Philippians 1:15-30 Fear of Death

Philippians 1:15-30 NIV


Cemetery at Old Sheldon Church, Beaufort, SC

At a pastor's conference, years ago, the speaker informed us that everyone is afraid to die, including Christians. I was offended by this revelation. I know many Christians who are not afraid of death. St. Paul certainly was not. He wrote: ^"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (vs 21-24)

As a pastor and hospice chaplain I have sat beside more than a few who have been breathing their last breaths in this world. I have indeed witnessed the fear of death in the faces of some. But, I have also witnessed the peace and the joy of those who know that their hope to depart and to be with Christ is about to be fulfilled. In those latter times, I was reminded of St. Stephen's martyrdom. "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen saw the glory of God. He saw Jesus. Up until his very last breath, Stephen followed in the footsteps of Jesus to further the gospel as he prayed, even as Jesus had prayed with his last breath, for the forgiveness of those who were putting him to death. Not long after Stephen's stoning, St. Paul, who is this same Saul who stood and watched the murder of Stephen, met the ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus. His whole life changed. He became a willing and ardent follower of Jesus; living his life as a testimony for Christ. He was not afraid of prison. He was not afraid of death. He longed to be with Jesus; yet, he was willing to do whatever God's will was for him. He was willing to be attacked and persecuted in this world if it would advance the gospel.

No, we are not all afraid of death. Those who believe that Jesus lived and died; rose from the dead; and now reigns in the Heavenly Kingdom look forward to the day when we will see the full glory of God even while we understand that it might be necessary for others that we stay here in this world a while longer. While we live we will give testimony of all that God has done for us, to His glory.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 13:4-12 Darkness for Children of the Devil

Acts 13:4-12 NIV
Bar-Jesus (Elymas the sorcerer) was spiritually blind. He was a Jew; in spite of the fact that Jews were forbidden to participate in any type of sorcery. Bar-Jesus worked hard at keeping Proconsul Sergius Paulus from accepting the truth about Jesus the Christ that Barnabas and Saul (also called Paul here) proclaimed. Paul confronted the sorcerer; calling him a child of the devil. He cursed Bar-Jesus with physical blindness for a time.

Of all people, Paul would have understood what it meant to have been spiritually blind. For once his eyes were shut to the truth, as well. His spiritual blindness had been healed as God had given  him physical blindness for a time, as well. The scriptures do not say whether Bar-Jesus came to accept the truth about Jesus the Christ. But, his physical blindness due to Paul's confrontation definitely convinced Sergius Paulus of the truthfulness of Paul's proclamation.

The inability to accept spiritual healing and wholeness sometimes leads to physical ailments even today.  It is not all that unusual for the darkness within us to overwhelm our physical beings, as well. When we choose to act like children of the devil, by undermining the Word of God, we should not be surprised when darkness surrounds us, either.

May God grant us healing and wholeness of body, mind and spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 13:1-3 Praying For Those Whom God Sends

Acts 13:1-3 NIV

Barnabas and Saul were called by the Holy Spirit to be set apart to serve the Lord as, what we today would call, missionaries. The people of the church at Antioch prayed and laid their hands upon them before they sent them off to do the work which they were called to.

Bp. A. Malasusa, Bp. T. Skrenes, Rev. J. Wrege
Pr. J (kneeling) and Rev. Jimalee Jones (behind pulpit)
 

We ordain and install Pastors with the laying on of hands and prayer. At the beginning of each school year, we pray for those whom we are commissioning or installing as teachers of our youth. After our annual congregation meeting, we do the same for new council members. And, when the Spirit calls sets apart one of our members to visit the sick and our elderly neighbors we have a special service at which we pray for those going out to serve. That is not to say these are the only ones that visit our shut-ins. We have many who do this. But, usually one or two or set apart at any given time to ensure that those who cannot be with us; hear the Word and receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion on a regular basis. These are set apart to pray with those whom they visit.

To what have you been called? We know that God gives to each of us gifts for the good of all. (Romans 12:4-8) What gifts has He given you so that you might answer the call that He has called you to?

Let us pray:  May God who has called you to serve, bless every step that you take. May he bless the work of your hands and the words of your lips that all that you say and think and do may be acceptable in His sight and glorify He, who is our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 9:20-31 Trust Saul?

Acts 9:19b-31 NIV
The saying that it's easier to forgive than to forget seems to apply to Saul (Paul). As soon as he is baptized, Saul begins to preach that Jesus is the Son of God. Some of the people want to kill him for his preaching; others do not trust him.

