Drippings from the Honeycomb
More to be desired are [the rules of the Lord] than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:10)
this is impossible; such practices are deeply rooted in Eastern religions. Such a lie is simply meant to ensnare the unsuspecting in an ultimately unhelpful and spiritually harmful exercise.
How did Western culture move from the Lord’s Prayer to Eastern Meditation? Two basic things: a) as many Christian churches became nominal and prayer became lifeless people sought for an alternative to meet a most basic human need, and b) during the 60s, and through the influence of groups such as the Beatles, the West was introduced to Eastern Transcendentalism, or the practice of meditation.[1] This fit very well with the reactive Hippy years. Now meditation is now wrong, it just depends on how we define it. Eastern meditation involves “emptying” whereas Christian meditation involves “filling.” Both are aiming at peace but only one can achieve true and lasting peace. Christian filling produces a peace that comes from getting right with God through belief in the Gospel, a peace that comes from asking God to fill you with more of His Spirit, a peace that comes from seeking forgiveness, knowing Him, and bringing your deepest longings and needs before Him, a peace that comes from worshipping Him in thanksgiving. Christian meditation is the exact opposite of Eastern meditation. Likewise, when Scripture speaks of meditation, we think or ponder upon God’s character as revealed in His word; we meditate upon Scripture, its meaning and application (Josh 1:8). In Lk 11 Jesus told the story of a person who had a demon cast from them, yet the troubling sequel of how, “finding the house swept and put in order,” that demon went and found seven of its nastiest friends and returned! (Lk 11:24–26). I’ve often likened this story to the ejection of nominal Christian in Canada and its replacement with many false religions more dangerous than the falseness of nominal Christianity. More specifically, if we meditate and let our mind “float,” “drift” and be open and free, what spiritual force are we opening ourselves up to be filled by (other than the living God)! Rather than following the CAA article’s 5 steps, allow me to recommend 5 better and biblical steps:
[1] Nigel Scotland, The Baker Pocket Guide to New Religions. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2006), 193. It has been a rainy summer. Just this week our area has seen many storms roll through. As I pondered the weather a thought struck me. The great majority of our storms come from a westerly direction, which is our prevailing wind. To get a storm from any other direction is unusual. We’re always watching the clouds in the West. We plant hedges in this direction and build houses and projects with this in mind. The storms of this world come from the West.
Interestingly, however, Jesus will return from the East. Not least among Biblical references, this is what He said in Mt 24:27: For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.[1] As we are dealt the westerly storms of this world and our eyes and thoughts are often inclined in that direction, keep your eye on the East, hope in Christ. Set your focus not on the storms of this life but upon Jesus and His promised return. He is the bright morning star that sheds light into our darkness and He will come again like the blazing sun to take away the darkness of stormy sin forevermore. [1] Though this verse says Jesus return will be like lightening from the east, lightening is seen and covered a broad area (“as far as the west”). The emphasis is on the sudden and destructive and visible return of Christ than the direction. It remains a mystery how exactly Christ will return from the east and yet be visible everywhere. For blogs and Christian commentary on the last election read here.
“Many seek the face of a ruler but justice comes from the LORD.” (Prov 29:26) “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” are the famous words issued by Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Looking at Canadian politics through the lens of Christ this couldn’t be more true. What is very evident is that no major party remotely represents a Christian worldview; in fact some are hostile to Christianity. So, how is the Christian to wisely exercise their civic duty, which is the means by which God appoints elected officials in His Providence? Here are some possibilities and we’ll end with some principals:
From our summer Five Minute Moment (5MM) People’s Choice, someone asked me afterwards about what the Bible says about Cremation. This is a great question and incidentally one of the most frequent questions I receive, especially from those with more life behind them than ahead of them.
