Continuing a series on Psalm 119.

Australians ‘Stop’ each year on the first Tuesday in November at around 3:00pm AEDST to watch the Melbourne Cup horse race. Workers are given time off to gather in front of the television, students, if still in school, pause to do the same. In some parts of the country the entire day is a public holiday. All, so we, in unison, can watch the outcome of this race. I have attended corporate banquets put on in celebration of the race, others will spend a small fortune to don formal wear and play the ‘toff’ for a day at the racetrack. It is in many respects as much a public institution as some of the national religious and public holidays. Throughout workplaces and schools, sweeps are run, where, usually, by way of random allocation, entrants are given a horse for a small fee of maybe $2-$5. If your employer is particularly fortunate with their winnings, it is not unusual to be given the rest of the day off, to celebrate!

Sadly, or amusingly, if you’re so inclined, the condition of patrons at the race courses throughout the country later in the afternoon, differs considerably from earlier in the morning. What was at 11:00am, a beautifully adorned lady in a formal dress with accompanying hat or fascinator assembly, is at 5:00pm, a disheveled, crumpled, stained, torn, staggering embarrassment frequently accompanied by an equally uncouth, stupefied, lecherous lout. This from either over indulging whilst celebrating their win or from over indulging while commiserating their loss. Considerable stakes are paid in what is, in most cases, friendly one-up-man-ship, with punters trying to outdo each other in their betting on the horse racing. Hopes, quite literally, are “dashed” when another horse crosses the finish line ahead of the one they had ‘invested’ in. The Sydney Morning Herald estimated that the takings from punters yesterday exceeded $143 million in Victoria and New South Wales. The only clear winners are the State Government departments that profit from gaming and gambling. Everyone else comes out worse off.

The premise of gambling is an attempt to get something large for a disproportionately small price. The idea is that you make a bet, rather than have to work to earn the same amount. What might take several days, weeks or months to otherwise earn or cultivate, can be gained in a matter of seconds, simply by placing a well timed bet on the right horse (in the case of the Melbourne Cup). It doesn’t take much to argue yourself from there into the position that by increasing the bet, you could increase your winnings, and if you win enough, you might never have to work again. Obviously, not everyone is consumed with, or tempted by, an addiction to gambling. But for those that are, even a sweepstake entry can prove to be a deadly distraction. So, in wisdom, we must be careful how we represent and participate in the good fun of our nation’s (arguably) favourite past-time. If, by entering a sweep, you communicate that your sustenance and hope for provision is elsewhere than in what God has provided, you may find it difficult to convincingly discuss your faith in Jesus and why he is exclusively sufficient for spiritual salvation.

What would you truly prefer? That God dealt with us randomly by way of spinning a wheel, drawing lots, or let the roll of a dice determine our eternal fate or via his deliberate intention to set his love upon us and reveal his grace to us via Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection? Gambling is emotionally charged controversy that provokes passionate advocates both for abolition and enjoyment in moderation. I hope you consider carefully how you will “profit” from a little flutter compared to finding your passion in Christ.

Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Psalm 119:116 NIV
…
Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:24 NIV

Related Articles (Inserted by Author):

• Gambling by Phillip Jensen
• Gambling and Alcohol (video) by Phillip Jensen

James Harelman from Mars Hill Church has posted a thoughtfully reasoned post concerning this potentially controversial holiday. Some excerpts copied below:

The issue of Halloween and whether Christians should observe this holiday invariably rises from the grave each October. More to the point, most Christians do observe it, but differ in the level of participation or acceptance of it. Evangelist Jack Chick, for instance, the man famous for “Chick Tracts” naively depicts Halloween as a night when ancient Celtic Druids raped and sacrificed virgins, leaving carved pumpkins on the doorsteps of households that gave up their daughters (never mind the fact that pumpkins were a New World plant exported and only grown in Europe recently). Other Christians offer the opposite but equally naive defense of “it’s no big deal”, sending their kids out to eat candy and legitimize American obesity statistics.

There is an accrued mythology that Druids also wore masks on this night and went from door to door, but historical evidence does support this theory; it seems more like creative fiction manufactured to explain the evolution of modern customs. While not a bad educational supplement, something is not history simply because it appeared on the History Channel.

The seasonal change has been celebrated by pagans and Christians for centuries, taking on the customs of a dozen cultures along the way. Its present incarnation receives disdain not only from many Christians but also from professing witches and wiccans. The former feel that it’s intrinsically tied to satanic beliefs and the latter group sees it as a distorted mockery of their beliefs.