God can change anyone's heart. But, after so zealously persecuting (mega bullying) others, followers of Jesus are not so sure that he could have made such a drastic change. Simply put, they did not trust him. In Jerusalem, Barnabas had to witness to Saul's conversion so that Saul could freely witness to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God; so that the people would trust and listen to him.

It took only a few moments for God to change Saul's heart; but, it took much longer for the people to understand that he had really changed. Be careful then how we treat one another in order that our witness might be believable and accepted.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 9:1-19 Saul's Eyes Opened

Acts 9:1-19 NIV
God can heal anyone he chooses of blindness. God can call whomever He chooses to serve Him. Here is the story of Saul's spiritual healing; his conversion. On the way to Damascus, this murderous enemy of God and God's people has an encounter with the ascended Jesus. He has, in short, a conversion experience. Saul loses his physical sight even as he gains spiritual insight. Through yet another vision to him; as well as a vision to a disciple named Ananias; he regains his physical vision even he is filled with the Holy Spirit. This man, who just days earlier, is on his way to destroy Christians, desires and is baptized into the Body of Christ. He receives the Holy Spirit, is baptized and sets forth on the mission God has called him to; to proclaim the Word to the gentiles and kings and all of Israel. In just one encounter with the Lord he is converted from persecutor to persecuted.

And, so we pray for our enemies, even as Stephen prayed for his in the moments he was being stoned to death. We pray and hope that the Lord would call, even our worst enemies, to serve him. It can happen. Just read the story of Saul (whom we know as St. Paul) and you will have hope even for those who would destroy the church on earth. One can never know whose eyes God will open or whom He will call.

Again, it is said that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matt 5:4)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 8:1-3 Dragged Into Prison

Acts 8:1-3 NIV
Around the world today, people are persecuted for their faith. They are dragged out of their homes and into prison for what they believe.

After St. Stephen was killed, people went their own ways hoping that they wouldn't be noticed by the persecutors. They were afraid and rightly so; for their lives were on the line. But, the apostles did not run. They stayed in Jerusalem. They may have been afraid; I know not, for sure. But, they did not run. There was only a handful of men left in the church in Jerusalem to take the heat. The church in hiding only served to empower Saul's boldness and desire to destroy the church. "Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison." (vs 3). They were easy prey as they stood and hid alone.

In the face of persecution, may the church on earth, stand boldly and face our accusers with the authority of Christ that the devil will have no power over us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 7:54-60 NIV Forgive Those Who Would Destroy You

Acts 7:54-60 NIV
There are times when we think that we will never be able to forgive someone. Yet, here is Stephen following in the footsteps of Jesus, forgiving those who are putting him to death. A young man Saul, is witness to this event. This young man you probably know better as St. Paul, missionary to the gentiles. Yes, Paul was there to witness the stoning of Stephen. He encouraged it as Saul was a great persecutor of the Christians. Until the day that Saul met the ascended Lord on the way to Damascus. The Lord wanted to know why Saul was so busy persecuting him and his followers. That is the day that the old man in Saul died and Paul began to live and serve the Lord even to his own death. One of the most ardent persecutors of Christians became one of the greatest missionaries ever. We can never know what the Lord has in store for any of us, even our enemies.

Forgive your enemies and pray for them, even as our Lord Jesus and Paul and many other saints before and among have gone to their deaths, praying for and forgiving their enemies. For our hope is not in this world; but that as we (and all whom we encounter) draw our last breaths that we, too, might look to the heaven and see the glory of God, with Jesus standing at His right hand.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 65 - God Calls Even The Lion And Wolf

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
    I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
    I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’" (Isa 65:1 NIV))

The LORD chose us. He chose to reveal Himself to those who did not know Him, even those who did not seek Him. God does what He does simply because He is God.

Verse 24 tells us "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." Often as I finish a prayer rather than say something like: Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer; I thank God for in His mercy, He has heard my prayer and answered. That is, I use the past tense, knowing that God has already accomplished it. God knows what we need. He knows what we want. He knows way in advance of us even knowing it. Therefore, we confirm that He has heard our prayers and answered even before we asked. We may not be able to comprehend that answer at the time we ask it, but we are confident that He has heard and answered. That's just God. He can do that. We cannot.

