When walking in normal conditions, the tracks left are intermittent and indistinct. Walking in fresh snow is quite different, you become very conscious that every footstep and stop and change of direction is being clearly marked in your wake. Committing to paper is rather like leaving such a trail of footprints for others to see. It can be difficult to go back and recover anything you might later come to regret. In another way, committing to the written word can also feel like venturing onto thin ice. It is all a little bit scary. A thought may be quite clear to the writer but be lost or open to misinterpretation by the reader.
The same of course is true in conversation and in spoken ministry (especially if recorded) but people are usually much more forgiving of an exaggeration or lack of clarity in expression in the moment of speaking. Still, there are lots of warnings in the Bible about the damage the tongue can do, but the damage of the pen can be even greater. So it has been in a spirit of caution that I have from time to time ventured into writing on the internet, but also borne out of conviction about the issues tackled.
There are many areas of Christian doctrine and Bible study I feel ill-qualified to enter into. A sad fact is that so many, whether in spoken or written ministry, feel that every issue and area has to be tackled with equal authority by the individual teacher, whether as writer or as pastor of a Church. This is where the combination of a "one man ministry" together with a rigid "expository" approach can lead to pitfalls. Commentaries and studies on specific Bible books, covering each and every verse and phrase in depth, are popular with writers and readers, and seem very orderly and proper, but this is not a direction I would feel able to travel.
There are important areas of the faith and our understanding of salvation and the Christian life that I feel I have been struggling with for years, and still would find it hard to commit to paper a "full, firm and final" position. I still feel that for every Christian there is an ongoing journey or pilgrimage where the destination will never be truly reached in this life. When I write, I would certainly wish to write with conviction and a clear presentation of the authority and clarity of Scripture. It's just that the truths are so vast, and beyond even the wonderful capabilities of the gift of language that we have to communicate. In our speaking and writing, the human element can easily get in the way, leading to mis-communication between speaker and hearer, or writer and reader. So I would also hope for an element of exploration, of seeking to discover, rather than having to express things as complete and final in their expression.
Writers have a great responsibility. At the rate at which books, documents and on-line material is being churned out, I am increasingly aware of the unhelpful content and style of so much material. People think that complete dogmatism is the only positive sign of maturity and understanding. I often find, that as soon as I write something down so that it appears in hard black and white, I immediately want to qualify it in some way. I know that there are fundamental and definitive truths which cannot and must not be compromised or qualified.
The Lord, in His wonderful wisdom, was able to take each contact with a person on the individual merits of the circumstances. He did not appear to have a rigid system or blueprint, although He never diverted from the absolute truth. His flexibility of approach to speaking with people shines through in the Gospels. We do not have the same insights into the hearts and needs of individuals, and usual have to resort to general rather than particular in any writing or speaking. I find one to one witnessing and Christian counselling extremely challenging because of the lack of understanding of the real individual heart of the issues an individual is facing. I know how evasive I can be if someone is advising me, even if I know I really do want some advice!
I would love to be able to answer every question with a blaze of clear, incisive text that would sweep up every reader into the fulness of the truths of God. Probably most writers are seeking to do that as their ultimate and worthy aim. I have a real feeling that is just not a realistic or even altogether good aim. I would rather write as a pilgrim to other people who understand that they too are on a journey. A journey with clear direction, yes. A journey with a definite destination, yes. One where the Bible is recognised as the sole and complete authority for life and faith, absolutely. But a journey where, even for the believer with all the help of the Holy Spirit, we are still seeing things very much from the human perspective. Even Paul admitted that at our best we still see through a glass, darkly. The revelations yet to come in glory will no doubt be utterly overwhelming even to those who had the deepest and most spiritual insights into the Bible here in this scene. So, sometimes a little more humility and a little less dogmatism (without falling into the awful trap of having no real convictions at all) is a balance I would seek to strike.
As far as God is concerned, whether we are walking through snow or not is of no consequence as far as His knowledge of our ways and motives is concerned. He can see through any shroud of mist around our hearts, and any covering up of tracks we may be trying to achieve. He also understands our weakness and frailty, and perseveres with us in grace. He graciously allows a great variety of speakers and writers to say many things, and uses them to help and encourage other people in various ways. It can be a help in our learning to read conflicting opinions on various teachings, to hone our understanding and grasp of the issues involved. We must never be slapdash or knowingly contradictory or confusing in what we say, but perhaps I need not be quite as frightened at the prospect of committing to paper as I sometimes feel. God may even be pleased to use my mistakes to help someone else see the real truth more clearly. And, what through His grace may be rightly said, will too be open for the use in potential blessing to readers. So maybe I should just be getting down to it, and leaving a few tracks in the snow of these blank pages for others to explore.
2012-02-27
2012-02-25
A key to the four Gospels
Apart from pioneer exploration, it is always advisable to have a map when visiting a new area. One useful feature of maps is that they have keys that explain the contents as laid out on the map itself. The Bible can be likened to a map outlining the pattern for man's relationship with God. For the newcomer or the casual reader it can be difficult to see an overall plan and at the same time fit in the many more detailed aspects. Even committed Christians debate important areas of Bible truth with considerable variation in interpretation.
There is no doubt that the Lord Jesus is the key to the scriptures. The Bible is clearly the written word, and the Lord Jesus is referred to as the Word, the living Word, the Word made flesh. He fulfils the written word and all its promises. He is in Himself both God and man, and so He can be the reconciler, the one who alone brings about the full level of relationship between God and man. It has been well said that the Bible in a nutshell is as follows: 1) The Old Testament - Christ is coming. 2) The Gospels - Christ has come. 3) The rest of the New Testament - Christ is coming again.
If asked to introduce people who are not familiar with its message to the Bible, I would use these thoughts to begin the exploration of its contents. The four gospels are at the crossroads and are of crucial importance - not a random choice of words. The fact that there are four gospels is itself of great interest. Detractors seek to tease out contradictions and discrepancies, but have relatively little success. The compass and the map have the four directions we are all familiar with. The gospels fill out the scope and direction of the meaning of the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
Each of the four gospels has a particular theme and approach, although of course they also overlap and blend perfectly. The wonderful thing is that the four themes are boldly announced in certain verses in the Old Testament. We will look at these in turn and trust we shall see that they do indeed serve as keys to the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ. They are just staring points for much larger exploration of major themes of scripture.
MATTHEW - Christ as King. "Behold your King...." - Zechariah 9:9
From the start, Matthew's Gospel is concerned with the kingship of Christ. The genealogy traces His kingly line through David, establishing His right to the throne of Israel. It traces his presentation as King and the rejection of the people. Of necessity a King has a kingdom, that is, an area where he rules with power, authority and a display of strength where necessary. Such a concept of Kingdom is a central theme of Matthew in a way not seen in the other Gospels. It closely identifies with Jesus in His relation to the Jewish people. Because a Kingdom signifies rule and authority, it is not particularly a term associated with the church, where the relationship is much closer and based on love. The bride may be the bride of a King, but her relationship with the King is far different from that of the subjects and citizens. The "Kingdom of Heaven" is not speaking so much of heaven itself, but the rule from heaven over the earth and how it is worked out at different times. It is clear that Jesus had rights as an earthly King, particularly in relation to the people of Israel. However, Matthew clearly presents the rejection of the people for Him to take up that role. Rather than being crowned King, He was crowned with thorns and put to death on a cross. Does this mean that His right will never be exercised? Absolutely not. His earthly kingdom is postponed as other great purposes concerning Gentile nations and the gospel to all the world are worked out. One day the true King of Israel who is great David's greater Son will indeed rule over His people Israel and through them over the earth, as prophesied in so many Old Testament scriptures and confirmed in Romans and Revelation amongst other New Testament books.
Much of the practical teaching of Matthew is in the context of behaviour under the authority of a Kingdom. It is the Lord's manifesto for the His kingdom which was not accepted at the time, but will most certainly be in force in the Millennium. There are of course many principles which are right for all times and circumstances. However it is right to note certain differences of emphasis between, for example, the Sermon on the Mount and the epistles. The epistles are pure Church teaching. The church did not exist when Jesus was alive - He prophesied its formation no earlier than Matthew 16. He was living amongst His Jewish people and teaching them principles of His kingly rule and their life as subjects to that rule. There are many valid lessons for the church, but it is important to see the different contexts.
