Overcoming Giants

The Coronavirus

The virus is infinitesimal in size, only  80 to 120 nm in diameter. But it has caused a gigantic public health problem, which by today 261,369,507 citizens of this world were infected and 5,212,341 people died.

Put yourself in the shoes of the Scientists, Public Health and Infectious Diseases experts helping the various governments deal with the scourge of the Covid-19 virus. They faced, waves after waves of infections, one lock down after another as the virus like a chameleon start to morph into different strains each threatening to be deadlier than the former. 

Recently a new variant, the Omicron from South Africa is causing a scare as it was reported to have multiple mutations on the spike protein, an essential pathway for the virus to gain entry into the cells. Countries in Europe that open up for travel and business now face new lockdowns and record infections as winter approaches

A world war has been launched against the pandemic. The challenges and obstacles for the virus fighters seem to be almost insurmountable. How will we overcome this giant? I am reminded about another battle of unequal odds, David and Goliath. We could draw lessons from this epic battle described in the Bible to encourage us as we face our own clear and present dangers. 

Goliath was a giant. He was 9 feet tall and a champion of the Philistines. He looked formidable and towering. Facing him was a young shepherd boy, David who had chosen to come at Goliath with 5 stones and his sling. There was never a match in history that was so one-sided. 

But David had God on his side. David said to the Philistine,

'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty... This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I'll strike you down.' 1 Samuel 17:45-46.

We all know how this battle ended. We all sang the familiar Sunday School tune, 'Only A Boy Called David' and his little sling and five stones. But just knowing the narrative and singing the simple Sunday school tune fails to elicit fundamental truths that ultimately led to David's victory.

These are the qualities David brought into the battle 

• Courage to face huge risks and dangers.
• Tenacity to stay in the fight against all odds
• Belief in the miracle of a winning outcome
• Faith in God who gives strength.

A new song, 'God of the Impossible' features these qualities of David: 

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Just a boy with a sling and a stone,

But the heart of a lion dared him to go.

To hear the sound of the cynical,

Die out with the sound of the giant's fall.

Ohhh, oh oh!

I dare to believe in incredible things

Ohhh, oh oh!

I'm ready to go, I'm ready to go

Here I am! Lord send me!

I won't look back, cause I was made

To be a part, of the, impossible!

You're God, of the, impossible!

Here I am! Lord send me!

I won't back down, cause I believe

You are the God, of the, impossible!

Here, I, am, send me!

Empty bones and a thirsty soul,

Dreaming for more than the life I have known.

'Til I tasted a burning coal,

And my guilt was erased, and my sin was atoned!

Ohhh, oh oh!

I dare to believe in incredible things.

Ohhh, oh oh!

I'm ready to go, I'm ready to go!

Here I am! Lord send me!

I won't look back, cause I was made

To be a part, of the, impossible!

You're God, of the, impossible!

Here I am! Lord send me!

I won't back down, cause I believe

You are the God, of the, impossible!

Here, I, am, send me!

Yet, by just looking at the battle from the qualities of David, we will miss the most important lesson of all. There is another reason why we can win this Battle of the Pandemic and overcome this giant just as David won against Goliath. This insight was not lost to David.

'All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the the battle belongs to the Lord.

This is the fundamental reality when we battle the giants of the day whether it be personal giants, national giants or global giants, The Battle Belongs To The Lord. 

The toll of the pandemic is felt by the ordinary person, countries and globally. It is like a giant tsunami over sweeping our daily and personal lives. Against the mountains of trouble afflicted on us we may feel overwhelmed, too weak to fight against this giant of a threat to our lives. However, Goliaths of today are not without precedence, pandemics have occurred in the past and no doubt will occur in the future just as the experts have predicted.

It is best that we look to God and His promise to be an ever present help in such times:

 

'God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.' Psalm 46:1-3

The battle belongs to the Lord!

Lionel

The Enduring Word

'The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.' Isaiah 40:8

Bishop Robert Solomon entitled his book on the authority and reliability of the Bible, 'The Enduring Word.(Ref 1). No doubt the Bishop had in mind the passage from Isaiah Chapter 40 which compares the enduring impact of the God's Word to the fleeting influences of humanity.

The Bible is God's 'Enduring Word' in that it has moved in the hearts of people since the beginning of time and its inspiration has transformed us and people throughout history. The late, Dr Bobby Sng, former President of the Singapore Bible Society wrote in the foreword of Bishop Solomon's book, 'For the Christian, no book is more important than the Bible. It stands at the very heart of our faith. All of what we believe in and all of how we live stems from the teachings of this book.'

