CONSIDER THE WONDERS OF GOD: (Job 37:1-14)

During our time in Holland our family visited Amsterdam. Upon arriving at the famous Dam Square which once fascinated and amazed a twelve year old girl, who is now my wife, Wilma commented, saying; “The Dam Square” has become very small; it is not as awe inspiring as it used to be”. What has changed? Is it the Dam Square or my wife’s perception of “The Dam Square”? Or may be both?

Isn’t it amazing what once considered a “wonder of the world” now may not necessarily be a wonder as new wonders are coming up all the time? For that matter what is a wonder to someone may not be a wonder for another person? I’ve realized this while touring Amsterdam in a boat through the many canals in the city. Mine and other Chinese tourists’ eyes were popping out at every sight they came across, where as an average Dutch person living in the streets of Amsterdam may not even raise an eye brow at those sights.

While the rest were taking in the beauty of the city the Lord quietly drew my attention to the very word “Wonder” I began to wonder where exactly the wonder of the so called wonderful things lie? Is it in the things or in the eye of the beholder? The Lord challenged me once again about my wonder of Him. As a young, born again, on fire Christian in the 80’s I was amazed at the splendor and the majesty of God. The mere mention of the name God used to send such mixed feelings of awe and joy at the same time.

As the years go by do I still exhibit the same wonder? What has changed then? Has God changed, or my perception of Him has changed? How has your perception of God been of late? Is it clouded? Has your God become too small? What is bringing this perceptual blindness or the distorted view of God in our time? When last have you considered the wonders of God?

While several factors can be attributed to this changing perception, during my time in Holland I came to realize two key factors that could take our wonder of God away. One is the rise of postmodern thought and our lack of scriptural and experiential knowledge of God.

First let me define the word “wonder”: It is a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable. Wonder is one that arouses awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration; a marvel. Growing up in highly religious India I saw such wonder all around among the devoted people when it comes to God regardless to an extent what religion people belong to. Interestingly in the West both in America and Europe do I seldom see such awe and wonder of God?  What could be the reason? It is the rise of postmodernism.

I. THE RISE OF POSTMODERNISM

In order for us to understand the word Postmodernism we must look at the previous era which is called the Modern era from 1900-until present. It is the age of exploration. Each episode in the Star Trek series begins with these words: “Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.”[1] 

Whether we notice it or not we are currently living in the post modern era. How do we define the postmodern era? The post modern mind adopts three distinct ideologies that are contrary to the previous eras. First one, “All is difference” It abandons the quest for a unified grasp of objective reality. It asserts that the world has no center, only differing viewpoints and perspectives. In other words there is no such thing as one universal truth or reality. Secondly, the post modern mind is no longer convinced that knowledge is inherently good.

Thirdly, they no longer accept the previous view that “knowledge is objective” In other words knowledge is personal therefore it is subjective. The postmodern world view operates with a community-based understanding of truth. This world view affirms: “there is no absolute; truth; rather truth is relative to the community in which we participate.”[2]

Isn’t that so true of the world we are living today? Is postmodern thinking affecting our generation today? Just like when you are in the water you can’t help but get wet in the same way we can not but affected by the prevailing postmodern culture. The rise of postmodernism has devastating affects on our families, society and even upon the Church. Its crippling influence through mass media and social media is eroding the moral fabric of our society. You might be experiencing this at work with colleagues’ or within you own family, the moment you speak about God or faith you are met with stiff resistance, lack of openness and even ridicule. 

A 2003 survey found that over all belief in God among Americans had dropped significantly; with only 66% feeling certain about it. Astonishingly, 10% of those who call themselves Protestants, 21% of confessing Roman Catholics and 52% who profess to be Jews don’t believe in God. Another 2003 survey revealed that now 60% of all Americans believe that cohabitation is morally acceptable.”[3]

Sex on one’s wedding night has lost its anticipation and wonder for many couples today. The primary reason for couples not “becoming one” physically on their wedding night is cohabitation. This trend is seen not only here but all over Europe. During my recent trip I met young people who would wince but don’t blink an eye when it comes to moving in and living together without ever getting married.

When a society no longer accepts the reality of God is it any wonder we loose the wonder of God and the wonder of the beautiful things that God has created such as sex which is to be enjoyed only in a marriage relationship? How can we regain the wonder of God in our lives? This is where the advice given by one of the youngest friends of Job comes into place.

