Entering God's Future - Comments on the future at Point Cook in terms of Joshua 1:1-11

(1) God’s Call Forward

The book of Joshua marks a turning point in the narratives of the Old Testament. It recounts the transition of landless wanderers into the landed people of Israel, and depicts a glorious entry into the ‘promised land’. And so this remains a pertinent text for continual consideration.

When we read that “the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun”, we could understand this in terms of Joshua having a deep inner conviction of God’s direction; whilst being physically voiceless, nonetheless being clear and definite. A major aspect of God’s guidance to Joshua, is to be “strong and courageous” in his leadership.

Joshua would have God’s presence and protection, and as God has proven to be so reliable in the past, Joshua and the people of Israel would able to go for it – to step out and pursue God’s agenda with confidence. In this way, with the knowledge of God’s help, even what might seem impossible can be actually realised!

Joshua would experience God removing obstacles and constantly protecting the progress of his journey (into God’s future). In terms of this passage, and God’s call, what does it mean to us to be “strong” and to be “courageous”?

To be “strong”
· to be solidly committed to a cause
· to have a good foundation; to be a fortress
· to have substantial faith, convictions, determination and character
· to well-equipped with good resources
· to be able to overcome setbacks
· to be capable of exerting influence or producing effectiveness

To be “courageous”
· to be brave in the face of challenging circumstances
· nerve oneself to a venture [Oxford Dictionary]
· to be able to take risks, and move through unchartered waters, with a knowledge of God’s abiding presence
· to be able to move forward without being [overly] deterred by the cost, by emotional or spiritual pressures, or by the discouragement of any other person
· to continue to be dissatisfied with an incomplete present

But it wouldn’t be enough, given the complexity of Joshua’s task, to just be “strong and courageous”, but verse 7 builds, and God convicts Joshua to be “strong and very courageous”. Part of this would be staying on the firm ground of God’s law as Joshua understood it.

To deviate from God’s road and to seek to travel another path, would take Joshua’s people into places where they might lose their way, and their sense of God’s companionship, and compromise their future altogether. As Joshua moved forward, the biggest danger he faced, was to try at any stage to act independently of God (according to his own desires and plans).

(2) Personal Application

Following our experience of the cross, Jesus’ resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, we are called to move forward and grow. We should never be content just possessing a little bit of peace, and a small amount of hope, and just having some sense of purpose; rather be desirous of more of God’s activity in our lives. We know how we’ve been, and see how we are, but God sees an even more beautiful picture of what we can become. This is the ‘promised land’ of our personal futures.

And no part of our lives is separate from this unified picture of what we can become. God wants to bring together our interests, our work and study, our home life, our relationships and friendships, and our spiritual centre into one magnificent package that pays tribute to God’s creativity. This is the path to fulfilment and success in life.

God has made a costly investment in each of us, and wants to see that investment bring rich returns. So we should be looking at whatever it is that needs to be done in our lives, in the way of preparation for God being able to fill us with the Divine Triune presence. As an example we read in verse 8:

"This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it".

As God progressively revealed His attitudes and priorities (in various contexts), through Moses, the Hebrew Prophets (like Isaiah & Jeremiah), Jesus and Paul, God required of those, seeking to be in relationship with Him, to adopt these attitudes and priorities.

Therefore the Bible is our reference book, which we need to thoroughly absorb, so that the truth contained in it becomes part of us, and we become reliable interpreters of it to those around us. We have God’s Word to us on the tip of our tongues, so that we can easily recall it and utilise it when it’s most needed. We don’t have it there to hit anyone else over the head with it, but rather have God’s Word within us to guard ourselves from error, and guide every action we take.

Knowing, applying and living God’s Word means that we can be creatively proactive in life, rather than unhelpfully reactive to the negatives that cross our path. In this way, though some may try to attack us, they will not ultimately succeed, as God stands with us.

(3) Corporate Application

Now let’s apply this text to our local situation! God has placed us within a community (not just as a worshipping community within the walls of a primary school gym). This is just where we functionally meet at the moment – we are actually God’s people in this local area in which most of us live. We don’t worship here as an escape from life, but rather as an encouragement and preparation for life (in community the rest of the week).

