A prayer for the world and for us all

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through
Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family;
take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break
down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work
through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on
earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

from The Book of Common Prayer

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Wrestling with Truth October 9, 2011

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

Voices from the Book of Ruth

[Read chapters 1 through 4 of Ruth]

On a rather warm summer day, before the invention of air-conditioning, I attended the wedding of Tom and Beth in a church just south of Boston.  As a part of their marriage vows, Beth turned to Tom and I heard her recite these words from Ruth 1:16

” . . . for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord also do so to me, and also more, if aught but death part thee and me”  (KJV)

The story of Ruth speaks to me of faithfulness and of commitment.  Ruth is a person of commitment in the midst of many examples of the lack of commitment.

At the end of Joshua (24:15), we hear Joshua’s challenge to the Israelites:

” . . . choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the Gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

and the people respond: “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; . . . . We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.”

Joshua says: “You will not be able to serve the Lord . . . ” but the people affirm: “. . . we will serve the Lord.”

Yet, by the end of Judges in 21:25 we hear the final comment of the writer:  “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  Near the beginning of I Samuel, we read of the apostasy of Eli’s and Samuel’s sons and the disobedience of Saul.

In between, we find the beautiful story of Ruth, and note particularly her sense of commitment to a mother-in-law and to a God who was not her own.

The understanding of commitment expressed here can be heard in three voices:

1.   THE FIRST VOICE EXPRESSES THE COMMITMENT OF A HUMAN TO ANOTHER

Here is companionship, the love that binds us in human relationships.  We can hear in the words of Ruth, spoken to Naomi, a sense of deep loyalty.  Her “for wherever you go, I will go” statement expresses the true faithfulness of human relationships.  It might range from the affection of two boys out in the woods somewhere establishing a “club” and signing their mutual commitment in their own blood; to the love of a retired couple who, having pledged themselves to each other fifty years before, look back on a life of faithfulness.

It is found in the marriage covenant and also in other deep human loves.  It is almost like an oath, the swearing of a vow.

Orpah has been persuaded to return to her people and her gods but Ruth has a love for Naomi which transcends that which she feels for her own family and her own religion.  Ruth is ready to make a permanent commitment.

Here, in this voice, faithfulness is to be found in a commitment to a person near us.

2.   THE SECOND VOICE EXPRESSES THE COMMITMENT OF A HUMAN TOWARD GOD

This is a searching for the ultimate; a seeking to answer the great questions of life; a consecration of self to the true God.  Ruth, in contrast to Orpah, turns toward Naomi and her God away from the gods of Moab.

Hear it again:

“Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”  (NKJV)

I can hear a person consecrating himself to God with this statement as a prayer, a creed.  Here is a transcendent understanding of commitment; faith in a God beyond us.

To stop here, however, would be to present a truncated, limited, and inadequate view of faith and of God.

3.   THE THIRD VOICE EXPRESSES GOD REVEALING HIMSELF IN LOVE TO FINITE HUMANS

God’s revelation makes true commitment possible.  God’s word not only asks for commitment but gives the grace and power that makes that commitment possible.

This is an expression of the incarnation, God becoming human . . . God committing himself to us to the extent that he is willing and actually does become man.  We see this in Jesus’ coming as a baby — taking on human flesh.  We also see this in Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:  “although [Jesus] existed in the from of God, [He] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Here, in this voice, faithfulness is not only to be found in the commitment of God to us as humans but also in God’s divine intervention in human history.

Here, in this book, where we encounter the explanation of the family heritage of King David, we also encounter the idea of a kinsman-redeemer.  Ruth’s commitment in the midst of unfavorable circumstances finds response in God’s provision of a redeemer.

Who is the redeemer?  Obviously it is Boaz, but then again, is he the only redeemer?

In Ruth 4:14, the women say to Naomi:  “Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel . . .”

Who are they talking about?  Boaz?  Or, could they be talking about God as redeemer?

They could also be talking about the baby, Obed, as the redeemer.  Note Ruth 4:15 which reads: “May he also  . . . “

Will he, Obed, be the source of redemption in Israel?

The ultimate question then, is where are you seeking redemption?  Who is your redeemer?

Where will a redeemer be found?  Our true redeemer will be found only in Jesus Christ.

