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.

From Anxious Millionaires to Hungry Souls

Yesterday we walked in the early morning, part of our daily routine. These early spring days are perfect for walking, for gazing at newly built mansions. Slowly passing by, we comment on the delicate stone work, spacious lawns and two-or-three-car garages. I'm happy for people who can afford the mortgage needed to move into a house on one of these Toronto streets. Our hour's walk completed, we arrived home.

We have many close friends who live two kilometers in the opposite direction. Most live in crowded government-sponsored housing. One special friend occupies a dark, one-room basement dive. I talked with G, asking about his brother. He said he would get in touch with T. An hour later the phone rang. T has spent two days without any food. He was hungry. His leg and back ache; actually they are worse now than before. Snow removal is over and summer lawns aren't yet crying out for someone to cut the grass. He has no money.

That's the spread of life experiences over a distance of less than four kilometers! Thinking about our morning and evening walks as I ended the day, I asked lots of questions. How many  people, those visible to all who drive by, are afraid that their mortgages won't be paid? Do they fear their businesses going bust? What do they thirst for? 

At the other end of the spectrum are people like T. He's mostly invisible to society. Two days ago, he ran out of all the supplies he needs to live. And it isn't even the end of the month, when his remittance from the government should be arriving. To me, he's like the lamb in Ephesus that lost its mother one time. Wandering around where there's little pasture. A hungry soul.

I've been walking with Habakkuk these days. My mind goes back to his words as I turn out the light. Great fear across the world has been inspired by a tiny virus. This prophet's anxiety arose as darkness brought complete disgrace within a broken, corrupt society. 

Consider the symptoms he listed. First, a society addicted to self-promotion, alcohol and greed. (2:4,5). Second, a growing cycle of theft, extortion (scams?), plundering and murder. (2:6-8). Third, unjust wages, high living and self-assurance all built on a foundation of plotting the ruin of others. (2:9-11) Fourth, murder-motivated enrichment. Building many buildings after a crime spree. (2:12-14) Fifth, pornographic lust for naked bodies aided by offering endless "free" drinks. (2:15-17)

Sounds familiar? Surprisingly, this prophet set his course by a different compass! His country was about to be at war! His society was more corrupt than ever! Worse, a locust plague was destroying the food supply!

Wow! What would be our response be to such events?? Fear? Depression? Dropping out? Consternation? But here is Habakkuk's understanding about the future. "... (T)he nations exhaust themselves for nothing. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." 

Habakkuk knew God was at work. (Psst! He's still at work.) He had not abandoned his people. (Hint! God hasn't abandoned us.) He gave songs to sing. (PTL! We have so many great songs in hymn books, on CD's, through You Tube and social media. Maybe even old cassettes!)

Even in the midst of our day of calamity, the LORD, JHWH, Jehovah, is making His ways known. And the glory of the Lord will be spread around the globe. "As the waters cover the sea."

Thank you, Habakkuk, for walking with us down lovely streets lined with majestic trees and sparkling with robin-covered lawns. Thank you for supplying T., and so many others, with food. And for making your glory known to all people at a time of national and international crisis. We are all hungry souls. We all need your love, faith and hope, Habakkuk.

When you know a war is coming ...

When you know a war is coming, what questions do you ask? Should you ask? Do you talk to others about your fears? Or do you go directly to God? Or both?

One of my favorite prophets is Habakkuk. One day he got terrible news, a worrisome conviction. Hoards of soldiers were coming to conquer his city, Jerusalem.

"Violence!" he cried out.

"God, why do you make me look at injustice and tolerate the wrong things they are going to do to us?" He foresaw destruction and violence, strife and conflict. Wickedness would be a daily reality. There would be no justice in the land.

I think his fear of the future was something like we are experiencing right now with the explosion of Covid-19. Death, sickness and health scars span almost every nation around the world. Habakkuk sensed fear and dread. He described the coming tragedy in great detail. (See chapter one of his short book as he describes in vivid detail the arrival of Babylonian soldiers.)

What would your response have been with "a cavalry coming headlong, galloping towards us?"

Unbelievably, it was in the middle of these fears that the Lord gave an answer that we need right now.

We are facing unknown situations: illness, health complications, social dislocation, unemployment, a possible recession.

The Lord's response to Habakkuk's question speaks to us today. "See, he (the Babylonian soldier) is puffed up; his desires are not right, but the righteous will live by his faith..." 

Imagine!Listen to this! It's a lesson at the heart of our Christian faith! Being given even as soldiers are marching against you?

The righteous will live by his faith..." is quoted three times in the New Testament: Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38.

In moments of serious crisis God speaks to us in profound ways. 

How do you face a plague?

Locust by the billions: 2020 invasion in Northern Kenya.