This is already opening up a wide topic of debate and disagreement amongst Christians, but I believe it is necessary to present this as fundamental to a proper understanding of the Gospels and their place within the context of the whole word of God and the glories of the Person of Christ.
MARK - Christ as Servant. "Behold, My servant...." - Isaiah 42:1 and 52:13
In Mark there is no genealogy. Who cares about the ancestry of a servant? Most commentators highlight a key verse of the Gospel as being 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many". Mark has an almost breathless brevity and compactness - miniature portraits in words of Jesus in action. This fits in with the regular use of words such as immediately, a key word of the Gospel. Just read the first couple of chapters to get the picture. Jesus was on a mission of active service. He lived a humble life in humble circumstances. He had nowhere to lay His head, and had to ask someone to show Him a penny.
And yet we have only just been thinking of Christ as King.... And yet, both King and Servant are clearly presented in the Old Testament prophecies.... How can both be true in one person? It requires the unfolding life of the Lord Jesus as recorded in the Gospels to show how both aspects are true of Him yet without contradiction to either. He was of proven kingly line, but was not born in a palace and refused all trappings of wealth and ostentation, and was yet no less of kingly bearing and authority for all that. He used the intrinsic authority of His person to serve, help and draw alongside people in all sorts of need and trouble. Above all, Jesus was serving His heavenly Father, living out a life of such devotion that had never remotely been seen before. Mankind should have been serving God faithfully and humbly, but failed in every case. Jesus should have been hailed as King and served, but the powerful testimony of truth and grace only highlighted the rest of mankind's shortcomings and so resulted in a large measure of hatred and rejection.
Nevertheless, there is a particular greatness about a faithful and true servant of a truly great master. God could at last look upon a life lived in this world and say "Behold, My servant", with the utmost delight and satisfaction. As a nation, corporately, Israel had failed as His servant. No individual prophet, priest or king had truly lived up to their calling. Now, in one person, every role and title was being taken on and lived out in full perfection.
One of our modern hymns delights in tracing the thoughts of Matthew and Mark in "The Servant King". Jesus, and only He, fills out these titles as presented in the Gospels. He is the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies, and they all coalesce in the one Person.
In the Old Testament, Isaiah writes vividly of the Servant Who Suffers in chapter 52 and 53. All the Gospels lead towards detailed accounts of the last days of Jesus, and His death and resurrection. A remarkable proportion of these already brief documents are concerned with those days and hours. It should be impossible to read them without the impression that they are intended to be at the heart of the message.
It was at the cross that the Servant undertook His greatest task. It was there He showed the fullest extent of His devotion to the will of His Father. It was there that He displayed His great act of service to sinners in need, by becoming their Saviour through His death as the only truly acceptable sacrifice for sin to a Holy God.
LUKE - Christ as Man. "Behold, the Man...." - Zechariah 6:12
Luke was a doctor, the "beloved physician" and deeply interested in all aspects of the human condition. His genealogy, unlike Matthew's, traces the line right back to Adam and his unique place in creation as the "Son of God". It is Luke who lingers over particular human details in His account. He is also painstaking in his historical records, and expressly seeks to present an "orderly account" of "those things which have been fulfilled (or, which are most surely believed) among us".
The Lord's own term in referring to Himself was "the Son of Man". The humanity of Christ is central to the message of the Gospels. He was not of some foreign distant material, unable to really appreciate what life as a human being is really like. He truly took part of humanity, in all its wondrous combinations of robustness and weakness. Scripture is at great pains only to emphasise that He remained apart from sin, unlike every other single human in history. Jesus knew what it was to be tired, to be thirsty, to be amazed, to be sorrowful, to feel compassion, to feel rejection, to have friends and enemies. He also knew in a deep way the motives and needs of the human heart, and Luke focuses on these in a special way throughout his Gospel.
There is much overlap with all the other Gospels, and Luke in some ways is perhaps the most rounded, and yet most approachable of all the Gospels. We get the little touches and details that we like so much, but that are often missing from Mark. We get a connectedness with other people that is not there in quite the same way in Matthew. Many have advocated Luke as the first Gospel for new Christians to read, or for those considering the claims of the Gospel message. Readers sense they are meeting with the real Jesus, in the context of His life in towns, villages and countryside, and in a social setting that are all brought to life in a vivid way.
Luke reveals more than this. He reveals that, as a man, Jesus had a unique insight into the heart of the individual. He could ascertain motives and reality hidden behind any mask or facade. We can find it so difficult to read other people, and even ourselves at times, with all the conflicting pulls and emotions that make life both so rich and so complicated. We are so defiled by sin that our understanding and appreciation is blurred. Jesus, being without sin, was painfully and starkly confronted with its reality and impact on human life, both individually and socially. And yet He was prepared to interact with people involved in every kind of problem and failure, and bring comfort whilst fully upholding the truth. Nothing was swept under the carpet.
The real Jesus was compassionate, loving, and approachable. The real Jesus was also scary, especially to those who were proud and would not acknowledge their own weakness and failings. Readers today should allow the full sweep of the real Jesus to shine through the record of the Gospels, and not rely entirely on the image of "gentle Jesus" or the "good teacher". We must get to the heart of the Gospels - the King, the servant and the man. This man, like so many others, faced an untimely, cruel and painful death. Unlike others, His death had a unique significance and meaning. Of this, Luke writes with passion and clarity. The account of the risen Lord meeting despondent disciples on the road to Emmaus is powerful. The Lord spoke from all the Old Testament scriptures "things concerning Himself". "Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things?" He asked, probing their understanding of the scriptures and their appreciation of who He really was. These are the really important questions that continue to face the readers of Luke's Gospel.
Anyone who has grasped the truths of Luke's Gospel can identify with the language of this hymn writer:
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life -
I know that it is finished.
JOHN - Christ as God. "Behold your God...." - Isaiah 40:9
If we had an interesting tension yet unity between the thoughts of King and Servant in Matthew and Mark, here in Luke and John we have the ultimate in such a case. Yet both are clearly there in the unique fourfold Old Testament cry of "Behold" in the books of Isaiah and Zechariah. A four fold cry answered in the four Gospels. And John it is who most emphatically and clearly answers to the cry of "Behold your God" in Isaiah 40. No human genealogy in John. Not this time because a servant is in view. No, John opens with majestic language, and we can do no better and ought to do no less than simply repeat it.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
John reveals that this Word "became flesh and dwelt among us". Jesus is, and ever was, and ever will be, eternal God. And yet, as we have seen in Luke, he was most certainly complete also in His humanity when here on earth. There are mysteries we cannot fathom. And yet the truth shines out through the Bible - Jesus, as the "God man", was a rounded individual without conflict or division in His personality. It is John who focuses so wonderfully on the divine nature of the Person of Christ. He lingers close to Jesus, not afraid or turned aside by a lack of welcome or approachability, but comfortable and at home. At yet it is also John who inspires in the reader the greatest sense of awe and worship and "differentness" of Jesus in His deity. The wonder is that human kind was created by God in such a way that he is in God's image, and therefore close to God. And yet, as a creature of creation, he is at the same time distant and removed from God the creator. And then there is the question of sin, which has brought in an incalculably greater gulf and distance between man and a Holy God.
It is Jesus, the "God man" who has bridged the gap for us. John had an express reason for penning his Gospel. In 20:31 he writes "these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name".
Although we have seen how Luke dignifies Adam with the title "Son of God", we know only too well how clearly humanity has defaced that image so that it is utterly untenable and unrecognisable. God is utterly separate from sin, and an unforgiven sinner can never be allowed in His presence.
It is through God the Son, come in flesh to this world, and primarily through the work of the cross, that sinners can be reconciled to God. In a series of radiantly spiritual insights and messages, John traces through certain events and teachings of Christ to show how the relationship between God and man was being restored in love and grace by God, the offended party. We are given special insights into who Jesus really is through the "I am" statements found alone in John's Gospel. One of the most powerful of these can be overlooked, where in John 8, Jesus says "... before Abraham was, I am". John uses the simplest of language to express the deepest thoughts ever to be conveyed or considered. Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He is the true bread, the true vine, the door, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life.
