Week 5: Living as a sweet savour to God

Living in today's world I don't think any of us really understand the concept of sacrifice that we see in ancient times. Most of us treat it as something backward, outdated, or a 'savage/ignorant practice', depending on the context of the people we read about performing the sacrifices. Sometimes this is true. Sometimes we do think about it as important, particularly in regards to Israel's history, where sacrifice was ordained by God, but I still doubt we understand the idea fully. Many of the pagan (non-Jewish/Christian) sacrifice that occured was to placate the anger of gods, or to seek favour, such as in Rome:

It was not just an off-hand 'optional' or flippant task though - for those that followed these gods, it was a requirement that (they beleived) had dire consequences for life if they didn't offer sacrifice, or if they didn't do it with appropriate reverence.

The Israelites also had a high reverence for God in their sacrifices, and rightly so. They did fear God - they even had a rope around the high priest's waist as he went into the Most Holy Place on Yom Kippur, in case God was displeased and struck him dead - then they could recover the body without trespassing into that place themselves. We look back on these sacrifices as shadows of what was to come in Christ, and His payment and our justification thereby has removed the terror of God's presence, but the sacrifices were a hugely important part of God's plan.

Israel had a murky history with sacrifices, and we do remember the lessons from Scripture that God desired obedience rather than sacrifice, and sometimes I know I fall into the trap of dismissing the sacrifices as less important than they actually were. Sacrifices were instituted by God. Done correctly, and from an obedient (rather than a hypocritical) life, they are described as a sweet-smelling savour to Him. Holy (set apart for God, for His exclusive use and joy), acceptable to God (because they are done in the right way, with the right attitude) - this is our spiritual worship - our reasonable service. We are not doing this as the pagans did out of fear of testy and unpredictable gods, but because of the mercies of a gracious God and Saviour.

In many ways, traditions regarding church gathering have replaced the traditions of sacrifice. There is a modern culture that likes to just do whatever they please at church, but there are some things from Scripture about how we should meet, and particularly about the Lord's Supper/Communion, which are imoprtant traditions implemented by God himself, and should be held in reverence and conducted in an orderly fashion - God is after all not a God of chaos! It is part of a living sacrifice too, I believe, to be living in obedience to God, and setting aside time daily and weekly (where possible) for Him, in the patterns that He has set.

Similarly about being conformed to the world, there is much we can learn about Israel's history. Many of the Levitical ceremonial rules, (that don't apply to Gentiles, but the nation of Israel in that period where they were under theocratic rule), were made to keep Israel separated and distinct from those about them. We need not follow the letter of those ceremonial rules today, as they were not given to us, but the moral separation still applies, and there are some things culturally that we do not (or should not) engage in, in case we are tempted/compromised by our association with ungodly people/activities, and thus mar the testimony and glory we give to God. It is not total separation (pulling apart and refusing any contact, as with some cults), but a separation that protects us, and shows us as different because of what we believe and Who we follow. It is a separation that began when we accepted Christ, and were re-born, we gained new life and were released from the power that sin had over us - our minds were no longer corrupted, they were transformed. Having begun this good work and transformation through Christ, we must remain in/with Him, reading His Word, that our minds continue to be transformed and that we may discern right from wrong, and know His Will. From salvation we have been given an instinct, a re-awakening of our conscience, but that concience can be dulled again if we are not separated from the world and separated to God. We live in the world, but we are no longer of it. We come alongside and live that to the weak we become weak, and all thigns to all men (I Cor 9:22),  but showing mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh (Jude 23 - just finished a Bible study on this in church).

Looking to examples of living sacrifice, we have the example of that 'Kiwi' clip in the blog (Day 4, Week 5), where the bird was willing to commit suicide in order to experience flying. Similarly, we have a purpose high enough to not care about death at the end, but our purpose is so much greater. Many missionaries have given their lives for the Gospel, but their strength was not so much in that moment of courage necessary to stand strong in the face of death, but the courage to live for God no matter the consequences or hardships.

Recently I finished reading the 6 Lord of the Rings books (no, it's not strictly a trilogy, it is 6 books in 3 volumes ;) ). And having this passage in mind recently while reading it, the struggle of Frodo and the others as examples of living sacrifice were strong analogies in my mind. Throughout the story there are many points particularly at the start where the hobbits particularly wanted to give up and go home - it would be easier, someone else could do the task - why should they not go back to the comfort of home? Nearer the end, there was the temptation to just lay down and do nothing, or just give up. Their living sacrifice was their willingness to go on, no matter how desperate the circumstances, no matter how tired they were. Even at the end, where they had no hope of returning alive - they only had enough food to get to the mountain to destroy the ring, but none to get out again, they resolved to press on. To die for Christ takes a moment's courage, to live for Christ takes His eternal strength, for we depend on Him.

Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Borrowing a prayer from Jude 24-25)

Week 4, Days 3-6: Is Love a Game, Club, Door, or a Fight? What does it really mean?

Interpretation of art (whether music, sculpture, or canvas) is very fluid, and can find meanings in both the authors' intent, and the viewers' perception. Different people pick up on different points, because of their own personal experiences, meaning some people find songs beautifully meaningful, and others are lost on them.

