STOP PRESS!

As not too many people are yet familiar with my other "open" blog-site, I thought that I should mention that I have just added another audio message to it. The "hot link" (with gratitude to my friend, Bob Dixon, for his assistance in composing the code) is to your left (revcbross.blogspot.com)

Commitment.

This morning was a very special one in Liberty Community Church – at least for Joyce and me! Having attended for a couple of years, we finally made it into full membership. After we had been welcomed in by Colin MacPhie (the “senior” elder), another of the elders, Alan Brodie, prayed for us. I can’t remember every word that he uttered, but I couldn’t forget his emphasis on the concept of commitment – our commitment to the Lord; our new commitment to the fellowship; and the fellowship’s commitment to us.
It’s quite a concept. And it’s one that is basic to the life of the Biblical Christian (not that there is really any other!!). Indeed, it is Jesus Himself Who provides what we might term a “contract for commitment” – you’ll find it in Dr Luke’s account of the Gospel, at what we refer to as Chapter 14, verses 25-35.
If you read that section of the New Testament, you’ll notice that it concerns the terms He asks. There are certain conditions that must be met if we are to be considered true disciples of Jesus. The first of these is that we must have absolute loyalty to His Person. No matter how strong and deep our love for those closest to us in our human relationships, our love for Him must make that love appear to be like hatred by comparison! Our relationship with Him must take priority. And, linked to that is identity with His purpose. That purpose, in its essence, was to bring new resources into mankind’s situation through His great sacrifice at Calvary. So where do we fit in? Well, Liberty Community Church is currently going through a series of lessons on “40 Days of Community”. Part of the teaching is that we look out for one another – and that includes the “others” whom we know who do not know Jesus, the Christ, as personal Saviour, Friend, and Lord. If our line is that we “can’t be bothered” about others, then we are not committed to Jesus – we are not His disciples.
But this contract for commitment also has to do with the tasks to which He calls. There are two basic tasks, the first of which is building. It’s the story of a man who wanted to build a tower. But, before doing so, he carefully made up a list of all of the materials that he would require, worked out the cost, and checked his bank balance in order to confirm that he had sufficient funds. The one who is committed to Jesus undertakes to build a tower – of love and compassion; of service and sacrifice. And such a one must consider the cost – a life of self-denial and watchfulness. But not only are the committed disciples faced with the task of building. We are also faced with battle. The Christian life is always a conflict – and Jesus promised nothing less. If we take a truly Christian stand, then we may be assured that we will make enemies. We need to be good-quality soldiers, committed to our Commander-in-Chief Who is Jesus and Who, by His own death and resurrection, has already gained the victory for those who are committed to Him.
The last thing we may note in those verses from Luke 14 concerns the truths of which He warns. Jesus states two particular truths, the first of which has to do with the quality discipleship requires. "Salt”, He says, “is useful only while it retains its saltiness.” But if salt loses this essential quality, how is it going to be restored? So, in discipleship. This commitment is an essential quality – Jesus Himself says so! And He speaks, too, of the disaster uselessness invites. We may “sign the contract”, as we go through the waters of baptism; or as we come into membership of a particular fellowship of God’s people – and then quietly opt out of any form of service, or even involvement. And, as soon as we do, we become useless – as useless as a handful of tasteless crystals would be to season a pot of soup!
Christian commitment – it’s not for the faint-hearted. But for those who do commit themselves, body, mind, and spirit, to the Living Lord, there is the assurance of His Presence throughout the whole of this life – and throughout eternity itself; power, through the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit; and the wonder of the parenthood of Almighty God. It’s not easy – but it’s well worth it!

Hope!

Any one who has watched a commercial channel on British television over the past year will be familiar with the advert for foodstuffs from a certain well-known retailer: “This is not just food; this is M & S food”.

One of the things that I will miss now that I no longer have to travel regularly to Jordanhill to work on my dissertation, is passing Balshagray Parish Church’s building. They regularly have the most interesting posters outside. The one that was displayed this morning as I went to collect the copies of the dissertation (that has been accepted!!) was a play on that advertisement. It read “This is not just hope; it’s Christian Hope!”