[And any smaller gatherings that we’re involved in during the week, whether they be in homes or community centres or on sporting fields, should be just as much an expression of worship as is our Sunday gathering.]

The growing area of Point Cook and all its surrounds is our physical ‘promised land’. Our ultimate home may be heaven, but this is where God has chosen to plant us as “trees of righteousness”. This is where we’ll experience the Kingdom of God. We pray: “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” This, here, is the earth to which we bring the “will of heaven”.

So we need to cross our particular Jordan River, whether that be – doubt, nervousness, financial limitations, logistical difficulties, or any form of opposition. We need to walk through the doors of open opportunity and march on with the knowledge of God’s presence and guidance. As Joshua was assured (v.5), if God is in what we are doing, no one will be able to successfully stand against us!

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you."

I know there have been disappointments in the past, but this is no time to dwell on them, just learn from them and go forward. Wouldn’t a significant Christian presence in the hub of this community be worth praying and working toward! God says it’s time to cross the Jordan River into the future being prepared for us … and not just for us, but for all those who will come to participate in God’s Kingdom with us.

God is not behind us pushing us. God has already entered the ‘promised land’ here, and is calling us to join Him there. Families will move to this area with high expectations for their futures. We should be wanting to contribute to their wholistic experience of life and community (expressing the love of God in so doing).

Just as God was concerned for the whole nation of Israel and their well-being, God’s concern is for all the people who will live here (and will live here). Just as God chose first Moses, and then Joshua, to lead the people, God now chooses His church through which to bless the community.

Sure we will confront annoying, uncooperative, downright difficult people, but isn’t that more reason to persist, given the complexity of the journey they may have experienced, and the real need they have. I’ve learnt that what often lies behind a very rough exterior is a heart not far from the search for life and God.

And so, as we have already noted, we will have to ground ourselves solidly on God’s Word. We will have to continue to discover what is important to God, and how we can follow Jesus in 2007 and beyond with integrity. We will have to know these things so well, that they naturally emanate out of our individual and corporate lives.

So we continue to pursue becoming more and more familiar with God’s Word to us in the Bible (especially as depicted in the life of Jesus in the Gospels); so that when we are making various decisions, these decisions – far more often than not – will be the right God-ordained decisions. We don’t want to be ‘second-guessing’ our decisions later, so we need to be in touch with God now!

(4) The Final Countdown

Joshua was able to give three days notice before the people of Israel were to cross over the Jordan River into the ‘promised land’. I don’t know the timing of what’s ahead of us, but I’m sure that God is saying … ‘prepare yourselves’, for you are entering my future. I believe this is God’s time for us to be moving strategically forward – there are enough signs to show this to be true, eg.

· many of our congregation who are tangibly strengthening their commitment to God; and showing themselves willing to use their gifts
· an increasing number of people who are showing a willingness to share a journey of worship and mission through this church
· an openness to the message of the Gospel in the community (given that it is offered with integrity and a loving heart)
· opportunities to develop a facility that will offer long-term ministry to the broad community (through various partnerships and areas of cooperation)

How can we prepare ourselves?
· Bible study, prayerful listening for God’s leading, intercessory prayer for God’s provision
· Keeping our heads up, our eyes wide open, our ears de-waxed, our senses tuned in to what’s happening around us
· Walking through the open doors that present themselves until God closes them
· Building relationships within the community around us, so that when the time comes, the right and necessary preparation has already been done.

There will be a need for those skilled and gifted in areas of project development and visionary thinking to put themselves forward, to start putting those things in place that will bring God’s future into being amongst us.

Transforming Love - John 21:1-19

(1) Peter unsure of his future (v.3)

Peter knew that Jesus had risen from the dead, but he didn’t yet realize the tremendous implications of this for him personally. Peter of course had denied even knowing Jesus three times prior to the crucifixion. He had previously been so confident in his capacity to follow Jesus, and so these denials really cut him down. Peter had disappointed himself, and begun to feel unworthy of any particular responsibility. He had formerly left everything behind (including his fishing business) to follow Jesus, but now he was just going fishing. Peter retreated to what he knew best, to see if he could find any solace to meet his confusion, out on the water with his nets. He even convinced others of the disciples to go with him.