… we don’t believe in the deities worshipped by the Celts or the rituals used to appease or summon them. We do, however, recognize that there are evil spirits that confuse and lead people astray from relationship with the one true God. We recognize that the Bible calls all Christians “saints” and we don’t believe in the Catholic extra-biblical concepts of sainthood or purgatory. Many of the ideas and rituals that have contributed to the Halloween mish-mash aren’t congruent with our beliefs. However, setting aside times to remember or honor those we love that have passed away (hopefully to be with our Savior Jesus) is not a bad idea. On a less somber note, wearing Spider-man costumes, making funny faces on vegetables, and engaging in neighborhood activities where one can both give and receive hospitality is not something we oppose. Fictional fantasy tales of monsters and elves even scary ones are not wholly inappropriate either, whether punctuated on this particular weekend or sprinkled throughout the year in classic tales from authors including Tolkien and Lewis. We regard Halloween as a second-hand issue and ask that every Christian examine their response to the modern-day Halloween celebration in our culture.

For those who have shunned Halloween because they were simply told it was evil, or for those who have participated and never bothered to weigh its appropriateness, your pastors would encourage the employment of godly wisdom, discernment, and a sense of our shared mission as Christians. Our abstinence or participation in regard to Halloween should not be derived from fear, misinformation, or pressure but rather from a sincere love of Jesus; every response to our culture and its festivals is a way to point to the God we love and serve.

This entry is part of a series on Psalm 119.

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. Psalm 119:111 NIV

Heritage is a word that has a broad scope of meaning about history, culture, identity, legacy, tradition and as the word itself might imply, inheritance. We have heritage listed buildings and heritage foundations which seek to preserve the landscape of architecture and landmarks, which due to age, unique structure or social background reflect something of history or significance in a locality. Our own Church building in Kogarah is heritage listed by the local municipality, as such there are strict guidelines governing the appearance and maintenance of the property.

God’s heritage for us is not limited to grass and dirt or bricks and mortar. This is vividly explained in the New Testament after Jesus arrives. We are given an inheritance in heavenly places that consists of a spiritual heritage conferred upon us through adoption. God chose us and set his love upon us, not because of any merit on our part and not because of anything in us or done by us, but because of his grace. He did this so that we could display his praise and his glory. This is made possible by the presence of his Holy Spirit who not only enables us to have faith and hope but also to enjoy our inheritance by displaying God’s praise and glory. However, in our sincere desire to provide a heritage for our children, that will see them financially secure and capable of independently supporting themselves, we, like Israel, value material possessions above faith. By our example, we teach salvation by University, that heaven is having a mortgage and God’s blessing equates to a 6-figure income. None of these things, in and of themselves are sinful or evil, but we make the mistake of worshipping created things instead of the creator. We make sacrifices to acquire or retain them, exclusively spend time on them, and grieve the loss of things given to us by God to enjoy and enable us to serve him.

The word “heritage” in Psalm 119:111 (nachal) used 59 times in the Old Testament, relates to an inheritance, allotment, assignment, possession or acquisition. Most often it is used in reference to land or property designated to an individual, family or tribe. It is also used to refer back to the original promise to Abraham regarding the Promised Land (Exodus 32:13). The Psalmist’s use of the word though, focuses on the ultimate spiritual inheritance we are invited to celebrate as God’s children. Whilst land was part of Israel’s inheritance they became materialistic and repeatedly ignored the legacy of Abraham’s faith. This greater inheritance, (their history, culture, identity and tradition) consisted in being a nation of God’s representatives (priests), taking delight in Him, serving Him and providing an example of his goodness, was a means to demonstrate His unconditional generosity.

In the 1500’s a priest called Tetzel raised the ire of Martin Luther due to the unethical manner in which he raised money for the construction of St Peter’s Basilica. He sold indulgences (credits alleged to cancel out sin). “As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs” was his marketing hook. In doing this Tetzel encouraged materialism which taught that money was a functional saviour that rendered Jesus and faith in him impotent. Luther protested to Tetzel’s superior and posted a copy of his protest on the door of All Saints Church in Wittenburg. That protest, in turn, sparked the Protestant Reformation, which recovered for Christians an emphasis on the rich heritage we have in the scriptures of God’s provision of salvation and blessing through the merits of faith alone in Christ alone, through grace alone, according to the Bible alone all to the glory of God alone.

What heritage do you value? What would your children/friends say is your heritage? Creator or creation?