So what is special about Christian Hope? Well, I would suggest that it’s a hope that liberates – that sets free; it’s a door. Through the mouth of the prophet Hosea, YHWH said, concerning His people Israel: “I will … make the valley of Achor a door of hope.” (2:15). The Valley of Achor was the place where Achan took some of the wealth of the destroyed city of Jericho, against the Divine command. He, and his family, and his property were destroyed in that valley. Yet, this very place, that was the scene of Achan’s sin and shame, and of Israel’s defeat, was the very place that YHWH gave to His people as a door of hope.
How often God points us back to our own ‘Valley of Achor’ – to the place where we have already failed and fallen. And He says, “There’s your door of hope. Go back, and try again.” And those who go back, in His strength, are enabled to write a new memory upon the old shame. As someone has said: “Our God is the God of the second chance”!

But Christian hope also protects – it’s a helmet. It’s part of the armour of the Christian (see I Thess.5:8; Eph.6:17), preventing him from being struck down. One of the social reformers of an earlier age, John Howard, said, “There is a hope set before me. In the Lord Jesus Christ I put my trust. In many instances God has disappointed my fears, and exceeded my hopes.” And the hymn-writer, Edward Mote, expressed himself in these words: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

When the shallow hopes of the world – currently demonstrated by the financial, social, and political chaos in which so many of us find ourselves – are all dead, we may hope in God. And the pledge of that is on a hill outside a city wall where, in the Person of the Son, Almighty God died the death that man deserved, and deserves.

And Christian hope holds – it’s an anchor. And that anchor is the unchangeable character of God. As long as we have that hope in our hearts, life cannot destroy us; it may hurt us, but it won’t be able to break us; as long as it holds out, we may weather the roughest storm.

That hope is an anchor, sure and steadfast, and immoveable; it is the attitude of the one who has gazed upon the face of God the Father, as He has revealed Himself in Jesus “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb.13:8).

So what sort of hope do you have? The worldly sort: uncertain, vague, desire with only a slight possibility of fulfilment? Or do you have Christian Hope – that God-given hope inspired by the Father, founded on the Son, sustained by the indwelling power of God the Holy Spirit? You see, it’s only where there’s Christian hope that there’s real life!

What is a Christian?

At Liberty Community Church we are spending a few weeks looking at the question “What is a Christian?”  Last week we thought of the Christian as a lover – a lover of Jesus, and a lover of others; this week, the theme was the Christian as a witness – telling others about the Gospel message.  Well, I presume that it was along those lines but I wasn’t there.  I was preaching for my former congregation of Bellshill-St.Andrew’s.  However, I decided to look at the same question there, although I had to do it in just one message. 

So, what is a Christian?  This morning, I suggested that Paul gave some very clear indications in his letter to the church in Philippi, particularly in some words near to the end of the letter: “Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I say it again – rejoice!  Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.  Remember, the Lord is coming soon.  Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ alone.” (4:4-7) 

The apostle gives three pointers in those words.  He shows that the real Christian is someone who enjoys a Presence.  And that Presence is the Presence of Jesus Himself.  Other translations use words like “at hand” or “very near” instead of “coming soon”.  And Paul may be referring to the Rapture – the coming again of the Lord Jesus.  But he may well be referring to His closeness to the believer.  Have you noticed how your behaviour and speech can change according to your company?  Who we spend our time with makes a real difference to our character.  What better company than the One Who is King of kings, and Lord of lords!? 

But a Christian is also someone who forms a practice.  Paul is writing from prison – not a pleasant experience in first-century Rome!  Yet his instruction to these Christian brothers and sisters is to “Rejoice”.  He recalls what he has gone through in his Christian walk; he recognises that the Philippians will face similar persecution; he knows that his own death, by beheading, is imminent.  Yet he still says “Rejoice!”   He advises two activities to bring about that untouchable joy.  He says that they should pray – about everything; and he tells them to praise God – for everything!  And these are good practices for you and me as well. 

