I can’t explain why in this season of great joy I would bring into the Pew such a question but it is worth pondering a bit. Most of us think of two things when we hear the word garden in biblical writings. There is the “Garden of Eden” where the trust and relationship between man and God was broken. Then of course there is the “Garden of Gethsemane” we read of in Mark 14: 32-42, where Jesus, in total obedience to the Father, chose to stand and not run from the Father’s will. Thus the crucifixion, the resurrection and the process of the restoration of the relationship of the people with the Father through the mercy, grace and acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the Son of God.

Two things we might consider at the first of these verses. The first being that to have stayed in the upper room would have been dangerous because the authorities would be looking for him along with the fact that Jesus knew what Judas was going to do, he needed a safe place to go. The safest place would be anywhere outside the city. This was no ordinary garden and because Judas knew where to find Jesus it is apparent that Jesus was in the habit of going there. Because the city had a weird law that its sacred soil might not be polluted with manure for the gardens, many wealthy people maintained private gardens outside the city to get away from the crowds and just rest. One of these wealthy people must have given Jesus the privilege of using his garden at night. There were two things that Jesus wanted on this night. He took his disciples with him because he wanted human fellowship and even more the time to fellowship with God. The agony of Jesus at this time was intense. When you are in times of trouble and uncertainty do you not want human fellowship and most of all to be close to your God?

As we continue through these verses we know that Jesus did not want to die, he was still a young man and there was so much more to be done in this world so full of sin; we also would be mistaken to think that Jesus did not know of the pain and shame of the crucifixion. How many times have you been in a situation in which you had to compel yourself to go on? At this point Jesus did not fully understand why and there are times I am sure that all of us have wondered why things in our life had to be a certain way, but knew we had to go on. Here is a lesson we who call ourselves Christian can learn from. Although he did not fully understand his Father’s will, he knew it was the will of his father. He accepted it and then with faith, continued on.

So some questions to for all of us. Where is our garden? Can we go there and in fellowship with others find God, seek his will and then follow in faith that which he has asked of us? Here is a quote from William Barclay’s Daily Bible Study.

“If we can call God father everything becomes bearable. Time and again we will not understand, but always we will be certain that ‘The Father’s hand will never cause his child a needless tear.’ That is what Jesus knew. That is why he could go on – and it can be so with us. “ (William Barclay, DBS, Mark page 401)

What about you? When you are in the garden, what will you do?
Will you stand and do the Father’s will…….or will you run?

Life is Good

jk

We could all use a little good news these days in a world changing rapidly moving from one set of normal to another and chronicled by the diversity of this digital world we live in. We live in a time of smoke and mirrors, things are never what they seem but are often a picture painted by a world of spin doctors, painted to fit their agenda. If that isn’t enough what is considered truth is only good till the next telling of the story.
In the verses that make up chapter 4 in Philippians there has been a dispute that has apparently disrupted the fellowship within the church. Christians are to remain strong in the faith by fellowship with each other and solving our problems or differences by working together. Paul is encouraging them to do just that. Prayer, supplication and giving thanks in all things, helps us to deal with the anxiety through the peace of God through Christ. It is a fact of life that if we think about something frequently and long enough we soon will not be able to stop thinking about it. Our actions and our demeanor will reflect our concerns and we will be overwhelmed by the concerns of this world. The truth is the mind will always set itself on something. Let’s take a close look at these two verses from Philippians Chapter 4.

We know that there are many things in this world that can let us down, promising things which can’t be delivered and offering false hope to gain peace of mind. Verses 8 – 9, Chapter 4, Paul offers us a list of things that we as Christians should dwell on, things that lift us up and give us peace. He starts off with the word Truth. The Greek is hard to translate and some versions of our bibles use honest and honorable as a means being worth the time to consider. There are things that are questionable both morally, or are not dignified in content in such a way that warrant serious consideration. There are people in this life that don’t take life seriously and it is not our place to judge them. Paul is simply saying there are things of worth that we as Christians should set our minds on.

Paul then uses the word Just, the Greek word being dikaios. The short way to this is that Paul is pointing out that a Christian’s thoughts should be on their duty to other people and God. He then moves on to things which are Pure. The Greek meaning, morally uncontaminated. Barclay points out that when used ceremonially it means that which is so cleansed it is fit to be brought into the presence of God and used in his service. This world is filled with things that are morally questionable. This filth and smut taints may things we encounter every day. The Christian mind should be set on those things that can stand the scrutiny of God. The next word is Lovely. Think of those things that bring forth love for each other and those things God finds pleasing in his eyes. I find William Barclay’s writing in DBS to say it best.
“There are those whose minds are so set on vengeance and punishment that they cause bitterness and fear in others. There are those whose minds are so set on criticism and rebuke that they bring out resentment in others. Christians set their minds on the lovely things – kindness, sympathy, patience – so they are winsome people, whose presence inspires feelings of love. “
There is so much hate and ill-will in the world today that does nothing to lift people up. Christians should concentrate on words and actions that are pleasing to God’s ears and eyes, only those things that are fit to be in his presence. There is so much in these two verses that it is good that we linger here among those things that Paul reminds us are worthy of our thoughts.

