He came at night

Nicodemus was a deeply religious man. He came to Jesus at night. He probably didn’t want his friends to see that he was talking to Jesus. He admitted that Jesus was a teacher sent by God. He also agreed that He had done some amazing miracles. But he was puzzled and troubled by his talk with Jesus. Jesus said to him,

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3)

This phrase, “born again” has been used to describe all kinds of things in recent years. I saw an advertisement for “born again” carpets! In North America it has been used to describe “born again Christians”. But for Nicodemus, an old man, it was a shocking and hard to understand idea.

“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:4)

Jesus explains the idea in terms of entering into a whole new dimension of life. This dimension is “the kingdom of God”. It is not a country or patch of land. It is surrendering to and trusting in the leadership of the Creator of the universe. It is coming under his rule and receiving his guidance.

But it is not simply about deciding to be different, or making better choices to please God. It involves starting life over like a newborn child. We are born into a new family. God’s Spirit comes to live in us and gives us the desire and ability to be like Jesus. Jesus likens the Spirit to a wind which blows wherever it pleases. We don’t control God. He is full of surprises, faithful but unpredictable.

How is this possible? Jesus goes on to say that he is the One who has come down from heaven and who has been to heaven. As we look to him and trust in what he has done, our sins are forgiven and we can experience “eternal life”. This life starts now, not at death. It is available to us because God gave his one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it. (See John 3:1-18 for the full story)

What do you believe about Jesus? Have you been born again?
Are you living in the new dimension of life Jesus spoke about?
Do you know the strength God’s Spirit can give?

Who is the greatest?

How would you define greatness? What do you look for in a “great” person? Heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was famous for his personal affirmation “I am the greatest”. It was one of the ways that he used to “psych out” his opponents before a fight. Nearly two thousand years earlier, Jesus was asked this question related to greatness:

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"” (Matthew 18:1)

They were on their way with Jesus to Jerusalem. They expected that when he arrived in the capital he would stage a revolution and overthrow the Roman invaders. Their question was a “loaded” one. They hoped that he would tell them who would be appointed as his key advisors in a government (“kingdom”).

Jesus answer surprised them,

“He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-4)

Instead of answering in terms of politics and power he put a little child in front of them. His message was – “change and become like a child”, “humble yourself”.

I thought about these verses after visiting our new pre-K facility last week. It was about three o’clock in the afternoon. A little child was asleep in the corner, unaware of the noise going on around him. Such trust and innocence struck me. I also envied the fact that he was able to have an afternoon nap! Little children are full of the joy of life. They are open, honest, and vulnerable. These are some of the qualities Jesus says we need, to be great in God’s kingdom. He continues by encouraging us to welcome children as if we were welcoming him.

Finally, Jesus warns those who cause little children to sin that they will be judged harshly by him. (Matthew 18:5-6) This is a challenging word as our nation reflects on the Government’s recent apology to aboriginal people. Ultimately, policies related to the “Stolen Generation”, aboriginal health care, life expectancy etc. are matters which have had and still have a huge impact on children. Beyond the word “Sorry” is the challenge to welcome and care for the children in our society as Jesus would.

Walking in the dark or living in the light?

Have you ever been afraid of the dark? This week I have been thinking about some of the times in my life when I have been in the dark. As a member of the scouts I went caving in the Bungonia caves near Goulburn. We were required to take two light sources with us into the caves, such as a torch and a caving lamp. Once we were deep underground our leader had all of us turn off our lights. When we held up our hands we couldn’t see our own fingers to count them. This reminded us of the dangers of caving in the dark. It would be so easy to get lost.

When I began training to be a pastor I moved in to accommodation at the college where I was training. It was a big, old building with lecture halls and meeting rooms downstairs and student rooms upstairs. I was single but most of the students were married and lived down the road in a block of flats. Often on a Monday night I would be the only person in this dark and creaky building. My room opened on to a long, dark corridor with bathroom facilities at each end. It took me a while to adjust to the darkness and silence. It is easy to imagine all kinds of things when you here a noise in the middle of the night in a building like that!

What is it about the dark that can cause us to be afraid? Sometimes, it is our fear of the unknown. We imagine people, “monsters” or other things waiting to get us. It may be our loss of control or fear of being lost. We can’t find our way in or out. We may also feel alone and unsupported.

