Righteousness? Worth a closer look.

Proverbs 26

1 John 3:4-10

When we read these verses, it is worth having a closer look at what is meant by “righteousness”. If you look it up in a bible dictionary or type what is the meaning of righteousness into Google, you will get many Greek, Latin, Hebrew and Old English words that have links to our modern and consolidated word “righteousness”. This consolidation of words may have left us with a superficial one dimensional interpretation of what the Bible and in particularly Jesus, calls us to.

There are two bible-passages which provide a broader explanation of righteousness, without having to analyse ancient languages and all their nuances around righteousness.

It is worth reading the following passages in a few different versions of the Bible to get a richer sense of “righteousness”, particularly some of the older translations.

King James Version
Micah 6:8 I will shew thee, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requireth of thee: Namely, to do right, to have pleasure in loving-kindness, a to be lowly, and to walk with thy God

“Loving-kindness” – some bible-versions have “love goodness”, some “love mercy”, some “love kindness”. Clearly, that part of Micah 6:8 refers to acts of love – acts of mercy, acts of goodness – just as Matthew 22:39 does below, that is, good works – loving one’s neighbour as oneself.

Here is an interaction Jesus had with the theologians His day about being right.

Matthew 22:36 Master, which is the chief rule in the law? 37 And he said to him, Have love for the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest rule. 39 And a second like it is this, Have love for your neighbour as for yourself.

“Which is the chief rule in the Law”, Matthew 22:36 – the term “the Law” often refers to the Pentateuch (the five books of Moses). Jesus answer quoted two passages in the Pentateuch, from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.

Micah 6:8 and Matthew 22:36-39 say similar things. These passages add dimension to our understanding of righteousness, and add to the challenge of acting as well as being righteousness.

I found some history on the development our modern term

righteousness

The modern-day spelling comes from the Old English rihtwisnes which referred to justness. Rihtwisnes = “right-wise-ness”, where the part “wise” means “way”, “manner”. The Old English words rihtwis and rihtwisnes carried also the meaning “just” and “justness”.

That is in harmony with the relevant words in the Greek text of the New Testament, which academics translate as “just”, “upright, “righteous” and “justice”, “equity”, “righteousness”, “uprightness”.

I found it enlightening and very challenging to re read the verses and substitute some of the other translated words for “righteousness” and “right”.

Now after all the deep analysis of language and interpretation, have a look a Proverbs 26 has to teach us about “fools” and “sluggards”.

Share the Light

John 1:1 to 18 is one of my favourite chapters in the Bible. I found a beautiful, descriptive summary analysis by Gregory of Nyssa, one of the great early church fathers (330-395 AD) while researching for this blog:

Sick, our nature demanded to be healed; fallen, to be raised up; dead, to rise again. We had lost the possession of the good; it was necessary for it to be given back to us. Closed in darkness, it was necessary to bring us the light; captives, we awaited a Saviour; prisoners, help; slaves, a liberator. Are these things minor or insignificant? Did they not move God to descend to human nature and visit it, since humanity was in so miserable and unhappy a state?

It is wonderful how darkness cannot survive the light. Darkness can only exist because the light has not being brought into it. God chose to bring the light into the darkness that had “closed us in.” We now have His light to lead us, and to bring His light into the darkness that has “closed in” individuals, families and communities around us. The only way they can remain “closed in” the darkness is if we don’t to bring the “light”, we have been graciously given, into their presence.

John’s expression, “word of God” was a common expression among the Jews. God’s word in the Old Testament is an active, creative, and dynamic word.

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Psalm 33:6).

“By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth.” (Proverbs 3:19).

Christians should never cease to be amazed that the Son of God assumed a human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. The Son of God struggled as we do with our fallen human condition, however He lived life in perfect obedience.

If we are going to be restored into the family of the creator of the universe, it can only occur through Jesus Christ. God’s purpose for us, even from the beginning of his creation, is that we would be fully united with Him. When Jesus came, God was made known as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. By our being united in Jesus, God becomes our Father and we become his sons and daughters, no longer closed in darkness, but in the light that we must share so that the darkness doesn’t continue to close in our “neighbours”.

Enjoy Proverbs 13 – many timeless gems of advice.

Getting Ready to Worship – What an Effort

James 4:1-2
Exodus 40
18 March 2013

When you read the effort and the ritual involved in setting up and preparing to worship in the tabernacle, isn’t it encouraging that we are under the Grace of Jesus. Worship and justification are so accessible now.

Imagine the effort and commitment of living and travelling in the desert, and then having to set up church under such harsh conditions, and to such stringent specifications. There are a few positives though, the presence, power and protection of God was incredibly apparent.

