Faithfulness in Spring Time

Know therefore that the Lord your God, he is God, the faithful God who keeps his covenant and kindness to the thousandth generation. Deut. 7:9

The flowers have appeared in the land, the time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land. 

Song of Solomon 2:12

As for man, his days are like grass, as a flower of the field so he flourishes. Psalm 103:15

O love the Lord, all you holy ones, The Lord preserves the faithful. 

Psalm 32:23

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who wins souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:30

I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown ... 

Isaiah 55:3

The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

Song of Solomon 2:13

Kings will see and arise, Princes will also bow down, because the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel has chosen you. 

Isaiah 49:7

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree; they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

Psalm 92:12

All your commandments are faithful. 

Psalm 119:86

I will take to myself a faithful witness for testimony. 

Isaiah 8:2

Mircea Vulcanescu: Faithful to the End.

Mircea Vulcanescu, 

Faithful to the end, this Christian martyr was arrested by Communists in Romania. He slept on the wet floor to save his friend, Richard Wurmbrand, from getting sick in jail. 

Mircea refused to give up on his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He died from pneumonia after eight years in prison.

He was one of the hundreds, no thousands, sorry, TENS of millions, killed by the Communist regimes that imprisoned Eastern Europe for seventy years. Tortured over and over again, bloody and wounded, he never submitted to his prison guards. Threats could not overcome his faith.

Vulcanescu's life and ministry, his family and personal events are unknown to us, but he is one of millions, those who have walked in the steps of the early Christians. He counted his life as nothing compared to the glorious riches awaiting him. 

(He is not to be confused with other men in Romanian history who also were given the name Mircea Vulcanescu.)

Faithful unto the End: Marjorie Grannum

Yesterday I wrote a tribute about Ravi Zacharias. He was known worldwide.

Two days before he died, our church was saddened by the death of Marjorie Grannum. She was born in Trinidad and Tobago and that is where she was when the Lord said, "It's time to come home!" Marjorie was not known beyond the circles of her family and friends, but her home call is surely as significant as that of others in the Kingdom of God.

Marjorie Grannum and Alison two years ago, May 26, '19.

We, here in our home, and hundreds of other homes, watched Marjorie's funeral online. Her daughter Alison and a local pastor in Trinidad and Tobago brought us into the presence of God in a wonderful and meaningful way.

Marjorie was laid in a white casket and on the wall behind her in the funeral home, scenes of her life with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends passed by.

Marjorie Grannum came to Canada and resided in downtown Toronto on Dufferin Street. She loved the congregation at Dufferin Street Baptist Church.

As a seamstress she made clothing for hundreds. Wedding dresses, shirts, suits, and all kinds of clothing came from her creative, skillful, and loving hands. When it came time for the wedding, she made sure the bride's hair was done perfectly. In this way, she cared for her children and helped each of them to get the best education possible.

During the last twenty years of her life, she lived in Scarborough, Toronto. Her Christian witness was a bright light in our fellowship at Heron Park Baptist Church. Never one to shy away from a difficult topic,  she constantly brought the life of Christ into focus. She knew how to meet an issue head-on, but she didn't lose friends over her passion to make things right. She witnessed for her Lord to all, where ever she was found.

I enjoyed Marjorie's wit and humor. She could tell endless stories, each full of character, action, and surprising endings. Her real-life adventures sometimes left me almost breathless. Her memory brought back interesting stories, so much so, that I could listen to her for 45 or 50 minutes. I marveled at her ability to trust God in the most distressing moments of life. She almost owned her place at the round table near the piano on Thursdays at the Gathering Place, and no one thought of taking it from her. But now, when we open after Covid-19 measures let us, we'll all miss her terribly.

Marjorie needed a walker to get around the room, but she did not need anyone to tell her what she should believe. We mourned her passing, and at home, we said, "She had trouble walking, and she loved singing, and now, in heaven, she is dancing with joy, saying, 'I am with my Savior, the one I've come to know and love.'"

Faithful unto the End. "Well-done, good and faithful servant, Ravi Zacharias."

Ravi Zacharias

A great hero of the faith passed into eternity this week. Ravi Zacharias (1946-2020) was born in Chennai, India. (At that time, the city was known as Madras). May 19 will go down as his last day on earth, and his first day to dwell in the New Jerusalem.

Not often, these days does a Christian’s name appear on the small print running across the bottom of our TV sets, but last Tuesday, we read, “Well-known Christian evangelist Ravi Zacharias died in Atlanta, Georgia, from complications associated with cancer.”

Why would his name be written down during a time when Covid-19 has captured every hour and every minute of our attention?