And John spends longer even than any other Gospel writer to explain that such a One, the Son of God, was the one who suffered at Calvary. Because of what he undertook there, He proved His ability and willingness to fill out another part of the message of Isaiah 40 - to gather, lead, feed and guide us, the ones who like sheep have all gone astray.
Jesus is the only provider in the universe for the deepest and desperately urgent needs of mankind. These are not physical - the physical are symptoms of the disease, not the cause. The real needs are spiritual, all the want and degradation and sickness of mind and body flows from the reality of sin and the broken relationship with God. Jesus has come, full of grace and truth, to reveal that God somehow still loves us, and is prepared at great cost to Himself, a way back for us. The offended party takes up our helpless case.
This is a brief overview of the Jesus of the Bible and his relationship to God and to us. The message of the Bible is unified and deep and wide in its scope. It deals with one nation, Israel, and also the Gentile nations of the world. It deals with individuals and their spiritual need. In Jesus, the whole of history has its crux, and the purposes of God are unfolded and revealed in Him. There are purposes still to unfold, but those who have the privilege of the closest and most precious involvement and relationship are those who "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ" and can say that He is the One "who loved me, and gave Himself for me".
John, Luke, Mark and Matthew are among that number. Paul was one who followed. In God's estimation, time can be stretched in two directions - a thousand years as a day, and a day as a thousand years. Just one of those allows us to consider the events of Calvary, 2,000 years ago, as happening the day before yesterday in the mind of God. The Gospels keep the record of Jesus alive for us. They are the Word of God, and when illuminated for us by the Holy Spirit, they bring the real Jesus, the Jesus we really need, to life for us. May this serve as a helpful pointer and introduction to others who are prepared to meet and know and appreciate the real Jesus, our Saviour and Lord.
[Personal note. I must have been in my early or mid twenties when I first heard a talk in which the outline of the gospels as above was unfolded, ie King / servant / man / God for the gospels in turn, plus the link with the "Behold" passages from the Old Testament. I take no credit, but they made a powerful impact, and I am convinced of their validity and truth. Thanks and appreciation in memory of John Flett of Bradford (originally a fisherman from the Moray Firth), and to whoever may have before him been impressed by this insight into the Gospels].
[Personal note. I must have been in my early or mid twenties when I first heard a talk in which the outline of the gospels as above was unfolded, ie King / servant / man / God for the gospels in turn, plus the link with the "Behold" passages from the Old Testament. I take no credit, but they made a powerful impact, and I am convinced of their validity and truth. Thanks and appreciation in memory of John Flett of Bradford (originally a fisherman from the Moray Firth), and to whoever may have before him been impressed by this insight into the Gospels].
2012-02-24
Sky picture
This was the glorious sky as afternoon turned towards evening on the warmest day of the year so far. Sometimes there is no need to walk far to get a view - our upstairs windows are great for skyscapes to the west.
Even fleeting daily routines (if sunrise and sunset can be treated as such) show how God can display his handiwork in a glorious way. The clouds were moving, forming and reforming quite quickly, so the scene was constantly changing, and the sight must have also varied considerably with just a small difference in viewpoint location.
Arise, and go.....
The following is the outline of a talk I gave on more than one occasion in the UK and in Eastern Europe when working with the Slavic Gospel Association. The Bible passage is Acts 9:1-22.
Saul was a man with a mission. His journey from Jerusalem to Damascus was not so much a walk, or even a trek, but a march. With the full of authority of zealous religious backing and the documentation to prove it, he was going to Damascus to seek out Christians and take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. Christianity was starting to spread, and it must not be allowed to take hold. Saul was so motivated that he was breathing out threats and murder against these new Christian disciples of the Lord. His visions, his plans, and the way they were to be executed, were perfectly clear in his mind. He could think of little that could cause any hindrance or delay. He was simply looking forward to a job done.
Most people will be familiar with what happened next. He was the subject of the most famous conversion experience in history. As he neared Damascus, a bright light shone from heaven, and a voice spoke to him, calling him by name. Saul immediately knew who was speaking. It was the risen Christ, the One whom the Christians were following. Jesus told him that persecuting believers in Him was nothing other than persecuting Him personally. The identification of Christ with His own is complete. No wonder that Saul was astonished, so much so that he trembled. He knew that life could never be the same for him again. His first words were to address Jesus - the name he had hated wanted to stamp out from the earth - to address Jesus as Lord. His next words show that using the word "Lord" was not an empty gesture, but that he, Saul, would now be an obedient servant of the One who spoke to him from heaven.
The Lord continued with a simple and direct command for Saul that is full of interest. The Lord said to Him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." This was an immediate challenge to one who was so used to taking big decisions for himself and acting on them. How difficult this must have been to obey! I am sure that Damascus was the very place Saul no longer wanted to go. Not that he would relish returning to Jerusalem either.
In order to continue to Jerusalem, Saul had to be led by the hand because of the blinding impact of the light from heaven. No marching into the city in pride and pomp, pleased at the panic the prospect of his arrival must be causing. Rather now, a creeping in to the city in humility, unsure of himself, with uncharacteristically hesitant footsteps. He, Saul, the visionary leader and man of decisive action, now being led by the hand meekly into Damascus. All breathing of threats and murder had ceased, but what next? He quietly took lodgings at the side of a street, and could not eat or drink for three days, and there seemed no prospect of regaining his sight. The Bible is silent on the internal conflicts that must have been raging. All he could do was wait until he would be told what to do, as had been promised.
Meanwhile, there was a man who lived in Damascus called Ananias. He was a Christian believer. It is clear that the Christians in Damascus knew the reputation of Saul, and the way he had been at the forefront of the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem. He had a significant part to play, and his own trust in his Lord was to be put to the test. We need to imagine his amazement when a voice came to him, saying, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus.....". He knew immediately that it was the voice of the Lord. What a challenge for him! Would he obey? Surely the last person he wanted to meet was the very man who was coming with threats and murder for just such people as Ananias! The Lord did say that Saul needed to receive sight, which must have been perplexing, but we can understand how Ananias still had questions in view of Saul's reputation for persecution. The Lord provides assurance enough for Ananias to step out in obedience.
Ananias must have walked along the street of his city, Damascus, wondering what would unfold. But, he went his way and entered the house. His attitude towards Saul and his greeting was quite amazing. His expression was of complete faith in the direction he knew had come from the Lord. He laid his hands on Saul and said "Brother Saul"...
This is the point at which two pathways met under the leading hand of the Lord. Saul had not been directed to go to Ananias. Ananias had not been told to arise and flee Damascus at the news of the approach of Saul. Neither had he decided to flee without direction from the Lord. Often patient waiting, even in a difficult place, is what is asked of people. At the right time, both individuals were given challenging instructions - arise and go - and indeed Saul was undergoing a rapid and complete transformation in the whole direction of his life. We can only imagine what it meant for Saul to hear those two opening words "Brother Saul". What if Ananias had failed in his brotherly task? Ananias is able to explain how the Lord has led him, and that Saul was to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. The scales fell from Saul's eyes, he was baptized (immediately), and only then took food.
Saul then spent some days with the disciples in Damascus. What an extraordinary turn of events for all concerned. Saul was now in full fellowship with the believers he had set out to destroy.
We may make plans and step out in order to work them out. Sometimes, however, a higher power intervenes. Saul had set out for Damascus. Yes, he made it to that city, but in transformed circumstances. His attitude of walk was changed from an angry persecutor to humble and yet committed and fearless follower of Christ. Ananias to had his special role in the story. Through the obedience of both of them to the Lord's leading, great blessing resulted.
The challenge for us today as believers is to recognise the leading of the Holy Spirit through the word of God. We may not get direct messages through the Lord speaking in the way he did to Saul and Ananias (before the New Testament was begun, let alone completed). We do have the full word of God, and the assurance of the guidance of the Holy Spirit when we are truly open to His leading. It still takes faith to step out in response, especially when it is in an unexpected or difficult direction. But when the Lord directs our paths, the results can still be as encouraging and life changing as they were for Saul and Ananias.
