There Is A Higher Throne

'At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.' Rev 4:2-3

There are two stories of hope during dismal times, to tell.

It was at the height of the the Thirty Years War in Europe, 1618 to 1648, which took an estimated 6-8 million lives and Martin Rinkart, a German Lutheran pastor served in the walled German town of Eillenburg. The town became a refuge from the ravages of war in the surrounding countryside and soon it became overcrowded with the people living in unhygienic squalid conditions. A epidemic of Bubonic plague raged through the city and many died. At the beginning there were four ministers in the town but soon Rinkart was the only one left when two died and the other fled the city. It was said that Rinkart had to conduct more than 4000 funerals as many as 40-50 per day. His wife was also a victim.  

Thirty Years War Sebastiaan Vranc, Plunder of Wommelgem, Dusseldorf Museum

Yet despite the many years of suffering Martin Rinkart experienced, he was able to pen one of the most famous Protestant hymn, 'Now Thank We All Our God'. It was translated to English by Catherine Winkworth.

Now thank we all our God,
with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
in Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms
has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace,
and guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills,
in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns
with Them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God,
whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.

Patmos is a small Greek Island in the Aegean Sea to which John the Apostle was exiled at the height of persecution believed to be instigated by the Roman Emperor Domitian. This was the second persecution of Christians undertaken by the Roman Emperors. Among the numerous martyrs was Simeon, Bishop of Jerusalem and the Apostle John. St John was said to be boiled in oil and afterwards banished to Patmos. The book of Revelation in 1:9 recorded, 

'I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word and testimony of Jesus.'

Jean Leon Jerome, Christian Martyrs' Last Prayer 

At Patmos, St John received the vision that led to the writing of Revelation. There was a celestial worship service described in Revelation 4. 

'After this I looked and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and i will show you what must take place after this." Rev 4:1

'Day and night, they never stop saying: "Holy, Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty, who was and is and is to come." Rev 4:8b

'They lay with crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for You created all things and by your will they were created and have their being."

Just like Martin Rinkart, Keith and Kristyn Getty put this heavenly worship service to song, 'There Is A Higher Throne' to song. 

There is a higher throne

Than all this world has known

Where faithful ones from every tongue

Will one day come

Before the Son we'll stand

Made faultless through the Lamb

Believing hearts find promised grace

Salvation comes

Hear heaven's voices sing

Their thunderous anthem rings

Through emerald courts and sapphire skies

Their praises rise

All glory, wisdom, power

Strength, thanks and honour are

To God our King who reigns on high

For evermore

And there we'll find our home

Our life before the throne

We'll honour Him in perfect song

Where we belong

He'll wipe each tear-stained eye

As thirst and hunger die

The Lamb comes as our Shepherd King

We'll reign with him. 

Why, in the face of hardship, persecution and suffering would St John the Apostle and Martin Rinkart think of worshipping God? Jesus said,

'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' John 16:33b

The future is securely in God's control. He is on the throne.

Lionel

Inspired by a sermon given by Preacher Aphichai Chenrungrotsakun (a.k.a Loong) on the 26 Dec 2021 at Charis Methodist Church

A Decade Of Challenge, A Decade of Courage

Sunrise at Mount Sinai, Egypt

'Be strong and take Courage.' Joshua 1:6

We have just entered the year 2022. Looking back at the past two years, we have had a load of bad news, the pandemic, climate change, regime changes and oppression of people. The decade of 2020 will most likely be remembered as the decade of challenges. Facing the pandemic and the speed of coronavirus mutations, we should brace ourselves for the challenges ahead

• Coronavirus. The world fights for world health in an unprecedented manner. Every country in the world faced their up and down battles against this virus. Just as the vaccination and immunity rates improve and the spread attenuated, the virus changes character and a new variant appears. The health care systems and the health workers of every country work fearlessly and tirelessly. Perhaps, the virus, to survive in nature will eventually mutate into a less virulent albeit more contagious to become  commensal in the environment and people. Then, our healthcare systems will be able to manage the disease and prevail. 

• Commerce. World trade took a hit as countries, even states within a large country shut down their borders in attempts to minimise the spread of the disease. Many countries dipped into their reserves or incurred debts. The rich lose some of their wealth but the poor suffered the most. Eventually new ways of commerce such as online shopping will be the way for buying and selling in the future. The world will eventually come up with new or updated trade to find new ways for doing business.