I.                   CONSIDER THE WONDERS OF GOD.(Job 37:1-14)

We are familiar with the suffering endured by Job as a result of a challenge posed by Satan. Three of Job’s friends could not convince Job of his error. Seeing their inability the youngest among them stepped up not only to the challenge of convincing Job of his error but also to speak of God’s justice and righteousness. Let’s see what Elihu has to say to Job.

In the first five verses we see the power of God’s thundering voice which Elihu likens to the thunder, and the lightning. V 6-13 shows the absolute command of God over nature and exposes the vulnerability of man over the mighty acts of God. Vs 6“For to the snow he says, “Fall on the earth, and to the downpour and the rain, Be strong.” Vs 7, “He seals the hand of every man, that all men may know His work.” We know a little bit about what snow storms and blizzards can do. They have the potential to bring a whole city to a complete halt. No administration can stop the snow from falling when it is falling. All we are capable of, perhaps is to do the clean up afterwards

Those who live in India know the devastation of heavy Monsoon rains. A few days back there were heavy rains in New Delhi, 4 hours of continuous rain has brought the capital to a complete shut down. People were outraged at the Governments inability to manage this crisis well. They blamed the Chief Minister for this strong act of God, She responded saying, “What can I do the weather is not in my control? “Please pray to God to stop the rain” For mentioning God, the chief minister came under attack by the secular media and the atheists association.

Rightly so the insurance companies call Earthquakes, Tornadoes, snow blizzards, Tsunamis, floods, “Acts of God.”?  We wonder why God allows such things to happen. Elihu has an answer for us, these are sent by God to expose man’s inadequacy so that they might come to know Him and stand in awe of His wonderful works. Vs 13, “whether for correction, or for His world, or for loving kindness He causes it to happen. Therefore Elihu challenges, Job in a way that applies to all of us. Vs 14, Listen to this, (place your name here) stand and consider the wonders of God.”

Whose voice are you listening to today? Is it the voice of the media? Or the voice of the atheists, who say there is no God? The Bible gives them a fancy title, “fools”. Are you listening to the skeptics who ridicule and mock this simple, straightforward faith.? I want to challenge you to listen to the voice of God, if you are still not convinced that God is as wonderful as one of His names suggests read the whole chapter of Job 38-39 where God himself completely overwhelms Job with many questions pertaining to His mighty power.

What I shared with you this morning is only a fraction of the many wonders of God. What more shall I say about many other wonders? Anything not within the compass of reason this world calls crazy. But what do we find in the Bible? A continuous record of happenings which we call supernatural, which can not be fitted into our interpretations of normal cause and effect.

Let me list a few of such supernatural acts of God. Abraham and Sarah have a child when respectively a hundred, and ninety years old; Joseph’s foreknowledge of the future through dreams; Moses bringing plagues on Egypt, crossing of the red sea, bringing of water from a rock and daily manna for over half a million people for a period of 40 years; How about the fall of Jericho’s walls and Daniel spending a night among hungry lions? How about the N.T miracles?

Such as Jesus walking on the water thus counteracting gravity (and Peter doing the same); feeding five thousand with two fish and five loaves; turning water into wine; healing all kinds of diseases, and raising the dead? How about the Apostle Paul; people were healed by his shadow and touching his handkerchiefs? How about Paul raising a dead young man who had fallen from the top floor of a building? What logical explanation you give to these mighty acts of God? If you don’t call these, wonders of God what else will you call wonders?

Stand and consider the wonders of God. In closing I want to echo the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 66:1-5, “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.” Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf.”

May the Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.” Amen!

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Original_Series

[2] Stanley J. Grenz, A Primer on Postmodernism, pages 7-8

[3] James E. White, “Serious Times” page36

HOLY SPIRIT SPRING RAIN: Joel 2:22-29

         New England has four distinct seasons; the fall, winter, spring and summer each with its own character and appeal. This unmistakable change of seasons is what endears many to this region of the United States. Especially after a harsh winter, spring season is so refreshing. During spring season we see life all around us; trees blossoming, people working in their gardens planting all kinds of seeds. The gloom and drabness gives way to hope and brightness. Life all of a sudden becomes more colorful and promising.  Don’t we all long for spring and cherish it as long as it lasts?

