Today is Palm Sunday, one week before we celebrate Easter.  From the biblical accounts this is also known as the triumphal entry. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem kicked off the final week of his life on earth and set in motion the events that would lead to his crucifixion.  Let’s read in Matthew 21:1-11. 

“Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
    humble, and mounted on a donkey,
    on a colt,[a] the foal of a beast of burden.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”” (Matt 21:1-11)

Jesus often spoke in parables but in this passage, we can take Jesus’ actions as an acted parable rather than a spoken one.  In acting out this parable we can see that Jesus is revealing himself for those who have eyes to see the story.  Jesus was there for all to see and he revealed himself more and more clearly as his death approached, yet many failed to grasp the significance of what he was saying and doing, while others chose to deliberately ignore what they saw.  Still, some saw Jesus for who he really is.  Some people would say that Jesus is hidden today, but just as on Palm Sunday Jesus continues to reveal himself for those who are willing to see.

The scene is set for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and Jesus calls for his disciples to get him a donkey to ride on.  Jesus spent most of his ministry walking, so why at this point would he need an animal to ride? This was no pointless joy ride, but rather a ride with a point.  There are a couple reasons Jesus did this.  As Matthew points out, Jesus is fulfilling prophecy by riding the donkey into Jerusalem (Zech 9:9). Furthermore, sometimes the rulers of Israel would ride a donkey, but a donkey, especially this young one, was no warhorse and would have been useless for a king in time of war.  By riding the humble donkey Jesus is symbolizing that he brings peace, not war.  This little donkey was untrained and had never been ridden before.  I’m imagining it’s not particularly easy to ride an untrained donkey, yet the animal remains under control.  Just as Jesus controlled storms, he can calm the untrained donkey.  This points to Jesus’ mastery of nature and the peaceful symbolism of his arrival.[1]

It is clear from events that the crowd recognizes the entry of Jesus as that of a king and likewise Jesus intends to symbolize the arrival of a king.  However, the crowd and Jesus have different concepts of what kingship is.  If you imagine the typical king much show was made of the king’s arrival into a city, especially an important city like Jerusalem.  There might have been parades, festivals and all kinds of lavish gestures centred around the king. The king would ride the best horse or chariot and would be surrounded with well-dressed followers and rich decorations. The most important people of the day would be clamouring for a role in the procession or a well situated spot to observe. Contrast this imagery with the procession Jesus leads into Jerusalem. Jesus, dressed in the everyday wear of a lower class citizen, rides a young untrained donkey, leading a dusty rag tag group of followers who have been with him all over the countryside for three years. There is no finery to be displayed and no pretentious nobles to fawn over the king. A king is arriving, but it is not the typical royal affair.

There is a suggestion in the story that Jesus leads a crowd into Jerusalem as people follow him in from the countryside, while others pour out of Jerusalem to meet him as he enters the city.  There is this mixing and mingling of people and crowds as the scene comes together. What was the crowd thinking that day? We have a few hints as we observe.

The crowd certainly recognized Jesus as some sort of king as they laid down their cloaks and cut branches to put on the road.  This may suggest the coronation of King Jehu in 2 Kings 9:13 where he stood on top of the coats of people to symbolize that he was the lord of the owners of those clothes.[2]  In Jerusalem the crowd sings and cries out the traditional phrase Hosanna, meaning “Save us.”  By the time of Jesus this expression had come to be more of an exclamation of praise than the literal cry “save us”.   This means that the crowd is recognizing the Messianic symbolism of Jesus’ arrival. While the crowd recognizes much of what Jesus is doing and even the Messianic symbolism, many are still not sure who Jesus is.

On this Palm Sunday as Jesus entered Jerusalem it was not that the city did not know who Jesus was, they surely were aware of Jesus and his ministry.  The question is more philosophical: why is there such a fuss over this man?  Is he a king?  Is he the Messiah?  What are his intentions in the city? The arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem was clearly an upset to the accepted order and politics of the day. The city was stirred up and buzzing with questions and rumours. “The coming of Jesus into Jerusalem, along with his death and resurrection, is literally and figuratively an event that shakes the foundations of the earth and of society.  Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem is an apocalyptic event.”[3]

It's worth asking at this point, if Jesus walked into our lives today, like he did into Jerusalem, what would our response be?  Where in the crowd might you be standing? 

