Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Time crunch!
Due to time pressure with various church activities, mettings, etc. I have not been able to update this blog for a couple of weeks. Normal service will be resumed shortly. Please pray for us.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 16 February 2012
Readings:
Leviticus 1:1 - 3:17
Mark 1:29 - 2:12
Psalm 35: 17-28
Proverbs 9: 13-18
Psalms reading: I glossed over this reading yeaterday, as it seemed to be one of those Psalms where David was having a good old whinge to God, and wanted to see how things turned out today. And please forgive me, but it really seems to be one of those Psalms where David is not only whining a lot; he is also trying to strike a bargain with God. "If you do this for me, then I will praise you and thank you". The unwritten implication seems to be that if God will be praised provided that David gets what he wants.
Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but maybe therein lies the lesson for today. How often do we come to God with our "shopping-list prayers", beseeching God to act in a certain way and even going so far as to thank God in advance for doing what we would want God to do? Okay, none of you reading this site pray like that, but I must confess that I do this from time to time - even in public prayer when leading a congregation.
Now don't get me wrong (I seem to be saying this a lot lately) - God does want us to ask for things in prayer. And we do rejoice in God when our prayers are answered. And we should thank God for the blessings bestowed upon us. But how about from time to time praying to God just because of who God is? A real "no strings attached" prayer. No shopping list. No confessions. Not even giving thanks for something that God has done previously. A prayer that focuses on God, and God alone.
Try it ... such a totally God-focused prayer may prove to be incredibly liberating.
Leviticus 1:1 - 3:17
Mark 1:29 - 2:12
Psalm 35: 17-28
Proverbs 9: 13-18
Psalms reading: I glossed over this reading yeaterday, as it seemed to be one of those Psalms where David was having a good old whinge to God, and wanted to see how things turned out today. And please forgive me, but it really seems to be one of those Psalms where David is not only whining a lot; he is also trying to strike a bargain with God. "If you do this for me, then I will praise you and thank you". The unwritten implication seems to be that if God will be praised provided that David gets what he wants.
Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but maybe therein lies the lesson for today. How often do we come to God with our "shopping-list prayers", beseeching God to act in a certain way and even going so far as to thank God in advance for doing what we would want God to do? Okay, none of you reading this site pray like that, but I must confess that I do this from time to time - even in public prayer when leading a congregation.
Now don't get me wrong (I seem to be saying this a lot lately) - God does want us to ask for things in prayer. And we do rejoice in God when our prayers are answered. And we should thank God for the blessings bestowed upon us. But how about from time to time praying to God just because of who God is? A real "no strings attached" prayer. No shopping list. No confessions. Not even giving thanks for something that God has done previously. A prayer that focuses on God, and God alone.
Try it ... such a totally God-focused prayer may prove to be incredibly liberating.
The One-Year Bible - 15 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 39:1 - 40-38
Mark 1: 1-28
Psalm 35: 1-16
Proverbs 9: 11-12
Mark reading: "This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God." So begins the earliest of the three Synoptic Gospels that were written; many scholars believe that Matthew and Luke used much of Mark's Gospel as a source for their own writings.
Be that as it may, Mark makes his intentions clear right from the very first verse - this is good news about Jesus, whose credentials are both Messiah and Son of God. There is no ambiguity about who Mark understands Jesus to be. Jesus is clearly the Saviour, God's only begotten Son, and Lord.
I sometimes wonder whether we as Christians beat around the bush a bit too much when stating who Jesus is. We try to impress others with our learning, gleaned from hours of Bible study. And it's right and good that we do spend the time studying Scripture. But perhaps we need to take a leaf out of Mark's book (if you'll pardon the pun), and be succinct and to the point about exactly who this Jesus is whom we claim to serve.
Exodus 39:1 - 40-38
Mark 1: 1-28
Psalm 35: 1-16
Proverbs 9: 11-12
Mark reading: "This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God." So begins the earliest of the three Synoptic Gospels that were written; many scholars believe that Matthew and Luke used much of Mark's Gospel as a source for their own writings.
Be that as it may, Mark makes his intentions clear right from the very first verse - this is good news about Jesus, whose credentials are both Messiah and Son of God. There is no ambiguity about who Mark understands Jesus to be. Jesus is clearly the Saviour, God's only begotten Son, and Lord.
I sometimes wonder whether we as Christians beat around the bush a bit too much when stating who Jesus is. We try to impress others with our learning, gleaned from hours of Bible study. And it's right and good that we do spend the time studying Scripture. But perhaps we need to take a leaf out of Mark's book (if you'll pardon the pun), and be succinct and to the point about exactly who this Jesus is whom we claim to serve.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 14 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 37:1 - 38:31
Matthew 28: 1-20
Psalm 34: 11-22
Proverbs 9: 9-10
Proverbs reading: "Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser". Those who are truly wise, that is, possessing wisdom that comes from the fear (respect) of the Lord, will become even wiser through sound teaching because such persons have a teachable spirit. They will also be able to discern sound teaching from that which is unsound. Such wisdom does not come from book knowledge alone.