The Taylor Swift or Lorde songs are interesting in this way. Taylor 'sees' love as a game to be used and abused, with dramatic and uncertain outcomes - a depiction often exaggerated and dramatised in movies, which the music video picks up on - there is no hope here, just a pleasure seeking self-driven living for the moment. Lorde 'sees' love as a club which you join in on, soemthing that people risk a little by opening themselves up to vulnerability and hurt, but it is a good club to be in - yet this seems a superficial type of love in view - a summer romance, a crush, but nothing substantial. "Love is an open door" is similar in many ways to both these videos, though all three come from different genres, It is the impulsive view of love, something that we supposedly fall into or out of - something that is emotional and maybe physical, but not more.

The songs evidently stand in stark contrast to I Corinthians 13. Here love is deep, inherent in all activities. It is not something that we may choose to take up or not - whether we join the club or not - nor soemthing we fall into, but something we must be, or everything else is meaningless. It is not about ourselves, but others. It is not something temporary, that might end in flames, but something eternal, which will last longer than this earth. And how are we assured of that? - By the Love shown to us by God, Who is Eternal, and Whose Love is eternal.

Here is one of my favourite modern love songs: Love is not a Fight. It is about marriage primarily, but the same attitude of entering into love and throwing away the key is relevant to all love in a Christian's life. Not necessarily with a single person like with marriage, although that is of course included in many situations, but in terms of entering into love as a way of life - we live in htis house now, God's house of Love - and a key to exit the house should not be something we are holding on to.

Lord, help us to Love, just as you have loved us. We need Your help in this, because our love is so often weak and fragile - nay, it always is without Your love. May we as Your servants show Your love to others, both fellow-Christians and sinners who without accepting Your Love will be lost eternally. Thank you that we need not rely on this world's passing fancies of love, but that we have experience of the deep and profound love that gives life to all. Your Love gives us our purpose, our meaning. Amen.

Week 4, Days 1-2: The importance of love

What is love? In English, that question has many answers, depending on the context of who is asking whom, and the timing of said question. We don't have many words for 'love', but use it differently in context. Personally, I am learning Spanish at the moment, and the first word for love that I learned was 'te quiero' or 'I love you' 'quiero' when not speaking of a human, simply means 'I want' - which almost seems selfish to an English-trained brain! They do have another word though - amor, which has the same root as our words for enamoured and amorous, which give quite a different feeling than a word that translates 'I want'! Greek, the language of the New Testament, including Corinthians, uses four different words - some describe them in definite boundaries, although I understand their actual usage does involve more overlap than many are aware of. The word in this passage is 'agape', which is the self-sacrificial love.

So context is key! The context here, given by particularly the preceding chapter, but also leading into the next, is spiritual gifts. Specifically not the 'wow look at what I can do' type of looking at spiritual gifts, which Paul is preaching against, but more of a 'how can I serve God and His people', and the assurance that all gifts, whether 'showy' or not are part of God's service and of equal value. Also, He provides the gifts, and not our own ability necessarily.

As an aside, one part I love about reading this chapter is the translation of love given in the KJV - charity. It is always I reminder when I see that word of the meaning of charity long ago - a love which gives - in many ways English has lost the idea of this and just lumped charity in as another type of love, and the word charity has come to mean donations/handouts/monetary giving/social services. To me though, when I see charity, I see 'giving love to others'.

Love is central to a Christian. There is no better, there is no more to what a Christian is. After all ' Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins....we love God, because He first loved us' sums up our conversion and walk and 'Love the Lord Your God with all your heart soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself' sums up the commandments, God's standard.
Preaching without love is empty talk, religious tradition, and/or works righteousness philosophy.
Praying without love is 'mumbling to the invisible imaginary friend in the ceiling'.
Giving away money without love is worthless, works righteousness again, frivoulous and/or condescending.
Love is our characteristic. It is not founded on emotion, though emotion may form part of it at times. It is our character in good times and bad - whether it is hard to show love, or easy. It is imperfect here on Earth - but unlike other things which fade away, it endures and is our character in Heaven.

As a final thought here, I would mention that it is not our love that we are showing, that is our character. Human love is weak, falible, and frail. Yet we can love, with a love that is strong, sure, and enduring, because we know hte love of God in our lives - and our love is a reflection of that, a small spring that flows out of us from the great river that floods our souls. We may be imperfect channels, but we know a perfect Love which indwells us.

Week 3 Days 6-7: Heroes of faith in my life

We often think about people long ago in history books like the Bible or missionary biographies as exemplary people that were legends in their time as well as now, and it seems hard to live up to their example of faith. In many ways they were exemplary, but there were many others in their time that were just as exemplary, but didn't have their records written down, or simply did not have their records become popular - that doesn't matter though, because God knows all. In the last few days, however, I have been thinking of people in my own life that have been great examples of faith. As with the Biblical characters we have considered this week, each too have their faults, as do we all, but their faith in God shines in their lives through their actions and conduct, and that is exemplary. Most who read this will not know the people I name, and I have deliberately not included surnames, but maybe it will be a help to see testimony of lives today living out faith in a quiet way.

