of Humanity

Vitruvian Man

'Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our own image, in our own likeness so that they may rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them, male and female He created them.' Genesis 1:26 -27 

The Vitruvian Man is a drawing by Leonardo Da Vinci dated 1490. He wanted to draw a man with perfect proportions and placed the naked figure with arms and and legs outstretched inscribed within both a circle and a square. He was inspired by the notion of the ideal human figure first conceptualised by the Roman architect, Vitruvius.

The Renaissance artists, Raphael, Leonardo, Botticelli, Da Vinci and others, in their paintings and sculptures, contrived to depict men and women as beautiful, perfect human beings. That inspiration produced many works of art; these monumental representations of the creative Italian Renaissance and its celebration of man. 

These artists were influenced by the popular philosophy of their day, which promoted the primacy of Man. That philosophy gave rise to Humanism, a belief that placed man at the centre of the universe. Humanism is a secular view of life that affirms that we humans have the right, responsibility to give shape and meaning to life outside of any notion and influence of God. It is wholly man-centred and sought to define man and the universe from human discovery, knowledge and science instead of revelation from supernatural sources.

It gave birth to the idea of the Renaissance Man, a thinker, who has grappled with the questions Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? and who rests in thinking that humans have the answers to these questions outside of God. 

The 2023 Keswick Convention addressed these same questions. In stark contrast to humanism the take home message of this year's Keswick teaching is quite the opposite, 'Don't forge your own identity. Discover what God has in store for you.' 

The Convention elaborated on the doctrine Imago Dei, found on the first page of the Bible. God declared, "Let us make mankind in our own image in our likeness." From creation God made His vision and purpose for humankind, absolutely clear. The Convention explored what it means to be created in God's image, how it is to be lived out, how this truth is being challenged and how this sin-marred image is renewed in Jesus Christ.

Three core truths were iterated by Rev Jeremy McQuoid, the current chair of Keswick Ministries, in the message entitled, 'Image Bearers.' 

• God created us with dignity. The creation of mankind is treated differently from the rest of creation. Mankind was created at the apex of all creation on the sixth day, after God created all physical elements, nature and all living things. The narrative in Genesis 1 changes from the third person to the first person 'Let us' and in the plural, referring to the Holy Trinity at creation. This is the value God places on the creation of man and woman  

'Let us make mankind in our own image in our likeness.' Genesis 1:26a

• God gave us Authority. God told man to subdue the earth. We are to explore, discover and exploit it but as caretakers, not destroyers of the earth. We have a mandate to look after the earth. 

'God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the  fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and every living creature that moves on the ground."

• God destined us for Glory. Creation was very good when God made it. Even though it is marred by the fall there is still much beauty in creation, so much of its original glory for us to enjoy. In the mandate to caretake the earth, God gave us the privilege of looking after this marvellous creation. After this, we can look forward to a glorious new heaven and new earth. 

'God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.' Genesis 1:31

This is God's plan, His grand design and it is very good. So why would the humanist think otherwise? In defining what it takes to be a man, the humanist preferred to leave God out of the picture. They fall into a trap as old as the hills, the trap of the original sin, the trap to be like God,

"You will not certainly die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:4-5

When man disregard God and think the world of ourselves, there is no more standards, no more restrictions. St Paul said that there is no fear of God in their eyes. This accounts for man's loss of his humanity and dignity,

'All have turned away, they have altogether become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.' Romans 3:10-18

This is the outcome when we try to establish our own identity such as the humanist try to do, it will lead to confusion, chaos even evil. 

What does it mean to be a human being? In God's vision we are made in the 'In the Image of God'

In The Image Of God,

We Were Made Long Ago,

With The Purpose Divine,

Here His Glory To Show;

But We Failed Him One Day,

And Like Sheep Went Astray,

Thinking Not Of The Cost,

We His Likeness Had Lost.

But From Eternity God Had In Mind,

The Work Of Calvary, The Lost To Find,

From His Heaven So Broad,

Christ Came Down Earth To Trod,

So That Men Might Live Again,

In The Image Of God.

Now That I Have Believed,

And The Saviour Received,

Now That I From The Cry,

Of My Guilt Am Relieved,

I Will Live For The Lord,

Not For Gain Nor Reward,

But For Love, Thinking Of What,

His Grace Has Restored!