Born into a Christian home, and having attended a Christian church, he claims not to have heard the Christian Gospel. Instead, he participated in endless Hindu events, festivals, and musical concerts. He was quoted as saying, “I attended more Hindu festivals and celebrations than I did Christian ones.”

He was doing poorly at school and had low marks, thus bringing shame upon his family. His family took him to a Youth for Christ rally and emotionally driven, but not repentant, he made a half-decision to follow the Lord. Desperate because of the shame coming upon his family as his marks became worse, he took poison to kill himself. A Youth for Christ worker showed him a verse that changed his life. "Because I live, you also will live". (John 14:19) He prayed and made a promise that if he was healed, he would leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of the truth. 

The pursuit of truth is what made him known worldwide. His preaching took him to 70 countries. His bibliography on Wikipedia gives the names of his 33 books. Having made a decision to study in Canada, he completed his Bachelor of Theology degree at Ontario Bible College, now Tyndale Theological College and Seminary, in Toronto, in 1972. He also earned top marks at Trinity Divinity Seminary in Deerfield, Illinois, and graduated with a Masters Degree in Theology in 1976. He was honored with ten honorary doctorates. When criticized in the West for his web sites calling him Dr., he said that in India it was common to do so when granted an honorary doctorate, but he had all references cleared of this title. 

He founded Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in 1984. Thus began a singular approach to apologetics. He had already been carrying on an itinerant ministry, first in Viet Nam to US soldiers and Viet Cong prisoners. He spoke to students at the Lenin Military Academy in Moscow in 1989 after the fall of the Berlin Wall. In Columbia, in 1993, his message was to the members of the judiciary. He spoke to countless thousands of university students, usually engaging in question and answer sessions. Often, these lasted late into the night.

What made Ravi Zacharias' arguments so compelling was a focus on four elements of truth and reality: origin, meaning of life, morality, and destiny. He said he wanted "to make thinking people believe, and believing people think." Each of these four topics are of intense interest to young people, so he was in constant demand to speak at universities and conferences.

The number of organizations and events he initiated or participated in is nothing short of amazing. In 1983, he was the keynote speaker at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association First International Consultation for Itinerant Evangelists. At Harvard University, it was at Veritas Forum. He was a beloved speaker at Urbana Conferences. The list of engagements for each year takes pages to read.

Unlike many evangelists who sought to diminish the arguments of the message, he sought to understand the reason for the question being important to the disgruntled, or non-believer. 

Ravi was married to his wife Margie and they had recently celebrated their 48th anniversary. Their three children continue his ministry.

For a complete version of Ravi Zacharias' obituary, including the organizations he founded, and the ongoing status of his staff and work, go to:

https://www.rzim.ca/read/obituary-ravi-zacharias

Andrew's Faithfulness - A Long Journey

When we think of Jesus calling his disciples, the stories only span a few lines.  How we wish we knew more about those wonderful followers of our Lord! Like Thomas (see my previous blog) Andrew became the most amazing evangelist. What a picture of faithfulness!

Andrew was born in Bethsaida, a fishing town. Apparently, he became the first of Jesus' twelve disciples. Previously, he had heard John the Baptist preaching, and immediately, he went to find his brother Simon Peter. Together, these two fishermen obeyed Jesus when he said, "Come, follow me, and I will make you to be fishers of men."

Andrew and Simon's home in Capernaum, on the shore of Lake Galilee, became the place where miracles took place. Many people gathered around to hear Jesus when he was teaching at their home.

Andrew was obedient, spontaneous, and faithful. He brought a lad to Jesus when thousands of people were getting hungry and waiting for food. They must have been asking themselves how long the Master would keep on teaching. What a wonderful story, the gift of a small meal being multiplied to feed thousands! Andrew appears at the center of that story.

Andrew was never far from Jesus' side. He was the one who brought Greeks to see Jesus shortly before the crucifixion. He was present at the Last Supper and witnessed the Risen Lord on the First day of the week, the Sunday Jesus rose from the dead.

But then what happened? Did he just disappear from history? No, Andrew became the most amazing evangelist. He preached, began churches, trained leaders, and left strong believers in a large area of Eastern Europe.  If we knew more, we would say those were some of the most exciting stories of early Christianity.

Andrew set out by ship and traveled extensively. Eusebius, the historian, records Andrew preaching Byzantium (Istanbul, Turkey) in 38 AD. He converted and trained Stachys, leaving him as the bishop of that church.