In our modern Grace driven era it is so much easier. Places of worship are very accessible, most of the hard infra structure is set up, lighting, PA and visual systems all go – turn up and worship. For us middle class Christians it is so good when compared with Moses and his people wandering the desert.

Maybe I have it all wrong!!!!

When I read the first few verses of James 4, and I look at what’s happening around me, not just in my suburb, but in disadvantaged suburbs nearby where churches have closed up long ago I begin to feel uneasy. For people in these disadvantaged areas access to a welcoming Christian community is very difficult, if not impossible.

James calls me to examine myself and prepare for worship through obedience, the pursuit of holiness, and right relationship with others. When I look at that honestly, maybe wandering the desert and setting up the tabernacle at every campsite would be far easier.

When so many people in our City have no active churches in their neighbourhoods, when I examine my obedience and holiness, and my relationship with “my neighbour”, who I don’t love as myself, I question my effort. Look at the effort involved in Exodus 40 and the effort James exhorts us to. What would Sunday worship look like, and my discipleship effort look like during the week, if I got over myself in blindly and effortlessly indulging pre prepared easily accessible worship on Sunday.

Getting Around What God Says to Us

Exodus 16 and James 2

These two passages are great to read together.  I know the James reading is only verse 1, which is a good summary of the whole chapter, but it is worth reading the whole chapter.

Look at what is happening in Exodus 16 with the Israelites trying to get around what God is saying to them.  God clearly says get the food I am providing you this way, and you will have your fill of bread in the morning and meat in the evening. God says follow my instructions and everything will work out in satisfying your hunger. He even made provision for the Sabbath.  It all seems simple enough.  However, some try and get around what God has had to say, taking lazy short cuts, and they wear the consequences.

So why I do I think that the James 2 passage is good to read in conjunction with Exodus 16.?  Well, James outlines what our faith should look like if we “act” in accordance with God’s instructions.  The “favouritism” issue is a big challenge for us in our western “I” driven culture.  The result is that more and more our society is being polarised into those that are “Included” in society and those that are “Excluded” or marginalised.  The exclusion or marginalisation can occur around wealth, cultural background, physical health, mental health, disability, age, martial status, race etc etc. 

James is calling us not to replicate the type of favouritism that goes on in society in our meetings.  He also calls us to be “act” out our faith so it is “alive”. 

So it’s worth having a think about what might be our modern equivalent of the maggot infested manna or the days when the quail didn’t turn up.  Are there things we are doing or not doing, personally and corporately, that are not aligning with God’s instructions?  James 2 is personally challenging for me.  James puts a clear distinction between belief, and a faith that is alive.

¹⁸ Suppose someone disagrees and says, “It is possible to have faith without doing kind deeds.”

I would answer, “Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds, and I will prove that I have faith by doing them.” ¹⁹ You surely believe there is only one God. That’s fine. Even demons believe this, and it makes them shake with fear.

 Would I tolerate the level of inequality, social exclusion and disadvantage going on around me if my faith was truly alive?

Rock without the Roll.

Today’s FDR is Matt 7:24-29

The famous evangelist Charles Spurgeon said about the wise and foolish builders,

There are tens of thousands to whom the preaching of the gospel is as music in the ears of a corpse. They shut their ears and will not hear. To their own best interests, to their eternal benefit, men are dead. When worldly trouble comes like a storm those persons who will not hear the words of Jesus have no consolation to cheer them; when sickness comes they have no joy of heart to sustain them under its pains; and when death, that most terrible of storms, beats upon them they feel its full fury, but they cannot find a hiding place. They neglect the housing of their souls.

These words were not just directed at the unbelieving masses but also at church attending Christians.

So how do we put these words into practice? We do it spiritually when we see our “treasure” (our reason for being) as heavenly, and that we are just passing through this world. When we take on this attitude, God, money, self interest and others find their rightful priority. As Karen identified in her excellent analysis of Matthew 6:19-34 “Don’t worry be happy …” When we have built on the rock, worries come and worries go, but our glorious eternity is secure.

When we move the foundations of our life from the superficial, deceptive and fragile foundations of the world, to the eternal, secure and strong foundations of grace and salvation, we have a new perspective. And a new confidence to face the storms that will inevitably affect our own lives and the lives of people around us.

How should that confidence play out in our individual lives, and as a Christian community?

I found a devotional by Ted Schroder on this passage. Below is a short excerpt.

How can you be sure that you are building on the right foundation with the right materials? There is one who can help you. He is the master builder, the carpenter of Nazareth. I love this prayer: “O Jesus, Master Carpenter of Nazareth, who on the cross through wood and nails did work our whole salvation: Wield well your tools in this your workshop; that we who come to you rough hewn may by your hand be fashioned to a truer beauty and a greater usefulness; for the honour of your holy name.

