Richly blessed.

We had not long arrived at the Municipal Camping Site in Broucefranc-le-Chapas, in the Départmente of Charente-Maritim, on the west coast of France.  We had sited the 'van; connected the electricity; filled the water barrel and connected the pump; set up the awning; and were now sitting on comfortable lounger-chairs.  I looked around.  The sun was shining; there was a cool breeze blowing; we had a veritable mansion on wheels. 

Some words of David, the Psalmist-king of Israel, came to mind.  In Ps.16:6, he writes: "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." (RSV).  The 'lines' to which David refers were the measuring lines that were used to measure out one's inheritance; so he is basically saying that what he has received from the Lord is good and pleasant.

I consider myself to be richly blessed.  When I think of the privations of my brothers and sisters in Christ, whose earthly inheritance is nowhere near as pleasant as mine; when I think of those in the so-called 'developing world' (developing into what, one might well ask, as one looks at the state of the 'developed' world!) who have so little in material possessions; when I consider the way in which so many disciples of Jesus witness so clearly, positively, and willingly - even 'though they know that by doing so they may be signing their own death warrants - I am humbled, and ashamed at the paucity of my own faith.

Why should I have so very much, when those who are so much more faithful to Jesus have so very little?  That is entirely the grace of God.  Does that mean that I am more worthy of that grace than they are?  Most definitely not!  Does it mean that, ultimately, they have lost out?  No!  I believe firmly that there are 'levels' in that dimension that we usually refer to as 'heaven'.  And just as those who purchase tickets for the best box to see a theatre production, have a much better view than those who purchase the cheapest seats in the top balcony (the 'gods'!); so those who suffer for Jesus in this life - those who bear in their bodies the marks of Jesus (see Gal.6:17) - will be closer to the Lamb in that amazing place, than those of us who enjoy such relative ease and luxury here and now. 

Like those in the theatre box seats, they will have "paid the price".

Death - the final frontier!

Today began on a very sombre note, as I attended the funeral service for one of my former pupils who was only about 18 years of age. Funerals are usually quite sombre - particularly if there is no real sense of hope and victory - but especially so when the deceased is so young.

The only positive aspect was the opportunity to meet up with a load of other ex-pupils - and to be pleasantly surprised at the way in which certain ones had so obviously matured in the "real world"!

I do hope that many of them were made aware of the transience of human life. So many young people seem to think that death is only for 'oldies'. Yet, since I first joined the teaching staff of Lesmahagow High School, I have been at the funeral services of more pupils, or of those who had only recently left, than I care to remember.

Death is a topic with which I dealt when I was teaching. There are so many ideas about it - from total annihalation, to 'we'll all be together in heaven' (however, whatever, or wherever, heaven might be!). Even among those who claim to be disciples of Jesus, there is an apparent reluctance to face up to the reality of death. So, our loved one has 'passed away'; been 'lost'; even 'kicked the bucket'! Almighty God doesn't mess about! Speaking to Joshua, He says, "Now that My servant Moses is dead, you must lead My people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them" (Josh.1:2)

The problem would appear to be that there is an uncertainty about what does actually happen after death. It's easy for those who aren't facing it to come to all sorts of conclusions about the after-life - or the lack of it. However, as I later stated on the Facebook thread referred to in my last post (it went on for so long, that I reckon it should be in line for a mention in The Guinness Book of Records!!), those who dismiss the old saying that "There are no atheists in a foxhole", tend never to have been in a foxhole! I cannot racall his name, but a British Army Major who, at the time, was deployed in Afghanistan, sent regular audio despatches to the BBC Radio 4 programme Today. In the final message, he made the point that hardened men in the barracks at home, were found to be seeking out the Padre, reading the Bible, and taking a much greater interest in both life, and death, while on deployment! Of course, when one doesn't know if the next patrol will be the last one, it does tend to colour one's perspective.

I confess to not looking forward to the process of dying - it can be painful (as many in the persecuted church have discovered), and may be prolonged. But of death itself, I can say, triumphantly, with Paul: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Cor 15:55-57, NIV). That's my (open!) secret. Because Jesus has already conquered death, through His glorious resurrection; and because I am His, and He is mine; I have the same victory, and the assurance that death, for me, is nothing more than the gateway into a fuller, more wonderful life, in a dimension that is beyond my human comprehension, in His nearer Presence. That's why disciples of Jesus, down through the centuries, have been able to face death with a steady eye. May all who read this post, have that assurance.