Saul was a man with a mission. His journey from Jerusalem to Damascus was not so much a walk, or even a trek, but a march. With the full of authority of zealous religious backing and the documentation to prove it, he was going to Damascus to seek out Christians and take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. Christianity was starting to spread, and it must not be allowed to take hold. Saul was so motivated that he was breathing out threats and murder against these new Christian disciples of the Lord. His visions, his plans, and the way they were to be executed, were perfectly clear in his mind. He could think of little that could cause any hindrance or delay. He was simply looking forward to a job done.
Most people will be familiar with what happened next. He was the subject of the most famous conversion experience in history. As he neared Damascus, a bright light shone from heaven, and a voice spoke to him, calling him by name. Saul immediately knew who was speaking. It was the risen Christ, the One whom the Christians were following. Jesus told him that persecuting believers in Him was nothing other than persecuting Him personally. The identification of Christ with His own is complete. No wonder that Saul was astonished, so much so that he trembled. He knew that life could never be the same for him again. His first words were to address Jesus - the name he had hated wanted to stamp out from the earth - to address Jesus as Lord. His next words show that using the word "Lord" was not an empty gesture, but that he, Saul, would now be an obedient servant of the One who spoke to him from heaven.
The Lord continued with a simple and direct command for Saul that is full of interest. The Lord said to Him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." This was an immediate challenge to one who was so used to taking big decisions for himself and acting on them. How difficult this must have been to obey! I am sure that Damascus was the very place Saul no longer wanted to go. Not that he would relish returning to Jerusalem either.
In order to continue to Jerusalem, Saul had to be led by the hand because of the blinding impact of the light from heaven. No marching into the city in pride and pomp, pleased at the panic the prospect of his arrival must be causing. Rather now, a creeping in to the city in humility, unsure of himself, with uncharacteristically hesitant footsteps. He, Saul, the visionary leader and man of decisive action, now being led by the hand meekly into Damascus. All breathing of threats and murder had ceased, but what next? He quietly took lodgings at the side of a street, and could not eat or drink for three days, and there seemed no prospect of regaining his sight. The Bible is silent on the internal conflicts that must have been raging. All he could do was wait until he would be told what to do, as had been promised.
Meanwhile, there was a man who lived in Damascus called Ananias. He was a Christian believer. It is clear that the Christians in Damascus knew the reputation of Saul, and the way he had been at the forefront of the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem. He had a significant part to play, and his own trust in his Lord was to be put to the test. We need to imagine his amazement when a voice came to him, saying, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus.....". He knew immediately that it was the voice of the Lord. What a challenge for him! Would he obey? Surely the last person he wanted to meet was the very man who was coming with threats and murder for just such people as Ananias! The Lord did say that Saul needed to receive sight, which must have been perplexing, but we can understand how Ananias still had questions in view of Saul's reputation for persecution. The Lord provides assurance enough for Ananias to step out in obedience.
Ananias must have walked along the street of his city, Damascus, wondering what would unfold. But, he went his way and entered the house. His attitude towards Saul and his greeting was quite amazing. His expression was of complete faith in the direction he knew had come from the Lord. He laid his hands on Saul and said "Brother Saul"...
This is the point at which two pathways met under the leading hand of the Lord. Saul had not been directed to go to Ananias. Ananias had not been told to arise and flee Damascus at the news of the approach of Saul. Neither had he decided to flee without direction from the Lord. Often patient waiting, even in a difficult place, is what is asked of people. At the right time, both individuals were given challenging instructions - arise and go - and indeed Saul was undergoing a rapid and complete transformation in the whole direction of his life. We can only imagine what it meant for Saul to hear those two opening words "Brother Saul". What if Ananias had failed in his brotherly task? Ananias is able to explain how the Lord has led him, and that Saul was to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. The scales fell from Saul's eyes, he was baptized (immediately), and only then took food.
Saul then spent some days with the disciples in Damascus. What an extraordinary turn of events for all concerned. Saul was now in full fellowship with the believers he had set out to destroy.
We may make plans and step out in order to work them out. Sometimes, however, a higher power intervenes. Saul had set out for Damascus. Yes, he made it to that city, but in transformed circumstances. His attitude of walk was changed from an angry persecutor to humble and yet committed and fearless follower of Christ. Ananias to had his special role in the story. Through the obedience of both of them to the Lord's leading, great blessing resulted.
The challenge for us today as believers is to recognise the leading of the Holy Spirit through the word of God. We may not get direct messages through the Lord speaking in the way he did to Saul and Ananias (before the New Testament was begun, let alone completed). We do have the full word of God, and the assurance of the guidance of the Holy Spirit when we are truly open to His leading. It still takes faith to step out in response, especially when it is in an unexpected or difficult direction. But when the Lord directs our paths, the results can still be as encouraging and life changing as they were for Saul and Ananias.
2012-02-23
The written word and the living word
This is an article I wrote for my first website back in 2006......
The Bible keeps its place as the world's best selling book. It has been translated into far more languages than any other work. Despite many attempts to stamp it out, it keeps springing back. Voltaire stated that the Bible would die out in France within a generation - 100 years later his former home was a Bible distribution centre. It was thrilling for me, when I was a teenager, to read about Eastern Europe in "The Book they couldn't ban", all about Bibles being distributed around countries under the noses of the authorities, at the risk of imprisonment.
What makes the Bible so important to so many people? Many are violently antagonistic towards it - no ordinary work of literature could arouse such opposition. Committed believers know well the value of the Scriptures, and treasure the Bible as the Word of God. There are many others in between to whom I would appeal in this article. Indifference to the Bible is not a fair attitude.
To say that the "Bible is a good book" or that "Jesus was a good man" misses the point entirely. Either the Bible is what it claims to be, and so demands our complete allegience, or it is worthless and deserves nothing other than contempt. There can be no honest middle ground. It is pointless to read the Bible purely as a work of literature. So then, what is the key to unlocking the message of the Bible?
The key to the Bible is the person of Jesus Christ. Without Him, the pages remain dead and lifeless. With Him in His rightful place the whole book takes on the character given to it in Hebrews - it "is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword....".
Let's tackle the Old Testament first. So full of laws and wars, no wonder many people dismiss it as bloodthirsty and irrelevent for today. Very well, for now we'll just home in on some small sections which are widely accepted to be Messianic prophecies, that is, direct foretellings about the life of Jesus. There are in fact around 360 of them, about one for each day of the year, by no means insignificant. They range from his birth through to his suffering, death and resurrection. They were fulfilled to the letter in the unfolding of the gospels. There is no argument that the Old Testament was completed many years before the birth of Jesus, there is in fact long period of silence for 400 years. This fulfilment of many specific prophecies should carry a lot of weight. Maybe this is enough to switch on a little light into the apparent darkness of the Old Testament.
But wait. Now we have only just started to put Jesus into the Old Testament. The Book of Hebrews can help. It makes clear that none of the myriads of sacrifices in the Old Testament were worth anything except as pictures of what was to be accomplished by Jesus. The same goes for the whole of the tabernacle and temple system. Many characters clearly point ahead to Jesus in some aspects of their lives - Joseph and David, for example.
Yes, much of the Old Testament is meant also to reveal the mess mankind was in after the fall. Evil acts and motives are not swept under the carpet. Even the finest of characters have their faults - the Bible is honest even about its heroes. The Bible reveals the truth about ourselves as needy sinners, as well as what God wants us to know about Himself.
When Jesus was alive the New Testament was yet to be written. Jesus referred to almost every book of the Old Testament and clearly accepted its authority as the Word of God. In Luke 4, He took up the scroll from Isaiah, and after reading it stated "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing". He referred the subject of the passage to Himself. At the end of Luke, "beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself".
Now the there is enough to bring the light flooding into every page of Scripture.
