Steadfast, Immovable.

 'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?' Matthew 11:7

Reeds in the wind. Jesus was introducing the crowd to John the Baptist and He was contrasting the tenacity of John the Baptist against the shifting beliefs of the many in the crowds that followed Him. With rhetorical questions, Jesus introduced John, the ramrod straight man in the wilderness as the forerunner of the coming of Christ.

'As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about  John: "What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist.' Matthew 11:7-9 and 11a 

Spineless Christianity? Like reeds swaying in the wind? Saint Paul described such Christianity as being tossed about by the waves instead He prayed for maturity and service for all Christians,

'To equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity of faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by waves, and blown here are there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.' Ephesians 4:12-14

In 1968, about 60 youths from the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) of the Geylang Methodist English Service, now Charis Methodist Church committed to these verses from Ephesians 4 as their statement of faith and ministry. Today, nearly 54 years later, only about 50% remained in the faith, the rest have been tossed about by every wind and wave and have fallen by the wayside. What kept the remaining 30 persons in their Christian Faith? It is their tenacity, resilience and steadfastness. Some may say it is 'a stick to it ability.'

'So my dear brothers and sisters be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.' 1 Corinthians 15:58

Among other attributes, these faithful Christians maintained a consistent service for the Lord and the Church. 

SIM (Serving in Missions) East Asia in its 2/3 2022 publication SIM NOW entitled Serving Steadfastly, shared several testimonies of missionaries.

• Steadfast Amidst Uncertainty by Luke and Jill in Southern Asia, "So how can we be steadfast when life is so uncertain? We are learning to faithfully do God's work and accept whatever comes our way. We continue to move forward in faith, no matter what happens, even if our new normal looks quite different from what we thought it would."

• Steadfast In Intimacy With Him by Dr Judy Ho in Nigeria, "By stepping out in obedience and by fixing my eyes upon Him, God has showered me with blessings way beyond my imagination. He has graciously let me know Him more intimately. He enables me to understand and accept my limitation more. Certainly, His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is perfected in my weaknesses.

• Steadfast Amidst Challenges by Ghie Sibayan in the Philippines, "Living through the different challenges of life and ministry has not been easy for me. the Lord has been enabling me to serve steadfastly by being willing to adjust, stay in community and recognise God's presence." 

• Steadfast In Being Sensitive by Tijin and Merin in Ghana, "What God requires from us is to remain committed to His work and to be sensitive to His leading in His Mission."

These testimonies are very inspiring. And they show that these missionaries are resolute and strong. Just as Joshua was to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, he was given a rallying call.

'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:9

The Joshua call must have also kept many a Christian steadfast and sure though all the challenges of life. We are not like reeds in wind; Be Strong and Take Courage 

Be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the Lord will go before you

And His light will show the way

Be strong and take courage

Do not fear or be dismayed

For the one who lives within you

Will be strong in you today

Why don't you give him all of your fears

Why don't you let him wipe all of your tears

He knows, He's been through pain before

And He knows all that you've been looking for

Nothing can take you out of his hand

Nothing can face you can't command

I know that you will always be

In His love, in His power you will be free!

Lionel

Seeing Through The Mist

Seeing Through The Mist, Snowy Mountains Australia

'Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see as if face to face. Now I know of life, in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known by God.'  1 Corinthian 13:12 

The morning was enveloped with a thick mist as I walked alone on a lonely country road in the Snowy Mountains region in Jindabyne, Australia. The fresh air laden with dew was cold on my face but I did not mind; walking alone that morning brought serenity and solace. These lonely moments are hard to find.

The road before me was obscured by fog but it was sufficiently visible to ascertain the direction of my path. I realised that the ability to see through the mist, even with some degree of uncertainty, is exactly how I have obtained guidance from God throughout life. My limited vision and mind cannot completely comprehend God nor let me view life with definite clarity.

Fogginess can be a natural aspect of life. When we try to perceive life, we must be prepared to peer through the mist and accept some mystery. Calvin Miller (Ref 1) said "Mystical is that wonderful word we apply to things that have ultimate meaning but elude our understanding." He advocated that Christians need not always perceive life cognitively. We should lose the desire to always want to be in control. This is what I have also learnt especially since that I started meditation from April 2021.