Finally, he says that the true Christian is one who trusts a promise.  He speaks of the adequacy that Christ brings.  We know that, in our finances, we need to have more coming in that we spend – or we have a problem.  And this is no less so in the realm of the spirit.  “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” Paul shouts out a few sentences later.  We might paraphrase that as “... through Christ Who gives me adequate resources”.   We can meet anything that life throws at us if we are “in Christ”.  And, of course, He stills the anxieties that effect each one of us, bringing a peace that the world cannot understand – indeed, that none of us can understand. 

It’s wonderful, being a Christian in the Biblical sense of the word.  If you aren’t one, then please feel free to contact me (through the ‘comments’ facility) for some additional help.  If you are, then share it with those with whom you come into contact, day by day.  And we’ll be careful to give Father God all the honour and the glory.

The Trinity

Some time ago, I promised that I would share on the Christian Doctrine of the Trinity on this blog. Today being Trinity Sunday seems to be an appropriate point at which to do so! However, what I have done is add my teaching on the subject as an audio message! Please scroll down and you will find it, clearly marked, on the left-hand-side of the blog. I trust that you will find it understandable, interesting and, above all, edifying (i.e. helpful to your understanding of, and living out, the Christian faith). Please feel free to leave any comment. I'm a big boy, and can handle constructive criticism just as well as genuine praise.

Be blessed.

So what IS a Christian?

On a couple of occasions this week I have spoken with folk who don't seem to be absolutely certain as to what Christian is - at least in the Biblical sense of the word. There are many passages in the New Testament that give us good definitions/descriptions of what Christian is, one of them being Philippians 4:4-7 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (NKJV)

So, a Christian is someone who enjoys a presence - even the presence of the Lord, Jesus the Christ. He is, Paul says, "at hand" or "very near". One translation says "The Lord is at your elbow"! Our company makes such a difference to our lives. "Show me your company, and I'll tell you your character" is the old adage - and how true it is. The Christian is blessed in having company that is perfect: the company of Jesus. And He is One Who is always there for us. Family, friends, colleagues, however fine, are often elsewhere. But Jesus said "I am with you - always"! (Matt.28:20)

A Christian is someone who also forms a practice. Paul encourages us to "Rejoice". He is writing from prison, in Rome but, in spite of all that he has gone through as a disciple of Jesus; in spite of his present situation as a disciple of Jesus; despite what he knew would be his earthly future (death by beheading); and despite the persecution he knew would be experienced by his fellow disciples; he repeats his exhortation: "Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, 'Rejoice." Such joy comes from two activities - prayer, and praise. "Don't worry", says Paul, "Pray!" Nothing is too small; nothing is too great, to bring before Father God in prayer. And we may do so in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving. (see also I Thess.5:18)

The last thing that Paul says in this little passage is that a Christian is someone who trusts a promise. That promise is that "...the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Here is a promise of adequacy provided by Jesus. He, alone. In Him we have the assurance of sins forgiven, and the power to resist the temptations that the devil keeps placing before us. He also stills the anxieties that crowd into our 21st century "sophisticated" minds.

Being a true Christian, in a living relationship with Jesus is wonderful. Those of us who claim to be such need to show the real thing to those with whom we come in contact, day by day.

Be blessed.

Guidance

If I had my way, the Lord would make His will for my life perfectly clear by sending me regular postcards, postmarked "Heaven", and signed G-O-D, with a list of bullet-points that I could easily understand, and readily obey.

Sadly, although He has given the promise "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8) that isn't the way in which God provides that guidance. He seems to expect that I will actively seek His will for my life. But the guidance is there, and it comes in a number of ways.

Often, it is simply through circumstances. How often I am able to look back over a series of events - one leading directly to another - that I could not possibly have arranged or anticipated; and that have brought me to a particular point in my life, or to a particular experience. Who is to say that such situations were not ordered by God Himself?!