This entry is part of a series on Psalm 119.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:98 NIV

It has been my greatest joy recently to serve as a Pastor. The generosity and kindness of those entrusted to my leadership has regularly been both emotionally motivational and overwhelming. Motivational in the sense of being inspired and prompted to grow and challenge myself spiritually and intellectually so that I can lead and teach the families in our congregation. Overwhelming in the sense that their trust in me as a pastor continually drives me to the Bible and prayer to seek God’s grace, blessing, guidance and provision, without which I could not have lasted past my first day on the job (so to speak). It has also profoundly affected my priorities in how I seek to manage my time during the week. I find that (with the help and encouragement of my wife) I need to be more deliberate in taking time to spend with my family so that they remain my foremost in my earthly affections. I also find that some of the novelties I could previously ‘toy’ with have faded in their appeal.

I used to collect Phantom comics. Since about the age of 10 or 11 every 2-3 weeks when Frew Publications would publish the next adventure of ‘The Ghost Who Walks’ I would lap it up, thoroughly enjoying the adventures of the 470 year old champion as he battled against crime, cruelty and injustice. Yet looking at the bottom shelf of the bookcase in my office at home I can see a pile of unread Phantom comics that I haven’t looked at for years. I can’t even remember the last time I ventured into a news-stand to buy one. Perhaps this week on my RDO I’ll indulge, once, if time permits

I also used to love arguing and debating. Well, to be honest I still do, but my priorities have made this a novelty rather than a habit. In High School, when I started to develop my public speaking skills, the action of the debate team was an irresistible temptation. To be able to win an argument through either convincing rhetoric or clever manipulation of ‘facts’ provided a cheap thrill. To enhance the experience I would try to get on the opposite side to what I might normally or naturally agree just for the sake testing my ability to argue regardless of the weight or consequence of the topic at hand. I could have said I was doing this to better appreciate the opposite point of view, but in reality it was the thrill of the fight I enjoyed. I continued this silliness into Bible College where I would happily play devils advocate and take an ungodly delight in confusing or confounding a younger or less mature opponent. When confronted about my uncharitable approach I decided I could better use my ‘skills’ in apologetics (arguing for the defense of Christianity). I actively sought to engage any number of enemies from any persuasion; cults, Catholics, mardi-gras, politicians, work colleagues, movie goers; I was indiscriminate. But the thrill was not so much in persuading someone to enjoy the life offered by Jesus Christ as it was to demolish an argument and win a debate. I and they are poorer because of this. Not because of anything inherently bad about apologetics, just that my approach lacked a humble civility that might have been more productive for the Church.

As a Christian first and a pastor second, the Word of God is to be my greater delight and the source and stimulation of my spiritual affections. I am glad that our Deacons recently encouraged me to continue with my series of devotional thoughts on Psalm 119. In doing so they have encouraged me to find, with the Psalmist, a greater treasure in scripture than what any fleeting pursuits or hobbies might engender. It focuses my priorities as a minister of the Word and compels me to weigh my time carefully and seek that which results in the greater glory of God not my pleasure or the promotion of my skills or reputation. However small they might be, if used for serving instead of showing off, God is the one who gets the credit, for that is my chief and highest end.

Everyone has a different reason for why they chose to use an internationally public forum to air their thoughts. For me, I have summarised my motivation on my “About” page:

I love Jesus and the Bible. I believe and teach that the Bible is God’s real word about Jesus (who was a real man and very God of very God) and how he came to save us from our real sin. He did this through his real death on a cross and sealed the deal through his real and permanent resurrection from the dead. I blog, partly as a personal journal and partly as a means to serve my local Church through teaching and commenting on biblical themes and current issues as they relate to the family and friends of the Church. I don’t have luxury of using my blog to debate or enter into extended discussions or arguments. There are opportunities to do that elsewhere. My schedule is pretty packed, with teaching commitments, other Church and committee responsibilities and importantly, enjoying God’s great gift of family. So if I reply and if it is only a short quip, I’m not trying to discount your opinion or feedback I just need to manage my time effectively and blog-sparring isn’t something I can afford at present.

Intro to 2nd Peter 1:5-11 “Faith Enlarged”.

This entry is part of a series on Psalm 119.

If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. Psalm 119:92 NIV

If you have been a Christian for a while, you may have noticed, as I have, that it is considerably easier to sing songs of praise and worship on Sunday’s at Church than it is during the week. Parents of small children will be familiar with this experience. When you’re quietly pushing the trolley through the supermarket deciding which brand of sauce to try in tomorrow nights dinner, you’re suddenly assaulted with a deafening chorus of “Jesus Loves Me” or something similar. You’re immediate reaction, if you have a pulse, is likely either one of fear or panic. What if one of the other shoppers just heard this outburst and is offended – not by the volume of course, but the brazen proclamation of Christ. In that instant, how do you react? Do you join in with loudest praise or do you sheepishly shuffle off before they start in on “Here I am to worship”?