While I'm not suggesting that formal theological education, private reading, study of the Scriptures, and the like are not helpful for one's growth as a Christian, head knowledge is not enough. In fact, for this kind of knowledge to even begin to make sense, one must start with a relationship with God - "the beginning of all wisdom". For it is God who reveals the mysteries contained in the Scriptures to those who would seek to know God better, not only know about God.
Exodus 37:1 - 38:31
Matthew 28: 1-20
Psalm 34: 11-22
Proverbs 9: 9-10
Proverbs reading: "Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser". Those who are truly wise, that is, possessing wisdom that comes from the fear (respect) of the Lord, will become even wiser through sound teaching because such persons have a teachable spirit. They will also be able to discern sound teaching from that which is unsound. Such wisdom does not come from book knowledge alone.
While I'm not suggesting that formal theological education, private reading, study of the Scriptures, and the like are not helpful for one's growth as a Christian, head knowledge is not enough. In fact, for this kind of knowledge to even begin to make sense, one must start with a relationship with God - "the beginning of all wisdom". For it is God who reveals the mysteries contained in the Scriptures to those who would seek to know God better, not only know about God.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 13 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
Matthew 27: 32-66
Psalm 34: 1-10
Proverbs 9: 7-8
Exodus reading: Moses puts out the call to all of Israel, each with varying gifts, talents, and crafts, to contribute towards the building of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the various sacred items that God had commanded.
What's noteworthy about this particular reading is how each and every person is called upon to play their part. Everyone is required to contribute - those with monetary wealth, to bring funding. Those with skills, to use their skills according to what God has bestowed upon them. Those with the gift of organisation were appointed as overseers of the work. Those who could provide labour were called upon to do so. Each one contributed according to the means in whatever form.
It's also important to note that the people were eager to help in God's work, bringing their gifts freely to the Lord. This was not some human institution that was being set up - this was a structure that would facilitate worship of the most high God. My prayer is that (a) our institutional church would be seen as a means of worshipping God and bringing the light of Jesus to the community, not as an end in itself; and (b) that the people would be eager and willing to play their part in making this a reality. For it is only in this way that we can truly be part of the purpose and mission of Jesus.
Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
Matthew 27: 32-66
Psalm 34: 1-10
Proverbs 9: 7-8
Exodus reading: Moses puts out the call to all of Israel, each with varying gifts, talents, and crafts, to contribute towards the building of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the various sacred items that God had commanded.
What's noteworthy about this particular reading is how each and every person is called upon to play their part. Everyone is required to contribute - those with monetary wealth, to bring funding. Those with skills, to use their skills according to what God has bestowed upon them. Those with the gift of organisation were appointed as overseers of the work. Those who could provide labour were called upon to do so. Each one contributed according to the means in whatever form.
It's also important to note that the people were eager to help in God's work, bringing their gifts freely to the Lord. This was not some human institution that was being set up - this was a structure that would facilitate worship of the most high God. My prayer is that (a) our institutional church would be seen as a means of worshipping God and bringing the light of Jesus to the community, not as an end in itself; and (b) that the people would be eager and willing to play their part in making this a reality. For it is only in this way that we can truly be part of the purpose and mission of Jesus.
Remember Me
Richmond Methodist Church
Communion service - 13 February 2012, 09h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Genesis 14: 10-24; I Corinthians 11: 17-34; Luke 22: 7-34
Good morning to you all – I bring you warm Christian greetings from your sister Society in Camperdown, and I would like to thank both your minister and you as a congregation for allowing the “appie” the privilege of sharing the message with you this morning. I understand that Dennis has been doing a series on the Ten Commandments with you, entitled “Ten Timeless Texts”, but I thought that rather than me trying to break into that series, I would instead share some thoughts on the celebration of Holy Communion, seeing as we are to partake in this celebration this morning.
Let’s first have a look at the feast itself – and immediately we have a potential problem, especially if one looks at the way many churches practice Communion, including our own Methodist Church. Imagine if you will that you are an outsider looking at the Christian celebration of Holy Communion for the first time. I’m sure that you could be forgiven for thinking that we must be a pretty weird bunch of people. After all, who in their right mind would have a “meal” consisting of a teensy-weensy piece of bread or a wafer, and what looks like a shot glass of wine or grape juice, and then refer to these tiny quantities as a “feast”?! It doesn’t make sense, does it? So clearly there must be something more to it than the actual food and beverage being used.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here...]
