4TH SUNDAY of ADVENT - LOVE

So much has been written on the subject of love that I can't possibly add anything new or profound to it!  But here are some thoughts to ponder on love as it ties into Advent...

Hallmark movies portrays true love as romantic, butterflies in the tummy and happily-ever-after endings.

Country music gives the impression that love is the ultimate pursuit but it always ends in heartache, betrayal and then revenge.  

Beer commercials show us happiness comes in the form of amber liquid, bikini-clad women and smiles - that love and good times are synonyms.

TV sitcoms give us laughs at the everyday follies of love, marriage, family and life in the real world...that all of life's challenges can be resolved in half an hour.

Today, we can know real love, true love through the Bible.

John, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, wrote so much about love in his Gospel account and in his three letters to the early Christians.  Here are some iconic quotes from John's writings:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son..."  Gospel of John 3:16

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

"God is love..." 1 John 4:16

"Love one another..." Gospel of John 13:34; 1 John 3:11;  2  John 1:5b

The Old Testament describes God's love as steadfast (Lamentations 3:22a) "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases..." and as everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3) "I have loved you with an everlasting love..." and as abounding (Psalm 103:8)  "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."  

What can we learn about God's love through these Bible references?  

*God is the source of love and initiator of love to humanity

*God's love is global, universal and trans-cultural

*God's love is lavished, abounding, generous

*God's love in us is a command to love one another

To dive deeper into the ocean of God's love, let's look at 1 Corinthians 13 - known as the "love chapter" of the Bible.  

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails.

What a beautiful and seemingly impossible description of true love!  Basically, we have to be perfect in order to love like this.   And therein lies the crux: only a perfect and holy God can attain to this perfect standard of love!

As we anticipate the celebration of the birth of Christ, we see that kind of love demonstrated: God sending His own Son to take the punishment of our sins.  Jesus grew to be a man, living through everything that we do in our human experience.   He loved others patiently, kindly, humbly, selflessly, sacrificially and truthfully. He persevered right through to death on our behalf and never failed.  He never failed His Father; He never failed us.

For you who are longing for this kind of steadfast and unfailing love, look no further.  God is offering His love to you through His Son.  Accept Jesus today.  Turn from your sins, confess them to God the Father and believe that Jesus has died to take away your sins and the spiritual consequences.  He will give you new life and you will become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5: 17).

For you who have this new life already, the challenge is to live with LOVE as your life statement.  Jesus says: "A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)  If you have animosity, hatred or unforgiveness towards someone else, examine your heart.  Maybe today is the day to forgive, to let go, to set aside the past and make things right with a family member, friend, fellow Christian or an enemy.  You know who that person (s) is and the voice of the Holy Spirit is prompting you this very moment. What Jesus commands, He has already done.  He forgave His Roman executors, His enemies among the Jewish religious leaders and He has forgiven you and me in order to adopt us as His children.  

"LOVE NEVER FAILS." (1 Corinthians 13:8a)

  

 

 John 15:1& 5 I AM THE TRUE VINE

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser..I am the vine; you are the branches..." 

Who is Jesus?  He spent much of His time on earth teaching, telling stories and parables and performing miracles. For those who listened closely and had spiritual ears to hear the truth, Jesus' identity became very clear.  In this final "I Am", Jesus used the analogy of grape vines and those who tend to them.  There are deep lessons in this passage of Scripture but we have to know something about vineyards to truly understand what Jesus was revealing about Himself.

Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson is a very insightful book on vines and Jesus' teachings.  Gleaning from his research on the subject, we learn of the intimate and integral relationship of the Father and the Son.  Our relationship to Jesus is also intertwined with Him; He is the vine, the source of life and we are branches, extending from Him but totally dependent upon Him. We bear fruit only because we abide, stay close, remain attached to Jesus, the Vine.

Bruce explained this verse: "Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you." (v. 3) Jesus was teaching us that we are not being "cleaned" because we have become soiled by sin and need to be saved all over again. We have accepted the Gospel - the message of truth - to be saved. Romans 10:17 "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Because grapevines grow primarily in dry climates, dust accumulates on the leaves.  The dust inhibits moisture and sunlight from being absorbed by those leaves and so the vinedresser would clean these leaves by hand.  Such a beautiful picture of God's love and tenderness towards us to enable us to bear fruit.

Caring for the branches of the vine requires pruning - which we can understand as most horticulture involves cutting and trimming to promote maximum growth and yield. One of Jesus' goals for us, His followers, is to bear fruit. It is necessary that the vinedresser - the Father - prunes us, even if we are bearing some fruit, in order for us to bear "more fruit" (v. 2) The pruning process is painful; it appears that when we trim off any stems and leaves that are alive and bearing fruit that we are killing and destroying the plant!  But our Father knows what needs to be stripped away from our lives, our characters, in order for us to have room for His life in us. 

