Mark 15:46-47 - Nothin' Happened on Saturday

"So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. When the Sabbath was over ..."

- Mark 15:46 - 16:1a (NIV11)

According to the Gospel of Mark, nothin' happened on the Saturday following the crucifixion. Mark ends chapter 15 at the burial site and then nothin' happens until after sunset Saturday, when the women were able to purchase spices to anoint Jesus' corpse the next morning.  Nothin' happened because it was the sabbath and no work could be done. And thus, the disciples of Jesus were forced to slow down, rest and reflect upon what they had just experienced. Each had to enter into their own internal journey through the initial stages of grief: shock, denial, anger, guilt, despair. Alone with their thoughts, they had to enter those dark places of grief that only God can fully heal.  Some were in shock, others were in denial as a means of coping with the pain. Still others were angry Jesus had allowed this to happen, or felt guilty for not being there in Jesus' hour of need. All were in despair as they wondered, "What next?"

This Easter Saturday, let us not be too busy to reflect upon the grief the followed the burial. Take time to allow the reality of the cross and Jesus' death to sink in long enough so that Easter Sunday actually moves you to experience joy as you gaze upon an empty tomb. On this Saturday of Passion Week, take time to slow down, rest and reflect for according to Mark, nothin' happened on Saturday.

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures"

 -  The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

Prayer:

God of all compassion, help us to slow down long enough to contemplate the grief that accompanies death and loss. Be present in our brief Saturday season of grief that we might experience true joy as we remember anew and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mark 15:39 - The Way He Died

And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” 

- Mark 15:39 (NIV11)

What was it about Jesus' death that led this centurion to proclaim "Surely this man was the Son of God!" The apostle Matthew, in his account of the crucifixion suggests that it was the centurion's experience of the miraculous - earthquake and all - at the moment of Jesus' death that led him to make this proclamation of faith regarding Jesus: "When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, 'Surely he was the Son of God!'" (Matthew 27:54).

Yet for the evangelist Mark, the centurion's confession arose, not as a result of the miracles surrounding Jesus' death but rather because of "how he died". It was the way Jesus died that convinced this Roman centurion. It was something unseen by most who were gathered at the cross and yet life-changing for this centurion. As a centurion, stationed in Jerusalem he had probably assisted in or overseen many a crucifixions yet this one was different.  Exactly what made this death different for this centurion is the stuff of personal testimonies of faith; professions of faith that flow out of mysterious spiritual encounters we have with God that lead us to faith.

Even before this centurion had experienced the good news of the resurrection of Jesus, he embraced the good news of the cross revealing the Son of God.  Only twice does the evangelist Mark use the title "Son of God". The first is in the opening verse of his Gospel: "The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1). The second is upon the lips of this centurion: "Surely this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39b)

According to Mark, the good news was revealed to this centurion, not in the miraculous earthquake nor in the resurrection, but rather in the way Jesus died: a death beyond bravery; far more than a martyr dying well for a cause; but rather as the very embodiment of God, the crucified Messiah bearing our sins.

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

- The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 2:2

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open our eyes and hearts that we might experience in the manner of Jesus' death, the Good News that leads to eternal life through him who is Messiah and Son of God. Amen.

Mark 14:61-65 - The Evil We Do in God's Name

"They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him." 

- Mark 14:64b–65 (NIV11)

Do you remember this biblical scene where Jesus is blindfolded, spit on, beaten, blooded, mocked and taunted by the Roman soldiers who cried out "Prophesy!" O, wait a second, my bad. That wasn't the Romans; that was Jesus' own people, the religious leaders and temple guard, following Jesus' conviction for blasphemy by the Jewish Council. All this happened on the Thursday, following the Last Supper. Friday would be the Roman guards' opportunity to flog and beat and crown Jesus with thorns before his crucifixion. But on the Thursday, it was Jesus' own people who beat him and spit upon him; those whose allegiance was to the God of Abraham, Moses and Jacob; those who claimed to speak on the authority of both Holy Scripture and the Heavenly Father.