Communion service - 13 February 2012, 09h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Genesis 14: 10-24; I Corinthians 11: 17-34; Luke 22: 7-34
Good morning to you all – I bring you warm Christian greetings from your sister Society in Camperdown, and I would like to thank both your minister and you as a congregation for allowing the “appie” the privilege of sharing the message with you this morning. I understand that Dennis has been doing a series on the Ten Commandments with you, entitled “Ten Timeless Texts”, but I thought that rather than me trying to break into that series, I would instead share some thoughts on the celebration of Holy Communion, seeing as we are to partake in this celebration this morning.
Let’s first have a look at the feast itself – and immediately we have a potential problem, especially if one looks at the way many churches practice Communion, including our own Methodist Church. Imagine if you will that you are an outsider looking at the Christian celebration of Holy Communion for the first time. I’m sure that you could be forgiven for thinking that we must be a pretty weird bunch of people. After all, who in their right mind would have a “meal” consisting of a teensy-weensy piece of bread or a wafer, and what looks like a shot glass of wine or grape juice, and then refer to these tiny quantities as a “feast”?! It doesn’t make sense, does it? So clearly there must be something more to it than the actual food and beverage being used.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here...]
The One-Year Bible - 12 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 34:1 - 35:9
Matthew 27: 15-31
Psalm 33: 12-22
Proverbs 9: 1-6
Psalms reading: "But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death, and keeps them alive in times of famine." this is one of the verses of Scripture that brings me great comfort, knowing that God watches over those who would seek to serve God, responding to God's extravagant love.
It is a source of comfort especially when things are not going particularly well, when it seems as though there is pressure from all sides. Those are the times where we need to look to God, secure in the knowledge that God is casting a loving caring eye over us at all times.
Exodus 34:1 - 35:9
Matthew 27: 15-31
Psalm 33: 12-22
Proverbs 9: 1-6
Psalms reading: "But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death, and keeps them alive in times of famine." this is one of the verses of Scripture that brings me great comfort, knowing that God watches over those who would seek to serve God, responding to God's extravagant love.
It is a source of comfort especially when things are not going particularly well, when it seems as though there is pressure from all sides. Those are the times where we need to look to God, secure in the knowledge that God is casting a loving caring eye over us at all times.
The One-Year Bible - 11 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 32:1 - 33:23
Matthew 26:69 - 27:14
Psalm 33: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 33-36
Exodus reading: The dangers of ministers pandering to the fleshly desires of people are plainly evident in this passage. Aaron, newly-ordained as priest, has soon thereafter acceded to the people's demands to build a golden calf for them to worship in place of God, even going so far as to oversee the building thereof and to direct the festivities.
But let us modern ministers not be too smug and look down on Aaron, for we have been giulty of building a few "golden calves" ourselves. Too often we have failed to be prophetic when confronted with issues; pastoral when needed by our people; apostolic when the wider church and community has called on us, teachers when people have needed to be taught, and evangelistic when called us to be witnesses.
When we neglect these roles of ministry in a weak attempt to try and keep everyone happy (i.e. doing what they want, rather than what helping them become who God wants them to be), we create golden calves, substituting junk food for the nourishment of the Gospel. Eventually we end up failing to even recognise the God whom we are meant to be serving.
Exodus 32:1 - 33:23
Matthew 26:69 - 27:14
Psalm 33: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 33-36
Exodus reading: The dangers of ministers pandering to the fleshly desires of people are plainly evident in this passage. Aaron, newly-ordained as priest, has soon thereafter acceded to the people's demands to build a golden calf for them to worship in place of God, even going so far as to oversee the building thereof and to direct the festivities.
But let us modern ministers not be too smug and look down on Aaron, for we have been giulty of building a few "golden calves" ourselves. Too often we have failed to be prophetic when confronted with issues; pastoral when needed by our people; apostolic when the wider church and community has called on us, teachers when people have needed to be taught, and evangelistic when called us to be witnesses.
When we neglect these roles of ministry in a weak attempt to try and keep everyone happy (i.e. doing what they want, rather than what helping them become who God wants them to be), we create golden calves, substituting junk food for the nourishment of the Gospel. Eventually we end up failing to even recognise the God whom we are meant to be serving.
The One-Year Bible - 10 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
Matthew 26: 47-68
Psalm 32: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 27-32
Psalms reading: The joy of receiving forgiveness, and the resultant cleansing of the soul from all guilt, are the focus of the Psalmist in this Psalm. One of the leading causes of anxiety, mental anguish, and physical distress is that of unresolved guilt. Yet God is gracious and just to forgive those who confess their sins. It's noteworthy that David experiences a sense of anguish, the oppressive hand of discipline, and even physical discomfort while his sin remains unconfessed. Contrast this with the joy of release once he has confessed and received forgiveness from God.