With solitary walks or with meditation, we learn to drop false pragmatism and embrace the practical reality that the Holy Spirit like the wind brings some uncertainty. We can sense its presence but will be uncertain where it comes from and whither it will go.

But we are not left alone groping. That morning when I walked through the mist I was not alone. I prayed and sang as though God walked with me and indeed He did. Although, we see through tinted glasses of our own inadequacies and sinfulness, there is comfort in the Christian understanding and experience that God is close at hand.

There is silence but the walk is not solitary. Two songs accompanied me.

• Walk With Me in which I felt the Presence of God 
• I'm Not Alone in which I sensed the Leading of God. 

Walk with me through the long and lonely night

Walk with me and my world is filled with light

Here I stand feeling lost and so alone

Take my hand don't desert me now

Please don't hurt me now

If you walk with me though I know the road is long

I'll get by with your love to make me strong

More by far than a guiding star above

I long for you

Walk with me oh my love

Somewhere the sunbirds fly

In a clear blue sky

Only you and I there together

Love me now and for ever

Walk with me through the long and lonely night

Walk with me and my world is filled with light

Here I stand feeling lost and so alone

Take my hand don't desert me now

Please don't hurt me now

If you walk with me though I know the road is long

I'll get by with your love to make me strong

More by far than a guiding star above

I long for you

Walk with me oh my love

I long for you

Walk with me oh my love

I'm not alone while walking o'er life's journey.

I have a friend who walks along with me.

I'm not alone although I'm often lonely.

My saviour God is by me constantly.

So when the storms of life assail me

and earthly friendships fail me,

I'll sing and smile o'er every mile

till I reach my heavenly home.

St Paul wrote in 1 Cor 13:12, 

Now we see but a poor reflection of life and it's journey as in a mirror; then we shall see distinctly as if face to face. Now I know of life, in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known by God (italics mine).

Lionel

Updated 1st published 9 Oct 2008

1. Calvin Miller “Into the Depths of God” Bethany House, 2000

The Anatomy of Unity

'Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.' 1 Corinthians 12:12

One of the most difficult questions faced by Christians is 'Why are we so divided, why so many denominations?' There are the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Churches, the Protestant Churches along with the many denominations, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Assemblies of God, Methodist among others.

Church movements occur in different countries and at different times. Such growth result in the establishment of churches connected with one another through their shared experience. This occurs with the two major branches of Christianity, the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches. Other times the original church enter into a time of complacency even apostasy which resulted in the congregations deserting the original church as occurred in the reformation which resulted in the third major branch, the Protestant Church.

The Protestant church is further divided into several denominations. An example was the establishment of the Methodist Churches distinct from the original Episcopal Church of England, the Anglicans where the original congregants worshipped. Each denomination established its unique and shared identity often exemplified by distinctive worship rituals, liturgy and practices. The denominations may have differing beliefs in minor doctrines or subtle nuances in the understanding of major doctrines.

However Christians soon realised there is much commonality and universality in their beliefs. These are, 

• the profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour

• the Bible as the infallible, inerrant word of God

• the common baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Thus, ecumenism took roots whereby Christians, while belonging to different denominations, work together and develop closer relationships amongst and within churches.  

St Paul introduced Unity in Diversity using the example of the human body. Faced with differences in the early Christians, St Paul used the analogy of the different parts and functions of the human body to stress that these different parts can work together as one body with each part equally as important as the other.

'The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves and others are free. But we have all been baptised into one body by one Spirit and we all share the same Spirit. 

Yes the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, "I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand," that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, "I am not an eye," would that not make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if the whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes there are many parts but only one body. 1 Cor 12:12-19

The founding fathers of Singapore also recognised the value of Unity in Diversity and advanced the distinctiveness of the different races, cultures and religions within the polyglot nature of the country. They advocated that each be given its unique space and all others should recognise the different spaces. Yet, to live in harmony there needs to be a common shared space which every different community (spaces) should honour and identify ourselves. That common shared space should be upheld, defended and expressed. This is so much like the Christian understanding of the Body; the Anatomy of Unity.