I’ll Never Comprehend Redemption’s Plan,

How Christ Could Condescend To Die For Man

Such A Saviour I’ll Praise,

To The End Of My Days,

As A Upward, Onward Trod,

In The Image Of God.

Lionel

Ref: The lectures dealing with Imago Dei at the convention can be found in this website (Click on Imago Dei). 

On Being Human

'He has shown you, O Mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.'  Micah 6

On the 22 June 2016 Singaporeans woke up to the horrible news of torture and death of a foreign maid at the hands of her former employer. Myanmar National aged 24 years died as a result of severe abuse and beating the day before. The employer was sentenced to 30 years in prison. 

The poor young girl weighed only 24 kg at the time of death, the result of severe deprivation and malnutrition. She was literally starved to death. The whole family was involved, husband and mother too, in the heinous abuse. 

The three trials, the third trial being currently held, unveiled the extent of inhumanity that can exist in a common household even in peaceful Singapore. All Singaporeans were shocked at the extent of the cruelty, the inhumanity inflicted on an innocent human being. The doctor who examined the poor victim at death noted that her limbs were like just loose skin wrapping bones. Overlaying the last act that resulted in death must have been months of deprivation and exploitation, an example of modern slavery.

Slavery still exists in the 21st Century. According to the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, there are 50 million slaves in 2021. Of these people 28 million were in forced labour and 22 million were trapped in forced marriages. The International Labour Organisation stated that slavery occurs in almost every country in the world. More than half of all forced labour and a quarter of forced marriages can be found in upper-middle and high-income countries.

What happened? What happened to the human spirit, human touch and human gentleness? The Bible recorded another trial in Micah 6:1-8 that exposed the underlying reason for this loss of human dignity.

A court case was recorded in Micah 6:1-8, a court case brought upon all humanity. This time the  prosecutor is God Himself. 

'Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints.' Micah 6:1

'And now O mountains, listen to the Lord's complaint! He has a case against His people. He will bring charges against His people, He will bring charges against Israel.' Micah 6:2    

What is the charge? The accusation is that human beings have forsaken God.

'O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me!' Micah 6:2

President M. Craig Barnes of Princeton Theological Seminary, in preaching on this passage commented that by forsaking God we forget to be humans. Every time humans forget they have a God, they start to act like gods. That is when the greatest evil will be unleashed on others such as the Holocaust during World War 2 in Europe and the torture and death of the domestic helper, more recently in Singapore. 

Many Singaporean families rely and benefit from the hard work of foreign maids. Unfortunately, sometimes these maids are exploited, made to work long hours; without any kindness shown to them. Every year, several employers of foreign maids are convicted of physical abuse on these maids and sentenced to heavy jail terms. 

How can we correct ourselves? The Micah passage tells us that it is not by superficialities, false piety and legalistic acts of religiosity. This was what God's people during Micah's time tried to offer in their defence at the heavenly trial

'What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer Him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins?' Micah 6:6-7

President Barnes said that these are meagre defence; these are corrupt questions asked by people who try to bribe their way to be in favour with God

It is a sad commentary of the human race, depraved and tainted by sin. When we forget God, we lose our humanity we become cruel. How can we save ourselves?  

 

Instead of pronouncing sentences after the trial, God meted out three corrective measures, clearly telling what He expects of us.

• Act Justly. To act justly is to act morally, to live with a proper sense of right and wrong. Justice is to treat everyone equitably. Every human being is unique, valued and beloved; made in God's image. No one should be treated as less than the other. 

• Love Mercy. Be kind to one another. God is a merciful God and He pours out His mercy on all of us. Although we sin and forsake him He will not treat us in the way we all deserve. Instead he shows us kindness, mercy and grace and reaches out to save us. This is an act of lovingkindness and God compels us to repeat the same for all our friends and even to our enemies.

• Walk Humbly. Live in Humility. This humility is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, placing the highest value on every human being. In the same way, in humility we value others above ourselves. St Paul in Philippians Chapter 2 instructed, 'not looking to your own interests but each to the interests of the others. 

There is a further extension to these three imperatives, we are to walk humbly with our God. All start from this relationship with God and it underpins how we treat those around us. It is the reason for our humanity, our human touch, love and gentleness.