As much as we long for spring, the Israelites in ancient Palestine used to long for the spring season with such anticipation as if their whole life depended on it. Unlike the agriculture by irrigation that they were used to when they were slaves in Egypt in the Promised Land they were to depend on the rain. Deut 11:10-14, “The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot as in a vegetable garden. But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven.” This scripture suggests that God wanted them to look only to him for rain to plant seeds and also harvest their crops. He also promised to them that if they listened and obeyed his commandments Vs 14, “He will give the rain for their land in season, the early and latter rain or the autumn and spring rain.” But we know the rest of the story; time and again Israelites rebelled against the one who had brought them from slavery and turned to other gods which provoked God to send them into captivity.  The Prophet Joel prophesied that God was going to send once again not only the physical rain to the Israelites but the Holy Spirit’s Spring Rain on all people. We will read Joel 2:22-29.

I. SEASONS OF LIFE

Just as there are seasons spring, summer, autumn, and winter in nature, there are seasons in the human life. One author says, “Roughly spring season lasts from 0-20 years, the summer lasts 20-65, which is normally the retirement age”.  Then there is the fall and winter season.

Among the four seasons summer is the longest. In early summer, young adults are busy raising their children concentrating on the present. Our lives are in full bloom and going full speed. But the finger of time moves on. The nest becomes empty, after our young have ventured out on their own and have started raising their own families. Late summer finds us focusing more of our energies toward retirement planning. But in addition, many find themselves in a very stressful situation dealing with family issues.

I guess many of us are in the season of summer, some are perhaps touching the fall and winter, I certainly feel like I am in the middle of my summer season. It is a season where we go through a phase of uncertainty. We look back at our most productive years of life and wonder where those years are gone. We long to return to that stage but we know we can’t get back what has gone from us. We look at our current challenges, difficulties, relationship problems, financial struggles; we worry and fret over not only our present but also the impending future.

In the text we have read we see Israelites going through a middle of summer experience. All the great things they had experienced and great miracles they had witnessed from God have been stopped. They were going through a kind of barrenness. Their green pasture lands were turning drab and dry. Fig trees stopped blossoming and the vines stopped producing grapes. The remaining crops were being eaten up by locust.  Above all they were being oppressed and reproached by the northern kingdom.

Under such circumstances God sends a messenger of hope saying, Vs 21-22, “Fear not, Earth! Be glad and celebrate! God has done great things. Fear not, wild animals! The fields and meadows are greening up. The trees are bearing fruit again: a bumper crop of fig trees and vines!” God was going to turn the waste land into fruit bearing land.

How can this message be applied for our lives today?  Like the Israelites we too can go through both a physical and spiritual summer like experiences in our lives. What would they look like? We can easily identify a physical summer experience if only we look at our check books and see the dwindling account, sky rocketing bills, ever mounting debt, discouraging health conditions etc. Recognizing spiritual summers is very hard; as they are very subtle yet real.

Here are a few signs that would help us identify our spiritual summer: unanswered prayers; unresolved conflicts; Church splits; not feeling the presence of God; lack of joy in worship reading God’s word and fellowship; undue guilt; feelings of condemnation; and lack of bearing fruit. If you are going through either physical or spiritual summer types of experience do not be afraid there is hope for you; God has promised rain, the Holy Spirit’s spring rain.

II. HOLY SPIRIT’S SPRING RAIN :( Vs 28)

The rainy season in ancient Israel commenced with the “early rain” of October and November. The arrival of rain softened the ground for plowing and marked the beginning of cultivation. The “latter” rains of April and May brought an end to the rainy season and indicated the beginning of the harvest.”[1] It is a time for celebration. Every farmer in Israel eagerly looked for both the “early and latter rains.” God had promised to give them both Vs 23, “Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.”

This scripture tells us that God was totally concerned about the physical needs of his people. As he did it in the past he was going to send both the rains so that Israel could cultivate and harvest the fruit and be refreshed by it. But He did not stop by merely satisfying their physical needs but also their soul needs. God extended his promise to all people beyond Israel. He promised to send the Holy Spirit spring rain on all people.

Vs 28, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: your sons will prophesy, also your daughters. Your old men will dream, your young men will see visions. I’ll even pour out my Spirit on the servants, men and women both.” When did this promise get fulfilled?

