In today’s competitive world, you would seldom see a person wishing that their fellow workers or competitors do better than they would themselves.  In fact, the opposite is usually true.   Consider for a moment the change of Prime Ministers we have had over recent years in Australia.  Or consider the rivalry and jealousy in some sporting clubs between players on the same team.  Often these things are driven by selfish jealousy.

One place where you wouldn’t expect to see this selfish jealousy or rivalry is between Christian denominations, churches or even ministries within the local church.  Yet, there are occasions when Christian denominations and churches within a denomination, often driven by selfish jealousy, go out of their way to either find fault or try to outdo each other.  Sometimes, Christians involved in a particular ministry will feel threatened and will jealously guard their ‘bit of turf,’ even though you simply wanted to offer some help.   

We should not be surprised for it has happened before.  John the Baptist’s disciples had noticed and were offended that a man (Jesus) whom John had baptised in the river Jordan a few days earlier was now baptizing and even worse, more people were going to Him for baptism than John the Baptist.  Oh, the danger of selfish jealousy when denominations, churches or even Christians are more concerned with their recognition and glory than the glory of Christ. 

Now I am not suggesting that all denominations, churches or Christians are as faithful as they could be for the cause of Christianity and the glory of God’s name.   We could all do better.  However, we do well to take the same mind as John the Baptist to heart when he answered his disciples.   John’s joy was complete when he saw Jesus becoming greater and he was becoming less.   

So, before selfish jealousy or a spirit of rivalry arises in our hearts, may we have the same mind as John the Baptist.  If we see real grace and a genuine attempt to promote Christ and his kingdom, let us be humble enough to acknowledge it, even when it doesn’t quite fit into our theological framework or the way we would do it.   

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, recognized that some preached Christ out of envy and rivalry, some even out of selfish ambition.  For Paul, that wasn’t a reason to be jealous, but a reason for rejoicing.  Paul even says that it doesn’t matter.  The important thing is that whether from false or true motives, Christ is preached” (Phil 1:15-18).  

Dear Christian worker, if sinners are brought to repentance and true faith in Christ, irrespective of the means God has employed to bring them to that point, we ought to rejoice and give thanks, just as the angels and God the Father are doing in heaven (Luke 15:7,10).  As John reminds us, “He must become greater; I (we) must become less” (Jn 3:30). JZ

If there is beauty in being a Christian (last week’s meditation), then the inevitable question must follow, “How do we become a Christian?” Perhaps there is no clearer explanation of this mystery then when Jesus tells Nicodemus, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (Jn 3:3).  

On the one hand, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a learned man, could be forgiven for not understanding what Jesus actually said.  From a worldly perspective, being ‘born-again’ doesn’t make much sense.  On the other hand, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, was a teacher of God’s word who should have been familiar with the Old Testament and its teachings.  Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, says “What is man, that he could be pure, or one born of woman, that he could be righteous?” (Job 15:14). Bildad, another one of Job’s friends asks, “How then can a man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure?” (Job 25:4).  

Nicodemus should have known that for sinful human beings to be regarded as righteous in God’s sight, more was needed than just being born into the right race or even family.   An internal change brought about by the operation of the Holy Spirit needed to occur. Nicodemus, and all of Israel’s teachers should have known about the necessity of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in Ezekiel 37:9, where God breathes new life into his people.  

There is much about the Holy Spirit’s regenerating work to bring about change in a sinner’s life we do not understand.  Jesus, when speaking about this change uses the wind as an illustration. We don’t know where it begins or where it ends.  Although we cannot grab the wind, nor see it with our eyes, we dare not deny its presence. It is much the same with the operation of the Holy Spirit as He brings new birth to a sinful human being.  

The Holy Spirit’s work may be mysterious, surprising, even incomprehensible to us in many ways, but His presence may always be known by his sound and effects.  Just as the grass, bushes and trees sway in the wind, or as clouds are driven along by the wind, such is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Or if you will, just as the rattling dead bones in Ezekiel 37 made noise as the Holy Spirit regenerated them, no one who is born of the Holy Spirit can remain quiet today.  There should always be the visible fruit of the Spirit in everyone that is born of the Spirit. 

