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