How about in a more covert environment, say the newsagents on a midweek morning? You go to get your daily paper or perhaps some stationery and there’s the big red ball, announcing the mega-whopper-super-jackpot of $20M. It costs barely more than a newspaper to enter. You’ve got to be in it to win it! Is that a time when you are likely to break out into a stanza of “In Christ alone, my hope is found…”? Moving from an IT career with a six figure salary to a Minister’s stipend makes something like that extremely appealing and the temptation is very strong to move my faith and trust from “Christ alone” to “Christ plus the chance to win a truck load of cash”. After all, I could tithe my winnings! I could donate a huge wad to missions and I could buy a house, a nicer new car, travel more and on it goes. Maybe that doesn’t have any allure to you. Maybe your attention is drawn to the magazine rack where any number of idolatries are waiting for your worship. The idol of airbrushed body image, the idol of the perfectly decorated home, the idol of the most attractive fashions, the idol of the fastest car, or biggest fish, the idol of sexual pleasure – all waiting for you. Your response? “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…” Or is it perhaps, just an innocent glance, just a curious browse? You’re not really coveting, just wondering, “What if…”. At least that is the lie the enemy of your soul wants you to swallow!

This syndrome is known as “It only works on Sunday” – IOWOS! or “It only works in Church” – IOWIC! Anyone can sing a hymn or quote a Bible verse Sunday morning. But when presented with an opportunity to live our our faith on Tuesday?! You see what really happens on Tuesday is exactly that – You ARE living out your faith! Your real faith! If our affections for Christ are only aroused on Sunday, then we have to question their sincerity. The Psalmist has learnt the hard lessons of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and allowing his emotions to dictate his actions. The only way to recover and restore his joy was repentance from his sin and a return to the only constant, the only source of reliability he had – God as revealed in his Word (Psalm 51). Everything else fails eventually, but God’s word is boundless in it’s effect and it’s endurance. The problem, sometimes, is a lack of planning and preparation on our part. We have access to the eternal Word of God that declares and demonstrates God’s faithfulness to all generations, yet we arrogantly insist on tackling every moment of every day without taking delight in God’s word. It is not just spiritual nourishment that aids growth, it is preventative, protective, powerful in demolishing the strongholds in our life that argue and pretend against the knowledge of Christ. Don’t just read it! As you read it, ask God to make himself and his Word your delight so that every other passion, temptation and allure is like ashes in your mouth.

Tomorrow morning at a wedding at our Church it will be my privilege today to present, on behalf of the Church and our Lord Jesus Christ, what is traditionally called, “The Charge to the Bride and Groom”.

I am taking a slightly different approach in my presentation though. The Church has a bit of a reputation for over emphasising the role and responsibility of the woman and wives in the home, church and community. The response to this has been a reaping of what has been sown. We have Churches full of women committed to Christ, the Church and their families. In any given Evangelical Church women will out number men and there will be a greater proportion of women to men in volunteer service. In more conservative circles where a hierarchical (or patriarchal) view of relationships between men and women prevails this has resulted in men that are presumptuous, arrogant and ungodly – after all, they have been repeatedly told that the big problem with the world today is feminism and a lack of sobriety and submission of the wife in the home. You would think this philosophy would produce strong men responding to the call to lead. Instead it produces lazy bullies who boss their wife and kids around and don’t bother contributing to volunteer service in the Church (because that’s the woman’s job!) and then whine and complain that Church is too boring and effeminate and stay home.

The view of marriage in the Bible and the role and responsibility of the man is presented very differently. If read and responded to in humility and obedience it will result in very different attitudes and behaviour from men in the Church. In the Bible, Marriage is presented as a picture or symbol of God’s commitment to his people and more specifically of Jesus’ commitment to the Church. The Bible calls this a mystery. Perhaps indicating that the marriage of a husband and wife goes far beyond the physical and legal bond they will share. This mystery, this symbol, is presented to us in the Biblical book of Ephesians, Chapter 5, verses 25-33. God is the one who takes the initiative in his commitment to us, and he calls upon husbands to take the initiative in establishing strong marriages, families and communities and wives are invited to respond and support them.

So in my talk in the wedding ceremony tomorrow, I will present a challenge to the groom!

Husbands are called to:

1. Sacrificial Love
Ephesians 5:25 is a massive blow to our ego because it calls us to love without affirmation, response or submission.