Perhaps the most visible fruit should be seen in the way we now turn from sin and live thankful, obedient lives, guided by God’s word.  I dare to suggest this for the greatest work the Holy Spirit brings about is changing our hearts which were at one time oblivious and dead to the work of Christ, to now seeing the beauty of Christ and His wonderful work of salvation. How can we not live thankful, obedient lives with the blessing of forgiveness and eternal life? To not do so would be to grieve the Holy Spirit within us.   JZ

Have you ever wondered what is so good about being a Christian?  I suppose there are many reasons that come to mind.  In Christ, we have a better understanding of who God is and his awesome power to create. In Christ, we enjoy the fellowship of the saints, not just locally, but wherever we meet with God’s people throughout this world.  In Christ, we have someone who we can follow as a wonderful example of how we should live life to the glory of God.  

But as good and valid the above reasons are for being a Christian, the best by far is that Jesus has taken away our sins; our guilt has been removed and we have the gift of eternal life.   When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming towards him, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).  There is so much depth and meaning in this one sentence, (a reference to the Lamb – OT Passover etc) that I cannot unpack that in a short meditation. 

However, I do wish to highlight that the Lamb did more than just come and have a chat. He did more than just teach or show us an example of how to live moral and upright lives.  He did what no sinful man could do for themselves.  No amount of money, good works, good intentions, associations, could ever do what Jesus accomplished for us as the Lamb of this world.  

Essentially, the beauty of being a Christian, or if you will, the root of our happiness, our peace, our joy, our comfort, our hope, our ability to love and forgive, is when the Lamb of God took away our sins through his own sacrificial death on the cross.   The sacrifice of this particular Lamb, who is of infinite worth, is able, is sufficient, to take away the sins of the world and is effective for those who repent and believe.  Not just Jews, but also Gentiles, which means He came to save people from many races, tribes and ethnic backgrounds.  

This same Lamb who has now ascended to the right hand of God continues to intercede for us before the Father.  What a great comfort to know the very thing that separates us from our Creator God, namely our sin, has been taken away and continues to be taken away.  That dear friend is the sum and the beauty of being a Christian.  

Mr Horatio Spafford nailed it when he penned the words, “Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul … My sin – O the bliss of this glorious thought!  My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more: praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul. [Hence] It is well, it is well, it is well with my soul…”   JZ

Ask anyone why they come and worship on the Lord’s Day and you will receive heaps of reasons, all valid. Some come because they wish to thank God for his awesome creation and the wonderful gift of life.  Some come to worship because they recognise God’s sustaining power over this universe.  Some come to worship because God, by his Word and Spirit, has called them into a saving relationship with His Son.  Some worship simply because they know their sins are forgiven and one day, they will enjoy eternal life in a place where there will be no more sin. Some worship God for the gifts he has given them, freedom, peace, clothing, shelter, food, employment, medical staff and a whole lot more. 

Allow Scripture to give you one more reason which, with respect, I don’t think too many Christians consider as a reason for worship and praise, “Ascension Day.”  In the past, Ascension Day was a day when people came to worship and remember the significance of this day, even though the fortieth day after resurrection day fell on a Thursday.  Sadly, many churches don’t make time to worship and praise God as they remember this day, and where it does happen, only a handful attend, because everyone is ‘too busy’ to come together to worship mid-week.   Yet the disciples who witnessed Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of God the Father, saw it as an opportunity to worship and praise God (Luke 24:50-53).  

This coming Sunday D.v, we are also going to remember Ascension Day and just as it was for the disciples, it is a reason for praise and worship for us too. One of our four forms of unity, the Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 18, Q&A 49 gives us three reasons why it is a benefit for us that Jesus ascended to the Father’s right hand in glory (Col 3:1-4), and hence a reason for worship and praise. 

First, Jesus pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of His Father (Rom 8:34; 1 Jn 2:1).  In other words, Jesus acting as our spoken (advocate) reminds the Father that He died for us and hence we are now His adopted children (Rom 8:16ff).   Second, Jesus ascended with his glorified human body, hence the grave will not be the end for us.  Our flesh is ‘already’ in heaven and Christ’s physical ascension, the first fruit, guarantees our physical, glorified ascension as well (John 14:2; 17:24; Eph 2:4-6).  Third, Christ sends His Holy Spirit and He is therefore present everywhere by His Spirit, not least in our hearts reminding us we are God’s children, guaranteeing what is still to come for us (John 14:16; 2 Cor 1:21-22; 5:5; see also Eph 1:14).  

