Waiting. 

The season of advent is all about the anticipation of something great and monumental…but it is also about waiting for that event to happen. 

Two sisters, Mary and Martha, had sent word to Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, was gravely ill.  Jesus was traveling with His disciples so was a distance away. But the Scripture records that “When He heard that Lazarus was ill, He stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” (John 12:6). Doesn’t that statement seem contrary to the compassion of Jesus?  Wouldn’t you expect Him to leave at once and rush to where Lazarus was lying sick in his home in Bethany?

But His greater purpose was to wait for God’s timing.  He explained the reason for the delay: “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (Verse 4). Now the disciples didn’t fully grasp what Jesus had in mind; and Mary and Martha had not received any message from the Lord Jesus as to His intentions. The waiting seemed impossible and hope began to die.

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. What is the significance of four days? This was the official confirmation that a physical body was dead, that they weren’t simply unconscious.  The Jewish belief of that day was the spirit of the deceased was truly now with God in the bosom of Abraham, in Sheol. So Jesus made sure He didn’t show up before Lazarus was good and dead. 

Both Martha and Mary were completely heartbroken when they saw Jesus.  “Lord, if you had been here…” ( verses 22 & 32).  They both believed He could heal the sick. They believed He could do miracles and had even raised the dead before. But four days later?  It was beyond  hope.  They had waited with faith but Jesus had disappointed them. 

Jesus declared that He is more than a miracle-worker, more than a healer and physician. John 11:25 is a powerful statement of who Jesus is! “ I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live…”

In this passage of Scripture, the most quoted verse of the Bible is written:” Jesus wept.” (Verse 35). Jesus was moved by the sisters’ grief, by His own loss of a dear friend and perhaps by the heaviness of death itself. Walter has preached that He may have wept because he knew the fate of Lazarus both to be alive again but then to have to experience death once more. 

But the focus of this miracle and Jesus’ “I Am” statement is this: Jesus Christ is Lord over death. He is the resurrection -He can perform the miracle of restoring life even in death. He demonstrated that He can bring people back from the grave. And He himself would soon experience that very painful and ugly criminal’s torment and death before rising to life. 

Life. Advent is about waiting for what God wants to do in His time, according to His ultimate plans.  Sometimes things have to look absolutely impossible, fully dead, before God comes in with His miracle.  

Those heartbroken sisters received back their brother and so much more.  Jesus revealed who He is - the resurrection and the life.  Eternal Life.

“Do you believe this?” John 11:26b

 

 I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD 

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

How often did Jesus use parables and illustrations about sheep and shepherds?

Often.

As He spent most of His time travelling and speaking in the countryside, Jesus used what was familiar and available around Him to illustrate His teaching points. References to wheat, weeds, sparrows, flowers and other natural things were the subjects of His lessons.  

Even when Jesus was teaching in the synagogues or the Temple in Jerusalem, couldn’t the worshipers hear the bleating of sheep, especially those being offered as sacrifices? Everyone would know about sheep, their behaviour and the unique place in Jewish religious practices.

And everyone would have an opinion on shepherds.  They were the lowliest of all in the hierarchy of professions.  Necessary but dirty, smelly and despised. A shepherd was often a little boy, either the youngest in a family, like David or a slave/servant assigned the unpleasant and dangerous task, like Moses. The local people would know who was a good shepherd and who was lazy, lacking skills or shirking their duties.

Jesus uses the shepherding imagery to explain who He is. In John 10, He first describes those who would be thieves out in the pastures and back country.  They would sneak into the sheepfolds, steal, kill and destroy (verses 1 & 10).  They would abandon the sheep when danger approaches (verses 12 & 13). By contrast, Jesus says “I am the good shepherd…” and goes on to explain how He takes care of the sheep by protecting them, staying with them and even laying down His life for them!

Would any other shepherd willingly give his life for mere sheep? 

Not likely.

Our Saviour was not only willing, but He did offer up His life on a Roman cross, dying like a criminal yet totally innocent.  Like the lambs offered as payment for sin, the Lamb of God was offered to take away the sin of the whole world! (John 1:29)

As we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent, let’s focus on the Good Shepherd and His ultimate act of love, giving His very life for the sheep.

2.  I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Packed in the mini-van, our family - plus grandparents - set out on a Christmas light adventure.  We drove on icy streets to the neighbourhoods of our city where the most creative and festive displays could be found.  The ooh's and ahhh's sounded from all over the vehicle as we gawked at the colourful, blinking lights.  And how amazing when we could tune in our radio to the FM frequency and hear Christmas carols as we watched animated Santa and reindeer, or Nativity scenes that looked so lifelike!

Light draws us, doesn't it? The brightness captures our attention and draws us to itself.  And its appeal is most powerful when all around is darkness. The sparkle and twinkle delights our senses with a childlike wonder.

In creation, God began by declaring "Let there be light." (Genesis 1:3)  He was not content with the darkness, the formless void of the universe, and so He established light by His very Word. The world was designed to function best with a balance of darkness and light, for optimum seasons of growth and rest.