Jesus describes living life without his help and guidance as being like, “walking in the dark”. He calls himself, “the light of the world!” John records his words in the Bible,

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, ‘I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.’” (John 8:12)

He says the way to make sense of life and find our direction is to follow him. When he makes this claim he is speaking to a group of people who think they are very religious. They see themselves as better than other people and think they have the right to judge them. He points out that they don’t see others as clearly as they believe. He says,

“You judge in the same way that everyone else does, but I don’t judge anyone. If I did judge, I would judge fairly, because I would not be doing it alone. The Father who sent me is here with me.” (John 8:15-16)

Are you walking in the dark or living in the light? Following Jesus will give you “the light that leads to life”.

Like a strong wind

Have you ever felt like a tug-of-war is going on inside you? There are times when you know what the right thing to do is. You want to do it but you find yourself doing the opposite. It may be holding your tongue instead of lashing out. It could be shutting the fridge door instead of going back for more. Perhaps it’s stopping to help, rather than turning a blind eye to someone in need. This kind of struggle can sap our energy, darken our mood and add to our stress and anxiety. We long to be different but can’t quite make or sustain the change. The apostle Paul was a strong and mature follower of Jesus. Yet, he was able to share his own struggle in these words:

“It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

24I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? “(Romans 7:21-24 The Message)

Paul goes on to write about the way in which Jesus comes to help us with this struggle. He says,

“The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. (Romans 7:25 The Message)

Opening up our lives to Jesus Christ frees us to live differently. It doesn’t mean that we are perfect or sinless. But we receive his strength to change, to overcome and to win the tug-of-war more and more often. We can also bounce back from our failures, receiving his forgiveness instead of wallowing in guilt or regret. Paul describes it like this:

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2 The Message)

In what areas of your life do you struggle to win the tug-of-war? Have you asked for Christ’s help? Have you experienced the wind of Christ’s Spirit blowing the black clouds away?

Life is not a dress rehearsal

The sudden and premature death of film star Heath Ledger has devastated his family, friends and fans. His promising career and outstanding talent have been lost. Confusion remains about the cause and circumstances of his death. But tributes to his talent and concern for others continue to flow in. He appears to have stayed connected to his roots and to be more focused on using his gifts, than with gaining fame or money. In the midst of this grief and support “some US religious groups have vowed to picket any (memorial) service to protest the actor's portrayal of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain.” (www.theage.com.au 27/1/08)

What is it about such events that grab our attention? Why does it stop so many of us in our tracks? Perhaps it is because it reminds us of the uncertainty and value of life. As I heard the news I was reminded of the saying, “Life is not a dress rehearsal”. We only get one “shot” at it. So, we need to live it to the “max”. For some people, the uncertainty of life causes them to shrink back in fear, to play it safe, to avoid taking risks in case they get it wrong. For others, it challenges them to seize the opportunities that come, before they are gone.

Don’t be fooled into “wishing your life away” by just living for the weekend or longing for the next holidays. Count every day as precious and see it as a gift from God. “Seize the day” as Robin Williams so aptly put it in “Dead Poets Society”. Don’t ask, “What could go wrong today?” Instead consider, “What can I do today that will help me to grow and learn as a person and as a member of society?”

Second century Christian St. Irenaeus said: - "The End of man is the glory of God; the glory of God is a man fully alive." We were made to bring glory God. So, when we live life to the full, we live as God intended us to live. Living like this brings praise and honour to God. In the words of Jesus, “In the same way, let your light shine before people, that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven”. (Matthew 5:16)

What about those planning to picket Heath’s memorial service? It seems to me that this is an insensitive and unhelpful way to lodge their protest. Even those with whom we may disagree deserve respect and compassion in their grief.

The Government of God

We have a new government! For some people this announcement has brought great joy and excitement. Others have received the news with anxiety and uncertainty. During the recent election campaign it was repeatedly stated that, “If you change the government you change the country”. Many people are now waiting to see what changes will follow.