So, along with all the other reasons, may Ascension Day also be a reason to worship and sing praises to our God.  We pray that the Lord will be glorified, and His name exalted amongst us as we worship.  JZ

I was purchasing a newspaper at a local newsagency post-Federal election and a middle-aged man was having a good old rant about the outcome of the election to all who wished to listen.  It was obvious from the expletives used that this man was far from happy at the result. Rather than debating the issue with him, others, including myself, just smiled politely and allowed him to vent his anger.  Hopefully it made him feel a little better.   However, this man wasn’t the only one.  Some celebrities also let fly with their personal twitter accounts, accusing the majority of Australians of being dumb.  

As Christians we understand that no government is appointed accidentally or because people are dumb.  On the contrary, many of us have been praying that a good and godly government would be elected.  In fact, Romans 13:1- 7, reminds us we must submit to governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established.  Now I realise, we need to compare ‘Scripture with Scripture’ and there are texts that say we should obey God rather than man when those over us ask us to do things contrary to God’s clear word (Act 5:29).   

However, it seems to me that the Lord has answered the prayers of his people favourably concerning this election.  Despite what the polls were suggesting as well as most political commentators and so called ‘experts,’ the Lord in his wisdom has caused people to vote in such a way that a professing evangelical Christian will continue to be the Prime Minister of this country for the next three years.  Surely that can’t be all bad!  In fact, it is great reason for thanks.  Many Christians and other countries pray and wish they had a Christian head of state.  

As Christians, our time for prayer is never finished, and we need to continue praying.  Pray that God will bless our new government with much wisdom and that they may rule wisely for all the people, even those who didn’t vote for them.   Pray that any new legislation will not hinder the gospel going forward.  Pray that sin may be further restrained or even overturned for the next three years. Pray that our moral and ethical standards would be exemplary and in accord with God’s word.  Pray for the opposition parties, that they too may be supportive of godly legislation and when necessary give constructive critique. Pray that the Lord would bless Australia and all who reside here.   JZ

The sin of ‘pride’ must be one of the most formidable opponents to the Christian faith.  Show me someone who rejects the free offer of the gospel and I will show you someone who is full of pride.  The opposite virtue is ‘humility,’ and this must be the greatest friend or ally to the Christian faith.  Show me someone who embraces the gospel and I will show you someone whose heart is full of humility. 

The sin of ‘pride’ does not allow someone to accept correction, rebuke, and a willingness to come to repentance and seek forgiveness.  The sin of ‘pride’ is praises ‘self’ and is full of self-righteousness.  The sin of ‘pride’ places self on a pedestal and fails to see their own unworthiness.   The sin of ‘pride’ unless overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the one sin, perhaps more than any other, that could so easily lead people to be lost for an eternity.   When one considers the sin of ‘pride’ it is not too difficult to realize that ‘pride’ has no place in the Christian life.  

Scripture has some great examples of people who were humble.  Numbers 12:3 says this about Moses, “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” [NIV].  Showing genuine humility doesn’t mean you are weak, for Moses wasn’t weak. Being humble means being small in your own eyes.  When God was going to wipe out His disobedient people and promising to make Moses a great nation, Moses immediately intercedes, reminding God of his covenant promises to Abraham.  God then God relented and did not bring on the people the disaster He had threatened.

Another great example of showing humility was John the Baptist.  The Lord Jesus declared that he was a burning and shining light (John 5:35). In John 1:16-28; the Jews thought that John the Baptist was possibly the Messiah and were ready to honour him with that title. However, John quickly puts those thoughts to rest.  He speaks of himself as nothing more than a voice crying in the wilderness who baptized with water.  The truth of the matter was that someone far greater than himself was standing amongst them, one whose shoes he was unworthy to lose.   

Of course, the greatest example is Christ himself. Paul captures it well in Philippians 2:5-11.  The very Creator of all things comes to us in the form of a human being.  He willingly becomes the servant amongst us, washing the disciples’ feet, suffering ridicule and scorn for us, even dying on a cross to save us from the wrath of God for our sins. 

If we profess to be Christians, let us strive to be like Moses or John the Baptist and like Christ himself. It would be beneficial for our souls to study humility for this is a grace with which we all must begin if we are to be saved unto eternal life in glory.  We may not all have the same gifts, but none of us has an excuse not to be humble. One day, when we are on our death-beds and preparing to meet the Judge, aside from faith in Christ, humility will be our greatest friend as we see our many imperfections in the face of His perfection and nail-scarred hands.   

