The Elusive Peace

The Straits Times Singapore 10 Dec 2023

'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.' John 14:27

On the 10 Dec 2023, in churches and Christian homes, the second Advent candle symbolising peace was lit. It represented that proclamation of peace and goodwill to all men sung by the angels in the fields of Bethlehem at that first Christmas 2030 years ago. 

But there is no peace today in that part of the world. The Israel-Hamas War at the Gaza Strip entered its 72nd day with unrelenting destruction. Israel launched a massive offensive in Gaza, in response, after the surprise attack by Hamas gunmen in Israel killing 1200 people and taking around 240 hostages. To date more than 18,700 Palestinians were estimated to be killed and 116 Israeli soldiers lost their lives in the fighting. Apocalyptic conditions grip Gaza. 

St Paul in Ephesians Chapter 2 wrote that Christ has brought peace to us by uniting Jews and Gentiles into one people, that is by becoming Christians. The Israelis are mostly Jews and the Hamas militants are mostly Muslims. This leaves the Palestinians Christians in the middle having to suffer no peace on earth.

'He (Christ) made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in Himself one new people (Christians) from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of His death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.' Ephesians 2:15b-16 (NLT)

Unfortunately from the Battle of Jericho to the Battle of the Gaza Strip the people living on the piece of land on this earth, often referred to as the Holy Land, know only war throughout their history. 

There are three kinds of peace.

• Relational Peace.  This is the peace between one person to another, between communities, ethnicities, people groups, nations and religions. This is often the only kind of peace we think about; the peace we hope for. This peace is elusive especially when there is no real desire for it. Many Christians believed that Jesus Christ came to establish this kind of peace but they are mistaken. Violence seem to be the only way to resolve national and boundaries differences. There is no harmony. The Gospel of Matthew recorded these words of Jesus

"Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34 (NLT) 

• Psychological Peace. This is inner peace. 'Peace begins within, at the centre of your being. You experience it at the core, deep within your heart, like a still stream, a millpond of calm, where soft ripples gently flow through you out to others.' (Joy Lenton Ref 1). This kind of peace does not mean that externally, things are always peaceful or there is no adversity. This is the peace that can occur even in the midst of stress and trouble. This is the peace Jesus promised His followers.

'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.' John 16:33 (NLT)

This is a comprehensive well-being, peace in the soul. 

• Spiritual Peace. This is the peace between God and Man. The  reconciliation is made possible by the saving grace, the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave us this peace, Peace with God.

'Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of underserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward  to sharing God's glory.' Romans 5:1-2

Having been reconciled with God we have peace in the spirit.  

The reality is, as the Bishop Robert Solomon observed, "Peace seems to be in short supply, in a world throbbing with tension and trouble." (Ref 2) The Prophet Habakkuk had similar complaints,

'How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! "Violence is everywhere!" I cry but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.' Habakkuk 1:2-3 

We should not be surprised, looking at the landscape of 2023, that the world's population are disheartened, discouraged and disillusioned. World peace eludes us.

But Jesus Christ did come and we celebrate this Advent by lighting the second candle of peace. Christ did bring peace with the first Christmas, a peace that is not what we all expected. 

"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 (NLT)

It is a peace which transcends all understanding. Receive this wonderful peace this Christmas.

'Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus' Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 

1. Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
   Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
   In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
   O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
   • Refrain:
     Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
     Coming down from the Father above!
     Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
     In fathomless billows of love!
2. What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
   Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
   So secure that no power can mine it away,
   While the years of eternity roll!
3. I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
   Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
   For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
   And His glory is flooding my soul!
4. Ah soul, are you here without comfort and rest,
   Marching down the rough pathway of time?
   Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark;
   Oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime!

Shalom!