For 22 years, Andrew traveled east, west, north, and south along the shores of the Black Sea. To the east, he preached in Georgia. To the west he arrived in Thrace (Turkey). Going north, Andrew went up the Dneiper River as far as Kiev (Kyiv, Ukraine). He may have gone as far as Novgorod (northwest Russia). These trips would have meant going thousands of miles under arduous, dangerous conditions.

I picture Andrew as enjoying fish, all those amazing species found in the Black Sea. He went by boat up and down the rivers of Scythia (Ukraine, Russia, and Romania). And as he went, he must have called people the same way, "Come, fish with me for the next meal, and I'll tell you how you too can be a fisher of men."

Coming back to Greece, he was martyred in Patras, about 60 AD. The "X" on many flags (England, Scotland, and many others) are a tribute to the way he was crucified. It is said that he was unworthy to have been crucified as Jesus was.

For an amazing afternoon or evening while Covid-19 keeps us indoors, search the internet for more information on Andrew. You'll see how his story came to be told in Cyprus, Italy, Malta, and Scotland. Schools, churches, and cities all over the world are named after him. Millions of baby boys carry his name. You'll be startled, and grateful, too, at how faithful Andrew was in fulfilling his calling.

May we, like Andrew, never get tired of God's calling on our lives.

Doubting Thomas' Legacy

This Sunday we remember Thomas coming to a full understanding of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. It's a special day that brings me back to the value of voicing honest doubts. Thomas was humble enough to tell the other disciples he didn't yet believe. He needed proof. "Unless I see if for myself ..." Eight days after Jesus arose, Thomas had an amazing encounter with the Lord. 

I'm reminded of a visit more than 20 years ago to Southern India. In the south-eastern city of Chennai (used to be called Madras) you visit the simple, unadorned tomb of St. Thomas. Having become convinced of the resurrection of his Savior, he traveled eastward. Far away! On the south-west side of India, today, Kerala State, he founded several churches. Some say six or seven congregations. Then he headed east to the region known as Tamil Nadu State. Here Thomas' evangelistic work and leadership training resulted in another six churches being formed. You can visit the place which is said to be where he was stoned for declaring, "Jesus is Lord and God."The words above his tomb are "My Lord and God" 

The Church of South India is known world wide. A few days later, I visited a hospital that majors in training nurses for village ministries. Talking to the chief medical doctor at the hospital in that region, I asked her when and how the Gospel came into her life. "Was it your father, or Grandfather, who first heard about Jesus?" I asked. 

"Thomas!" was her one word reply as we walked down the path to the large hospital meeting place. 

It took me time to go through anyone who had lived in India, and perhaps I knew his name. Then I realized she was speaking about the Disciple Thomas. 

"Thomas?" I said, "Thomas!!" I repeated - with something bordering on unbelief!

She proceeded to explain the miracle Thomas performed on her "great - (fifty-times-over-great; her brother has the family chart) - Grandfather" and how he came to faith. An hour later, the graduation service for 100 nurses began. The sun was setting and the golden light of dusk was replaced by the lovely glow of so many happy, young graduates. The legacy of Thomas still alive! That experience left unspoken unspoken questions - and it still does. How has the faith been passed down in such an extraordinary way in this wonderful Indian family? Thank God for Thomas!

This Sunday, as you pray for people of the Middle East and Asia, intercede for people struggling with faith issues, those who know only a little about Jesus, but who have yet to meet the Risen Lord!

And remember, too, that faithful witness is like a seed that germinates with much fruit across generations. 

Never too late to Celebrate

It's never too late to celebrate life! Especially after death has stared us in the face. In this case, 600 Jews of all ages learn to sing together. It's worth while sharing in their joy. Think of music while you keep physical distance from others. Value music and let harmonies be your diet, not "the news".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuh1-jDi7Qw&feature=youtu.be

A Wonderful Ministry of Music to Seniors

I encourage you to get to know the wonderful work of Bev Foster. She is a musician with great sensitivity to how music resonates with older people. Get to know her story!!! You'll be blessed by her faithful witness.
https://room217.ca/music-care-blog/1062-5-effects-music-end-life

Jesus, The Last Supper and Hospitality-2

Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Headingly, Manitoba

The Last Supper! The last moments of love and care during the passion of Jesus. There are endless lessons for each believer as we observe the great event the evening before the crucifixion.

Consider that event as hospitality, perhaps a new thought. At Passover, the master of the house was to receive his household, preparing the food and bringing everyone together. (Ex 12:3 "Each man is to take a lamb for his family.")

Since Jesus didn't own property, one of his friends provided the Upper Room as a safe place to meet. That friend provided the meal for thirteen men. He didn't send a servant, so at the Last Supper Jesus ended up being both the Host and the Servant. (!)

