“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that it, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:13-14)
I am reminded of a lactose-intolerant friend, to whom I’m supposed to do Bible study with on the book of Hebrews. Until today, we still haven’t met up to do it. My attention is brought to the word “milk”. Consider this:
“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:1-2)
The former passage describes “milk” as a negative, whereas the latter passage describes “milk” as a positive. How can this be so? I am tempted to easily explain it away scientifically. Milk is good to those who are not lactose-intolerant, whereas milk is bad to those who are lactose-intolerant. Ok, lame humor. Bad for interpretation of Scriptures too.
“Milk”, in Hebrews, is an analogy compared to “solid food”. According to this comparative analogy, “milk” is bad, because being content with just milk goes not augur well for a person’s spiritual growth. We are called to progress on to “solid food”, and, through our habitual “reason of use”, develop a spiritual maturity that will enable us to “discern both good and evil.”
One good benchmark of spiritual maturity is to see how a person makes good judgment calls on issues concerning morality. Doing that requires a great depth of understanding of the word of God. How can we reason with a person that it is wrong to smoke, drink, or eat food offered to idols, if that person has not grasped the concept of sacrificial love, which behaves with the other brother in mind?
A deep level of maturity is also required to “discern both good and evil”, in the context of discerning correct doctrine from incorrect ones. How can we ever reason with a person that Christ is the fulfillment of the law, when that person has no idea of law, or worse still, no idea of who Christ really is in His deity and His purpose?
“Milk” is used as an analogy in 1 Peter, but with a different flavor. “Milk” is now used as a symbol of purity, in contrast to malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, which, if I may add, is a “corrupted” type of food. We are called to crave purity from the word of God, the same way a baby craves for pure milk. This is in line with the teaching: “in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature” (1 Corinthians14:20).
Scientifically, there is no such thing as good milk or bad milk. The culprit lies in the defective enzymes in lactose-intolerant poor things. Spiritually, milk can be good, and it can also be bad. It depends on how the word “milk” is used.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Why You So Gong Gong?
And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ (Matthew 14:29-30)
After giving 6 swimming lessons to two 5-year-old boys, Daniel and Timothy, I said to them, “Come, let’s take off your big float, and put on your arm floats. See if you can swim.”
“Dowan” Daniel retorted.
“Why you dowan? You scared izzit?” I asked. Daniel nodded.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you drown wan. You can surely float with your arm floats,” I coaxed. “I will be holding you. If you cannot float, then I’ll bring you up. I’m just over here,” I continued, giving assurance.
“But if I start to go down, will you take me up?” Daniel asked doubtfully.
“Of course la, I will take you up! You think I will let you sink meh, ayoooo…” I replied.
Then Timothy, Daniel’s younger and wilder twin brother, injected, “He dunno how to think wan! He gong gong…”
How I laughed at Timothy’s comment! We can say that Timothy is a model Christian. He lives with no fear of death. Because he has no concept of danger, drowning, or anything of the like! You have to look out for him, or he’ll be likely to jump into the watery grave while giggling at the same time.
When it was Timothy’s turn, I made him take off his big float and wear his arm floats.
“Koko Joshua…” He said.
“What?” I replied.
After a long pause, he said, “If I start to go down into the water, will you carry me up?”
"Hahahahahaha! You dunno how to think wan! You gong gong! Of course la, I will carry you up!” I chortled.
It was just a few minutes ago when he called his older brother foolish to ask a dumb question. When his turn came, he also asked the same dumb question.
How similar this situation is to our walk with God. For 6 lessons, I made sure I never took my eyes off Timothy and Daniel. For 6 lessons, I never made them do anything that they are scared of. For 6 lessons, I progressively taught them water skills, without letting them do what they are not ready to do. I thought the trust developed between us would be strong enough for them to let go of their big floats and progress to the next level. But they still asked a fundamental question of trust: “If I start to go down, will you carry me up?”
Very often, when we observe other people struggle in matters of faith, we tend to take ourselves out of the picture, look at it from an objective, external, judgmental point of view, and say “Why you dunno how to think wan? You gong gong ah?” We think it’s foolish for other people to ask such questions.
But when we ourselves are in the picture, we realize that we will also ask the same question that we thought was foolish.
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt,” Jesus said.
After giving 6 swimming lessons to two 5-year-old boys, Daniel and Timothy, I said to them, “Come, let’s take off your big float, and put on your arm floats. See if you can swim.”
“Dowan” Daniel retorted.
“Why you dowan? You scared izzit?” I asked. Daniel nodded.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you drown wan. You can surely float with your arm floats,” I coaxed. “I will be holding you. If you cannot float, then I’ll bring you up. I’m just over here,” I continued, giving assurance.
“But if I start to go down, will you take me up?” Daniel asked doubtfully.
“Of course la, I will take you up! You think I will let you sink meh, ayoooo…” I replied.
Then Timothy, Daniel’s younger and wilder twin brother, injected, “He dunno how to think wan! He gong gong…”
How I laughed at Timothy’s comment! We can say that Timothy is a model Christian. He lives with no fear of death. Because he has no concept of danger, drowning, or anything of the like! You have to look out for him, or he’ll be likely to jump into the watery grave while giggling at the same time.
When it was Timothy’s turn, I made him take off his big float and wear his arm floats.
“Koko Joshua…” He said.
“What?” I replied.
After a long pause, he said, “If I start to go down into the water, will you carry me up?”
"Hahahahahaha! You dunno how to think wan! You gong gong! Of course la, I will carry you up!” I chortled.
It was just a few minutes ago when he called his older brother foolish to ask a dumb question. When his turn came, he also asked the same dumb question.
How similar this situation is to our walk with God. For 6 lessons, I made sure I never took my eyes off Timothy and Daniel. For 6 lessons, I never made them do anything that they are scared of. For 6 lessons, I progressively taught them water skills, without letting them do what they are not ready to do. I thought the trust developed between us would be strong enough for them to let go of their big floats and progress to the next level. But they still asked a fundamental question of trust: “If I start to go down, will you carry me up?”
Very often, when we observe other people struggle in matters of faith, we tend to take ourselves out of the picture, look at it from an objective, external, judgmental point of view, and say “Why you dunno how to think wan? You gong gong ah?” We think it’s foolish for other people to ask such questions.
But when we ourselves are in the picture, we realize that we will also ask the same question that we thought was foolish.
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt,” Jesus said.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
I'M GOING TO AUSTRALIA!
“Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalms 37:4)
Despite being a person who holds a stern view on life, today I’m convinced that God is not a party pooper. He throws in a few things here and there every once in a while to make mere mortals happy.
I woke up a few days ago, with my muscle aches all gone, flu healed, nasal blockage cleared, health finally restored, and most of all I realized… I’M GOING TO AUSTRALIA!
Geelong Lorne, Victoria, 4th – 20th February. Rescue 2006, Lifesaving Sports World Championships!
To fully express my present joy, I must deliberate on “the road to Australia”.
Ever since my freshman year in USM, I had my eye on kangarooland. Arafura Games, a bi-annual regional games. USM participates in the Arafura Games, and the varsity swimming & lifesaving team always had the intention of going there. The problem was, no money, so no funny. Hence, came the plan for fund raisers and sponsorship hunts.
Then, SARS struck. Arafura Games cancelled. End of story.
During my 3rd year, the Arafura fever came back. No way we’re going to get ourselves there by any ordinary fund-raiser project, I thought. We needed to do something bigger. Something more unthinkable. Something mad enough to make people fork out money to get 8 USMers to Australia.
Hence, Aquathon Challenge was born. A 50-hour, non-stop marathon relay swim. We swam 168.05 km, set a record in the Malaysia Book Of Records, appeared on numerous newspapers, got into a radio show, and all that jazz. In the end of the day, total profit collected – zilch. Just enough to cover costs of operation. Bye bye Australia, for the second time. But it was still heck of a kick anyway.
Now, in my 4th and final year, if I can ever get myself to Australia, it’s now or never! The Lifesaving Sports World Championships is my last ticket to Down Under. Miss it, and I’ll have to be content with the bottle of Australian sand, water, and air that a friend brought for me from kangarooland.
After this year’s National Lifesaving Competition, I was shortlisted for the World Championships in Australia. Being shortlisted to be in the national team is one thing. Surviving the internal selection process is another thing. It will surely be the pits if I get kicked out of the team in an internal selection, when I was officially the top ranked lifesaver in pool events for 2 consecutive years!
My weeks of centralized training and the final selection were plagued by out-of-form, slow times and illness. You can’t get into competition form in a matter of days. You'll need weeks, or even months of conditioning, which I didn’t have the luxury of! Suddenly, my ticket to Australia was in limbo, despite my credentials from past national competitions and my contributions to lifesaving.
On Wednesday night, looks like things finally went my way, for a change. In a 6-man, 6-woman team, I was the 6th man to be named! Thank God! This is a lesson on humility, and also on God’s graciousness! My Australian dream is finally coming true!
Then, comes the question of whether or not I choose to go. It’s still a long road towards Rescue 2006. The amount of commitment I have to put into training may be too much to bear. I’m in my final year now. Spending more than 2 weeks in Australia will also mean forfeiting almost an entire quarter of my final semester of studenthood. As much as I dream of Australia, I also want to finish well. There are people that I may never get to see in such proximity ever again, after varsity days are over. In order for me to say yes to Australia, and to finish my varsity days well… I have to be no less than bionic.
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalms 37:4)
Despite being a person who holds a stern view on life, today I’m convinced that God is not a party pooper. He throws in a few things here and there every once in a while to make mere mortals happy.
I woke up a few days ago, with my muscle aches all gone, flu healed, nasal blockage cleared, health finally restored, and most of all I realized… I’M GOING TO AUSTRALIA!
Geelong Lorne, Victoria, 4th – 20th February. Rescue 2006, Lifesaving Sports World Championships!
To fully express my present joy, I must deliberate on “the road to Australia”.
Ever since my freshman year in USM, I had my eye on kangarooland. Arafura Games, a bi-annual regional games. USM participates in the Arafura Games, and the varsity swimming & lifesaving team always had the intention of going there. The problem was, no money, so no funny. Hence, came the plan for fund raisers and sponsorship hunts.
Then, SARS struck. Arafura Games cancelled. End of story.
During my 3rd year, the Arafura fever came back. No way we’re going to get ourselves there by any ordinary fund-raiser project, I thought. We needed to do something bigger. Something more unthinkable. Something mad enough to make people fork out money to get 8 USMers to Australia.
Hence, Aquathon Challenge was born. A 50-hour, non-stop marathon relay swim. We swam 168.05 km, set a record in the Malaysia Book Of Records, appeared on numerous newspapers, got into a radio show, and all that jazz. In the end of the day, total profit collected – zilch. Just enough to cover costs of operation. Bye bye Australia, for the second time. But it was still heck of a kick anyway.
Now, in my 4th and final year, if I can ever get myself to Australia, it’s now or never! The Lifesaving Sports World Championships is my last ticket to Down Under. Miss it, and I’ll have to be content with the bottle of Australian sand, water, and air that a friend brought for me from kangarooland.
After this year’s National Lifesaving Competition, I was shortlisted for the World Championships in Australia. Being shortlisted to be in the national team is one thing. Surviving the internal selection process is another thing. It will surely be the pits if I get kicked out of the team in an internal selection, when I was officially the top ranked lifesaver in pool events for 2 consecutive years!
My weeks of centralized training and the final selection were plagued by out-of-form, slow times and illness. You can’t get into competition form in a matter of days. You'll need weeks, or even months of conditioning, which I didn’t have the luxury of! Suddenly, my ticket to Australia was in limbo, despite my credentials from past national competitions and my contributions to lifesaving.
On Wednesday night, looks like things finally went my way, for a change. In a 6-man, 6-woman team, I was the 6th man to be named! Thank God! This is a lesson on humility, and also on God’s graciousness! My Australian dream is finally coming true!
Then, comes the question of whether or not I choose to go. It’s still a long road towards Rescue 2006. The amount of commitment I have to put into training may be too much to bear. I’m in my final year now. Spending more than 2 weeks in Australia will also mean forfeiting almost an entire quarter of my final semester of studenthood. As much as I dream of Australia, I also want to finish well. There are people that I may never get to see in such proximity ever again, after varsity days are over. In order for me to say yes to Australia, and to finish my varsity days well… I have to be no less than bionic.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Unfathomable Providence
“Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):
Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches –
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:7-9)
The pursuit of personal happiness frequently proves to be the main cause of human despair. It is the inward selfishness of man that drives us towards wealth, fame, and power; and the fear of the unknown makes us insulate ourselves from all possible kinds of suffering.
Agur the son of Jakeh, a man of wisdom in the bible, uttered two requests from the Lord. Firstly, to be kept away from the sin of deceit. Secondly, to receive what the Lord intends to give him.
It takes a huge measure of faith to ask for such things, especially Agur’s second request. How likely it is for us to truthfully mean it when we ask God to “give me neither poverty nor riches”? Is it easy for us to honestly ask for that, for the sole reason of not wanting to fall into a snare of forgetting the Lord in our prosperity, or of bringing shame to the name of the Lord in our poverty? Certainly not.
Sometimes, it may be easy to utter prayers God, especially the ones that sound benevolent and noble. But yet, it is exactly those kind of prayers that are most likely to be lacking in honesty. Perhaps this is precisely why Agur, before making a request that requires a great deal of honesty from him, made another prior request: “Remove falsehood and lies far from me”!
The mystery of God’s providence is unfathomable. Sometimes, it can be true that God brings prosperity and comfort as a form of reward, and poverty and suffering as a form of punishment. But the bible points out that God’s providence actually holds no pattern. He blesses indiscriminately, as much as He curses indiscriminately. “For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mathhew 5:45)
It will drive us insane to try and figure out the cause of God’s providence or His allowance of suffering. It will be wiser to focus less on causal answers, and focus more on our response towards such situations. It takes great faith to grapple with things we do not understand, while believing that God intends for our good, even in things that seem evil. For God’s unfathomable providence has a role of conforming our will towards acceptance of His sovereignty, in the putting of every aspect of our lives at His disposal. The step of faith to follow God no matter what, with the little that we know, is not an easy step to take.
“I ask You neither for health nor for sickness, for life nor for death; but that You may dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for your glory… You alone know what is expedient for me; You are the Sovereign Master; do with me according to Your will. Give to me, or take away from me, only conform my will to Yours. I know but one thing, Lord, that it is good to follow You, and bad to offend You. Apart from that, I know not what is good or bad in anything. I know not which is most profitable to me, health or sickness, wealth or poverty, nor anything else in the world. That discernment is beyond the power of men or angels, and is hidden among the secrets of your Providence, which I adore, but do not seek to fathom” - Blaise Pascal
(Deprive me not before I die):
Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches –
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:7-9)
The pursuit of personal happiness frequently proves to be the main cause of human despair. It is the inward selfishness of man that drives us towards wealth, fame, and power; and the fear of the unknown makes us insulate ourselves from all possible kinds of suffering.
Agur the son of Jakeh, a man of wisdom in the bible, uttered two requests from the Lord. Firstly, to be kept away from the sin of deceit. Secondly, to receive what the Lord intends to give him.