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

Lionel

All Loves Excelling

'And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death not life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

"Love divine is exemplified in our Saviour: His diligence in doing God's will and His patience in bearing it." Henry Scougal (Ref 1). Christ's ministry on earth manifested this love by His,

• Willingness to do God's will
• Bearing the consequences of obeying God's will
• Charity and love to all men

The measure of this love is shown by paying the ultimate penalty for our sins, saving us from eternal death, sacrificing His own life, dying on the cross.

'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16

'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend.' John 15:13

'But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we are still sinners, Christ died for us.' Romans 5:8

St Paul prayed that we will

'Know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled with the measure of all the fullness of God.' Ephesians 3:19

Imagine having the fullness of God? What does this mean? The fullness of God is seen in us by we showing love for all our friends and neighbours. It is a command of Jesus Christ.

'A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you that you are my disciples if you love one another.' John 13:34-35

And the measure of this love includes the willingness like Jesus to pay the ultimate sacrifice, as did the many Christian martyrs through the ages.

'My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.' John 15:12-14

It is this love that sustained many Christians who faced hardships, deprivations and persecutions from the beginning of the Church to the present times.

'Love never fails' 1 Corinthians 13:8a

• Love is an inward drive. Henry Scougal, "The love that someone bears toward God and toward goodness comes not so much by virtue of a command to which they are responsive but rather by a new nature instructing them and prompting them in that direction." 

• Love is natural even impulsive. Henry Scougal "His love makes him willing to give - and even if there were an outward obligation to act in such a way, his heart would devise liberal things.

• Love is compelling. Henry Scougal, "Love is the powerful and prevailing passion by which all of a person's inclinations should be determined and on which perfection and happiness depend. The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." 

In 1747 Charles Wesley composed the song 'Love Divine, All Loves Excelling' celebrating this love of and love from God in the lives of Christians. This hymn tells us how this love from God will influence the life of Christians ever changing us from glory to glory until we enter eternity, taking our place in heaven.

Love divine, all loves excelling

Joy of heaven, to earth come down.

 Fix in us Thy humble dwelling

All Thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

pure unbounded love Thou art.

Visit us with Thy salvation;

Enter every trembling heart

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit

Into every troubled breast.

Let us all in Thee inherit

Let us find Thy perfect rest.

Take away our bent to sinning;

Alpha and Omega be.

End of faith, as its beginning

set our hearts at liberty

Come, Almighty, to deliver

Let us all Thy life receive.

Suddenly return and never,

Nevermore Thy temples leave

Thee we would be always blessing

Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,

Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,

Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation

True and spotless let us be.

Let us see Thy great salvation

Perfectly restored in Thee.

Changed from glory into glory,

Till in heaven we take our place

Till we cast our crowns before Thee

Lost in wonder, love and praise.

Lionel

Ref 1: Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man. Crossway Short Classics, Crossway 2022

“I am going to your house for tea” – A Moment Of Importance.

'He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; (miry clay in KJV) He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.' Psalms 40:2

On 23 Dec 2010, the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, and  Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hian, visited my father in hospital.

My Father and My Grandson

My father, then 84 years old, had been lying in a single room isolation ward for 10 days prior, suffering from a multidrug-resistant bacterial infection. Dad had been wheelchair-bound due to osteoarthritis in both knees making it too painful for him to walk. He also had early senile dementia, along with diabetes, heart disease, bad lungs, thyroid problems and colonic cancer in remission. 

The VIPs were on a fact-finding visit to the newly-opened Khoo Teck Puat hospital and upon hearing that Dad was in the ward, took a detour to visit with him.

Imagine an old man, trapped in bed with an intravenous line inserted into his arm, feeling depressed and very confused when who should walk into his room but the most important person in the country. That very kind gesture made my father's day.

The next day, he was perky and bright, talking about the visit to anyone who would care to hear. My family really appreciated what the PM did - he engaged in small talk with my father despite knowing that he was entering an infection-control isolation ward.

When someone grows old, not only does he suffer physical weaknesses and disabilities but more insiduously he finds that he loses his psycho-social skills. Gradually, he will lose his social status and becomes isolated and shut out from friends and family. This erosion of the sense of well-being is the most disconcerting change that I had observed in Dad in the last few years of his life. It affected both his pride and self-esteem. The rest of the world had moved on and left him behind.