First, as a Servant. At an evening meal, each person reclined at a table; three persons lay on their left side on a couch. In the center, a small square table held the food. The disciples had already entered. They entered with dusty feet and Jesus welcomed them one by one. He led them to the couches around the table. Then, before the meal began, he took off his outer garment. He wrapped a towel around his waist, the towel of a servant. He went around the back of the couches and washed his disciples feet, for their feet were pointing away from the table.

"Do you know what I have done for you?" he asked. "You call me teacher and Lord, and rightly so,

Statue from 4th Century, Archaeological Museum, Istanbul

for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:12-15.

Then Jesus changed from being a servant at the meal. Now he was the host at the Passover supper.  Amazingly, he, as the host, invited Judas, the one he knew was going to betray him, to be at the best place. Here was Judas at the place of honor, right beside Jesus himself.

John and Peter conversed, asking what Jesus meant by saying, "One of you will betray me."

At the Last Supper, all the images, all the "I am's" came together in a glorious moment.

Vineyards at ancient Philadelphia (Alasehir), Turkey

1. The Bread - "I am the bread of life"
2. The Wine - "I am the vine, you are the branches"
3. Lamps burning in the Upper Room - I am the light of the world."
4. Safety in the Upper Room - I am the door"
5. Jesus with disciples - "I am the good shepherd"
6. The New Covenant - "I am the way, the truth, the life"
7. Jesus breaking the bread - "I am the resurrection and the life"
8. The meal - Jesus is the Pascal Lamb - the Passover lamb.
9. Conversation around the table - "The Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. 

At the end of Forty Days ...

Lord, who throughout these forty days for us did fast an pray,
teach us with you to mourn our sins and close by you to stay.

As you with Satan did contend, and did the victory win,
O give us strength in you to fight, in you to conquer sin.

As you did hunger and did thirst, so teach us, gracious Lord,
to die to self, and so to live you by your most holy Word.

And thro' these days of penitence, and thro' your Passion-tide,
forevermore, in life and death, O Lord, with us abide.

Abide with us, that through this life of doubts and hope and pain,
an Easter of unending joy we may at last attain.

Claudia F. Hernaman, 1873.

Jesus and Hospitality-1

Flock of sheep at a village in Turkey

Just imagine! Jesus was criticized by his enemies for being "a friend of sinners". His opponents said. "This teacher is spending too much time with society's riff-raff!"

It's instructive to observe when and how Jesus received hospitality. He often shared a meal with poor people, or villagers. He received invitations to stay in someone's home.

Much of Jesus' ministry was centered around the local synagogue He loved open spaces on hills or at the lake shore. He entered the homes of people and taught them.

Jesus usually spent the first hours of the day alone, walking by himself over hills outside of towns. Then, after prayers, he was ready to teach his disciples; during the day he gave himself unreservedly to common people. Mark records his activities: "That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon possessed. The whole town gathered at the door!" (2:32-34) Having Jesus come to your door probably meant having too many people in,, around and on top of your home!

Village children in North West India

He then instructed his disciples to go two by two into nearby towns and villages. They were to wait for an invitation and then enjoy the hospitality.

Village hospitality then is much the same as today in the Middle Eastern, or Africa or Asia. People gave (they still give) warm greetings. Food was (it still is) loaded onto the table. The next day, the disciples went to the next village. If people were ill in the home, they would (they still do) pray for the sick. They would (they still do) cast out demons.

Jesus taught us to expect hospitality and to give back just as we receive. His disciples are to bless people in their homes. 

Two contrasting events are instructive on what this means: "giving back".

Jesus had good friends: Lazarus, Mary and Martha. When he was with them, Mary was more interested in receiving what Jesus had to teach the family. Martha was more interested in what she had to give Jesus. We learn that mending relationships, enjoying conversation, teaching others and learning gratefully moved Jesus more than perfectly cooked food. He wasn't so concerned about how the table set or the wine was served. Surely that helps us today to focus more on our guests than on all the details around the house.

Wheat harvest at a village in North West India

A second event also moves me deeply. A woman in Bethany came to the home of Simon the Leper. Jesus in the home of a leper? ! ? Yes, because he would never turn away from a needy person. Simon had been a leper, most likely - healed by Jesus. And at that home a woman took an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, perhaps costing years of the salary of a working man. She anointed Jesus' feet with this perfume. This wonderful woman continues to pass through history as having done a beautiful thing.

Her act of sacrificial giving is known throughout the world. This generous act stands in contrast to the greedy grasping of Judas, who was stealing from the money bag. A greedy man met his unfortunate end, while a previously unknown woman blessed Jesus. That woman became famous throughout the world, and for all time.