Again and again Singaporeans are reminded that while we acknowledge our different identities we also share a common Singaporean identity. This was the theme in a recent Youth Conference, 'Weaving Multiple Identity, Forging Common Ground.' Mr Lawrence Wong, the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, speaking at that conference said, "We must be a society that celebrates all individuals for what they are, what they can achieve, and provides them with the opportunities to do better throughout their lives. But regardless of our diverse backgrounds, there's also something very special about the commonality we share, all of us as Singaporeans....It is in our attitudes, it is in our mindsets, and shared experiences." (Straits Times 25 Jul 2022).

A lack of understanding of this seemingly paradoxical concept of Unity in Diversity leads to misinterpreting Uniformity for Unity. Uniformity leads to the pressure to conform. 

Our modern culture promotes diversity and its ethos promotes individual rights. Individualism to the extreme can often challenge the community of the church we are building, the 'koinonia' of the local church. At the same time, we recognise our uniqueness and differences. Every one is welcome into the church family, whatever our status, however our individual preferences, our differences. Such welcome may bring the local church massive challenges but we want to live in close community with one another.

This will continue to be a ongoing challenge. Recognising differences and constantly refining and defining the common spaces apply just as much to churches as they apply to governments of multiracial societies. St Paul advocated being sensitive to these differences, yet caring for one another,

'So God has put the body together such that extra honour and care were given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among members so that all the members care for each other.' 1 Cor 12:24-25 (NLT)

In things that matter we have One Lord, One Spirit, One Love. Though of many parts, we will find unity in Jesus Christ, The Church's One Foundation.

The church's one foundation

is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is his new creation
by water and the Word.
From heaven he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.

Elect from every nation,
yet one o'er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation,
one Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with every grace endued.

Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
of peace forevermore;
Till, with the vision glorious,
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great church victorious
shall be the church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with thee.

This solid foundation is the make up of an attractive church, an attractive community.

Lionel

The Distinctive Marks of Strong Christian Families

 

Amish Barn Raising

'The promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.' Acts 2:32

Civilizations and nations that thrive understand that underpinning their strength is the attention and priority to strong family principles and values. But, these days, children like to be independent at very early ages. This streak of independence and self-help is not wrong in itself; what will be missed is the sense of community and togetherness of strong families when times become difficult. 

Gotong Royong

In Singapore and Malaysia there is a Malay term ‘gotong-royong.’ Gotong Royong exist in the Malay kampongs (enclaves) where families will chip in and help another family in need or the whole community in a spirit of co-operation. You see this same spirit in the Amish community as noted by barn raisings. Neighbors freely give of their time and their skills to help one another. When children leave home too early without first capturing the gotong-royong or family spirit something will remain missing in their lives.

The Lee Family

Christianity emphasises the importance of keeping the family strong but at no other times are family values threatened and undervalued than in these modern times. To prevent this it may be useful for us to heed the guidance of God in establishing strong Christian principles of keeping our family together. Effective family life does not just happen; it’s the result of deliberate intention and practice. If countries are underpinned by strong families then strong families are undergirded by God's teachings. What are these principles?

 

Hear the Truth Continually. 

'Hear O Israel, the Lord is Our God, the Lord is one.' Deuteronomy 6:4 

Strong families lean hard on some unshakeable facts and this is a major one. The Lord is OUR God is not a statement to be uttered like some mantra but to be lived. The is not a personal matter but must be our family statement. Just as the Lord is One, the family is also one. 

Love the Lord fervently. 

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.' Deuteronomy 6:5-6  

Underline the word ALL. Our love for God must be complete. It is not possible to transfer to our children a principle and then to propagate through the succeeding generations if we as parents do not personally embrace a love for God that permeates all of our being. The family’s love for God must be a deep down dedication. 

Teach the Young Diligently. 

'Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.' Deuteronomy 6:7

The take-home message here is one of intensity, to teach every time and every where. To do this, teaching must be such that it is done in very natural setting making use of every opportunity that life presents to point the children to God and His love. The teaching has to be consistent and in many ways repetitious. It is not only to be communicated with verbal cues but with visual cues, body language - parents must live the teaching.

Extended Lee Family

Fear the Lord Greatly. 