III. THE PENTECOST DAY DOWNPOUR:

The Jewish religious calendar centered in a number of annual feasts. However, the three most important were those in which all males were required to appear before the Lord. Deut 16:16, “Three times in a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which he chooses, at the feast of the unleavened bread or Passover, the feast of the booths and the feast of weeks. Pentecost was known as the “Feast of Weeks”

On the day of Pentecost; fifty days after the resurrection and the ascension of Jesus Christ; the city of Jerusalem was all geared up to receive Jews from all over the then living world.  They were gathered to celebrate the beginning of the harvest or “the day of the first fruits” (Numbers 28:26). On that day something spectacular had happened.

A group of  120 disciples including Mary the mother of Jesus who had been meeting in the upper house earnestly seeking and praying for the promised gift of Jesus. The scripture says; “Suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues (ethnic languages) as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4) Many who gathered around were amazed to hear these 120 Galilean disciples speaking in languages that were not their mother tongue and said to one another what does this mean? While others were mocking and saying, “They are full of new wine”

The Apostle Peter who cowardly denied Christ three times after the down pour of the Holy Spirit’s spring rain became as bold as a lion and reminded the crowd about the prophecy of Joel. As a result 3000 people got saved that day. Billy Graham in his book “the Holy Spirit” notes, “In a real sense, the Day of Pentecost in the NT on which the Holy Spirit came was “a day of first fruits” the beginning of God’s harvest in this world, to be completed when Christ comes again. Pentecost in the NT marked the commencement of the present age of the Holy Spirit”[2]

The Pentecost day was the fulfillment of God’s promise long ago. But the Holy Spirit’s spring rain is not only limited to that day it is available to all subsequent generations since that day including ours today. All believers are under His guidance even as the disciples of Jesus were under Him. From heaven Jesus still exercises lordship over us, but physically not being with us, He gives His directions by means of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus directed the disciples to wait until they received the promised Holy Spirit, He is still instructing the believers to wait and earnestly seek the Holy Spirit’s spring rain. You may ask why do I need this spring rain.  Whether you are a new believer or a season saint, both your physical and spiritual life depends on the Holy Spirit’s spring rain. Are you experiencing summer in your life? Do you want your barrenness to turn into fruitfulness? you need to earnestly ask the heavenly father to drench you with the Holy Spirit’s spring Rain. Amen.

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[1] Harper’s Encyclopedia of Bible Life, page 154

[2] Billy Graham, “The Holy Spirit” page 24

RADICAL FORGIVENESS (LUKE 23:33-43)

Just before the Valentines Day the sporting world was shocked to learn that Oscar Pistorius popularly known as the “blade runner” allegedly killed his girl friend Reeva Steenkamp a 29 year old South African Model. Another tragic loss of life! Following the tragedy Reeva’s uncle Mike Steenkamp made a refreshing statement saying, “I would like to meet Oscar Pistorius and forgive the man who killed my niece  “That way I can find more peace with the situation,” he told CNN’s Drew Griffin during an interview that he would forgive Pistorius whether the shooting was an accident or not. “Whatever, whatever the outcome. I feel with my belief and if Christ could forgive when he died on the cross, why can’t I?”[1]

                                                                                                                      

What a courageous statement of forgiveness! When I hear such statements it makes me think that that this world we live in is not all that bad; there are some who still believe in the message of forgiveness. The world needs this message so desperately. While Jesus was hanging between life and death on the cross said. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Why should Jesus offer any forgiveness, especially towards those who ordered His execution?  Yet Jesus prayed for forgiveness because it was his mission to forgive, though it cost Him His life.  It is not easy to forgive, yet forgiveness is what the Cross is all about. God placed all our sins on Jesus on the cross so that you and I might be forgiven of our sins.

Let’s look at how Christ exhibited “Radical Forgiveness” in Luke 23: 33-43. According to the traditional church calendar we are entering the Holy week. The Holy week is the week preceding Easter and the final week of Lent. It begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.

During the Holy Week, Christians commemorate the Passion of Christ, on Good Friday we remember his death for the sins of mankind. Before we delve into the message of the Cross let me point out some ironies. In fact the crucifixion itself is the great irony. It doesn’t make sense to the common mind. The scriptures say that, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” I Cor 1:18 (NLT) Oh! How we thank God for the Cross without which we have no redemption.  