It seems the crowd is still not sure who Jesus is.  Is he a prophet?  A king?  The Messiah?  The final comment in this passage speaks to the skepticism of the crowd (Matt 21:10).  They call out Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee – the sentiment being that this is a very unlikely place for a prophet to come from. In many ways Jesus did not fit the mold that the crowd had laid out for him. He did not follow the accepted traditions and norms of an arriving king. It is a strange entry, this Palm Sunday procession.

At the end of his earthly ministry Jesus fulfills the Old Testament roles of Prophet, Priest and King, in one person, the Messiah.  In this acted parable, Jesus is revealing himself for those who are willing to put the clues together. For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear on this first Palm Sunday this is the long awaited arrival of the Messianic King, the prophet who follows Moses.  As events unfold during this week, Jesus is about to fulfill his priestly duties through the sacrifice of the cross.  The crowd had many questions as Jesus entered their city.  We must ask ourselves today: Who is Jesus to you?  How might Jesus challenge your perceptions of him? 

Today: Talk to Jesus and get to know him. He stands by ready be in relationship with you if he is invited in.

Stay tuned as next week we look at Jesus, the risen king on Easter Sunday.


[1] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 94
[2] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary, 1999 pg 219
[3] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary, 1999 pg 219

In this post we’ll explore a theological response to the COVID-19 crisis.  The main points in this post come from Dr. Marv Penner.  Let’s examine a few of the features of this crisis and then see how God’s character addresses this crisis.

First, this pandemic and indeed any unfolding crisis is unexpected.  We can see the response on a personal and societal level is constantly changing as new information comes in.  We are in a state of uncertainly.  Yet as we look to the Bible, we see that God does not change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb 13:8). Who he is has never changed and never will change, no matter what is going on in the world.  Because God is stable and unchanging, we can rest in him and put our trust in him, despite shifting and changing circumstances.

Secondly, a crisis is unanticipated.  No one knew this pandemic was coming.  People, including governments and leaders, were caught off guard.  However, this was not a surprise to God.  He is sovereign, meaning he is aware of events, even future events.  Because God was not caught off guard, we can look to him for our response. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col 1:16-17).

Thirdly, crisis is unpredictable.  We speak of physical distancing, flattening the curve, modelling and doing our part, yet we really don’t know what is going to happen.  However, God is omniscient, meaning he is constantly aware of everything.  He knows what is happening. “…your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matt 6:8b). If God knows what is happening, we can continue to trust him for the outcome.

Fourthly, crisis is uncontrollable.  People have quickly discovered we are far less in control of the world than we would like to think we are.  We cannot control the financial markets, the health care systems of the world or the spread of disease.  The result is stress and anxiety.  Though this is our human condition God does not remove himself.  God is compassionate and faithful.  God truly cares what is happening in our world.  Rather than watching from a distance Jesus walks with people. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Cor 1:3-4)  In a time of crisis, some people will turn to God, the one who is trustworthy, rather than to the financial systems and governments that are unable to stop a pandemic.

Finally, in this crisis there is no clear end in sight.  We don’t know how long this pandemic will last or what the long term effects will be.  It can be easy to spiral into a negative thought pattern, consider worst case scenarios and give up that this is ever going to get better, but God gives hope.  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rom 15:13).  With God there is always hope for better days. 

In the end nothing can defeat God’s love.  God cares more about who people are becoming than our circumstances.  How can you redeem this time?  What is God teaching you?

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:37-39)

We’re a few weeks into the COVID-19 crisis now and I think we need to be asking: how are you doing?  This time we want to take a look at our souls and ask how is your soul doing? You may be saying “what’s a soul?”  or “I know I have a soul, but I have no idea what it is.”  Before we get into how our souls are doing, we need to understand what the soul is.

The soul is the part of people that is not physical.  It’s what makes you, you, and consists of the will, mind and body. 

• The will is your intentions – the ability to make choices
• The mind is your thoughts and feelings, your values, your conscience. 
• The body is your physical self: your body language and actions. 
• The soul is what integrates or holds together all our parts[1] 

The soul persists after our physical bodies die.  The soul is the part of us that is eternal.  Knowing how your soul is doing is a little bit complicated, yet we can learn to understand our souls.  Just as there are warnings when things are wrong physically in our bodies, the soul also gives indications that things are not right, but they can be more subtle and hard to recognize.