It takes a huge measure of faith to ask for such things, especially Agur’s second request. How likely it is for us to truthfully mean it when we ask God to “give me neither poverty nor riches”? Is it easy for us to honestly ask for that, for the sole reason of not wanting to fall into a snare of forgetting the Lord in our prosperity, or of bringing shame to the name of the Lord in our poverty? Certainly not.
Sometimes, it may be easy to utter prayers God, especially the ones that sound benevolent and noble. But yet, it is exactly those kind of prayers that are most likely to be lacking in honesty. Perhaps this is precisely why Agur, before making a request that requires a great deal of honesty from him, made another prior request: “Remove falsehood and lies far from me”!
The mystery of God’s providence is unfathomable. Sometimes, it can be true that God brings prosperity and comfort as a form of reward, and poverty and suffering as a form of punishment. But the bible points out that God’s providence actually holds no pattern. He blesses indiscriminately, as much as He curses indiscriminately. “For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mathhew 5:45)
It will drive us insane to try and figure out the cause of God’s providence or His allowance of suffering. It will be wiser to focus less on causal answers, and focus more on our response towards such situations. It takes great faith to grapple with things we do not understand, while believing that God intends for our good, even in things that seem evil. For God’s unfathomable providence has a role of conforming our will towards acceptance of His sovereignty, in the putting of every aspect of our lives at His disposal. The step of faith to follow God no matter what, with the little that we know, is not an easy step to take.
“I ask You neither for health nor for sickness, for life nor for death; but that You may dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for your glory… You alone know what is expedient for me; You are the Sovereign Master; do with me according to Your will. Give to me, or take away from me, only conform my will to Yours. I know but one thing, Lord, that it is good to follow You, and bad to offend You. Apart from that, I know not what is good or bad in anything. I know not which is most profitable to me, health or sickness, wealth or poverty, nor anything else in the world. That discernment is beyond the power of men or angels, and is hidden among the secrets of your Providence, which I adore, but do not seek to fathom” - Blaise Pascal
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Confessions Of Non-St Joshuastine
A flyer landed in my letterbox today, and it sparked me off into writing this confessional.
“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3)
The sin of idolatry is my weak point. Being a naturally ambitious person, I struggle for superiority. Not to the extent of challenging the deity and Lordship of the one and only Living God. More of like, giving myself or my own interests a higher priority than God.
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13)
No, I have not killed anyone. But if it is true that murder begins in the heart, and that “whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:22), then I am a professional assassin. No need to go to the level of turning the other cheek. If given a choice between fight or flight – I choose fight. Win or lose, never mind. But I must get my fight.
“You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17)
I do not specifically long for a particular neighbor’s possessions for myself. But I generally feel the luring pull of the world to want more things for myself. Through my observations of the general world order, I am tempted to make it big time, the way I’d like to define big time in my own terms.
So, what has the flyer got to do with all this.
“C.S. Wong Mathematics Class. Maths & Add Maths Tuition (PMR & SPM)”
There’s this guy, a USM Bachelor Degree holder in Mechanical Engineering, who is going full time into the tuition business! He teaches Mathematics from Form 1 to Form 5, for both Maths and Add Maths! He establishes his empire all over Penang in 4 tuition centers: Gottlieb Road, New Lane, Paya Terubong, and PISA! He’s handling classes everyday, around the clock, from Monday to Sunday!
A smart move, I should say. Engineering may not be an ideal job for every engineer, because considering the competitiveness in the world of engineering, you must either be a really excellent engineer to make it big, or just be a mediocre engineer who’s married to your job for a pay packet that may be far from luxurious. And there’s a lot of money in the tuition business, especially if you’re good and you’re willing to invest your time in it.
So, why does this strike a chord within me? Because I, too, am planning to go into the tuition business, starting January! I’ll be teaching just one small class. Add Maths, Form 4, on Monday evenings as a start.
Just as I’m finishing my question bank, here comes this guy, with an impressive looking advertisement on my doorstep. Not only that, he is also from USM, my university. And he’s also building his tuition empire in Penang, my home state. And he’s teaching Mathematics, my major. And he is conquering both kinds of Maths, from Form 1 to Form 5!
The worst part is… He even stole my pen name! I gave myself a brand name “C.S. Hooi Tutorial Center”. And this guy calls himself C.S. Wong Mathematics Class! Wah piang eh... As the say in Hokkien, really “bey song”.
Nevertheless, I’m sure his C.S. is not the same as my C.S. His C.S. probably means Chee Seng or Cheng Soon, or something like that. I, for one, know that my C.S. is unique. There can only be one Chee Shing!
As I’ve said earlier… Great is my sin of idolatry.
As for now, maybe I’ll find out his home address and toilet paper his house :)
“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3)
The sin of idolatry is my weak point. Being a naturally ambitious person, I struggle for superiority. Not to the extent of challenging the deity and Lordship of the one and only Living God. More of like, giving myself or my own interests a higher priority than God.
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13)
No, I have not killed anyone. But if it is true that murder begins in the heart, and that “whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:22), then I am a professional assassin. No need to go to the level of turning the other cheek. If given a choice between fight or flight – I choose fight. Win or lose, never mind. But I must get my fight.
“You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17)
I do not specifically long for a particular neighbor’s possessions for myself. But I generally feel the luring pull of the world to want more things for myself. Through my observations of the general world order, I am tempted to make it big time, the way I’d like to define big time in my own terms.
So, what has the flyer got to do with all this.
“C.S. Wong Mathematics Class. Maths & Add Maths Tuition (PMR & SPM)”
There’s this guy, a USM Bachelor Degree holder in Mechanical Engineering, who is going full time into the tuition business! He teaches Mathematics from Form 1 to Form 5, for both Maths and Add Maths! He establishes his empire all over Penang in 4 tuition centers: Gottlieb Road, New Lane, Paya Terubong, and PISA! He’s handling classes everyday, around the clock, from Monday to Sunday!
A smart move, I should say. Engineering may not be an ideal job for every engineer, because considering the competitiveness in the world of engineering, you must either be a really excellent engineer to make it big, or just be a mediocre engineer who’s married to your job for a pay packet that may be far from luxurious. And there’s a lot of money in the tuition business, especially if you’re good and you’re willing to invest your time in it.
So, why does this strike a chord within me? Because I, too, am planning to go into the tuition business, starting January! I’ll be teaching just one small class. Add Maths, Form 4, on Monday evenings as a start.
Just as I’m finishing my question bank, here comes this guy, with an impressive looking advertisement on my doorstep. Not only that, he is also from USM, my university. And he’s also building his tuition empire in Penang, my home state. And he’s teaching Mathematics, my major. And he is conquering both kinds of Maths, from Form 1 to Form 5!
The worst part is… He even stole my pen name! I gave myself a brand name “C.S. Hooi Tutorial Center”. And this guy calls himself C.S. Wong Mathematics Class! Wah piang eh... As the say in Hokkien, really “bey song”.
Nevertheless, I’m sure his C.S. is not the same as my C.S. His C.S. probably means Chee Seng or Cheng Soon, or something like that. I, for one, know that my C.S. is unique. There can only be one Chee Shing!
As I’ve said earlier… Great is my sin of idolatry.
As for now, maybe I’ll find out his home address and toilet paper his house :)
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Pursuit Of Immortality
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12)
Humanity may not be as shallow as we deem it to be. For deep in the heart of every man lies the desire for immortality. It is only the degree of that desire that differs. The extent of immortality that is sought is what distinguishes one man from another.
It is not a rare occurrence for people to turn to facials to reduce wrinkles. Some resort to botox injections to immortalize their youthful complexion – killing some cells permanently in return for a facade of youthfulness. Cryogenic technology is researched in the hope of bringing the dead back to life, if the secret of rekindling life were ever to be discovered. Instead of pine caskets, some people spend a fortune to be “buried” in a cryogenic tube in the hope of an eventual resurrection into the old world. The human genome is mapped, also with the hope of reversing the process of death, if death could be linked with a genetic code.
Even if man cannot immortalize themselves physically, man still tries to paint eternity for themselves in ways where they can be remembered for time immemorial. Some may not have set out to do it deliberately, but some characters have set out to attain such immortality in the memory of the world in passionate deliberation. Man sets out to accomplish great feats – To be the first to climb the highest peak; the greatest war hero; the first to sail around the world; the pioneer to discover a new continent; the first person to find a cure for a disease; the man who sets world records in sports; the man who changes the course of history, either by fear, by force, or peaceful revolution – in order to immortalize his existence on this planet. What crowning glory it is, for those who are remembered for their great exploits!
Some people are curious on why I choose to afflict myself with physical pain in pursuit of excellence in sports. Why do I continually set my face towards enduring such discipline and painful displeasure for crowns that do not last?
It is not the crowns that drive me. It is the anticipation of an incredible, indescribable feeling that motivates me. This feeling comes only at the end of all the painful hardships of training, just before the race. The painful regime of breaking down and building up, tearing and healing, panting and resting, will amount to a plateau of strength at the correct time. A plateau of strength that you have never reached before. The kind of feeling you feel, just at the starting block...
It is a like feeling of temporary immortality.
In our spiritual pursuit of immortality, we are not spared from all kinds of trials and tribulations. The goal of mortal strife, which is a blessing that is far superior to any notion of earthly immortality, awaits those who have been approved by the Lord. A prize awaits those who remain in Him until the very end – “The crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”.
We thank Thee for the crown
Of glory and of life
‘Tis no poor withering wreath of earth
Man’s prize in mortal strife
‘Tis incorruptible as is the throne
The kingdom of our God
And His Incarnate Son
Humanity may not be as shallow as we deem it to be. For deep in the heart of every man lies the desire for immortality. It is only the degree of that desire that differs. The extent of immortality that is sought is what distinguishes one man from another.
It is not a rare occurrence for people to turn to facials to reduce wrinkles. Some resort to botox injections to immortalize their youthful complexion – killing some cells permanently in return for a facade of youthfulness. Cryogenic technology is researched in the hope of bringing the dead back to life, if the secret of rekindling life were ever to be discovered. Instead of pine caskets, some people spend a fortune to be “buried” in a cryogenic tube in the hope of an eventual resurrection into the old world. The human genome is mapped, also with the hope of reversing the process of death, if death could be linked with a genetic code.
Even if man cannot immortalize themselves physically, man still tries to paint eternity for themselves in ways where they can be remembered for time immemorial. Some may not have set out to do it deliberately, but some characters have set out to attain such immortality in the memory of the world in passionate deliberation. Man sets out to accomplish great feats – To be the first to climb the highest peak; the greatest war hero; the first to sail around the world; the pioneer to discover a new continent; the first person to find a cure for a disease; the man who sets world records in sports; the man who changes the course of history, either by fear, by force, or peaceful revolution – in order to immortalize his existence on this planet. What crowning glory it is, for those who are remembered for their great exploits!
Some people are curious on why I choose to afflict myself with physical pain in pursuit of excellence in sports. Why do I continually set my face towards enduring such discipline and painful displeasure for crowns that do not last?
It is not the crowns that drive me. It is the anticipation of an incredible, indescribable feeling that motivates me. This feeling comes only at the end of all the painful hardships of training, just before the race. The painful regime of breaking down and building up, tearing and healing, panting and resting, will amount to a plateau of strength at the correct time. A plateau of strength that you have never reached before. The kind of feeling you feel, just at the starting block...
It is a like feeling of temporary immortality.
In our spiritual pursuit of immortality, we are not spared from all kinds of trials and tribulations. The goal of mortal strife, which is a blessing that is far superior to any notion of earthly immortality, awaits those who have been approved by the Lord. A prize awaits those who remain in Him until the very end – “The crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”.
We thank Thee for the crown
Of glory and of life
‘Tis no poor withering wreath of earth
Man’s prize in mortal strife
‘Tis incorruptible as is the throne
The kingdom of our God
And His Incarnate Son
Friday, December 09, 2005
Time Of Affliction
“Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 23:27-28)
This was how the children of Israel prepared themselves for one of the most important Jewish festivals – the Day of Atonement. It was a time to afflict their souls. Or may I add, for emphasis, deliberately afflict their souls. And those who does not afflict their souls “shall be cut off from his people” (Leviticus 23:29). This was how seriously the Jews pursued their spirituality, old school style.
Old school style, yes. But still, it was an important discipline to point towards a very important concept in salvation. The Day of Atonement is a shadow of the total and complete atonement that came in Christ. A time of affliction of the soul was crucial to make the children of Israel face the reality of sin in their lives. The seriousness of sin has to be realized before the significance of the Day of Atonement can be fully understood and appreciated. Without a period of afflicting the soul, the weightiness of sin will not be realized, and the Day of Atonement will not mean a thing. Much worse, Christ’s atonement for our sins would be too foreign a concept to be accepted, if it was not introduced in progressive revelation.
The pursuit of spirituality was never an easy task. Doing it old school teaches us the best spiritual lessons. The same parallel can be drawn in the pursuit of physical perfection. Doing it old school brings out the best results.
I just came back from National Conference and my CF’s Exco Planning & Retreat, back to back. After more than 2 weeks of physical inactivity, I suddenly learnt that the final selection for the Rescue 2006 World Championships will be on the 17th and 18th this month! That is just 8 days away! How in the world am I going to get into top condition in such a short span of time? There's only one way to do that. Old school style.
I was ranked Malaysia’s no. 1 in pool events in national level competitions. For 2 consecutive years, I was the gold medalist for 2 events. Also, as a Seiko Award Winner in my contributions in lifesaving to the country, I should already be given a place in the national team bound for Australia for Rescue 2006. Being top-ranked in national competitions but getting kicked out in an internal selection process would be the pits!
For 4 long years, I have been trying to set foot on the land down under. Year after year, it didn’t work out. Rescue 2006 will be my last chance to get there. I thought my place was secured, based on the results of my performances. But now, my ticket to kangaroo land is in limbo.
This is a time to be sober. This is a time to afflict my flesh. Old school style. Lest I get cut off from my people.
This was how the children of Israel prepared themselves for one of the most important Jewish festivals – the Day of Atonement. It was a time to afflict their souls. Or may I add, for emphasis, deliberately afflict their souls. And those who does not afflict their souls “shall be cut off from his people” (Leviticus 23:29). This was how seriously the Jews pursued their spirituality, old school style.
Old school style, yes. But still, it was an important discipline to point towards a very important concept in salvation. The Day of Atonement is a shadow of the total and complete atonement that came in Christ. A time of affliction of the soul was crucial to make the children of Israel face the reality of sin in their lives. The seriousness of sin has to be realized before the significance of the Day of Atonement can be fully understood and appreciated. Without a period of afflicting the soul, the weightiness of sin will not be realized, and the Day of Atonement will not mean a thing. Much worse, Christ’s atonement for our sins would be too foreign a concept to be accepted, if it was not introduced in progressive revelation.
The pursuit of spirituality was never an easy task. Doing it old school teaches us the best spiritual lessons. The same parallel can be drawn in the pursuit of physical perfection. Doing it old school brings out the best results.