And He doesn't ask us to do anything that He isn't willing to do also.  Jesus submitted fully to His Father and abides with Him. Jesus gave up His glory in heaven for a time in order to be born at Christmas. He subjected Himself to earthly inconveniences, discomforts and even abuse. The ultimate act of discipline under the Vinedresser is that Jesus gave up His life on a cross for us.  He was willing to die in our place so that "My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (v. 11)

The Baby born has a Father and He determined to do His Father's will. Advent is all about the extent the Father went to send His best, His only Son. 

Let's determine to "abide" - to stay closely attached and connected - to the True Vine this Advent season. 

 

 

Yesterday was the third Sunday of Advent.  I've been writing on the 7 "I Am's" of the Gospel of John but that has been a digression from the traditional themes of Advent.  Many churches observe the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.  Each Sunday a candle is lit in reference to these themes; by Christmas Eve, there are four candles lit and then the culmination of the waiting and anticipating is the fifth candle: The Christ Candle.  Here are some thoughts to point to the third candle of joy. 

JOY.  "A feeling of great pleasure and happiness." (Oxford)  Human experience usually connects joy with pleasant and exciting events, an emotional response to good things.  Joy can surprise us and quicken our hearts in a sudden and unexpected way.  Joy can be a deep and abiding comfort and happiness that comes with family, friends, gifts, sunsets, rainbows and accomplishments.

But the Bible's definition of joy is different than the worldly, human definition.  James1:2 instructs Christian believers to "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds..." That is totally opposite to how we naturally respond to difficult circumstances!  Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 "Rejoice always..."  How can that even be possible?  If joy is a feeling, how do you command yourself to feel joyful when honestly, you don't?

There was a man in Israel, hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth, who was an ancestor of Jesus.  King David was a lowly shepherd boy who was elevated by God's calling to be the King of all Israel!  His journey from shepherd to king was not  a straight path.  The king before him, Saul, had grieved the Lord and God rejected him from the throne of Israel.  The Lord told Samuel the prophet to anoint the next king already and directed him to the family of Jesse.  When all the sons of Jesse were presented to Samuel, none were the chosen to reign.  Finally, Jesse mentioned his youngest, David, who was out tending the sheep.  Samuel insisted that they bring him in from the fields and see if this was God's choice.  To the surprise of all, David was the one!  But he was only a youth and the current king was still on the throne.  Samuel told Jesse and the family to keep this news hush-hush until the right time.

David waited years to become king.  He served under Saul for quite some time, soothing the tormented king with music and song.  Saul nearly killed David and so he fled to escape with his life!  More drama and intrigue unfolded until finally David became the acknowledged king of Judah first, then seven years later, king of all Israel.  His reign also had ups and downs.  His own son sought to obtain the throne by force.  His family was a mess.  He was successful against many of his foes and had drawn around him mighty men of valour, but David had his flaws.

Sadly, when he should have been at war with his troops, he stayed home.  He spied a married woman bathing and wanted her for himself.  Bathsheba was the wife of one of his faithful and mighty soldiers but David did the unthinkable and slept with Uriah's wife.   When she told David she was pregnant wit his child, he tried to cover things up; eventually he arranged for Uriah's death. Tragically, the child of Bathsheba and David became ill and died.  And David seemed to be caught in consequences of his sin.

In writing Psalm 51, King David expresses his brokenness.  The prophet Nathan spoke into his life and David realized his devastating sins! He humbled himself to God, calling out for mercy.  He made no excuses but acknowledged that his sin was against God.  He confessed, repented and prayed these lines in the psalm to the Lord:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  ..Restore to me the joy of our salvation..." (verses 10 and 12a)

David's circumstances were dark, hopeless.  His deepest regrets had distanced him from the Lord his God.  But he also knew where his joy would come from!

It may be rough circumstances, health challenges, financial problems, relationship strains or even our sinful choices that are robbing us of joy this season.  We don't have to manufacture a happy personae; we often can't conjure up a smile or laugh when life is at its heaviest.  But we have a path to find joy, to be restored to right relationship with God and others.  As we confess any sin, apologize where we need to and make things right where we can, then we will find that wonderful joy of our salvation.  God will restore and heal our hearts, even when the mess we made is self-induced, and will fill us with JOY once again.  

David knew darkness.  And we know our Saviour experienced the worst of darkness and death when He died on the cross.  But we can trust that JOY will come as we rely on our God.

 

 

 

 ONE WAY 

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem..." (Matthew 2:1)

Ever been late for an event?  Some of us get stressed about time and punctuality.  Others aren't as concerned about the clock, as long as they show up.  But being late for an appointment or class can have repercussions.  We'll have to re-book an appointment or be reprimanded for tardiness!  Other activities are not so time-sensitive, for instance a wake in the First nations community.  If you show up and show your respects for the departed, and shake hands and express condolences to the family, that is what matters. 