During the days of the making of Singapore, Dad was a political and trade union activist. In 1954 he was the PAP convenor when the People's Action Party was founded. He was often not at home when I was growing up because he was preoccupied campaigning for workers’ rights and working with the leaders in fighting for the independence of Singapore.

In his latter years, he had been largely forgotten and alone, confined to a wheelchair and beholden to two maids who looked after his daily needs. It is sad to see how time and age can strip down a proud man and make him so vulnerable. 

Ecclesiastes 2:11 notes this great loss in despairing tones, 

'Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.'

The VIP visit was brief. PM asked about his condition and they chatted briefly about old days of the political party.  Then PM left.  But this short encounter did wonders for my father. The PM’s visit left Dad feeling important and happy.

This reminds me of another brief encounter recorded in Luke 19:1-8.  Zacchaeus, the tax collector, was a short person.  He climbed up a sycamore tree so as to have a glimpse of Jesus as he was passing by.

Here was another man, an insignificant, non-descript entity amongst the crowd. His short stature made him unnoticeable. His was a tax-collector and was despised.  All he wanted was to see above the crowd and watch the proceedings. However, that day was meant to be different for Zacchaeus. On reaching the tree where Zacchaeus was sitting, Jesus noticed him and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house to spend time with him.  This non-descript person suddenly became important. 

Sometimes, a brief and everyday gesture of recognition can mean much to a person who is feeling unrecognised, insignificant and sorry for himself.  One moment in time can become truly inspirational - a great blessing. 

But that encounter more than 2000 years ago was different from any human discourse. It was a visit from God in Jesus Christ, the divine meeting the human. And the humanity in Zacchaeus recognised this. It was more than just a moment of importance for the short man who climbed up a tree for a better view, it was a life-changing experience. 

We all have a chance at this wonderful moment when the love of God reaches down to us, a love that lifts us up (Love Lifted Me!)

I was sinking deep in sin

Far from the peaceful shore

Very deeply stained within

Sinking to rise no more

But the master of the sea

Heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me

Now safe am I

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

Souls in danger look above

Jesus completely saves

He will lift you by his love

Out of the angry waves

But the master of the sea

Billows His will obey

He your savior wants to be

Be saved today

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

Lionel

Updated 1st Published on 12 Dec 2010

In God’s Power The Weak Become Strong

My Late Father at Toa Payoh Methodist Church

'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.' 2 Cor 12:9 and 10, 

In successful societies like Singapore, it is fairly easy for us to praise and look up to successful and strong men. This can lead us to assess the extent of the grace and blessing we receive from God not in terms of virtue, character and spiritual worth but in terms of wealth, good jobs and high positions in society. After all success and prosperity are very visible rewards that we can achieve by working hard in a meritocratic society. So, we can easily mistake these to be the same rewards we could expect from God in answer to our prayers.

Like Singapore, first Century Corinth was a busy metropolis capitalizing on economic opportunities that the extended peace of the Roman empire brought to the region. Like Singaporean Christians, the Corinthians easily succumbed to the persuasive teachings of false teachers who equated the very tangible evidence of success and power in society to the rewards, blessings and grace God would bestow upon faithful Christians.

J I Packer wrote this in his book, Rediscovering Holiness (ref 1), “What do we Christians mainly preach and teach these days? The answer seems to be not holiness but success and positive feelings – getting health, wealth, freedom from care, good sex and happy families. What do we Christians chiefly value in our leaders – our preachers, teachers, pastors, writers, tele-evangelists, top people in parachurch ministries, money-men who bankroll churches and other Christian enterprises and other folk with key roles in our setup? The answer seems not their holiness but their gifts and skills and their resources."

In the extreme cases, we could even succumb to the belief that we should pray hard for material success and wealth for that is a Christian heritage which God has ordained for us. Then, if we do not receive these blessings from God, our faith must be weak or that God may not be happy with us.

In 1 Cor 12:9-10, Paul said No, the way to God’s favour is not by the route of power and success but  sometimes, by the route of weakness and suffering. The second pathway will more likely strengthen our character and resolve. 'My grace is sufficient for you and my power is make perfect in weakness.' This is a Christian paradox, when we are weak we will go out of ourselves to Jesus and receive from Him an abundant supply of divine strength and grace that will enable us to overcome these weaknesses. Paul was able to boast about his weakness because he has come to understand that Jesus is ready to draw near to him and to help him.

