I woke up in the middle of the night, overcame by a surge of sorrow because of the lost of life of the 3 missing Mt. Hood climbers -- one of them was the brother of my thesis advisor Dr. Frank James.
A body was found dead yesterday, near a snow cave next to another snow cave where sleeping bags and mountain climbing gears were left behind. The image struck me that the man was striving to live, hoping to move towards safety -- but in the process of doing so, he lost his gears and could not succeed. The summit that the climbers attempted to conquer turned out to be not the 11,000 ft mountain, but the summit of death and life. At the peak of the mountain, they encountered the unplanned fierce enemy of death.
Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)Death has been swallowed up in victory... Thanks be to God! He gives us the victor through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Corinthians 15:54, 57)
While the 3 climbers failed their attempt to conquer Mt. Hood, they triumphed their battle with death through their faith in Lord Jesus Christ. As I know my heart will continue to ponder deeper of my sorrows, I am comforted at the break of morning by the Holy Spirit that we will overcome, even death, because of Jesus.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Love Me...
While many religions offer good "moral" teachings and demand obedience and good conducts, Christian God says: "Love Me..."
Confucius from China in the 6th century BC was a great philosopher and a wise man. Although almost 2700 years has passed, his influence was still evident in China, Korea, Japan and south Asia. Taoism was primarily established by Lao Zi in the 3rd or 4th century BC, and also very influential till this day. Combining Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism (5th century BC) formed the "3-religion" in China as the pillar of Chinese philosophies for over 2500 years until 1949, when Marxism and Socialism rised to be the dominant philosophies. Their influence of the entire Chinese culture was immense.
However; take note, none of these 3 religions ask for love to the founder. They give you moral teachings, ask you to love others, love nature, love animals, love your family and love the future hope, etc. But, none asks you to love the founder. Confucius did not ask his followers to love him; Lao zi never asked either. Neither did Buddah at all. Did Carl Marx ask you to love him? No, not at all.
But above all, Christian God said, "Love Me...". He desires his followers to love Him. It was not just an idea, God desires your love jealously. This is his primary interest with Christians. He is jealous and furious if he can not have ALL of your love. Yes, you find moral teachings in Christianity; but no, if you think it is just about moral teachings. Moral behaviors are of no value to the Christian God if they are not out of "love" to Him.
"Love me...", He says earnestly and jealously.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ... ...Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 14-15)
Confucius from China in the 6th century BC was a great philosopher and a wise man. Although almost 2700 years has passed, his influence was still evident in China, Korea, Japan and south Asia. Taoism was primarily established by Lao Zi in the 3rd or 4th century BC, and also very influential till this day. Combining Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism (5th century BC) formed the "3-religion" in China as the pillar of Chinese philosophies for over 2500 years until 1949, when Marxism and Socialism rised to be the dominant philosophies. Their influence of the entire Chinese culture was immense.
However; take note, none of these 3 religions ask for love to the founder. They give you moral teachings, ask you to love others, love nature, love animals, love your family and love the future hope, etc. But, none asks you to love the founder. Confucius did not ask his followers to love him; Lao zi never asked either. Neither did Buddah at all. Did Carl Marx ask you to love him? No, not at all.
But above all, Christian God said, "Love Me...". He desires his followers to love Him. It was not just an idea, God desires your love jealously. This is his primary interest with Christians. He is jealous and furious if he can not have ALL of your love. Yes, you find moral teachings in Christianity; but no, if you think it is just about moral teachings. Moral behaviors are of no value to the Christian God if they are not out of "love" to Him.
"Love me...", He says earnestly and jealously.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ... ...Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 14-15)
A Life with A Companion
Naturally, it's the "up"s in our lives that we savor, not the "down"s. We wish the downs go away as soon as possible, or better yet, don't show up. We want good life, happy life, blissful life.
Many come to Christ and become Christians, hoping that by this way, their life will be changed to a life of ups, and no downs. We wish there will be no sorrows, no pain, no regrets, no unfortune.
Contrary to this health and wealth mentality, what Jesus promises for Christians is not a life of no sorrows, but a life with a companion -- with him, with the Holy Spirit. He promises to be with you and go through dark valleys with you. He promises to be with you when you are abandoned or betrayed. He promises to be with you when you are afraid, confused, or defeated. He promises to be with you when you cry... He promises never leave you but will always be with you.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Christians do not differ from non-Christians because they have no troubles, but they differ from non-Christians because they have a companion. I do not know the course of my life, but I do know who is always with me.