But the world was plunged into spiritual darkness when Adam and Eve sinned.  With that sin came disease, conflict, danger and ultimately death.  There was nothing Adam and Eve could do to reverse their choice.  God pronounced consequences for their disobedience and generation after generation has lived under that curse. 

Isaiah, the prophet of the Old Testament, explained the state of the world thousands of years ago.  "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:2)  To a world that was cold, dark and hopeless, came One who claimed to be "the light of the world."  (John 8:12)  Isaiah foretold in that same discourse who that promised Saviour would be.  "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

What hope is found in these verses? That God knew and understood our helplessness and gave us His own Son to be that light in our darkness.  And is it any wonder that God used a star, a supernatural and unusual sign in the sky, to direct wisemen from the east to Bethlehem?  The imagery of light is permeated throughout the Christmas narrative. We use candles, strings of lights, and often a star atop our trees to remind us of the greatest Light of all.

"Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12b)

Won't you follow the Light of the World and never have to walk in darkness again? 

 

 

 Are you ready for Christmas?

A typical greeting this time of year: Having you finished your shopping?  Did you start your baking? Will you have a houseful for Christmas?

Even though all these activities can be fun and exciting - maybe even tradition - is that really what getting ready for Christmas is all about?

For the next four weeks, stay tuned for some Advent blogs that lead up to Christmas Day.  I challenge you to take a few minutes and read as a way of preparing your heart for the true meaning of the holiday season.

THE "7 I AM'S" OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 

As a unique way of introducing who Jesus is, the apostle John chose to describe Jesus Christ in terms that his audience could understand.  They knew that God identified Himself by saying "I AM who I AM" in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14).  And so to connect Jesus with God directly, John uses 7 names or descriptors using the "I AM" titles that Jesus declared about Himself.

1.  I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE 

John 6:35 "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst."

To get the context of Jesus' self-identifying statement, let's look at where Jesus was and what was happening.  In John 6, Jesus and His disciples were traveling throughout Israel.  They were by the Sea of Galilee and a large crowd was following them.  Jesus taught this crowd and many of us may know how it was getting late and the people had no food or access to supplies at this remote location.  Jesus did the impossible and multiplied the five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand!

The next day, Jesus and His disciples tried to get away from the crowds for rest, but the crowd continued to follow them.  Jesus knew that these folks weren't following because of His amazing and life-changing teachings.  They wanted more food!  And they wanted to be entertained by the incredible miracles that Jesus could do.

"Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.  Do not labour for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.'" (John 6:26 & 27a)

This is how Jesus was different than the religious teachers of that day: Jesus could see into the hearts of individuals and truly know their motives.  Being all-knowing, Jesus still looks into our hearts today and knows everything about us: our thoughts, our intentions, our secrets and our sins.  But instead of judging harshly, Jesus chose to offer the crowd something more than the temporary filling of the stomachs or flash-in-the-pan thrills of signs and wonders! 

"I am the bread of life."  (John 6:48)  Jesus repeats this statement to emphasize that He is the fulfillment of God's Old Testament miracle of manna in the desert.  When the Israelites escaped from Egypt under Moses' leadership, God provided daily food called manna.  The Jews called it "bread from heaven."  But Jesus is much more than a daily sustenance; He promises that "I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever..." (John 6:51)  In the previous verse, Jesus gave the simple instruction on how to access that eternal life: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." (verse 47)

As you are baking for the holidays, maybe cookies, cakes, pies or buns, think about Jesus, the "Bread of life" and consider His offer to fill and satisfy a deeper hunger in your life.  

 

Believing in Jesus as the One sent from God the Father to bring eternal life is what Christmas is all about!

 

 I'm married to a self-proclaimed "collector of hobbies."  RC planes, drones, rebuilding VW Beetles and woodworking projects...the list goes on!

The latest project has been a cedar hot tub!  18+ years ago, we had built an addition on to our home: dining room and deck, including a seven-person jacuzzi.  But time, use and then a 40 degree below zero stretch froze one of the lines and it was irreparable!  We had enjoyed the hot tub, but wondered, now that our children have all moved away from home, if we would make use of one again. 

Walter did some research and found a company near Winnipeg that made cedar hot tub kits.  When the kit arrived at our doorstep, I was not at home!  No, I wasn't avoiding work; but I was surprised when Walter had wheeled everything to our back yard and was already assembling the cedar pieces.  We would fit a round tub in a square space in our deck!  No problem.  Walter had already figured to fill in the area with more pressure-treated decking.  Over the span of a few days, we had put together the round tub, which took both of us holding the pieces, applying silicon and then tying string around to keep the pieces in place until they dried.  Walter wrestled the three metal bands around and tightened them with a ratcheting tool.  It looked like we had a whiskey barrel in our deck!

Once the tub was positioned on the gravel pad that we had under our previous jacuzzi, we applied stain on the outside of the barrel.  The inside would become seasoned with the water inside, but the outer surfaces would turn gray from weathering if we didn't finish it with some protective product.  While I stained, Walter began assembling the spa kit.  With a few twists and adhesive, the pump, filter and ozonator were hooked up.  Then we filled it with water.  According to the instructions, the first filling would become quite discoloured as the cedar would leech oils.  The expectation was that there would be some leakage.  After the first 24-hours, there was only a slight bit of moisture on the gravel around the tub.  We congratulated ourselves on a great job of applying the silicon! 