O what evil we, the righteous, are capable of inflicting upon others in the name of God, once we convince ourselves that they are "evil". The Christian philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal wrote in his Les pensées de Blaise Pascal (1669) that "Men never commit evil so fully and so gaily as when they do so for conscience sake." ("Jamais on ne fait le mal si pleinement et si gaiement, que quand on le fait par un faux principe de conscience") 

Once the Jewish Council had concluded that Jesus was "a blasphemer", an enemy of God, it became acceptable for them and those who had gathered, to dehumanise Jesus and inflict upon him all manner of evil in God's name.

Prayer:

Merciful God, forgive us the evil we do to others in your name: the pain we inflict upon others in defence of our faith in you; the lives we willingly destroy to protect our way of believing; the joy we experience by mocking those who don't serve you like we do. Forgive us, in the name of Jesus, who was beaten and blooded by those who believed they were defending you in doing so. Amen.

Mark 14:1-11 - Judas' Last Straw

"Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over." 

- Mark 14:10–11 (NIV11)

What was it about Jesus that led one of his twelve disciples, Judas Iscariot, to betray him?

According to Jesus Christ Superstar lyricist Tim Rice, Judas loved what Jesus was teaching, but he had never quite grasped who Jesus was. In "Judas' Song" from Jesus Christ Superstar, Judas tells Jesus: "You've started to believe the things they say of you. You really do believe this talk of God is true. And all the good you've done will soon get swept away. You've begun to matter more than the things you say."

While Tim Rice's lyrics offer us an intriguing insight into Judas' motivation for betraying Jesus, the only thing we actually do know about Judas from the Gospel of Mark is that there came a point when Judas reached his "last straw". That "last straw" that broke the camel's back. That "last straw" that caused Judas to give up on Jesus. According to both Mark and Matthew, that "last straw" was actually an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. Jesus had allowed this uninvited woman to anoint him with it.  Now maybe Judas, as treasurer (John 12:6), was upset that this donation of precious perfume was being used frivolously instead of feeding the poor. Maybe it was Jesus' suggestion that sometimes the most pragmatic option is not necessarily the best: "The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me" (Mark 14:7). Or maybe, if the lyricist Tim Rice is correct, it was because everything about this act of anointing Jesus was about Jesus rather than his teachings. It was about providing Jesus, with an anointing befitting the Messiah before his death and burial. 

As a Christian and pastor, I have spent the last 42 years of my life seeking to study, understand and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Yet, if Jesus is only my teacher and mentor, then I, like Judas, would be but one disappointment - one last straw - away from rejecting Jesus. But if I follow Jesus because of who he is, as Son of God, Messiah (i.e. Christ), Saviour, and Lord of my life, then my faith can endure, for my faith is sustained by the crucified and risen Christ himself rather than his teachings alone.  He is not only my teacher, my mentor, my friend.  He is the Messiah, the Crucified God, the risen and now enthroned King of heaven and earth, my Saviour and Lord.

Prayer:

Loving God, open our hearts to receive not merely the teachings of Jesus but Jesus himself; for we long to be in relationship with you through him who died on the cross for us that we might live eternally in relationship with him. Amen.

Mark 11:12-18 - No Place for the Riffraff

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” 

- Mark 11:15–17 (NIV11)

Why the angry outburst from Jesus? After all, the moneychangers were there for a reason, to convert money into sacrificial offerings. It was biblically mandated in the Torah. So, why all the fuss and outrage?

Well you see, the temple was divided into four courts: The outermost Court of the Gentiles, the Court of the Women, the Court of Israel, and the Court of the Priests. Yes, the temple of God included a court for the gentile (i.e. the non-Jewish person). A place of prayer for the non-believer and seeker. A sacred place for the riffraff. A place for those who had no other sacred spaces.