'I gave you land you have not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build - the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them. So fear the lord and serve him wholehearted.... Serve the Lord alone.' Joshua 24:13-14  

The things we own, our wealth, our other blessings comes directly from God. God is always looking out for us. There is a saying 'do not bite the hand that feed you.' How easy when blessed to adopt a presumptuous and arrogant spirit? We are surrounded by other gods of materialism, fame, riches, power, ambition, etc. We need a healthy dose of the ‘fear of God,' the reverence and a wholesome respect for His sovereignty and primacy in our lives and our families. 

Strong families build strong houses. Strong families are also the underpinnings of strong churches. Welcome to the Family! 

Welcome to the family
We're glad that you have come
To share your life with us
As we grow in love and
May we always be to you
What God would have us be
A family always there
To be strong and to lean on,

May we learn to love each other
More with each new day
May words of love be on our lips
In everything we say
May the Spirit melt our hearts
And teach us how to pray
That we might be a true family

Lionel

Updated 1st Published 28 Jul 2007

Every Moment Matters

‘Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.’ Eph 4:15-17 

One of my most satisfying duties as the chairman of the Dover Park Hospice was to commission a new logo for the hospice. Designed by DP Architects’ creative unit, the logo features two forms, the Circle of Life and the Dove. The Circle represents the passage of life, the trials and experiences of life well-lived. Significantly, the Circle is not enclosed, allowing the Dove to soar free and take flight, full of hope and dignity. The tagline “Every Moment Matters” is inspired by the words of Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement.

“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life.” - Dame Cicely Saunders. 

Every moment matters is a philosophy for living. We should live as if we savour every moment, every minute and every day. With every passing moment we should live well, not only for ourselves, but also for others and God. A certain smile, a kind word or a brilliant thought can have an everlasting impact. Conversely, a momentary inattention, a missed opportunity can exact dire consequences. (See Panasonic Commercial below for a dramatic illustration).

We are familiar with the phrase ‘In God we live and move and have our being.’ In theology, this refers to ‘Coram Deo’, which is Latin for ‘before the face of God.’ Coram Deo, conveys the idea of living one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the glory of God. 

Benjamin Franklin understood this when he said, "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." 

When we visited the Amish county at Lancashire, Pennsylvania in 1992, I bought a wooden plaque engraved with an Amish proverb, ‘Ve get too soon oldt and too late schmardt.’

Consider the life of Charles Thomas Studd. He established an enduring Christian missionary society, the World Evangelisation Crusade. Studd was the son of a wealthy indigo planter and a leading cricketer. He played for England in the 1882 cricket match between England and Australia which was the origin of the famous Ashes cricket tournament. Despite the chance to be a famous international sportsman, in February 1885, C.T along with a group of young men, called the ‘Cambridge Seven’ set sail from England to become missionaries. They volunteered to serve in China after attending meetings at Cambridge University, following Hudson Taylor in the newly established, China Inland Missions.

After more than 10 years service in China C.T. Studd left the country to pastor a church in South India from 1900 to 1906. In 1910 he went to the Sudan and Belgian Congo. In 1913, he started four mission stations and went on to  establish the World Evangelism Crusade which today continues to send missionaries to South America, Central Asia and the Middle East as well as Africa.

C.T. gave away a sizeable portion of his family inheritance to help the work of George Muller, D. L. Moody and others on the mission field. At the age of seventy, C.T. Studd died, but his vision for China, India and Africa had expanded to reach the whole world.

He wrote this poem, One Life. 

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life's busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart, 

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, 

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, 

And stand before His Judgment seat;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, 

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave, 

And to God's holy will to cleave;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, 

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its days I must fulfill, 

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, 

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way, 

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, 

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e'er the strife, 

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, 

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone, 

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, 

Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;

And when at last I'll hear the call, 

I know I'll say "'twas worth it all";

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last

Make the best use of the time we have. There is much good to do with our lives. May the Lord show us the way. Every moment matters.