This definition is key to understanding the soul: “What is running your life at any given moment is your soul.  Not external circumstances, not your thoughts, not your intentions, not even your feelings, but your soul.  The soul is that aspect of your whole being that correlates, integrates, and enlivens everything going on in the various dimensions of the self.  The soul is the life center of human beings.”[2]

Whether we are aware of it or not the soul has a constant desire.  This desire is for God, our creator.  Especially in a crisis, we see the limits of the things we tend to put our trust in.  The financial system is in disarray.  People have lost jobs; our health care system is challenged.  Governments are scrambling to provide solutions.  As human systems fail, the desire of our souls is designed to lead us to God, who has solutions.  Even, or especially, in a crisis, you can have a life transforming relationship with Jesus.  This is because Jesus cares more about who are you becoming than what circumstances you are facing.
 
Because our souls and our inner lives are invisible, they are easy to neglect.[3]  In a crisis it is totally normal to feel anxious and more stressed and worried than normal. Your soul needs some care.

For some solutions let’s look at the Psalms.  The Psalmists poured out everything to God

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1)

The Psalmist expresses that the soul thirsts for God.  Just like we need to drink water physically, the soul must be filled by God.  The soul centered in God knows peace.  Psalm 23 is a great picture of this:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

The amazing thing is that there is opportunity to grow closer to God where you are right now.  Even in tough circumstances you can know deep peace (not to say you won’t be anxious or stressed, but your foundation is secure).  The Apostle Paul says in Phil 4:12-13 “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  Paul is at peace and content despite external circumstances. This is because his soul is secure in Jesus

So how do you center your soul on Jesus?
 
Speak to your soul 

It might feel weird, but you can speak to your own soul.  The Psalmist speaks to his own soul:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
 
Ask: How are you doing my soul?  I find when I do this, I get an answer or an impression.  Knowing where your soul is at helps you to know what you need to do next.
 
Get Healthy 

To be healthy the soul must turn to Jesus.  We have a great illustration of this with the woman at the well in John 4.  “Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[b] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)  Jesus provides people with living water.  This water quenches the desire of the soul.
 
Put your identity in Jesus. 
 
The soul centered on Jesus has an eternal future.  “God planted eternity in our hearts so that we would not stop seeking life beyond ourselves.”[4]  The soul centered on Jesus keeps returning to him.  It’s like when you’re using google maps on your phone.  When you push the little GPS button the screen re-centers on your location.  The center point is Jesus and we must continually re-orientate our souls to him.   
 
In conclusion here are a few practices for refreshing your soul:

1. Read the Bible. The Holy Spirit illuminates God’s word to people and speaks as we read it.  The soul craves connection with God.  Read a passage like Psalm 23 and mediate on it.
2. Be honest with your emotions.  Seek out a trusted friend (online) and/or see a counsellor (online or via phone) and pour out your heart.  Build a support system into your life and use it.  Stay connected.
3. Take care of the basics:  Eat well, drink lots of water, get exercise, get enough sleep
4. Spend intentional time with Jesus.  Pray, remind yourself of his presence. 
5. Even in this time of physical distancing where many regular activities are cancelled, digital devices don’t allow us any time to be bored.  Put down your phone, turn the TV off and spend some quality time just thinking.  Grab a paper journal and write your thoughts and feelings
6. Practice the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude.  “Only silence will allow us life-transforming concentration upon God.”[5]  In fact I preached on these two disciplines just a month ago.  Scroll down to Feb 24, 2020 and see the blog post for that sermon.

Let this time of physical distancing be a re-orientation for your soul.  Evaluate what the things in our lives mean.  What is most important?  When this ends, what might you want to do differently in your life?  If you don’t know Jesus, maybe this is the time you need to begin a relationship with Jesus.  If you want more information on beginning a relationship with Jesus click here.

God bless and may you find refreshing for your soul in Jesus! 

P.S.  Check out the book Soul Keeping by John Ortberg for a great soul care read.

[1] Soul Keeping by John Ortberg. Pg 42-43
[2] Soul Keeping by John Ortberg. Pg 39
[3] Soul Keeping by John Ortberg Pg 38
[4] Soul Keeping by John Ortberg Pg 112
[5] Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines, pg 164

Given ‘social distancing’ and the cancellation of so many activities in the world right now, we suddenly find ourselves with a lot of extra time on our hands.  With that in mind here are some funny ways to waste time

• Watch funny cat videos online
• Pretend you’re a robot
• Repeat the same word over and over until it loses its meaning

Sometimes prayer is one of those things that feels like a waste of time.  We may put a lot of effort into it and it can feel like we don’t get a lot of results.  There isn’t always something to ‘See.’  Yet prayer accomplishes much that we cannot see behind the scenes.  I would like to propose that prayer is the best possible way you can ‘waste’ your time, especially during a time like this.  Rather than finding meaningless or silly ways to waste time, spend some time in prayer!  Let me propose 4 things prayer accomplishes.