Today it is an international best seller, in print and in digital form. Credit for this should go to the Bible Society which was founded more than 200 years ago. Their endearing work is summed up in this statement, 'We take the Bible and find ways to translate and distribute it, create digital formats, advocate for its place in society and help people relate to and make sense of it in their everyday lives.' (Ref 2)

In 1800. a Welsh girl, Mary Jones, trekked 26 miles to buy a bible that was translated in her own language. That feat drew the inspiration of many clergymen including William Wilberforce and the Clapham Sect. On 7 Mar 1804 at a meeting in a London tavern at Bishopsgate, these gentlemen formed the British and Foreign Bible Society with the aim of making the Bible affordable to the people of the world in their own language. 

The Singapore Bible Society was started in 1837 as the Singapore Auxiliary Bible Society. Rev (Dr) Robert Morrison* who was instrumental in translating the Bible into Chinese became a founder member of the Singapore Bible Society. Thus, Singapore had a considerable influence in the distribution of the Bible to the Malay archipelago and to China. View the video the Bible Movement Story which outlines the often unknown role that the Singapore's Bible Society has in the distribution of the Bible in East Asia.

The Bible is now especially popular in digital form. Recently, YouVersion, an online Bible App celebrated 500 million installations on various devices all over the world. This Bible App is offered free and has 2,619 Bible versions in 1,757 languages.

Celebrating the widespread distribution of the Bible is one thing, but does the Bible a have personal and spiritual impact on our lives? In the Bible, God reveals Himself and His plans to save and restore humanity. Every section of Scripture has the power to counsel, convict and change us.

'For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul, spirit, joints and marrow; It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.' Hebrew 4:12

The YouVersion Mission is impressive and worth noting, 'To encourage and challenge people to seek intimacy with God every day.' Using an easily accessible online Bible, YouVersion hopes to engender 'biblically centred Bible, culturally relevant experiences that encourage and challenge people to seek God throughout the day. (Ref 3)

Now that the Bible is so readily available, how much will we value it? A familiar hymn Wonderful Words of Life put this across very simply,

Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life,

Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life;

Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed One, gives to all wonderful words of life;

Sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life;

All so freely given, wooing us to heaven.

Sweetly echo the Gospel call, wonderful words of life;

Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life;

Jesus, only Savior, sanctify us forever.

Yes, God intended His word to have an impact on our lives,

'As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that flows out from My mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.' Isaiah 55:10-11

"Is not my word like fire," declares the Lord, "and like hammer that breaks a rock in pieces." Jeremiah 23:29

'All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.' 2 Timothy 3:16-17

In his concluding remarks in the book, The Enduring Word, Bishop Solomon wrote, 'God has indeed brought His word close to us and invites us to make it very much a part of us (touching our mouth and heart) - so that when we read it, we can hear the Master's wonderful voice and feel the Spirit's life-giving breath.'

Lionel

Ref 1: Robert M Solomon. The Enduring Word - the Authority and Reliability of the Bible. Genesis Books and the Bible Society of Singapore. 2011.

Ref 2: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/about-us/

Ref 3: https://youversion.com/mission/

* Rev (Dr) Robert Morrison was also a Principal of Raffles Institution. Morrison House was named after him.

Don't Let The Sun Come Down On Your Anger

 

'My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.' James 1:19

Some of us think that there is such a thing as 'Righteous Anger'. We justify this by pointing out to the many times God was angry in the Old Testament or to Jesus Christ strenuously driving the merchants away from outer courtyards of the temple in Jerusalem. We even point out to Ephesians 4:26, which says 'Be angry and do not sin' to excuse us when we lose our tempers.

Can we lose our temper and not sin? Solomon in Proverbs 29:22 had already made up his mind,

'An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.'

I do not think that there is a right to be angry. Righteous anger is self-righteousness on display. However it is easier said than done. I thought as I grew older I became more mellow but at a recent committee meeting I became very angry and upset at the lack of progress of an outstanding matter. It was very regretable. Then, the Bible reminded

'In your anger do not sin: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.' Ephesians 4:26

There is a lesson in this: Do not let your anger broil up nor let it simmer for too long. That is not a characteristic of Christians. Rather, the apostle James instructed,

'My dear brothers and sisters, take not of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.' James 1:19-20

The words from James describe a 'measured' person to whom we should all aspire. One characteristic of measuredness is being 'slow to anger' which is also describes the anger of God. God wants everyone to have a chance to turn from their wrongdoing.