Sometimes guidance comes through reason or, perhaps better, common sense. That may not seem very spiritual to some, but if we believe (as I do) that Almighty God created every aspect of our beings, then why should He not use the faculty of reason with which He has endowed me. There have been times when I have simply, but prayerfully, weighed up the "pros and cons" in a situation in order to determine the best course of action.

Tied in with reason is conscience. Of course,I'm not referring to some sort of Walt Disney created "Jiminy Cricket". I believe that, for the disciple of Jesus, conscience may be the prompting of God the Holy Spirit.

Of course, these means of guidance may be experienced, to some extent, by anyone - Christian or non-Christian. There are, however, three other means of guidance that are available only to the child of God.

First of all, there is prayer. My former minister, and spiritual mentor, the late Rev George B. Duncan, used to speak of bringing every moment, and every matter, to the Lord in prayer. And as I pray about a particular situation, how often the answer, the guidance, comes even as I pray.

Then, of course, there is the written Word of God - the Bible. If it is, indeed, His word, then I will hear Him speak to me through it. Not by lifting down a dusty copy, flicking through its pages,and stabbing my finger at some random verse; but by reading it daily, and getting to know it intimately. And I may always be certain that if anything contradicts the teaching of the Bible, then it most certainly is not God's will!

Finally, there is the Christian fellowship. Often I have found that simply talking a matter through with a mature and trusted Christian friend, has brought clarity. Bringing some matter to the prayer meeting, or the Home Group, and having Christian brothers and sisters pary it through with me, has enabled a wider perspective to be brought to the particular situation.

Guidance! So very necessary if I am not going to make a complete fool of myself; and available from a loving God Who has a perfect plan and purpose for my life. May you, too, dear reader, know His plan and purpose for your life; and thus bring glory and honour to His Name.

Dependability!

If you are one of those who checks out this blog from time to time, you may have had the same difficulty that I have had in gaining access to it, in its fulness, over the past couple of days. There was, apparently, some problem with the provider, and the posts themselves were not showing. Nor, I discovered, could I add a new one so, my apologies for not having added anything for almost a week! All the wonders of modern technology - but not always totally dependable!

How unlike Almighty God that is. He is the One Who is utterly dependable. He is the One Who, as we come to Him through the Persona of the Son - the Lord, Jesus the Christ - never lets us down. He is, as the writer of the Letter to Hebrew Christians puts it "the same yesterday, today, and forever". And that "sameness" is true of His attitude towards both you and me.

He never lets us down, and He never lets us go. "I am with you always" was the promise of the Lord Jesus to those disciples who had spent some three years of their lives with Him, seeing at first hand the miracles He performed; hearing His voice as He taught both them and the multitudes. What a wonderful encouragement to know that, when my feeble faith begins to slip, His strong hand holds on to me.

He never lets me down; He never lets me go; and He never lets me off!! That isn't always an aspect of His character that we want to remember - but it is absolutely true. And would I really want anything else? A recent question I was asked in "AllExperts" (see the links) had to do with the discipline of children. Now, as anyone who knows me would expect, I have absolutely no time for those who abuse children, whether physically, emotionally, or sexually. But where I believe the "do-gooders" have got it wrong is in not differentiating between an adult using his/her superior physical strength to thrash a child, and a parent disciplining their child - for the child's ultimate good. The latter is not only Biblically endorsed, but is also a sign of love. When I smacked my own children for some relatively minor misdemeanour, it was because I loved them and didn't want them to end up in much more serious trouble. The state of society today, certainly in the UK, shows the sad state of affairs that has resulted from children constantly being "let off". Thank God that He loves me enough to discipline me when the need arises.

Never letting me down; never letting me go; never letting me off. The God Who is, not merely of love, but love itself (I John 4:8). I commend Him to you.