Yet, it was in this court of the riffraff that the merchants and moneychangers had chosen to set up their tables. The only area set aside as a house of prayer for the gentiles and riffraff had been turned into "a den of thieves" for the bartering of sacrificial offerings. The one place where the non-believer and the seeker could encounter God in a sacred space had been taken away.  

We need to be careful that our churches and sacred places don't become private "religious" spaces where seekers and unbelievers feel unwelcomed, be they strangers, refugees, sinners, seniors, children, infants, homeless, poor, or riffraff.

Prayer:
Father of all, whose sacred place is no longer restricted to the temple, reveal yourselves to all who seek you. As stewards of your sacred spaces, give us courage to overturn the tables and tear down the barriers that make it difficult for seekers and non-believers to find their place within your sacred spaces. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Mark 11:1-11 - Hosanna! Lord, Save Us!

Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 

- Mark 11:9–10 (NIV11)

Hosanna! Lord Save Us! Save us from the Romans, Save us from the Samaritans. Save us from the godless gentiles. Save us from those who have invaded our homesteads and taken the land what is rightfully ours. Come and be the triumphant warrior-king David for us. Take back your earthy kingdom. Reclaim the Judah of old, and Israel as well while you're at it. Jesus, if you are the anointed one of God, then save us and bless us. Be our valiant Messiah, God's anointed King.

Prayer:
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy. Forgive us our shortsightedness. Open our eyes to see the Messiah Jesus who sets aside his sword and kingly armour in order to valiantly bear his cross to save us and reveal his kingdom that in not of this world. Amen

Mark 10:13-16 - Jesus Loves the Worthless Children

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 

- Mark 10:14–15 (NIV11)

What was it about these children that led Jesus to proclaim that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these"? Was it their innocence, their purity, their simplicity of faith? Let me suggest that it was none of the above. Anyone who has ever spent a day with a toddler will attest to the fact that they are neither innocent nor pure. They are able to disobey, lie, deceive, bully others, steal cookies and toys, and throw temper tantrums. As the psalmist reminds us, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me" (Psalm 51:1). And as for simplicity of faith, surely Jesus is not telling us that ignorance and blind compliance in matters of faith is a virtue. 

So what made these kids so special? The answer is revealed to us in an earlier passage from Mark 9:35-37, where Jesus picks up a child and tells his disciples: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all. ... Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” The parallel account in Luke reads, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)

You see, these children were lifted up as an example for us, not because they or purer, more innocent, or more genuine in their faith, but rather because they were the least among them; they were "the very last".  In Jesus' day, children had no status until they became old enough to be useful. They were worthless in the eyes of society without rights or entitlements; they could be bought, sold, enslaved or married off by parents to honour debts owed and financial arrangements made.

What Jesus is saying is not, that we must come to God in innocence and simplicity of faith but rather as worthless children who have nothing to offer. Unless we set aside everything, including our perceived worth in the eyes of the world, and are willing to be "servants of all," we will not enter the kingdom of God.

Prayer:
Loving God, we confess that we all too often forget the extent to which we were broken and lost before you claimed us as your own. We confess that we deceive ourselves into believing that we are good and worthy people acceptable to you because of what we have done for you. Forgive us our arrogance. Humble us anew that we might enter into your presence as little children, once worthless yet now precious in your sight through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mark 9:38-41 - The Cup of Water Test

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." 

- Mark 9:38–41 (NIV11)

There is a special "reward" from God reserved for those who treat the disciples of Jesus well - those willing to offer them a cup of water, an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, an offer of solidarity. Regardless of their age, nationality, culture, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or political leanings, those who seek to build bridges and offer table fellowship to a follower of Jesus Christ are worthy of a Christian's respect and God's blessing.

While we may spend a great deal of time trying to isolate ourselves from those who don't believe as we do, Jesus seems to suggest that our potential circle of friends is far larger than we might have first imagined, for Jesus reminds us that "whoever is not against us is for us." (Mark 9:40)

Prayer:
Gracious God, open our eyes to recognize the many acts of kindness directed to us by others. Thank you for those who know us to be Christians and yet willingly offer us their hospitality and respect. Amen.