Traditionally cremation was only an Eastern practice. It has become more common in formerly Western Christian lands in recent years, particularly in places such as Europe or North American cities which have less ground available for burials or where this ground is expensive. Even here there is a movement back against cremation to natural burials because of environmental concerns. The Bible doesn’t explicitly touch on the subject of cremation but it does provide a number of compelling principles that weightily inform a Christian perspective. From start to finish there is a story of burial and hope of a bodily resurrection in the Bible. As early as Gen 15:15 there is mention of burial, and though the practice was to be buried in a tomb (Gen 23:6), there is a sense in which a burial is a burial. It was the Egyptians and Babylonians who used coffins and embalming, in preparation for their future life. The greatest example of burial is of course the Lord Jesus, who was buried and on the third day rose (1 Cor 15:4). Because the Bible says Jesus will return from the east Christian graves traditionally always faced that direction, in anticipation. Likewise, a bodily resurrection is the hope of the believer. The wages of sin is death (Ro 3:23). Though we are spiritually ensured eternal life upon belief, the physical benefit awaits the Resurrection. The Old Testament foresaw the Resurrection in verses like Isa 26:19a and 53:11a. It became a key tenet of the Pharisees (Acts 24:21). In fulfilment of these foreshadowing’s, and Christ’s own Resurrection, is the promise that the believer will share in a resurrection like His (Ro 6:5). This is why Christians have always believed in the Resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting (Apostles Creed). The Bible values the entire person and so the entire person, including the body, is treated with respect both during life and after death (hence why we don’t desecrate graves). Not so in Eastern religions (from which we get cremation). Here the body is of little consequence in comparison to the soul. Eastern religions believe the body can impede the soul from moving on to its next journey. As such, the cremation and funeral is undertaken speedily in order to free the soul. The grand theme of the Bible is one of burial and resurrection. While there are no commands to “be buried” the weight of these principles and the living example of Scripture is why Christians traditionally have always buried their dead. In fact amongst the Eastern Orthodox (and Orthodox Jews) cremation is prohibited. Yet we know people can die terrible deaths, be eaten, incineration, exploded or suffer death at sea. Certainly the power of the Lord is able to resurrect their bodies, even from dust. He can do the same with cremated bodies. Still the imagery and care of the body is absent in cremation. I am not going to be cremated. I don’t believe it is prohibited in Scripture but I also don’t believe it is encouraged. Like the Lord Jesus and the saints before Him, it is my wish to follow his example and be buried. There my body will await His return. When many people think of God they wonder about His relevance, or desire more than a get out of hell free card (in that case, “I’ll just wait until closer to death before pursuing Him,” they think, which itself is dangerous, c.f. Isa 55:6, “seek the LORD while He may be found.”]).
I’m reminded of Jesus’ comment in Mk 12:27, that “He [God] is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” In the context of the Resurrection this means He’s the God of those who are spiritually alive in Christ, both those in Heaven along with those on earth. More broadly spun you could say God is not just a God for tomorrow (the afterlife) but for life today. Here are some examples as to why: 2. Peace with God The heart of the Bible’s message is that humanity has fallen from its original state of friendship with God and now in sinful rebellion is under His just condemnation. We are God’s enemy. Having an enemy such as this along with the eternal guilt that accompanies it bears heavily upon one’s body, soul and spirit. Suppressing the truth of our condemnation, we seek to evade the thought of this rebellion with still more rebellion. We try to substitute being made for God with other things (e.g. money, sex, power, etc). While some of these things may satisfy for a time they do not do so completely. As such we’re left with anxiety and depression. The only solution that can bring us peace is to become at peace with God through repentance and faith in Jesus. The moment we believe, we enjoy this peace; peace from the penalty of sin, friendship with God. Ro 5:1 says, Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. A New Family We live in a world that is filled with loneliness, with many people having experienced rejection, loss, brokenness and want of relational satisfaction. When we become a Christian we not only gain God as our friend and Father but all those who belong to Him, especially within the community of the local church. Here we have fathers and mothers and sisters and brothers. We have people who with whom the believer is One, with whom we share a common interest in Christ and His values and purpose. We will never be alone. For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother. (Mk 3:35). 3. A New Purpose There are many things people live for, even some noble things. However, the noblest thing of all is to live in accord with God’s design for us. Christianity is the answer to our deepest questions of existence: where did I come from (special creation), who am I (created in God’s image), what is wrong with me (sin), what am I here for (to glorify God), where am I going (heaven or hell). We no longer have to aimlessly wonder or wander in regard to our purpose. We are called to worship and serve the Lord (Mt 4:10). 