Listen to the voice of God in Jesus our redeemer as Horatio Bonar reminds us so eloquently:

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done.

TLT

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Ontario, New York, and Kentucky Travels

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

After a speedy trip to Toronto and then back to Elmira, NY, I am now in Wilmore, KY.  I zoomed the whole 655 miles from Elmira to Wilmore in one day which is too much since it exhausts me for the next day as well.

The time at Tyndale University College & Seminary in Toronto was a blessing.  So many good friends on the staff to visit.  Dare I make a list of the people I talked to? . . . well, there was Brenda, Becky, Jane, Sharon, Mandy, Scott, Steve, Bryan, Sandra, Richard, Eric, Daniel, Warren, Barry, Jason, Ben, Yan, Daniel, Nancy, Barb, Joanna, Karen, . . . and . . . probably a few more I cannot remember or I just was able to wave to.  What a joy to have so many Tyndale friends and to see so many in a short visit.  I also miss a few who have moved on to other positions.  Toby and David, where are you?  Chi-Ling, where did you go?

Besides lots of shop talk there was a wonderful dim sum lunch at the Paradise restaurant.  Joyce did very well with her chop sticks!  Except for the jello.

Joyce is continuing on in NY caring for her parents.  Her father fell today but is okay except for aches and bruises.  Pray for them if you think of it.  She and her sisters are carrying a big load.  I will be teaching a class on the Book of Ruth this Sunday and then there is mowing the lawn and organizing and processing the mail . . . and getting some rest.  Fixing a few things and . . . Who said that I would have lots of time?

TLT

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On Sturgeon Lake

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

As part of our Toronto escape, we spent this past weekend with our wonderful friends, Sandy and Lorne.  Sandy and Lorne actually live about 35 minutes from Tyndale University College and Seminary in Stouffville.  We arrived at their home early Saturday afternoon and in just a little time hopped into their car (well, as readily as old foggies like us can  . . ) and headed to their “cottage” near Fenelon Falls.  About an hour and a half later, we arrived to begin our mini-holiday in their eight bedroom, nineteenth century retreat home.   Here are some of the happy highlights:

–sausages and whole grain pancakes
–the luxury of an inviting pink and white duvet comforter
–Lorne’s personally prepared pear cookies and chocolate drenched, candied saltine crackers
–Timothy playing old hymns on the piano
–billiards–Timothy and Lorne had a great time!
–blazing logs in the fireplace
–air hockey
–two Kim Hollingworth DVD’s–she is an awesome pianist.  We argued and argued about how old the videos were and what her present age might be.  Lorne and Sandy won after a check of the internet when we got back to civilization.  (Sorry, Timothy!)
–walking through Sturgeon Point Village in the rain–still amazingly beautiful!
–vinyl records with old gospel songs played on a turntable
–black squirrels and wizened corn stalks
–new grass sprouting that Lorne recently planted
–true worship at Fenelon Falls Baptist Church
–fun antique shops in Fenelon Falls
–buttertarts and coffee in New Britain–like going back in time fifty years

Monday afternoon we trekked back to Stouffville with lots of fun memories.  Lorne and Timothy were still acting goofy in the front seat.  Sandy and I, of course, were more appropriate.

Thanks, Sandy and Lorne, for a wonderful weekend.  We love you!

JT

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Fenelon Falls Baptist Church

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

Pastor Mark Scott
Fenelon Falls Baptist Church
Fenelon Falls, Ontario

Dear Pastor Scott:

It was our privilege to join in worship with you and your congregation this past Sunday (October 2, 2011).  We attended as the guests of our friends, Lorne and Sandy LeGrow.

Thank you for the positive and uplifting worship service focused on solid hymns and songs and the good and helpful biblical message on the topic of “The Cleansing Power of Confession” (1 John 1:9).

It is certainly encouraging to know that an enthusiastic group of Christians in Fenelon Falls is meeting together each week to praise God and promote His truth in their hearts and minds.  It is easy to conclude that God is only at work in one place but experiences such as this reaffirm that God’s work is not limited by the confines of geography.  God is at work in Fenelon Falls.