So Jesus is the key to the Old Testament as well as the New. But we must make sure we are dealing with the true Jesus of the New Testament. Many people consider Him an example, a great teacher and a good man. All these attitides totally miss the point. Jesus set Himself forward as far greater. Just consider the "I am" statements of John's Gospel, including "before Abraham was I AM" (John 8:58). He clearly claims to be the Son of God. Later, in 1 Timothy, He is entitled "God manifest in the flesh". In John's Gospel, Christ is introduced as the Word - "the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us".
And so we reach the point where the written word and the living word meet. The Bible is the written revelation of God, adequately and completely fulfilling this role. The Bible warns against any taking away from or adding to the written word. The written word faithfully proclaims Christ, and Christ lived out the written word in every detail.
The heart of the Gospel message and the stated mission of Jesus concerns His perfect life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. The Gospels are unlike any other biography in the proportion they devote to the final days of the Lord's life, and His death. Jesus said on various occasions that He would be taken, suffer many things, be killed and that He would rise again on the third day.
This is where the message of God in His Word and in His Son meets us as ordinary people in our lives. As sinners we deserve death and eternal separation from God. Sin cannot enter His presence. Jesus came to die in our place, fulfilling in one sacrifice all the pictures presented in the Old Testament. (Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures - I Cor 15). As He was without sin, it was impossible for death to hold Him, so He arose in the power of an endless life. (He was buried, and He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures - I Cor 15). This is the truth that assures believers of the new life that we have through Him.
The Gospel of John uses simple language. Key words are words such as light, life, love, know, believe, truth. Here, in association with Jesus, they have a full and pure meaning that brings immense power and depth to the message. Jesus is presented in many ways, as Shepherd, Saviour, Lord, Prince, King, Son of Man, Son of God. He completely fulfils all these, and indeed adds greater dignity to each of these titles.
This is explanation for the enduring hold of the Scriptures around the world. They are a unique presentation of a written Word inextricably bound up with a Person presented as that Word made flesh. The message is entirely intended to reach us in our lives with transforming power. Our sin and the penalty of death is removed, the assurance of new and eternal life is given. We are invited to believe, trust and even know God and the truths He reveals, and to believe, trust and know Jesus personally. Truly something living and powerful, and still relevant for every individual across the world today!
The Bible keeps its place as the world's best selling book. It has been translated into far more languages than any other work. Despite many attempts to stamp it out, it keeps springing back. Voltaire stated that the Bible would die out in France within a generation - 100 years later his former home was a Bible distribution centre. It was thrilling for me, when I was a teenager, to read about Eastern Europe in "The Book they couldn't ban", all about Bibles being distributed around countries under the noses of the authorities, at the risk of imprisonment.
What makes the Bible so important to so many people? Many are violently antagonistic towards it - no ordinary work of literature could arouse such opposition. Committed believers know well the value of the Scriptures, and treasure the Bible as the Word of God. There are many others in between to whom I would appeal in this article. Indifference to the Bible is not a fair attitude.
To say that the "Bible is a good book" or that "Jesus was a good man" misses the point entirely. Either the Bible is what it claims to be, and so demands our complete allegience, or it is worthless and deserves nothing other than contempt. There can be no honest middle ground. It is pointless to read the Bible purely as a work of literature. So then, what is the key to unlocking the message of the Bible?
The key to the Bible is the person of Jesus Christ. Without Him, the pages remain dead and lifeless. With Him in His rightful place the whole book takes on the character given to it in Hebrews - it "is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword....".
Let's tackle the Old Testament first. So full of laws and wars, no wonder many people dismiss it as bloodthirsty and irrelevent for today. Very well, for now we'll just home in on some small sections which are widely accepted to be Messianic prophecies, that is, direct foretellings about the life of Jesus. There are in fact around 360 of them, about one for each day of the year, by no means insignificant. They range from his birth through to his suffering, death and resurrection. They were fulfilled to the letter in the unfolding of the gospels. There is no argument that the Old Testament was completed many years before the birth of Jesus, there is in fact long period of silence for 400 years. This fulfilment of many specific prophecies should carry a lot of weight. Maybe this is enough to switch on a little light into the apparent darkness of the Old Testament.
But wait. Now we have only just started to put Jesus into the Old Testament. The Book of Hebrews can help. It makes clear that none of the myriads of sacrifices in the Old Testament were worth anything except as pictures of what was to be accomplished by Jesus. The same goes for the whole of the tabernacle and temple system. Many characters clearly point ahead to Jesus in some aspects of their lives - Joseph and David, for example.
Yes, much of the Old Testament is meant also to reveal the mess mankind was in after the fall. Evil acts and motives are not swept under the carpet. Even the finest of characters have their faults - the Bible is honest even about its heroes. The Bible reveals the truth about ourselves as needy sinners, as well as what God wants us to know about Himself.
When Jesus was alive the New Testament was yet to be written. Jesus referred to almost every book of the Old Testament and clearly accepted its authority as the Word of God. In Luke 4, He took up the scroll from Isaiah, and after reading it stated "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing". He referred the subject of the passage to Himself. At the end of Luke, "beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself".
Now the there is enough to bring the light flooding into every page of Scripture.
So Jesus is the key to the Old Testament as well as the New. But we must make sure we are dealing with the true Jesus of the New Testament. Many people consider Him an example, a great teacher and a good man. All these attitides totally miss the point. Jesus set Himself forward as far greater. Just consider the "I am" statements of John's Gospel, including "before Abraham was I AM" (John 8:58). He clearly claims to be the Son of God. Later, in 1 Timothy, He is entitled "God manifest in the flesh". In John's Gospel, Christ is introduced as the Word - "the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us".
And so we reach the point where the written word and the living word meet. The Bible is the written revelation of God, adequately and completely fulfilling this role. The Bible warns against any taking away from or adding to the written word. The written word faithfully proclaims Christ, and Christ lived out the written word in every detail.
The heart of the Gospel message and the stated mission of Jesus concerns His perfect life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. The Gospels are unlike any other biography in the proportion they devote to the final days of the Lord's life, and His death. Jesus said on various occasions that He would be taken, suffer many things, be killed and that He would rise again on the third day.
This is where the message of God in His Word and in His Son meets us as ordinary people in our lives. As sinners we deserve death and eternal separation from God. Sin cannot enter His presence. Jesus came to die in our place, fulfilling in one sacrifice all the pictures presented in the Old Testament. (Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures - I Cor 15). As He was without sin, it was impossible for death to hold Him, so He arose in the power of an endless life. (He was buried, and He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures - I Cor 15). This is the truth that assures believers of the new life that we have through Him.
The Gospel of John uses simple language. Key words are words such as light, life, love, know, believe, truth. Here, in association with Jesus, they have a full and pure meaning that brings immense power and depth to the message. Jesus is presented in many ways, as Shepherd, Saviour, Lord, Prince, King, Son of Man, Son of God. He completely fulfils all these, and indeed adds greater dignity to each of these titles.
This is explanation for the enduring hold of the Scriptures around the world. They are a unique presentation of a written Word inextricably bound up with a Person presented as that Word made flesh. The message is entirely intended to reach us in our lives with transforming power. Our sin and the penalty of death is removed, the assurance of new and eternal life is given. We are invited to believe, trust and even know God and the truths He reveals, and to believe, trust and know Jesus personally. Truly something living and powerful, and still relevant for every individual across the world today!
Walking - more references in Genesis
This time we will look at the remaining references to walking in the book of Genesis. First simply to note that, following Enoch, Noah is one of the few characters in the Bible who are said to have walked with God during their lives. Not taking the rest in the order they appear, one key verse is where the Lord speaks to Abram (Gen 17:1) saying "I [am] Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless". This reminds us that all our lives are lived out in the full sight of a holy God. He takes account of the whole manner of life. Ultimately, there has only ever been one life in this world that has fully met God's standards - the life of His Son, Jesus Christ. And yet Abraham (as he was later named) is on record as a friend of God. He failed in various areas, and yet is rightly held up as a father of faith who to a rare extent did walk before God in integrity.
Later, Jacob refers to his fathers (ancestors) Abraham and Isaac when he in turn blessed his son Joseph. He says that they walked before God, the God who was faithful to him in his own at times wayward journey through life.