What happened out there on the lake? Peter and the others caught absolutely nothing! This is reminiscent of the time (recorded in Luke 5) when these fishermen had spent a long night out fishing catching nothing, then been confronted by Jesus for the first time, who said for them to try again, and there was a miraculous catch of fish. On the basis of this, these fishermen left everything and followed Jesus.

So again they had caught nothing! Why? Because, as worthy a pursuit as this was, this was not what they were meant to be doing. Peter, for the last three years, had been called to “fish” for people! And despite all the frenetic happenings around the crucifixion and resurrection, nothing had changed this call on Peter’s life. It is no wonder that things don’t go well when we choose a path other than the one we’re supposed to! Of course Peter caught nothing – this wasn’t his “thing” anymore.

(2) Peter reminded of Jesus’ ability to change realities (v.5-13)

Of course when Jesus came along to the sea that day, things went dramatically better! This served to remind all the disciples of the power that was available to them through following him – Jesus. Eventually it would be the Holy Spirit that would enable Peter and the other disciples to be so tremendously effective in their witness and mission.

Why wouldn’t the disciples have recognized Jesus that morning (v.4)? They had come to recognize him previously, especially through the extensive questioning of Thomas. Could it have been that they were not ready to recognize him in terms of the uncertainty that lay ahead! Better to try to escape the uncertainty, than be called to enter into the middle of it. Life will always be uncertain, but Jesus calls each one of us not to withdraw, but engage into it following and serving him.

Jesus noted the disciples’ lack of fishing success, and again showed them where their success in life would really derive from … which was what???

John was the first to get it – he says (v.7) “It is the Lord!” Peter then saw it for himself and rushed to Jesus. The disciples left in the boat would bring it to shore with all the fish that Jesus had allowed them to catch. Peter (their leader), already on shore, then hauled the overfull net over to Jesus. What does all this symbolize? This symbolized the success they would have on mission if they just focused on Jesus. Jesus would provide the opportunities – they would be everywhere – there would be well and truly enough people around willing to hear and respond – that each disciple would be busy enough. Then, as now, there would have been hurting people, looking for good news and hope – the disciples would just have to relate to enough people to find them!

It’s interesting that such an overfull net did not tear in the slightest! Not one fish was lost!! This shows us that we don’t go “fishing” purely in our own strength (in the strength of our own limited resources), but that this is Jesus’ mission and he will protect it, and bring success to it. We don’t have to worry about making mistakes (in our interactions with people) because if we relate with integrity, then Jesus will bring the results! Even our most inadequate words can be transformed by God’s Spirit before they reach another’s ears. It was Jesus who started and fueled the fire on the beach that allowed the disciples to have breakfast. We might also recall (as the disciples no doubt did) a previous time when Jesus handled bread and fish with great impact!

(3) Peter loved, forgiven and commissioned (v.15-17)

Now it was time for Peter to face his threefold denial of Jesus. Jesus did not take this approach to condemn Peter, or be critical of Peter, or to judge Peter in any way! Jesus’ approach here is to address Peter’s own feelings of unworthiness, disappointment in himself, and frustration. It would only be in addressing this head on that Peter would be fully restored as a person ready for life, witness & mission.

Jesus’ love for Peter was obvious and tangible. But could Peter now look Jesus in the eye and express love for him. I guess at times when we have gone off track, it may have been difficult to look unto Jesus in worship and express our love for him … we may have felt too ashamed. Yet Jesus continues to shine his love on us, allowing us to love him again in return. Peter would be asked to express his love three times, canceling, as it were, the effects of each of his denials ON HIS OWN SPIRIT!!

[In verse 15, where we read “do you love me more than these”, it could be that Jesus was asking Peter whether he loved Jesus more than the fishing business, the boats & the nets; but more probably Peter was being asked to express a love that was greater than the love that the other disciples may have had for Jesus! I don’t know what you make of this, but I think it has something to do with not limiting our love to the limits of what we see from any other – but allowing our love for Jesus to reach the heights of its own potential. For example, we might look up to a certain person and want to emulate their perceived level of spiritual commitment, and that might be enough for us! Jesus may be saying to us, that although that might be a significant challenge in itself (to emulate this particular person), we shouldn’t limit ourselves to just that – we could go even further.]