I especially liked the song by Reuben Morgan:

Let the weak say I am strong
Let the poor say I am rich
Let the blind say I can see
It’s what the Lord has done in me

 Hosanna, Hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, Hosanna
Jesus died and rose again

Into the river I will wade
There my sins are washed away
From the heavens mercy streams
Of the Saviour’s love for me

 I will rise from waters deep
Into the saving arms of God
I will sing salvation songs
Jesus Christ has set me free

May the Lord bless you and your people as you advance this good work in your town.

Timothy L.  Thomas

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Celebration at Shakertown

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

We celebrated Joyce’s birthday at Shakertown yesterday (Monday). This is a special “refurbished” community about 9 miles from our house. The attached pictures will give you a visual experience of what it is like. People come from all over the country to visit. Some stay overnight, some eat in the dining room, and others walk around the grounds or through the buildings. It was a foggy morning but the sun broke through in places. Very special.

While the theology of the Shakers is off the mark, they must be appreciated for the community and agricultural life they created in their villages in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Kentucky.  Look at www.shakervillageky.org for more descriptive details.

By the time you read this we will be zooming down the highway on our way to upstate New York.

TLT

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Wrestlng with Truth September 11, 2011

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

City of Refuge

CONSIDERING EVIL  (Deuteronomy 19)

As we observe how the Israelites went about setting up their community and culture, there is much to learn.  However even with guidance from Moses (and God) there were still many challenges for them and subsequently for us today.

Even in this theocentric community, evil continued.  The Book of Deuteronomy reminds us continually of the need for structures that help us to combat and to diminish rampant evil.  The source of evil is shrouded in mystery and has to do with the freedom of man that God has allowed.  In the broad sense evil arises from rebellion against God, the selfishness and pride of man, the broken creation, the unpredictability and the order of the universe, and human frailty and brokenness.  As we have seen, all of these dimensions of evil have their roots in human choice and the desire of man to have his own way and not be subject to God.

The main purpose of the chapter is to show how the Israelites were to distinguish good intention from bad intention – unintentional mistakes as opposed to malice aforethought.  Several cities of refuge were to be set up.  To these cities the accused could flee and find just recourse.  Procedures for the proper handling of such cases are described.

The specific passage in Deuteronomy 19 under consideration outlines three examples of evil as personified in the manslayer, the thief, and the false witness.

The progression of the manslayer’s sin is described in verse 11: “ . . . a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait for him, assaults and kills him . . . ”  (Deuteronomy 19:11 NIV).

Here is a man who hates, who plans, who waits, who attacks, and who kills.  For him there is no respite in the cities of refuge.  Even if he gets there, he will be brought back to pay for his sin.  The manslayer is presented in contrast to the man who kills his neighbor unintentionally.  For him, there is recourse in the city of refuge.

The thief described here is the one who moves the boundary lines and thus steals his neighbor’s property; more specially, his neighbor’s livelihood, since this is an agrarian society.  The restatement of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) given in Deuteronomy 5 specifically includes “his field” in the list of the neighbor’s things that must not be coveted.  There is no discussion here, just “You shall not move your neighbor’s landmark” (ESV)!

The false witness is balanced by the calling of one or two true witnesses and then there is the opportunity for diligent inquiry before the priests and judges.

The passage finishes with the well-known lex talionis, the law of retaliation – an eye for an eye.  This is not meant to imply that the punishment is to be exactly the same as the crime.  This is not a “pound of flesh” as argued by Shylock of Shakespearean fame.  The intention is that the punishment be appropriate.  See Exodus 21:23-27 which outlines the use of comparable “punishments.”

God through Moses desires to establish an Israelite community which:

  •             Encourages righteous living
  •             Protects the vulnerable
  •             Provides appropriate restitution
  •             Restrains the wicked
  •             Restores the penitent

What are the respective roles of government, family, and church in implementing these principles today?

References:
Colin S. Smith, Unlocking the Bible Story, Volume 1.  Moody Press, 2002
Raymond Brown, The Message of Deuteronomy.  Inter-Varsity Press, 1993

TLT

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Thanks for dreary days

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

The last three days have been deary.  Some suggested synonyms for dreary are bleak, cheerless, chilly, cloudy, cold, comfortless, dark, depressing, desolate, dire, disconsolate, dismal, gloomy, forlorn, glum, lonesome, miserable, morbid, morose, murky, solemn, somber, sullen, and sunless.  Not all of these apply, but I think you get the idea.