4. New Life Many people think they are living a full life; however, our fullness can only extend as far as our sin inhibits—not far at all. We’re not living life fully because we’re not living as we were design to live. We’re not living for God and His glory; we’re living for self and today. As a result of not being at peace with God we’re actually spiritually dead. We may think we’re alive but it isn’t even a shadow of what we were created for. Jesus came not only to give us eternal life (Jn 3:16) but abundant life today. “I came that you may have life,” He said, “and life to the full.” (Jn 10:10). This life comes through His Spirit that He gives every believer. We know joy by the Spirit and see everything differently. 5. Wisdom From Above Wisdom of practical knowledge about God, life and morality. The world’s wisdom is ever changing and inferior to God’s timeless truths. Not only does the believer gain peace and life but also wisdom. The Holy Spirit is called the “teacher.” He, through Scripture, teaches us in the way of God. When we do what pleases God, we not only honour Him, but life generally goes better for us. Proverbs 3:8 says, “[Wisdom] will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Walking in the Lord’s wisdom brings the steadfastness of truth to our lives that we don’t naturally have in this world tossed to and fro by changing ideas and thought patterns. 6. Strength For Today Life can be difficult, even for Christians. God never promised that it wouldn’t. Believers have been freed from the penalty of sin (through the Cross), are being set free from the power of sin (by the Spirit) and will be freed from the presence of sin when Jesus returns. Yet in the meantime Jesus promised to comfort us through His Spirit’s presence. Christ “dwelling in our hearts by faith” (Eph 3:17) and such promises as “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28) mean that even in the valley of deep darkness the believer can be assured of the Lord’s presence, comfort and strength. All of this increases our relational knowledge of God and produces character. It is only by God’s help that we can persevere through life’s greatest difficulties. 7. Bright Hope for Tomorrow Yet not only “Strength for today” but “bright hope for tomorrow” as the hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness reminds us. Yes, but I thought we were talking about the here and now, not the future. Indeed, but the future impacts how we live today. The assurance of eternal life means that the believer has hope amidst of the hopelessness of today. One’s belief about tomorrow does shape how we live today after all. Peace, family, purpose, life, wisdom and hope; these are just some of the present blessings of being a Christian. Christianity is not simply for tomorrow, a future religion interested in the afterlife, but for today, highly relevant and practical. Would you “call upon Him while He while He is near” today through faith in Jesus and receive all of his benefits, salvation today and tomorrow. Recently our small town has become host to, not one, but two pot shops (and also boasts a grow op)! Additionally, in visiting someone in the community I came across their legal limit of marijuana plants growing on the deck. Canada is truly going to pot.
Aside from critiquing the fact that the government is promoting this and yet also promoting not smoking and other contradictions (such as the argument that legalized marijuana would get rid of the black market), what shall we make of Christ and Cannabis as Christians, are they compatible? As a general statement, NO! I can think of at least 7 basic Biblical principles: 1. Delight and Idolatry The Bible resounds that we were made to enjoy God. To find ultimate enjoyment, or delight, in anyone or anything else is idolatry, the worship or enjoyment of someone or thing other than God. Certainly this does not mean we cannot enjoy lawful and good exercises but arguably (see below) substances don’t fit this category, and what is more so, they are consumed purely for the purpose of getting a ‘high.’ If we knew the Lord we wouldn’t have need of such a high and so at its very core people seek it out for idolatrous spiritual reasons rather than rejoicing in the Lord. 2. Upon Whom Do You Trust? The Bible likewise resounds with the call to faith, to trust in the Lord and His word. Those who use substances are placing their trust in a substance to meet their deepest and spiritual needs and not the Lord. 3. Dominion and Lordship The Bible, again, is very clear that Jesus is Lord. He is our creator, we’re meant to love and serve Him. The addictive nature of substances means that our lives come to be under another power (the substance) rather than Christ. 4. Loss of Control The high received by substances comes at the expense of one’s mind such that we lose self-control, something which the Bible says we are to be vigilant to maintain. This can lead to other sins, which is why the Bible prohibits drunkenness for example. 5. Harm to Bodies We were created in God’s image, given our whole person (including our mind and bodies) to be stewards of (not to mention our finances). Being ungodly stewards is therefore sinful. Further, if we are a Christian, as we are united to Christ, to smoke pot would be to make Christ a pot smoker Himself! Not only does smoke harm our lungs it also harms our brains. Studies have shown how progressively the brain dies as one smokes marijuana. 6. Seek Goodness The Bible commends us pursuing things that are noble and good and lovely. Smoking something that smells like skunk, not to mention the other negative spiritual and moral outcomes, surely doesn’t qualify here. 7. Association In Scripture we’re called to live above reproach and not associate with questionable company. Cannabis, however, has a long and present history of being associated with the morally questionable to the outright dangerous (like gangs). It is a portal into darker things. Whether a non-Christian or a Christian there is ample evidence why you should put a lid on pot; Christ and Cannabis don’t mix; nor should Cannabis be legal in Canada. In my short life I’ve moved five times prior to being married and eight times since being married. This has meant living in four distinct areas of the province of Ontario and also a five year period overseas.