How does a person stay faithful to God during a plague?

I love to read Habakuk. He faced three tragedies. One of them certainly was a plague. Probably caused by locusts. As a Grade 4 student in Africa, I watched in horror as these small insects ate anything and everything green.They wiped out farms. Nothing was left for humans or animals to eat.

Habakuk records such a scene with these words: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet will I rejoice in God my Savior." (chapter 3:17,18)

Looking at this terrible scene of calamity, hunger and distress, you can see the progression.

Photos from BBC Article on locusts

First, the food source dries up: the fig tree is stripped of its leaves and buds. Then the crop essential to society for food, medication and soap, olives, disappears. As if that's not bad enough, animals die from lack of food. First the small animals, the sheep, and then the cattle.

People in general are having a more and more difficult time. Like those days of Habakuk, we are going through a time in which social situations are gradually getting worse. People are presently losing their livelihood, their jobs and for many,even their houses.

How did Habakuk face the future? What can we learn from him? He has a willing spirit. He depends upon the Lord. May we, like him, say the same thing. "Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

May we in our day, like his situation 2,500 years ago, rest in the Lord.

Christians in an age of Coronavirus - Part 2

This is the stream where Lydia was baptized in Philippi, Greece.

Early Christians, those who lived in the first three centuries of the Church, faced terrible plagues. Their actions and attitudes endeared them to many others. They were willing to help the sick and that was at a time when no one had health care - as we understand it today. Their actions ring down through the ages. Christians could look back at the church in Philippi, which was known for generosity, and they wanted to share what they had.

Our local church has cancelled all week-day activities for two weeks - committee meetings, prayer and Bible studies, outreach and drop in center and youth meetings. We rearranged ourselves on Sunday morning. For the first time ever, we sat 5-6 feet apart yesterday. Attendance was way down.

We will have volunteers helping seniors who need supplies and they will shop at stores to pick up what seniors and the ill need for their day-by-day meals and needs.

Just a quick update about the seriousness of this disease. The flue has a record of killing about one person in 1,000 which is a fatality of 0.1%. Coronavirus has affected 162,000 as of this morning, with about 6,000 deaths. That makes 3.7%, or 37 times more deadly than the flue. In the USA about 18,000 die annually from the flue-often among those who already have some form of lung disease. or weakness. If this virus is not stopped, the number of people it could kill in North America and around the world will be much higher.

Many jurisdictions have set a limit of 50 persons in a gathering. Here in Ontario, the limit is 50 persons. It was 250. Just now, it seems the limit has been dropped to 10 persons in a group. Our subways are packed everyday, so I'm not sure what this means for the spread of the virus, or for people going downtown for work.

Schools in some places are being closed for eight weeks. In Alberta, cay care, schools and colleges and universities are closed with no end in sight. Roman Catholic Churches, Anglican churches, Protestant churches, Orthodox churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are all closed for the next while. Also affected: day care centers, libraries, gyms, museums, community centers, sports halls.

It appears that the rates of increase of the infection in Canada are now doubling every three to four days. People are coming back to North America from Europe since Canada and the USA have cut out flights from most countries.

As of this afternoon, a Phase One trial has been with an initial injection that may lead to a successful cure.

As believers, we listen to the calming words of the Lord Jesus Christ whose voice of calm rings down through the ages: "It is I. Be not afraid."

In the midst of tension, stress and high emotions, perhaps we can learn to ask our neighbors: "What can I do to help?" Let's continue to be faithful witnesses, even when we might not want to be. 

Christians in an Age of Fear - Part 1

Plagues throughout history have wiped out great proportions of a population. Cities suffered greatly.

This was the case in the Roman E. Sicknesses were common. Most people lived in squalor. Tenement apartments were crowded. Overcrowded, more like it. Decent plumbing was enjoyed by less than 10% of the population. When a plaque arrived, great numbers died.

How did Christians react? What did they do when neighbors became deathly sick?

Perhaps the greatest compliment was that given by an enemy of Christians. Emperor Justinian, who was trying to get pagan temples to be prominent again, wrote this in AD 361.

"The pagans need to equal the virtues of the Christians. Recent growth in the Christian sect has been caused by their moral character and by the benevolence to strangers. I think that when the poor happen to be neglected and overlooked by our priests, the Christians see this and devote themselves to benevolence. And what is worse, the Christians support no only their own poor, but ours as well. Everyone can see that our people lack support because of this." 

Christians didn't look to die. They helped the sick, taking them in, buying food, visiting them and comforting them, all the while sharing the Gospel. They didn't want to die. They didn't want to get sick. But they believed in eternal life. They had hope in their hearts. And this hope gradually won over more and more people in the corrupt, plague-ridden, Roman Empire.