Sustaining Faith

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):

• Is Gambling OK? Don’t Bet on it! by Phil Johnson
• Silent Killers and Silent Christians by Kevin DeYoung
• Gambling by Phillip Jensen
• Gambling and Alcohol (video) by Phillip Jensen

 

Reformation Heritage

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?

 

Greater Delight

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.

 

Only on Sunday

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.

 

Smoke in your eyes

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.

 

Who wants to be a Supermodel

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Psalm 119:73 (NIV)

This news just in … “Australians are too fat!”. Wow! What a revelation. How fortunate I am to have access to a television that can tell me this almost every night during what passes as news and current affairs but is usually little more than a audio visual tabloid. If that’s not enough, almost every website that has sponsored advertising will have pop-ups or side frame adverts begging me to “train like a soldier”, “get abs like a Spartan”, “trim ‘x‘ centimeters off my waist”, “drop one dress size while I sleep” (not entirely sure why it’s always a dress size and never a jeans size, footy jersey size or King-Gee Overall size?!). The same tabloids-slash-news articles also tell me that fashion models are too thin and are causing a generation of girls to have unhealthy body image issues. To counter this they run the occasional short term campaign on plus size models, which, if I believe the tale they’re trying to spin, are more representative of the average woman than the waifs on the catwalks in Milan. So … Australians aren’t too fat then? Which is it? If size 14/16 is the average and is “OK” then why are they always telling me I’m too fat? Never mind that I’m a tall large framed middle-aged male that hasn’t the slightest compulsion to fit into a size 12 dress. If there is a body image issue with anyone in any life stage anywhere in the western world, I would hazard a guess that confusing and conflicting marketing and info-merical journalism contribute as much, if not more, than the elite designers of Milan et. al.

Do I then abandon all thoughts of being careful about my health and fitness and take up that Tim-Tam diet I’ve always wanted to try? Well no, not really. However, our culture is all about externals. Magazine covers tell the story of what we consider heaven to look like. I need to trim down, or get whiter teeth or look 10 years younger in 10 days or loose 5 kilograms or get a six pack or look like this or that celebrity. To further emphasise their ideals, every month there will be an expose of celebrities without make-up. The horror! How disgusting and unattractive they are when there is no-one with time to airbrush the photo. Alternately, there will be an edition where we see them on holidays when they “let themselves go” and grow a ‘muffin-top’! The message? If you don’t look like they do on the red carpet – you are a failure too! Yes, occasionally there will be articles about ‘inner beauty’ and sometimes a comment about the underlying psychological or emotional triggers that result in poor health, eating disorders and obsessions with fashion. These are usually the ones complimented with a full page advertisement from a Health Company or Fitness Club about how you can look just like your favourite celebrity by buying their product

Perhaps I am a tad too cynical? Lets be clear though, I do not think the answer is protesting against this culture of externals by being a lazy, careless, smelly lay-about. I do think there is wisdom in scripture. God is interested in the condition of our heart, not our externals. Religious people are also guilty of focusing on externals, thinking performing good deeds or rigidly maintaining impossibly high moral standards is a means to holiness. God making and forming us has to do more with how, in his faithfulness, through providentially ordered circumstances, He is drawing us to himself. The understanding that enables us to learn godliness and contentment comes when we put our hope in the living God who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those who believe. This is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. Yet for some reason we prefer the tabloids. Go figure!