Yet this is not a licence to go out and do as we like, and to blazes with the consequences. Confessing one's sin involves being accountable for one's action. Wherever possible, confession needs to be accompanied by restitution if one is considered to be truly repentant.
God also gives us guidance - "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control". Therefore, we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit to follow the right path and to do the right thing. Yet we can give thanks to God for those moments when we do slip up, that God is ready to forgive us and set us right.
Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
Matthew 26: 47-68
Psalm 32: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 27-32
Psalms reading: The joy of receiving forgiveness, and the resultant cleansing of the soul from all guilt, are the focus of the Psalmist in this Psalm. One of the leading causes of anxiety, mental anguish, and physical distress is that of unresolved guilt. Yet God is gracious and just to forgive those who confess their sins. It's noteworthy that David experiences a sense of anguish, the oppressive hand of discipline, and even physical discomfort while his sin remains unconfessed. Contrast this with the joy of release once he has confessed and received forgiveness from God.
Yet this is not a licence to go out and do as we like, and to blazes with the consequences. Confessing one's sin involves being accountable for one's action. Wherever possible, confession needs to be accompanied by restitution if one is considered to be truly repentant.
God also gives us guidance - "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control". Therefore, we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit to follow the right path and to do the right thing. Yet we can give thanks to God for those moments when we do slip up, that God is ready to forgive us and set us right.
The One-Year Bible - 9 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 29:1 - 30:10
Matthew 26: 14-46
Psalm 31: 19-24
Proverbs 8: 14-26
Matthew reading: Sometimes one gets the impression that the Christian walk is about blind obedience to God, yet this account of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane shows that even our Lord had struggles with being obedient to God. Knowing that going the way of the cross would involve much physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, Jesus was asking his Father whether it would be possible not to go this route. In fact, Matthew's Gospel records that Jesus prayed this prayer three times, reflecting a desperate hope that he would not have to go through such suffering and pain.
But note that I did not say that Jesus had a problem with obeying God, for the passage records that in each of Jesus' prayers, he ended off in an attitude of submission and obedience: "Not my will, but your will be done". Yet the lesson for us is that often obedience comes as a result of great inner turmoil and struggle, particularly when obeying God comes at great cost.
I believe, therefore, that Jesus is showing us here that obedience to God is often born of struggle and turmoil, and that it is not wrong for us to experience these kinds of struggles. Anyone who is calling upon people to blindly obey without considering the cost of obedience is probably heading up a cult - it's doubtful that such blind obedience is something asked of us by God.
Exodus 29:1 - 30:10
Matthew 26: 14-46
Psalm 31: 19-24
Proverbs 8: 14-26
Matthew reading: Sometimes one gets the impression that the Christian walk is about blind obedience to God, yet this account of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane shows that even our Lord had struggles with being obedient to God. Knowing that going the way of the cross would involve much physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, Jesus was asking his Father whether it would be possible not to go this route. In fact, Matthew's Gospel records that Jesus prayed this prayer three times, reflecting a desperate hope that he would not have to go through such suffering and pain.
But note that I did not say that Jesus had a problem with obeying God, for the passage records that in each of Jesus' prayers, he ended off in an attitude of submission and obedience: "Not my will, but your will be done". Yet the lesson for us is that often obedience comes as a result of great inner turmoil and struggle, particularly when obeying God comes at great cost.
I believe, therefore, that Jesus is showing us here that obedience to God is often born of struggle and turmoil, and that it is not wrong for us to experience these kinds of struggles. Anyone who is calling upon people to blindly obey without considering the cost of obedience is probably heading up a cult - it's doubtful that such blind obedience is something asked of us by God.
Are women still second-class citizens?
Camperdown Methodist Church
Women's Auxiliary Dedication service
9 February 2012, 09h30
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture reading: John 4: 7-30
Are women still regarded as second-class citizens in South Africa in 2012? And if so, what is the Church doing about it?
In the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, we read how discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender is prohibited. Yet today, many women are fighting to find their rightful place in a male-dominated world.This may seem like a strange message to be shared by someone who is male.
But I believe that the way in which we respect women reflects on the way in which we respect ourselves. And Jesus Himself gives us many examples of the high regard which He has for women. So let us have a look at the stereotypes that existed during Jesus’ time, and how Jesus’ attitude towards the woman at the well can be a lesson for us today.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here...]
Women's Auxiliary Dedication service
9 February 2012, 09h30
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture reading: John 4: 7-30
Are women still regarded as second-class citizens in South Africa in 2012? And if so, what is the Church doing about it?
In the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, we read how discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender is prohibited. Yet today, many women are fighting to find their rightful place in a male-dominated world.This may seem like a strange message to be shared by someone who is male.