In a similar vein, speaking about the overall manner of life, Abraham's servant reports his master's own words as "The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with you and prosper your way". This leads us to the final two references which turn aside from this general word for a life of faith and consistency, to two rather interesting and more specific references to walking.
Continuing in Genesis 24 with Abraham's servant's journey in search of a bride for Isaac, right at the end of the story, Rebekah asks "who is this man walking in the field to meet us?" It was indeed Isaac. This chapter also includes the second reference in the Bible to love, this time the love between bridegroom and bride. The whole chapter is a wonderful picture of Christian experience. The Holy Spirit convicts us and convinces us, finally confronting us with a decision - "will you go with this man" - to trust in one we have never seen. We then travel a journey of faith, with the guidance of the Spirit fully available, through the wilderness of this world before we finally see the One we have trusted when He calls us to Himself either through death or His coming for us. Isaac was waiting for his bride, he was walking with the purpose of meeting her at the earliest appropriate moment. It is a wonderful picture of the eagerness of the Lord Jesus to be fully united with His own bride, the myriads who have been redeemed by His precious blood. Isaac has already been presented as the one who was almost sacrificed at the hand of his father, and is well established as a type of Christ. The Lord Jesus truly entered into death and is the one sacrifice for sin fully acceptable in the sight of God, through which sinners can be saved.
The other verse in Genesis about walking is once again an occasion when God spoke to Abram, back in chapter 13. Abram had left Ur with his nephew Lot and travelled far before finally being confronted with a vista of the promised land spread out before him. God says "Arise, walk in the land through its length and width, for I give it to you". This strikes us by its very physicality and the material nature of the promise. The Old Testament promises to Israel regarded an actual land, an area of this world. There are still many promises to be fulfilled concerning this area of the world, in relation to the Jewish people, and to the Lord Jesus Himself. All God's promises for the material and physical will be literally fulfilled to the letter, and there are many that have clearly never yet been fulfilled in the passage of history. But it is also interesting to notice how Abram was invited to walk through the land, to explore it, enjoy it, and learn to appreciate it as a land for him and his people given by God. It was to be their home, even if not for many generations, and even if struggled over in a way which continues to this day. Surely the time will come when God's earthly people are truly at home in their land in a full and complete relationship with their God and their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is also a lesson for us, as also exemplified by the experiences of Joshua and the people as they entered the land. For us the lesson is spiritual rather than physical. Believers are brought into a vast sphere of spiritual blessings, as outlined in Ephesians. We are to "walk through" this land, explore the scriptures and seek the meaning and extent of the revealed thoughts of God in blessing towards His people, as well as the truths He reveals about His own glory. It is a "large land" we are encouraged to explore for ourselves rather than only relying on doctrinal formulae and systematic theologies, however good and valid they may be. I am in no way suggesting we should have our own private interpretations, or that it does not matter how we view scripture - it holds the ultimate truth which is real and complete, yet cannot be contained within any human analysis or framework.
Later, Jacob refers to his fathers (ancestors) Abraham and Isaac when he in turn blessed his son Joseph. He says that they walked before God, the God who was faithful to him in his own at times wayward journey through life.
In a similar vein, speaking about the overall manner of life, Abraham's servant reports his master's own words as "The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with you and prosper your way". This leads us to the final two references which turn aside from this general word for a life of faith and consistency, to two rather interesting and more specific references to walking.
Continuing in Genesis 24 with Abraham's servant's journey in search of a bride for Isaac, right at the end of the story, Rebekah asks "who is this man walking in the field to meet us?" It was indeed Isaac. This chapter also includes the second reference in the Bible to love, this time the love between bridegroom and bride. The whole chapter is a wonderful picture of Christian experience. The Holy Spirit convicts us and convinces us, finally confronting us with a decision - "will you go with this man" - to trust in one we have never seen. We then travel a journey of faith, with the guidance of the Spirit fully available, through the wilderness of this world before we finally see the One we have trusted when He calls us to Himself either through death or His coming for us. Isaac was waiting for his bride, he was walking with the purpose of meeting her at the earliest appropriate moment. It is a wonderful picture of the eagerness of the Lord Jesus to be fully united with His own bride, the myriads who have been redeemed by His precious blood. Isaac has already been presented as the one who was almost sacrificed at the hand of his father, and is well established as a type of Christ. The Lord Jesus truly entered into death and is the one sacrifice for sin fully acceptable in the sight of God, through which sinners can be saved.
The other verse in Genesis about walking is once again an occasion when God spoke to Abram, back in chapter 13. Abram had left Ur with his nephew Lot and travelled far before finally being confronted with a vista of the promised land spread out before him. God says "Arise, walk in the land through its length and width, for I give it to you". This strikes us by its very physicality and the material nature of the promise. The Old Testament promises to Israel regarded an actual land, an area of this world. There are still many promises to be fulfilled concerning this area of the world, in relation to the Jewish people, and to the Lord Jesus Himself. All God's promises for the material and physical will be literally fulfilled to the letter, and there are many that have clearly never yet been fulfilled in the passage of history. But it is also interesting to notice how Abram was invited to walk through the land, to explore it, enjoy it, and learn to appreciate it as a land for him and his people given by God. It was to be their home, even if not for many generations, and even if struggled over in a way which continues to this day. Surely the time will come when God's earthly people are truly at home in their land in a full and complete relationship with their God and their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is also a lesson for us, as also exemplified by the experiences of Joshua and the people as they entered the land. For us the lesson is spiritual rather than physical. Believers are brought into a vast sphere of spiritual blessings, as outlined in Ephesians. We are to "walk through" this land, explore the scriptures and seek the meaning and extent of the revealed thoughts of God in blessing towards His people, as well as the truths He reveals about His own glory. It is a "large land" we are encouraged to explore for ourselves rather than only relying on doctrinal formulae and systematic theologies, however good and valid they may be. I am in no way suggesting we should have our own private interpretations, or that it does not matter how we view scripture - it holds the ultimate truth which is real and complete, yet cannot be contained within any human analysis or framework.
2012-02-22
Walking in the Bible - the first mentions
It looks as though walking in the Bible is going to be an even more interesting study than I was anticipating. I realised it was an important word with both practical and metaphorical senses at the heart of human experience, and of a true relationship with God. The first mention of a word is often significant in the Bible, a well known example being "love" - Abraham being told to take son "whom you love" and to sacrifice him; one of the most telling Old Testament pictures of what it would mean to God the Father to send His Son to bear our sins.
It struck me that the first mention of walking was also of interest. Checking out confirmed that indeed the first mention of walking is the account in Genesis 3 where the Lord God was "walking in the garden in the cool of the day" after Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit. The animal creation comprised "creeping" things. Walking seems to be regarded as something altogether more elevated. The fact that walking is first applied to God Himself is important, because it must surely be pointing to something greater than the mere physical activity. Indeed, people would probably argue about there being any real physical footprints of God left in the garden. It does record that Adam and Eve heard the sound of Him walking, which certainly gives the sense of a real physical presence. I believe it could be a theophany, one of the pre-incarnation appearances in bodily form of the Son of God.
The other fact is that Adam and Eve were hiding from the presence of the Lord God. They did not enjoy the privilege of a walk with Him. There is a certain standard of life that is required to be seen to be fit to be regarded as walking with God and having a relationship with Him. Almost at the start, Adam and Eve lost this closeness and were instead trying to hide themselves away and at the same time trying to cover their shame. The Lord God is never spoken of as walking with Adam and Eve, or they with Him.
The next references to walking are also very significant. Twice in the remarkably brief account of the life of Enoch, he is referred to as walking with God. He seemed to have enjoyed a unique experience of a relationship with God, so much so that he was taken to heaven before the judgement of the flood - surely a clear picture of the New Testament teaching of the rapture of the church before the tribulation judgements to come. The quality and reality of this link with God is simply summed up in the term "walked with God".
This link is what God sought when He walked in the garden, but sin had brought about separation, and the fellowship was no longer possible. Even mature Christians will confess that their walk with God is often inconsistent and full of falterings and failures, but all will also testify to the faithfulness of their Saviour, the Lord Jesus, who never leaves or forsakes, and is an ever consistent guide and friend on life's journey. The fact that He walks with us far outshines the marvel that He brings us to a position where we are said to walk with Him.