The language of today that has become all to common in our communications with each other and often on our minds are ugly, false and impure thoughts and words, that are not words that are fit for God to hear. We should realize that there are many good things in this world that deserve praise and have value. Paul closes with a simple request. While Christians do not seek praise, they should always live a life that would be worthy of such. All things are to be done to the Glory of God. So take the time to dwell on “…those things which are true, whatever things have the dignity of holiness on them, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are winsome, whatever things are fair-spoken, if there are any things which men count excellence, and if there are any things which bring men praise, think of the value of these things. Practice these things which you have learned and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

As we prepare for the birth of Jesus let us make every effort to think good things, and prepare ourselves that we might be worthy of such a gift.
Life is Good
jk
Note: Reference material for this blog is taken from The Daily Bible Study, written by William Barclay.

As I have grown older every year at this time that tree with the lights and promise of holiday cheer somehow gets smaller and the lights aren’t so bright. As we get older it is said that eyesight weakens but I have discovered that actually I see much better than in my younger years. ’Tis the season so they say and the lights, music and joy and at some times the goodwill of men overwhelms us all. It’s what is on the other side of that tree that seems to be more and more real in my life. I can’t help but see beyond main street, the bright lights, smiles and the rush of the season, my eyes wander to the side streets where there are people who wonder where they will be sleeping tonight or where their next meal is coming from, the need for a warmer coat and why the world seems to pass them by, for whatever reason. To these people a good coat and some socks without holes in them is more than they can expect. I watch the family in Wal-Mart, mom and dad, trying to figure out how they fill all of those wishes the kids have passed on to Santa. I see the mom in the grocery aisle counting money against what she needs to make ends meet. I know there are families struggling with the illness of a loved one, knowing that it won’t turn out well. No, I am not a purveyor of doom and gloom, I believe age enhances our ability to see reality and view others differently. Every year I tell myself that I will write about the other side of that tree and I never do, because like many of us I too am blinded by the bright lights and the anticipation and excitement Christmas morning brings. You know that saying, “Can’t see the forest for the trees.” I think maybe we sometimes can’t see That Star, for That Tree.

Jesus couldn’t have come at a better time, for thousands of years the Jewish people had been subject to foreign rule, with only a few brief periods of independence. Where Jesus was born and lived, the area known as Palestine, modern-day Israel, had there systems of government. There was the Jewish self-government which reported to the local Roman government, ruled by King Herod, which reported to Rome, Emperor Caesar. It is not a point of common knowledge in the pew but the system allowed for some unusual things. There was religious freedom, political freedom and freedom of thought! There was one caveat, just a small one. All of these freedoms had to be compatible with the Roman system. There was a great difference between rich and poor. You had an upper, middle and lower class, this in its self is not that big a surprise. The big difference was the classes were set in a pattern of political and religious beliefs and loyalties. There was heavy taxation by the Roman government and the tax collectors were considered to be outcasts and traitors. There is so much more about the world that our savior was to be born into. It was a world that no number of Christmas trees, lights or gifts could ever change. It was a world in which they were waiting for the leader that God had promised, whom they believed would bring spiritual renewal and free them from foreign oppression and at this time in their history it was the Roman Empire.

Jesus spent most of his life in and around the farming village area of Nazareth. Similar to many farming villages throughout the world, life was patterned after traditions, roles and rituals passed down from many generations beforehand. (jesuscentral.com)

I have listed some of the things on the other side of That Tree and my belief that it sometimes keeps us from seeing, That Star. So what about that star and what is the relationship it has to the things on the other side of that tree? There are many references to that star in Scripture but in Old Testament Scripture there are not that many. I kept searching because I believe it is so important to the account of Jesus’ birth and what it meant to the world then and the world to come. This one stuck with me.

I shall see Him, but not now: I shall behold Him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth, and Edom shall be a possession. Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come He that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city (Numbers 24:17_19).

“Thus Balaam’s reluctant, but divinely inspired, prophecy, revealed that a unique Star associated with Israel would accompany a future Sceptre (that is, King) who would eventually rule the world.” (Henry M Morris PH. D. icr.org )

Why I am drawn to the star? So many things distract us from the real meaning of the birth of Christ. Notice I didn’t say the real meaning of Christmas. I do not wish to get into theological arguments about Christmas, my view is rather simplistic. To the Christian world for many centuries Christmas has been a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. That it does well with almost all people in the secular world as well. My interest is in what the birth of Christ meant to the world and the star does that better than the tree.

Matthew 2:2
They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the East, and we’ve come to honor him.”

The star that God put there to point the way to his son, the new-born king of the Jews, he who was sent to forgive the sins of the world and heal a broken and hurting world. We can and do become distracted by the bright lights and gifts under the tree but who hasn’t been drawn to and wondered at a bright and shining star in a dark sky? That star guided them to the Christ child and many are the stories that tell about it. Take your eyes off the tree and look at what lies beneath the star, for it is here we find the real meaning behind the tree.