Lionel

Ref 1 Joy Lenton, 13 June 2022 https://joylenton.com/2022/06/13/peace-why-its-not-as-elusive-as-you-might-think/

Ref 2 Robert M Solomon, The Sermon of Jesus, Chap 9 Making Peace in Troubled Souls and Societies. Genesis Books, 2013

Other Contemplation articles on Peace:

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2022/12/peace-and-goodwill-to-all-men.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-time-for-peace.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2021/10/perfect-peace.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2020/06/costly-peace.html

The Light Shines In the Darkness

 

'His Life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it.' John 1:4b-5 (NLT)

The nights in Bethlehem during the cold of winter are usually dark and dreary at this time of year. However during the days around the birth of Jesus Christ, about 2030 years ago, a brilliant star shone over the night skies in Bethlehem.

In the year 2020 from the 21st Dec, the planets Jupiter and Saturn lined up so close together that they appeared as a bright shining star. Johannes Kepler, an astronomer in the 17th Century, calculated that a similar conjunction occurred in the year 7 BCE when three planets Mars, Jupiter and Saturn aligned to produce a supernova. The next time such a phenomenon may occur again will be in the year 2080.

A graphic made from a simulation program, showing

 a view of the 2020 great conjunction through the

naked eye just after sunset at approximately 5:15 p.m.

 (EST) on 21 Dec 2020 - Nasa 

The Apostle John connected the supernova event, now referred to as the Christmas Star to the birth of Jesus, in the opening sentences of the Gospel of John.

'In Him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.' John 1:4-5 (NKJV)

  

The Light shines in the darkness over the night skies of Bethlehem. In 7 BCE no one anticipated this event nor understood its significance save the wise men, astronomers or astrologers, who came from the east. They connected the supernova with the birth of the Baby Jesus and went in search of Him.

'Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold wise men came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who was born the King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."  Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)

They knew that the prophecy of Isaiah was being fulfilled

'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness a light has dawned.' Isaiah 9:2 

 

The Advent season is celebrated by Christians in various churches and homes during the 4 Sundays leading to Christmas day. The lighting of a candle at the start of the worship service signifies the light that shines in darkness. There are 5 candles altogether, three purple candles symbolising Hope, Peace and Love. A rose red candle is lit for Joy on the 3rd Sunday. Then, at the Christmas service, a white candle is lit together with the other four candles. 

This period of the Advent, marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Methodist and other western Christianity Calendar. Christians wait and anticipate the celebration of Jesus' birth on Christmas Day and at the same time eagerly yearn for the Second coming, when Christ shall come again victoriously. 

The lighting of these candle enacts the light that shone during that first Christmas to announce the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

'When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life." John 8:12 

Simeon at the temple in Jerusalem was also waiting and anticipating the coming of the Messiah.

'At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly awaiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he he had seen the Lord's Messiah.' Luke 2: 25-26 (NLT) 

When the boy Jesus was presented to Simeon, he proclaimed

'For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.' Luke 2:30-31 

Like the wise men from the East, in this season, let us we keeping watch and looking for the Light of Jesus Christ to shine upon us. 'Shine Jesus Shine'

Lord, the light of your love is shining

In the midst of the darkness, shining

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us

Set us free by the truth you now bring us

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine

Fill this land with the Father's glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze

Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth your word

Lord, and let there be light

Lord, I come to your awesome presence

From the shadows into your radiance

By the blood I may enter your brightness

Search me, try me, consume all my darkness

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine

Fill this land with the Father's glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze

Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth your word

Lord, and let there be light

As we gaze on your kingly brightness

So our faces display your likeness

Ever changing from glory to glory

Mirrored here may our lives tell your story

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine

Fill this land with the Father's glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze

Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth your word

Lord, and let there be

Send forth your

Send forth your word

Lord, and let there

Send forth your word

Send forth your word

Lord, and let there be light

Lionel 

Let There Be Praise

'Praise the Lord

Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens

Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness.

Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.' Psalm 150.

  

Is there any reason to praise God? 