• Communication. World travel became almost non-existent and is taking quite a long while to recover. Passenger traffic now requires vaccination lanes. Although some world tourists have taken few small steps to go overseas, the tourism industry is largely curtailed. Communications have gone on a virtual mode and soon 3-D virtual reality technology will allow us to 'travel the world' while remaining at home.

• Community. Social restrictions and distancing have curtailed face to face communications and group camaraderie. Perhaps the social mores of building community will take on a different mode. International community by ways of Zoom, WhatsApp, Telegram and other technological platform become possible with multinational chatgroups. But the physical endearments such as hugs & kisses may be lost.

In his New Year Message, the Prime Minister of Singapore said that the Covid-19 pandemic has been a crucible of fire for this generation of Singaporeans.  The country has had to take drastic measures to protect lives and livelihood. (Straits Times 1 Jan 2022). This is not unique to Singapore, every country in the world faced waves after waves of the Corona virus in its myriad forms and variants. 

It will be a brave new world to face for 2022 and beyond. One can imagine the same trepidation the Israelites faced as they left Goshen in Egypt, to step onto the soil of the Sinai Desert. There were many uncertainties in the harsh and arid desert, drought, hunger, pestilences and unfriendly tribes. As they began the journey, Moses and the Israelites sang,  

'The Lord is my strength and my defence; He has become my salvation. He is my God and I will praise Him, my father's God and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name."  Exodus 15:2-3 

Uncertainties for the decade of 2020 cause fear, a natural response. Similarly after a trying 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites were poised for the conquest of Canaan. They had heard of the Canaanite walled cities and the strength of their armies. On top of that there was a leadership change, Moses died and the baton passed on to Joshua. Confronted with these fears, they must remain courageous. There were battles to be fought. What fueled their courage? Faith in the promises of God. 

'You will not fear the terror by night, nor the arrow by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.' Psalms 91:5-6

Understandably we all feel nervous as we anticipate the rest of the 2020 decade. The same fear gripped Joshua when he took over command from Moses as he stood poised to cross over the Jordan river. The Lord was mindful of Joshua's fears, in the opening chapter of the Book of Joshua, God reassured him four times, 'Be Strong and Courageous.'  

'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

Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong also rallied Singaporeans in his New Year message. (Straits Times 1 Jan 2022). He said, "We can confidently say that we have measured up as one people. Looking ahead, confronted with longer term challenges, we must maintain the same unity of purpose, fortitude of spirit and willingness to accept difficult measures in order to overcome them decisively and overcome them together."

That is the rallying cry of an able secular leader. God's people standing at the edge of the Jordan river also needed a stirring speech to secure their nationhood and future. But there is a difference in the message of Joshua, a spiritual leader; Joshua added the certainty of the presence of God. The assurance of God's presence will allow us to face the uncertain decade.

'Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge.' Psalms 91:1-4

Another year is dawning and we brace ourselves for what will come; always knowing that the presence of the Lord is with us.

1. Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
   In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;
   Another year of progress, another year of praise,
   Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
2. Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
   Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
   Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
   Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
3. Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
   Another year of training for holier work above;
   Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
   On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Happy New Year!

Lionel

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

Church Bells, Corfu

'You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst forth into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.' Isaiah 55:12

This will be the second Christmas we will have under Covid-19 restrictions. The shops bravely open and Orchard Road is lighted up. But I doubt that there will be much festivities this Christmas. The number of tourists will be almost negligible, there will be no singing of carols in the churches nor in the shops.

It will be quite a dismal celebration of Christmas. But these two years are not without precedence. Christmas was hardly celebrated in the two World Wars and during world crises throughout history.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, America's celebrated poet lived through a tragic Christmas season during the American Civil War, when he wrote the Christmas carol, 'I heard the Bells on Christmas Day.' in 1863. Bishop Gordon Wong introduced me to this carol in a recent sermon. 

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

I thought how, as the day had come

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along th' unbroken song

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:

"There is no peace on earth," I said,

"For hate is strong, and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; 

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, goodwill to men."