He can even cause the wolf and the lamb to feed together, the lion to quit preying on others. Imagine that! Nothing is impossible with God! After all, look what He was able to accomplish through Saul, that is St. Paul! He makes peace within His kingdom. He reconciles even the most unlikely characters simply because He is God and that is what He chooses to do.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Chronicles 8 - A King from Humble Beginnings

Benjamin's genealogy is small in comparison to the others.  But, again, here is another example of the last being first.  From the last son (Benjamin); from this small tribe, comes the first king of Israel, Saul. (8:33)

It is just one more reminder to us that God calls whom He will call.  And... time and time again, He has and does call those whom the world would least expect to be called.   After a whole history of this calling the least and the last, one would expect that the "church" in Jesus' day would have understood why he ate with sinners and tax collectors; why he called fishermen to follow Him.  After a whole history of this calling the last and the last, one would expect that the "church" today would understand that still; the last shall be first and the first last.  The "church" should probably quit being surprised that He would call the least and the last:  even women and sinners and even fishermen!  Oh my!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that don't every think that you are so little that God cannot use you.  Those who humble themselves are often the first to be used, maybe because their egos don't get in the way of doing God's will. 

God's Peace - Judy 

2 Samuel 9 - Keep Your Friends Close - Enemies Closer

2 Samuel 9
Love your brother, your neighbor, your potential enemy... There's an old saying keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Out of the blue, David starts asking if anyone of the house of Saul has survived. He'd like to do them some kindness, for the sake of Jonathan. Jonathan's crippled son, Mephibosheth, is brought to David, by a former servant of Saul. And... David is extremely kind, giving him all that had formerly belonged to his grandfather, including the former servant of Saul to work the land. David will ensure that Mephibosheth is cared for all the days of his life.

So why do I question David's motives by implying that this chapter is about keeping our enemies close? There is nothing particular in this chapter that implies it - except that - the servant Ziba was Saul's servant. Except that - Mephibosheth is the grandson of the former king, who for years had pursued David and wanted his death. Yes, Jonathan loved David. But, this is Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. Who can say where Mephibosheth's loyalties will lie? What about Ziba's loyalties? And... if they are not with David, maybe David will win them over with his generosity and kindness. It is good to keep those who are potential enemies close beside you so that you will know what they are doing. Strategies... of politics and war.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer... Be kind to each of them.

Proverbs 25:21-22 (generally credited to be written by David's son, Solomon) reflects this negative or defensive thinking of mine:

"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you."

And who can tell, by your kindness, just maybe your enemy will become your true friend.

And Jesus told us to: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matt 5:44)

2 Samuel 3 - Truce is Over

OK.. Truce is over and a long war ensues between the house of Saul and the house of David. Ishbosheth (Saul's heir)insults Abner, the commander of his troops, over a woman, a concubine. Abner's a little irritated, so he figures he's going to show Ishbosheth who really has the authority and power and it's not Ishbosheth. After all wasn't it Abner who set Ishbosheth up as a king in the first place? Abner goes to David proposing a covenant. Now that he helped to divide the people, Abner's going to bring them together under David this time. They strike a bargain again verifying that what Abner wants or orders is what Abner gets. Abner promises to ensure that David is finally accepted as king over all people of Israel and he gets him his wife Michal (Saul's daughter) back as well - much to the disappointment of her new husband.

The annointed King David and Abner, the commander of Saul's house, make peace and Abner departs.

Well, there is another commander to contend with and he's been out on a raid while David and Abner were conferring. He's been left out of the negotiations. Joab is not happy! Abner had killed Joab's brother and now it is Joab's time to avenge his brother. He kills Abner.

David's angry and curses Joab. But, with all this war and peace and war and peace, I can't help but wonder what David's motivation for being angry with Joab really was.
1. Was it really because Joab struck Abner in a time of
peace?
2. Was it because David recognized Abner's power and
authority with the people and needed him so that he
could win over all the people and be genuine king?
3. Was it because of sentiment, because of Abner
delivering his wife, Michal, whom he loved, back to
him?
Lots of stuff go into the decision making process of a leader. Abner was surely loved by many, but there are just too many factors to make me think that all of David's grieving over Abner was because of his love of Abner. Rather, I think he knew deep down that it was politically advantageous for him to grievously grieve for Abner, in order to win Abner's followers to him. For this great man, Abner, had in fact divided the house of Israel. Abner had led an army against David and David's followers killing many, including the brother of David's commander, Joab.

Politics and war and peace... notice that this whole mess is pretty much about politics and not faith. It seems to me that God has been conspicuously quiet lately. It is about what men want and not so much about what God wants and it is a mess. When men (and women) start manipulating others to get what they want - to show their power and authority - it usually ends up in a mess.

Not our will, Lord, but yours be done on earth as it is in heaven.

1 Samuel 31 - Saul Returns to the Dust

The final chapter of 1 Samuel and Saul's last chapter as well. He has committed suicide in order to avoid torture by the enemy. All the same, he was annointed by God. He was the king of Israel and the valient men of his people honor him by retrieving his and his sons by sneaking in by night and retrieving what is left of the bodies. They are burned and their bones are buried under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh where Saul had once won his first victory over the Philistines.