Today, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine rage on. Countries such as Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, and Yemen are all currently experiencing some form of terrorist insurgency. Others like Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, and Syria are all currently experiencing civil wars and ethnic cleansing. In many places in the world there are racial and religious persecutions. 

In the Israel-Hamas war, Israeli tanks surround Gaza's hospitals with patients still inside and others seeking refuge. Israel claims that hospital and schools sit atop a labyrinth of underground tunnels housing the Hamas control centre, fighters and caches of weapons. They say that Hamas had contravened the Geneva Convention and use civilians and patients as human shields. Hamas denies this vehemently.

A seven-day humanitarian truce allowing for exchange of hostages and prisoners and the delivery of much needed disaster relief, food, fuel, etc ended. The fighting resumes. In the fog and wounds of war, many of us are left broken hearted at the untold human suffering. We question, What is there to be happy about? Where is God? Why would we sing praises?

There is a rather strange incident recorded in 2 Chronicles 20 during the time when Israel was at war with the surrounding nations. It was a time much like what is happening today in Israel's southern and northern borders. The armies of the Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites declared war on King Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was terrified by the news and begged the Lord for guidance. As they went out to face the enemies they were led to sing and praise the Lord.

'The king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising Him for His holy splendour. This is what they sang:

"Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!"

At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.' 2 Chronicles 20:21-22

The Israelites learnt that even in the times of war to give praise. By the time the army of Jehoshaphat arrived on the battlefield all they saw were the dead bodies of their enemies on the ground. The war was over.

It is strange that at hard times Christians are told to praise God. Eugene Petersen in his book Answering God admitted that this is not the easiest thing to do, "It is easy to be honest before God with our hallelujahs; it is somewhat more difficult to be honest in our hurts; it is nearly impossible to be honest before God in the dark emotions of our hate."

Yes the Bible tells us that in all circumstances, in good times and bad, the Lord God is to be praised. Timothy Keller gave a series of 7 short meditations entitled 'Trusting God in Difficult Times' (Ref 1) which are worth listening to, if you are in the predicament of asking God, Why the suffering? And there is no answer yet forthcoming.

Even so we need to continue praying. Prayer is the most honest way to face these difficult circumstances, these difficult times. By praying we come face to face with reality, dealing with our problems, viewing the world with honesty and with the very depths of our hearts. Yes, we travail and agonise.

But Eugene Petersen concluded, “No matter how much we suffer, no matter our doubts, no matter how angry we get, no matter how many times we have asked in desperation or doubt, ‘How long?’, prayer develops finally into praise. Everything finds its way to the doorsteps of praise. Praise is the consummating prayer. This is not to say that other prayers are inferior to praise, only that all prayer pursued far enough, becomes praise."

This brings us to the very last Psalm, Psalm 150. Timothy Keller emphatically explained this Psalm,

• Where should God be praise?     Everywhere
• Why should we praise God?  for Everything
• How should we praise Him?    in Everyway
• Who should praise Him?            Everyone    

Petersen wrote “Prayer is the language of the people who are in trouble and know it, and who believe or hope that God can get them out." That is why your prayer will end in praise. 

Christians are often told to praise God in every situation, even in deprivation, our vocation is to praise God. Let everything that has breath, praise God.

'I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for Myself that they may proclaim My praise.' Isaiah 43:20b-21

'So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out to us who belong to His dear Son.' Ephesians 1:6 (NLT)

'The Spirit is God's guarantee that He will give us the inheritance He promised and that He purchased us to be His own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify Him.' Ephesians 11:14 (NLT) 

   'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.' 1 Peter 2:9

That is why the Psalms, a book of prayer and worship ends finally with praise; 'Let There Be Praise'