First, prayer helps us admit that we are not God

As the COVID-19 crisis has taught us, we are much less in control of our lives and our world than we might like to think.  “We are witnessing at this very moment the humbling of a civilization that believed itself to be in control of the world—impervious to this kind of threat.”[1]  When everything is going well in the world, it’s easy to think we don’t need God.  Now, when things are not going well, people may be much more likely to turn to God.  Prayer has always taught followers of Jesus to rely on him.  Turning to Jesus in prayer, helps people admit that they are not God; we are not in control.

During a crisis we face all kinds of questions about the meaning of life and questions of safety and security.  Jesus has always had the answers, but maybe we’re more ready to hear them now.  Over 2000 years ago Jesus said “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Notice that Jesus didn’t say that people have overcome the world, he said that HE has overcome the world.  Prayer has always taught people that they are not God and are not in control, but the lesson is more relevant than ever now.
 
Secondly, prayer centers people on God.

Prayer reorients our posture from looking at ourselves or at our world, to looking at God.  Recent events have certainly pointed this out.  Prayer has always pointed to something greater than humanity.  It is easy to spend all day reading and watching the news and spiraling deeper into despair and fear.  Prayer refocuses people on God and moves away from focusing on what we cannot control.  Matthew 6:34 says “34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” In this time, we can’t predict what is going to happen tomorrow.  Prayer teaches us that there is something beyond our present circumstances and troubles.

I Pet 1:3-7 says “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Peter here is speaking of an eternal perspective.  An eternal perspective requires us to believe in something we can’t see and do not yet fully grasp.  Prayer orients our hearts to heaven and towards an eternal perspective. 

Thirdly, prayer teaches about sacrifice and caring for others

Spending time in prayer can feel like a sacrifice, as we are giving up time that we feel could be used on ‘practical’ things.  What better way to spend time right now however, than in praying for our world and for others?  Eph 6:18 says: “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” Prayer helps us orient ourselves towards those that need help.  You can give up some of your time in order to pray for other people and then turn those prayers into practical action.  Maybe Jesus will lead you towards a certain person you could help.  You can reach out digitally to someone that needs encouragement and friendly voice. 

Finally, prayer builds our relationship with Jesus

Jesus is relational and he does not engage in social distancing!  For people that don’t know Jesus, this is a great chance to ask some deep questions about life and the meaning and purpose of humanity.  In this time of social distancing, we can engage in spiritual closeness.  In a time where we suddenly have extra time on our hands this is a great opportunity to spend time getting to know Jesus.

In conclusion, I think Romans 12:12 is a great verse for these times: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” When we look to God, there is always hope.  Prayer leads us to God, hope will keep us going, and patience will prevent panic.

Stay close to Jesus, stay in touch with each other (from a distance) and continue to trust God. 

There is hope for tomorrow!


[1] https://albertmohler.com/2020/03/16/the-humbling-of-civilization-praying-for-the-mercy-of-god

This morning we are concluding our series on “Seeking the Heart of God.”  Our topic is “Where is the Spirit leading.”  Spring is (hopefully) just around the corner and as we look forward to the warmer weather and new growth of spring, so we look forward to what God is doing.  At CCC we’re beginning a roll out of refreshed CCC core values.  We believe these are our priorities for this season and we’ll be giving them quite a bit of focus this year.  This sermon will be a primer or introduction to the roll out of our new values.

As we discuss values and where the Spirit is leading my tendency is to want concrete plans.  What does God want me to do today? Tomorrow?  What is the specific plan?  Sometimes God is very specific, but other times he is much more general.  This morning we’re going to look to few different passages and see how the Spirit leads us. 

We’ll start in Galatians
“16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do[e] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Gal 5:16-26)

What does it mean to be led by the Spirit?  Sometimes we’d just like God to bless the plans we have already made without him.  Other times we’d like him to write in the sky a nice tidy schedule for us.  Usually he does neither, yet the Bible does give us a path forward.