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for our pride and make us humble by the power of your Holy Spirit before it is too late. Amen. JZ

 “Our Lady” has fallen, but CHRIST has risen”

Someone sent me a text message on Tuesday morning, informing me that the “Notre-Dame” has fallen.  No doubt most of us are aware of the fire that virtually destroyed the iconic Paris Cathedral, “Notre-Dame de Paris.”  Perhaps no other building site represents France and the city of Paris like Notre-Dame.   Notre-Dame has stood tall above Paris since the 1200s.  It took about one hundred years to build, survived revolutions and two world wars.   It was one of the few sites sure to make a Parisian feel good about living there. Not only was the Notre-Dame de Paris a popular tourist site in Europe with an estimated fourteen million tourists visiting every year, but it was also still used as a place of worship with about 2,000 services held there every year with baptisms, marriages, and confirmation ceremonies regular events.    

During our European tour in 2016, we were privileged to see many Cathedrals and we also went into the Notre-Dame.  It was very impressive and the many artefacts and paintings that decorated the inside of the cathedral were just magnificent. From simply a human, non-religious perspective, I feel sad that such an iconic building has virtually been destroyed.  

Interestingly though, did you know that “Notre-dame” is French for “Our Lady” (the Virgin Mary)?   Many years ago, and perhaps some Parisians still do so today, people would see this building and its spire and say a prayer, using Mary as the mediator to Christ and then to the Father in heaven.  This fact should make us very sad.   With respect to the many Parisian Roman Catholics and others the world over who are weeping over a “Fallen Lady,” Scripture clearly reminds us that there is only one mediator between God and man and that is the man Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven given by men by which we must be saved (Act 4:12ff).  

On this Easter Sunday, may we not turn our places of worship into idols or where idolatry is performed.  Rather, let us focus on and rejoice in a resurrected Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Please pray that people everywhere may not weep too long over a ‘fallen lady.’ Rather, pray that the Holy Spirit would cause those who weep now to see an empty cross, and be drawn to the resurrected Christ as the only Mediator, for this is what is most glorious to our heavenly Father.    JZ

L

In our very affluent western societies, most people don’t like “losing face.”  In fact, even when we know we have done wrong and it is really all our fault, we are still exceptionally good at excusing our mistakes.  In fact, we will even accuse others of our mistakes (sins) if at all possible, so that we can save some face in the public eye.  However, this is something of which we could never accuse Jesus. 

The opening verses in John’s gospel remind us that at the very beginning the Word (none other than Jesus himself) was with God and was God. Through Him, all things were made. In Him was life and He was the light that shone in this dark world (John 1:1-5).   And the Word, the thrice holy God, in the person of His Son, became flesh and dwelt among sinful human beings (v14). 

Paul, when writing to the Philippians reminds us that even though Jesus was in the form of God, did not count equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death of a cross.   

Despite the humiliation, the change of state of the Creator of the universe, Jesus wasn’t worried about losing face.  Though He was sinless, pure, holy, a Lamb without blemish, He resolutely set His face towards Jerusalem, knowing it would mean His death.  Though He had legions of angels ready to do his bidding at any moment He wished, He allowed himself to be stripped, beaten, mocked, spat upon, and nailed to a cross until He succumbed to an agonising death.  

Jesus had every right to save face and point an accusing finger at mankind and exclaim, “It’s their fault.  I AM innocent!  They are the guilty ones.”  But Jesus didn’t do that.  On the contrary, the innocent One is sent to His death and all the Barabbas’s of this world can go free.

Sadly, many people are worried about losing face when it comes to their eternal salvation.  “What will people think or say if they knew about my sin?”  Who cares what people think or say when it comes to that! Hopefully, Christians will rejoice with the angels in heaven, indeed with Jesus himself as they see a sinner repent. What’s more, dear friend, is that Jesus knows about your sin and He stands ready to forgive upon confession and true repentance.   So don’t worry about losing some face.  

Rather, rejoice in the mercy and grace of God as you experience the Holy Spirit applying Christ’s saving work in your life, not least your forgiveness and eternal life in glory.   That is all ours because Jesus wasn’t concerned about losing face for us. That is worth celebrating this Easter period.  JZ

Being lifted-Up…

As Good Friday approaches, we are reminded about our Lord’s death.  I am always fascinated by how the Old Testament keeps pointing us to Jesus as our Saviour.  Jesus, when speaking to Nicodemus, recalled such a story.  In the OT, when God’s people during the exodus complained against God and His provision, and against Moses, God punished them by sending venomous snakes that bit the people and they died. 