Many come to Christ and become Christians, hoping that by this way, their life will be changed to a life of ups, and no downs. We wish there will be no sorrows, no pain, no regrets, no unfortune.
Contrary to this health and wealth mentality, what Jesus promises for Christians is not a life of no sorrows, but a life with a companion -- with him, with the Holy Spirit. He promises to be with you and go through dark valleys with you. He promises to be with you when you are abandoned or betrayed. He promises to be with you when you are afraid, confused, or defeated. He promises to be with you when you cry... He promises never leave you but will always be with you.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Christians do not differ from non-Christians because they have no troubles, but they differ from non-Christians because they have a companion. I do not know the course of my life, but I do know who is always with me.
An Educated Horse
The Lord says,
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Do not be like the wild horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you. " (Psalm 32:8-9)
I don't know what you may feel when you read this... for me, whenever I read this passage I often feel "ouched". The picture here is a horse and her master. Her master bridled her and controlled her by putting a bit in her mouth. Have you ever seen a bit? It is metal -- cold, hard metal. I felt this passage was a depict of torture for the horse, and in turn, for me... if I am disciplined by my Master, I am in fact somewhat being tortured by Him. No matter how much the sweet words "teach, counsel, watch over, understanding" may mean good to me, the bit, the cold, hard metal bit is vivid in my mind... ...
Until last week when I visited a horse barn. I asked my long-bearing question. The lady master showed me the bit. Not only the bit, she show me also the mouth of a horse. A horse has 2 sets of teeth, one set in the front, which is used to pick up food and put in its mouth; the other set in the back, and is used to chew food more thoroughly. In between the 2 sets of teeth, there is a section of the mouth that has no teeth. The bit conveniently goes there. A horse with a bit in her mouth is a mark of education and intelligence.
Similarly, I also inquired about the horse-shoes. I always wondered whether it hurt for the metal to be mounted on the horse's feet. Again she showed me the horse-shoes, but not only that, she also show me the horse feet. The horse feet is fragile when walking on hard surfaces and may break and get fractured. But, they doesn't have nerves in some areas, where the metal mounting would take place. She made a point specifically that a loving master will use professionals to do the work. To mount metal for the horses is to let the horses wear "shoes". A horse with horse-shoes is a mark of care and love by her master.
I marveled in awe and was speechless. Often times, we do not understand God because we do not know ourselves. I imagined horse bits and horse-shoes hurt horses because I did not know horses. Trusting in God and giving yourself to his hands for education, discipline and care is a beautiful and intelligent thing if I know who I am, indeed, indeed.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Do not be like the wild horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you. " (Psalm 32:8-9)
I don't know what you may feel when you read this... for me, whenever I read this passage I often feel "ouched". The picture here is a horse and her master. Her master bridled her and controlled her by putting a bit in her mouth. Have you ever seen a bit? It is metal -- cold, hard metal. I felt this passage was a depict of torture for the horse, and in turn, for me... if I am disciplined by my Master, I am in fact somewhat being tortured by Him. No matter how much the sweet words "teach, counsel, watch over, understanding" may mean good to me, the bit, the cold, hard metal bit is vivid in my mind... ...
Until last week when I visited a horse barn. I asked my long-bearing question. The lady master showed me the bit. Not only the bit, she show me also the mouth of a horse. A horse has 2 sets of teeth, one set in the front, which is used to pick up food and put in its mouth; the other set in the back, and is used to chew food more thoroughly. In between the 2 sets of teeth, there is a section of the mouth that has no teeth. The bit conveniently goes there. A horse with a bit in her mouth is a mark of education and intelligence.
Similarly, I also inquired about the horse-shoes. I always wondered whether it hurt for the metal to be mounted on the horse's feet. Again she showed me the horse-shoes, but not only that, she also show me the horse feet. The horse feet is fragile when walking on hard surfaces and may break and get fractured. But, they doesn't have nerves in some areas, where the metal mounting would take place. She made a point specifically that a loving master will use professionals to do the work. To mount metal for the horses is to let the horses wear "shoes". A horse with horse-shoes is a mark of care and love by her master.
I marveled in awe and was speechless. Often times, we do not understand God because we do not know ourselves. I imagined horse bits and horse-shoes hurt horses because I did not know horses. Trusting in God and giving yourself to his hands for education, discipline and care is a beautiful and intelligent thing if I know who I am, indeed, indeed.