In His time, in His time

He makes all things beautiful

In his time

Lord please show me everyday

As you're teaching me your way

That you do just what you say

In your time

In your time, in your time

You make all things beautiful

In your time

Lord my life to you I bring

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Lord please show me everyday

As you teaching me your way

That you do just what you say

In your time

Lord my life to you I bring

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Lionel

Updated 1st Published Jul 2012

Time's Running Out! Find Purpose

Bright candle in the darkness
Photo by Markus Merz

Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." John 12:35-36

Time flies. Even though Christians are assured of everlasting life and spending eternity with Jesus, we know that life on earth is finite. Hence there is a certain urgency, with the passing of time to seize the day to live in such a manner as to  please God. Jesus told us to make use of the opportunity before our time on this earth run out.

What is your view of time? The Ancient Greeks have two words for time

• Chronos (χρόνος) or Every Moment Counts that is the measure of time
• Kairos (καιρός) or Every Moment Matters that is the meaning of time

Chronos refers to chronological or sequential time, it is quantitative. Kairos signifies the proper or opportune time, the defining moment. Kairos suggests that time has value and is not just a quantity. In the New Testament, Kairos is used to describe the appointed time or the God-ordained time.

We should use the Kairos time wisely. Jesus Christ exhorts us to, 

“Walk while you are in the light before darkness overtakes you.” 

There are defining moments that we should seize to influence others for good. We should walk in the light so that the wisdom, the guidance, the influence that will shape and mold us are not lost as the time passes; that light around and within us can also shape and influence friends and family. There is a purpose to life. 

Many years back, our church the Charis Methodist Church launched the '40 Days of Purpose' Campaign. It was centred on the book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Then our Pastor, the Rev Yeo Lay Suan introduced the campaign asking the question “What on earth are we here for?” 

Pastor Yeo told an anecdote of an eaglet which fell into a farmer’s coop and was raised amongst the chickens. All its life, the eagle thought that it was a chicken and never knew the truth of what it is like to fly and to feel the wind beneath its wings. How tragic?

It would also be tragic for us to live life if near the end we assess it to be futile. That was the lament of the preacher in the Bible book Ecclesiastes, 

 'Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!

But life matters! Jesus tells us to stay in the light; the man who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. Be in the Light of Jesus so that we can see that we are no chickens but eagles and fulfil our purposes in life. 

In the search for meaning in life during the 'hippie days' of the 1960s, the song 'Turn Turn Turn' written by Peter Seeger became very popular. 

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep

A time to build up, a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

A time of love, a time of hate

A time of war, a time of peace

A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose

A time to rend, a time to sew

A time for love, a time for hate

A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

Using the theme from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, this song tells us that there is a purpose to life. Time does not just flit away, Kairos not Chronos. Find Purpose, Find Meaning, Find God.

“For I know, the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Lionel

Updated 1st published 15 Aug 2007

God Of The Second Chances

 

Starry Starry Night - Australian Academy of Science

'When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is mankind the you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?' Psalm 8:3-4

The Book of Jonah depicted a merciful God and told the story of a God of the Second Chances. 

God sent Jonah to Nineveh to warn the city of the impending doom if they did not turn from their wickedness. The Assyrian empire were extremely cruel. Their victories were followed by violent slaughter, enslavement and barbaric torture. The reluctant prophet Jonah, did not expect that the people would heed the warnings and repent of their evil deeds. Even so, Jonah did not expect God to be so merciful. Yet, dramatically and unexpectedly the Ninevites repented.

'And the people of Nineveh believed God's message, and from the greatest to the least they declared a fast and put on burlap (sackcloth) to show their sorrow.' Jonah 3:5 (NLT)

Nineveh

The king of Nineveh declared

"People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence. Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will change His mind and hold back His fierce anger from destroying us." Jonah 3:8,9 (NLT)

God gave them a reprieve, a second chance

'When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed His mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened.' Jonah 3:10

The Bible is replete with accounts of the many times the people of God rebelled, worshipped false gods and created idols for themselves. Time and time again God relented, gave them many chances when they humbled themselves and turned to him.

Exodus 32 recorded the great sin of the Golden Calf at the time when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The Israelites turned against God and to idolatry. God had said that His anger will burn against them and that He may destroy them. But Moses sought favour with God and in the end it was recorded in Exodus 32:14, almost to the letter, as in Jonah 3:10,

'Then God changed His mind and did not bring to His people  the disaster He had threatened.' 