Mark 9:30-32 - Unasked Questions

[Jesus] said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it." 

- Mark 9:31–32 (NIV11)

This was not the first time Jesus had announced to his disciples the implications of this final journey to Jerusalem. Just before his transfiguration he had told them he would have to be rejected, die and rise again on the third day (Mark 8:31-33). On that first occassion Peter had tried to rebuke Jesus for his pessimistic diatribe. On this second occasion, the disciples just kept silent.  They didn't understand what he meant but they were afraid to ask.  How many questions do you have, for and about God, running around in your head? Questions you're afraid to ask lest people think less of you or question your faith. One of the difficulties with a faith that is too stringently defined and enforced through detailed creeds and statements of faith is that it can create an environment where asking tough questions is discouraged. Why ask the tough questions if you are only allowed to come to one acceptable conclusion? Such an environment tends to shun questions and praises blind acceptance; It leaves us afraid to ask and keeps us in silent ignorance.

Twice Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for what lay ahead in Jerusalem and twice they hadn't understood what he was saying, yet they stayed silent and asked no questions for they "were afraid to ask him about it."

Prayer:
O Gracious God, give to us courage to ask our questions no matter how difficult they may seem.  Teach us the courage of Peter to speak, that we may learn and grow in faith. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Mark 9:14-29 - When Doubt Gets in the Way

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” 

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 

- Mark 9:21–24 (NIV11)

It's not always easy to believe. I'm not talking about believing in Jesus Christ as our Saviour, or believing that he died and rose for our sins. Rather, I mean believing that Jesus, as our Lord, can be trusted to pursue God's will for our lives even if we can't understand the whys and hows of it all. In other words, it can be hard to believe and have faith in the midst of doubt. After all, how can one believe (have faith) and yet doubt at the same time?

Well, let me suggest that "doubt" is not the opposite of "faith" but rather the opposite of "certainty". Faith runs the gamut between doubt and certainty. While we perceive our faith as strong when we have high confidence in what we believe, a faith sustained only by certainty will not survive the painful trials and tribulations of life. It is a faith akin to the seed which is planted on rocky ground,  yet dies away in times of trouble and persecution for it has no roots to sustain it (Mark 4:16-17).

There are times in our lives when, overwhelmed with doubt but deeply longing to trust in God, we cry out "I believe; help me overcome my unbelief?" This is not the sign of a lack of faith but rather a rooted, maturing faith learning to trust in God even when doubt seeks to uproot us.

Prayer:
O merciful God, we confess that we feel disheartened at times. We confess that doubt overwhelms us. Forgive us and help us to overcome our unbelief which hinders our ability to trust in you fully as Lord of our lives through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mark 9:2-13 - Babbling at the Transfiguration

"And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)"  

- Mark 9:4–6 (NIV11)

Jesus led Peter, James and John to a high mountain where Jesus was transfigured before their very eyes. The Jesus whom they had known for the past three years was suddenly, mysteriously, gloriously transfigured in dazzling brilliance as the prophets Elijah and Moses appeared with him. What do you say when the Jesus you have come to know, renders you awestruck once again by revealing himself in a way you have never experienced before?

Well ... Peter babbled. Frightened and unable to process the magnitude of this mystical moment, Peter was trying to do something, anything to feel useful and proactive: "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  Now-a-days we might say, "Let's get a picture or selfie to memorialize this special occasion."

As was the case with Peter, James and John our mystical encounters with Jesus, in prayer and in worship, can also leave us at a loss for words. In those moments of divine revelation our first instinct is to want to do something.  Our brains race to find something to do, something to say, something to make the encounter more meaningful, memorable and productive. And so we busy ourselves ineptly babbling to God about doing this and that, when maybe we should be silent and mindful in his presence, allowing God to transform us anew through a refreshing revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Loving Father through whom we are introduced to the saving work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, prepare our hearts and minds for the journey set before us, as we travel with Jesus into Jerusalem to face the cross that would make redemption and life eternal possible to all who believe in him. Amen.