It's Been A While
" Does a lady forget and neglect to wear her jewelry,
or a new bride forget her marriage girdle (wedding ring)?
Yet My people have forgotten Me, days without number." (Jeremiah 2:32)
When God talks like this, his words should startle us. The vulnerability it presents does not seem to connect well with our view of "Almighty". We think an "Almighty" God means he is powerful, self-sufficient and nothing and no one can hurt him.
Quite contrary to our understanding, power and self sufficiency does not contradict to vulnerability. Indeed God is powerful and self-sufficient, yet his heart seems so tender, that he will get hurt, and get hurt by the people he loves. He may get hurt by his children. He may get hurt by you.
It's amazing how often God calls his children to love him and how often he was grieved when they don't. God seems to desire so endlessly of your love. Even if you have loved him, he asks for more. Even if you give him more, he longs for even greater.
"It's been a while..." he says. It's been a while that you quietly sit with him. It's been a while that you rest yourself in his arms. It's been a while that you were captivated by his gentle words. It's been a while that you were in tears by his love. It's been a while that you sing a lyric and actually mean it. It's been a while that you fall for his smiles. It's been a while that you agree with what he says. It's been a while that you care about what he cares. ...
"Ah, it's been a while ..." he says.
or a new bride forget her marriage girdle (wedding ring)?
Yet My people have forgotten Me, days without number." (Jeremiah 2:32)
When God talks like this, his words should startle us. The vulnerability it presents does not seem to connect well with our view of "Almighty". We think an "Almighty" God means he is powerful, self-sufficient and nothing and no one can hurt him.
Quite contrary to our understanding, power and self sufficiency does not contradict to vulnerability. Indeed God is powerful and self-sufficient, yet his heart seems so tender, that he will get hurt, and get hurt by the people he loves. He may get hurt by his children. He may get hurt by you.
It's amazing how often God calls his children to love him and how often he was grieved when they don't. God seems to desire so endlessly of your love. Even if you have loved him, he asks for more. Even if you give him more, he longs for even greater.
"It's been a while..." he says. It's been a while that you quietly sit with him. It's been a while that you rest yourself in his arms. It's been a while that you were captivated by his gentle words. It's been a while that you were in tears by his love. It's been a while that you sing a lyric and actually mean it. It's been a while that you fall for his smiles. It's been a while that you agree with what he says. It's been a while that you care about what he cares. ...
"Ah, it's been a while ..." he says.
You Are Not There
Did some of you ever have the "Ah! You are not there" moments with the omniscient God -- the God who is supposed to be everywhere?
Supposedly, God should be there whenever I pray to him. He should be there when I seek for his comfort or his help. He should be there when I face trouble or distress. Certainly He should be there when my enemies rage against me...... Quite ironically however; often times when you expect the most from your God, you will encounter the "You are not there" realities instead.
You knock and no one answers, you seek and no face is found, you ask and nothing is given to you... enjoy, my friends, the paradox of God's Word and your realities!
"Why?" you ask, "why are you not there?" -- a question with resounding echos through human history...... Listen to this man Job, who suffered unbearable afflictions when he lost all his 7 children, all of his properties and also his health. What's more, his friends and his family brought him more grieves than comfort in such a harsh season of his life. Even God was not there!
8 Job said,
"Behold, I go forward but He is not there,
And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him;
He turns on the right, I cannot see Him.
10 "But He knows the way I take;
When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:8-10)
Your reality of God's absence will turn out to be the furnace of God's presence. You too, will come forth as gold.
Supposedly, God should be there whenever I pray to him. He should be there when I seek for his comfort or his help. He should be there when I face trouble or distress. Certainly He should be there when my enemies rage against me...... Quite ironically however; often times when you expect the most from your God, you will encounter the "You are not there" realities instead.
You knock and no one answers, you seek and no face is found, you ask and nothing is given to you... enjoy, my friends, the paradox of God's Word and your realities!
"Why?" you ask, "why are you not there?" -- a question with resounding echos through human history...... Listen to this man Job, who suffered unbearable afflictions when he lost all his 7 children, all of his properties and also his health. What's more, his friends and his family brought him more grieves than comfort in such a harsh season of his life. Even God was not there!
8 Job said,
"Behold, I go forward but He is not there,
And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him;
He turns on the right, I cannot see Him.