• to love your wife to death and have the willingness to sacrifice everything for her sake. She is now your highest earthly priority. Not your job, income, assets, sport or anything else. This is a tough hit to our pride. However, it is a call that real men can respond to – because only a real man, a strong man, can chose to give everything he is and everything he has for the love of his bride.
• to love her for better or for worse – in times of injustice, cruelty, disappointment, upsets, insecurity, despair – but also in times of joy and contentment that reaches the stars.
• to love her by praying for her – as a Christian husband, this is perhaps the highest act of love – to seek God’s blessing upon our wife, her grace, peace and sanctification.

2. Uplifting Love
Ephesians 5:26-27 – as Jesus elevates and purifies the Church, a husband is to uphold his wife.

• we protect her, value her, uphold her reputation and integrity before others.
• she is never the subject of jokes
• she is never the target of our complaints
• Jesus accepts us as the worst of sinners – we must accept our wives, with all their faults. This will enable her and equip her to fulfill God’s best in her life.

3. Self Love
Ephesians 5:28-30

• her body is our body, we treat it with the same care and respect we treat ourselves and want others to treat us.
• her feelings are our feelings, we respond with sensitivity, patience and compassion
• her hobbies, tastes and interests become our concerns, for we are one.
• my time is her time. she has the priority on Friday night not the football.

Can a man commit with fidelity, to love like this? Can a man communicate his commitment, beyond saying some vows on the wedding day? Will he take the time, to court her, romance her, listen to her and serve her so long as they both shall live? If he seeks the help of Christ and follows his example, then, yes, a real man, a strong man can do this, by the grace of God. And a real woman will have no trouble responding in loving, affectionate, supportive respect for such a man as this.

To do this requires a real man, who makes real effort, for a real woman. To quote John Piper, “Success in marriage is not finding the right person, but being the right person in the power of the one perfect Person”.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says “Act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love”.

This entry is part of a series on Psalm 119.

Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. Psalm 119:83 NIV

If the comedy sketches are to be believed, then the ultimate expression of bad taste in wine (literally!) is the type that comes inside a plastic bag. Familiarity with cask wine (and it’s unfortunate association with bad culture) may hinder appreciation of some of the wine skin analogies used in scripture. In this instance a reference is made to the drying of a used skin. Inside the tent, the smoke from the fire (used either for cooking and or warmth) would get into the skin. Over time, the skin would become blackened from the soot, and become dried, shrunken and brittle. New wine, still undergoing fermentation, if placed into these older smoked skins would cause them to burst as the gases from the fermentation caused the brittle inflexible skin to expand. (c.f. Matthew 9:17, Mark 2:22, Luke 5:37-38) Generally, an old skin, blackened from the smoke and brittle from age was discarded.

Age, sickness, sorrow, troubles, stress or afflictions might cause a blackening of our soul – if we allow it. Over time, we can become fragile and brittle and the slightest stress can cause us to break and feel as though we should be or have already been discarded. Yet at no time, regardless of how severe the smoke is, are we beyond God’s desire to respond, restore and regenerate. Despite the persecution the Psalmist experienced, he knew God’s faithfulness to his Word was not going to fail. Circumstances can affect our attitude and enjoyment of life. Enemies, philosophical or physical, can attack, ridicule, ensnare, belittle and undermine our work and faith. Temporary relief might occur in some instances, but the permanent solution awaits in glory. Until then, faithfulness on our part is revealed by our choice to, with the Psalmist, retain our hope in God and his word.

If sight and experience are the source of affirmation we seek then disappointment is our reward. However, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Singing songs of praise on Sunday morning, devoid of conflict, free from any hostility or contradiction is not a measure of our commitment. Facing up to a colleague angry and bitter about the loss of a child to cancer and targeting you as a representative of the God they blame for their pain will reveal more about what you really believe than your speculative conjecture at the Church picnic about the meaning of some obscure Old Testament passage. Is God faithful? Is the Bible true? Does Jesus matter? Why would he allow this?

We might find ourselves undergoing a similar trial or problem, perhaps a difficult circumstance or maybe a seemingly defeating habit or behaviour and then question the truth, reliability and authority of scripture. Do we waver or is the better course to deny our emotions and be stoic in the face of something that we can’t control or overcome? The Psalmist’s testimony repeatedly cites uncertainty, pain, discouragement and disappointment about the duration of his difficulties. His recovery though, is not his ability to “think positive”, but in worship of his creator, who though he cannot see, he counts as faithful to fulfill his promise of redemption. So, we, in looking to Jesus, fix our eyes on what is eternal – not on what we see, which is temporary and will fade. God’s answer is Christ, in his suffering and his death. Our sin, the cause of his suffering and ours, grieves him, yet he offers reconciliation, forgiveness and restoration and continues to do so because his patience will outlast our temporal condition, difficulty and pain. That’s why the Psalmist doesn’t forget his decrees.