Valley View Ferry

At the end of last week, we had two record-setting days with temperatures above 95F (35C).  So temperatures less than 60F (16C) have been quite a switch.  With continual rain for three days there has been little opportunity for yard-work.  That will come once the sun comes out.  The grass, I am sure is starting to grow again.  Mowing is coming!

We did use Monday (Labor Day) for a trip to Berea, Kentucky, and a casual tour of the many craft shops.  Quite enjoyable in spite of the rain.  We were able to use the ferry route to get there but came home the long way.

On a so-called dreary day, there are still many things to enjoy.  Going to the dentist tomorrow will not be one of them.  Some of the enjoyable, and “thankful” things are:

  • a reliable car with new brakes installed by a good mechanic
  • a good WiFi linked computer which enables communication
  • learning to “text” by cell phone
  • a postal system which delivers our mail faithfully
  • good music on vinyl records which can be converted to CD’s and enjoyed in the car
  • listening to piano hymns on CD by Virginia Brubaker
  • time to try to make sense out of the Book of Deuteronomy
  • strawberry cake with vanilla ice cream
  • stir-fry chicken with onions and sweet peppers
  • space to put things
  • time for Joyce to make a stuffed teddy-bear
  • opportunity to get some things out that have been packed away for a long time
  • time to “digitize” some of the old slide photographs and edit them into a screen saver
  • time to read one of Clive Cussler’s adventures
  • time to get ready for our next trip to New York

I am thankful for the so-called dreary days because, when the sun comes, I will get to enjoy mowing and gathering falling leaves.

TLT

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Wrestling with Truth September 4, 2011

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

PRINCIPLES OF GIVING

Based on Deuteronomy 14 – 16:

15:2, 3             Love God’s people
15:4                 Remember God’s kindness
15:5                 Obey God’s word
15:6                 Trust God’s promises
15:9                 Keep your heart right

There are significant consequences when we do not follow God’s law.   See Jeremiah 34:8-20

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s generosity toward us.   See Luke 4:18-21 NIV  “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, {19} to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” {20} Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, {21} and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Comments:

Deuteronomy 16:1 – 8   Remember God’s saving deliverance — therefore celebrate the Exodus, the Passover, the Cross, and our salvation

Deuteronomy 16:9 – 12   Remember God’s abundant generosity — therefore give in proportion

Deuteronomy 16:13 – 15   Remember God’s faithfulness — therefore share with the needy

Rejoice in the prospect of the Year of Jubilee and its link to thoughts about heaven.

TLT

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Wrestling with Truth August 28, 2011

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Hillside Laughter

An Opportunity for Courage

NUMBERS 13 and 14  from The Outline Bible by Harold L. Willmington

The Penetration of the Scouts (Numbers 13:1-25)
The names of the men (1-16)
The nature of the mission (17-25)

The Lamentation of the People (Numbers 13:26-14:10)
The report of the scouts (13:26-33; 14:6-10)
The faithless reports of the ten (13:26-33)
The faithful report of the two (14:6-10)
The reaction of the crowd (14:1-5)

The Supplication (Prayer) of the Prophet (Numbers 14:11-21)
The proposition (14:11-12)
The plea (14:13-19)
The pardon (14:20-21)

The Condemnation of the Lord (Numbers 14:22-45)
The punishment (14:22-28)
The presumption (14:39-45)

Comments:
Genesis tells us that God chooses His people.
Exodus tells us that God redeems His people.
Leviticus tells us that God is among His people.
Numbers tell us that God commissions His people.
Deuteronomy tells us that God loves His people. (Smith, p. 127)

Pertinent verses to ponder:
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) — . . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Isaiah 53:11 (NIV) — After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied by his knowledge . . .
1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (NIV) — For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.  They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.  They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.  Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

Conclusion:
Looking back on the history of the church, it is clear that some generations have contributed more to advancing the purposes of God than others.  The book of Numbers leads us to expect that this would be the case; not all generations serve willingly.  A critical spirit among people and a cowardly spirit among leaders will lead to an aimless wandering, which will contribute little to the purposes of God in the world.
The greatest challenge for the church of Jesus Christ is to grasp her calling, and then to look beyond the cost to the prize of God’s commendation.  (Colin Smith, p. 136)

TLT

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