Author Archives: markdowe1

Arts, Christianity, Culture

Life’s a journey, faith’s a leap

OLD TESTAMENT

– A narrative on 1 Samuel 3

IT can be helpful to picture the Christian life as a journey. Each person’s path is different, even though there are common features, because our personalities, perceptions and circumstances are different.

Christians are not called to be clones. We become “like” Jesus, not each other, as he works on our unique personhood so that it reflects his presence and God-centred nature. We grow in faith, as Samuel did (2:26), who took his responsibility to God and the “church” seriously (3:1), yet “did not yet know the Lord” (v 7).

How can someone believe and serve and yet not know the Lord? It does not mean that he was “not saved” or that he was living a double life. To God, our spiritual journey begins at (or before) human birth, not at the “new birth”. Somewhere along the way, there is an awakening (and for most people, more than one) when we discover God in a new way, see certain beliefs more clearly, and step forward in faith.

It is like human growth. Although the first adult tooth might be a significant step forward in a child’s development, there are many other developments not noted as the child grows; they are only seen in retrospect. Samuel’s experience suggests that it may not be appropriate to demand too much in terms of faith or experience before giving people certain tasks. It is often through executing them that people come to “know the Lord” in fresh ways.

Love and serve the LORD.

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Arts, Christianity, Culture

New Testament: Master picture for jigsaw puzzlers

MARK’S GOSPEL

– A narrative on Mark 8:27-9:37

THE wonder and delicacy of the ecological balance has only started dawning on the human race. In Panama, for example, the habitat depends on a fig wasp which germinates fruit trees, which support animals, which spread seeds to propagate more trees. No wasp, no forest.

Just as we cannot often see these links clearly, so Peter, James and John can’t yet see how all Jesus’ teaching fits together (8:32 and 9:32). But the transfiguration provides them with the big picture into which they could fit Jesus’ teaching about his forthcoming death.

It is like a resurrection appearance in advance. It is literally a taste of heaven that Peter understandably wants to prolong; just as anyone would wish to remain for ever in some idyllic holiday spot (9:5).

The brilliance of Jesus’ appearance (“No laundry could do anything like it” is C.S. Lewis’s way of correctly interpreting the whiteness of his clothes) speaks of his purity and perfection. His conversation reveals he is also superior to both Moses (the bringer of the law) and Elijah (the prototype prophet) both of whom were revered in Judaism.

So Peter’s confession (8:29) was spot on, but the Christ has an unexpected role; he is to die and rise again. Therefore, instead of prattling or protesting, they should simply listen to Jesus (9:7). The advice, if taken by successive generations, might have saved the church from a few conflicts.

Brought down to earth with a bump by the failure of the other nine apostles to heal the disturbed boy, they are reminded of Jesus’ simple assertion of the primacy of prayer in any ministry (9:29) that they must draw on heaven’s power and glory in order to do God’s will on earth.

The transfiguration suggests a whole new way of seeing things, in which fresh connections make greater sense. Faith is the ability to live with apparent incompatibilities, trusting that when heaven’s windows are opened the light which streams out will reveal a delicate and wonderful balance of otherwise inexplicable events.

Love and trust the LORD.

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Arts, Christianity, Culture

Psalm 14: Foolish people ignore the LORD

OLD TESTAMENT

THE psalms are not gathered in any thematic order, but psalm 14 coming hard on the heels of Psalm 8, helps to keep the biblical view of human nature in balance. People may be special, but they are also sinful.

The essence of sin in Scripture is turning one’s back on God, rather than the specific acts which may then result. Hence someone living a “good life” can still be regarded as sinful. That helps to explain why this psalm declares that no one does good (v 3); as Jesus pointed out to the rich young man, “no one is good – except God alone” (Mark 10:18).

We can never match up to God’s standards of holiness and perfection. And the overtly sinful, the people who do take advantage of others, cause distress; their victims can take some comfort in knowing that the LORD is ready to support them (v 6).

The psalm concludes with a common theme that runs through all the psalms, that of God’s justice. The authors often recognise that all is not well with the world, but they never lose their faith that God is a righteous Judge. So here, David prays for justice, as can anyone who, like him, observes the inequity of life with alarm.

God has honoured mankind

THE aforementioned psalm 8 deserves elaborating upon.

Generally speaking, human beings have too small a picture of God and too big a picture of themselves. This psalm corrects the balance in a context of wonder and praise.

The greatness of God is a common theme in the book of Psalms which often cites the acts of God as evidence for it. Just occasionally, as here, an author looks around at the incredible size and magnificence of the physical creation and praises the Creator who must be even more wonderful.

Compared to the majesty of God, humankind is a miracle. So small and frail, yet given such status and responsibility. This is the true perspective of worship. It does not belittle human ability and life; rather it celebrates it in the context of a great God who has declared himself to love all creatures great and small.

Such an attitude prevents self-centredness, but also avoids any sense of worthlessness and lack of human purpose. It is sorely needed today as on the one hand people exert themselves over others and on the other despair of finding meaning and significance for their lives. God has honoured mankind and inspiration for anything can be found through Him.

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