As we see in the passage from Galatians there is a clear distinction between the life of the Spirit and the life of the flesh.  The life of the flesh is marked by the feeding of sinful desires and a pervasive pursuit of those things.  The life of the Spirit is marked by the fruit of the Spirit.  The Bible explains this as the difference between an old life and a new life in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).  These two different lifestyles lead to totally different results. 

When we want to be led by the Spirit, we choose to follow the Spirit and we find ourselves being led by him.  The Spirit leads us to a lifestyle of fruit and the lifestyle of fruit of the Spirit leads us to him.  “Life by the Spirit is neither legalism nor license – nor a middle way between them.  It is a life of faith and love that allows a person to be led by the Spirit.”[1]  This lifestyle is both a choice and a submission.  We are led and we choose to follow.  The soldier chooses to join the military and then gives everything in unquestioning obedience to the mission.  Likewise, this is the call of Christ.  “…since believers have been made alive by the Spirit, they must follow.  Indeed, they are to get in line with him or keep in step with him.”[2] The Holy Spirit is always present and always moving. 

So, what does the Spirit lead people to?  Let’s look at a passage in the gospel of John. 

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:12-15) 

Primarily the Spirit leads people to truth.  “…”all truth” is the communication about and from Jesus.  The Spirit is the agent between the Son (and Father) in heaven and believers on earth.”[3]  The truth the Spirit leads people into is the person of Jesus.  When people follow the Spirit, they inevitably draw closer to Jesus.  In short, in the simplest terms, the Spirit leads people to Jesus.

How can we be led by the Spirit?  Live a lifestyle of obedience to God – the result will be the fruit of the Spirit.  Remove yourself from a lifestyle gratifying your desires or sinful fulfillment.  Everyone makes mistakes, but a consistent, wilful disregard of Jesus and desire to sin will gradually lead away from him. 

Be an assertive disciple and a submissive follower of Jesus.  Some people in the gospels ran after Jesus just for a chance to see him, touch his robes or have a word with him (blind beggar-Mark 10:46-52, Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10).  Others ignored him and hoped he would stop upsetting their worlds that didn’t need a saviour.  It sounds surprising, but not everyone wants a saviour.  If you want to be led by the Spirit, aggressively chase Jesus down and then willingly submit to him.

It’s not so much about a 5 year plan for your life, rather it’s about following the One who will lead you where you need to go. 

Spirit lead and help me follow.


[1] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 739
[2] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 743
[3] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary, 1999 pg 94

This time we are continuing our series on “Seeking the Heart of God.”  The last few sermons we have been focussing on the community aspects of the body of Christ.  This time we are going to look at two things that we do alone in order to help us hear from God: silence and solitude.

First, we’re looking at the concept of silence. It seems strange to talk about silence in the context of Christian community. Is not silence the opposite of good communication?  Let’s examine silence in the context of using it as a spiritual discipline, but first let’s stop and see where we’re at in culture.

In our world we’re constantly surrounded by noise and distraction.  If we have a quiet moment, we pull out our phones, turn on the tv, call someone, or make plans to go for coffee. On the other side of distraction is the desire to make ourselves heard.  In almost every way our culture tells us to make ourselves heard, to express ourselves, to create, to put ourselves out there.  Silence is portrayed to be risky, passive, unproductive.  In many ways as a culture we’re profoundly uncomfortable with silence. 

In our world of distraction, words and connectedness, choosing intentional silence is counter intuitive. If we are always talking, distracted, in motion, surrounded by noise, we rarely stop to listen deeply.  Is it any wonder that we might struggle to hear from God? Or even to hear ourselves think?  Here like in many ways, God is counter cultural.  Counter intuitive.  God says “…in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (Isa 30:15) This is not what we are used to hearing.  Yet, “Only silence will allow us life-transforming concentration upon God.”[1]

Author Mark Buchanan speaks of his own process of learning to be silent.  “There is a deeper lesson here.  God is teaching me quietness of heart.  I didn’t realize, until I started experiencing this, how clamorous and anxious my heart generally is.  Inside, I’m a schemer.  A constant chattering goes on in my head.  I mutter to myself like Gollum.  But as I quiet down, my heart does as well.  Quietness allows room for God to speak or be silent.  Both are gifts.  Quietness stops crowding the Holy Spirit, elbowing aside God’s gentle presence.  The end of striving makes room for dwelling.”[2]

Ultimately, silence is about trust and listening.  If we trust God, we can be comfortable with silence.  We can be with people who speak or don’t.  We can rest in God’s presence whether he speaks or not.