Till ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

When we peruse the lyrics of the carol, we will probably conclude that this carol is most appropriate for this Covid-19 Christmas, although we are not sure how many church bells will be pealing on the 25 Dec 2021. The carol started with despair but ended in hope. 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Longfellow had fallen into a depression in 1861 when his wife Frances died in a fire. She had been sealing envelopes with hot wax when her clothes caught fire. The death marked a low point in Longfellow’s life. His physical appearance changed dramatically as he began growing his beard because the burns disfigured his face.

In 1863, Longfellow suffered another blow. His son Charley ran off to enlist in the 1st Massachusetts Artillery. In November, Charley was wounded in battle. Henry Longfellow was full of grief and started questioning the promise of peace announced at the first and every Christmas. In despair he wrote, 'There is no peace on earth, for hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth good will to men. 

But in the pealing of the bells, he found a message that peace would come to the troubled nation as well as to Longfellow's troubled mind. He started a follow on stanza with the conclusion, 'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. With peace on earth, the right prevail.' 

Longfellow's message was penned in the poem Christmas Bells. The Christian group Casting Crowns provided an updated version of the old carol.  

   

Christmas cards featuring the manger scene, with angels, shepherds and barn animals well positioned around the Holy Family give us the wrong impression that at the time of Jesus' birth it was a peaceful. In reality, Jesus lived through a time that was a powder keg for rebellion and terrorist activities. The Romans occupied Israel and with it came oppressive rule. The Judeans were subjected to tyrannical governors and puppet kings such as Pontius Pilate and Herod. Those times were anything but peaceful. Nevertheless Jesus' birth brought the hope for peace,

'For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on His shoulders. And He shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.' Isaiah 9:6-7 

How can we find peace despite dismal circumstances with every Christmas? Peace during turmoil? Perhaps it should first be found in a person. After having inner peace, we can be at peace with others. Father John Main (Ref 1) stated, 'Peace is a noble objective and a unifying one. In many of the sacred scriptures of both the eastern and western traditions this goal is described as the state of blessedness, of glory, of salvation or simply of life. The sense of being fully, humanly alive.' 

It takes courage to express a time for peace in the midst turmoil, crisis, disaster and war. Even so, every Christmas before, during and after wars and pandemics continues to express the message: Peace on earth, goodwill towards men. The Christmas bells rang out in the last stanza of the carol,

 

Till ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

Shalom!

Lionel

Ref 1. Paul Tharris and Laurence Freeman (editors), Silence and Stillness in Every Season, Daily Readings with John Main.

A Time for Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" Matthew 5:9

In the late 1960s, Simon and Garfunkel made a recording of 'Silent Night' superimposed over the typical 7 o’clock news over the US TV channels. One cannot miss the sarcasm, sleeping in heavenly peace at such times?

Things have not changed. On the 16 Dec 2012 the world woke up to the headline news, 'Gunman kills 26 in US elementary school massacre'. What is so disturbing is that the victims included 20 five-year old children. On the 28 Oct 2018 a shooting in a Jewish Synagogue in Pittsburgh killed 11 victims while they were worshiping. One year earlier in Las Vegas 59 were shot dead and more than 500 injured after a gunman using automatic weapons fired on the crowd at a country music festival. On the 24 Dec 2019 protesters in Hong Kong who held a Silent Night protest march clashed violently with the police. This Christmas, the Covid-19 variant, Omicron, threatens the world.

We may cynically proclaim the irrelevancy of Christmas and its message of peace and goodwill among men.

The cornerstone of the United Nations quotes from Micah 4:3, 'They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nations, neither shall they learn war any more.' 

But can peace can be achieved between nations when it cannot be achieved between individuals? Can peace between individuals be achieved when it is not found within a person?

A Chinese proverb reads

'If there there is a light in the soul,

There will be beauty in the person,

If there is beauty in the person,

There will be harmony in the house.

If there is harmony in the house,

There will be order in the nation,

If there is order in the nation,

There will be peace in the world.

Is there light at the end of this dark tunnel? 

 

'You (God) will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, is the Rock eternal.' Isaiah 26:3-4 

An individual at peace with God, is at peace with himself and with others. That peace frees us from fear and removes the barbs of our anxieties. This personal peace bring the most satisfaction, the greatest relief and the deepest comfort. There will be tranquility within. 

'The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.' Isaiah 32:17. 

In World War I, a Christmas Truce of 1914 was declared and the carol 'Silent Night' was sung. Along the war front, German and Allied troops downed their weapons and reached out their hands toward each other and exchanged Christmas greetings.