Psalm 144 - If Trump had a Favourite Psalm

If President Trump had a favourite psalm, I think it would be Psalm 144. If he was looking for a biblical text to defend his current stance on immigration and refugees, I believe this would be his go-to prooftext to bolster his base. 

I came across this psalm during my devotional readings and couldn't help but notice a parallel to Mr. Trump's agenda to "Make America Great Again". This psalm seems to touch on many of the major themes of his immigration and refugee platform: the fear of foreigners and their lies and deception;  the belief that things will be great again once the foreigners have been dealt with; a reference to a wall that can no longer be breached; and a "God bless America" kind of verse at the end.  

I say this to highlight the dangers of taking Holy Scriptures out of their original context and then seeking to apply them to a current situation without first interpreting the text within its biblical context, then the lens of God's new covenant established through Jesus Christ, and finally through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

This psalm reminds me that the emotions of fear, anger and the desire for vengeance or victory are a poor foundation upon which to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ's life, teachings, death and resurrection.

Psalm 144:10b-15 (NIV)  [bolded italics mine]

"From the deadly sword deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the LORD."

Psalm 131 - A Psalm of Contentment

"My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content." (Psalms 131:1–2)

I want what he's got! That experience of contentment in all things. That absence of worries and the presence of joy in all of life. Content like a weaned child with its mother; No longer bound to God for survival yet still content in her presence, empowered to venture beyond the breast into the world knowing that she is nearby.

However, the psalmist David cautions me, for contentment comes from recognizing that there are "things too wonderful for me" and I'm O.K. with that.  At some point we all need to learn to be content with what we have in Christ, no longer feeling the need to strive after that "next wonderful thing". We can't have everything we want, and contentment comes to those who are O.K. with that.  Embracing contentment is not an act of surrender but rather and act of humility and wisdom and maturity.  Contentment is not a consolation prize for those who have given up on their dreams, but rather the very gift we spend much of our lives searching for.

If I am indeed in Christ, then I already have everything I need or desire. Yes, some things are "too wonderful for me" and I'm O.K. with that. 

Psalm 130 - The Waiting Game

"I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." (Psalms 130:5–6)

When I served in the infantry on field training exercises, one of our tasks was on keep watch over the battlefield from our trenches, taking shifts through the night. Some undertook this responsibility rather lightly while others recognized the gravity of this task. Those who took it lightly often fell asleep on their watch, while the rest of us fought hard to stay awake and vigilant. Our "whole being" waited and watched in case the enemy took advance of the cover of darkness to mount an attack.  Now the thing about keeping watch at night is that you can become too attentive. I remember many occasions where I managed to convince myself that there was trouble lurking in the bushes within my arcs of fire. The more I looked the more I became convinced there must be someone there until, I realized there wasn't.  A drink of water, a self-inflicted slap on the face would wake me from my delusions as I realized that, maybe, I had been too attentive to the potential dangers.

While waiting with a zealous passion may be admirable and praiseworthy, it can also lead to tunnel vision, deluding us into seeing what we want to see. Expecting success at every turn can lead us to see success where failure lurks, and likewise expecting the worst can lead us to see problems where there are none.  

The psalmist invites us to wait with hope - a hope which is to be found not in the strategies of worldly success, but rather in wholeheartedly waiting upon the Lord with God's word and voice to guide us.

Oh LORD, teach me the skill of diligent, mindful, hopeful waiting upon you. Amen.

Psalm 128 - Grandparents Rejoice

The psalmist writes: "May you live to see your children's children." (Ps 128:6)

By the way, did I mention, I'm going to be a "grand-papa" in August (Lord willing)? I'm so excited at the thought that the psalmist's blessing might be addressing me. 

God has blessed me with a desire to "walk in obedience to him" (v. 1) wherever that may lead me.