The hurt that Peter felt on the third request (v.17), would have surfaced as the full impact of the depth of his denial surfaced and was met by Jesus’ love. Jesus indeed knew “everything”, including the depth of Peter’s pain and feelings of failure.

As Peter was able to express his love for Jesus, on each of the three occasions, Peter was restored to his position of leadership in the Jesus community. It is those of us who can truly love Jesus, who are most ready to be used of him!

Peter was able then to take out into the community, not despair and defeat, but the message of God’s forgiveness, hope, and the prospect of peace. Peter could ably reflect that all people are significant to God.

(4) Peter’s call to pastoral care (v.15-17)

Peter’s restoration to ministry in Jesus name’, meant feeding and tending Jesus’ sheep and lambs. ‘Feeding’ would indicate teaching them (and living in agreement with such sound & helpful principles), as well as generally seeing that their needs were provided for. ‘Tending’ would indicate a significant level of care and support both in spiritual and practical ways. And the “lambs” and “sheep” would include all people, not just those who present themselves to Peter and the other disciples, but to all of the community around them (young & not so young). This is because God sees all people as His potential children. Being an encourager of other people’s abilities and giftedness would be an important part of this.

This all would not be Peter’s responsibility alone, but he would have to take a lead in the fledgling Christian community, and model such attitudes and qualities to those who would share in the ministry and mission. At times Peter would certainly find this difficult, because of some of the people he would encounter, and some of the circumstances that would cross his path; but he would always be able to rely on Jesus to guide him, and the movement of the Holy Spirit to make him effective.

We know that Peter conducted a powerful, successful ministry to many thousands – sharing the good news about Jesus, teaching them the truths of God, and seeing them cared for within the life of the various house churches that formed the basis of the early Christian movement.

(5) Following Jesus – wherever this takes you (v.18-19)

Peter would have exciting times ahead. Such would be his wonderful, positive, redemptive impact, however, that there was bound to be people out to destroy him. There would be various attempts to silence him, and there was the remarkable escape God brought about for him (in Acts 12); but eventually the time would come when his life was taken.

But for Peter, life would have been so much the lesser if he’d ignored Jesus’ call – Peter would have been so unfulfilled and unhappy if he’d walked the other way; that despite the cost … there was only one way to go – the Jesus way! Jesus says, “Follow me!” … with the sense of the Greek text here being “Follow me and keep on following me!”

Through his great love, Jesus transforms Peter so that he can participate in the transformation of others. Jesus transforms our lives (through his life, death, resurrection & giving of the Spirit) so that we also can participate in the transformation of others in our communities.

"Do I Believe?" - The question asked in John 20:19-29

Something was up! Jesus’ body was missing from the tomb. What was it that Jesus had said about rising from the dead on the third day? Could Jesus really have conquered death? And now Mary Magdalene was saying that she had seen Jesus, and she really believed it! You could imagine that a decent debate was going on amongst them all.

The Jewish leadership, not to mention the Romans, were going to be incensed that someone had stolen the body of Jesus so as to spread the rumour that he was alive. And the disciples were going to be on top of the list of suspects. No wonder they had their door locked in fear.

But now Jesus appeared to them all, with the exception of the missing Thomas. Jesus would use the same familiar words he used back in chapter 14, “Peace be with you”. Jesus had just made this peace possible by his sacrifice on the cross, and soon these same disciples would be empowered, and have the full potential of this peace within them, through the coming of the Holy Spirit.

How did Jesus appear to these disciples? We can see that Jesus was physically resurrected in a human form, as he was able to point out the wounds he had suffered during his torture. These wounds would be an important point of recognition for the disciples. But we can also see here a body already prepared for ascension and eternity, as Jesus was able to enter a sealed room without even needing to knock on the locked door. This would be an important indication of the presence of God.

As you would imagine, the disciples now rejoiced. Following Jesus’ death on the cross they would have felt defeated, hopeless, as if they had wasted a good three years of their life on a worthless cause. But now they probably wanted to throw a big party, and rub all their opponents’ noses in it! However, Jesus short-circuited these plans, by saying to them, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you”. The disciples had to remember now about all of the training and guidance they had been given. Instead of going back to their former lives, they were confronted with the realisation that leaving everything to follow Jesus was an ongoing dynamic.