But I believe that the way in which we respect women reflects on the way in which we respect ourselves. And Jesus Himself gives us many examples of the high regard which He has for women. So let us have a look at the stereotypes that existed during Jesus’ time, and how Jesus’ attitude towards the woman at the well can be a lesson for us today.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here...]
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 8 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 28: 1-43
Matthew 25:31 - 26:13
Psalm 31: 9-18
Proverbs 8: 12-13
Matthew reading: If Jesus' purpose was being sent to bring Good News, and his mission for us was to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, then this passage would serve as the "report card" that outlines whether we have met the requirements. Indeed, the final judgement that is presided over by Jesus will be based on these criteria.
"I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to 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 ... whatever you did for the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me [Jesus]".
I wonder if we would get a passing mark?
Exodus 28: 1-43
Matthew 25:31 - 26:13
Psalm 31: 9-18
Proverbs 8: 12-13
Matthew reading: If Jesus' purpose was being sent to bring Good News, and his mission for us was to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, then this passage would serve as the "report card" that outlines whether we have met the requirements. Indeed, the final judgement that is presided over by Jesus will be based on these criteria.
"I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to 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 ... whatever you did for the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me [Jesus]".
I wonder if we would get a passing mark?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 7 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 26:1 - 27:21
Matthew 25: 1-30
Psalm 31: 1-8
Proverbs 8: 1-11
Matthew reading: The passage known as "The Parable of the Talents" is another of those parables that seems inherently unfair, and one could easily come to this conclusion were it not for the words of Jesus: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like ...".
But it brings to mind a conversation that I was having with my son James this morning. He is quite strong academically, having narrowly missed out on being granted a scholarship at Maritzburg College but has nonetheless been placed in their "top stream" in his grade. So without wanting to sound boastful, good grades are something that we have come to expect from him.
And he rarely disappoints ... except for last term. The marks themselves were good, but that was not the point. The point was that, by his own admittance, he had cruised a little and not done his very best. I indicated to him that it was not whether he had got a 60 or an 80. If 60 was his absolute best, I would be happy with that. However, if 80 did not represent the best he could do, then it would not be good enough no matter how high the mark may be.
This, I believe, is the point of this parable. Each servant was given sufficient amounts of money to invest, according to their abilities. The master knew what each servant was capable of, and thus differing amounts were doled out. Note also that the master was equally pleased with the returns of the servants who were given ten and five pieces of silver respectively. Yet he was not pleased with the third servant - not because there was no return, but because he had not even made an attempt.
God does not expect us to do beyond that which we are able. God only expects us to do our best. WE are not expected to do more than our best, but God also does not expect us to do less than our best, either.
Exodus 26:1 - 27:21
Matthew 25: 1-30
Psalm 31: 1-8
Proverbs 8: 1-11
Matthew reading: The passage known as "The Parable of the Talents" is another of those parables that seems inherently unfair, and one could easily come to this conclusion were it not for the words of Jesus: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like ...".
But it brings to mind a conversation that I was having with my son James this morning. He is quite strong academically, having narrowly missed out on being granted a scholarship at Maritzburg College but has nonetheless been placed in their "top stream" in his grade. So without wanting to sound boastful, good grades are something that we have come to expect from him.
And he rarely disappoints ... except for last term. The marks themselves were good, but that was not the point. The point was that, by his own admittance, he had cruised a little and not done his very best. I indicated to him that it was not whether he had got a 60 or an 80. If 60 was his absolute best, I would be happy with that. However, if 80 did not represent the best he could do, then it would not be good enough no matter how high the mark may be.
This, I believe, is the point of this parable. Each servant was given sufficient amounts of money to invest, according to their abilities. The master knew what each servant was capable of, and thus differing amounts were doled out. Note also that the master was equally pleased with the returns of the servants who were given ten and five pieces of silver respectively. Yet he was not pleased with the third servant - not because there was no return, but because he had not even made an attempt.
God does not expect us to do beyond that which we are able. God only expects us to do our best. WE are not expected to do more than our best, but God also does not expect us to do less than our best, either.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 6 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 23:14 - 25:40
Matthew 24: 29-51
Psalm 30: 1-12
Proverbs 7: 24-27
Psalms reading: "When I was prosperous, I said, 'Nothing can stop me now'". How often we fall into this trap - we go through times of trial, during which we ask God for provision and blessing. Then when God honours this prayer and blesses us, we think it's all about us.
It is for this reason that Jesus remarked that "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven". The problem is not with being wealthy; the problem is that we become self-reliant and are no longer dependent on God. Many a wealthy person has encountered a business disaster that has resulted in the total loss of their wealth, suddenly finding themselves without the bank balance they regarded as their security.
Churches, too, fall into this trap. I know of a church that had struggled for many years that was one day left a massive legacy by one of its members who had recently died. There was great rejoicing at what was seen as God's provision, and certainly much good was done with this money. Unfortunately, the congregation began to look to these funds for their provision, and stopped being obedient to God in their giving. When the money dries up, this congregation is in for a shock, since the discipline of regular, consistent giving will have been lost.