10 "But He knows the way I take;
When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:8-10)
Your reality of God's absence will turn out to be the furnace of God's presence. You too, will come forth as gold.
A Brillian Rainbow Appears
Catholic Pope Benedict XVI went to visit a Nazi concentration camp site today, remembering the victims of Holocaust when Jewish people were targeted to be wiped out from the face of the earth in Germany -- as many as 1.5 million people died, most of them Jews. As a German himself, Benedict mourned for the horror, knelt down and prayed: "Why, Lord, did you remain silent? How could you tolerate all this?"
Over this weekend, more than 5000 (and rising) died in an earthquake in Indonesia. My heart trembles at this news!
Why the horrors, why the disasters;
Why the pain, why the sorrow;
Why the injustice, why the wicked get their ways?
Why is good be paid back by evil?
Why is loyalty be paid back by infidelity?
......
Why, Lord, did you remain silent?
As Benedict prayed, a light rain stopped and a brilliant rainbow appeared over the camp -- Ah!... Beautiful rainbow, brilliant rainbow, I feel this is also the Lord's answer to me as I prayed for the disaster in Indonesia.
God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." (Genesis 9:12-17)
In the midst of evil, pain or disappointment, God remembers those who belong to him. In fact, He never forgets them -- even death will not separate His love for them.
Although the situation may not be reversed and in many cases will never be reversed, God does not shy away from hard questions in life and history.
Over this weekend, more than 5000 (and rising) died in an earthquake in Indonesia. My heart trembles at this news!
Why the horrors, why the disasters;
Why the pain, why the sorrow;
Why the injustice, why the wicked get their ways?
Why is good be paid back by evil?
Why is loyalty be paid back by infidelity?
......
Why, Lord, did you remain silent?
As Benedict prayed, a light rain stopped and a brilliant rainbow appeared over the camp -- Ah!... Beautiful rainbow, brilliant rainbow, I feel this is also the Lord's answer to me as I prayed for the disaster in Indonesia.
God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." (Genesis 9:12-17)
In the midst of evil, pain or disappointment, God remembers those who belong to him. In fact, He never forgets them -- even death will not separate His love for them.
Although the situation may not be reversed and in many cases will never be reversed, God does not shy away from hard questions in life and history.
13 and 14
The new apartment building that I moved into has a total of 18 units. My father and I took a walk to see this 6-story building but were puzzled why the numbers on the door showed there were total of 19 units? Suddenly it came to me that the unit "13" was skipped! So, the number jumped from 12 directly to 14.
Just to the contrary, for a Cantonese or a Chinese, 13 is a good number because "3" ryhmes with "life", but 14 and 4 are the worst numbers among these 18 numbers because "4" rhymes with "death"! So, "13" rhymes with "must live"; but "14" rhymes with "must die". :) Would the builders know that while they tried to avoid the "death" trap of a Western 13, they fell into the "death" trap of an Eastern 4 and 14? Or vice versa for the Cantonese/Chinese? Ah... where is the true "life" line that can do away with the dreadful "death"?
Jesus said; "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him (God the Father) who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24)
Just to the contrary, for a Cantonese or a Chinese, 13 is a good number because "3" ryhmes with "life", but 14 and 4 are the worst numbers among these 18 numbers because "4" rhymes with "death"! So, "13" rhymes with "must live"; but "14" rhymes with "must die". :) Would the builders know that while they tried to avoid the "death" trap of a Western 13, they fell into the "death" trap of an Eastern 4 and 14? Or vice versa for the Cantonese/Chinese? Ah... where is the true "life" line that can do away with the dreadful "death"?
Jesus said; "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him (God the Father) who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24)
Counter Fascination
This Sunday marks the starting celebration of the so-called "Advent" season, in which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Just like the Christmas, the Advent season by itself is not a universal ordinance that all churches or Christians must observe, it is merely a traditional Christian holiday. However; the Advent season highlights the birth of Jesus for almost a month of time (from the 1st Sunday of December till Christmas), so it serves as an excellent object lesson for Christians to remember the significance of the birth of Jesus -- he who is God became man.
Grown up in a Chinese tradition, I have learned so many Chinese folk tales where heroic figures, wisdom figures, or moral figures transfiguring into some sort of gods or goddesses after death. In fact, even our ancestors will become some sort of gods or goddesses if they are revered without much visible flaws. After the death of an elderly, the children will usually have a ChaoDu (超度) session prepared for their dead parents or grandparents. The session means to elevate the soul of their love ones into a higher state. The bottom line is that, human in its state are not the best, there are better states of being out there that one desires.