What a great prayer!! As a Christian Community we have the master builder to work with us to defeat the destructive powers of life. With so much darkness and dysfunction affecting the lives of so many people in our city, we cannot sit idly by and listen to the message “as music in the ears of a corpse”. We need Act on what we hear and reject the worldly lie of “its hopeless.” We have the “Hope” that can change lives and change community, if we act on what we hear and see in the words and actions of Jesus.

Repentance, commitment, planning, perspiration, worship – Nehemiah 11 & 2 Cor 2:1-4 – 19th November 2012

In Nehemiah 9 and 10, the people of Israel acknowledged their rebellion against God, repented, and committed to live obediently from then on.

Nehemiah 11 records the detailed planning that occurred to organise the population so they could live supportively and obediently as a worshipping community.  Imagine the prayer, the vision, the inspiration, the innovation and the planning that must have been invested in completely re engineering their new faithful community.  The detail that Nehemiah provides is testament to both the vision, commitment and perspiration that went into building the new community.
11:1-2 Jerusalem’s Population Problem
In chapter seven, Nehemiah had commented that Jerusalem

..was large and spacious, but the people in it were few and the houses were not built.

The low population problem meant that the support systems required by city dwellers couldn’t be sustained.  The market wasn’t big enough for farmers to bring their food into city to sell.  It also makes it unattractive for people to move to city if there isn’t a reliable food supply. And even though the walls had been rebuilt, a large city with a small population is not easy to defend.  A ballot was conducted to select one out of every ten Israelite families to move into the under populated city.

(11:4-19) Who Lived In Jerusalem?
From here through verse 19, there is a list of those who lived in Jerusalem. It is tempting to skip over this bit, however there are some important community roles to note.  For example, in verse 11, Seraiah is recorded as the leader of the house of God. He managed the operations of the temple. This would have been a very complex role that required detailed planning and excellent administrative skills.  Verses 12 & 16 show us the next level of operations with those who performed the work of the temple.

The chapter highlights how the vision, inspiration and prayer of the early chapters of Nehemiah, turns into planning, perspiration and sacrifice.

With our current review of the FAC mission through the “Community of Grace” series, we can take a lot of inspiration from Nehemiah. Despite the magnitude of the job, Nehemiah’s God given ability to inspire, plan, commit and sacrifice, delivered the spiritually and socially fallen Israelite  remnant community  of Chapter 1, into well organised, sustainable, faithful and worshipping community.

2 Cor 2:1-4

These verses highlight the difficulties of leadership.  It is worth reading a few different versions of these verses to enrich their context.  I have included the Message Bible version here as it stood out for me in capturing some of Paul’s anguish in loving and leading the difficult Corinthian church.

2 Corinthians 2

The Message (MSG)

2 ^1-2 That’s why I decided not to make another visit that could only be painful to both of us. If by merely showing up I would put you in an embarrassingly painful position, how would you then be free to cheer and refresh me?

^3-4 That was my reason for writing a letter instead of coming—so I wouldn’t have to spend a miserable time disappointing the very friends I had looked forward to cheering me up. I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also best for you. As it turned out, there was pain enough just in writing that letter, more tears than ink on the parchment. But I didn’t write it to cause pain; I wrote it so you would know how much I care—oh, more than care—love you!

A Union Meeting, Town Planning, & Community 22 October 2012

A Union Meeting, Town Planning, & Community Corinthians 9:1-23 & Ezekiel 45.

Corinthians 9:1-23
On first read this looks and sounds like the opening address at a first century apostolic union meeting. However, while there might be a bit of a grumble going on here, there are some important principles to note.
There is a lot to give up in promoting the Gospel
Paul chose not to receive any payment from the church at Corinth. He established a church in this rebellious hedonistic city using his own resources. He served and preserved with them freely so that the gospel could take hold in this difficult city. Paul’s personal investment and sacrifice brought about great results for God’s kingdom.
We have also been called to have a Godly and sacrificial work ethics as individuals and organisations of the gospel. Some will be in paid roles, others will serve voluntarily. We are all called to bring the hope of Christ into the world in every aspect of our lives. As Christians, just like Paul, our aim must be to see lost people trust in Jesus Christ and then grow to maturity in Him ie) The Discipleship Pathway. In the context of eternity, nothing else will matter.
We have to meet people where they are at.
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Paul’s missionary principles, have practical applications for us today. We need to overcome some very strong stereotyping if we want to reach the lost in our community. Paul has given us some powerful tips.
Ezekiel 45.
Please spend some time on Ezekiel 45. It would be easy to dismiss that passage as culturally and economically out of date. However when you think about the growing poverty in our society and around the world, there could be some powerful principles in the passage that we have ignored that are adding to the problem. Consider the principles in the design of the community spaces, the principles of worship, the principles of sharing, the responsibilities of the rich and the elite to the rest of the community, the principles of celebration and festivals. Are there some timeless principles here that we need to get back to?