It struck me that the first mention of walking was also of interest. Checking out confirmed that indeed the first mention of walking is the account in Genesis 3 where the Lord God was "walking in the garden in the cool of the day" after Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit. The animal creation comprised "creeping" things. Walking seems to be regarded as something altogether more elevated. The fact that walking is first applied to God Himself is important, because it must surely be pointing to something greater than the mere physical activity. Indeed, people would probably argue about there being any real physical footprints of God left in the garden. It does record that Adam and Eve heard the sound of Him walking, which certainly gives the sense of a real physical presence. I believe it could be a theophany, one of the pre-incarnation appearances in bodily form of the Son of God.
The other fact is that Adam and Eve were hiding from the presence of the Lord God. They did not enjoy the privilege of a walk with Him. There is a certain standard of life that is required to be seen to be fit to be regarded as walking with God and having a relationship with Him. Almost at the start, Adam and Eve lost this closeness and were instead trying to hide themselves away and at the same time trying to cover their shame. The Lord God is never spoken of as walking with Adam and Eve, or they with Him.
The next references to walking are also very significant. Twice in the remarkably brief account of the life of Enoch, he is referred to as walking with God. He seemed to have enjoyed a unique experience of a relationship with God, so much so that he was taken to heaven before the judgement of the flood - surely a clear picture of the New Testament teaching of the rapture of the church before the tribulation judgements to come. The quality and reality of this link with God is simply summed up in the term "walked with God".
This link is what God sought when He walked in the garden, but sin had brought about separation, and the fellowship was no longer possible. Even mature Christians will confess that their walk with God is often inconsistent and full of falterings and failures, but all will also testify to the faithfulness of their Saviour, the Lord Jesus, who never leaves or forsakes, and is an ever consistent guide and friend on life's journey. The fact that He walks with us far outshines the marvel that He brings us to a position where we are said to walk with Him.
2012-02-21
Picture with a message - 1
A verse from Matthew's Gospel relevant for everyone on this journey called life.
A sample walk
Walk 1 summary.
Distance 6.75 miles. Home (Carr Vale) - up the hill to Bolsover town centre - north along the lane to Oxcroft - back by the road through Shuttlewood.
Yesterday's walk was very ordinary. It was a cold, grey day. The location was local to home in northeast Derbyshire. The Peak District is not far away, but the local landscape, while pleasant, is less dramatic and more impacted by industry. Having been without a car for some time, my options for walks have been more limited, but I have come to appreciate the local area in a deeper way. I should add I have only lived in the area for a little under 18 months.
On an ordinary walk, there is still plenty to notice. These days I walk with a camera, and it is great to see the way records are building up of walks through the seasons. I often walk round a local nature reserve, but yesterday I wanted a bit of a change. So to start with I headed up the hill to town. Bolsover is on the crest of a plateau with westward facing down slopes to the Doe Lea and Rother valley with Peak District hills rising beyond.
1. The path and the choice of route.
The first picture is looking along a path between buildings in Bolsover to the open country beyond. For a first time visitor to the town centre, this view might come as a surprise. The little path is also rather secretive, so it is worth seeking out. The pathway through life can be very similar. It is not always good to simply follow the crowded ways, but seek out something more individual. Sometimes, we need to mark out a route ahead and stick with it. Occasionally is is good to go for a walk with no planned route, but to wander around a bit and enjoy the locality for what it is on the occasion we are in the area. To do this, a map is necessary to be aware of the options open to us at each junction of pathways. Looking back, I may feel that I have wandered through life a bit aimlessly so far, and yet I am thankful for many precious experiences along the way. It can be worth exploring little backwaters rather than sticking to the popular highways that people seek for financial security and a sense of belonging to the popular culture of the time.
2. Chance to notice details.
Over the past couple of years I have taken account far more of the detail we can see all around. For example, although I could not identify them, I have seen more types of fungi since last summer than probably in my whole life of 40+ years previously. The contrast between these two types of lichen in a hedge called for a photo. Colours, shapes and textures in the details of what we see all around become more and more precious as we realise we have the senses to see and appreciate them. These details can only be appreciated when travelling at walking pace. So with the details of life, it is good not to be so hectic that interesting and important details are overlooked.
3. Enjoy the wider views.
Walking pace makes one feel so much more part of the landscape. This view could be enjoyed from a car travelling along the little lane - even a car cannot travel too fast along many of our country lanes. However, sealed within the metal and glass box, the experience is not really the same. The driver in particular can only get quick impressions of the passing scene while concentrating on the road. The walk allowed me to look over the village of Shuttlewood and across the valley to the hills beyond. Yes, it was a bit grey, and the wind was chill, but it was good to be breathing the fresh air and savouring the view as it opened out. In our lives it is always good to survey the wider scene and the context of our lives, especially with all the modern rush and fragmentation of our experiences. How many lives are represented by the houses in view? How many have been affected by the closure of the local heavy industry - there are many advantages in the quality of life to be enjoyed now the grime has gone, but the loss of the jobs still leaves its mark. Each one of us is part of a wider story.
4. A reminder that life can be challenging.
The walk took me past an old tumble down house with outbuildings (just the outbuildings featured in the above picture). I am sure it could be a lovely place, but it looked very forlorn in its present state. It would be a big project for anyone except the most capable of builders. I am not practical and could only admire anyone with the ability and commitment to take on such a project. We all have aspects of our lives that are challenging, and challenge is good for us. Often a good walk itself can be a challenge if we set ourselves a long distance, or lots of hills, or face adverse weather. To an extent these challenges are personal, but through relationships we help one another and work with each other to overcome the challenges. The very best companion for life's challenges is an unseen one, but one who knows all about each one of us and who has Himself experienced the challenges of life in a very real and extreme way.
5. A view from a different perspective.
I have driven the long straight stretches of road between Bolsover and Clowne numerous times, but only walked them a couple of times. To be honest, they do not immediately appeal as walking routes, but you get a whole fresh sense of the atmosphere of the places you pass through when using the pavement, which is definitely underused these days. We can get blinkered into routines of daily life and feel we have to keep on a full steam ahead, but doing so loses out on important perspective. We need quieter times for thought and reflection on the direction and meaning of life.
6. Appreciate highlights and landmarks.
Bolsover Castle is a major local landmark. Such places can become little more than a familiar background for local people, who get into the way of hardly noticing them any more, whilst they are likely to really attract the attention of passing visitors. Britain is a so-called Christian country, but the reality of that defining spiritual landmark has been lost, and it is just a vague background cultural concept to so many of our lives. It is good to take note of our spiritual needs and have landmarks in our lives that are foundations for us. The true Christian faith is the most important landmark of all to so many who really experience it first hand. For those who do experience it in such a way, it is a landmark and highlight for life that never fades or loses its central presence in our lives. The Christian walk is, and should be, fresh each day. I am also learning that simply walking around the local area is fresh each day too, as the seasons unfold and the weather changes day by day.
Distance 6.75 miles. Home (Carr Vale) - up the hill to Bolsover town centre - north along the lane to Oxcroft - back by the road through Shuttlewood.
Yesterday's walk was very ordinary. It was a cold, grey day. The location was local to home in northeast Derbyshire. The Peak District is not far away, but the local landscape, while pleasant, is less dramatic and more impacted by industry. Having been without a car for some time, my options for walks have been more limited, but I have come to appreciate the local area in a deeper way. I should add I have only lived in the area for a little under 18 months.
On an ordinary walk, there is still plenty to notice. These days I walk with a camera, and it is great to see the way records are building up of walks through the seasons. I often walk round a local nature reserve, but yesterday I wanted a bit of a change. So to start with I headed up the hill to town. Bolsover is on the crest of a plateau with westward facing down slopes to the Doe Lea and Rother valley with Peak District hills rising beyond.