Have you ever pondered in your heart, my friends? -- Counter to our usual fascination, unlike these Chinese folk tales where the climax is a man becomes god, the spotlight shines on Jesus when He who is God became man!
Jesus, who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. (TNIV, Philippians 2:6-7)
Grown up in a Chinese tradition, I have learned so many Chinese folk tales where heroic figures, wisdom figures, or moral figures transfiguring into some sort of gods or goddesses after death. In fact, even our ancestors will become some sort of gods or goddesses if they are revered without much visible flaws. After the death of an elderly, the children will usually have a ChaoDu (超度) session prepared for their dead parents or grandparents. The session means to elevate the soul of their love ones into a higher state. The bottom line is that, human in its state are not the best, there are better states of being out there that one desires.
Have you ever pondered in your heart, my friends? -- Counter to our usual fascination, unlike these Chinese folk tales where the climax is a man becomes god, the spotlight shines on Jesus when He who is God became man!
Jesus, who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. (TNIV, Philippians 2:6-7)
The Exodus Flavor for Our Thanksgiving Meal
Thanksgiving has a particular American flavor that thanks God for the "food" we receive from His hands. However, the idea of "thanksgiving" is ancient old. No wonder churches recite biblical text during Thanksgiving, instead of reading 16th century writings by some wise American men.
One of the most common text uses during a Thanksgiving time is Psalm 136, a psalm that opens every verse by saying "Give thanks to the LORD......". Do take note, if we are careful, that the entire psalm has only 2 themes, one is thanking God for His majestic creation and maintainence of the universe (1-9) and the other is thanking Gof for His mighty salvation of the Israelites (10-26) with verse 26 a conclusion verse. Obviously, the weight is put on the latter. The salvation of Israelites from their oppressors are symbolized by the Passover day.
My friends, have you paid attention In Exodus 12 where the Lord specified the meal courses and recipes of a Passover meal? What do you think about that courses compared to the Turkey dinners you just had over the past several days? Would you take a moment to compare the meals and reflect upon them?
That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. ...This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD's Passover. "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. (Exodus 12, 8, 11-12)
Do you notice in Exodus 12, it was a meal eaten in haste and under greatly dangerous situation? It's a meal eaten at the height of war time -- a war between "gods", not between "men". The course has a lamb, but was eaten out of great reverence because only those who ate it can be saved. The course also has bitter herbs, so people do not forget the bitter and harsh times under oppression. That night was a night of nation-wide wailing, for their oppressors lost their first-born sons. They ate the meal preparing to travel immediately and had absolutely no time to indulge. In the midst of all these wailing noises , danger and uncertainty, they ate the meal in haste.......
Reflecting on these two meals, I ponder the context and meaning of a "Thanksgiving meal" and I savor its Exodus flavor deeply in my heart."
One of the most common text uses during a Thanksgiving time is Psalm 136, a psalm that opens every verse by saying "Give thanks to the LORD......". Do take note, if we are careful, that the entire psalm has only 2 themes, one is thanking God for His majestic creation and maintainence of the universe (1-9) and the other is thanking Gof for His mighty salvation of the Israelites (10-26) with verse 26 a conclusion verse. Obviously, the weight is put on the latter. The salvation of Israelites from their oppressors are symbolized by the Passover day.
My friends, have you paid attention In Exodus 12 where the Lord specified the meal courses and recipes of a Passover meal? What do you think about that courses compared to the Turkey dinners you just had over the past several days? Would you take a moment to compare the meals and reflect upon them?
That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. ...This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD's Passover. "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. (Exodus 12, 8, 11-12)
Do you notice in Exodus 12, it was a meal eaten in haste and under greatly dangerous situation? It's a meal eaten at the height of war time -- a war between "gods", not between "men". The course has a lamb, but was eaten out of great reverence because only those who ate it can be saved. The course also has bitter herbs, so people do not forget the bitter and harsh times under oppression. That night was a night of nation-wide wailing, for their oppressors lost their first-born sons. They ate the meal preparing to travel immediately and had absolutely no time to indulge. In the midst of all these wailing noises , danger and uncertainty, they ate the meal in haste.......
Reflecting on these two meals, I ponder the context and meaning of a "Thanksgiving meal" and I savor its Exodus flavor deeply in my heart."