Let there be praise

Let there be joy in our hearts

Sing to the Lord

Give Him the glory

Let there be praise, let there be joy in our hearts

Forevermore, let His love fill the air

And let there be praise, let there be praise

Let there, let there be praise

He inhabits the praise of His people

And dwells deep within

The peace that He gives none can equal

His love, it knows no end

So lift your voices

With gladness sing

Proclaim through all the earth

That Jesus Christ is King

When the Spirit of God is within us

We will overcome

In our weakness His strength will defend us

When His praise is on our tongue

So lift your voices

With gladness sing

Proclaim through all the earth

That Jesus Christ is King

Let there be praise

Let there be joy in our hearts

Sing to the Lord

Give Him the glory

Let there be praise

Let there be joy in our hearts

Forevermore, let His love fill the air

And let there be praise

And let there be praise

Let there be singing

Let there be music

Let there be honor

Let there be glory

Majesty worship and praise

Let there be praise

Lionel

Ref 1; Timothy Keller, Trusting God in Difficult Times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjQM7uZcbbM&list=PLqdAeLCMehGFJ0Q-8Ll1y0t5ml6qWYHiz

The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed Miracle - the Moving of Mokattam Mountain

 

'And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.' Hebrews 11:6

Every year, on 27th November, the Coptic Church in Egypt celebrates the Mustard Seed Miracle - the moving of Mokattam Mountain. The miracle took place between 975 and 979 AD during the papacy of Pope Abram Ebn-Zaraa, the 62nd Patriarch of the Egyptian Coptic Church. Yaqub Ibn Yusuf Ibn Killis, a Muslim convert from Judaism went to the Caliph reminding him of what Jesus had said and recorded in Matthew 17:20 "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

They both contrived a plan to expose the church and find an excuse to persecute the Christians by challenging them to a test of their faith, to move Mokattam Mountain located at the outskirts of Cairo.

When the patriarch received the challenge, he conveyed the congregation to the Church of St Mary to prayer and fasting, supplicating God. On the third day, the virgin Mary appeared to Patriarch Abram and told him of a holy man named Simon the Tanner, at whose hands the miracle will be effected. The entourage led by Simon met with the Caliph El-Muizz and all the government officials and nobles at the foot of the mountain.

The Coptic Christians knelt to pray at the foot of the mountain. Every time the congregation said, 'Kyria-Layson' Lord have mercy and lifting up their bowed heads, the mountain would be lifted up. When they bowed down, the mountain was lowered down.

The Caliph and his men, stood in awe and trepidation at the sight. Finally he said, "Great is your God and blessed is His name. You have proved that your faith is the true and living faith." From then on the Coptic Christians were free to worship in Egypt and they built many churches. 

How many of us believed that the miracle did take place? Can a mountain be moved. Whatever we believe, the miracle ignited the faith of the Coptic Christians and they strived notwithstanding centuries of persecution.

This week the Coptic Church will be celebrating this miracle. Many of us are impressed, enamored, by spectacular miracles. BUT the central focus of Jesus' comment is not the miracle to move a mountain but the faith in Him, the faith that provided the miracle of salvation for those who believe. We should draw our attention not to quantity, amount or strength of faith but the object of our faith, the person of Jesus Christ. 

The Mustard Seed is only 1 to 2 mm in diameter. It should not have taken much faith to believe, yet it does even to doubting Thomas, who having lived with Jesus and heard all His teaching still insisted to verify the facts of Jesus' resurrection before he would believe. Thomas insisted on touching Jesus hands and sides, His wounds before he would believe. John 20:29 recorded Jesus remarks to doubting Thomas, "Because you have seen you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and believed."

So little faith is required, yet it is so hard for many to believe in Jesus.

What is faith? The Bible defines faith as

'Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do  not see.' Hebrews 11:1

This was the lesson that Doubting Thomas learned as the resurrected Jesus appeared to him in that upper room. Even a mustard seed size of faith will do but Thomas did not even have that.

Jesus often chided the disciples for their lack of faith. Once a storm broke when they were in a boat. Jesus was asleep and the disciples were afraid that they would drown. They woke Jesus up and he quietened the waters of the Sea of Galilee. 