Most Christians learned this lesson when facing a crisis or suffering an illness. 

Nelson Mandela whilst imprisoned on Robben Island wrote, in a letter to Winnie Mandela dated Feb 1975, (ref 2) “Incidentally you may find that the cell is an ideal place to learn to know yourself, to search realistically and regularly the process of your own mind and feelings.

In judging our progress as individuals we tend to concentrate on external factors such as one’s social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of education. These are, of course, important in measuring one’s success in material matters and it is perfectly understandable if many people exert themselves mainly to achieve all these. But internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing one’s development as a human being. Honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others – qualities that are within easy reach of every soul – are the foundation of one’s spiritual life.

Development in matters of this nature is inconceivable without serious introspection, without knowing yourself, your weaknesses and mistakes. At least, if for nothing else, the cell gives you the opportunity to look daily into your entire conduct, to overcome the bad and develop whatever is good in you.”

When we face hardship, deprivation and weakness, we find God. Let us be thankful with what God has graced us. Sing 'Give Thanks.'

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"

Let the poor say, "I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us"

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"

Let the poor say, "I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us"

Lionel

Ref 1 JI Packer in 'Rediscovering Holiness.' Regal 2009 pp 31
Ref 2 In 'Nelson Mandela – Conversations with Myself.' MacMillan 2010, pp 211, 212

Updated 1st Published 16 Mar 2011

True Religion

'With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.' Micah 6:6-8 

What is true Religion?

I have been a Christian for more than 55 years and I consider myself a religious person. But how do I define my Christianity? For the most part, my Christianity has been defined by the things I do, a litany of practices that pronounce my faith:

• Attending church
• Reading the Bible 
• Praying
• Fellowshipping with Christian brothers and sisters
• Leadership in church and other Christian organisations 
• Attending sermons, speeches and seminars
• Evangelism and Crusades
• Reading Christian books
• Serving God in social concerns
• Supporting missions
• Supporting Christian schools
• Giving generously

My Christianity is a series of outward behaviours, as offerings to God. Henry Scougal, a Scottish minister and theologian (1650-1678) in his article entitled, 'The Life of God in the Soul of Man' (Ref 1) wrote of Christians like me, "They are found caught up in a constant round of duties and observances. If they live peacefully with their neighbours, are temperate in their habits, are regularly at worship - both publicly and in their own homes - and sometimes extend themselves to giving to those in need, then they think they have performed sufficiently."

I also define my Christianity by applying my mind to understanding God through the discipline of Bible Study and reading books of the life and writings by the heroes of the faith. I try to understand and defend church doctrines and theology. Henry Scougal's opinion of such Christians practising their faith as "A matter of intellect and understanding and orthodox opinions. The only account they can give of their religion is that they are of this or that theological persuasion or that they have joined one of the many groups (denominations) or sects into which Christiandom is so unhappily divided.

Many friends I know are emotionally devoted and attached to the practice of their prayer, praise and worship. Henry Scougal wrote of them, "Still others are focus on their emotions. They concentrate on spiritual ecstasy in their devotions. All they aim for is to pray with passion, to think of heaven with pleasure, and to be so overwhelmed with a sense of loving God." 

These may be expressions of our religiosity but they are but external expressions; what is needed is an inner transformation. Henry Scougal wrote, "Those things that have any resemblance to true holiness - or are at best the ways in which holiness may be pursued - are frequently mistaken for the real thing." 

What then is true religion? The word 'religion' come from the Latin word 'religare' with 'ligare' deriving the English word ligature. Like ligature this word, 'ligare' means 'to tie fast.' Thus true religion is to join or link God with us. Scougal emphasised this re-tie, "True religion is a union of the soul with God. It is a participation in the divine nature. It is the very image of God drawn upon the soul. In the apostle's words, it is Christ formed in us."

In Micah 6:6-7 two rhetorical questions were asked; the answers to these questions were negative. Displays of religiosity, sacrifices and worship in themselves will not honour God. Micah's great question in verse 8, then is What does God require of us? How can we please God? The answer to that question is to have a relationship with God (to walk humbly with God) and from that relationship to do good by our neighbours (to act justly and love mercy). 

