Things Formal

Last weekend I attended a memorable 21st birthday. Mostly, it was an informal gathering, with food brought around the crowded house - inside and out; people talking, meeting, laughing, and casually sharing life together. But then, it came time for a few speeches. Not many, and not for long, but just a few. The people hushed; the father talked about his dear daughter; the mother added a few things; as did a sister, much in jest and good fun; then came the response from the delightful 21 year old daughter. In particular she thanked her parents, rather movingly, for introducing her to Jesus: the best thing they could ever have done. It was profound; sweet; genuine; moving; a lifetime wrapped up into a few sentences; a person or two called out and joked, about a few other funny matters; then, simply, the formalities concluded with the cutting of the cake; and then sharing it around; this part of the day, made the day.

Yes, the formalities, though brief, were wonderful; essential really; they made the day!

In a world, which has become increasingly casual, I for one, am glad that there are still formalities.

It is possible, even in our casual forms of Christianity, to pray and worship the Father, our God, alone, in a formal manner; with speech which is not merely chit chat, with a friend (there are many times for that). There is a time for every matter under heaven; just as i have spoken in my 'best English' to a well educated more senior doctor, or dentist, with a degree of care, and choosing words wisely, so too, I recently prayed alone, in words well chosen, and even slightly formal; it was a liberating and dignifying experience;

Some Sunday morning services, could do with a little less liturgy and formality, I shall agree. But many more, could do with a degree of - for want of a better word - formality. I may mean seriousness, or solemnity, or clarity of thought, or holiness of speech, or 'our best English'; but whatever, come what may, I am sure that to lift our sense of grandeur and wonder, and high praise the the Most High God, who has come so near to us in Jesus Christ, we would do well to speak in terms which are dignified, and perhaps at times, slightly formal. This does enrich life and worship.

I came to this revelation, regarding formality, while reading Psalm 116:14 "I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people". This is a section of Psalms (113-118) which constitute the 'Egyptian Hallel" and were used in connection with the great festivals. Praise the Lord, for rich, genuine liturgy, and formality, filled with the presence of the Living Christ, enlivened by the most Holy Spirit.

Two Broadcasters

Today, I heard a radio report. One of those little human interest catalogues, or birthday's. In particular, they were saying that it was the birthday (24th March) of:

(1) the famous Canadian environmentalist, Dr. David Suzuki and of
(2) the influential English Media personality and broadcaster Malcolm Muggeridge.

Two men of influence.

Voted one the the 10 greatest Canadians, David Suzuki has given us fascinating insights, and urgent warnings concerning the world in which we live. His contribution to the wisdom and life of the human race is immeasurable.

He said: "We have both a sense of the importance of the wilderness and space in our culture and an attitude that it is limitless and therefore we needn't worry." Wikipedia notes: "He concludes with a call for a major "perceptual shift" in our relationship with nature and the wild". Crucial, I'm sure.

And yet, does he, ulitmately hold an accurate view of the true nature of things? Is the world in the hands of a faithful Creator? What does he think of Christ?

Malcolm Muggeridge was at one time an avowed atheist, and critic of the Christian faith. However, something happened which changed his perspective, entirely. He met the Risen, living Christ - Jesus of Nazareth, now Lord of the universe. This gave him a far more hopeful view of things. Since he came to see things as they really are.

"I can say that I never knew what joy was like until I gave up pursuing happiness, or cared to live until I chose to die. For these two discoveries I am beholden to Jesus".

He held an understanding which had come to him beyond sight, He had been encountered by the living Christ. The world was genuinely under a guiding, redeeming hand, not merely bound to self-destruction. This biblical understanding does of course take account of that event known as "the fall".

He also said: "Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message".

The message, is that Christ lives, by his resurrection power, and therefore David Suzuki's world, is actually a different place than he knows.

It is amazing that such insight has been revealed to babaes and infants, and yet, the "wise" cannot perceive it. Strange.

What is the Image of God?

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Gen. 1:27)

What is the Image of God?

Is it a broad, general concept, or a more specific thing?
Does it refer uniquely to humanity as male-female?
Is it to do with being created to be like God in his deeds?
Is it something esoteric, hidden, and hard to define?
Does is mean being relational, as the triune God is relational?
Is it the capacity for thinking, and reasoning and moral choice?
Is it to do with dignity, goodness, integrity, uprightness?
Is it referring to having dominion, rulership and authority?
Is it about servanthood towards the rest of creation?
Does it refer to a quality or role given only to human beings?

Carl F.H. Henry has said: ‘The Bible does not define for us the precise content of the original imago’.

However, Colossians says that the eternal Christ is the Image of the Invisible God. Adam was thus, the image of The Image. Christ reigns over creation; Adam and Eve were created and blessed with a relational capacity to reign - together with, and under the triune God - to fulfil their vocation of heading up the creation, with the goal of sanctification and glorification.

O Jesus, You Reign! We struggle. With you, and through you, and under you, men & women shall reign in life (Rom. 5:17).
Help us to embrace this ‘dominion’ in life, as we receive your Grace, and your righteousness, O Lord.
QUOTES:
(1) The image of God in Man is irreducible, but reversible.
(J. A. Motyer).