God relented.

Repentance and revival occur with communities and churches; it also can occur for us in personal encounters. This was Jonah's experience in the belly of the fish. Jonah had refused to obey God's call, ran away from Him only to be brought to the depths of despair. In that desperation Jonah came to his senses, 

'Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, "I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and He answered me. I called to You from the land of the dead, and Lord, You heard me....But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord." Jonah 2:1 and 6b, 7a (NLT)

Mr Guan Yeow Kwang, speaking at the Charis Methodist Church on the 26 June 2022, described this second chance as being rescued from the ultimate low, plucked out of the watery grave. Guan said, when we repent we will

• Remember God
• Receive God's Grace
• Rediscover God's Intimacy

This was King David's experience too and he eloquently described this in Psalm 51.

'Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stains of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognise my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don't take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.'

Amazing Grace! Timothy Keller dedicated his book on Jonah (Ref 1), The Prodigal Prophet to John Newton. Keller wrote

'In gratitude to God for the life and ministry of John Newton (1725-1807) who also turned back to God during a storm, and became a pastor who has taught us, and untold number of others, the beauty of amazing grace'

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come:

'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,

his word my hope secures;

he will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

and mortal life shall cease:

I shall possess, within the veil,

a life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

the sun forbear to shine;

but God, who called me here below,

will be forever mine

We should gaze at the night sky, consider the stars and the heavens; then realise how fortunate and privilege we are, recipients of God's mercy and grace.

'But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.' John 1:12

Lionel

Ref 1: Timothy Keller, The Prodigal Prophet, Jonah and the Mystery of God's Mercy. Hodder and Stoughton, 2018

Floundering Christians

'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.' Revelation 3:15-16

Some say that the Lord Jesus Christ reserved His harshest criticism in the letters to the seven churches for the church of Laodicea. Lukewarm describes nominal Christians. They are neither here nor there, not committing themselves, afraid to give their full love, perhaps stingy with any form of service.

Another way to describe such Christians is 'floundering' which was how the Rev Wilfred Leow described the dangers in some churches in a sermon preached some years back at Charis Methodist Church. Floundering means being neither here or there, neither hot nor cold; left stranded in the doldrums of the vast ocean.

Pastor Wilfred Leow, said that Christian service or church life is like being in a boat. To move in a clear direction Wilfred suggested that this boat need three requirements

• A light behind which he said could be the solid foundation of our faith in Christ. 
• A light in front which is having a clear focus on Jesus Christ.
• An engine in the boat to cut through the water, which is like being found in the continuing favour of Christ. 

Instead many church goers are just going nowhere. Why lukewarm? Why floundering? I can think of 3 reasons: 

• A Me-centred Christianity. Such a Christianity is concerned with what we can get from God or how we can get Him to do what we want.

• A listless Christianity. We lose passion. We may not deny our faith but we just become indifferent.

• A 'dry bible' Christianity. We switched off when listening to sermons because we think we have heard it all before. We have been there, heard all and there is nothing more to learn.

Yet, God's words tell us to be found busy in doing God's work, always being found in His service, always serving community and church. Christian service out of Christian love will reap much satisfaction. 

'Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.' 1 Cor 15:58 (ESV)

To be steadfast and immovable is to be spiritually grounded. St Paul in the Epistle to the Ephesians hoped that

'We will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here are there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their dreadful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.' Ephesians 4:14-15  

Being steadfast and immovable is gently but resolutely put in this song 'I have decided to follow Jesus.' The story behind behind this song is that of a Indian convert named Nokseng who became an evangelist to the tribes in North-Eastern India. The family was severely persecuted and eventually martyred by an Assam tribe. These were Nokseng's last words which the famous Indian missionary, Sadhu Sundar Singh put to a simple Indian melody.

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

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

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,

Tho' none go with me I still will follow,

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;No turning back, no turning back.

My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus;

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus,

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus;No turning back, No turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

No turning back, no turning back.

'Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; for where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.' John 12:25-26 

There is no floundering in Nokseng the martyr, no turning back.

Lionel

Updated 1st published 1 April 2007