We decided to try out the tub.  Outside, the temperature was just above 0 degrees Celsius. The water inside, according to the the digital temperature read-out was 101 degrees Fahrenheit. (Truly Canadian citizens educated in the 1970's switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit all the time!) We stepped onto the low seat that encircled the inside of the tub, then sunk into the deliciously warm water.  It looked like we were floating in a big vat of tea!  But the smell of cedar rose up and gave us that wonderful spa experience.

Once we determined that it had stopped leaking, we drained the tub and cleaned out any junk on the bottom.  Then we refilled it and added the necessary chemicals to keep it clean and clear.  But that's only part of the project.  Walter designed and built counters/storage around the tub and a cover over the spa kit and mechanical stuff.  The lattice we had to provide some privacy and wind protection is now a cedar wall with black trim.  We stained the decking as well, to match.  

I'm so blessed to be part of my husband's creative designs. And it's so rewarding to relax and enjoy the fruit of our labours.

 

 

 My Birthday

Reality is sinking in that this is my last year in the decade of the 50’s.  I am growing past “middle aged” and have the privilege of being married to an official senior, as well. I guess I better become mature soon or my grey hair will not be the sign of wisdom that it ought to be!

What are some blessings of being 59?

I have a wonderful husband of 36+ years, who has stood faithfully by my side. I have the honour of sharing life, hardships and celebrations with Walter Selke, who has been a rock during crises and a tender-hearted shepherd for the hurting. We have weathered many storms and he has always pointed the way to the anchor of our faith, Jesus Christ. 

I am blessed to be the mother of 3 amazing adult children. They will always be “the kids” when I describe them!  My heart will never stop caring, worrying and praying for them throughout their lives. From the moment I knew each one was in my womb, I’ve been praying for God’s plan for them.  I miss them terribly when they go back to their homes but I’m fiercely proud of them and the wise choices they have been making as adults!

Being in my 50’s has given me the gift of becoming a Grandma!  The feelings of love, joy, pride and helplessness are all wrapped together in the grandparent role.  I pray everyday for our granddaughter and can’t wait for the next one to arrive!

To be called into ministry as a lifelong calling has been a true miracle ~ who would have thought this bratty, stubborn and mouthy Hallowe’en baby would become a missionary/pastor’s wife and servant in God’s harvest field?  God calls the unlikely, the inept and the impossible.  He is the one who equips, empowers and encourages those who are willing to say “yes” to His invitation to serve. It’s not about me.  And God has been faithful to keep me, protect me. 

The Bible verse that touched me this morning is Psalm 121:7 and I will claim it for the next year of my life:

“The Lord will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life.”

God is good!  I will trust my 59th birthday to the One who created me and knows me intimately. My times are in His hands.

 Summer.

Warmth, growth, abundance.

Picnics, bonfires, Bible camps, vacations.

Family.  Travel.

Weddings, reunions, celebrations.

Ice cream, berry picking, barbecues. 

Mosquitoes, forest fires, drought.

Garden produce.

Blessings.

The season of summer is so short in Saskatchewan that we have to pack in so much activity in a small space of time.  We experienced ALL of the above and here it is: September. Walter and I didn't officially take a vacation this summer, just day trips to the beach, the cabin and to the Sukanen Museum Threshing Bee.  But with the beautiful oasis that is our backyard, we didn't have to travel anywhere to feel the cooling breezes on a hot day, to eat a meal under the shade of our tamarack tree or cook "bush pies" over a fire.  

As I see the leaves beginning to turn to orange and gold, I feel that nostalgic twinge that summer is over and did I do all the things I hoped to?  I'm so thankful for the surprise blessing of a ride in a combine last week.  I hadn't ridden in the cab of a wheat-gobbling monster since I was a teenager!  Wow!  The view was amazing and the computerized technology blew my mind.  There is nothing like a sunset at harvest time.  Thanksgiving and praise flooded my heart.  How good it is to have those roots of farming in my family, to appreciate the pioneering spirit of my ancestors who made a living from the land!  

My heart ached as we heard news that our sister-camp, Pineridge Bible Camp, was threatened by wildfires and had to evacuate all campers and staff members.  They were unable to return to hold any camps all summer.  When it was deemed safe, the full time resident staff were in utter disbelief at how close the flames came to the buildings and houses.  Clearly God spared the camp!  Thankfully, the firefighting crews were diligent and kept watch, dousing flames that came within ten feet of the main house.   Only one old barn burned, leaving the tin roof on the ground.  The camp director commented that it saved his crew from having to tear it down anyways!  The upside was that some of the camp volunteers came to serve at the camp our daughter Caylea directs (2 hours away from Pineridge) and so enabled Big River Bible Camp to accept more campers this summer.

Although the calendar may say fall is around the corner, we will soak in these last few days or weeks of heat, flowers and fresh vegetables.  I will be grateful to my God for the beauty and joy of summer and rest in His faithfulness through all seasons.