I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 1 and all being vanity and from Genesis 3 "for dust you are and to dust you shall return." How sad that a man should turn his back on God and spend his whole life fighting with not only enemies, but friends as well.
How sad that from dust to dust a man should live with so much suffering brought about by his own actions or inactions.

May God help us (all who are chosen and called) to live abundant and fruitful lives according to His good will.

1 Samuel 28:15 - Saul and Medium of Endor

Well, I could tell from the heading of this chapter that Saul was going to be in trouble.

He's already in trouble for the LORD will not talk speak to him either by prophets or dreams. But, I guess it's not enough for Saul. In spite of the fact that God forbids bringing people back from the dead in order to consult with them, Saul goes to a medium who raises up Samuel up from the dead for him. Course then again, we cannot be sure if the spirit that was raised was actually Samuel or another spirit as it does not sound like Saul actually saw Samuel, rather the medium gave him a description of what she said she saw. (vs. 13-14) Saul for some reason thinks Samuel might give him a message from God. Samuel does not. Saul received only a repeat of the last words that Samuel said to him before he died with the additional warning that tomorrow he and his sons will be with Saul. Simply put - they will die.

Conjuring up spirits that may or may not be dead relatives or friends is forbidden by God and will bring you nothing but trouble. Please, stay away from fortune tellers and mediums, for your own sake. If you need answers to the direction you should go: study His word, and listen to the Word. You will find all you need in Him. Don't be like Saul, adding one misstep upon the other.

1 Samuel 26

Another opportunity to destroy the one who pursues him. He sneaks in to Saul's camp and takes his spear from beside his head. Can you imagine, the courage, the audacity? But, David will not lay a hand on the LORD's anointed. He will not kill Saul even though Saul has come out against him, again.

Again, the two depart in peace and go there separate ways.

Another awesome example of loving even your enemy.

"On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'" Rom 12:20 NIV see also Prov 25:21-22

If we could but all have the courage to love and to show mercy as David did. David is not afraid of his pursuers. He stops and stands and confronts them. He is not afraid. The LORD is with him.

1 Samuel 24 - Momentary Peace

Saul still pursuing David to destroy him... But, David shows mercy to God's annointed. He does not kill him. As Saul enters alone into the cave to relieve himself, David who has hidden himself with his men in the cave, sneaks up on him and cuts off part of Saul's cloak. David will not kill him. Rather than kill him, he pays homage to Saul. Saul goes home. They depart in peace.

I'm thinking this is what Jesus meant when he said we are to love even our enemies. (Matt 5:43-45) I am quite sure that the very positive action of David not killing Saul has not brought an undying love to either of their hearts for the others. But, it has brought them peace, reconciliation, at least for the time being. At least for now, there will be no killing.

And... may the peace of the LORD be with you all.

1 Samuel 20 - David and Jonathan's Love

I hope that yesterday's posting didn't confuse anyone. Seems, I got things a little out of order. Hopefully, I am back on track today.

Jonathan was a bit confused, it seems, too. Because of his love for David, at first he could not fathom the possibility that his father, Saul, would want David killed. But, he does. Saul wants David dead so that the kingdom will be inherited by his own son, Jonathan. But, then he tries to kill his own son by throwing a spear at him. He misses - thanks be to God. But, Jonathan's eyes are opened. He sees that his father's lust for power has driven him a bit bonkers.

Can you imagine a love, a faithfulness as great as Jonathan's? He does not care about ruling over kingdoms. He cares about his relationship with David. He puts the first thing first. David, in return, loves this son of the man who wants him dead.

Jonathan risks a lot in protecting David. What, I wonder, would we do to protect those whom we love from being persecuted at the hands of others?

1 Samuel 15 - Interesting but Tough

Wow! Some of these old testament stories sure are tough! They are interesting, but tough! I thank the LORD that He has made a new covenant with us through Jesus the Christ! For under the standards of the old covenant, we would all surely fall.

Saul is rejected for not having killed the choicest animals or Agag when God commanded him to. Course then his motivation was probably not to sacrifice the animals to God, nor was it to spare Agag because he liked him. Rather, it was more likely to show him that he could if he wanted to. Saul wanted to show his authority and power. And... that is what God objected to. God is God. Saul is not.

I love Samuel! So... in your face. He does not let Saul get away with his feeble excuses. He calls his actions for what they are. He tells it exactly like it is. "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king." (vs.23). So matter of fact. But, on the other hand it also reminds me to thank God that He has made a new covenant through Jesus the Christ, our Saviour and LORD.