I just came back from National Conference and my CF’s Exco Planning & Retreat, back to back. After more than 2 weeks of physical inactivity, I suddenly learnt that the final selection for the Rescue 2006 World Championships will be on the 17th and 18th this month! That is just 8 days away! How in the world am I going to get into top condition in such a short span of time? There's only one way to do that. Old school style.
I was ranked Malaysia’s no. 1 in pool events in national level competitions. For 2 consecutive years, I was the gold medalist for 2 events. Also, as a Seiko Award Winner in my contributions in lifesaving to the country, I should already be given a place in the national team bound for Australia for Rescue 2006. Being top-ranked in national competitions but getting kicked out in an internal selection process would be the pits!
For 4 long years, I have been trying to set foot on the land down under. Year after year, it didn’t work out. Rescue 2006 will be my last chance to get there. I thought my place was secured, based on the results of my performances. But now, my ticket to kangaroo land is in limbo.
This is a time to be sober. This is a time to afflict my flesh. Old school style. Lest I get cut off from my people.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Work First, Eat Later
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).
Yes, I’ve been afforded with a lot of free time these days. With no exams at hand, I’ve been on holiday since 30th September, until 27th December. This kind of privilege can only be enjoyed by students pursuing a degree in Education, upon completion of their 10-week teaching practice!
Even though I’m not tied down by academic obligations, my time still ends up being filled, in one way or another. So, am I very free nowadays? My answer is, yes and no.
I’ve been working on my preparations to teach tuition at a tuition center. The work of writing notes and compiling a question bank requires more commitment than I anticipated. But as the Malay saying goes, “berakit-rakit ke hulu, berenang-renang ke tepian; bersakit-sakit dahulu, bersenang-senang kemudian.” The work of preparing the material is tedious indeed. But after I’m done with preparations, everything will be smooth sailing when tuition classes start in December. With the transition of Science and Mathematics into the English medium of instruction, there’s no better time to make a start into the tuition business than now. Besides the long-term benefits it may bring in the future, I can really do with an immediate source of income. Need it for the autonomy.
I’ve found myself a small group of kids to teach swimming as well. It’s quite a lucrative job, this “business” of teaching. Not only is it lucrative financially. It’s an enjoyable thing to do, especially when you find satisfaction in teaching people skills and imparting knowledge that can benefit them for life.
While I’m enjoying the idea of the prospects that are before me, I am reminded about Paul’s words to the Thessalonian church about work. It’s so true that being jobless and not having any academic pursuit at the same time may give you too much free time for your own good. With nothing better to do, it’s so easy to become “busybodies”, minding other people’s business not for their betterment, and neither for our own. But when there is work for us to do with our own hands, we won’t have time to behave in a “disorderly manner”. How true! With something to do, I find that I don’t really have time to clown around these days! Rightfully said for everyone’s own good, Paul exhorts that we should “work in quietness”, mind our own business, and “eat (our) own bread” when we reap the rewards of our work.
However, minding our own business does not mean we mind only our own business, without giving any room for the Lord’s business. Taken to one extreme, minding our own business may give rise to a lifestyle where we live only for ourselves, without anyone else or anything else in the picture.
However, the recipients of Paul’s epistle were living in the other extreme. Some people did not see the point of working at all, since they were being expectant of the Lord’s second coming, using a form of spirituality to hide a lifestyle of irresponsibility. Therefore, Paul instructed them to work and keep busy while waiting for the Lord’s return, and not just coast around.
We live in a point in time where we struggle between the possibility of Christ’s immediate return, and the impossibility of predicting that moment. It’s not easy to live out the time that we have between our current existence until the Lord comes again. In the midst of the enjoyments and disparities of life, a good way to dispense the time that we have is to live with an end in mind – that we our appointment with Christ is yet to be due.
Yes, I’ve been afforded with a lot of free time these days. With no exams at hand, I’ve been on holiday since 30th September, until 27th December. This kind of privilege can only be enjoyed by students pursuing a degree in Education, upon completion of their 10-week teaching practice!
Even though I’m not tied down by academic obligations, my time still ends up being filled, in one way or another. So, am I very free nowadays? My answer is, yes and no.
I’ve been working on my preparations to teach tuition at a tuition center. The work of writing notes and compiling a question bank requires more commitment than I anticipated. But as the Malay saying goes, “berakit-rakit ke hulu, berenang-renang ke tepian; bersakit-sakit dahulu, bersenang-senang kemudian.” The work of preparing the material is tedious indeed. But after I’m done with preparations, everything will be smooth sailing when tuition classes start in December. With the transition of Science and Mathematics into the English medium of instruction, there’s no better time to make a start into the tuition business than now. Besides the long-term benefits it may bring in the future, I can really do with an immediate source of income. Need it for the autonomy.
I’ve found myself a small group of kids to teach swimming as well. It’s quite a lucrative job, this “business” of teaching. Not only is it lucrative financially. It’s an enjoyable thing to do, especially when you find satisfaction in teaching people skills and imparting knowledge that can benefit them for life.
While I’m enjoying the idea of the prospects that are before me, I am reminded about Paul’s words to the Thessalonian church about work. It’s so true that being jobless and not having any academic pursuit at the same time may give you too much free time for your own good. With nothing better to do, it’s so easy to become “busybodies”, minding other people’s business not for their betterment, and neither for our own. But when there is work for us to do with our own hands, we won’t have time to behave in a “disorderly manner”. How true! With something to do, I find that I don’t really have time to clown around these days! Rightfully said for everyone’s own good, Paul exhorts that we should “work in quietness”, mind our own business, and “eat (our) own bread” when we reap the rewards of our work.
However, minding our own business does not mean we mind only our own business, without giving any room for the Lord’s business. Taken to one extreme, minding our own business may give rise to a lifestyle where we live only for ourselves, without anyone else or anything else in the picture.
However, the recipients of Paul’s epistle were living in the other extreme. Some people did not see the point of working at all, since they were being expectant of the Lord’s second coming, using a form of spirituality to hide a lifestyle of irresponsibility. Therefore, Paul instructed them to work and keep busy while waiting for the Lord’s return, and not just coast around.
We live in a point in time where we struggle between the possibility of Christ’s immediate return, and the impossibility of predicting that moment. It’s not easy to live out the time that we have between our current existence until the Lord comes again. In the midst of the enjoyments and disparities of life, a good way to dispense the time that we have is to live with an end in mind – that we our appointment with Christ is yet to be due.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Paul The Mother, Paul The Father
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children (1 Thessalonians 2:7).
Surprise, surprise! Paul has a motherly side! As a mother would care for his children, such was Paul’s care for the Thessalonian church. Paul “affectionately longs” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) for the church. Paul exhibited a mother’s nurturing character by bringing up the church in the gospel. He showed a tinge of a mother’s personal touch by sharing not only the gospel, but also his own personal life intimately because the church “had become dear” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) to him. Also, he showed a mother’s sacrificial attitude when he would rather labor “night and day” (1 Thessalonians 2:9), so he would not be a financial burden to the church.
Not only did Paul exhibit a motherly nature. He also had a fatherly side to him.
As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children (1 Thessalonians 2:11).
Typical of a father’s role, Paul behaved “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” (1 Thessaolonians 2:10) as an exemplary and respectable father figure to the Thessalonian church. He also dished out fatherly discipline by exhorting, comforting, and charging the church as his own children to “walk worthy of God who calls (them) into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Just as any father would want his children to walk worthily so that they would bring pride and honor to the family name, not shame and contempt, Paul longed for the very same thing for the children of God in relation to God the Father.
Indeed, Paul had proven himself to be one of the “apostles of Christ” (1 Thessalonians 2:6) who “have been approved by God” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). He played both sides of parenting for the church – the maternal role, and the paternal role as well. Not only did Paul strike a good balance in the way he took care of the church. He also painted for us a good model for parenting in our own households.
If only Paul also played the role of the grandfather and the grandmother. Oh, how he would have pampered us!
“The role of grandparents is to pamper the grandchildren. The rest is the parents’ job” – A grandparent of two toddlers.
Surprise, surprise! Paul has a motherly side! As a mother would care for his children, such was Paul’s care for the Thessalonian church. Paul “affectionately longs” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) for the church. Paul exhibited a mother’s nurturing character by bringing up the church in the gospel. He showed a tinge of a mother’s personal touch by sharing not only the gospel, but also his own personal life intimately because the church “had become dear” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) to him. Also, he showed a mother’s sacrificial attitude when he would rather labor “night and day” (1 Thessalonians 2:9), so he would not be a financial burden to the church.
Not only did Paul exhibit a motherly nature. He also had a fatherly side to him.
As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children (1 Thessalonians 2:11).
Typical of a father’s role, Paul behaved “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” (1 Thessaolonians 2:10) as an exemplary and respectable father figure to the Thessalonian church. He also dished out fatherly discipline by exhorting, comforting, and charging the church as his own children to “walk worthy of God who calls (them) into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Just as any father would want his children to walk worthily so that they would bring pride and honor to the family name, not shame and contempt, Paul longed for the very same thing for the children of God in relation to God the Father.
Indeed, Paul had proven himself to be one of the “apostles of Christ” (1 Thessalonians 2:6) who “have been approved by God” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). He played both sides of parenting for the church – the maternal role, and the paternal role as well. Not only did Paul strike a good balance in the way he took care of the church. He also painted for us a good model for parenting in our own households.
If only Paul also played the role of the grandfather and the grandmother. Oh, how he would have pampered us!
“The role of grandparents is to pamper the grandchildren. The rest is the parents’ job” – A grandparent of two toddlers.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Nothing Is Free
Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.” (1 Chronicles 21:24)
Jerusalem suffered intensely under the plague as a result of David’s sin of acquiring a census. When David “saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, having in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem” (1 Chronicles 21:16), he prayed to God for mercy. Therefore, the angel of the Lord told David to “erect and altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (1 Chronicles 21:18), so that “the plague may be withdrawn from the people” (1 Chronicles 21:22).
In view of the national disaster that was sweeping the land, Ornan offered to give David the place of his threshing floor, along with oxen for burnt offerings, threshing implements for wood, and wheat for the grain offering. Ornan wanted relief form the plague as much as David did.
David could have just taken Ornan up at his offer. What’s wrong with accepting a free gift, if that gift would mean the end of the plague that was destroying Jerusalem? Ornan did not give away his threshing floor under compulsion. He wanted to give it away willingly, because he wanted the plague to end before his own life was consumed by it – just as any other Israelite would.
In fact, even if Ornan did not offer his threshing floor freely, David could use his authority to seize Ornan’s property, or just take it away from him. Who could deny a king of his wishes?
However, David would not hear of Ornan’s offer. David insisted on paying Ornan the full price for his threshing floor, and he “gave Ornan six hundred shekels of gold by weight for the place” (1 Chronicles 21:25). David understood the meaning of making an offering to the Lord. He knew that an offering would be meaningless if it costed him nothing. He took the right course of action. God accepted his offering and “answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering” (1 Chronicles 21:26).
When David had a choice to choose his punishment, he chose the easiest way. But when David had a choice to make an offering to atone for his sins, he chose the proper way – even if it was the harder way.
One may reason that the price that David paid for Ornan’s threshing floor is only miniscule compared to the vast wealth of his treasuries. Paying 600 shekels of gold is nothing big for a king!
However, the point here is not so much about the ratio of the offering to the amount that David is able to offer. David’s offering pleased the Lord because it was done in a proper way. David’s attitude of offering a sacrifice at his own cost made it acceptable unto the Lord.
An offering is considered a sacrifice, only if it came at a cost of the offerer. Our sincerity in our service and in our giving to the Lord is reflected in the way it costs us. If it costs us nothing, it means nothing to God.
Jerusalem suffered intensely under the plague as a result of David’s sin of acquiring a census. When David “saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, having in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem” (1 Chronicles 21:16), he prayed to God for mercy. Therefore, the angel of the Lord told David to “erect and altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (1 Chronicles 21:18), so that “the plague may be withdrawn from the people” (1 Chronicles 21:22).
In view of the national disaster that was sweeping the land, Ornan offered to give David the place of his threshing floor, along with oxen for burnt offerings, threshing implements for wood, and wheat for the grain offering. Ornan wanted relief form the plague as much as David did.
David could have just taken Ornan up at his offer. What’s wrong with accepting a free gift, if that gift would mean the end of the plague that was destroying Jerusalem? Ornan did not give away his threshing floor under compulsion. He wanted to give it away willingly, because he wanted the plague to end before his own life was consumed by it – just as any other Israelite would.
In fact, even if Ornan did not offer his threshing floor freely, David could use his authority to seize Ornan’s property, or just take it away from him. Who could deny a king of his wishes?
However, David would not hear of Ornan’s offer. David insisted on paying Ornan the full price for his threshing floor, and he “gave Ornan six hundred shekels of gold by weight for the place” (1 Chronicles 21:25). David understood the meaning of making an offering to the Lord. He knew that an offering would be meaningless if it costed him nothing. He took the right course of action. God accepted his offering and “answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering” (1 Chronicles 21:26).
When David had a choice to choose his punishment, he chose the easiest way. But when David had a choice to make an offering to atone for his sins, he chose the proper way – even if it was the harder way.
One may reason that the price that David paid for Ornan’s threshing floor is only miniscule compared to the vast wealth of his treasuries. Paying 600 shekels of gold is nothing big for a king!
However, the point here is not so much about the ratio of the offering to the amount that David is able to offer. David’s offering pleased the Lord because it was done in a proper way. David’s attitude of offering a sacrifice at his own cost made it acceptable unto the Lord.
An offering is considered a sacrifice, only if it came at a cost of the offerer. Our sincerity in our service and in our giving to the Lord is reflected in the way it costs us. If it costs us nothing, it means nothing to God.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
The Punisher
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Choose for yourself, either three years of famine, or three months to be defeated by your foes with the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or else for three days the sword of the Lord – the plague in the land, with the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel’…” (1 Chronicles 21:11-12)
Gad, David’s seer, brought God’s word of punishment to David for his sin of acquiring a census. David must have considered all the 3 options given to him, so he could choose the punishment that he deemed as the lightest.
1st option: 3 years of famine. A great agricultural disaster will come upon the land. People will go hungry. The land will be in an economical crisis when the produce of the land is crippled. Poverty will drive people to desperation. Crime rate will increase, and this will cause a rise of social problems.
2nd option: 3 months of military defeat. Israel will face 3 months of solid onslaught from its enemies. And in every battle, Israel will face defeat. Countless lives of valiant men will be lost. Families will become destitute with the loss of their husbands and sons. A family line may be totally cut off with a sudden death of its males. Israel’s military might will suddenly be as vulnerable as a chick without its mother hen. David’s pride as a legendary man of war will be badly damaged.
3rd option: 3 days of plague in the land. A disaster will be brought upon Jerusalem by “the sword of the Lord.” 72 hours of intense destruction will be carried out swiftly by “the angel of the Lord.” People will die tragically and indiscriminately by the hand of an unstoppable, unexplainable, divine power.