Henry Scougal wrote "The life and power of true religion are better expressed in actions than in words because actions are more lively and better represent the inward principle from which they proceed." It boils down to this; that true religion is to follow the commandment that Jesus later reiterated to the religious leaders and experts of religion of His days 

'Love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength' The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.' Mark 12:30-31

 

With what shall I come before the Lord,

And bow myself before God on high?

Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,

Shall I come before Him with yearling calves?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

With ten thousand rivers of oil?

Shall I give my first-born for my transgressions,

The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has shown you, O man,

He has shown you what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justice and to love kindness,

And to walk humbly with your God?

So in the twilight years of life, as we face eternity, we learn to experience God, know Him. We should stop trying to demonstrate the activity of our faith as much as to try to have a inner transformation of Christ in us. Let us offer to God a relationship with him and others as the expression of our true religion.

Lionel 

Ref: Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man. Crossway Short Classics, Crossway 2022 

Set Your Mind On The Kingdom Of God

St Francis in Meditation, San Damiano, Assisi

'But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well.' Matthew 6:33

The Bible, the Word of God, is very interactive with the lives of committed Christians. God speaks to us from the Bible, often referred to as the Living Word. A verse such as Matthew 6:33 impacts differently at different times of our lives, yet remains always relevant as we grow and mature in faith.

There are 2 parts to this verse

• Acquiring the Kingdom - 'Seek the Kingdom'
• Acquiring wealth - 'All these things will be given you.'

With each passing year, my understanding of both these aspects take on different slants and understanding. 

What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God? I started first by seeking to do God's will, to participate in Christ's ministry, to become involved. Over the years, I served in the church, in charitable organisations, in missions and social concerns; to do God's will. 

But Father John Main, whose advocacy of Christian meditation led to the eventually founding of WCCM (World Community for Christian Meditation), understood this 'seeking first the kingdom' to mean setting our minds on the Kingdom of God. In one of his lead-ups to a time of meditation, John Main mentioned that our minds are often set on all forms of intermediate desires and aims when our one true focus should be only God. He said, 'The moment we go beyond all intermediate desires and desire only God, that is the moment of reality, the moment of enlightenment.' 

And so instead of focusing on the 'doing' I learnt much later on in life, to focus on the 'being' - being in the presence  of God. This is what we are doing in our Quiet Times, in prayer, in silence, in stillness and in meditation. We set our minds on the the kingdom of God, finding God's presence. Whereas Christian Ministry fulfills God's will, Christian Meditation equally fulfills Christ's injunction to seek first His Kingdom.

And sometimes, action comes after meditation as was the experience of St Francis of Assisi. In the 13th Century a young Francis entered the dilapidated church of San Damiano, just outside the city walls of Assisi. He knelt before the San Damiano crucifix in meditative prayer when he heard God's voice telling him that the church was in ruins and asking Francis to rebuilt the church. Francis after his quiet contemplative moment went into action not only to rebuilt the physical church at that location but started a movement to stir up the universal church.

Regarding the second part of Matt 6:33, admittedly, an early intention to seek the kingdom was to acquire wealth and blessings. We conclude that the blessings of wealth and happiness will be our reward as we seek after God. This belief is prevalent with many Christians and has led to teaching of the  prosperity Gospel. While Christian industry may bring much wealth and satisfaction, the verse aims at establishing priority, the priority of pursuing God rather than the pursuit of earthly treasures.

Hence many have interpreted Jesus' statement, 'all these things shall be added unto you, to mean spiritual wealth rather than material wealth. Some, like saints Francis of Assisi and Theresa of Calcutta, chose the paths of poverty instead.

About possessions and wealth, Saint Paul wrote:

'I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him.' Philippians 3:7-9 (NLT)

'Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.' Philippians 4:11-13

It is wonderful to see how the Word of God 'grows' on you. I think I now understand what Christ meant in Matthew 6:33 and learned to apply through the quieter and more reflective times of my maturing age. Having been a Christian for so many years, seeking to find and doing the will of God, I realise that whilst Christian service was important in my younger days, Christian meditation and a more contemplative phase begin to take precedence in my maturing years.