Two Kinds of Sorrow
Do you know there are two kinds of sorrow? One is called "worldly sorrow", and the other kind is called "godly sorrow". One is without the comfort and hope of God's word, and the other is with the comfort and hope of God's word.
In 2Corinthians, Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth (a city in south Greece) and instructed them about the differences between these two kinds of sorrow. He said:
" Goldy Sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done." (2Cor7:10-11a)
Sorrow in a person's heart produces hopelessness, lifelessness and alienation, as a Chinese idiom says: "All hope are gone like ashes" (万念俱灰). Yet, if you have God's Word and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, then sorrowful feelings and events in your life will become beautiful turning points: from hopelessness to salvation and no regrets; from lifelessness to eagerness and readiness to see justice; from alienation to self-indignation and concern for others.
May the blessings of sorrow from God on Corinthian Christians will be on you too!
In 2Corinthians, Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth (a city in south Greece) and instructed them about the differences between these two kinds of sorrow. He said:
" Goldy Sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done." (2Cor7:10-11a)
Sorrow in a person's heart produces hopelessness, lifelessness and alienation, as a Chinese idiom says: "All hope are gone like ashes" (万念俱灰). Yet, if you have God's Word and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, then sorrowful feelings and events in your life will become beautiful turning points: from hopelessness to salvation and no regrets; from lifelessness to eagerness and readiness to see justice; from alienation to self-indignation and concern for others.
May the blessings of sorrow from God on Corinthian Christians will be on you too!
What's "4" to you?
A prevailing folk religion in the mainland China is superstition. For example, the number "4" rhymes with "death", so it's not a good number. And the number "8" rhymes with "wealth", so it's most desirable. Children are instructed these superstitions even at a young age. Many Chinese supermarket or banks give out calendar that shows what activities are "good" and what activities are "bad" each day.
It seemed that people are aware of some invisible forces that are out of our control but will influence what will happen to us. We hope a good number will help us to move the forces to do good to us. However; the truth is not defined by the many Chinese supermarkets, nor the Chinese pronunciations, but defined by God. The number 4 will not bring you death -- to the young man named Lazarus (the name means "God is my Helper", Jesus raised him from the dead after he died for 4 days! Rather than "death", 4 is the best life-giving number in Lazarus' life; and it is the paramount number in biblical miracles.
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, (he is the brother of Mary and Martha)... The sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for 4 days. ... M any Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. ... (But Jesus said to Martha): "Your brother will rise again."
(Jesus came to the tomb and said), "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" ... (After the people) took away the stone, then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (John 11)
It seemed that people are aware of some invisible forces that are out of our control but will influence what will happen to us. We hope a good number will help us to move the forces to do good to us. However; the truth is not defined by the many Chinese supermarkets, nor the Chinese pronunciations, but defined by God. The number 4 will not bring you death -- to the young man named Lazarus (the name means "God is my Helper", Jesus raised him from the dead after he died for 4 days! Rather than "death", 4 is the best life-giving number in Lazarus' life; and it is the paramount number in biblical miracles.
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, (he is the brother of Mary and Martha)... The sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for 4 days. ... M any Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. ... (But Jesus said to Martha): "Your brother will rise again."
(Jesus came to the tomb and said), "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" ... (After the people) took away the stone, then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (John 11)
Broken Snare
Sometimes we feel that we are being "caught up" in an unfortunate situation that we did not ask for. It is as if there would be no way out of the turmoil and we are left to despair or destruction. We could blame ourselves for not being careful, or blame others for their wickedness, but what do we do now?
Psalm 124 in the Bible is especially dedicated to the encouragement of God's people in such kind of dire strait. For our help is not from men, but from the Almight God who is the Maker of the Heaven and Earth. When we are caught like birds in the wicked's snare, watch how God display his salvation!
Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth
( -- they are the angry enemies, who attacked us without a cause. )
We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 7-8)
Psalm 124 in the Bible is especially dedicated to the encouragement of God's people in such kind of dire strait. For our help is not from men, but from the Almight God who is the Maker of the Heaven and Earth. When we are caught like birds in the wicked's snare, watch how God display his salvation!
Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth
( -- they are the angry enemies, who attacked us without a cause. )
We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 7-8)
Tri-Unity
I always find Chinese characters interesting because they often consist stories within the characters themselves and they are very graphic. For example, "口" means "mouth" and it looks like a mouth! "门" means door and it looks like a door! English words on the other hand, is not graphic in general and is difficult for people to find an association between the spelling of the words and the meaning of them.