Of the 3 options given to David, he chose the 3rd option. But why did he choose that option? Wouldn’t it be the most terrifying and painful thing to accept punishment from an immortal, all-powerful God? Surely His anger will be impossible to bear. Wouldn’t it be easier to accept punishment that would be dished out from the hands of mortal men? Surely David still had his head screwed on his shoulder while making this informed decision!
But David knew what he was doing. He said “Please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man”(1 Chronicles 21:13).
Of course, David made the most logical choice when he chose what he deemed to be the easiest punishment to endure. Such great faith that David had in the Lord, that he believed in the mercies of God, even in the pronouncement of certain judgment! David knew that even in His wrath, there is a side of God who “is ever merciful” (Psalms 37:26). He entrusted his own life and the welfare of his nation to the mercies of God, rather than to the hands of man.
Imagine if you had done something terribly wrong, and you were actually offered a choice to choose your own punishment. Who would you choose as your punisher?
Gad, David’s seer, brought God’s word of punishment to David for his sin of acquiring a census. David must have considered all the 3 options given to him, so he could choose the punishment that he deemed as the lightest.
1st option: 3 years of famine. A great agricultural disaster will come upon the land. People will go hungry. The land will be in an economical crisis when the produce of the land is crippled. Poverty will drive people to desperation. Crime rate will increase, and this will cause a rise of social problems.
2nd option: 3 months of military defeat. Israel will face 3 months of solid onslaught from its enemies. And in every battle, Israel will face defeat. Countless lives of valiant men will be lost. Families will become destitute with the loss of their husbands and sons. A family line may be totally cut off with a sudden death of its males. Israel’s military might will suddenly be as vulnerable as a chick without its mother hen. David’s pride as a legendary man of war will be badly damaged.
3rd option: 3 days of plague in the land. A disaster will be brought upon Jerusalem by “the sword of the Lord.” 72 hours of intense destruction will be carried out swiftly by “the angel of the Lord.” People will die tragically and indiscriminately by the hand of an unstoppable, unexplainable, divine power.
Of the 3 options given to David, he chose the 3rd option. But why did he choose that option? Wouldn’t it be the most terrifying and painful thing to accept punishment from an immortal, all-powerful God? Surely His anger will be impossible to bear. Wouldn’t it be easier to accept punishment that would be dished out from the hands of mortal men? Surely David still had his head screwed on his shoulder while making this informed decision!
But David knew what he was doing. He said “Please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man”(1 Chronicles 21:13).
Of course, David made the most logical choice when he chose what he deemed to be the easiest punishment to endure. Such great faith that David had in the Lord, that he believed in the mercies of God, even in the pronouncement of certain judgment! David knew that even in His wrath, there is a side of God who “is ever merciful” (Psalms 37:26). He entrusted his own life and the welfare of his nation to the mercies of God, rather than to the hands of man.
Imagine if you had done something terribly wrong, and you were actually offered a choice to choose your own punishment. Who would you choose as your punisher?
Friday, October 28, 2005
Bad Call
So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it.” And Joab answered, “May the Lord make His people a hundred times more than they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” (1 Chronicles 21:2-3)
Why was it wrong for David to call for a census? How come Joab advised David against it, saying that it would cause him to be “a cause of guilt in Israel?”
The act of having a census was not wrong in itself. We saw how God Himself had commanded the Israelites to be counted during an earlier time of Israel’s history, when He said “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel…” (Numbers 1:2).
However, David’s motive behind the act of calling for a census had caused him to sin against God. His attitude and the purpose behind the census was the cause of wrong. David wanted to know how many Israelites he had who were able to draw the sword, so he could glory in the extent of his reign. All the while, God has been behind all of David’s victories in battle. But now, David’s pride has moved him to rely on something more “tangible” – a statistic of his military strength. He may have intended to use the number of his standing army in a rhetoric manner to amplify or exaggerate his military prowess, forgetting that the battle had always belonged to the Lord.
Israel was a theocratic nation. Instead of relying on God’s protective care and His divine providence, David has shifted his trust towards his own military strength. Having a census may have been David’s first step to prepare for a military draft. It seemed that God’s plan for Israel was to have a citizen army, rather than a large standing army, so that Israel would trust in the Lord for His deliverance in their battles.
Joab has proved himself to be more prudent than David during this instance. However, “the king’s word prevailed against Joab” (1 Chronicles 21:4), although “the king’s word was abominable to Joab” (1 Chronicles 21:6).
This story comes as an important reminder to us. Sometimes, our subordinate may be wiser in advising us against our follies. It takes a humble attitude to listen and take heed to a person who may be younger, newer, or of a lower status. If only David had listened to Joab, he would not have sinned or brought great affliction to his people. The Israelites were greatly punished because of the king’s misdeed.
Why was it wrong for David to call for a census? How come Joab advised David against it, saying that it would cause him to be “a cause of guilt in Israel?”
The act of having a census was not wrong in itself. We saw how God Himself had commanded the Israelites to be counted during an earlier time of Israel’s history, when He said “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel…” (Numbers 1:2).
However, David’s motive behind the act of calling for a census had caused him to sin against God. His attitude and the purpose behind the census was the cause of wrong. David wanted to know how many Israelites he had who were able to draw the sword, so he could glory in the extent of his reign. All the while, God has been behind all of David’s victories in battle. But now, David’s pride has moved him to rely on something more “tangible” – a statistic of his military strength. He may have intended to use the number of his standing army in a rhetoric manner to amplify or exaggerate his military prowess, forgetting that the battle had always belonged to the Lord.
Israel was a theocratic nation. Instead of relying on God’s protective care and His divine providence, David has shifted his trust towards his own military strength. Having a census may have been David’s first step to prepare for a military draft. It seemed that God’s plan for Israel was to have a citizen army, rather than a large standing army, so that Israel would trust in the Lord for His deliverance in their battles.
Joab has proved himself to be more prudent than David during this instance. However, “the king’s word prevailed against Joab” (1 Chronicles 21:4), although “the king’s word was abominable to Joab” (1 Chronicles 21:6).
This story comes as an important reminder to us. Sometimes, our subordinate may be wiser in advising us against our follies. It takes a humble attitude to listen and take heed to a person who may be younger, newer, or of a lower status. If only David had listened to Joab, he would not have sinned or brought great affliction to his people. The Israelites were greatly punished because of the king’s misdeed.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Who Did It?
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel (1 Chronicles 21:1).
When David called for a census of Israel and Judah, “God was displeased with this thing” (1 Chronicles 21:7). And Israel was greatly punished because of this. A cross reference on a parallel passage revealed something weird:
Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah” (2 Samuel 24:1).
So who moved David to number Israel and Judah? Satan or God? Why is there such a stark contradiction?
The apparent contradiction can be resolved by recognizing that though Satan is the author of all evil, he cannot exercise his evil intentions apart from the permission of God. Moreover, God could use Satan to accomplish His own purposes of judgment or discipline. Like it or not, even though Satan is God’s biggest adversary, and as much as he wants to rebel against God, he still ends up as a “servant of God” in a way.
A few examples of how Satan was used a God’s agent for judgment. In His judgment, God purposed to punish Ahab unto death. And He carried out His judgment through an evil spirit:
Micaiah said ‘I saw the Lord sitting on His throne… And the Lord said, ‘Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’… Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will persuade him… I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the Lord said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’ (1 Kings 22:19-22)
In God's judgment against Ahab, He carried out His judgment through an evil spirit. True enough, Ahab was deceived by the false prophets and he was killed at Ramoth Gilead. Isn’t it strange? It’s as though God used an evil spirit to lie to Ahab, because God Himself is incapable of lying. How come God could be so “democratic” with the fallen angels, to the extent that they could have discussions together about how best to carry out His judgment? Check out this other example where God had a counsel meeting with His fallen subjects:
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From walking to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it” (Job 1:6-7)
And from there, the subject of Job was brought up. We’re all familiar about how God allowed Satan to test Job through intense inflicting suffering on him. Isn’t it strange, how Satan could have access to stand before a holy God? And isn’t it also equally weird how God could have such cordial conversations with Satan, asking him where he has been?
Satan is still featured as God’s agent of punishment, even in the New Testament. In carrying out church discipline against a sexually immoral brother, Paul writes: “Deliver such a one to Satan for destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:5).
As mysterious as it sounds, in the end of the day, God still accomplishes His purposes in His sovereignty. On our part, we should be wary not to find ourselves in the path of God’s wrath. For God is so powerful, it is unimaginable what He is capable of doing.
When David called for a census of Israel and Judah, “God was displeased with this thing” (1 Chronicles 21:7). And Israel was greatly punished because of this. A cross reference on a parallel passage revealed something weird:
Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah” (2 Samuel 24:1).
So who moved David to number Israel and Judah? Satan or God? Why is there such a stark contradiction?
The apparent contradiction can be resolved by recognizing that though Satan is the author of all evil, he cannot exercise his evil intentions apart from the permission of God. Moreover, God could use Satan to accomplish His own purposes of judgment or discipline. Like it or not, even though Satan is God’s biggest adversary, and as much as he wants to rebel against God, he still ends up as a “servant of God” in a way.
A few examples of how Satan was used a God’s agent for judgment. In His judgment, God purposed to punish Ahab unto death. And He carried out His judgment through an evil spirit:
Micaiah said ‘I saw the Lord sitting on His throne… And the Lord said, ‘Who will persuade Ahab to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’… Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, and said, ‘I will persuade him… I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the Lord said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’ (1 Kings 22:19-22)
In God's judgment against Ahab, He carried out His judgment through an evil spirit. True enough, Ahab was deceived by the false prophets and he was killed at Ramoth Gilead. Isn’t it strange? It’s as though God used an evil spirit to lie to Ahab, because God Himself is incapable of lying. How come God could be so “democratic” with the fallen angels, to the extent that they could have discussions together about how best to carry out His judgment? Check out this other example where God had a counsel meeting with His fallen subjects:
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From walking to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it” (Job 1:6-7)
And from there, the subject of Job was brought up. We’re all familiar about how God allowed Satan to test Job through intense inflicting suffering on him. Isn’t it strange, how Satan could have access to stand before a holy God? And isn’t it also equally weird how God could have such cordial conversations with Satan, asking him where he has been?
Satan is still featured as God’s agent of punishment, even in the New Testament. In carrying out church discipline against a sexually immoral brother, Paul writes: “Deliver such a one to Satan for destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:5).
As mysterious as it sounds, in the end of the day, God still accomplishes His purposes in His sovereignty. On our part, we should be wary not to find ourselves in the path of God’s wrath. For God is so powerful, it is unimaginable what He is capable of doing.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Bible Writers Don't Know Math
All Israel had one million one hundred thousand men who drew the sword, and Judah had four hundred and seventy thousand men who drew the sword (1 Chronicles 21:5).
David called for a census to number Israel, much to the dismay of Joab. Nevertheless, the job was done, and the result: 1,100,000 men in Israel, and 470,000 men in Judah. Coming across as a shock to our belief in the inerrancy of Scriptures is the discrepancy of these numbers, cross-referenced in 2 Samuel:
And there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men (2 Samuel 24:9).
According to 2 Samuel, Israel had 800,000 men – 300,000 men less than what was recorded by the chronicler! Also, 2 Samuel records that Judah had 500,000 men – 30,000 men more than the chronicler’s head count! How can this be? An error as big as the thousands does not augur well for the Bible’s much acclaimed reputation for its accuracy.
In fact, this is just one instance in the bible where the numbers don’t add up. There are many more discrepancies of this nature that occur many places elsewhere. There has got to be an answer to this puzzle. What exactly is the problem with numbers?
There are a few ways of interpreting these large numbers without denying the authority and accuracy of Scriptures. There are 3 ways of looking at numbers in the bible:
Firstly, the numbers can be taken as exact. This way of interpreting numbers stands in a majority of bible passages, where the amount is neither challenged nor fluctuated in parallel passages. But this explanation does not answer the chronicler’s inconsistency.
Secondly, the fluctuations can be attributed to a scribal error. There could be an early misunderstanding of the Hebrew word that is usually translated into thousands. Unfortunately, this point of view does not hold much water, because the original text with its exact arithmetic does not show any evidence of scribal errors.
Thirdly, the most plausible way to interpret those numbers is to accept the fact that there is more than 1 way to use numbers. With this understanding, numbers can be seen in 3 different ways:
1) The numbers can be precise, such as “three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour” (Numbers 15:9).
2) The numbers can be approximated, such as “about a day’s journey” (Numbers 11:31).
3) The numbers can be used in a rhetorical manner, where deliberate exaggeration is intentional for effect, such as “If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold” (Genesis 4:24). Moses clearly used the rhetoric manner when he proclaimed: “The Lord your God has multiplied you, and here you are today, as the stars of heaven in multitude. May the Lord God of your fathers make you a thousand times more numerous than you are, and bless you as He has promised you!” (Deuteronomy 1:10-11).
Therefore, large numbers in the bible may have its origins from a combination of those 3 uses. The numbers may have started off as a precise statistic. Then, the numbers may have been approximated by rounding them to the nearest hundred. Then, the numbers may have been inflated (by a factor of 10, perhaps) in a rhetorical manner to evoke praise to God, just as Moses did.
As for Joab’s count of “men who drew the sword” in 1 Chronicles and “valiant men who drew the sword” in 2 Samuel, probably the numbers were not used in a rhetorical manner. The numbers were very unlikely to be inflated because the statistics were for the purpose of governance.
It is likely that the men in 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel were numbered according to different standards. It may be speculated that different criteria were used to consider a man as able-bodied enough to be counted as military quality. At this point, the numbers started off as precise.
After that, the numbers in both cases were obviously approximated, as they are clearly rounded numbers. They must have been rounded off to the nearest hundred. Or to the nearest thousand, whichever seemed fit to the scribes.
In the conclusion of the matter, the “inconsistency” of numbers in the bible does not degrade its authority or reliability as the divine and inspired Word of God. The statistics in the bible are subject to the weakness of human interpretation. Nevertheless, the message content of the bible stands infallible.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Times Of War And Peace
Is not the Lord your God with you? And has He not given you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the Lord and before His people. Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God (1 Chronicles 22:18-19).
Those were the words that David spoke to the leaders of Israel to help his son, Solomon to build the temple. God’s people were enjoying a time of peace from their enemies, for He has “given (them) rest on every side.” During those times when they were free from the fear and aggression of war, David exhorted his people: “Set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God,” and “arise to build the sanctuary of the Lord God” (1 Chronicles 22:19).
David did not have a chance to build the Lord’s temple during his reign, because his kingship was an era of war and conquest. There was neither time nor opportunity for the temple of the Lord to be built, while the land was still in the midst of tumultuous wars and the unsettling expansions. And when David’s kingdom finally found rest, it was about time for Solomon to take over his throne. Hence, David advised his son to build the Lord’s sanctuary while the timing is ripe with opportunity.
Now that my practical training at Methodist Boys’ School has ended, my semester is spared from exams this time around. While my other friends are slogging during the study week, and bogged down by the pressures and anxieties of exams that looms precariously over them, I have a lot of time and autonomy in my hands to do what I want to do and go where I want to go.