Before the birth of Christ many people were longing for a change of government. They lived under Roman occupation. They waited for God’s special messenger (Messiah). The prophet Isaiah described his coming like this:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, n Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Whoever wins or loses at election time the Bible tells us that there is a higher authority guiding and directing our government and those of other nations. It is the government of God and it rests “on the shoulders” of Jesus. His life reflected the aspects of the Messiah described by Isaiah. He was (and is) a person of wisdom and strength. He paid the price for our peace by dying on the cross. He proved his identity as the Everlasting One by rising from the dead.

Good news

Jesus began his public ministry by making a “policy speech” setting out his agenda for change. It set out what he had come to do, and it echoed the words of Isaiah 61 which had also predicted the coming of God’s anointed messenger. He said:

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV)

This is the kind of government that Jesus Christ brings. It comes through the prayers and actions of those who follow him. It also comes through the guiding hand of God on people who do not even claim to know him. It began with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem whose arrival was announced by angels with these words:

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV)

How will you celebrate the good news of his government this Christmas?

Politics and religion

Politics and religion are two “forbidden” topics which many people think should not be discussed. Both are seen as contentious and likely to create conflict or disagreement, even among friends. Some people feel that both these topics are private and personal, and better left alone in polite company.

But when it comes to the role that religion should play in politics things can get even more heated. Internationally, in recent years, we have seen high profile examples of world leaders publicly claiming religious faith. President George Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair are two of the best known. Islamic countries such as Iran are governed by religious law and leaders. Such examples encourage some people and trouble others. So, what does the Bible say about politics?

Firstly, it tells us that,

““Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God”. (Romans 13:1 NIV)

Australians are often quite cynical about politicians. Surveys show that most Aussies rank the average politician poorly in terms of people whom they trust. It is expressed in statements like, “The trouble with an election is that whoever gets elected it will be a politician”. In contrast, the Bible encourages us to respect our leaders as people that God has placed in authority for the good of our communities and nation.

This is not to suggest blind obedience to every government or political system. The apostle Paul who wrote the above words challenged the governing authorities in his own day. As a Roman citizen he insisted on a public apology after he had been arrested, beaten and held without trial. (Acts 16) Similarly, the early church kept telling people about Jesus even when forbidden to do so by local authorities. (Acts 4:18-22) We are to uphold God’s values and ask our governments to do so, across all areas of life – personal, national and international.

Secondly, the Bible tells us to pray,

“… for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV)

All our politicians are weak and imperfect human beings who need God’s wisdom to rule us wisely. A simple prayer that we can pray for all who will be elected tomorrow is, “Lord, help each of our politicians to act justly, show mercy and walk humbly before God. Amen.”

Waiting patiently

“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:7-9 NIV)

What are you like at waiting? Where have you spent time “waiting” recently? Perhaps it was in a queue at the canteen or waiting for a train or bus. It could have been an appointment at the doctors or waiting for test results. Wherever it was how did you cope? Did the minutes fly by or was it hours and days that seemed to “drag on”?

As a society we are not used to waiting or very good at handling delays. We depend on microwaves, emails and mobile phones, fast food and freeways. When things go slow or go wrong we don’t always handle it very well. We can become frustrated, angry and impatient. We may be like the person who prayed, “Lord give me patience and give it to me NOW!” We are driven by the urgent but not necessarily the important things of life. Our impatience can cause us to lose sight of what really matters. In contrast, the Bible urges us to be patient because we have a different view of what life is about.

Christians are told to, “Be patient, then, brothers until the Lord’s coming.” Life now is to be lived in the light of eternity. Human history will have a conclusion. The Lord will return to claim the world which He made. He will come as both Judge and Saviour. To those who place their trust in him his return will be a source of great joy. They will rejoice to see an end to suffering, injustice and evil. But for those who have ignored him or rejected his place in their lives it will be a time of judgement.

In the mean time we are urged to wait patiently. We are encouraged to learn from the farmer who sows his seed and then waits for the rain which will water his crop resulting in a harvest. This process requires faith and trust. There are no guarantees about when the rain will come. It is not like a microwave oven or an instant message. We are dependent on something and someone else beyond our control.

When we understand this principle we are less likely to grumble against others. We begin to see that we are all dependent on the mercy and goodness of God. Every breath is a gift from God. The delays and frustrations which cause us to “lose our cool” often seem less important than we first thought.

What are you like at waiting patiently? Do you look forward to Christ’s return?