Living Stones

There’s a lovely old hymn that I used to sing as a child, that isn't found in very many of the modern song-books – if in any at all! It refers to the Rapture – that glorious event when the Lord Jesus will come in the air, and take those who are truly His to be with Him throughout eternity, and it goes like this:
“When He cometh, when He cometh, to make up His jewels; all His jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own.
“He will gather, He will gather the gems for His Kingdom; all the pure ones, all the bright ones, His loved and His own.
“Little children, little children who love their Redeemer, are the jewels precious jewels, His loved and His own.
“Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning; they shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown.”
I’m actually unaware of any place in the written Word of God in which believers are referred to as jewels or gems. However, there are many other descriptions given in the Word.
“You are coming to Christ, Who is the living cornerstone of God’s Temple. He was rejected by people, but He was chosen by God for great honour. And you are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple.” (I Peter 2:4-5)
Living stones, being built into a Temple for Father God! That’s quite a thought! In I Kings 6:7, we read of the stones that were used in the construction of the first Temple, built during the reign of king Solomon:
“The stones with which the Temple was built had been prepared at the quarry, so that there was no noise made by hammers, axes, or any other iron tools, as the temple was being built.” (GNB)
All of the preparation was done elsewhere. The temple was not to be defiled, even by unnecessary noise!
I’ve had a particularly bad week – three times, on Mon-Wed, I felt that I was under a satanic attack. I’m in my final year at LHS, and it was almost as if the devil was saying, “Whatever testimony you may have in this place, I’m going to ruin it during your last year. Think you’re going to cruise gently to the end? No way. I’m going to see to that.” And so, in three different classes, I experienced a level of disruption, insolence, antagonism, and mocking of the very Name of Jesus, that I cannot recall ever having experienced before.
But Jesus has already assured me, through those words that He spoke to the first disciples, shortly before He went to the cross: “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.” (Jn.16:33)
And, of course, this is true. There was, for a time at least, some idea that becoming a Christian meant that life suddenly became a bed of roses; all trouble disappeared; everything in the garden became lovely. It was, and is, a lie; a cruel hoax, perpetrated by the devil himself. When I became a Christian, a follower, and disciple, of Jesus, life suddenly became tough. Instead of just flowing with the stream, I was now travelling in the opposite direction! While I was doing things my way, living my life to suit myself, the devil wasn’t bothered about me. He had me in his grip, even if I didn’t realise it. But the moment that I made that decision to follow Jesus, the devil started to attack, and to do so in all manner of ways, and at the times, and in the situations, when he knew that I was weakest.
But those words of Jesus, that I just quoted, were preceded by these: “...the time is coming – indeed, it’s here now – when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.”
Alone, yet not alone. The living presence of the Lord Jesus with me, always. That’s what makes it all possible. That’s what those who persecute – even to death – our brothers and sisters in so many parts of the world, don’t understand. They are not fighting against flesh and blood – bodies that they can injure, and maim, and kill. They are fighting against God Himself.
So when you are going through a hard patch; when you are under attack from the devil, whatever from that attack may take, remember that we are still living in the quarry. And the quarry is where the stones are hewn, and cut, and shaped, and trimmed. If those stones had been able to feel, and talk, I’m quite sure that they would have been overheard, complaining about the rough treatment they were receiving. But perhaps one of them would have had some discernment, and would have pointed out to its fellows: “Hey, I know it’s rough just now. I know that it’s much nicer just lying in the quarry, doing nothing, achieving nothing, being nothing. But don’t you realise what’s happening. This is so that we may become fit to be part of the wonderful, beautiful, Temple that king Solomon is building for YHWH, El Israel – the LORD, God of Israel. If the stonemasons don’t work on us like this, we won’t be of any use to Him.”
“You are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple.” The writer of the Letter to Hebrew Christians explains that the earthly Tabernacle – what we might think of as the portable Temple – was only a copy of that which is in heaven. If you are in Christ, and if He is in you, then you are being formed, experience by experience, into a stone that is fit for that Temple; fit for the eternal praise and worship of Almighty God.
One last thing. That Saul of Tarsus who so persecuted the early disciples of Jesus, became the great apostle Paul. And, writing to the believers in the city of Corinth, he had this to say: “Don’t you realise that all of you, together, are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (I Cor.3:16-17)
So there is a very real sense in which, in time, we already are what we are going to be, in eternity! And I believe that this places a great responsibility upon us, to look after this temple of God to the very best of our ability. And that, I would suggest, involves being very careful what we do with our bodies; what we put into our bodies; and how we take care of our bodies.
Perhaps the very personal discipline that that will involve, will be a part of the cutting and shaping process that will make each one of us the stones that Father God wants us to be, to fit perfectly into that Temple, not made by human hands, eternal in the heavens. (cf.II Cor.5:1)

God can't do that!