Our second word for this morning, solitude, is closely related to silence.  Like silence, solitude seems counter intuitive.  Is not solitude the opposite of community?  While being deliberately isolated without returning to community is dangerous, intentional solitude for periods of time is healthy.  Jesus certainly practiced periods of solitude and silence amidst his hectic ministry schedule.  Jesus’ begins his ministry with a period 40 days of solitude in the desert (Mark 1:12-14).  This period grounded him and prepared him for the intensity of the coming three years of ministry.  Even as Jesus launched into ministry, we might expect that he would go hard 24/7, knowing he had only 3 years to complete his task on earth.  Yet, this is not the model he practiced.  He continued to withdraw from the crowds to be alone and to pray.  “But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (Luke 5:15-16).

Sometimes he was alone and sometimes he was with the disciples, but they continued to withdraw.  “Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” (Mark 6:31-32).  Indeed, the gospel of Mark reports 9 times that Jesus withdrew either alone or with his disciples to be with God.[3]  His effectiveness with people was grounded in these periods of silence and solitude with his Father.  The key is that Jesus’ relationship with his Father was his most important priority, not his ministry to others.[4] 

This all may seem a little backwards.  How do you hear from God?  Two of the best ways are silence and solitude.  The point of these practices is to focus on God and recharge our connection with Him.  If we are empty ourselves, we have little to offer other people.  If we are constantly distracted, we can become blind to the realities of our culture that draw us away from God.  If we are constantly speaking, we can miss what God and others are saying.  Silence and solitude with God re-center us and correct our priorities.  Again, we follow the model that Jesus himself lived.  It is often in silence and solitude that we are best able to hear from God.
Is this practical in our world?  It is difficult, but I think it is possible.  More than possible it might just be essential.  Here are a few practices and suggestions for silence and solitude:

• Refrain from any form of human communication for a period of time and instead of focussing on people, focus on God
• Intentionally step away from the noise, turn off the electronics, even for an hour, in order to focus on God
• Quiet your voice and your mind so that you can hear the still small voice of God speaking
• Go for a walk by yourself to pray or sit in a quiet area alone to pray
• Take time and simply rest in God’s presence and love with no agenda or timeline

​
Just as Jesus found his strength for ministry in silence, solitude and prayer before the father, so we must find ourselves in God’s presence.  Place yourself in an atmosphere to hear from God and you most likely will.


[1] Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines, pg 164
[2] Mark Buchanan, The Rest of God, pg 154
[3] https://www.soulshepherding.org/jesus-rhythm-of-life/
[4] https://www.soulshepherding.org/jesus-rhythm-of-life/

This time we are continuing our series on “Seeking the Heart of God.”  We’re going to look at how people are invited to share life in Christ through the body of Christ.  There is amazing potential as consider the invitation into relationship.  We’re looking this time at Ephesians 2:11-22.

“11Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,[d] but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by[e] the Spirit” (Eph 2:11-22)

The key to unity in the body of Christ is the reconciliation offered by Jesus.  Through Jesus all people can be reconciled to each other and to God. The unifying factor is that all followers of Jesus are in Him. The Apostle Paul in verse 21 uses a building metaphor to explain this concept.  Ephesians 2:21 declares that with Jesus as the cornerstone, the building rises and becomes a holy temple.  The Bible teaches us that all believers are temples of the Holy Spirit (I Cor 6:19).  Together all believers make up the church, a holy temple. 

In the Old Testament the Jews worshipped in a physical temple, a building. The temple was the dwelling place of God on earth and represented his presence with his people.  In this temple, access to God and forgiveness of sins was regulated by the priestly system and the sacrificial system.  If you want a great explanation of this read Hebrews chapters 9 and 10.  In summary, after the death and resurrection of Jesus people are no longer limited to the physical building of the temple.  We have direct access to God the father through Jesus.  We are invited directly into the relationship of the Trinity. 

Eph 2:22 continues this line of thought: “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”  Because the Holy Spirit dwells in us what was accessible only through the temple in the Old Testament is now present in every believer.  People are now the dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit.  Individually we are all temples of the Holy Spirit, and together we make up the body of Christ, a holy temple, the church.
 