In the account of the wisemen traveling from the east, we see they arrived sometime "after" the birth of the Christ Child.  Why were they so late?  They knew the general location of the birth of this special baby, but they had left from a very distant country to the small nation of Israel.  Assuming that a royal heir would be born in the capital city, they stopped in to inquire of the reigning king, Herod, in Jerusalem.  The estimate is that they were up to two years late.

And think about the unusual GPS these wisemen used to find the Messiah? A star!  Somehow God led these magi in a low-tech world to find a tiny baby born in a nowhere town, Bethlehem.  A miracle.  These men trusted God's Word and His sign to lead them to the baby Jesus.

I also went on a journey to find peace, to find God. I wanted to know God and found myself invited to join a youth group.  There was no angelic announcement or bright star to follow.  But the Holy Spirit drew me, giving me a curiosity to find out how to have a relationship to God.  I had assumed going to church, reading the Bible, praying and even doing good deeds could make me acceptable to God.  Somehow being religious, doing religious things, would bring me closer to the Lord, in my human understanding. And I don't think I'm the only one to think that way.

But by God's grace, I began to read the Bible, ask questions of my youth leader and  come to realize that all my good deeds and religious activities would NOT save me.  So what was the answer?  How could I be okay with God and find peace for my guilty conscience?

One Bible study was a particularly challenging one for me. John 14:6 was the key verse and I just couldn't wrap my head around the words of Jesus.  He claimed, "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me."  How could Jesus say such a thing?  What about all the people who went to church, gave to charities and took communion? Was there really only ONE way to God, to heaven?

Lying on my bed one July afternoon, I wrestled with the Lord about this.  And when I finished wrestling, I decided that I would choose to believe what Jesus claimed.  If He was the way, the truth and the life, that's what I wanted!  I prayed and received Jesus as my way, the only way.  I wasn't going to waste time searching other "paths" to enlightenment, or other religions to find truth. And I've never regretted the decision that day.  

1 John 5:11 & 12 "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."

And just the like the magi, when we find Jesus, we find the greatest treasure of all!

  

 

 

 

My husband is a very talented and handy guy.  When I met him in Bible college, he was known for his knowledge with mechanics and repair work.  In fact, I had trouble with my little VW Rabbit and when I inquired about someone taking a look at it, everyone suggested Walter Selke!  Before we were married, Walter worked in construction, primarily as a framer but he could probably do all aspects of building and installation of plumbing and electrical, too.  Since we've become homeowners, he has tackled most repairs and remodeling, including building an addition on our house and a large garage/workshop.

If he is unsure about how something works or what is needed for repairs, my husband is very resourceful.  Before the internet, he knew people who could help him or he would simply use the "trial and error" method. His experience in small town and agricultural-based communities means his skills are homegrown and adaptable to all kinds of situations.

But when it comes to Biblical times, we may not have the understanding of agriculture, architecture or cultural context of the Middle East.  What do we know about mud, stone or brick construction?  What experience do we have with ancient farming practices or animal husbandry?  Many references Jesus used in His teachings and stories were common to the people but to us in the 21st century in North America, we are clueless.

Jesus claimed these seven "I Am" statements about His identity and one in John 10:7 makes little sense to us today.   As I listened to a speaker on YouTube (Priscilla Schirer), I gained a lot of insight through her study of the historical context of Jesus' statement.

"Therefore Jesus said again, 'Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.'"

I picture the kind of gate my husband has constructed of wood, on hinges, that swings open and must fasten to keep it closed. How is Jesus comparing Himself to being a gate?  (Some versions of Scripture use the word "door" rather than gate.)  Priscilla explained that in Biblical times, shepherds would often have up to 100 sheep they cared for in the pastures and remote places.  During the day they grazed and hung out around a water source, but at night, the shepherd would round up the sheep and keep them in a stone enclosure.  The practice of the day was that several shepherds may feed and water their sheep in the same location and at night perhaps up to 10 shepherds with 100 sheep each would stay inside the one enclosure.  Stone walls would be several feet high; the opening was narrow and had no door or gate.  One shepherd would spend the night with the sheep, while the others would find food and lodging in a nearby village.  For safety, the shepherd would stretch himself across the opening to sleep, and would protect and guard the sheep from predators and thieves.

Earlier in the passage of John 10, Jesus says that if anyone would try to come in another way rather than through the one gate, or door, he "is a thief and a robber." (verse 1 & 8)  Jesus claims to be the only true gate or door into the sheepfold.  All others are imposters, liars and cannot be trusted.  Anyone familiar with the industry of shepherding would agree that predators would try to sneak in other ways; those who come through the one gate would legitimately belong in the sheepfold.

Verse 9a is a very clear message to you and me:  "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved." Jesus fulfills the role of gatekeeper, doorway and Good Shepherd all in one illustration.  As we consider who Jesus is during the Advent season, let's meditate on the goodness and uniqueness of our Lord to be the gate we can enter to eternal life.

 

 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