Thus, I am taking this time to set my heart and my soul to seek the Lord my God. It is not every time when I get to be temporarily released from the necessary evils of life. I am taking this opportunity to read and write. To dwell more on God’s word, seek Him with my mind, and please him with my soul. I intend to harness this precious time that I have to grow in Him and be a blessing to others – something that I have not had the luxury of doing for a long time.
Hence, I’ve been coming to the library almost everyday, spending long hours there, just reading the bible and writing, while I see people around me struggling in their war with their books. I’m also taking the time to meet up with people, and spend more time with them.
It is indeed a pleasurable experience to set my heart and my soul to seek the Lord. During these times of peace, the I am now spared from waging tumultuous wars, and my plans for vigorous expansions are put on hold. With the grace of God, I hope that during these peaceful times, I will find a time of restoration, rebuilding, strengthening, and equipping. So that when it is time to wage war again, I will be ready.
The Lord is to be sought at all times, be it in war or peace. However, the Lord is gracious, and He knows our shortcomings when we fail to truly enthrone Him as Lord of our lives in the midst of war. Therefore, when the Lord puts His hedge of protection around you and grants you peace, don’t let that chance pass you by. For the Lord knows that we need a breather. He knows that we need Him.
Those were the words that David spoke to the leaders of Israel to help his son, Solomon to build the temple. God’s people were enjoying a time of peace from their enemies, for He has “given (them) rest on every side.” During those times when they were free from the fear and aggression of war, David exhorted his people: “Set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God,” and “arise to build the sanctuary of the Lord God” (1 Chronicles 22:19).
David did not have a chance to build the Lord’s temple during his reign, because his kingship was an era of war and conquest. There was neither time nor opportunity for the temple of the Lord to be built, while the land was still in the midst of tumultuous wars and the unsettling expansions. And when David’s kingdom finally found rest, it was about time for Solomon to take over his throne. Hence, David advised his son to build the Lord’s sanctuary while the timing is ripe with opportunity.
Now that my practical training at Methodist Boys’ School has ended, my semester is spared from exams this time around. While my other friends are slogging during the study week, and bogged down by the pressures and anxieties of exams that looms precariously over them, I have a lot of time and autonomy in my hands to do what I want to do and go where I want to go.
Thus, I am taking this time to set my heart and my soul to seek the Lord my God. It is not every time when I get to be temporarily released from the necessary evils of life. I am taking this opportunity to read and write. To dwell more on God’s word, seek Him with my mind, and please him with my soul. I intend to harness this precious time that I have to grow in Him and be a blessing to others – something that I have not had the luxury of doing for a long time.
Hence, I’ve been coming to the library almost everyday, spending long hours there, just reading the bible and writing, while I see people around me struggling in their war with their books. I’m also taking the time to meet up with people, and spend more time with them.
It is indeed a pleasurable experience to set my heart and my soul to seek the Lord. During these times of peace, the I am now spared from waging tumultuous wars, and my plans for vigorous expansions are put on hold. With the grace of God, I hope that during these peaceful times, I will find a time of restoration, rebuilding, strengthening, and equipping. So that when it is time to wage war again, I will be ready.
The Lord is to be sought at all times, be it in war or peace. However, the Lord is gracious, and He knows our shortcomings when we fail to truly enthrone Him as Lord of our lives in the midst of war. Therefore, when the Lord puts His hedge of protection around you and grants you peace, don’t let that chance pass you by. For the Lord knows that we need a breather. He knows that we need Him.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Building My House
Furthermore I tell you that the Lord will build you a house. And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever (1 Chronicles 17:10-12)
David expressed his desire to build a house for the Lord. But God responded in a surprising manner. God said that He does not have an immediate need for a house to dwell in, because He never “dwelt in a house since the time that (He) brought up Israel” (1 Chronicles 17:5). In fact, God has never demanded or asked the judges of Israel “Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?” (1 Chronicles 17:6)
However, in return for David’s thoughtful gesture, God blessed David greatly by saying that he will build David a house. He promised David a continuation of his royal dynasty. God also promised that after David’s death, He will set up his son’s kingdom after him. That son will be Solomon. Solomon’s kingdom will be established forever. The eternal establishment of his kingdom will be made possible by the coming reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will come from David’s line. And Solomon will have the privilege of building a house for the Lord.
How great is the blessing that God has granted to David!
I’m sure we have given some thought about building our own “house.” How are we going to establish our own “kingdom”? We may have certain goals in our lives – to have our own “castle” firmly built by a certain age. Hopefully at not too late a time, so we can still have time to enjoy what we have built. I’m certain we’ve also wondered whether or not what we’ve set out to establish will have a good continuation from our own seed.
I just came back from a mountain-conquering expedition. Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South-east Asia. During the long and arduous climb, I had a lot of time to think about things. Things pertaining to life. Even after my descent from the mount, I still reflect a lot about it.
I realize I am a man of great ambition. I have an innate addiction for challenges. It may be a good thing, and it also may be a bad thing. As much as it is applaudable to thrive on challenges, the need to live on challenges may also sidetrack a person from what he is supposedly called to do.
I realize I may be wanting too much in life. Upon my descent from the mount, I’m already thinking of climbing every mountain in Asia. I’m already wishing that when I start working, I want to accumulate enough money to conquer all those peaks by age 30.
Besides the thrills and spills one can get in life, I also think about how I can build my own “castle” and establish my own “kingdom”. I’m considering all the options I can possibly take en route to securing my “house” while I still have breath. I also wish that my seed will continue what I have set up with my sweat and toil. There is so much that I plan to do. So much that I hope to achieve.
I may have a serious problem with the word “surrender”. I may not like the idea that certain things, like my own life, cannot be under my control.
In my drive home to Penang, someone asked me this question: “Are you ready to meet your Maker? Have you ever thought about it?” That question stuck with me for a long time. More often than not, I think my answer is no.
Being preoccupied with building our own kingdom can really throw us off course from what we are meant to do while we’re still on this earth. Why am I so caught up about my own kingdom? What about God’s kingdom?
David chose to build God’s house first. In return, God Himself built David’s house for him.
David expressed his desire to build a house for the Lord. But God responded in a surprising manner. God said that He does not have an immediate need for a house to dwell in, because He never “dwelt in a house since the time that (He) brought up Israel” (1 Chronicles 17:5). In fact, God has never demanded or asked the judges of Israel “Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?” (1 Chronicles 17:6)
However, in return for David’s thoughtful gesture, God blessed David greatly by saying that he will build David a house. He promised David a continuation of his royal dynasty. God also promised that after David’s death, He will set up his son’s kingdom after him. That son will be Solomon. Solomon’s kingdom will be established forever. The eternal establishment of his kingdom will be made possible by the coming reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will come from David’s line. And Solomon will have the privilege of building a house for the Lord.
How great is the blessing that God has granted to David!
I’m sure we have given some thought about building our own “house.” How are we going to establish our own “kingdom”? We may have certain goals in our lives – to have our own “castle” firmly built by a certain age. Hopefully at not too late a time, so we can still have time to enjoy what we have built. I’m certain we’ve also wondered whether or not what we’ve set out to establish will have a good continuation from our own seed.
I just came back from a mountain-conquering expedition. Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South-east Asia. During the long and arduous climb, I had a lot of time to think about things. Things pertaining to life. Even after my descent from the mount, I still reflect a lot about it.
I realize I am a man of great ambition. I have an innate addiction for challenges. It may be a good thing, and it also may be a bad thing. As much as it is applaudable to thrive on challenges, the need to live on challenges may also sidetrack a person from what he is supposedly called to do.
I realize I may be wanting too much in life. Upon my descent from the mount, I’m already thinking of climbing every mountain in Asia. I’m already wishing that when I start working, I want to accumulate enough money to conquer all those peaks by age 30.
Besides the thrills and spills one can get in life, I also think about how I can build my own “castle” and establish my own “kingdom”. I’m considering all the options I can possibly take en route to securing my “house” while I still have breath. I also wish that my seed will continue what I have set up with my sweat and toil. There is so much that I plan to do. So much that I hope to achieve.
I may have a serious problem with the word “surrender”. I may not like the idea that certain things, like my own life, cannot be under my control.
In my drive home to Penang, someone asked me this question: “Are you ready to meet your Maker? Have you ever thought about it?” That question stuck with me for a long time. More often than not, I think my answer is no.
Being preoccupied with building our own kingdom can really throw us off course from what we are meant to do while we’re still on this earth. Why am I so caught up about my own kingdom? What about God’s kingdom?
David chose to build God’s house first. In return, God Himself built David’s house for him.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Jewish Boy Band
And these are the ones who ministered with their sons:... Heman the singer, the son of Joel… And his brother Asaph, who stood at his right hand, was Asaph the son of Berachiah… on the left hand, were Ethan the son of Kishi… (1 Chronicles 6:31-48)
David appointed men over the “service of song”, to minister “with music before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of meeting.” 3 names were mentioned as the main stars.
Introducing, the first of its kind... An internationally acclaimed boy band who hails from the Middle-east... Who puts British boy bands like 911 to shame… Give it up, for... The greatest Jewish boy band ever... 777!!
Let me introduce to you the members of this band. The lead singer is Heman. This is not Heman, Master Of The Universe. This is Heman, son of Joel. (Billy Joel, perhaps?) He must be an outstanding singer to be called “Heman the singer.” His amazing vocals must have been given to him by God’s special gifting... Hopefully not by the powers of Greyskull!
In his service of song, Heman is accompanied by 2 more men – Asaph and Ethan. Heman, Asaph and Ethan always stand in a customized formation for every performance before the tabernacle. Heman stands in the center, flanked by Asaph on his right, and Ethan on his left… Much to the disdain of She-Ra, who was hoping so much to be included into their video clip!
Later in 1 Chronicles 15, when the Ark was brought to Jerusalem, the 3 superstars were called up again for their services. This time, they were allowed to include background musicians to help them in their music-making exploits. Also, “Chenaniah, leader of the Levites,” was appointed as “instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful” (1 Chronicles 15:22). With Chenaniah as the boy band’s new producer, 777’s records must have reached Platinum by Passover!
You must be wondering what kind of instruments they played. 777 makes their music to the accompaniment of stringed instruments, harps, trumpets, and horns. As for Heman, Asaph and Ethan, they played the cymbals. Back then, cymbals were used to lead musicians, instead of the modern drum set or electric guitars.
777 shot to fame because they were the first band to incorporate a special element into their music. Because of the ingenuity of that special element, 777 became a widely influential band, taking the music industry to new heights, crossing boundaries of time and space by storm! Although 777 began making its debut before the Gregorian calendar existed, 777’s special element has inspired the birth of new, controversial genres in the late 20th century. Those genres are known today as alternative and heavy metal!
This special element is called “raising the voice” (1 Chronicles 15:16) and “shouting” (1 Chronicles 15:28). Of course, most alternative and heavy metal bands did not quite get the “shouting” part right. After many generations, the “raising the voice” has evolved to “screaming at the top of your lungs”.
Today’s entry is mixed with cartoon humour and rock history. Meant to be taken lightly, after many heavy postings in the last few entries.
David appointed men over the “service of song”, to minister “with music before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of meeting.” 3 names were mentioned as the main stars.
Introducing, the first of its kind... An internationally acclaimed boy band who hails from the Middle-east... Who puts British boy bands like 911 to shame… Give it up, for... The greatest Jewish boy band ever... 777!!
Let me introduce to you the members of this band. The lead singer is Heman. This is not Heman, Master Of The Universe. This is Heman, son of Joel. (Billy Joel, perhaps?) He must be an outstanding singer to be called “Heman the singer.” His amazing vocals must have been given to him by God’s special gifting... Hopefully not by the powers of Greyskull!
In his service of song, Heman is accompanied by 2 more men – Asaph and Ethan. Heman, Asaph and Ethan always stand in a customized formation for every performance before the tabernacle. Heman stands in the center, flanked by Asaph on his right, and Ethan on his left… Much to the disdain of She-Ra, who was hoping so much to be included into their video clip!
Later in 1 Chronicles 15, when the Ark was brought to Jerusalem, the 3 superstars were called up again for their services. This time, they were allowed to include background musicians to help them in their music-making exploits. Also, “Chenaniah, leader of the Levites,” was appointed as “instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful” (1 Chronicles 15:22). With Chenaniah as the boy band’s new producer, 777’s records must have reached Platinum by Passover!
You must be wondering what kind of instruments they played. 777 makes their music to the accompaniment of stringed instruments, harps, trumpets, and horns. As for Heman, Asaph and Ethan, they played the cymbals. Back then, cymbals were used to lead musicians, instead of the modern drum set or electric guitars.
777 shot to fame because they were the first band to incorporate a special element into their music. Because of the ingenuity of that special element, 777 became a widely influential band, taking the music industry to new heights, crossing boundaries of time and space by storm! Although 777 began making its debut before the Gregorian calendar existed, 777’s special element has inspired the birth of new, controversial genres in the late 20th century. Those genres are known today as alternative and heavy metal!
This special element is called “raising the voice” (1 Chronicles 15:16) and “shouting” (1 Chronicles 15:28). Of course, most alternative and heavy metal bands did not quite get the “shouting” part right. After many generations, the “raising the voice” has evolved to “screaming at the top of your lungs”.
Today’s entry is mixed with cartoon humour and rock history. Meant to be taken lightly, after many heavy postings in the last few entries.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
A Displaced Genealogy
Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel – he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright (1 Chronicles 5:1).
Interestingly, the chronicler did not list the genealogy of Jacob’s sons according to its chronological order. By right, the firstborn son should have his genealogy mentioned first, before all his brothers. Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn son. But he had his genealogy listed after Judah and Simeon’s genealogies. Why did the chronicler mention Judah’s genealogy first before all the other sons of Jacob, but not Reuben’s? There are probably for 2 reasons for that:
Firstly, it is because of the purpose of 1 Chronicles. 1 Chronicles was written to emphasize the Israelite’s continuity with their past when they returned from captivity. In order to remind the Israelites of their great heritage, the Israelites were encouraged by the thought that God would establish His reign upon the earth through David’s royal line. Therefore, 1 Chronicles focuses on the glories of David’s reign. And David came from the line of Judah. The chronicler emphasized Judah’s lineage by mentioning that “Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler” (1 Chronicles 5:2). Consistent with that statement, the chronicler listed Judah’s genealogy before the rest.
Secondly, Reuben’s sin against his father was underscored by the way the chronicler recorded Reuben’s genealogy. In an attempt to assert his right to be the principal heir to succeed his father, “Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine” (Genesis 35:22). Because Reuben “defiled his father’s bed”, his genealogy was “not listed according to the birthright”.
Not only did Reuben's genealogy get “dethroned” among the sons of Jacob. By his misdeed, he also forfeited his birthright that he so desired to have. Jacob gave the birthright to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, instead of giving it to Reuben. Jacob laid his hands on Ephraim and Manasseh, and said “Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” (Genesis 48:17).
So, what is the moral of the story? The moral of the story here is not to encourage an obsession about genealogies. The bible teaches us not to “give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:4). Rather, the real point here is to point out the ramifications of being over-zealous, or wanting something too much. Reuben’s obsession of getting his birthright, which is probably fuelled by his own insecurities, has led him to commit a misdeed that not only made him lose the very thing that he wanted so much, but also the superiority of his genealogy in the way it was listed among the sons of Jacob.