Jesus, Position and Purpose – Jerusalem, Position and Purpose

(My apologies that this is late – the scheduled publishing tool on WordPress didn’t work) 

John 18 – 1:11Jesus Betrayed and Arrested – But Always in Control

Ezekiel 15 – Parable of the Vine – Jerusalem Failing to Deliver

Why did Jesus go to the olive grove? In John’s Gospel, the emphasis is on Jesus going there to meet His betrayer, to begin His suffering and death, knowing His blood is about to be shed along with the blood of the Passover lambs.

Jesus is now a common political criminal, about to be arrested.  However He is not acting like a pursued criminal, Jesus is completely in charge of events.  He knows His destiny. His authority and power are seen throughout these verses.  Despite a large intimidating contingent of soldiers sent to affect the arrest, Jesus is the one in charge. John’s account paints a vivid picture of Jesus, as the Lamb of God, voluntarily laying down His life for us. Jesus doesn’t display any self-pity or woe.  The sovereign purpose and plan of God continues, despite the wicked actions of the mob, the religious politic and the soldiers.

Remember the words Peter said on the day of Pentecost

Acts 2:22-23

²² Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. ²³ God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross..

Even though wickedness is at work, we also see that these events are accounted for God’s purpose and his planning. Jesus deliberately goes to the olive grove knowing that it is the way to Calvary and our salvation.

Jerusalem Is a Useless Vine – Ezekiel 15

The chapter is often referred to as the “Parable of the Vine.  Israel has been referred to as “the choice vine of God” previously in scripture.   However these verses indicate that Israel has failed to live up to that description.

Israel was to be a light to the nations by being obedient to God and living in a way that would glorify God, and this would demonstrate to the Gentiles that the God of Israel was the one true God. Have a look at Ezekiel 5 verse 5, which shows how God had positioned Israel for this purpose. 

⁵ I am the Lord God, and I have made Jerusalem the most important place in the world, and all other nations admire it.

Unlike Jesus, Israel failed to recognise her purpose and the significance of her position.

Ezek5:6-8

⁶ But the people of Jerusalem rebelled and refuse to obey me. They ignored my laws and have become even more sinful than the nations around them.⁷ So tell the people of Jerusalem:

I am the Lord God! You have refused to obey my laws and teachings, and instead you have obeyed the laws of the surrounding nations. You have become more rebellious than any of them! ⁸ Now all those nations will watch as I turn against you and punish you

Jerusalem was a choice vine, and, if it had produced the fruit of a holy city, it would have glorified both God and Israel to the Nations.  A massive opportunity has been missed and the consequences are clearly outlined. 

What is our purpose, how have we been positioned, what are the opportunities we must take to bring Glory to God and His Church so that the community around us knows that He is the one true God and that Jesus is the only “way”?

Judge and Punish – only if you are without sin

 2 Kings 21

King Manasseh was an evil unfaithful king who shed lots of innocent blood: He persecuted the people of God through his “kingdom run religion” of idolatry. 2 Kings 21 records a 55 year long tragic, evil progression of sin, rebellion and persecution through the worship of idols.

First, idolatry is tolerated among God’s people.

Then idolatry is promoted.

Then idolatry is supported and funded.

Then the worship of the true God is undermined.

Then the worshippers of the true God are persecuted and murdered.

Then the judgment of God comes.

Why did God allow this to run for so long?  Clearly longevity is not a sign of endorsement from God. God’s judgement was ultimately delivered.

John 8: 1 to 11 – The Trap

The Scribes and Pharisees with their pious knowledge of religious traditions and the Law knew the woman to be guilty of adultery. Their testimony was that she had “been caught in” the act. What an opportunity to test Jesus out!!  So come on Jesus, tell us, should we stone her???

If I had lived in those times and culture, I wonder if I would have been standing in that mob, holding stones ready to throw. What words would Jesus have written in the dust to cause me to put down my stones and walk away?

After all had walked away, Jesus addresses the woman for the first time.

Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” Jesus tells the woman, “Then neither do I condemn you,

Wonderful undeserved Grace!!. Just like the woman, He does not condemn us for our sin, rebellion, self indulgence, arrogance …… And, like the Woman, there are some important words of wisdom that He continues to remind us of today

Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.