The purpose of Jesus’ incarnation was being passed on to these disciples. People in the disciples’ community (and then beyond) would find out about the forgiveness available to them through these Spirit-filled disciples, or, possibly not find out about this forgiveness – if these disciples (rather than accepting) retreated from their calling. This is how these disciples held the keys to God’s Kingdom – how many people could they introduce to the entrance door?

A very imperfect analogy would be this: If a person wants to sell their home, they employ a real estate agent to present their house in the best way possible to interested buyers. These agents promote the house and show people through it. Eventually they’ll close a deal with a formal contract.

Jesus’ disciples will be the agents of God (through the guidance of the Holy Spirit) in presenting and demonstrating the credibility of God to their community, causing people to commit themselves to the Jesus way.

Having introduced people to Jesus – some will accept the disciples’ testimony, respond positively, and experience God’s grace for themselves. Others will unfortunately walk away untouched and remain unforgiven and in spiritual poverty.

Thomas, who wasn’t around during this appearance, later came to hear about Jesus’ supposed resurrection. Where had Thomas been? Perhaps his level of disappointment and despair had taken him back to his former life with little thought of returning! Perhaps he just couldn’t face being with the other disciples, as they would continually remind him of his loss. But it may have only taken the slightest possibility of Jesus’ return that brought Thomas back to the fold. Perhaps this return was through the insistence of the others that the news was true, and the hope and joy they were portraying.

Thomas was one who was not easily convinced – he wanted absolute proof. He didn’t want all his hopes to be dashed again! Although Thomas may seem a difficult, conservative sort of guy, he had previously shown great character, courage and loyalty, when he was willing to accompany Jesus back to Judea even if this led to his own death (John 11). Thomas also showed the willingness to make himself vulnerable by exposing his lack of understanding, when he said – “Lord, we do not know where you are going – how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). But proof Thomas wanted, so proof he would receive! Thomas didn’t have to directly ask for this proof, Jesus knew Thomas’ heart!

Probably the best translation, at the end of verse 27, would be: “Stop becoming an ‘unbeliever’ and ‘believe’”. Thomas is not difficult, nor conservative, any longer. He is spontaneous and radical! Thomas may not have, in the end, even needed to touch Jesus’ scars, so overwhelmed was he with Jesus’ presence! He relates that he absolutely ‘believes’ by saying to Jesus – “My Lord and my God” – a statement of adoring faith.

This incident actually served to challenge those in the first century church, and each of us that followed, who would never have the chance to physically see and touch Jesus’ wounds. As an aside, we may sometimes think a little absolute proof would be handy, but don’t we receive regular proof anyway as we experience answers to prayer and changing circumstances. And as the text teaches, how blessed we will be, if we could just put our faith in the sure testimony of the disciples and the truth of God’s Word.

I know that the lectern I stand behind exists without having to think about it, there is no choice involved. How blessed we are when we internally experience the answer to our needs beyond our immediate ability to comprehend, and choose by faith to follow in that direction.

Thomas moved from ‘unbelief’ to ‘belief’ on the basis of overwhelming evidence. People of all subsequent generations will be so blessed in their lives if they can move from ‘unbelief’ to ‘belief’ through a step of faith. This step of faith involves an unsettling dissatisfaction with how life is panning out for a person, combined with a perceptible touch of God’s grace.

So the disciples of old, and modern-day disciples will have to live out the Jesus life with credibility and purpose and effectiveness – to aid this process of the realisation of need intersecting with the offer of grace. We will have to, in very natural ways, be about the following:
· bringing understanding to a person’s dissatisfaction with their life (after all, without God there can be no lasting satisfaction);
· providing a representation of how the grace of God effectively operates through the challenges and difficulties of everyday life.

This will all originate of course from our closeness with God. Have we moved from ‘unbelief’ to ‘belief’? Have we found ourselves so convinced of what Jesus is doing in our life that we want to see others experience this as well? What will we need to do to be truly on fire for God and His Kingdom?

Is it a first-time commitment to Jesus? Is it a most-needed re-commitment to God’s ways? Is it believer's baptism? Is it a new understanding of God’s commitment to all the people of the world? Is it the need for a new injection of compassion for the hurting? Is it an exploration of the gifts we are being given by the Holy Spirit?