Luke 1: 78-79
Because of our God’s deep compassion, the dawn from heaven will break upon us, to give light to those who are sitting in darkness
and in the shadow of death, to guide us on the path of peace.”

The time couldn’t have been better. The world was a harsh and unforgiving place for all people. He came as the hope for all people, for a better world and with him came the promise of life for all who believed. With all that is going on around us these days, the world is still a better place because he came. Those people I wrote about at the start of this blog, they are a reminder that there is work still to be done, they are why he came. While That Tree and the lights and joy of the season are real and part of this day…. Follow That Star to the day God blessed his people with a savior. You can’t put the star, or its promise in a box of pretty paper, bright ribbon and place it under a tree. It was and is to be seen by all, for in it is the light of the world, the promise of salvation, for all of God’s people and creation.

Life is Good

jk

Took last week off to enjoy the holiday and getting back into routine is not easy for me to do. I am a simple guy trying to write a simple blog weekly and sometimes subject matter can be a problem. This week was no problem and that was a pleasant surprise. For the past few months of this year, sexual harassment has been the elephant in the room and about two weeks ago the whole herd arrived. The other term we could use is a parade of elephants filled the room. I have my subject, now to research and develop. I was going to “socialize” this, you know bring it into today’s world and write about the biblical aspect related to it. Surprise…this elephant has been around a long time.

Was Ruth a possible victim of “sexual harassment?”  Michael Carasik, has a recent post that I found to be just the way I wish I could write. To many of us here in the pew the post would be informative and go outside the box we normally stay in when reading Scripture. I had to read it twice which still resulted in my asking, “are you serious?” I don’t know how many times I have read the story of Ruth and never made the connection. So there is the first elephant in the blog room. Remember to check out Michael Carasik’s article here:

https://www.bibleodyssey.org:443/people/related-articles/sexual-harassment-in-the-book-of-ruth

Next, some thoughts on this issue of sexual harassment biblically speaking from Dr. Craig Keener. In Genesis we have stories from the Middle Eastern culture which point out the fact that women lacked many of the rights that we take for granted these days. It is also interesting that Dr. Keener notes that in the world of the Israelites, attacks on women’s sexuality also entailed attacks on the men to whom the women were attached. (Keener) Dr. Keener lists these scriptural references to establish the fact that harassment was always a danger for women.

Genesis 12: 10 – 15
10 When a famine struck the land, Abram went down toward Egypt to live as an immigrant since the famine was so severe in the land. 11 Just before he arrived in Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know you are a good-looking woman. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife,’ and they will kill me but let you live. 13 So tell them you are my sister so that they will treat me well for your sake, and I will survive because of you.”
14 When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw how beautiful his wife was. 15 When Pharaoh’s princes saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s household. 16 Things went well for Abram because of her….

Isaac in Canaan, where Rebekah also faces potential threats to her sexual security. Genesis 26: 7 – 9

7 When the men who lived there asked about his wife, he said, “She’s my sister,” because he was afraid to say, “my wife,” thinking, The men who live there will kill me for Rebekah because she’s very beautiful. 8 After Isaac had lived there for some time, the Philistines’ King Abimelech looked out his window and saw Isaac laughing together with his wife Rebekah.
9 So Abimelech summoned Isaac and said, “She’s your wife, isn’t she? How could you say, ‘She’s my sister’?”Isaac responded, “Because I thought that I might be killed because of her.”

The threat was always present even among your own and it doesn’t end there. “The Bible also reports terrible incidents of sexual violence (Gen 34; 2 Sam 13) and God’s punishment on David for his affair with, and abuse of power regarding, Bathsheba. Such actions always appear negatively in Scripture.” (Dr. Craig Keener)

Another Elephant in the blog room.

What is the Bible viewpoint?

I am always thankful for those scholars, teachers and religious writers whose knowledge is so valuable to us folks in the pew. The subject of sexual harassment is one that has been with us from the very beginning. We could make a list of many reasons it is not right, there is no excuse for it. The correct answer or solution is not what the world condones, or the parameters set by society at any time. I read an article by Gary Hunt that puts what I believe to be the best insight biblically on this subject.

“As far as the word’s (generally speaking) definition of sexual harassment, the Bible would agree that it is wrong. When someone in a position of power, speaks or acts in ways that “offend” (sin” against someone and imply or insist on sexual gratification, they are wrong!” (Gary Hunt)

http://biblesearch.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-sexual-harrassment/

In the secular world it is a well-known fact that has become the stories told in the locker room, the good “ole” boys well-kept secret that everyone talks about, the elephant no one sees that destroys those who are unable to protect themselves from it. It is alive and well in the darkness of the halls of power, position, and influence. These last few weeks the elephant in the room has become a herd. The only real worthy approach to this is found in God’s word.

John 3: 20
20 All who do wicked things hate the light and don’t come to the light for fear that their actions will be exposed to the light.

It is time we brought this elephant out of the dark into the light and insist that it has no place among God’s people. It is time also as I shared with you a few weeks ago that Christians insist that they be given a place at the table. WE must re-establish Christian values in the world we live in. WE must tell the story and share the Good News.

Life is Good

jk