Jesus has diffused a tricky situation. As we follow him today, we should also try diffusing similar situations, as we live in His Grace. So, what were those words in the dust that affected the mob so deeply?  Probably some of the most powerful words ever written!!Unknown words that would have shaken my (and their) innermost being.  I know I would have walked away like the Scribes and Pharisees and put down my stones, gone home and prayed for forgiveness.

Jesus, teach me to know my faults, to fully comprehend the Grace I have received through Jesus,  to love all people gracefully and constructively, and to leave judgement to God.

1 Kings 19 James 5 1-6 “What are you doing here, Elijah?” What are we doing here?

In the previous chapter Elijah has worked with God to pull off a powerful demonstration of the real God, and completely discredited the prophets and the idol Baal. Jezebel, hears what Elijah has done and sends a messenger to tell him that she will kill him.
Elijah’s response to this threat is confusing given his recent success, and in the past he has stood up to King Ahab (17:1; 18:17-18) and to the prophets of Baal. This threat from Jezebel fills him with fear and he runs to Beer-sheba, the southernmost settlement in Judah, as far away from Jezebel, as he can get. Depression sets in and he wanders into the desert to die. Elijah lies down under a bush and asks God to take his life, claiming that he is no better than his fathers. Elijah is depressed about his lack of success in encouraging the Israelites to be faithful. Will Elijah continue to serve as God’s prophet or not?
In Ch. 18 Elijah is a powerful and compelling prophet, who courageously stands up to the king and the false prophets, but the Elijah of ch. 19 is vulnerable weak and depressed. But God is not about to give up on him.
In an act of grace God intervenes. God sends Elijah a messenger who provides Elijah with food and water, to ensure his physical survival in the harsh wilderness, and for the journey that lies ahead. God sends Elijah on a long pilgrimage to Horeb. (probably Mt Sinai according to some academics, the place that is associated with the source of Israelite faith). God is guiding Elijah back to basics, so he can get himself back on track.
After Elijah arrives at Horeb God asks, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”. The question which is repeated a few times in this chapter, and suggests that this is not the place God ultimately wants Elijah to be. Prophets do not belong on isolated mountaintops, they belong in the world carrying out the “work” of God. Check out Elijah’s response. He has a whinge about the sad state of affairs in Israel and how the entire burden of Israel’s spiritual welfare rests on his shoulders. Elijah indulges in self-pity,
“I have been exceedingly zealous for Yahweh God of hosts, but the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I alone am left, and they seek to take my life” (19:10).
Elijah has selective memory and is forgetting the success in the previous chapter and that Obadiah had saved 100 faithful prophets from Jezebel’s executioners. So he was not the only one left.
Elijah is demonstrating how burnout can lead to pessimism and an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Notice his responses to God’s questions, contrasting his own zeal with the unfaithfulness of the Israelites. Everything depends on him, he is the only prophet left, and now his life is in danger.
God’s response is to ask Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain. God is placing Elijah directly before God, a great place to have your perspective altered.
God passes by Elijah accompanied by fire, earthquake, and a wind so powerful that it shatters mountains and rocks. Elijah would have clearly been shaken up by this powerful demonstration.
God again asks “What are you doing here, Elijah?” implying again that withdrawing from ministry is not where God wants him to be. Elijah repeats the answers he gave in verse. 10. He has not yet recommitted himself, and self-pity and a grandiose view of his own importance are still prevailing.
Notice how God does not respond directly to Elijah’s self-serving answers. God instead gives him a new commission. Elijah is to retrace his steps, leave Horeb, and travel to Damascus in order to anoint Hazael as King of Syria; then he is to anoint Jehu as King of Israel and Elisha as his own prophetic successor. Elijah is put to work – his brief withdrawal to be revitalised on the mountain top in the glorious presence of God was not the end game. Elijah is back to his best we he returns to the social arena where God needs faithful saints to implement His divine purposes.
In 1 Kings 19 two things bring Elijah out of his state of discouragement and lethargy. One is a new commission from God, and the other is the assurance that God’s cause has a future in the world which does not depend only on Elijah’s personal success or perceived failures. God calls us today to have faith and actions capable of weathering opposition and failure, a faith that has a strong call to a mission, and a recognition that God’s cause in the world far transcends any individual’s efforts.
If discouragement and lethargy are too prominent in our individual lives, or in the life of the church, we need to look for the mission that God is calling us to and get on with it. Is God asking us “What are we doing here”?

The James reading takes this question on step further. Are we not only in the wrong place, are we being oppressively indulgent?