Interestingly, the chronicler did not list the genealogy of Jacob’s sons according to its chronological order. By right, the firstborn son should have his genealogy mentioned first, before all his brothers. Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn son. But he had his genealogy listed after Judah and Simeon’s genealogies. Why did the chronicler mention Judah’s genealogy first before all the other sons of Jacob, but not Reuben’s? There are probably for 2 reasons for that:
Firstly, it is because of the purpose of 1 Chronicles. 1 Chronicles was written to emphasize the Israelite’s continuity with their past when they returned from captivity. In order to remind the Israelites of their great heritage, the Israelites were encouraged by the thought that God would establish His reign upon the earth through David’s royal line. Therefore, 1 Chronicles focuses on the glories of David’s reign. And David came from the line of Judah. The chronicler emphasized Judah’s lineage by mentioning that “Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler” (1 Chronicles 5:2). Consistent with that statement, the chronicler listed Judah’s genealogy before the rest.
Secondly, Reuben’s sin against his father was underscored by the way the chronicler recorded Reuben’s genealogy. In an attempt to assert his right to be the principal heir to succeed his father, “Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine” (Genesis 35:22). Because Reuben “defiled his father’s bed”, his genealogy was “not listed according to the birthright”.
Not only did Reuben's genealogy get “dethroned” among the sons of Jacob. By his misdeed, he also forfeited his birthright that he so desired to have. Jacob gave the birthright to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, instead of giving it to Reuben. Jacob laid his hands on Ephraim and Manasseh, and said “Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” (Genesis 48:17).
So, what is the moral of the story? The moral of the story here is not to encourage an obsession about genealogies. The bible teaches us not to “give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:4). Rather, the real point here is to point out the ramifications of being over-zealous, or wanting something too much. Reuben’s obsession of getting his birthright, which is probably fuelled by his own insecurities, has led him to commit a misdeed that not only made him lose the very thing that he wanted so much, but also the superiority of his genealogy in the way it was listed among the sons of Jacob.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Prayer Of Jabez
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).
This particular prayer is famously known as the Prayer Of Jabez. Books have been written about this prayer. It has been endorsed by many people, taught in many places, and it has spread everywhere. But I personally feel that all the hype surrounding this prayer is uncalled for.
The Prayer Of Jabez probably seemed special because it is found in the middle of the geneology of the family of Judah. I believe people have assigned a lot of value to this prayer because of its simplicity, and also because of its location. The exhilaration of finding such a prayer in such an unlikely place has led people to put undue emphasis on it. Who wouldn’t be pleasantly surprised to find a breath of fresh air in the midst of a book which is as boring as 1 Chronicles? The effect of discovering such a portion of Scriptures is akin to unearthing a treasure chest in the midst of a desert.
However, the question is, as much as the Prayer Of Jabez looks like a special prayer that was recorded in an unexpected place, is the amount of attention given to it justifiable? Have we over-amplified the effect of stumbling upon a couple of verses in the bible, to the extent of misinterpreting the real context in which the prayer was said?
If the Prayer Of Jabez was anything that special, I can unearth many other prayers in the Bible that can be of greater value or significance.
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Isn’t that how Jesus taught us to pray? I’m sure this model prayer is superior to that of Jabez’s prayer. It is a good “mould” or “template” that can be used as a guide to help us to pray.
Check out Jesus’ prayer (John 17:6-26). Imagine the kind of good it will bring to all believers worldwide if everyone were to say this prayer on a daily basis. One may argue that only Jesus could say that prayer, because it was said by Him, and nobody can repeat His prayer and claim it as his own. If that is true, then the same goes for the Prayer Of Jabez, doesn’t it?
What about The Prayer Of Solomon? (1 Kings 3:6-9). At the utterance of that prayer, God gave Solomon a “wise and understanding heart”, and “both riches and honor”, which will be unparalleled by anyone that came before him or will come after him. Solomon was also granted long life. Who wouldn’t want to be blessed like that? Imagine the kinds of books that can be written about this prayer. “Prayer Of Solomon For Adults”. “Prayer Of Solomon For Teens”. “Prayer Of Solomon For Kids”.
Solomon’s father came out with outstanding prayers in the Psalms. David’s prayers have an additional poetic effect to it. His prayers can even be sung along to a tune, for easy memorization. Perhaps a music CD can be made to teach the Prayers Of David to the masses?
How can we overlook the Prayer Of Paul (Ephesians 1:16-19). If only we exemplified the exact prayer that Paul prayed regularly for all the saints. What a great blessing it will be for our brothers and sisters everywhere if we take Paul’s Prayer on par with the Prayer Of Jabez!
Let’s get back to what prayer really is. Prayer is about conversing directly with God, which is made possible by Jesus Christ our Mediator. Prayer is not supposed to be used as a mantra. Subscribing to the false belief that uttering certain prayers by using certain words or catch phrases in a certain order holds the secret of reaping spectacular benefits will make our faith no different from the paganistic understanding of prayer.
This particular prayer is famously known as the Prayer Of Jabez. Books have been written about this prayer. It has been endorsed by many people, taught in many places, and it has spread everywhere. But I personally feel that all the hype surrounding this prayer is uncalled for.
The Prayer Of Jabez probably seemed special because it is found in the middle of the geneology of the family of Judah. I believe people have assigned a lot of value to this prayer because of its simplicity, and also because of its location. The exhilaration of finding such a prayer in such an unlikely place has led people to put undue emphasis on it. Who wouldn’t be pleasantly surprised to find a breath of fresh air in the midst of a book which is as boring as 1 Chronicles? The effect of discovering such a portion of Scriptures is akin to unearthing a treasure chest in the midst of a desert.
However, the question is, as much as the Prayer Of Jabez looks like a special prayer that was recorded in an unexpected place, is the amount of attention given to it justifiable? Have we over-amplified the effect of stumbling upon a couple of verses in the bible, to the extent of misinterpreting the real context in which the prayer was said?
If the Prayer Of Jabez was anything that special, I can unearth many other prayers in the Bible that can be of greater value or significance.
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Isn’t that how Jesus taught us to pray? I’m sure this model prayer is superior to that of Jabez’s prayer. It is a good “mould” or “template” that can be used as a guide to help us to pray.
Check out Jesus’ prayer (John 17:6-26). Imagine the kind of good it will bring to all believers worldwide if everyone were to say this prayer on a daily basis. One may argue that only Jesus could say that prayer, because it was said by Him, and nobody can repeat His prayer and claim it as his own. If that is true, then the same goes for the Prayer Of Jabez, doesn’t it?
What about The Prayer Of Solomon? (1 Kings 3:6-9). At the utterance of that prayer, God gave Solomon a “wise and understanding heart”, and “both riches and honor”, which will be unparalleled by anyone that came before him or will come after him. Solomon was also granted long life. Who wouldn’t want to be blessed like that? Imagine the kinds of books that can be written about this prayer. “Prayer Of Solomon For Adults”. “Prayer Of Solomon For Teens”. “Prayer Of Solomon For Kids”.
Solomon’s father came out with outstanding prayers in the Psalms. David’s prayers have an additional poetic effect to it. His prayers can even be sung along to a tune, for easy memorization. Perhaps a music CD can be made to teach the Prayers Of David to the masses?
How can we overlook the Prayer Of Paul (Ephesians 1:16-19). If only we exemplified the exact prayer that Paul prayed regularly for all the saints. What a great blessing it will be for our brothers and sisters everywhere if we take Paul’s Prayer on par with the Prayer Of Jabez!
Let’s get back to what prayer really is. Prayer is about conversing directly with God, which is made possible by Jesus Christ our Mediator. Prayer is not supposed to be used as a mantra. Subscribing to the false belief that uttering certain prayers by using certain words or catch phrases in a certain order holds the secret of reaping spectacular benefits will make our faith no different from the paganistic understanding of prayer.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Polygamy In The Bible
Now these were the sons of David… The firstborn was Ammon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelitess; the third, Absalom the son of maacah, the daughter of Talmai… The fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah. (1 Chronicles 3:1-3).
David had 6 sons born to him by 6 different wives in Hebron. Not only that, he also had more sons born to him in Jerusalem by Bathsheba. Not to mention the sons of his concubines as well.
Doesn’t this raise a serious question about David’s personal life? How can “a man after God’s own heart” have 7 wives in 2 different places and numerous concubines? What does the bible have to say about polygamy?
The fact that David had so many sons by so many wives does not condone polygamy. David had fallen into the ancient custom among kings of marrying the daughters of neighboring kings to create allies.
Negative results followed such multiple marriages. David’s firstborn, Ammon, raped Tamar, his half sister. Ammon’s half brother, Absalom, killed Ammon to avenge for Tamar’s rape. David’s fourth son, Adonijah, tried to usurp the throne from Solomon, who was born to Solomon by Bathsheba. A lot of turbulence and division has resulted from David’s multiple marriages.
Polygamy was not something God has meant for His people, for “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). God also gave a principle concerning kings to not “multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away” (Deuteronomy 17:17). Call it a shortcoming of David’s human nature. Even though polygamy was an accepted custom throughout the ancient Middle East and among the ancient Israelites, David’s family paid the price for his multiple marriages.
Nevertheless, God did give some level of provision that allowed polygamy to happen under certain conditions. In cases of a childless first marriage, which is known as a levirate marriage, it is permissible for the widow to take another husband. For “her husband’s brother shall go in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her” (Deuteronomy 25:5) in order to carry on the family line of the deceased husband. The Sadducees used the law of the levirate marriage to question Jesus regarding His teaching about the resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:23-28).
It is said that men have a bigger tendency to be polygamous, or have intentions for polygamous relationships. The concern is not so much about whether or not this statement is politically correct or sexist. The more urgent concern is to heed the dangers and pitfalls of polygamous relationships, be it in married relationships or pre-marital relationships. For God has meant for us to be monogamous, as much as he has meant for marriages to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church – meant for one, and one alone.
David had 6 sons born to him by 6 different wives in Hebron. Not only that, he also had more sons born to him in Jerusalem by Bathsheba. Not to mention the sons of his concubines as well.
Doesn’t this raise a serious question about David’s personal life? How can “a man after God’s own heart” have 7 wives in 2 different places and numerous concubines? What does the bible have to say about polygamy?
The fact that David had so many sons by so many wives does not condone polygamy. David had fallen into the ancient custom among kings of marrying the daughters of neighboring kings to create allies.
Negative results followed such multiple marriages. David’s firstborn, Ammon, raped Tamar, his half sister. Ammon’s half brother, Absalom, killed Ammon to avenge for Tamar’s rape. David’s fourth son, Adonijah, tried to usurp the throne from Solomon, who was born to Solomon by Bathsheba. A lot of turbulence and division has resulted from David’s multiple marriages.
Polygamy was not something God has meant for His people, for “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). God also gave a principle concerning kings to not “multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away” (Deuteronomy 17:17). Call it a shortcoming of David’s human nature. Even though polygamy was an accepted custom throughout the ancient Middle East and among the ancient Israelites, David’s family paid the price for his multiple marriages.
Nevertheless, God did give some level of provision that allowed polygamy to happen under certain conditions. In cases of a childless first marriage, which is known as a levirate marriage, it is permissible for the widow to take another husband. For “her husband’s brother shall go in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her” (Deuteronomy 25:5) in order to carry on the family line of the deceased husband. The Sadducees used the law of the levirate marriage to question Jesus regarding His teaching about the resurrection of the dead (Matthew 22:23-28).
It is said that men have a bigger tendency to be polygamous, or have intentions for polygamous relationships. The concern is not so much about whether or not this statement is politically correct or sexist. The more urgent concern is to heed the dangers and pitfalls of polygamous relationships, be it in married relationships or pre-marital relationships. For God has meant for us to be monogamous, as much as he has meant for marriages to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church – meant for one, and one alone.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
I Cannot Be Bought!
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Yesterday, I got a call from the chairman of a prestigious swimming club in Penang. The Penang Inter-Club competition is 3 month’s away, and she’s already making plans. Her agenda is to beat a rival club to the championship cup. By roping in USM swimmers to swim for her club under the Open Category, she hopes that her club will turn up tops in the state.
Her club has been known for its attempts to entice swimmers with incentives. Being a rich club, it is able to employ foreign coaches to satisfy ambitious parents. It gives luxurious benefits to its swimmers, such as good facilities, free attire, cash incentives, and what nots. The club has also been known for causing riffs when swimmers changed clubs because of what the club is able to offer.
As for us, should we choose to swim for the club, they are offering to sponsor our entry fees. They will give us their attire, pay for the competition’s dinner function, and invited us to a celebration dinner if the club wins the title. Sounds like a very good deal, for them to extend such an invitation us and treat us so well if we will swim under their banner. I’m supposed to relay the message to the USM Swimming Division.
As for me, I personally feel that my allegiance is to my university. It may not be legally wrong to bite at a better offer, but I’ll not let my swimming go to another. I’ve been in Penang all my life, and I’ve never been associated with that club, or felt the need to join it in any way. Therefore, I don’t see why I should strike a connection with that club now, just because it is offering me incentives.
When I stand in my lane, and they call my name, I want it to be known to whom I really belong to. I am Joshua Hooi from USM. That club is a foreigner to me, and I cannot be identified as one of them. If I win, I will win it for USM for no incentive. If I lose, I will only lose the race. I won’t lose my honor or my integrity. I will not be bought over, or be labeled with a price tag.
Some things in this world cannot be bought with money. Things like honor and loyalty.
Being bought at a price brings many implications to the one that has been bought. When we are bought, we do not belong to ourselves anymore. We belong to the one who bought us. Our life and actions will either bring glory or shame to the one who has bought us.
Brothers and sisters, we have been bought with a price. God has set his seal of ownership over us. Our every word and action will either glorify our Father in heaven, or bring shame to His name. Do not trade your allegiance for another, regardless of the tempting bribes that the world may offer. Some things cannot be bought by perishable things such as silver or gold. Our sonship has been bought by the imperishable blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us “glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Let us compete in this race of life under no other banner, but Christ’s alone.
Yesterday, I got a call from the chairman of a prestigious swimming club in Penang. The Penang Inter-Club competition is 3 month’s away, and she’s already making plans. Her agenda is to beat a rival club to the championship cup. By roping in USM swimmers to swim for her club under the Open Category, she hopes that her club will turn up tops in the state.
Her club has been known for its attempts to entice swimmers with incentives. Being a rich club, it is able to employ foreign coaches to satisfy ambitious parents. It gives luxurious benefits to its swimmers, such as good facilities, free attire, cash incentives, and what nots. The club has also been known for causing riffs when swimmers changed clubs because of what the club is able to offer.
As for us, should we choose to swim for the club, they are offering to sponsor our entry fees. They will give us their attire, pay for the competition’s dinner function, and invited us to a celebration dinner if the club wins the title. Sounds like a very good deal, for them to extend such an invitation us and treat us so well if we will swim under their banner. I’m supposed to relay the message to the USM Swimming Division.