Let's make peace with each other, for God has given us this Benediction, His blessing of peace 

'The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Lionel

Updated article. 1st Published 17 Dec 2007

No Man Is An Island

Fyfield Down Neolithic Stones

'Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.' Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

A sad commentary of our individual-centric modern living reality is found in the words of Simon and Garfunkel ‘I am a rock. I am a Island’ This song drums in all the loneliness of life without companionship or friendship. The second verse reads,

“I've built up walls, a fortress deep and mighty,

that nothing penetrates.

I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.

It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.

I am a rock, I am an island.”

In Tokyo, a guide informed that there are many homeless people in the city. And it is entirely by personal choice and preference that they desert friends and families to wander the streets alone. They are not poor. They are never hungry because the Japanese strict laws on the validity period of food ensured that they had lots to eat. Food sold in supermarkets had to be discarded immediately, once expired. These people are spoilt for choice as far as food is concerned. They choose to become distant islands in a sea of humanity.

During the lockdown caused by Covid-19, our church decided to house homeless people. We discovered to our dismal surprise that there are many homeless men and women in Singapore!

They preferred to be left alone; pitiful sights of old men and women left to wander alone in crowded cities. In 1969, Ralph McTell wrote the song, "The Streets of London." It was inspired as Mc Tell was basking at the Surrey Street market in Croydon. The song laments the plight of the homeless, lonely and elderly who are largely ignored by society. 

"Have you seen the old man in the closed-down market

Picking up the paper, with his worn out shoes?

In his eyes you see no pride and hands held loosely by his side

Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news.

So how can you tell me you're lonely, And say for you that the sun don't shine?

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

I'll show you something to make you change your mind."

We ask, why this sad state of affairs? The likely answer is that in a modern city, Singapore included, everyone is busy. We are too busy with climbing up the corporate ladder, too busy for anyone. Along with this busyness is a healthy dose of selfishness; too much of worrying of one's self to be concerned with others. 

Remember the song, “The Cat’s in the Cradle?” The son is always asking his dad when is he coming home. The father replies that he will be home soon enough but he does not know when. But when the dad comes home they are going to have a good time together. Unfortunately, this never happens. So tragically when the father finally had the time, the kid had grown up and this time the kid has no time for this dad.

The last verse of the song recorded that the father retired and now has time for his son but the son is too busy.  

I used to think that I would work till I die but when I turned 68, I decided that I will retire. I realised that the desire to keep on working was an ego trip designed to satisfy the feeling of being wanted or important at work. I changed my mind because by that time we had an empty nest at home for several years. I felt that the two of us, Pat and I should be able to spend our remaining years with each other and with people who are dear to us. 

So now we decided to holiday more and visit with our two daughters and their families in Newcastle, Australia and Marlborough, UK. We enjoy the privilege of scenic views, different cultures, different cuisines and understanding different histories. We realised that the world has diminished in size; people and places are not that far away after all. It is good to be able to view life and world together. 

We were ever so busy, growing our marriage, my career and our two daughters. Watching our children through their childhood and formative years was a delight. Before we know it we have been married 45 years now. The time to build a career and raising a family has taken all our attention. Before we grow too old, we should appreciate what we have the love, the companionship and the time for each other.

This was also the insight for King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 4:8-12. Solomon concluded that life on earth was futile. The sad commentary Solomon made was about a rich man who was all alone. No one, no family, no relatives, no friends,

'There was a man all alone; he had either son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless- a miserable business!' Ecclesiastes 4:8

Solomon came to the conclusion,

'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.' Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

In the many places that Pat and I have visited around the world, we view with much pity the lonely lives of old men and women. This is a sad reflection of modern societies that revere individualism and independence and do not value friendships, dependencies and community. 

John Donne, who was left alone and expected to die of bubonic plague wrote in 1623. "No man is an island, entire of itself; Every man is a piece of a continent, a part of the main..." 

Loneliness should not happen in Christian communities. An understanding of the fellowship and interdependencies between men and women was evident in the early church among apostles and believers,

'They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.' Acts 2:42. 

Appreciating neighbourliness and friendships is a counterpoise to the proud and boastful, "I am a rock, I am an island." Better the old Swedish saying, 'Shared joy is double joy, shared sorrow is half a sorrow.'      

·    Lionel

Updated 1st published 12 Jul 2008