But I find one English word that is superb in this regard, and the word is "triune" in adjective form and "trinity" in its noun form. This English word was derived from a brilliant man-made Latin word initiated by theologian Tertullian in early 3rd century. "Trinitas" in Latin means "three occuring at once" or "three are one".
This provides a beautiful and fundamental understanding of the God whom we worship -- God the Father, God the Son Jesus and God the Holy Spirit. God is "triune" -- "three occuring at once" and "three are one", just as the Scripture described:
As soon as Jesus (God the Son) was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and John the Baptist saw the Spirit of God (God the Holy Spirit) descending like a dove and lighting on Jesus. And a voice from heaven (the voice of God the Father) said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)
But I find one English word that is superb in this regard, and the word is "triune" in adjective form and "trinity" in its noun form. This English word was derived from a brilliant man-made Latin word initiated by theologian Tertullian in early 3rd century. "Trinitas" in Latin means "three occuring at once" or "three are one".
This provides a beautiful and fundamental understanding of the God whom we worship -- God the Father, God the Son Jesus and God the Holy Spirit. God is "triune" -- "three occuring at once" and "three are one", just as the Scripture described:
As soon as Jesus (God the Son) was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and John the Baptist saw the Spirit of God (God the Holy Spirit) descending like a dove and lighting on Jesus. And a voice from heaven (the voice of God the Father) said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)
Better Than Healed
Do you ever wonder, how well is God capable to heal a broken heart?
There is a kind of neural sickness that can often be found in young children -- the inflicted child does not know when he or she gets hurt or even bleeds. So the poor child will be running around happy with a blood trail following him. Is God's healing some kind of "numbness" scheme that we just don't "feel" it although we are actually bleeding? Is God's healing like a neural sickness that He would make us become insensitive or indifferent to the painful memories, so we may put on a happy face but we are actually traumatized inside?
"God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:4-5)
"I am making everything new!" -- In God's dictionary, healing is not to patch up the broken pieces and nicely knit them together, but to make a new one. You are not getting a healing of your broken heart, you are given a new heart! This, my friends, is the power of Jesus Christ, the Savior of all broken-hearted.
There is a kind of neural sickness that can often be found in young children -- the inflicted child does not know when he or she gets hurt or even bleeds. So the poor child will be running around happy with a blood trail following him. Is God's healing some kind of "numbness" scheme that we just don't "feel" it although we are actually bleeding? Is God's healing like a neural sickness that He would make us become insensitive or indifferent to the painful memories, so we may put on a happy face but we are actually traumatized inside?
"God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:4-5)
"I am making everything new!" -- In God's dictionary, healing is not to patch up the broken pieces and nicely knit them together, but to make a new one. You are not getting a healing of your broken heart, you are given a new heart! This, my friends, is the power of Jesus Christ, the Savior of all broken-hearted.
What's Ahead
I just recently traveled by air. I remember watching the traffics on the highways as the plane was descending. The wide and long highways seemed tiny and short if you watch them from high up. You can observe the traffic condition as easy as blowing dust off a table. You can tell clearly where the bottlenecks are, and how much farther for a car to endure the troubling traffic before it may get out and embrace a smooth and happy ride.
Isn't our lives like this? We must put our trust in God who is above us watching our life pathes. Not only He watches, he also designs. He leads us and He knows exactly how long troubles and frustrations last. Why do we complain as if we were on the road alone without God who is above?
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm. (Proverbs 4:24-26)
Indeed, if you put your trust in God who is above, you will have peace with what's ahead.
Isn't our lives like this? We must put our trust in God who is above us watching our life pathes. Not only He watches, he also designs. He leads us and He knows exactly how long troubles and frustrations last. Why do we complain as if we were on the road alone without God who is above?
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm. (Proverbs 4:24-26)
Indeed, if you put your trust in God who is above, you will have peace with what's ahead.
New and Old Treasure
I have a friend who is a nurse. She showed me a few pictures taken in Hawaii one time, but told me she didn't really enjoy the place as much as it appeared on the pictures because she went there on a teaching conference that she spent most of her time studying in order to be qualified to renew her nursing license.
I was quite amazed to hear that, knowing that my friend was a very capable head nurse with over 10 years of experience; she was also a very reputable nurse among patients and was entrusted to train other nurses in her group. She explained to me that there were always some old things she needed to review and some new things in the field that she needed to learn in order to serve the patients well.