As for me, I personally feel that my allegiance is to my university. It may not be legally wrong to bite at a better offer, but I’ll not let my swimming go to another. I’ve been in Penang all my life, and I’ve never been associated with that club, or felt the need to join it in any way. Therefore, I don’t see why I should strike a connection with that club now, just because it is offering me incentives.
When I stand in my lane, and they call my name, I want it to be known to whom I really belong to. I am Joshua Hooi from USM. That club is a foreigner to me, and I cannot be identified as one of them. If I win, I will win it for USM for no incentive. If I lose, I will only lose the race. I won’t lose my honor or my integrity. I will not be bought over, or be labeled with a price tag.
Some things in this world cannot be bought with money. Things like honor and loyalty.
Being bought at a price brings many implications to the one that has been bought. When we are bought, we do not belong to ourselves anymore. We belong to the one who bought us. Our life and actions will either bring glory or shame to the one who has bought us.
Brothers and sisters, we have been bought with a price. God has set his seal of ownership over us. Our every word and action will either glorify our Father in heaven, or bring shame to His name. Do not trade your allegiance for another, regardless of the tempting bribes that the world may offer. Some things cannot be bought by perishable things such as silver or gold. Our sonship has been bought by the imperishable blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us “glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Let us compete in this race of life under no other banner, but Christ’s alone.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Stay Away From Ham
The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan… Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one on the earth… Canaan begot Sidon, his firstborn, and Heth; the Jebusite, the Amorite, and the Girgashite; the Hivite, the Arkite, and the Sinite; the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite (1 Chronicles 1:8-16).
Ham’s lineage does not look like a good one to inherit. The Hamites have suffered severely throughout history. Dispossession of land seemed to be a common occurrence to them.
Let’s look at Ham’s son, Canaan. Canaan was the father of the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites… All of them were enemies of Israel. The Canaanites were driven out from their land during Joshua’s conquest (Joshua 3:10). It didn’t stop there. During the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, the Simeonites dispossessed the Hamites from Gedor and lived in their broad, quiet and peaceful land which had rich, good pasture for their flocks (1 Chronicles 4:39-41).
Not only did the Hamites suffered great persecution. Ham’s lineage also became a source of problems to God’s people.
Let’s look at Ham’s grandson, Nimrod. After Noah’s flood, Nimrod became “a mighty one on the earth” by becoming a source of great evil on the earth. He was the husband of a beautiful witch named Semiramis, who was the Queen of Babylon. Historically, he was called the husband of his mother. The both of them created a satanic cult so powerful that it spread around the world. Nimrod was called by many names, including Moloch. Babies were sacrificed in his honor. After Nimrod was put to death, Semiramis gave girth to another child and claimed that Nimrod had been reincarnated. The child was called Tammuz, and he became the sun god, Baal.
What did Ham do to deserve such an accursed lineage? A dig into his past proved to get even more interesting.
And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside… So Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him. Then he said: “Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants he shall be to his brethren.” (Genesis 9:22-25)
Apparently, there was a time when Ham saw his father, Noah, lying naked and unconscious in his tent. He went outside to tell his brothers, Ham and Japheth. Ham probably made fun of his father, and described what he saw in a disrespectful way by making a spectacle out of it. Ham’s offense resulted in a curse that affected his lineage, and even world history. Some believed that the African peoples were allegedly descended from Canaan, and this justified their slavery.
This incident just goes to show that we should be careful of the things that we do or say, although they may seem funny at that time. We may not be aware of how our careless sins may have serious repercussions at a later point of time.
On a lighter note, probably this incident also inspired the food industry to name a certain meat product after that particular son of Noah. Stay healthy, and keep away from ham!
Ham’s lineage does not look like a good one to inherit. The Hamites have suffered severely throughout history. Dispossession of land seemed to be a common occurrence to them.
Let’s look at Ham’s son, Canaan. Canaan was the father of the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites… All of them were enemies of Israel. The Canaanites were driven out from their land during Joshua’s conquest (Joshua 3:10). It didn’t stop there. During the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, the Simeonites dispossessed the Hamites from Gedor and lived in their broad, quiet and peaceful land which had rich, good pasture for their flocks (1 Chronicles 4:39-41).
Not only did the Hamites suffered great persecution. Ham’s lineage also became a source of problems to God’s people.
Let’s look at Ham’s grandson, Nimrod. After Noah’s flood, Nimrod became “a mighty one on the earth” by becoming a source of great evil on the earth. He was the husband of a beautiful witch named Semiramis, who was the Queen of Babylon. Historically, he was called the husband of his mother. The both of them created a satanic cult so powerful that it spread around the world. Nimrod was called by many names, including Moloch. Babies were sacrificed in his honor. After Nimrod was put to death, Semiramis gave girth to another child and claimed that Nimrod had been reincarnated. The child was called Tammuz, and he became the sun god, Baal.
What did Ham do to deserve such an accursed lineage? A dig into his past proved to get even more interesting.
And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside… So Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him. Then he said: “Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants he shall be to his brethren.” (Genesis 9:22-25)
Apparently, there was a time when Ham saw his father, Noah, lying naked and unconscious in his tent. He went outside to tell his brothers, Ham and Japheth. Ham probably made fun of his father, and described what he saw in a disrespectful way by making a spectacle out of it. Ham’s offense resulted in a curse that affected his lineage, and even world history. Some believed that the African peoples were allegedly descended from Canaan, and this justified their slavery.
This incident just goes to show that we should be careful of the things that we do or say, although they may seem funny at that time. We may not be aware of how our careless sins may have serious repercussions at a later point of time.
On a lighter note, probably this incident also inspired the food industry to name a certain meat product after that particular son of Noah. Stay healthy, and keep away from ham!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Pluck Them All Out... Now!
One popular reason why people don’t believe in God is because of the evil that is evident in the world. People ask: If God is real, why are there so many wicked people walking around freely?
The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares gives a good explanation. The parable goes like this: A man sowed good seed in his field. An enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. When the grain produced a crop, the tares appeared also. The servants asked if they should pull out the tares. But the master said:
“No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ” (Matthew 13:24-30)
Such is the world that we live in today. People who do good, and people who practice lawlessness live together in this world. Because society is inter-dependent on one another, “pulling out” all the wicked people at once from the face of the earth will have a serious repercussion on the world’s affairs. The world, which is already not in a very good condition – politically, economically, socially, and morally – hangs on a very delicate balance that still makes the world a livable place to be in.
Zapping away all the unrighteous people indiscriminately will greatly affect the course of this world. People who are morally deviant may still be the main players in the world today. They are the rich ones, the powerful ones, the ones that influence the world’s course of history. Suddenly uprooting all of them and getting rid them will alter the world’s game at too high a cost – at the cost of those who seek to live righteously as well.
The message of this parable is clear. God allows the righteous and the unrighteous to coexist together for now. They are temporarily inseparable, because “lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.” Although God permits godless and morally deviant people to have their time of day for now, it doesn’t mean that God condones their actions. The “time of harvest” will come when all mankind will be judged before God. During that day, the tares will be “bound and burnt in the fire”, while the wheat will be “gathered into the barn.” The ultimate day of reckoning will come for everyone. But that day has not yet come.
What is our attitude about this matter? It is hard to live a life with godly standards. It is often easier to live with the world’s standards, where morality is a relative matter. It is true that “nice guys finish last”. But well… At least that happens only in this world, not in the world to come.
It is also easy to develop a hateful attitude towards the lawless and the unrighteous. We can choose to think that they have done us wrong, and blame them as the cause of every mess in this world. Either that, or we can adopt God’s attitude of graciousness. God, in His grace and mercy, still “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45) God lets His blessings overflow to the good, and also to the evil. Thus also, shall we view our enemies. After all, without God’s grace, we are no better than the wicked. All the more, the wicked have a greater need for the grace of God.
It is hard to live in this world, isn’t it? You have to coexist with people who make your life difficult. And yet, you have to love them with the love of God. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.
The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares gives a good explanation. The parable goes like this: A man sowed good seed in his field. An enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat. When the grain produced a crop, the tares appeared also. The servants asked if they should pull out the tares. But the master said:
“No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ” (Matthew 13:24-30)
Such is the world that we live in today. People who do good, and people who practice lawlessness live together in this world. Because society is inter-dependent on one another, “pulling out” all the wicked people at once from the face of the earth will have a serious repercussion on the world’s affairs. The world, which is already not in a very good condition – politically, economically, socially, and morally – hangs on a very delicate balance that still makes the world a livable place to be in.
Zapping away all the unrighteous people indiscriminately will greatly affect the course of this world. People who are morally deviant may still be the main players in the world today. They are the rich ones, the powerful ones, the ones that influence the world’s course of history. Suddenly uprooting all of them and getting rid them will alter the world’s game at too high a cost – at the cost of those who seek to live righteously as well.
The message of this parable is clear. God allows the righteous and the unrighteous to coexist together for now. They are temporarily inseparable, because “lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.” Although God permits godless and morally deviant people to have their time of day for now, it doesn’t mean that God condones their actions. The “time of harvest” will come when all mankind will be judged before God. During that day, the tares will be “bound and burnt in the fire”, while the wheat will be “gathered into the barn.” The ultimate day of reckoning will come for everyone. But that day has not yet come.
What is our attitude about this matter? It is hard to live a life with godly standards. It is often easier to live with the world’s standards, where morality is a relative matter. It is true that “nice guys finish last”. But well… At least that happens only in this world, not in the world to come.
It is also easy to develop a hateful attitude towards the lawless and the unrighteous. We can choose to think that they have done us wrong, and blame them as the cause of every mess in this world. Either that, or we can adopt God’s attitude of graciousness. God, in His grace and mercy, still “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45) God lets His blessings overflow to the good, and also to the evil. Thus also, shall we view our enemies. After all, without God’s grace, we are no better than the wicked. All the more, the wicked have a greater need for the grace of God.
It is hard to live in this world, isn’t it? You have to coexist with people who make your life difficult. And yet, you have to love them with the love of God. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
More Than Words
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37)
There is this old song that goes, “Words… Don’t come easy to me…” For me, words are not a problem. In fact, I weary some people with my wordiness! Hence, this blog is created, to put my wordiness to good use – both for myself, and for my readers as well. Better to write about things that edify, rather than hedonistic ramblings about things that do not matter.
A person’s words tell a lot about one’s character. Imagine a bottle that is bottled up to its brim. If the contents of the bottle are good, the abundance of the goodness in it will overflow when its cap is opened. If the contents of the bottle are bad, the abundance of its rottenness will spill everywhere when its cap is opened.
The same it is with us. The contents of our heart are shown when we open our mouth. If our heart is filled with goodness, our words will edify the people around us. But if our heart is bad, our speech will betray us by the words that spew out of our mouth.
There is no greater test for the purity of the heart than the test of the tongue. As James aptly puts it, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” (James 1:26) Any form of godliness a person may have will mean nothing if his tongue is unguarded. Because the tongue will reveal the real contents of a person’s heart, and reduce any façade of religiousness to nothing.
It may not be so bad if a person’s speech merely serves as a revelatory tool of a person’s heart. A revelation of a person’s character may bring shame. If all our speech does is reveal the contents of our heart, it is still not so bad.
But unfortunately, it goes further than that. The bible says that our speech can also cause an active, negative effect. In fact, our words can potentially be detrimental to ourselves! Our words can actually harm us and defile our own being. For “those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man…” (Matthew 15:18-20)
Be very careful then, how we speak. Jesus gives us a solemn warning. He says, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Our words will affect the outcome of our lives. Either they will prove the good condition of our heart, or they will testify against us and set the course of our lives on fire.
Think about this: The intent of our words will be judged, even if they are strung together in a civilized manner. Imagine how much greater will the judgment be, if our words are strung together with vulgarities.
There is this old song that goes, “Words… Don’t come easy to me…” For me, words are not a problem. In fact, I weary some people with my wordiness! Hence, this blog is created, to put my wordiness to good use – both for myself, and for my readers as well. Better to write about things that edify, rather than hedonistic ramblings about things that do not matter.
A person’s words tell a lot about one’s character. Imagine a bottle that is bottled up to its brim. If the contents of the bottle are good, the abundance of the goodness in it will overflow when its cap is opened. If the contents of the bottle are bad, the abundance of its rottenness will spill everywhere when its cap is opened.
The same it is with us. The contents of our heart are shown when we open our mouth. If our heart is filled with goodness, our words will edify the people around us. But if our heart is bad, our speech will betray us by the words that spew out of our mouth.
There is no greater test for the purity of the heart than the test of the tongue. As James aptly puts it, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” (James 1:26) Any form of godliness a person may have will mean nothing if his tongue is unguarded. Because the tongue will reveal the real contents of a person’s heart, and reduce any façade of religiousness to nothing.
It may not be so bad if a person’s speech merely serves as a revelatory tool of a person’s heart. A revelation of a person’s character may bring shame. If all our speech does is reveal the contents of our heart, it is still not so bad.
But unfortunately, it goes further than that. The bible says that our speech can also cause an active, negative effect. In fact, our words can potentially be detrimental to ourselves! Our words can actually harm us and defile our own being. For “those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man…” (Matthew 15:18-20)
Be very careful then, how we speak. Jesus gives us a solemn warning. He says, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Our words will affect the outcome of our lives. Either they will prove the good condition of our heart, or they will testify against us and set the course of our lives on fire.
Think about this: The intent of our words will be judged, even if they are strung together in a civilized manner. Imagine how much greater will the judgment be, if our words are strung together with vulgarities.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Snakes & Ladders, Anyone?
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:7-11)
I gave the Father’s Day message using this passage of Scripture during Sunday School not too long ago. Put them all into stitches of laughter as usual. But behind the jokes, laughter, and humor, there lies a subject that many of us question: If we will always receive what we ask for, seek what we find, and get the door to open whenever we knock, why is it that God sometimes seems to say no?
Generally, God answers in 3 ways when we ask of something from Him: Yes, wait, or no. We definitely don’t have a problem with God saying “yes”. We can understand why God says “wait”. But the problem comes when God says “no.” This is what we find difficulty accepting. There are 2 possible reasons why God sometimes says no.
1) It is a “no” because it is not good for you.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17)
God only gives us things that are good and perfect for us. Therefore, if God doesn’t give us what we ask for, one possibility is because we are asking for something that is not good for us. Therefore God withholds it from us for our own good.
The tricky part here is the definition of “good”. To us, the things that we want, or the things that we think we need are good in our eyes. But to God, the things we perceive as good may not be as good as we think they are. God, in His goodness, ultimately knows what is good for us and what is not. And He knows how to give us what is good in His wisdom. He will not give us something which we think is good, but which is in actual fact, bad for us.
But the question arises when we say: How come God doesn’t grant my request, even though what I ask for is benevolent in nature? This brings us to the second possibility:
2) It is a “no” because it is not according to His will.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14, 15)
This verse accurately balances the factor of human persistence with the factor of God's sovereignty. It points out that God is in no way obligated to give an affirmative answer for all our requests. If God has to say “yes” to all our requests, who is the real God then?