We talk about individual believers, but you can’t have a building made of one stone.  You need many stones crafted, shaped and placed intentionally to build the walls.  When people accept Jesus as their saviour, to continue the building metaphor, they are like a stone placed in the wall of the building.  Many stones fitted together, with different sizes and different roles, make up the building.  Each stone relies on every other stone for the building to be stable.  Every stone is part of the building that God is creating, the body of Christ.  As we are built together, we share in the plans that God is writing.  The Apostle Peter writes: “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Pet 2:4-5)
 
Spiritually, Jesus is the master craftsman. We “are being built” into this house, this dwelling place, this holy temple.  As people live life in Christ, believers are continually being crafted and shaped together towards maturity by life in Christ.  Life in God, with God and through God is what shapes the body of Christ.
So, whether followers of Jesus are called sheep (John 10:14-16), stones (I Pet 2:4-5), branches (John 15:5), or body parts (I Cor 12:12), Jesus is behind it all and each person is invited into the life of Christ that is shared amongst all followers of Jesus.  Through Jesus is the life that God has designed people for.
​

This time we are continuing our series on “Seeking the Heart of God.”  We’re talking about the body of Christ and how people work together in unity and can encourage each other.  This happens on two levels, the personal level and the congregational level.  We’re going to look at a few different passages and draw together some thoughts about why we need people in the body of Christ.

First let’s look at the big picture of the body of Christ starting in Ephesians 4:11-16

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[c] and teachers,[d] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[e] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Eph 4:11-16)

As these verses explain, the body of Christ is meant to work together in unity, each part serving its purpose.  The emphasis is two-fold: 1) that we need every part in the body of Christ and 2) that the church is to be growing towards maturity.  The key ingredients in the growth towards maturity are truth and love.  These lead us closer to Christ who is the head of the church.  In Paul’s view the church cannot grow in an individualistic manner, i.e. there cannot be a bunch of diverse parts growing separately which get slapped together, hoping that it works. The body of Christ is meant to grow together. Each part shapes and encourages other parts in the body of Christ just as when a child grows, the body grows in unison. 

This coordination and unity in the body of Christ is only possible through Christ.  “Christ is at once the One into whom all Christians grow and out of whom the church consolidates itself in love. This process depends on the interrelationship of the various parts of the body.  The whole is continually being integrated and kept firm by each separate ligament.”[1]  As explained in this passage, immaturity is accompanied by risks: childish attitudes and the danger of being caught up in fashionable but false teaching.  Gradually leaving childhood behind, the result of growth into maturity is that believers grow into completeness in Christ.

Secondly, we look at friendships within the body of Christ.  We need friends and many verses in the Bible speak about the importance of friendships.  Proverbs says: “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” (Prov 27:9) I hope you have experienced this kind of friendship in life.  Some people have many friends, and some have few.  The important part is not how many friends you have, but that you have some friends that you trust and can share life with.  Someone has said you don’t need to tell everyone everything about your life, but you need to tell someone.  Do you have someone you can go to when you need advice, prayer or spiritual encouragement? (Facebook doesn’t count) On the other hand, who are you reaching out to and encouraging? I know personally that without people I would not have grown.  We’re truly better together.  We need specific friendships and these friendships provide the links and connections that form the body of Christ.

For faith to grow, people don’t necessarily need to go to a church of a given size, but they do need to meet with other believers.  The writer of Hebrews lays out three key actions in this passage that nicely sum up this message:  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24-25)

Spur one another on to love and good deeds
Believers make each other better when they lead others towards love and good deeds.  The word that is translated as spur “usually has a meaning like “irritation” or “exasperation”[2]  So, we can say the Bible tells us to irritate others towards love and good deeds 😊 

Don’t give up meeting together
Evidently, even at an early date after Christ some believers had given up the habit of meeting with other believers.  It is dangerous to expect that one can grow spiritually without the love, support and correction of a community of believers.  The devil wants to tear down and destroy the body of Christ.  “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. “(I Pet 5:8. The Christian who is alone is at far higher risk of being defeated in spiritual warfare, falling in temptation or failing to grow. So, don’t give up meeting together.

Encourage one another
The previous thoughts are concluded with an emphasis on encouragement.  Believers in the body of Christ are accountable to each other and to Christ; believing that they are to help each other move close to Christ, encouragement is what is called for.  If I may combine and paraphrase two passages we’ve looked at today, we are to spur one another on to love and good deeds by speaking the truth in love. 