Thinking about this: What do I understand by hospitality? How do I show, or how have I shown, hospitality? When I'm in someone else's home, do I expect that to be a moment of harvest for the kingdom, a time when God does his work of bringing people into, or enriching his Kingdom?

Hospitality - 2 "Being the Good Host or Hostess"

Flock of sheep at Sardis, (Sahilli) Turkey

In almost every culture being the good host brings a reputation that brings a smile of satisfaction. The owner of the house reluctantly closes the door after the guests leave, opens his arms and joyfully hugs each of the family members. It's been a great event.

Abraham was a person who showed such generosity. He was a wanderer, following his flocks from one place to another. I imagine Abraham on a hot summer day after he's taken a herd to fresh pasture. He comes back, wilting in the heat and then ... three men walk by.

"The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day." Genesis 18:1 He offered them water and asked a servant to chose the best animal. They needed something to eat before sending them on their way. It took a few hours, maybe several, before the hot meal was ready. Middle Eastern time is called hospitality time. For hours, Abraham and his servants waited upon the strangers.

But, surprise, surprise! What Abraham gave to the Lord wasn't nearly as precious as what the Lord gave to Abraham! The Lord (that's LORD in the Bible, meaning YHWH - I take it to mean that this is a pre-Incarnation appearance of the Lord Jesus) informed Abraham and Sarah that within a year she would give birth to the promised son.

WOW! His offering hospitality resulted in a wonderful relationship. He was in the presence of the Lord and received an amazing promise.

Consider another example: Job, the richest man for miles around counted hospitality as one of his key virtues. Listing his good qualities, he said, "(T)he men of my household have never said, 'Who has not had his fill of Job's meat?' No stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler." Job 31:31,32. Wealthy Job, before he lost it all, made sure his table was ready for both his servants and strangers.

Painting on a wall in a Coptic Church, Cairo, Egypt

What makes for a good host?
Here are ten things to think about.

1. Hospitality is a way of serving others. Yes, food is important, but your welcome - more so!
2. Events can be both spontaneous and planned. 3. Know that Biblical themes are woven into every part of the meal, from preparation to conversation.
4. Honor the guests instead of having them honor you.
5. Know why you open your house to family, friends and strangers within your gates.
6. Reflect the love of God by welcoming people, even when everything doesn't turn out perfectly. 7. Expect messes and kids and spilled drinks.
8. Listen for the heartbeats of your guests, showing a genuine desire to get to know who they really are.
9. Don't be surprised if people turn up early, or come late.
10. Leave all talk of status and self-importance aside. Make the event about others.   

Hospitality - 1 A Revolutionary Power

Pictures from a painting at ROM, Toronto

"Why did Christianity grow when the full power of the Roman Empire was directed with all its strength against this new movement?"

I heard this question  many times when I lived in Turkey. I enjoyed taking visitors to Greco-Roman cities, especially the Seven Churches of the Revelation. Getting away from Europe or North America for two weeks helped sharpen visitors' questions and I welcomed the resulting conversations!

 Because of the teachings of Jesus, because of the example of his compassion and generosity, many early believers opened their homes to their neighbors. "Come and dine with us," a kind neighbor said, and now a whole new set of persons became aware of a better way to live. Consider this: Christians lived with a different set of values. They stuck out in society and their neighbors noticed. Even people with little education could speak about their experiences.

"Come and dine with us!" How different that was from an invitation to the home of a powerful man in society 2,000 years ago. Persons who worked for the state, men and their wives, would spread the table for a wonderful banquet. How great to be invited there! But usually this only reinforced social differences that governed their society. Powerful governors, senators, aristocrats, high priests, civil managers and wealthy business men managed their households and their meals in ways that confirmed the separation of classes. The respected home owner invited a special guest to sit close to him. The least worthy reclined at the place furthest away. Slaves, those without status or dignity, served those who claimed privilege.

Christians believed in another Kingdom and they soon developed different customs. They gathered early on Sunday mornings and drank from the same cup. They called slaves their "brothers and sisters". They greeted one another with a holy kiss. Social divisions dominant in the empire were profoundly challenged when they read Colossians 3:11 "Here there is no Greek or Jew, no circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."

Let's remember the power of hospitality. In Western life, when we rush from one activity to another, it's all to easy to leave aside the time necessary to get together with other people. Let's remember that no church program, no set responses to give to doubters, no quick "Hi, how are you?" can replace the power of time spent with neighbors in meaningful conversation, communication and worship.