  

Seeking the Kingdom of God now means Finding the Presence of God. This song by Don Moen expressed the desire to seek God's presence through Christian meditation,  '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 forever

Take me to the place where you are

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

I don't want to worship from afar

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

I just want to be where you are

In your dwelling place forever

In your dwelling place forever

Take me to the place

Take me to the place where you are

'Cause I just want to be

I just want to be with you

I just want to be

I just want to be with you

Lionel

Don't Put God In The Box

'When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars that you set in place -  what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?' Psalm 8:3

Humanity limits Deity. We put God in a box, limiting his infinity to our finiteness. We perceive Him from our limited experiences, confine Him to our world views and expect Him to act within the scope of our personal preferences.

We experience God in the shallows and conceive of him with our shallow minds.  

The prophet Jonah is the Biblical example of such an attitude and behaviour. He first chose to run away from God's mission to preach to the people of Nineveh, a civilisation Jonah considered as evil and corrupt and undeserving of God's mercy and salvation. When that plan was thwarted by God's intervention, Jonah preached reluctantly but was surprised that the Ninevites repented and that God's stayed His hands at destroying the city. 

Jonah then had the audacity to complain about the mercy of God, became depressed and remorseful when his views were not considered. Even when God provide shade in his remorse, he felt that he had the right to complain and took issue with God removing the provided shade.

Jonah's attitude was an example of the pride of religious men who thought they knew better and could opined what God can and cannot do. We confine the Almighty into our own little huddle and box of limited understanding of God's universe. 

God is doing right only if He executed what we planned and conceived. Otherwise we feel that God has let us down. This was the example of the Prophet Elijah in the episodes at Mount Carmel and Mount Horeb (Sinai). 

Elijah had a spectacular, grandstanding show against the prophets of Baal. In dramatic fashion, he challenged them to a contest at Mount Carmel. With the prophets of Baal present, he asked God to bring fire from heaven to consume the altar of his sacrifice. The prophets of Baal called on their gods to do the same to no avail. But for Elijah, the Lord demonstrated His power in vivid drama, by fire which consumed Elijah's sacrifice.

Elijah had the notion that he had clearly demonstrated God's greatness so much so that the people, King Ahab and Queen Jezebel would all repent. He strutted off to the capital city, Jazreel presumably to confront king and people. He was met with indifference, no repentance happened. Instead Jezebel threatened to kill him in 24 hours. This caused Elijah to flee to Mount Horeb not only for protection but to stave off his depression and demand an explanation from God as to why Elijah's grand design did not work. 

There, in a cave on the mountain God ministered to Elijah, gently helping him to recover. God showed Elijah, His presence, not in the hurricane, earthquake nor fire but with a gentle whisper, a still small voice. 

God dealt with Elijah as so often with us, in unexpected ways. In a message entitled the Still Small Voice on 1 Kings 18 and 19, Timothy Keller eloquently expounded on experiences on Mount Carmel and Mount Sinai which is worth listening to. Timothy Keller drew three lessons:

• Do not confine God to your world view.

• God works in all sort of places,  even those not on your map that is where you least expected.

• Don't put God in your box.

Timothy quoted Elizabeth Elliot from her book Through The Gates of Splendor, "God is God and if he is God there is no place except in His will and that will always be immeasurably, unspeakably and infinitely beyond any of your largest notion about what He is about to do."

It is laughable how some of us in our conceit can conceive God. We treat God like a 'Jack in the Box,' a toy some of us had as children. We try to demonstrate God the same way we open up that box, putting up a show to impress. This often can end up being clownish. 

We cannot show God. Only God will show us who He is. Elijah brought down fire from heaven but God comes in whisper.  

Jimmy Owens wrote a song, 'He Cares For Me' that speaks of the greatness of God and a most wonderful truth is that this Almighty God cares for us.

Our God is far greater

Than words can make known

Exalted and holy, He reigns on His throne

In infinite splendour He rules over all

Yet He feeds the poor sparrows

And He knows when they fall

His power is great and will ever endure

His wisdom is peaceable, gentle and pure

But greater than all these glories I see

Is the glorious promise that He cares for me

The earth and the heavens

Are the works of His hands

And billions of angels

Obey His commands

He guides the great galaxies, spinning through space

Yet He gave us His Son as a gift of His grace

He rides the wild heavens

He strides through the sea

The high mountains tremble

To hear His decrees

His voice with great thundering

Sounds from above

But to His own children

He whispers His love

Who are we to say who can or cannot be saved by God? Who are we to choose whom should God care?  God comes in a multiplicity of ways and in a word of grace.

Lionel