 

The experiences of the people in the Old Testament with God clearly illustrate this as we read of episodes of God's anger and punishment followed by forgiveness and mercy. God's anger is a divine reaction to selfish and destructive human decisions and behaviours but it's rooted in God's love. 

Exodus 34:5-6 tells us that despite God's righteous anger, His core character trait is rooted in generous mercy, compassion and love. God's anger is followed by redeeming love as noted by this experience of Moses,

Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him (Moses)  and proclaimed His name, the Lord. And He passed in front of Moses proclaiming, "The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." 

Another characteristic of God's anger is that it is relatively short-lived,

'For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.' Psalm 30:5

There is a flip side to God's anger and that is God's grace, which the Psalmist described as lasting a life time. In Greek the word for grace is 'kharis' which means graciousness or undeserving gift. 

Saving by Grace - the Gift of Salvation

Charles Wesley wrote of this salvation in Christ in his famous hymn, "My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose when forth and followed Thee." Underdeserving though we may be, in Jesus we found saving grace. God's anger did not rain down on us, instead His grace did. God's grace saves us thoroughly.

'God has shown us undeserved grace by coming to save all people. He taught us to give up our wicked ways and our worldly desires and to live decent and honest lives in this world' Titus 2:11-12 (CEV)

Light of Grace - the Gift of Freedom

Charles Wesley wrote of being set free from the oppression of sin. "Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night. Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke the dungeon flamed with light." The apostle John opened his gospel referring to this light, 

'In Him was life and that life was the light of man. That light shine in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.'John 1:4-5. 

The Bible described the birth of Jesus Christ as the dawning of a great light and the star in the east signifies this. 

Here is a modern version of the Charles Wesley hymn: Amazing Grace! My Chains Are Gone   

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm 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

My chains are gone, I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love

Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God who called me here below

Will be forever mine, will be forever mine

You are forever mine

'Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.' John 1:16

We have received grace upon grace. Don't let the sun come down on our anger. Replace all anger with grace.

Lionel

In The Darkest Night, Jesus Is Light

 

'In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' John1:4-5

On the 31 Oct 2021, we were at Marlborough UK, spending time with Debbie, John and the grandchildren. It was reputedly the darkest night of the year. The town had a celebration of this dark night of the year which coincided with the now American tradition of Halloween. 

The Celts marked this day as the beginning of the Celt New Year celebrating the end of the harvest season with a festival call Samhain. They would light bonfires and wear costumes, ostensibly to ward off ghosts. Then, Pope Gregory III designated the first of November as All Saints Day. Thus the evening before, was known as All Hallows Eve hence the later name, Halloween. Halloween was celebrated in Scotland and Ireland for centuries. The Irish and Scottish migrants brought many Halloween customs to North America in the 19th century. 

In the area around Marlborough in Wiltshire, scattered around the countryside are stone circles, the most famous being Stonehenge. In days of old, the Celts and the Druids would gather around these circles to worship and lit their torches in this the darkest night. It seems a perfect stage to celebrate the dark night of the year. 

But why celebrate darkness? The Emmanuel Church Marlborough which John and Debbie attend refused to mark such a festival. Instead that night they treated the children to a bonfire, celebrating the festival of light and the end of the harvest season instead of darkness. The children will light off sparklers and fireworks and will also receive an ample supply of sweets. 

Darkness is used to hide things and secrets. It is no wonder that some people fear darkness because they do not know what lurks in it. Darkness shrouds many grevious sins and malevolent intentions. Lady MacBeth in speaking of her evil intention, wanted the cover of the night to hide it, "Come thick night; And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell; That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, nor heaven peep through the blanket of night."

 

In teaching about darkness and light, the Bible said,

'This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but the people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.' John 3:19-21

In celebrating light, the children of the Emmanuel Church Marlborough are taught that there is no need to fear the dark. Luke, our 6 year old grandson, attended a 'Bright Lights Night' where there was a bonfire. He received a string of verses concerning Jesus coming as the Light of the World. Luke would wear these verses as bracelets around his wrist. 

'Jesus 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

'In Him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' John 1:15

'Believe in the light while you have the light so that you may become children of light.' John 12:36

'I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.' John 12:46

Light reveals truth. It is hard to admit our imperfections or admit we are all sinners. But the light that Jesus reveals truth about ourselves. It takes a good deal of humility to see ourselves for what we are.

Light causes growth. Like plants who use the energy of the sunlight to photosynthesise and grow, we too will grow and blossom in the light of Christ. We are guided by the light of God's Word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths.  