Pascal's Wager!

Well, I had to quickly think of a suitable heading!! I had intended posting on a different topic, but having earlier got involved in a "Facebook Forum" on the page of a former pupil, and personal friend, I've decided to use some of the material published there - mostly from my own contributions!

My young friend (no names will be used!) had, somewhat vociferously, complained that she had not been successful in a particular job application because, although her qualifications and experience were acceptable, the fact that she is not (and, to give her credit, makes no pretense to be) a Christian! Well, that really started something!

My first foray was to state: "Sorry (Name), but you may be assured that an atheist organisation wouldn't employ me!! It works both ways. You have told us the kind of work involved, but still have avoided the direct question as to WHO you were applying to! I agree with (Name). Indeed, I wouldn't want to work in a place in which my personal viewpoint was diametrically opposed to the general ethos of the organisation!
You may well have been prepared to just do the job, but there are many who are concerned that some would "infiltrate" and endeavour to undermine the ethos from the inside. I would probably have said exactly the same in the same circumstances - but I hope that you don't think that I "... still live in the Middle Ages." :-)

However, it was some of the ensuing comments that really set me off in 'preaching mode'!! - as follows: "I don't think that I know you, (Name), but may I suggest that you have a look at a site such as http://www.opendoorsuk.org/ to learn something of the sort of people whom you appear to think "... ain't got the balls to believe in themselves"?! As far as your "... being better than everyone else." jibe is concerned; making such a statement merely demonstrates your personal ignorance (in the correct meaning of the word i.e. 'lack of knowledge') of true Christianity. It is my awareness of my own sinfulness, and my inability - even after the many years that I have been around - to do anything about it myself, that drives me to the One Who voluntarily gave His own life in my place. I'm not 'better than anyone else' - I'm just a sinner, saved by the overwhelming grace of God.
You may have heard of Blaise Pascal - the 17th century French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and writer. He once posed a question that has become known as 'Pascal's wager'. It simply suggests that if someone like you (based on the evidence above!) is right and, when I die, there is nothingness, then what does it matter? I have led a contented, fulfilled and, I would claim, useful life. I would not even be aware that I had been "wrong"! However if, when you die, you discover that I - and millions like me - am right, it is too late, according to the teaching of the Bible (one of the best-attested books in the world, btw) for you to do anything about it.
I had to leave my computer rather abruptly earlier, but (Name) has already made some of the points that I was going to make.
(Name) - if I was to apply for a job with an overtly atheistic organisation, whilst revealing my personal Christian committment, you may be certain that they would find some way to ensure that I did not come in as a possible 'troublemaker'!
(Name) - please don't judge Christianity by the nominality that is so prevalent in a country like this one! Check out the site mentioned above; do a Google search on 'the persecuted church'; check on the figures for church growth in other parts of the world! The Gospel has been progressing for nigh on 2,000 years - in spite of the efforts of people like Nicolae Ceauşescu in Romania (to give just one example!).

(Name) - I wish that you had asked me to be a referee for you for that post. I might have advised you not to go aead with the application!
Apologies for my own rant (but, hey, (Name) and (Name) know that, once I start, I'm hard to stop!!)"

So why share all of this here? Simply because I believe it highlights much of the misunderstanding about the Christian faith, that is so prevalent in our 'sophisticated' western, materialistic, culture. Now, I know that some of the blame may be laid at the feet of the Emperor Constantine for making Christianity "respectable" - and thus setting in motion that nominality that has plagued the true Church (every disciple of Jesus) down through the centuries. This is one of my reasons for this blog - that I might endeavour to demonstrate that the true Christian message is relevant to even 21st-century men and women. How good a job am I doing? Well, that is for others to judge! Thankfully, I will not be judged by the Lord on my success, but on my faithfulness.

By the way, I have just rejected a comment on an earlier post - because it came from that weak, cowardly, character who signs him/herself as "Anonymous". If you haven't got the guts to use your name - or a pseudonym of which I am already aware, and that does instantly identify you to me - then don't waste your time leaving a comment. It will also be rejected!

It's the police!!