God has blessed me with "the fruit of my labours" (v. 2), over 26 years of pastoral ministry.

God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and two children I adore (v. 3).

And now, yet another blessing, "to see my children's children" (v. 6).

I want to say, "Today, I give thanks to God for the little things in life", but I can't say that for each of these are awesome, exquisite blessings. 

By the way, did I mention I'm going to be a "grand-papa"?

Psalm 127 - A Good Night's Sleep

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves." (Ps 127:2)

What keeps you up at night? Household chores, kids, late night projects, homework, a crying baby, hot flashes, cold sweats, emails, Facebook, video games, worries ...?

For me it's usually church work and spiritual devotions. To tell you the truth, as a pastor, sometimes I can't tell the difference: morning devotions, evening prayers in bed for those on my mind, late night sermon preparation and early morning sermon amendments, evening church-related musings while watching TV, checking Facebook and reading blogs.

Lack of sleep can catch up to you overtime. The dedicated 16 hours of dreaming up goals, strategies and tactics, in addition to daily concerns for the well-being of my family and those whom I pastor, can leave me longing for the good night's sleep that never comes. 

And then the wise psalmist Solomon reminds me that all this busy work I value as devotion to my LORD might actually be in vain. 

"Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain." 

As I get older I am beginning to realize that even great accomplishments for God will only last a season unless God builds it, watches over it, and sustains it.  If I could only embrace this divine reality I might indeed get a good night's sleep.

"LORD of Jacob, David, and Solomon, make me vulnerable and trusting enough to sleep soundly under your loving, watchful care. Amen." 

Psalm 119 - For the Love of Rules

I've always had a nostalgic attachment to Psalm 119 (the longest of the psalms with an impressive 176 verses). When I was 13 years old, Psalm 119:9,11 was given to me to cherish as my baptismal verse: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. ... Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (KJV)

However, during my most recent rereading of this psalm, I was saddened by the rule-bound nature of the psalmist's relationship with God.  It is all about his love of God's rules rather than his love of God. In the 176 verses of Psalm 119, the psalmist makes 163 references to his relationship with God's laws (45), word (30), statutes (23), decrees (22), commands (22), and precepts (21).  Of the 18 references to "love", 7 affirm God's love for him/us and 11 affirm the psalmist's love of God's rules. In this psalm, the psalmist seems to seek comfort in the law of God rather than God himself.  It lacks the intimate loving mutual relationship we see evident in David's psalms. Meanwhile, the Law of Moses, itself, in the Shema affirms OUR love of God as the basis for our relationship with him: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:5)

I am so glad that God offered us a new covenant rooted in a personal relationship with him through Jesus Christ, for my journey of faith did not arise from a love affair with God's law but rather a deep encounter with Jesus Christ. And while Scripture continues to inform my faith, it is my loving relationship with God in Christ that sustains it. My faith, in good time and bad, is made real and tangible not by laws and statutes but a crucified and risen Christ and the God whom I love.

Psalm 112 - The Fear of Bad News

Concerning the righteous, the psalmist writes:

"Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD." (Psalms 112:6–7 NIV)

Google defines ANXIETY as "a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome."

Dictionary.com defines ANXIETY as "distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune"

Here, the psalmist describes it as "the fear of bad news"

It is the fear that something bad is going to happen, a constant worrying about what might go wrong.  I used to be quite good at managing bad news. As an infantry officer, my job was to anticipate problems, actively contemplate on what might go wrong and then come up with a plan B and C and D, in case plan A failed. I brought this skill with me into pastoral ministry. But this constant focus on what might go wrong can wear you down over time. It used to be fun (like solving puzzles). But overtime this constant worrying became stressful. I began to fear "bad news": fear disappointing God and others, fear not meeting our church financial budget, fear of saying the wrong thing from the pulpit or during a funeral, fear failing my family, my church, my God.  For me, ANXIETY had become "the fear of bad news", the fear that the problems I'd anticipated might actually occur and I would be ill equipped to address them. 