Two locations, more than the others, helped me to know what it meant to be an exile, and also the Christian’s call not to be of or love the world. Living in England, as similar as it is to historic Canada, and as much as I fit within its culture, there was also, as a resident, the reminder that I was an exile. Every time I spoke was enough to indicate that I wasn’t from there (though the more time I spent there the more my accent did change, then people thought I was Irish or Botswanan!) and the privileges of a citizen that were not available to a resident meant that no matter how much I felt a part of the culture I didn’t belong. Second, having spent time overseas and then moving back to my native province, yet after considerable and rapid liberalization, the very province I returned to didn’t feel like the province I had known. Through these experience I’ve learned a lot about living as an exile and how worldliness is sin. 1 Peter is addressed to the “elect exiles” (v. 1). Election is a reminder to these believers of their assurance in Christ; exile that this world is not their home, their citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3). Christians are aliens, living in this world but not of it, instead ambassadors of Christ’s heavenly kingdom, to be captivated by our allegiance to its King and His values. The tension we feel between our heavenly values and the world’s values serve as an ever present reminder of our other-worldliness. All of Scripture resounds with the call for the Christian to fix their eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2; Mt 5:6, 6:33; Col 3:1–4). We are to cling lightly to this world and highly esteem instead eternal things. If we love the world we will be sorely disappointed. If we love the world too much we may indeed show we’re not of Christ but it: 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides for ever. (1 Jn 2:15–17). So, may we remember that we are exiles and aliens and love our Kingdom and King vs the age in which we presently live. “Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens…” Those might be familiar lyrics from Julie Andrew in the Sound of Music when she sang to the children of good things in the midst of a thunderstorm to calm their troubled spirits. Thinking good thoughts, however, is insufficient to change the outcome of a situation, but in the midst of life’s troubles it is a pleasing thing to rejoice in the little things the Lord brings the believer’s way.[1]
That is the wisdom of Ecclesiastes: …that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. (Eccl 3:13; c.f. 5:18–20, 7:14a, 8:15, 9:7–9, 11:9). The believer is not guaranteed blessed ease in this life (though we easily fall prey to believing the prosperity lie); finding meaning in pleasure is a vain mist, wishful thinking, like chasing after the wind. But we can rejoice in God’s grace and goodness that He does send us in the midst of life’s troubles.[2] We cannot control them, they are not guaranteed (we certainly don’t deserve them), but when they come, we can enjoy them as a gift from God. The Christian life is often described as a pilgrimage. The journey is not the destination. Along the way to heaven, like a trip, there will be hills and wild animals and snowstorms, but there will also be panoramic views, still streams and sweet meadows. Total trust in the Lord enables us to be content in suffering and free to enjoy the blessings we do receive. So the next time you hear a beautiful piece of music, behold a masterful sunset, have a cherished moment with your child, sip a good cup of tea, smell a fragrant flower, share in a good meal with friends, experience a warm summer’s rain or a beam of sunshine on your face, take a pleasant walk, hold your spouse’s hand, feel a quilts warm embrace, read a good book, take a trip down memory lane, enjoy the comfort of home in a snowstorm, savour a fireside chat or receive a letter from a friend—don’t simply “remember my favourite things”—delight in the gift that the Gift Giver has given you, and give Him thanks. [1] Ecclesiastes very much speaks wisdom to everyone, and in His common grace, God gives unbelievers tender mercies too, however, central to accessing the wisdom Ecclesiastes’ offer is “the fear of the Lord” and hence why I have the believer in view here. [2] Ecclesiastes actually sees God as the ultimate author of even our hardships. See Eccl 7:13 and 14. Rather than feeling like life (and God) are less than our troubles, when we see He has ordained them, we rest in a trust in Him and thus are freed to submit to His good purposes in them. In lieu of a 5MM on July 25, because of a longer sermon, it is being posted here. Hospitality
This week’s PC 5MM is Hospitality. Φιλόξενος in the Greek (φιλό/ξενος- to love strangers) Oxford defines the word as, “The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors and strangers.” Once it was seen as a common place duty amongst the ancients. Today hedonistic individualism and isolationism has almost driven it out of our vocabulary. Yet for the Christian, this is what we are commanded: Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Pet 4:9, c.f. 1 Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8) We might not all have the gift of hospitality but we can be hospitable and this demonstrates our love (as we entertain angels unawares), changing someone’s flat tire, helping someone cross the street, giving those who’ve lost their home in a fire use of your trailer. Hospitality is a powerful witness in deed of our faith, and an opportunity to verbally share our faith. Hospitality isn’t just something we show to unbelievers, but amongst believers too. I remember once in one of my churches, which met in a physically small space, one family who sat in the back pew never in twelve years having said hello to the family who sat in the front pew! This should not be! Talk to people at church, welcome newcomers—show hospitability. Invite people over for a meal, get together, do things together (like Jesus did)—fellowship! It builds trust, is edifying and enables us to accomplish our mission. If we can’t love our brother, how will we be ready and able to love our neighbour or stranger? There are lonely people, even Christians, who need the love God has shown us, so pretty please, show hospitality! Check out two recent sermons Pastor Chris preached at other churches: July 11- A Faith that is Your Own, 2 Chr 24:2, 15-19 July 18- Elijah, Idolatry, Youth Gangs and the Bears, 2 Ki 2:23-25 [starts at 21:00] |
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