When God’s people recognised their sin, they called on Moses to intercede to God for them. Moses was instructed to make a bronze snake and lift it up so that those who looked at it could be healed of the venom injected by the snakes for their sin and they would not die (Numbers 21:4-9). 

This account highlights the Father’s love and compassion as well as His mercy towards sinners.  Jesus was appointed by the Father, to be the life of the world (Jn 6:51).  Before time began, this was God’s good plan (2 Tim 1:9, Isa 53).  It was only Jesus’ death that could make proper satisfaction for our sin before a thrice holy God. When Christ hung upon the cross it was our sins that were the cause. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, that God made him (Christ) who had no sin to be sin for us (2 Cor 5:21).  Christ was made a ‘curse’ for us (Gal 3:13). 

Just as the bronze serpent lifted up in the camp of Israel brought healing and health through faith to those who were bitten, so also, all who look to Jesus in faith can be forgiven and healed of the venom that the ‘serpent’ has injected into us (Jn 3:14-15), and be granted forgiveness and eternal life in glory. 

This is why we celebrate Easter.  Christ’s death and resurrection are really the foundation on which the Christian faith rests.  By Christ, the perfect sacrifice being lifted-up on a cross, we, by faith in Him can celebrate, for we are no longer seen as worthy recipients of God’s wrath. We can celebrate that we can now enter into the very throne room of God as His adopted children in Christ.   

Yes, without a doubt we are still sinners, but Christ suffered for us so that we can celebrate our forgiveness.  Yes, death is still our enemy, but Christ rose from the dead, and we can celebrate that we shall surely follow.  Yes, life is still difficult with many trials and temptations, but we can celebrate that nothing can separate us from God’s love to us in Christ.  Yes, although the war has been won and we are still in a battle, we can now celebrate for the Holy Spirit equips us and we will share in Christ’s victory.   

So, let us celebrate this Easter period.  Christ has been lifted up on the cross and through his death and resurrection, the gates of heaven have been opened to all who would bow the knee before him and trust in his completed work.  JZ

…the glory of God is reason for worship

When people don’t come to Sunday worship on a regular basis there are usually several excuses given.  One excuse given is, “the minister is boring” so we listen to someone online.   Another excuse that is occasionally given is, “Don’t worry, all of life is worship.”   

As much as I appreciate the availability of excellent ‘sermon’ resources available online, both audio and video, it should not replace gathering together for worship.   I also appreciate the sentiment that all of life is worship, or at least should be done with the glory of God in mind, but it should not prevent us from gathering together for formal worship.  

When God created all things, He set one day aside in seven so that we could rest and in thankfulness worship Him for His glory.  That has been the pattern since the beginning of Creation.  In fact, worship is the chief reason for our existence.  Worship wasn’t designed to be laborious, difficult, inconvenient, an imposition, and it certainly wasn’t designed to be boring.  In fact, it was designed to be the highlight of the week.  

Of course, when sin entered through mankind’s wilful disobedience, everything changed, but the need to worship didn’t.  When Moses was commissioned to lead God’s people out of Egypt, he was told, “Go to Pharaoh and command the king to free the Israelites so that they could sacrifice to God—so that they could worship Him” (Exo. 3:18).  When God gave His people the law, He commanded that they remember the sabbath day and to keep it holy (In other words, remember to worship.)  In Deut 5:12-15, God’s people were instructed and encouraged to worship and remember God’s acts of salvation.   And even today, God’s intent in saving His people through Christ is to create a community of worshipers who praise Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23).  

This emphasis on ‘worship’ throughout Scripture doesn’t mean that other things we do as Christians doesn’t matter.  Christian fellowship with each other does matter.  Youth and children programs matter.  The music we play and the hymns we sing matter.  Our mission work matters.  However, none of these things should replace the worship of our Saviour God to his glory.  In fact, one day, many of the above things will cease, but worship to the glory of our God will never cease.  

Since worship is the chief reason for our existence, we do well to make sure we are not committing idolatry by worshiping created things, whatever form they may take, rather than the Creator who made us in His image and saved us in Christ.  Perhaps that is why the first letter of John, which is so much about God’s love to us in Christ, ends with the timely warning, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”  JZ