Similarly, to deepen our knowledge of the Lord, which is infinitely wise and marvelous, we must constantly review what we thought we already learned as well as humbly learn new subjects that we have not yet explored before.
Jesus said to the disciples, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." (ESV revised, Matthew 13:52)
Both new and old knowledge of Christ are treasures of eternal value. Blessed is he who has a student's attitude!
I was quite amazed to hear that, knowing that my friend was a very capable head nurse with over 10 years of experience; she was also a very reputable nurse among patients and was entrusted to train other nurses in her group. She explained to me that there were always some old things she needed to review and some new things in the field that she needed to learn in order to serve the patients well.
Similarly, to deepen our knowledge of the Lord, which is infinitely wise and marvelous, we must constantly review what we thought we already learned as well as humbly learn new subjects that we have not yet explored before.
Jesus said to the disciples, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." (ESV revised, Matthew 13:52)
Both new and old knowledge of Christ are treasures of eternal value. Blessed is he who has a student's attitude!
The God Who Talks Back
We have a God who actually talks. He talks back to us. And his words are not the echoes of our own. They may not always be pleasing to our ears and soothing to our spines. In fact, here is how the Bible describes the Word of God:
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
Are you ready for this, my friends? His words are sharp and poignant. You ask, "how sharp?" The answer: "sharper than any double-edged sword". When you have quiet time with the Lord, did you ever feel the sharpness of his words or did you always preceive him talking like the breezing, sweet spring wind?
In this post-modern world when people refused to be judged of any kind by anyone, God's word judges. His Word judges the depth of our soul -- the thoughts that were not spoken and the attitudes that were covered. Christian walk is a dangerous walk because we can get used to present a holistic spiritual self-image that we even put on our masks before the Lord and refuse to listen. There is a temptation to forget what we are made of and forget the bitter taste of His Word.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
Are you ready for this, my friends? His words are sharp and poignant. You ask, "how sharp?" The answer: "sharper than any double-edged sword". When you have quiet time with the Lord, did you ever feel the sharpness of his words or did you always preceive him talking like the breezing, sweet spring wind?
In this post-modern world when people refused to be judged of any kind by anyone, God's word judges. His Word judges the depth of our soul -- the thoughts that were not spoken and the attitudes that were covered. Christian walk is a dangerous walk because we can get used to present a holistic spiritual self-image that we even put on our masks before the Lord and refuse to listen. There is a temptation to forget what we are made of and forget the bitter taste of His Word.
Strain Your Wit
The shocking tragety of 911 was not only a disaster of lost lives and lost buildings because there were numerous wars, conflicts, diseases and natural catastrophies that took away more lives and caused more damages. What 911 really signified was a proclamation of militant Islam religion. It became ever clearer when the leaders of Al Queda called for global conversion to Islam in its broadcasting radio propaganda last week, just in time to rub into the painful 911 memories.
Before we may be too quick to dismiss such kind of vile use of media, I ask, "don't we as Christians have something to proclaim? Shouldn't we be the ones that call for global conversion to the truth, if indeed we believe Jesus's salvation and grace? Why are we often so timid in prolaiming the truth while the wicked are so bold in proclaiming falsehood?"
We proclaim Him (Jesus), admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Jesus Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. .... Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. (1Colossians 1:28-29, 24)
The Lord always calls for bold proclamation of the truth and the life that can only be given in Christ Jesus -- not through militant power, but through diligent labor, self sacrifice and strained wisdom and creativity. To proclaim Jesus is not a hobby, but a living sacrifice of your time, your energy, your thoughts and even your tears. It demands the preoccupation of your life.
Before we may be too quick to dismiss such kind of vile use of media, I ask, "don't we as Christians have something to proclaim? Shouldn't we be the ones that call for global conversion to the truth, if indeed we believe Jesus's salvation and grace? Why are we often so timid in prolaiming the truth while the wicked are so bold in proclaiming falsehood?"
We proclaim Him (Jesus), admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Jesus Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. .... Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. (1Colossians 1:28-29, 24)
The Lord always calls for bold proclamation of the truth and the life that can only be given in Christ Jesus -- not through militant power, but through diligent labor, self sacrifice and strained wisdom and creativity. To proclaim Jesus is not a hobby, but a living sacrifice of your time, your energy, your thoughts and even your tears. It demands the preoccupation of your life.
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