'A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" he got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:37-40

There will be times when our faith, yes even the foundation of our belief in Jesus Christ will be tested. We will come through these trials brilliantly by the faith of our beliefs. St Peter wrote from his experience,

'So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - although your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world ' 1 Peter 1:6-7

Our faith will anchor our salvation

'You love Him (Jesus) even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.' 1 Peter 1:8-9 

   

Indeed let us celebrate the joy of our salvation, there are '10000 reasons' to worship and rejoice with exceeding great joy. Bless the Lord O my soul.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

O my soul, worship His holy Name.

Sing like never before, O my soul.

I’ll worship Your holy Name.

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning;

It’s time to sing Your song again.

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,

Let me be singing when the evening comes.

You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger,

Your Name is great and Your heart is kind;

For all Your goodness I will keep on singing,

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.

And on that day when my strength is failing,

The end draws near and my time has come;

Still my soul sings Your praise unending,

Ten thousand years and then forevermore.

Bless the Lord O my soul.

Lionel

Ref 1: The Coptic Cross https://sawwaf.blogspot.com/2019/12/the-mokattam-mountain.html

Ref 2: https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2010/11/upon-this-rock.html A related article in Contemplation 

A Time To Mourn

© Amy Nielsen

'He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.' Psalm 147:3

Our dear friend and beloved Christian brother, Chin Leng, died in the early morning hours of 15 Nov 2023. He fought a long, arduous and heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. He died peacefully, his young wife and daughter by his side. He fought courageously against the cancer, inspiring many others by the strength of his faith, the stamina of his body and the fortitude of his mind. 

Chin Leng recorded a personal testimony from his hospital room of how he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. In his cachexic state, he presented the gospel and urged the hearers to receive Jesus Christ. He exuded a confidence in God who comforts him and Christ, his companion, as he entered the final path of his earthly journey. His testimony is and will be an inspiration to many.

The Lord Jesus Christ is Chin Leng's shepherd.

'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

 He leads me beside the still waters.

 He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.' Psalm 23:1-4 (NKJV)

I tried to comfort the young widow and daughter with these words, "Even though you both will grieve and mourn your loss, yet take heart that the Lord is always by Chin Leng's side and they now spend eternity together. In time all of us will be reunited with Chin Leng for we too share his faith and love of Jesus. May the love of Jesus Christ and the comfort He brings be with you both and give you joy in this time of sorrow."

But no word of comfort will soothe the grief. This is a time to mourn. Jesus said that those who mourn will be blessed.

'Blessed are those mourn, for they shall be comforted.' Matthew 5:5 (NKJV)

In declaring a blessing on mourning, Jesus is saying that grief will be everyone's experience but the blessing that comes with mourning is the blessing of being comforted. That morning when Chin Leng died the verse of the day given me was

'He heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds.' Psalm 147:3

• Jesus will heal us. God is saying that mourning is inevitable, it may even take a long time but it is still temporary. It is temporary because the Lord will begin to heal us and tend to our wounds.

'...weeping may last through the night but joy comes with the morning.' Psalms 30:5b (NLT)

• Jesus will carry our burden

'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' Matthew 11:28-30

• Jesus will comfort us

 'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.' 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

• Jesus will stay with us 

'For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:38-39 

Chin Leng always had hope, the hope of glory. It is because of God's great love for him, as he shared with me recently from his hospital bed

'Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.' ‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭33

Though the grieving will last through many nights, yet the morning will break and a new dawn, a new hope will appear. Even 'when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit, I find my Saviour there. 'There is a hope that burns within my heart.' 

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for every passing day;
A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiven;
And Christ in me, the hope of heaven!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
To make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Saviour there!
Through present sufferings, future’s fear,
He whispers ‘courage’ in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
And every longing satisfied.
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.

And so farewell for now, dear friend and brother, Chin Leng. We shall meet again.

Lionel