By faith Garfield, a church elder, offered to work through Bible studies with me regularly on Sun afternoons in a mentor-type relationship. By faith he guided me, moulded me, and willing debated with me, and taught me patiently over many years. He died of cancer the year I came to university, in faith looking forward to Christ coming to take him in a 'chauffeured trip' home.

By faith my Mum prayed for me, prayed with me, comforted me, and guided me through many years, and continues.

By faith my Dad taught me, disciplined me, and led by example in his spiritual walk. By faith he made bold profession of his faith and would not tolerate error or compromise with the essential truths of God, and continues to do so.

By faith Simon created a welcoming community at the hostel in his role as head of the hall. By faith he started a small group with the students that prayed for the students, and encouraged and led small 'faith groups' each year that encouraged and shepherded Christian students, and led questioning students through what it meant to be a Christian. By faith he encouraged some that left the hall to keep working through their questions and curiosity with some of the Christian friends they knew. He continues to live his faith out in this way today.

By faith Malcolm presented a peaceable witness to Christ in the hostel as an RA. By faith he helped to lead small groups, both of Christians and seekers. By faith he continued to meet with students from the hall after leaving the hostel and marrying his (now) wife.

By faith Bill and Wendy welcomed me into their home regularly, often having me for lunch after church, and spending time in prayer and discussing the week and trials/encouragements that God has brought through the week.

There are many more in my life that have shown much faith, but these few will have to do for now. Who in your life has shown faith through their lives? How does your faith show in your life?

Week 3, Day 4: Songs of faith

I've been considering a few songs in relation to this passage, here are two of my favourites that seem to complement the passage beautifully.

A modern song,

And an older song,

Both excellent!

Week 3 Day 3: A prayer of faith

As I study these lives of faith, one thing that stands out is the confidence that the people had in God - they were willing to step out in faith because they knew God. Some may have needed a confidence boost and confirmation, such as Gideon, but he was still willing to trust God and go up against the Midianites while letting God fight the battle. Gideon's confidence came from when he talked to God. Likewise Abraham - he was willing to offer Isaac, counting God able to raise him from the dead even though that had never happened before. He did not hesitate, but got up early in the morning because he knew God's voice, so he trusted and obeyed. Knowing God's voice had come from hearing Him frequently, listening to God, and obeying - and God always proved faithful. Similarly we also must both talk to God and listen to God, trusting in faith and letting God show His faithfulness by our faith in Him.

Lord, Your voice can be quiet like the burbling of a brook in the distance, or it can be harsh and clear like a waterfall that we are afraid to go near. Yet every time we draw near to You Lord, we are refreshed and cleansed - You are faithful in all Your ways. Sometimes I hesitate, or draw back, preferring to see where my feet are falling - remaining where I am comfortable, instead of trusting You. Instead of putting in the effort to step out that little bit further than I can see. I know the ground is solid Lord, and I know Your hand is near. Forgive my weakness, and my frequent silence when I have looked to myself for the answers, and listened to the wind instead of the murmuring of Your voice. Like those of old, we still seek a city without foundations - one that will never crumble or fall, because its Architect is not frail as we are. Thank You for preparing a place for us there, and for the revelation of Your Word, and the fulfilment of the promise of a Saviour looked for so long ago. Lord, you are faithful, Thank You God. Amen

Week 3 Day 1: Hall of fame

It has been said by many others that in God's book, faithful and famous are the same concept in His eyes. Here, then, is the hall of fame, although it is noted in the chapter that not all the stars are included, due to lack of time to write them all down.

Who then is included, and why?
Hebrews has a repetition of the idea that the New Covenant is in every way superior to the Old Covenant which has fallen away, because the old looked forward to thing that we now look back to, and they only had partial glimpses of what is now fulfilled and full in our eyes.
Because of this, we have some very significant people in Israel's history listed - Abraham and Moses have a lot of time spent on them, and deservedly so. As the chapter leads on in to the next, the writer uses these figures of faith as encouragement for us, and examples/heroes to look up to and learn from. Basically, having these examples to learn from, we should also live in like manner for Christ. It then goes in to one of the race metaphors similar to the one covered last week.

There are a few themes that keep coming through. The people look forward, they look on to something else not yet seen. They obey without full understanding, because they know and trust God first. Interesting that most of the warriors are ones that made the list at the end, perhaps showing that God uses strong men physically as well as the leaders and quieter stories expanded on about earlier characters - but the emphasis is on their reliance on God, not how God picks strong men, if that makes sense.

Some of the actions that are mentioned as faithful are dramatic, as with Moses and Abraham. Others are quieter, as with Enoch, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph - the last three simply commended for the blessings they gave and the promises of God they passed on to the next generation - showing the importance of teaching and growing the next generation and leading them by an example and conversation(way of living/speaking) of faith in God. Both women and men are mentioned - faith is not dependent on gender.

And yet, with all these amazing examples we read about, we are even more privileged than they, because we can look back to the fulfilled promises that they looked forward to! Hallelujah! Let us pick up our shield of faith and finish our race, to mix our metaphors!