Exodus 23:14 - 25:40
Matthew 24: 29-51
Psalm 30: 1-12
Proverbs 7: 24-27
Psalms reading: "When I was prosperous, I said, 'Nothing can stop me now'". How often we fall into this trap - we go through times of trial, during which we ask God for provision and blessing. Then when God honours this prayer and blesses us, we think it's all about us.
It is for this reason that Jesus remarked that "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven". The problem is not with being wealthy; the problem is that we become self-reliant and are no longer dependent on God. Many a wealthy person has encountered a business disaster that has resulted in the total loss of their wealth, suddenly finding themselves without the bank balance they regarded as their security.
Churches, too, fall into this trap. I know of a church that had struggled for many years that was one day left a massive legacy by one of its members who had recently died. There was great rejoicing at what was seen as God's provision, and certainly much good was done with this money. Unfortunately, the congregation began to look to these funds for their provision, and stopped being obedient to God in their giving. When the money dries up, this congregation is in for a shock, since the discipline of regular, consistent giving will have been lost.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 5 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 21:22 - 23:13
Matthew 24: 1-28
Psalm 29: 1-11
Proverbs 7: 6-23
Proverbs reading: The proverbs reading of the past few days have dealt with the entrapments of "the immoral woman". Without wanting to get bogged down on why it is the woman who gets the bad rap (men, too, can be immoral - witness the latest campaign in kwaZulu-Natal warning young girls against so-called "sugar daddies"), this proberb provides a clear warning against those who would lure others into sexual sin.
Extra-marital affairs can destroy the strongest of marriages. In fact, it seems that Satan's deception rears its ugly head in the marriages in which one would least suspect marital infidelity. It is the couple that becomes complacent avout their relationship that are in the gravest danger. And like all sin, sexual sin does not present itself by showing the hurt, pain, and broken homes - it presents the "beautiful blankets, with coloured sheets of Egyptian linen ... perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon", where the invitation is to "drink our fill of love until morning, ... [enjoying] each other's caresses".
There is an environment where you can enjoy all that stuff - with your spouse to whom you are committed in holy matrimony. Adultery is not worth "going big" for - just "go home"!
Exodus 21:22 - 23:13
Matthew 24: 1-28
Psalm 29: 1-11
Proverbs 7: 6-23
Proverbs reading: The proverbs reading of the past few days have dealt with the entrapments of "the immoral woman". Without wanting to get bogged down on why it is the woman who gets the bad rap (men, too, can be immoral - witness the latest campaign in kwaZulu-Natal warning young girls against so-called "sugar daddies"), this proberb provides a clear warning against those who would lure others into sexual sin.
Extra-marital affairs can destroy the strongest of marriages. In fact, it seems that Satan's deception rears its ugly head in the marriages in which one would least suspect marital infidelity. It is the couple that becomes complacent avout their relationship that are in the gravest danger. And like all sin, sexual sin does not present itself by showing the hurt, pain, and broken homes - it presents the "beautiful blankets, with coloured sheets of Egyptian linen ... perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon", where the invitation is to "drink our fill of love until morning, ... [enjoying] each other's caresses".
There is an environment where you can enjoy all that stuff - with your spouse to whom you are committed in holy matrimony. Adultery is not worth "going big" for - just "go home"!
Where our treasure is, lies our heart
Camperdown Methodist Church
5 February 2012
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture readings: Acts 2: 42-47; 4: 32-35, James 2: 14-26, Malachi 3: 1-12
There’s a story about a minister of a struggling little church with dilapidated buildings who stands up in the pulpit one morning, greets his congregation, and then exclaims loudly: “I have good news, and I have bad news. The good news is that we have finally raised all the money we need to repair the buildings. The bad news is that it’s still in your pockets!”
I don’t know who this particular minister was that said these words, or whether this is a made-up anecdote aimed at getting members of churches to loosen their purse-strings a bit more, but most congregations who hear this little story groan inwardly as they think, “Oh no. Here it comes – the church is after my money again”.
[To read the rest of this sermon, click here]
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 4 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 19:16 - 21:21
Matthew 23: 13-39
Psalm 28: 1-9
Proverbs 7: 1-5
Exodus reading: A modern or post-modern reader of ths passage will probably be astounded at how quaint some of the laws are that were given to the children of Israel. Many would even be aghast at the laws concerning slavery. I wonder what the likes of John Wesley and William Wilberforce would have made of these passages?
Yet one needs to understand the context in which these commandments were given. The Israelites had lived under unbelievably harsh conditions in Egypt, but now that they had escaped and obtained their freedom, there could easily have been a temptation to live a completely lawless existence in a situation where no government as such even existed. They only had Moses as their leader, and numerous accounts in Scripture indicated that many were somewhat disinclined to heed Moses' leadership.