By being honest with others, sharing our lives with others, by encouraging people, we help others grow and it all adds up to the body of Christ growing towards maturity in Christ. As you engage the path, be encouraged that though it may be rough at times, it leads to maturity and it leads to Christ.  So, get out there and grow!


[1] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 769
[2] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds, Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 989

Our topic for today is: “God is up to something good.”  The idea is that we do not have to convince God to be good.  In human thinking our tendency is to judge people for their actions as in so and so is a good person, because they treat people well and do good things.  The perception of goodness flows from the actions we observe.  Then we try to apply the same logic to God.  If he is good, he will do good actions that we can observe.  However, that logic does not exactly work with God.  God is not good as a result of what he does. God is good and as a result goodness flows from him.  He is good and is up to good things, we just have to being paying attention to see them.

Let’s look at Ephesians 1:3-14 and see what it has to say about God’s goodness
 
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us[b] for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known[c] to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee[d] of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it,[e] to the praise of his glory. (Eph 1:3-14)

First, let’s look at the big picture of what God is up to.  Apart from time people were chosen to be in relationship with God, before the earth as we know it existed.  People are created in the image of God and were chosen in Christ before their physical bodies existed.  Through Jesus all people are invited into this relationship.  This is something good!

People who are in Christ are one with him.  To be in Christ is to be part of every blessing of Christ. God’s goodness invites us into relationship with him.  Followers of Christ dwell in the relationship of the Trinity right now.  “Christ dwells for ever in the infinite love of God, and as we are in Christ, the love of God for Christ is in a wonderful manner ours.’”[1]  God’s goodness is expressed in love for people.  Through the act of creation and inviting people into relationship, God is up to something good!

Even before the fall of people in the garden of Eden and sin, people were predestined to be adopted into God’s family.  Adoption into God’s family is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection.  Because of Jesus sins can be forgiven through him.  This plan and process of redemption and salvation is part of the mystery of God.  But we may ask, what exactly is this mystery?  “For Paul, the essential mystery was the way in which God through Christ brings men and women back into fellowship with himself. More than that, it is the way in which he brings into a restored unity the whole universe that has been disordered by human rebellion and sin.”[2] 

On a large-scale Jesus is bringing restoration and unity to the whole of creation.  As people understand God’s purpose, they are not blind and aimless followers, but become participants in his good work of redemption and restoration right now. 

• God’s goodness is present in the neighbour shoveling a driveway for a disabled senior.
• God’s goodness is seen in the generosity of a business owner
• God’s goodness is revealed when an immigrant family is loved and adopted into their new country
• God’s goodness is seen when a life is transformed through the Holy Spirit

God’s good plan is for now and for eternity.  As adopted children followers of Jesus receive an inheritance in the kingdom of God.  This inheritance is marked by the giving of the Holy Spirit; a seal and guarantee of the inheritance of followers of Jesus.  “The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s seal. The experience of the Holy Spirit in their lives is the final proof to them, and indeed a demonstration to others, of the genuineness of what they have believed, and provides the inward assurance that they belong to God as children[3]”  The Holy Spirit is evidence that God’s goodness is at work in the lives of believers.

We’ve looked at the big picture and hopefully we’ve seen a little bit of the mystery and wonder of God’s Good plan.  Basing our concept of God only on observable circumstances will lead to an artificially small concept of God.  We must base our concept of God on both observable circumstances and spiritual realities.  Knowing the blessings and promises that God offers to all people and that followers of Jesus possess, as we have read in this passage, illuminates our view of God’s goodness.  If God is good, the Christian life should be one of joy.  “Joy is not pleasure, a mere sensation, but a pervasive and constant sense of well-being. Hope in the goodness of God is joy's indispensable support.”[4]  With God, what is promised, will be. 

In God people are chosen before the creation of the world, they have redemption, salvation, knowledge of the meaning and propose of life, abundant life now and the guarantee of inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.  His plans and purposes according to these promises are being worked out every day in people’s lives.  Hope in God, look for his goodness, and you may just see that God is up to something good.


[1] Foulkes, F. (1989). Ephesians: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 10, p. 57). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[2] Foulkes, F. (1989). Ephesians: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 10, p. 60). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[3] Foulkes, F. (1989). Ephesians: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 10, p. 64). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[4] Dallas Willard http://www.dwillard.org/articles/individual/personal-soul-care
​