Light reassures. Just as light from the sun warms us, so too will the light of Christ reassure us and warm our hearts. The burden of sin is lifted and we are secure.  Jesus, the Light, brings us to a place of peace with ourselves and with the world.

The Museum of the Moon at the Chapel, Marlborough College

At the same time in last week of Oct 2021, in the chapel of Marlborough College, there was an Exhibition of the Moon; a touring artwork by Luke Jerram. Staring at the large brightly lit globe in that beautiful wood panelled chapel, brought to mind the assurance of a shining moon in the dark of the night. However, despite the romantic song, 'By the Light of the Silvery Moon,' the moon does not have light of itself. The light which emanates from the moon and clearly lights up the night, is a reflection of the sunlight.

So are all Christians, who are called to be lights of the world, we are to reflect the light of Christ and thereby set fine examples of decent conduct in a darkened world. That is our witness. Jesus said, 

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light up a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 

Let our lights shine even in the darkest night and at the darkest hour. Let's shine exuberantly!  'This Little Light Of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine.'

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine.

Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine.

Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

We will sing in peace,

We will sing in harmony.

We will sing in peace,

We will sing in harmony.

We will sing in peace,

We will sing in harmony.

We will sing in peace,

We will sing in harmony.

Let it shine around the world, We're gonna let it shine.

Let it shine around the world, We're gonna let it shine.

Let it shine around the world, We're gonna let it shine.

Let it shine around the world!

Let it shine, We'll all shine, We'll all shine, We'll all shine!

Let shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Lionel

Perfect Peace

UN Peace Stamps

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

'Give Peace A Chance' became the anti Vietnam war song at a time when many of my generation were growing up; either studying or starting our careers. That was from 1969 to 1975. It had a rather quirky beginning in that it was written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their 'Bed-In' honeymoon in Montreal, 31 May 1969, an attention capturing international display.

On the 15 Nov 1969, this song was sung in Washingston DC by more than half a million demonstrators against the Vietnam war. Pete Seeger who led the singing shouted over the microphone, "Are you listening, Nixon?" as the protestors sang "All we are saying is give peace a chance."

John Lennon stated at one of his last interview, in 1980, "It wasn't like you have to have peace! Just give it a chance. We ain't giving any gospel here - just saying how about this version for a chance? We think we have the right to have a say in the future. And we think the future is made in the your mind."

Really? Even though the idealists thought that the song and protests brought about the end of the Vietnam war, after nearly 40 years later where is the peace? John Lennon was right when he sarcastically mentioned there is no gospel in the song. Forty years hence still no chance of peace; where there is no gospel there is no peace.

Those who live by the gospel that Jesus Christ brings are at peace with ourselves even though there is no peace in the world. There will not peace so long as sin prevails and we can only hope to wait for the second coming of Jesus Christ to establish a new heaven and a new earth. 

That is when Christ will establish Perfect Peace. Till then, my church's choir, the Charis Methodist Church's Choir sang out what is the deep yearning of our hearts, to be at peace with ourselves, with others and with God.

When life’s burdens get so heavy

 And it seems I’m all alone,

I cast my care on Jesus

 And come boldly to His throne.

I find His grace sufficient

 When His promises I heed.

For His very life He sacrificed,

And He lives to intercede.

He is the Lord of Lords, 

And when He speaks winds and waves obey.

When Jesus whispers “Peace be still,”

Then darkness turns to day.

And as I’m trusting in my Savior’s Word

 Doubts and fears all cease,

And beneath the shelter of His wings

 I’m at rest in perfect peace.

I will seek for souls in darkness,

Calvary’s love with them to share.

Empowered by His Spirit

I will follow anywhere.

For I know whate’er befalls me

My Lord is in control.

And as my mind is stayed on Him

Perfect peace he gives my soul.

The peace that Jesus promises is different. Although there will be trouble and tribulation, Jesus tells us not to worry for He has overcomed the world.

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

'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' John 16:33   

St Paul recognised that in a troubled world there are insecurities and worries and he pointedly advised, 

'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Phil 4:6-7 

Living in peace with each other was strongly advocated for the early church, 

'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.'Romans 12:18 

'Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.' Romans 14:19

As God's people, we can to offer this peace. Let there be Peace on Earth and Let it begin with Me.

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

Let There Be Peace on Earth

The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father

Brothers all are we

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me

Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take

Let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment and live

Each moment in peace eternally

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.' Isaiah 54:10

Lionel