The problem is, as the psalmist so rightly highlights is that at the root of such ANXIETY is a lack of trust and reverence (fear) for God.  If we do not revere God enough to know he is in control, then we are left feeling unstable, uprooted and anxious in the face of bad news.

Yet the psalmist reminds us that if we are indeed counted among the blessed "who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands" (Ps 112:1) then so also shall we be counted among the righteous who "will never be shaken" and "have no fear of bad news", whose "hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD." (Ps 112:6-7)

Now, that's Good News!

Psalm 107 - The Recurring Pattern of Stubbornness

Here the psalmist highlights for us a recurring pattern of stubbornness which usually begins with God's children launching out on their own to do their own thing: "some wandered the desert" (v. 4), "some sat in darkness" (v. 10), "some became foolish" (v. 17), "some went out on the sea" (v. 17).  And each time, the world around them eventually spirals out of their control ... UNTIL, as a last resort, they "cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he [delivered / saved / brought] them out of their distress" (Ps 107: 6, 13, 19, 28)

God intervenes, making their way straight (v. 7), bringing them out of darkness (v. 14), healing them (v. 20), stilling the storm (v. 29). 

Each time, the cry of despair is transformed into an expression of thanksgiving: "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind," (Ps 107: 8, 15, 21, 31).

However some of us are too stubborn to recognize this painful recurring pattern in our own lives (by "us" I mean "me"). We keep launching out on our own without God thinking we have everything under control. It is only when we find ourselves broken and desperate, that we cry out for God to rescue us. And as promised, God's unfailing love reaches into the depth of our despair and  transforms it into on outpouring of gratitude.

"Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD" (Ps 107:42)

Psalm 96 - Why a New Song?

"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples." (Ps 96:1-3 NIV)

In the Bible we find 9 references to singing a "new song" to the LORD [Psalm (6), Isaiah (1), Revelation (2)]. BUT why a NEW song? Why not limit ourselves to the sacred Book of Psalms or the great time honoured hymns of the faith, or maybe the top 100 CCLI contemporary worship songs selection. Wouldn't it be easier to sing the songs we know? Why a new song?

Could it be because we must find our own words to express the faith we have received? We must find the lyrics that bear witness to the unique relationship we have with our LORD both as individuals and as a collective body of worshippers. New songs, new lyrics, new tunes, new musical instruments and arrangements give new and fresh expression to our experience and understanding of the reality of God's transforming revelation in our individual and collective lives. 

Without new songs, we are merely repeating and transmitting our knowledge and data about God. New songs give fresh expression to the Gospel as it is revealed to us day by day. It is not that God has changed and thus needs to be redefined but rather our context, our language, our relationship with God has changed and thus needs new lyrics, and new sounds to express it.

New songs do not stand in opposition to the old but rather carry forward the psalmist's mandate to bring together God's people to "sing to the LORD a new song."

Psalm 77:10-12 - Is this my fate?

"And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works." Psalms 77:10–12 (NLT)

When life stinks, the future looks bleak and God seems absent, Asaph counsels us to look back and reflect upon those times when we experienced God wonderfully, mightily at work in our lives. Some might call this focusing on the positive (or positive self-talk), but it is more than this. It is not about wishing things better; it is about patiently, faithfully anticipating God's intervention once again, for God will indeed reveal himself anew.

Psalm 73 - "But as for me"

"Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. BUT AS FOR ME, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the property of the wicked." (Ps 73:1-3)

I admit it. I envy my neighbours: their strees-free jobs, their weekends off, their pensions, their perfect lives, their "successful" churches and their LAWNS. Their grass is so much greener than mine. Why do I get all the weeds and dandelions? They must be cheating: using chemicals or something. Maybe they have a landscaper on speed-dial. All kinds of money to invest. But I want my lawn to be green like theirs. NO! Greener! I deserve it. God owes me. O God, answer my prayers and fulfill the desires of my "pure" heart. ... And then I hear God say: "Stop it! You're losing your foothold. Grab hold of my hand. I am here. I am near you."