I am often asked the question (especially by sceptical pupils!), “Do you believe that God can do anything?” For many years, my immediate answer was, “Yes, of course He can. He is God!”
However, I have come to realise that I was giving a false answer! There are, in fact, many things that God cannot do. So not even Almighty God can draw a square circle, or a five-angled triangle. These would be totally self-contradictory (oxymoronic), and God does not contradict Himself. But there are much more important things that God cannot do. These may be summed up as “anything that is contrary to His essential nature”. Here are three of them:
God cannot
1. Love you any more than He does
Possibly the best-known words in the whole of the Bible are those found at John 3:16 “God loved the world so much that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever places their trust in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” I wonder how many times I have preached on those words, and sought to “unpack” them in order that their full wonder might be glimpsed!? The central word, of course, is “gave”. It’s not too long since we celebrated Christmas. And many of us will have purchased gifts – gifts of different values. And the most expensive gifts will, undoubtedly, have gone to those who are most dear and precious to us. God loved, and loves, you and me so much that, in the Persona of the Son, He gave Himself. What more could he possibly give? How could He love you any more?
But also, God cannot
2. Give you any more than He’s already given
So what has He given? Well, we could start with physical life! It’s been many decades now since the birth of the first so-called “test-tube” baby. But no scientist has ever created life! The best that they can do is to artificially bring together the “component parts” – in this case the female egg and the male sperm – outwith the womb. But where is the life? I’m no biologist, but my understanding is that, however we look at it, it’s a miracle. We may be able to describe the mechanics, but we can’t fully understand what causes that spark of life. It is God-created.
But the real gifts are for those who have come to Him, in repentance and faith, and acknowledged the Lord Jesus as Saviour and Lord. He gives us that very salvation. It is the gift of God. I can’t earn it; I can’t buy it; I can’t deserve it. “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a free gift from God.” (Eph.2:8)
He gives us His Spirit. That’s the promise of the Lord Jesus: “... I will send you the Paraclete – the Spirit of Truth. He will come to you from the Father, and will testify all about me.” (Jn.15:26). Paul writes to the Roman believers that “... we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
He gives us peace. Remember those lovely words of the Lord Jesus? “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” (Jn.14:27). And the peace of which God’s Word speaks is not just an absence of conflict. It’s a very positive thing. It’s the Hebrew concept of “shalom” – a total well-being.
He gives us joy. That was the message of the angel to the shepherds who were being told of the birth of Messiah – the Saviour. “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy...!” And not only at the beginning of that unique life, but also at the end. In His final great discourse to the inner band of the disciples, Jesus gives this assurance: “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow.” (Jn.15:11)
He gives us His love. And that takes us back to Jn.3:16. And, in his first letter, the same John makes the point that “This is real love – not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (4:10). And this is the unconditional love that is expressed by the Greek word agape.
Final thing that God can’t do is to
3. Make choices for you
Many a time, I wish that God would just make me into a robot. Life would be so much easier for me if I had been programmed to do only those things that please Him, and never to do those things that offend Him.
But that’s not how He works. And I can actually understand that. My wife loves me – would have to, to have put up with me this long! – and I truly appreciate her love. But if I knew that the only reason that she loved me was that she was incapable of doing anything else, then that love would be totally devalued. It’s the fact that she has chosen to love me that makes her love so very special.
God is no different. Of course He could have programmed mankind to love Him, and serve Him, perfectly. But that would have given Him no pleasure; no joy. And so He created us with freewill. It means that I must make the choices of life for myself – but that’s what makes them worthwhile.
But what if I make the wrong choices? Well, that will sadden Father God – but He will allow me to do so. Indeed, sometimes that’s the only way by which He can teach me some important truths. And, of course, His eternal purposes are still worked out. Because He knows my every decision before I make it.
So, next time you are asked if God can do anything, please don’t come out with a glib response. Do remember that not even Almighty God can love you more than He already does; give you more than He’s already given; make choices for you – including the choice to be His faithful follower.
But remember, too, that you may choose Him today, by confessing your sinfulness; repenting of your sins; and committing your life to Him in love and obedience.