It was just an hour or so ago. I was sitting in my study, my open Bible in front of me. The telephone rang and, as my dear wife was out, I answered. It was the police! To be more precise, it was a Sergeant from 'Q' Division of Strathclyde Police. He had 'phoned me in order to let me know that he would be away on a training course for the next couple of days and, after having passed on this information (I was wearing my Force Chaplain hat!), he proceeded to have a friendly chat with me.

How different, I thought, as I eventually hung up the handset, from the situation in more than 50 countries around the world today! In those countries - North Korea; Iran; Saudi Arabia; Somalia, the Maldives; to name just the five worst ones - a call from the police would not have meant an exchange of information and pleasantries, but arrest, imprisonment (without trial), torture, and even death. And all because I had a Bible!

This morning, I have already joined with thousands, and tens of thousands, in praying for two young women - Maryam and Marzieh - in Iran who, today, are in court facing charges of "propogating Christianity" and "apostasy" (from Islam). As I sat in the relative safety of my study, I wondered if I could ever be charged with such "crimes" and, if I was, whether or not there would be sufficient evidence to convict me?!

The British parliamentary and judicial systems are, undoubtedly, far from perfect. However, let those of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus be grateful that, at this time, we may still own - and even read - the Bible; that we may meet together, openly, for worship and fellowship; that we may share the Gospel message with those with whom we come into contact, without fear of punishment. Let us also seek to be built up in our faith, so that if persecution should come to our own land, we might show the same steadfastness, and loyalty to Jesus, as do Maryam and Marzieh - and millions of others around the world. And let us be faithful in our prayerful support of our those who are our rothers and sisters in Christ, remembering the words of Jesus, as recorded by Matthew:

"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand and the goats at His left.

Then the King will say to those on the right, `Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink? Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing? When did we ever see You sick or in prison, and visit You?' And the King will tell them, `I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, `Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' Then they will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help You?' And He will answer, `I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help Me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life." (25: 31-46).

Preaching the Word, in season, and out of season.

It’s Sunday, as I type, and my wife and I are enjoying a wee break, in our caravan, near to the fair town of Ayr. Yesterday, we were up in the town and, as we awaited a ’bus to take us to ASDA, there was an elderly gentleman standing in the adjoining pedestrian area, with microphone and loudspeaker, faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. He had no visible support, in the sense of other members of a fellowship and, if we had not been awaiting that ’bus, I think that I would have gone over, relieved him of his microphone, and given him a wee break. To my own shame, I failed to do so. However, I thanked God for that gentleman’s faithful witness – and I had two specific thoughts.

I realised, again, the truth of Paul’s word that there is no-one who has an excuse for rejecting the Gospel message (Rom.1:18ff). Certainly, those who “passed by” (cf. Mark 15:29), yesterday, in Ayr, can never claim not to have heard the news that each one of us is a sinner, needful of the grace of God as He has shown it in the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus. I remembered, sadly, the question put to the Hebrew disciples of Jesus: “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Heb.2:3)

The other thought that struck me was that, so often, our idea of ‘evangelism’ in the western church, today, is to put on a special service, and expect the unsaved to throng in – leaving behind the other interests that lay claim to their time. Yet the command of the Lord Jesus was that we should be the ones who make the move: “… go, and make disciples of all the nations, …” (Matt.28:19), and see also Mark 4:14; Luke 10:3, 14:23 inter al. I also thought of a man like Wilson Assavi, an Iranian pastor currently in prison for his evangelistic work among Muslims. I thought of his wife, Medline, who has been informed that her husband is “awaiting his trial and execution”! That gentleman in Ayr may have been ignored by those who passed him by; the worst that would have happened in the U.K. – at least, at the present time! – is that he might have suffered some name-calling. That is also the worst that would have happened to me, if I had taken the opportunity to support him in his vocal ministry. Yet so many, in over fifty countries around the world, suffer in ways that I am barely able to imagine – but they witness, boldly and faithfully, to the saving power of Christ.

That gentleman’s voice will, one day, be silenced as his mortal body reaches the end of its journey. I have no way of knowing what measure of ‘success’ he will have enjoyed – although, doubtless, there will be some for whom he will have been an important stage on their journey to saving faith. However, I am quite certain of one thing – that man will one day stand before Jesus, and will hear those wonderful words: “Well done, My good and faithful servant. … Let’s celebrate together!” (Matt. 25:21,23, NLT).