Therefore, in constrast to what seems to us as inhumane laws, these laws represented a massive leap forward in an attempt to get people to treat others with dignity and humaneness - even those who were in indentured labour. Today we struggle with a legislative framework that aims to address the scourge of unemployment on the one hand, and the evils of exploitative labour practices on the other - two seemingly conflicting requirements. Given the pestestrian pace at which legislative change takes place even today, whether in the country at large or within organisations such as the Church, perhaps we should not be too harsh in judging the lawmakers of old.
Exodus 19:16 - 21:21
Matthew 23: 13-39
Psalm 28: 1-9
Proverbs 7: 1-5
Exodus reading: A modern or post-modern reader of ths passage will probably be astounded at how quaint some of the laws are that were given to the children of Israel. Many would even be aghast at the laws concerning slavery. I wonder what the likes of John Wesley and William Wilberforce would have made of these passages?
Yet one needs to understand the context in which these commandments were given. The Israelites had lived under unbelievably harsh conditions in Egypt, but now that they had escaped and obtained their freedom, there could easily have been a temptation to live a completely lawless existence in a situation where no government as such even existed. They only had Moses as their leader, and numerous accounts in Scripture indicated that many were somewhat disinclined to heed Moses' leadership.
Therefore, in constrast to what seems to us as inhumane laws, these laws represented a massive leap forward in an attempt to get people to treat others with dignity and humaneness - even those who were in indentured labour. Today we struggle with a legislative framework that aims to address the scourge of unemployment on the one hand, and the evils of exploitative labour practices on the other - two seemingly conflicting requirements. Given the pestestrian pace at which legislative change takes place even today, whether in the country at large or within organisations such as the Church, perhaps we should not be too harsh in judging the lawmakers of old.
The One-Year Bible - 3 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 17:8 - 19:15
Matthew 22:34 - 23:12
Psalm 27: 7-14
Proverbs 6: 27-35
Psalms reading: Ministers are also human, and it hurts when we feel that we may have somehow dropped the ball in any particular area - especially when it seems that everything that started off so right now seems to be going wrong. Just as the 1995 Van Morrison song goes, when it seems that things are going just a little too right and we get a little smug with ourselves, be assured: "there'll be days like this".
And so whenever one is going through the odd "day like this", we can draw comfort from this Psalm. Starting off with an anguished cry to God for help - even when it seems that all around things are falling apart, there is that assured proclamation in Verse 10: "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close". That is an encouraging word indeed.
Many of us are going through some or other trial at the moment. Bur if ever there was a word from the Lord that is apt for the situation, it is Verses 9-10: "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
Do I hear an Amen?!
Exodus 17:8 - 19:15
Matthew 22:34 - 23:12
Psalm 27: 7-14
Proverbs 6: 27-35
Psalms reading: Ministers are also human, and it hurts when we feel that we may have somehow dropped the ball in any particular area - especially when it seems that everything that started off so right now seems to be going wrong. Just as the 1995 Van Morrison song goes, when it seems that things are going just a little too right and we get a little smug with ourselves, be assured: "there'll be days like this".
And so whenever one is going through the odd "day like this", we can draw comfort from this Psalm. Starting off with an anguished cry to God for help - even when it seems that all around things are falling apart, there is that assured proclamation in Verse 10: "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close". That is an encouraging word indeed.
Many of us are going through some or other trial at the moment. Bur if ever there was a word from the Lord that is apt for the situation, it is Verses 9-10: "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
Do I hear an Amen?!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 2 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 15:19 - 17:7
Matthew 22: 1-33
Psalm 27: 1-6
Proverbs 6: 20-26
Exodus reading: "Give us this day, our daily bread". These words from the revered "Lord's Prayer" have brought comfort and connection to God to believers ever since our Lord first uttered them. Yet as precious and meaningful as these words are, I sometimes thing we have made an idol out of the wording, rather than the sentiment expressed therein. For Jesus did not day to his disciples, "This is what you should pray" - instead, he said. "This is how you should pray". Sometimes I think we just rattle off the Lord's Prayer without thinking about what we are saying.
These words come to mind when reading the Exodus passage set for today. Here we see the Israelites, having been led out into the desert after their escape from Egypt, finding themselves without food, and God miraculously provides them with manna (a bread-like substance) that was gathered up each morning. Yet God issues strict instructions to the Israelites to gather up only what they and their families need for that particular day. Those who attempoted to gather up more were disappointed, since any surplus hoarded was rotten the next day (the only exception being the sixth day, where they were instructed to gather sufficient for the Sabbath as well).