I. THE GREAT IRONY:

The whole act of crucifixion from beginning until its end is filled with one big Irony.  The innocent one who committed no violence was accused of subverting the nation and stirring up trouble. The king of the universe stands meek before Governor Pontius Pilate. There was no reasonable evidence to suggest that Jesus committed any of the allegations against him. In fact Pilate himself said three times, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” (Luke 23:4) Yet the crowds sought for the highest punishment according to the law; the death penalty. The crowds: some of them perhaps were healed by him; ate the bread and fish and blessed by his teachings now have turned against Him, shouting Crucify him! Crucify him! A man who knew no sin was cowardly handed over to be crucified while a rebel and a murderer was released.

The creator of the world now in the hands of those he created; mocked; beaten up; humiliated and finally hung on the cross like a criminal between two robbers. Has this humiliating situation changed his relationship with the father?  In no way it was jeopardized He still called God, “Father” How would you address God if you are to go through such pain? Do you curse him or still call him “Father? Jesus interceded for both Jews and Romans. Jesus not only asked God to extend forgiveness to his tormentors but he himself granted forgiveness to a repentant criminal in his final hours as the true Messiah.

II. RADICAL FORGIVENESS:

The gospel writer Luke included more details of the crucifixion in his gospel where the other writers either have omitted or paid not much attention. Luke explains in detail about the mockery of the religious leaders, the Roman soldiers and the executed criminals. Though all these three groups mocked at Jesus the most dishonoring mockery came from the criminals whose place in the mainstream society has already been categorically dismissed.

Let me set the scene for you. Two men were crucified at the same time as Jesus, one on his right hand and one on his left. We read in Vs 39, “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us! This insult was loaded with sarcasm and aimed at undermining the very purpose of Christ’s coming into this world which is “to seek and save what was lost.” Luke 19:10, The first thief lacked the fear of God. He did not recognize Jesus as the true savior of the world. As always Christ refused to act on the demand of the first thief. Was Christ not really capable of saving himself and the thieves? No! Then what can we make of his refusal? We must realize here that Jesus’ unwillingness to act was not a sign of impotence instead it was a sign of absolute humility and the act of ultimate submission to God.

The Apostle Paul while writing to the Philippians explains this unparalleled obedience of Christ.  Philippians 2: 5-8, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross.” Coming back to the story! The second thief got a few things right. Firstly he rebuked his friend for his irreverence and sarcasm. Secondly, he accepted the fact that he was guilty of doing wrong and was justly being punished for it.

Thirdly; he affirmed Christ’s innocence by saying, “this man has done nothing wrong.” Fourthly; He recognized Christ as the true king and one day he was going to come back and establish His Kingdom on the earth. Fifthly; he repented and accepted Christ as his personal savior, by just calling him “Jesus” just how the sinners; tax collectors and the ordinary folk in the society used to call him just “Jesus” Unlike the first thief who was only concerned about his earthy rescue so that perhaps he could go back to his robbery and murderous life style; the second thief was concerned about his eternal destination. He just could not assume that he was going to get there because he knew how lost he was if anything was going to save him, it had to be the sheer mercy of God, so he said; “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus assured him and said, “I will tell you the truth today you will be with me in paradise.”

This statement has raised quite a few theological questions. What did he mean when he said; “today According to Randy Alcorn the author of “Heaven” when Jesus said today you will be with me in paradise he was referring to the intermediate Heaven.”[2]

As we approach Good Friday; let’s reflect on the events surrounding the cross and the conversation between Jesus and thieves. They remind us of a few simple truths. Firstly; in our sinful nature we too are like those two thieves who hurled insults at Jesus. Secondly; though both the thieves saw Jesus from a close proximity one hardened his heart and died in his unrepentant state while the other repented and was assured eternal life. The choice is ours. Even after seeing what Jesus has done in our lives and in the lives of others we can remain hard hearted or choose to repent. Thirdly; Christ not only forgives our sins but also expects us to forgive others when they sin against us.

In closing let’s pray the prayer our Lord has taught his disciples: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts (sins) as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen.

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[1] http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/i-would-forgive-oscar-says-reeva-s-uncle-1.1482976#.UUdYrBwQanY    

[2] Randy Alcorn, “Heaven” page 55