(2) Everything that God is, Man is like that; but anything that God is, Man is none of that (eg. Creator-Father, Redeemer).
(G. C. Bingham)

"Created for Worship" by Noel Due (Quotable)

Noel Due writes:

"While worship may arise as a response to the gracious action of God in redemption, for example, it actually belongs more fundamentally to the structure of human beings as sons of God. God the Creator is worthy of worship by virtue of his own being, irrespective of any gracious work on his part to redeem fallen humankind

(see Noel Due, Created for Worship, p. 45).

What is it about Camping?

This year, our church camp was at 'Dzintari' at Normanville Heights. Nice spot.

Some people do not like camping. One can understand that. They find the strange bed, the walk to the loo, the flies, the mosquitoes and other creatures too disruptive to the peaceful routines and enjoyable comforts of modern life.

However, many others seem to love camping. What is it about camping? Is it the return to more earthy living – roughing it? (People say: ‘I’m getting more in touch with nature’.) Is it the opportunity for deepened thought, reflection and relaxation? Perhaps it is something even more profound than that, for: ‘the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground’ (Genesis 2:7a). We have a natural affinity with clay and dust.

(BTW - I notice even the latest ‘Omo’ washing detergent advertising campaign claims that a bit of dirt is good for you).

In John 1:14 we read that ‘The Word became flesh and lived among us’. The Greek says: ‘The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us’. The translator’s permit: ‘The Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us.’ (In the OT, the Tabernacle was a tent: the dwelling place of God with his people).

Our Church Camp at Normanville this weekend provides a fresh opportunity to draw near to God. For in Jesus, God has indeed pitched his tent among the human race.

May the Lord of Creation - be known in our midst. Amen.

Matter Really Matters!

Gnosticism:

The word Gnostic is derived from the Greek word: gnosis, meaning knowledge. While it is essential to know Christ, the Gnostics wrongly taught that people are saved by special knowledge; not so! Most Gnostics rejected the Primary Old Testament teaching of Creation.

The New Testament churches had to correct this false teaching. This is also necessary to correct today. Like the early church, human beings – ever since the fall of Adam ane Eve - have an inbuilt tendency to take a distorted view of their Creator, and hence of the creation, and hence of the human body.

Greek thinking was wrong, when it taught that matter was evil, and that pure knowledge alone was good. Gnostics were quite wrong when they taught that Man was ‘a spark of divinity’ imprisoned in a body. People are not souls trapped in bodies.

Some people still think that ”spiritual” things matter, but “physical” things do not matter. The Christian message is that:

“Matter really matters!”

Jesus was raised as a Man – with flesh and blood. His resurrection body was not (as the hoax archaeological reports suggest) merely “spiritual”. Jesus said himself that he was not some sort of a ghost. No, Jesus rose as a true Man. This is a great affirmation of the goodness of the human body. This is also a great affirmation of the substantial goodness of the whole of the creation – seen and unseen.

The Creator is faithful to Creation.
His plan has not failed; it will not fail; creation will not fail.
Dear friends: Entrust yourselves to a faithful Creator!
(1Peter 4:19)

Creation Groans

Do you sometimes groan, and sigh, and long for things to be different? The whole creation groans (Romans 8), as it awaits a more wonderful future (no more pain or death) – guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus, and the faithfulness of God our Father-Creator. The Spirit works in our hearts, and in the world, to help us to anticipate, and to pray with deep sighs and eager longing, as we approach the coming day – when all things old, will be made new. Not everyone believes this!!
Amidst our daily routines, we
1. Bear witness to God’s Grand Picture – eg. ‘a child playing with snake’ - the promise of everlasting peace. We also:
2. Participate in the one mandate of God (Gen. 1:28) for creation: fruitfulness, multiplying, filling the earth, and subduing the elements. What a vocation!

The Zoo welcomes many amazing creatures: lions, seals, monkeys & …visitors. All remind us of the joy, delight, variety and splendour of creation! The Green Movement, urgently call people, nations, and communities to take immediate steps to correct environmental destruction. We should too.

However, the Christian church is not to panic. We have an even more urgent call to others: Yes - care for creation, but do so in hope; not anger. To care for creation was part of humanity’s mandate from the outset. The further battle humanity must contend with, is due to God’s ancient curse; the further battle Christians contend with is to witness to hope, assured in Christ.

Ever-Present Lord, guide us in our proclamation!

First Sign - in John's Gospel

The first of Jesus signs, in Cana of Galilee, was to turn water into wine at a wedding. This sign revealed his glory.

The crucial Man had arrived - within the flow and rhythm of God’s plan – when the time had fully come. The eternal Word, who co-created the world, had now become truly human flesh – in the birth of Jesus. This man – we now see by faith – was the co-creator of the world. He could transform a wedding disaster into a generous triumph. This man – who has everything to do with creation – launched into his ministry by an act of kindness, which also signalled his power to engage dynamically with the whole fabric of creation. This signals to us the power of Jesus to make all things new. This signals to us the significance of Jesus for creation. This man at last, would prove to be - ‘very good’!

In the ‘very good’ of all creation, with man and woman on the 6th day (Gen. 1:31), we make 2 important points:
1. Human beings once knew total innocence. A situation we cannot fully imagine, but need to at least appreciate.
2. It was ‘Very Good’. The word ‘perfect’ is not quite suitable. Why? Well, humanity was yet untested. To grow as human beings, testing is part of the plan. Jesus too, was tested.
Father, help us appreciate the ‘very good’ of creation; help us even more to appreciate the ‘very wonderful’ of our Redeemer.