1. The path and the choice of route.
The first picture is looking along a path between buildings in Bolsover to the open country beyond. For a first time visitor to the town centre, this view might come as a surprise. The little path is also rather secretive, so it is worth seeking out. The pathway through life can be very similar. It is not always good to simply follow the crowded ways, but seek out something more individual. Sometimes, we need to mark out a route ahead and stick with it. Occasionally is is good to go for a walk with no planned route, but to wander around a bit and enjoy the locality for what it is on the occasion we are in the area. To do this, a map is necessary to be aware of the options open to us at each junction of pathways. Looking back, I may feel that I have wandered through life a bit aimlessly so far, and yet I am thankful for many precious experiences along the way. It can be worth exploring little backwaters rather than sticking to the popular highways that people seek for financial security and a sense of belonging to the popular culture of the time.
2. Chance to notice details.
Over the past couple of years I have taken account far more of the detail we can see all around. For example, although I could not identify them, I have seen more types of fungi since last summer than probably in my whole life of 40+ years previously. The contrast between these two types of lichen in a hedge called for a photo. Colours, shapes and textures in the details of what we see all around become more and more precious as we realise we have the senses to see and appreciate them. These details can only be appreciated when travelling at walking pace. So with the details of life, it is good not to be so hectic that interesting and important details are overlooked.
3. Enjoy the wider views.
Walking pace makes one feel so much more part of the landscape. This view could be enjoyed from a car travelling along the little lane - even a car cannot travel too fast along many of our country lanes. However, sealed within the metal and glass box, the experience is not really the same. The driver in particular can only get quick impressions of the passing scene while concentrating on the road. The walk allowed me to look over the village of Shuttlewood and across the valley to the hills beyond. Yes, it was a bit grey, and the wind was chill, but it was good to be breathing the fresh air and savouring the view as it opened out. In our lives it is always good to survey the wider scene and the context of our lives, especially with all the modern rush and fragmentation of our experiences. How many lives are represented by the houses in view? How many have been affected by the closure of the local heavy industry - there are many advantages in the quality of life to be enjoyed now the grime has gone, but the loss of the jobs still leaves its mark. Each one of us is part of a wider story.
4. A reminder that life can be challenging.
The walk took me past an old tumble down house with outbuildings (just the outbuildings featured in the above picture). I am sure it could be a lovely place, but it looked very forlorn in its present state. It would be a big project for anyone except the most capable of builders. I am not practical and could only admire anyone with the ability and commitment to take on such a project. We all have aspects of our lives that are challenging, and challenge is good for us. Often a good walk itself can be a challenge if we set ourselves a long distance, or lots of hills, or face adverse weather. To an extent these challenges are personal, but through relationships we help one another and work with each other to overcome the challenges. The very best companion for life's challenges is an unseen one, but one who knows all about each one of us and who has Himself experienced the challenges of life in a very real and extreme way.
5. A view from a different perspective.
I have driven the long straight stretches of road between Bolsover and Clowne numerous times, but only walked them a couple of times. To be honest, they do not immediately appeal as walking routes, but you get a whole fresh sense of the atmosphere of the places you pass through when using the pavement, which is definitely underused these days. We can get blinkered into routines of daily life and feel we have to keep on a full steam ahead, but doing so loses out on important perspective. We need quieter times for thought and reflection on the direction and meaning of life.
6. Appreciate highlights and landmarks.
Bolsover Castle is a major local landmark. Such places can become little more than a familiar background for local people, who get into the way of hardly noticing them any more, whilst they are likely to really attract the attention of passing visitors. Britain is a so-called Christian country, but the reality of that defining spiritual landmark has been lost, and it is just a vague background cultural concept to so many of our lives. It is good to take note of our spiritual needs and have landmarks in our lives that are foundations for us. The true Christian faith is the most important landmark of all to so many who really experience it first hand. For those who do experience it in such a way, it is a landmark and highlight for life that never fades or loses its central presence in our lives. The Christian walk is, and should be, fresh each day. I am also learning that simply walking around the local area is fresh each day too, as the seasons unfold and the weather changes day by day.
Oh, walk with Jesus....
There are many Bible verses and hymns that express the Christian life and experience as a walk. This is just one of the hymns that springs to mind.
Oh, walk with Jesus, would'st thou know
How deep, how wide His love can flow!
They only fail His love to prove
Who in the way of sinners rove.
Walk thou with Him; that way is light,
All other pathways end in night:
Walk thou with Him; that way is rest,
All other pathways are unblest.
Oh, walk with Jesus! to thy view
He will make all things sweet and new;
Will bring new fragrance to each flower,
And hallow every passing hour.
Jesus, a great desire have we
To walk life's troubled path with Thee:
Come to us now, in converse stay;
And oh, walk with us day by day.
By E. P. Hood, 1820-1885.
Oh, walk with Jesus, would'st thou know
How deep, how wide His love can flow!
They only fail His love to prove
Who in the way of sinners rove.
Walk thou with Him; that way is light,
All other pathways end in night:
Walk thou with Him; that way is rest,
All other pathways are unblest.
Oh, walk with Jesus! to thy view
He will make all things sweet and new;
Will bring new fragrance to each flower,
And hallow every passing hour.
Jesus, a great desire have we
To walk life's troubled path with Thee:
Come to us now, in converse stay;
And oh, walk with us day by day.
By E. P. Hood, 1820-1885.
Keep on walking
Walking is the basic mode of human movement. With our vast modern transport networks we can lose sight of the fact that we still rely on walking to an enormous extent. However, the ease, speed and comfort of travelling long distances by car, train and plane has deeply impacted our experience and appreciation of the world around. I am convinced that it is good for us when we get back on our feet and spend a decent amount of time travelling at walking pace.
In days gone by, walking used to be an integral part of many working lives. Trades and occupations of many kinds involved a level of leg work that would shock many people today if they suddenly had to keep up with the amount of walking necessary on a day to day basis. Just to pick a few examples - farmers (no tractors), travelling entertainers and soldiers come readily to mind.
In addition, a few hundred years ago pilgrimage was a regular activity for many people, and the walking was an integral part of their religious expression. Personally, I would have many quibbles with the religious background to the whole concept of pilgrimage in those days, and especially the "industry" that developed, although now is not the time to embark on that debate. However, I simply note the fact that the Bible is full of images of people travelling on foot, often as a major part of their lives. As a child I was impressed by my father's Bible which showed the life and ministry of Jesus in the form of a series of maps with footprints detailing His extensive travels, which were mainly on foot.
And then, of course, walking is a major metaphor for the Christian life and experience. We all talk about the journey of life, and it is a journey where walking pace is a much more appropriate picture than high speed trains or cars. We talk about the pressures of the fast pace of modern life, and while many seem to enjoy the ride, many of us long for the chance to slow down a bit. The Bible refers regularly to the life of faith of the Christian as a walk. So it is my intention to us this site to share how walking, in both the practical and metaphorical sense, is of great importance to me. I would very much like walking to become established at the foundation of my life.
In days gone by, walking used to be an integral part of many working lives. Trades and occupations of many kinds involved a level of leg work that would shock many people today if they suddenly had to keep up with the amount of walking necessary on a day to day basis. Just to pick a few examples - farmers (no tractors), travelling entertainers and soldiers come readily to mind.
In addition, a few hundred years ago pilgrimage was a regular activity for many people, and the walking was an integral part of their religious expression. Personally, I would have many quibbles with the religious background to the whole concept of pilgrimage in those days, and especially the "industry" that developed, although now is not the time to embark on that debate. However, I simply note the fact that the Bible is full of images of people travelling on foot, often as a major part of their lives. As a child I was impressed by my father's Bible which showed the life and ministry of Jesus in the form of a series of maps with footprints detailing His extensive travels, which were mainly on foot.
And then, of course, walking is a major metaphor for the Christian life and experience. We all talk about the journey of life, and it is a journey where walking pace is a much more appropriate picture than high speed trains or cars. We talk about the pressures of the fast pace of modern life, and while many seem to enjoy the ride, many of us long for the chance to slow down a bit. The Bible refers regularly to the life of faith of the Christian as a walk. So it is my intention to us this site to share how walking, in both the practical and metaphorical sense, is of great importance to me. I would very much like walking to become established at the foundation of my life.
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