So what is the lesson in this? While it is prudent to want to provide for tomorrow, I believe that Jesus is also calling upon us to trust God today for what we need today. This applies not only to our material needs, but also our spiritual and emotional needs. Let our prayer today be to give us today what we need for today. Tomorrow we will ask God to give us what we need for tomorrow. And in this way, we trust God to provide each and every day of our lives.
Exodus 15:19 - 17:7
Matthew 22: 1-33
Psalm 27: 1-6
Proverbs 6: 20-26
Exodus reading: "Give us this day, our daily bread". These words from the revered "Lord's Prayer" have brought comfort and connection to God to believers ever since our Lord first uttered them. Yet as precious and meaningful as these words are, I sometimes thing we have made an idol out of the wording, rather than the sentiment expressed therein. For Jesus did not day to his disciples, "This is what you should pray" - instead, he said. "This is how you should pray". Sometimes I think we just rattle off the Lord's Prayer without thinking about what we are saying.
These words come to mind when reading the Exodus passage set for today. Here we see the Israelites, having been led out into the desert after their escape from Egypt, finding themselves without food, and God miraculously provides them with manna (a bread-like substance) that was gathered up each morning. Yet God issues strict instructions to the Israelites to gather up only what they and their families need for that particular day. Those who attempoted to gather up more were disappointed, since any surplus hoarded was rotten the next day (the only exception being the sixth day, where they were instructed to gather sufficient for the Sabbath as well).
So what is the lesson in this? While it is prudent to want to provide for tomorrow, I believe that Jesus is also calling upon us to trust God today for what we need today. This applies not only to our material needs, but also our spiritual and emotional needs. Let our prayer today be to give us today what we need for today. Tomorrow we will ask God to give us what we need for tomorrow. And in this way, we trust God to provide each and every day of our lives.
God Lives Under The Bed
Camperdown Methodist Church - Good Companions gathering
1 February 2012, 10h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture reading: Matthew 18: 1-14
This is a delightful story about the kind of child-like faith we all need to have...
I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed.
At least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen. 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed ...'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humour. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labour. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas, and that aeroplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favourite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her new-born child.
He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays – oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!', Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to the Lord, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God – to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my beliefs, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances – they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all!
1 February 2012, 10h00
Rev Steven Jones
Scripture reading: Matthew 18: 1-14
This is a delightful story about the kind of child-like faith we all need to have...
I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed.
At least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen. 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed ...'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humour. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labour. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas, and that aeroplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favourite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her new-born child.
He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays – oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!', Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to the Lord, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God – to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my beliefs, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.
It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances – they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The One-Year Bible - 1 February 2012
Readings:
Exodus 13:17 - 15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26: 1-12
Proverbs 6: 16-19
Matthew reading: Jesus speaks of accessibilty to the Kingdom of God being much harder (if not impossible) for the chief priests and elders than for "corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes", because the latter heeded John the Baptist's call to repentance while the so-called "righteous" did not. Further on, Jesus refers to the Kingdom being removed from the "righteous" and handed to "a nation that will produce the proper fruit."
While in a literal sense this could perhaps be seen as Jesus removing his salvation from the Jews and bestowing it instead on the Gentiles, that would be a somewhat narrow reading of these words. A more magnanimous view, in keeping with the very nature of Jesus, would be that those who do not bear the fruits of repentance (whether Jew or Gentile) would not experience the Kingdom, while those who do repent (whether Jew or Gentile) will receive the Kingdom.
So why, then, the reference to "corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes?" Could it be that the message of salvation through acceptance of Jesus as Lord is available to all who will hear and accept the message - regardles of who they are or what they have done? That is a bitter pill for many Christians to swallow, but that is also the essence of the Gospel message.
Exodus 13:17 - 15:18
Matthew 21:23-46
Psalm 26: 1-12
Proverbs 6: 16-19
Matthew reading: Jesus speaks of accessibilty to the Kingdom of God being much harder (if not impossible) for the chief priests and elders than for "corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes", because the latter heeded John the Baptist's call to repentance while the so-called "righteous" did not. Further on, Jesus refers to the Kingdom being removed from the "righteous" and handed to "a nation that will produce the proper fruit."
While in a literal sense this could perhaps be seen as Jesus removing his salvation from the Jews and bestowing it instead on the Gentiles, that would be a somewhat narrow reading of these words. A more magnanimous view, in keeping with the very nature of Jesus, would be that those who do not bear the fruits of repentance (whether Jew or Gentile) would not experience the Kingdom, while those who do repent (whether Jew or Gentile) will receive the Kingdom.
So why, then, the reference to "corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes?" Could it be that the message of salvation through acceptance of Jesus as Lord is available to all who will hear and accept the message - regardles of who they are or what they have done? That is a bitter pill for many Christians to swallow, but that is also the essence of the Gospel message.
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