Let’s pray to God in terms of our need, and then seek help from our brothers and sisters. The world needs us, our community needs us, everyone needs to be able to see and experience the wounds of Jesus as they look at us. Sounds too much to handle! So we pray, and we keep praying. So, we encourage each other, and keep encouraging!

Good Friday Meditations

Let us first acknowledge God, for the wonder of all His creation; and let us honour the Wurundjeri people, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and worship in Point Cook. We remember their suffering, and pray for their well-being.

Over there, on a hill, they call it Golgotha, there is a lot of activity – there are going to be crucifixions today. We know about this cruel form of execution that the Romans use. Yes, there are two convicts set to die today – they will be on the left and right of the cross to be placed in the centre. Who will it be, nailed to the centre cross?

There is an echo in my head – the crowd was calling out “Crucify Him, Crucify Him”. Was it really Jesus they were referring to? After all, hadn’t Jesus just been helping people, and putting a positive spin on life! Now I can hear another roar. And if I strain my neck, I can see a bloodied man dragging a cross. And it is Jesus!

I cannot tell why He whom angels worship, should set His love upon the people of earth. Or why, as shepherd, He should seek the wanderers, to bring them back. But this I know, that He was born of Mary, and Bethlehem’s manger was His first home; that He lived at Nazareth and laboured. So the Saviour of the world had come.

I cannot tell how silently He suffered, as with His peace He graced this place with tears. Or how His heart upon the cross was broken, the crown of pain to three and thirty years! But this I know, He heals the broken hearted, and stays our sin, and calms our lurking fear. He lifts the burden from the heavy laden; for yet the Saviour of the world is here.

Why would God ask this of Jesus? Because God indeed loves us so much! Each of us was known to God in our mother’s womb and God loved us then. As each of us emerged into life in this world, God saw potential in us, and God loved us. As we were carefree children, running amuck through our parents’ lives, and driving teachers mad, God loved us then. In our first times of rebellion, when we tended to completely ignore God, and did things that offended God and hurt others, God still loved us.

As we sit here, in many ways broken and battered people, in the midst of this assurance that God loves us and always will – Jesus says to us, “It is okay; yes you’ve got yourself in a fair bit of trouble, but I have died so that you might be able to truly love God in response to His love for you.”

In John’s Gospel, Jesus, from the cross, says “I am thirsty”, and a sponge full of sour wine is lifted to Jesus’ mouth. But there is more to this statement than just the human thirst of Jesus on the cross. Jesus, who is the living water, was identifying with all human beings who without Jesus will always thirst. It was our unquenched thirstiness that took Jesus to the cross. In identifying ourselves with this sacrifice, in accepting that Jesus did this for ‘me’, then we will receive such living water … that we will never be thirsty again.

Each one of us is an incomplete human being without a relationship with God. But things have got in the way to prevent this. Think of wanting to get up close and personal with your favourite star of stage or screen or the football field. They are out in public making an appearance to promote what they’re doing, yet you just can’t get to them. You want to give them some advice on their song choices or goal-kicking, but there are all these barricades and security guards and wall-to-wall people, and you think that you’ll never make it – you’ll never meet this hero of yours! Jesus has broken through all the barriers that get in the way between us and God. Let us approach that throne of grace and not miss out on the blessing.

We can have a good time today, but the sacrifice of Jesus and what it means for the world ... should never be far from our minds! And we of course look forward to a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection in two days time.

Thank-you Jesus for showing God’s love to me – for choosing to suffer on my behalf! I’m truly forgiven because you were forsaken. Jesus, You are my King! God of the crucified Jesus, we pray that we may all be lifted above anxiety, guilt, bewilderment, pain and fear, by your mercy given to each one of us in bearing our sorrows and carrying our shame. We pray for our family and friends – that a new hope might germinate for them also this day, a new awareness that eagerly awaits resurrection. We pray for all who are sick and suffering this day, may each one know the comforting, strengthening presence of Jesus; in communion with Christ’s sufferings may they come to know the God who understands. Amen!

Reading John 19:16-30 would be very profitable. May Easter blessings flow to all!