The bible says that we can be confident of receiving what we ask of Him “if we ask anything according to His will”. Accepting and recognizing God’s sovereign will in all our affairs is one of the most important lessons for any child of God to learn. The pill of God’s absolute sovereignty is often the hardest pill to swallow.
The question that arises is: How then, do we know that we are praying according to His will?
The only way we can pray according to His will is when we know what His will is. In order to know what God’s will is, we have to live in a close relationship with Him, keeping in step with the Spirit. When our lives are in tune with the Spirit’s leading, our lives are aligned to what God wills for us. And when our lives are aligned to what God wills for us, we will automatically want the same things that God wants for us. Therefore, we will know how to pray according to His will, and be sure of the affirmative answer. The greatest joy for a Christian is to discover what God’s will is, and finding delight in it.
In the end of the matter, one thing is clear though. God will NEVER answer in a way that harms us. As I told the kids during Sunday School: When you ask your father for Snakes & Ladders, he will either say “yes” and give it to you, or “no” and don’t give it to you. But he will NEVER give you ladders... and rattlesnakes to go with it! If our earthly, imperfect fathers know how to give good things to you, “how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
I gave the Father’s Day message using this passage of Scripture during Sunday School not too long ago. Put them all into stitches of laughter as usual. But behind the jokes, laughter, and humor, there lies a subject that many of us question: If we will always receive what we ask for, seek what we find, and get the door to open whenever we knock, why is it that God sometimes seems to say no?
Generally, God answers in 3 ways when we ask of something from Him: Yes, wait, or no. We definitely don’t have a problem with God saying “yes”. We can understand why God says “wait”. But the problem comes when God says “no.” This is what we find difficulty accepting. There are 2 possible reasons why God sometimes says no.
1) It is a “no” because it is not good for you.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17)
God only gives us things that are good and perfect for us. Therefore, if God doesn’t give us what we ask for, one possibility is because we are asking for something that is not good for us. Therefore God withholds it from us for our own good.
The tricky part here is the definition of “good”. To us, the things that we want, or the things that we think we need are good in our eyes. But to God, the things we perceive as good may not be as good as we think they are. God, in His goodness, ultimately knows what is good for us and what is not. And He knows how to give us what is good in His wisdom. He will not give us something which we think is good, but which is in actual fact, bad for us.
But the question arises when we say: How come God doesn’t grant my request, even though what I ask for is benevolent in nature? This brings us to the second possibility:
2) It is a “no” because it is not according to His will.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14, 15)
This verse accurately balances the factor of human persistence with the factor of God's sovereignty. It points out that God is in no way obligated to give an affirmative answer for all our requests. If God has to say “yes” to all our requests, who is the real God then?
The bible says that we can be confident of receiving what we ask of Him “if we ask anything according to His will”. Accepting and recognizing God’s sovereign will in all our affairs is one of the most important lessons for any child of God to learn. The pill of God’s absolute sovereignty is often the hardest pill to swallow.
The question that arises is: How then, do we know that we are praying according to His will?
The only way we can pray according to His will is when we know what His will is. In order to know what God’s will is, we have to live in a close relationship with Him, keeping in step with the Spirit. When our lives are in tune with the Spirit’s leading, our lives are aligned to what God wills for us. And when our lives are aligned to what God wills for us, we will automatically want the same things that God wants for us. Therefore, we will know how to pray according to His will, and be sure of the affirmative answer. The greatest joy for a Christian is to discover what God’s will is, and finding delight in it.
In the end of the matter, one thing is clear though. God will NEVER answer in a way that harms us. As I told the kids during Sunday School: When you ask your father for Snakes & Ladders, he will either say “yes” and give it to you, or “no” and don’t give it to you. But he will NEVER give you ladders... and rattlesnakes to go with it! If our earthly, imperfect fathers know how to give good things to you, “how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Monday, June 27, 2005
Covert Ops Briefing
“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly”
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
(Matthew 6:3-18)
The bible exhorts us to be bold in our faith in many ways. We are supposed to be not ashamed of the gospel, and to courageously declare the kingdom of God. We are called to be faithful witnesses in our confession of His name. To be open about our love for God. To live righteously before God not only in our private lives, but also in our public lives.
Yet, Jesus instructs us to play it low key when it comes to 3 things – charity, prayer, and fasting. In each of those deeds, He teaches us to do it in secret, so that “your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Why is Jesus telling us to be so secretive in those 3 practices?
Jesus always has a thing against a false sense of holiness. We see how He always comes down hard on the religious leaders because of their “holier than thou” attitude. In Jesus' eyes, real piety should not be seen by man. A truly pious person never feels the need to prove his piety before man. Instead, he hides from being portrayed as a pious man, because he realizes that his own unworthiness is not worth any public recognition. Such humility and awareness of one’s own fallen state can only be found in the life of a truly pious person. In fact, a truly pious person resents being called pious! Paradoxical, but this is the attitude that is displayed by a real man of God.
Those 3 areas of Christian discipline are the easiest ways to draw the public’s attention towards a person’s piety. Yes, we can be public in our works of charity, prayer and fasting and still be sincerely genuine at the same time. Well and true. But Jesus, who always champions the higher standard, puts us to a test. If we are truly sincere and genuine in those 3 areas of Christian discipline, then let us do it in secret! Because if we are indeed sincerely genuine, it will be of no difference to us whether or not people see what we do. The effectiveness of those 3 acts is not affected or dependent on the number of eyes who sees it.
In certain areas of our lives, the Lord compels us to be public about it. But in some other areas, the Lord challenges us to use covert operations tactics.
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
(Matthew 6:3-18)
The bible exhorts us to be bold in our faith in many ways. We are supposed to be not ashamed of the gospel, and to courageously declare the kingdom of God. We are called to be faithful witnesses in our confession of His name. To be open about our love for God. To live righteously before God not only in our private lives, but also in our public lives.
Yet, Jesus instructs us to play it low key when it comes to 3 things – charity, prayer, and fasting. In each of those deeds, He teaches us to do it in secret, so that “your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Why is Jesus telling us to be so secretive in those 3 practices?
Jesus always has a thing against a false sense of holiness. We see how He always comes down hard on the religious leaders because of their “holier than thou” attitude. In Jesus' eyes, real piety should not be seen by man. A truly pious person never feels the need to prove his piety before man. Instead, he hides from being portrayed as a pious man, because he realizes that his own unworthiness is not worth any public recognition. Such humility and awareness of one’s own fallen state can only be found in the life of a truly pious person. In fact, a truly pious person resents being called pious! Paradoxical, but this is the attitude that is displayed by a real man of God.
Those 3 areas of Christian discipline are the easiest ways to draw the public’s attention towards a person’s piety. Yes, we can be public in our works of charity, prayer and fasting and still be sincerely genuine at the same time. Well and true. But Jesus, who always champions the higher standard, puts us to a test. If we are truly sincere and genuine in those 3 areas of Christian discipline, then let us do it in secret! Because if we are indeed sincerely genuine, it will be of no difference to us whether or not people see what we do. The effectiveness of those 3 acts is not affected or dependent on the number of eyes who sees it.
In certain areas of our lives, the Lord compels us to be public about it. But in some other areas, the Lord challenges us to use covert operations tactics.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Believe The Yes... No?
“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:34-37)
Ever had this paranoia of making people promise whenever you are going to tell a secret? Felt the urge to make a person promise over and over again, or utter curses that will happen to himself should he violate his promise to keep it zipped?
Jesus always has a higher standard for His followers. During the past, making oaths are common. But with Jesus, He says “do not swear at all,” but “let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ ”
Making oaths “to the Lord” is a very strong oath, because any oath with God’s name in it is legally binding. The tricky part is, any oath without God’s name in it is NOT legally binding! That is why Jesus says do not swear by heaven, or earth, or Jerusalem, or any object, or any place, or any anatomy of your own. Firstly, since such oaths are not legally binding, the maker of the oath is not bound by the law to fulfill it. So why make a redundant oath, or trust in someone who makes such an oath? Secondly, using such oaths will only serve to lessen the credibility of a person’s simple “yes” or “no”. Once it becomes a habit, nobody will believe a person’s "yes" or "no" anymore, because his frequent use of oaths implies that he lies all the time unless an oath is uttered.
Jesus is not forbidding solemn, official oaths. Legal oaths still has its place in the community. Jesus is saying that oaths should not be made in common speech. Making oaths, be it with God’s name in it or not, could be used misused a cover-up for falsehood. Such casual oath-taking suggests that a person’s normal words cannot be trusted.
Therefore, Jesus was imparting a higher standard here. He is telling His followers not to lie under any circumstances, be it under oath, or not under oath. Instead of resorting to making oaths to reinforce truthfulness, it is better to build up an on-going reputation for truthfulness in one’s words. If a person is known to be a man of his word, he does not need to make any strong oaths or promises to add more credibility to his words. His simple “yes” or “no” is believable and trustworthy enough to be taken for what it is.
It is great folly to have a habit of making oaths in common speech. Not only does it imply that a person’s normal speech cannot be trusted. Casual oath-taking will reduce a person’s character as a believable person. Besides, it is not wise to make rash oaths, because God takes into account every oath that is made by the mouth of man. The maker of oaths puts himself under a burden to carry out that oath. Why reduce your own reputation and put yourself under the yoke of oaths? As the bible aptly puts it, “Better not to vow than to vow and not pay” (Ecclesiastes 5:5)
So… I’m going to tell you a secret. Do you promise not to tell anyone? Swear?
Ever had this paranoia of making people promise whenever you are going to tell a secret? Felt the urge to make a person promise over and over again, or utter curses that will happen to himself should he violate his promise to keep it zipped?
Jesus always has a higher standard for His followers. During the past, making oaths are common. But with Jesus, He says “do not swear at all,” but “let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ ”
Making oaths “to the Lord” is a very strong oath, because any oath with God’s name in it is legally binding. The tricky part is, any oath without God’s name in it is NOT legally binding! That is why Jesus says do not swear by heaven, or earth, or Jerusalem, or any object, or any place, or any anatomy of your own. Firstly, since such oaths are not legally binding, the maker of the oath is not bound by the law to fulfill it. So why make a redundant oath, or trust in someone who makes such an oath? Secondly, using such oaths will only serve to lessen the credibility of a person’s simple “yes” or “no”. Once it becomes a habit, nobody will believe a person’s "yes" or "no" anymore, because his frequent use of oaths implies that he lies all the time unless an oath is uttered.
Jesus is not forbidding solemn, official oaths. Legal oaths still has its place in the community. Jesus is saying that oaths should not be made in common speech. Making oaths, be it with God’s name in it or not, could be used misused a cover-up for falsehood. Such casual oath-taking suggests that a person’s normal words cannot be trusted.
Therefore, Jesus was imparting a higher standard here. He is telling His followers not to lie under any circumstances, be it under oath, or not under oath. Instead of resorting to making oaths to reinforce truthfulness, it is better to build up an on-going reputation for truthfulness in one’s words. If a person is known to be a man of his word, he does not need to make any strong oaths or promises to add more credibility to his words. His simple “yes” or “no” is believable and trustworthy enough to be taken for what it is.
It is great folly to have a habit of making oaths in common speech. Not only does it imply that a person’s normal speech cannot be trusted. Casual oath-taking will reduce a person’s character as a believable person. Besides, it is not wise to make rash oaths, because God takes into account every oath that is made by the mouth of man. The maker of oaths puts himself under a burden to carry out that oath. Why reduce your own reputation and put yourself under the yoke of oaths? As the bible aptly puts it, “Better not to vow than to vow and not pay” (Ecclesiastes 5:5)
So… I’m going to tell you a secret. Do you promise not to tell anyone? Swear?
Friday, June 24, 2005
Reconciliation Before Sacrifice
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23, 24)
The greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” All of us know that one. The second is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). We know that one too. Fine and dandy.
However, we miss the underlying point that underscores the second one. Loving our neighbor refers to loving unbelievers AND believers alike! Out of our pious benevolence, we never forget to love unbelievers to show them the love of Christ. But in looking too far, we overlook those who are closest to us – our own brothers and sisters in the Lord.
We go great lengths to show our love for God. We take pains to ensure that our love for unbelievers cannot be faulted. We justify ourselves by our devotion to God and our care for the needy. But we forget that loving our neighbors also means loving our brothers and sisters within the family of Christ itself.
By turning a blind eye towards the grievous sins or grudges we may hold against one another inside the brotherhood of believers, we are placing an obstacle on ourselves that hinders us from fully serving God. Taking pride at the sacrifices we make for God at the altar and being blameless before the community around us may be the best façades to hide the animosities that we may have within the brethren.
Matthew points out that making sacrifices to God while strife is evident among the family of God is not acceptable. The gift that we intend to offer to God must be left “before the altar”, even though it may look awkward and weird for it to be left there. People may stare, start to ask questions, and even wonder what is going on. But the bible tells us to go our way and “first be reconciled to your brother”. No matter how long or how hard that process of reconciliation takes, it must be done. And the gift must be left before the altar until reconciliation is made complete. When our relationship with that brother is finally restored, “then come and offer your gift.”
What an important principle this is when it comes to our service for God. God honors our sacrifice not only when we are right before Him, but also when we are right before man. We are called to be children of God. “If someone says ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20)
How often have we let strife among our brothers and sisters get in the way of our relationship with God? Our growth in service for God and fellowship among the saints can be perfected when we see the importance of our relationship among our brothers and sisters.
The greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” All of us know that one. The second is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). We know that one too. Fine and dandy.
However, we miss the underlying point that underscores the second one. Loving our neighbor refers to loving unbelievers AND believers alike! Out of our pious benevolence, we never forget to love unbelievers to show them the love of Christ. But in looking too far, we overlook those who are closest to us – our own brothers and sisters in the Lord.
We go great lengths to show our love for God. We take pains to ensure that our love for unbelievers cannot be faulted. We justify ourselves by our devotion to God and our care for the needy. But we forget that loving our neighbors also means loving our brothers and sisters within the family of Christ itself.
By turning a blind eye towards the grievous sins or grudges we may hold against one another inside the brotherhood of believers, we are placing an obstacle on ourselves that hinders us from fully serving God. Taking pride at the sacrifices we make for God at the altar and being blameless before the community around us may be the best façades to hide the animosities that we may have within the brethren.
Matthew points out that making sacrifices to God while strife is evident among the family of God is not acceptable. The gift that we intend to offer to God must be left “before the altar”, even though it may look awkward and weird for it to be left there. People may stare, start to ask questions, and even wonder what is going on. But the bible tells us to go our way and “first be reconciled to your brother”. No matter how long or how hard that process of reconciliation takes, it must be done. And the gift must be left before the altar until reconciliation is made complete. When our relationship with that brother is finally restored, “then come and offer your gift.”
What an important principle this is when it comes to our service for God. God honors our sacrifice not only when we are right before Him, but also when we are right before man. We are called to be children of God. “If someone says ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20)
How often have we let strife among our brothers and sisters get in the way of our relationship with God? Our growth in service for God and fellowship among the saints can be perfected when we see the importance of our relationship among our brothers and sisters.
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