Epiphany

Tomorrow, Sunday, is Epiphany in the Christian church calendar. This is the day on which the coming of the Magi (the Wise Men of Matthew 2) to the infant Jesus is celebrated and it is, traditionally, the twelfth day of the Christmas season. The word "epiphany" comes from a Greek root that may be translated "the appearing", and thus refers to the appearance of the Saviour ot the Gentiles (non-Jews). All of this, of course, explains why the Magi are not a genuine part of the traditional nativity play stable scene; nor a proper subject for the traditional Christmas card!! It might also be noticed that there is no mention of three Magi - indeed, the only clue that we have as to the number is that it was more than one!
But the story is recorded, not merely that folk might have scholarly discussions on the meaning of the word, but that we might learn from it. In this wee musing (more of a message!), may I suggest that we may learn from the gifts that Matthew records as having been brought by the Magi - the three gifts that have led generations of readers and hearers to assume that there were three men!
The first gift that was brought was gold - and in giving that particular substance, the Magi were acknowledging Jesus as Master. Gold has been, throughout most of recorded history, the symbol of kingship and authority and, as such, was most fitting for the King of kings - even if a strange gift to bring to an apparently illegitimate Jewish baby! But it is, indeed, the offering that He deserves. It is the very best that man can offer. And it reminds us of the obedience that He demands. This is not merely an infant, but the One born to be King - and not by force, but by love; not from a throne, but from a cross; not over a clearly defined territory, but over the hearts and minds of those who are prepared to, like the Magi, acknowledge His Kingship. This, of course, is no mere lip-service, but total and unequivocal commitment to Him. Little wonder that so relatively few are prepared to accept Him on His terms!
The second gift was frankincense, and this was the gift for a priest. As such, it reminds us that the Magi were acknowledging Jesus as Mediator. This is the great function of a priest - to mediate (be the "go-between") between God and man (using the term generically!!). In other words, the ministry of a priest is one of reconciliation. So the apostle Paul is able to write to the fellowship of Christian believers in Corinth that "... God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people's sins against them." It wasn't God Who fouled things up at the beginning - it was mankind. But only God could bridge the gap, and He did it in the Person of the Son (look out for a future post in which I'll try to explain the Christian doctine of the Trinity!! Definitely worth coming back for!). Of course, a priest doesn't just represent man before God; he is also used, by God, to convey the means of grace to man through the Word and the Sacrament. Jesus, of course, is the "Word made flesh"; His was the broken Body, the shed Blood. All the resources of God are found in Him, and in Him alone. He is the "... one Mediator Who can reconcile God and humanity." (I Tim.2:5).
Master; Mediator, and Man of Sorrows. That was the significance of the myrhh. It was used in the embalming of the dead - and this Infant came to die; despised and rejected by the very people Whom He came to save. We might consider the price paid for us. Not of wealth, or possessions, but the very Life of God the Son, nailed to a cross. We might also consider the promise made to us. In fact, there are many promises made to the true child of God, but I'm thinking of one in particular. As He left our dimensions of time and space, and returned to that "light inaccessible, hid from our eyes" that is beyond our experience and understanding, angelic beings assured the watching disciples that "... some day He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go." (Acts 1:11). That is the great hope and expectation of the believer - not that He revealed Himself some 2,000 years ago, but that He will reveal Himself again, in majesty and power. May each one of us be prepared for His return, and welcome Him with joyful hearts.