And so, I calm down and like the Psalmist Asaph I conclude:

"BUT AS FOR ME, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." (Ps 73:28)

Psalm 71 - A Psalm for the Aging

"Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." (Ps 71:9)

In this high-octane, youth-glorifying, purpose-driven, results-focused world we live in, it is easy to feel cast away and no longer useful or relevant as the effects of aging begin to affect our strength, stamina, productivity, effectiveness, clarity of thought, memory, creativity, physical mobility, social influence, etc. We begin to feel that we don't matter, or at least, we don't matter as much. We feel forsaken, for the world, our children (and the church) have moved on, leaving us feeling redundant, unhelpful and unneeded. The fear of being forsaken for no longer being able to "do" life and church leaves us crying out to God for a sense of purpose in our declining years. And yet, by the time we get to verse 18, the psalmist's pleadings with God leads him to discover purpose even in his waining years.

"Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." (Ps 71:18)

You do matter. You are needed. The church needs you. The next generation needs you. Thank you for your service to Christ.

Psalm 69 - "May our hearts live"

Now Psalm 69 is indeed a dark psalm, even by Ash Wednesday standards (The day when we are reminded that "we are dust and to dust we shall return"). David describes a level of anxiety and panic (a feeling of drowning) I have never experienced yet I am sure many others have.

"Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God." (Psalms 69:1–3)

Add to this a debilitating fear of disappointing others:

"Lord, the LORD Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me." (Psalms 69:6)

What a double burden to carry? I'm not sure if this psalm offers any great encouragement amidst such despair, yet what it does offer is an invitation to be like the "little drummer boy" and offer whatever gift of praise and thanksgiving we can muster, for this courage to seek after God does indeed please God more than we could ever imagine:

"I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves. The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live!" (Psalms 69:30–32)

"MAY OUR HEARTS LIVE" indeed. Amen

Psalm 61:2 - "Higher than I"

Sometimes it can be hard to find comfort in the Psalms when you feel overwhelmed but have no enemies to fear or to blame. This morning, I read 19 psalms before finding a verse that spoke to me. It was Psalm 61:2 "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

O God, lead me to higher ground so I can see more clearly the path you have set before me. Help me to see the world around me, as you see it and view your Kingdom from a higher vantage point, for surely, like most mountaintop experiences, it will be good for my soul. Amen.

Psalm 42:5 - Paraphrased

In Psalm 42, we find this recurring refrain in both verses 5 & 11: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God."

Or to paraphrase: "Get a grip, my inner child! Why all this gloom and doom? Why are you bringing me down? Put your hope back where it belongs - in God. In the meanwhile, I'll just keep hoping and praising until you figure it out so we can praise Him together."

Psalm 34:2-3 - An Invitation to the Afflicted

What a beautiful personalized invitation to the afflicted to join in the worship of God: "I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together." (Ps 34:2-3).

Psalm 22 - "Do not be far from me"

Following the agonizing cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me" in the opening verse of Psalm 22, David goes on to make a repeated request of God in both verses 11 & 19: "Do not be far from me". For David the greatest comfort is God's presence. The experience of not being alone. So also the most terrifying feeling is that of forsakenness.

Psalm 19:12 - A Counsellor's Psalm

Here in Psalm 19:12, David makes a compelling case in support of the many and varied counselling and coaching professions out there: "But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults."

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Psalm 13:2 - The Prayer of a Melancholy Worshipper

The prayer of a melancholy worshipper from Psalm 13:2 - "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?" And like most psalms, the good news is to be found at the end of the psalm (Ps 13:5-6) - "But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise for he HAS been good to me." [and he WILL be again].

Psalm 6:2 - A Melancholy Journey Through the Psalms

Right up there with "The Kyrie" and "The Jesus Prayer" is Psalm 6:2 "Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony."