Following Jean, here are six things I learned this year. These things are not new, really. It's just a realisation of things that are already on board. Summary: God is excellent!
- God wants us to fear him, especially when things aren't right and when you suffer.
- Grace is better than judgment and far more difficult. Fairness is right but hard; you can be completely cold-blooded in justice. Mercy and forgiveness cannot be given without love; God is its only source. Justice is good, but grace is better.
- Everyone has a streak of narcissism, the difference between people is just a matter of degrees. We are chronically and terminally me-centred.
- Sin is awful horrible disgusting, and deserving of death. And it's significant that God hates falsehood so much.
- When a fool is in sight, the right thing for people to do is to point and laugh (Proverbs 26 is pretty funny). You don't have to fret ("Oh, no! They are acting foolishly"), you don't have to chase after them or try to stop them ("Wait, stop... Fool!!!") and you definitely don't have to expose them as fools. They are fools. And they will show themselves to be fools. True Christians don't have to be weighed down by others' folly. It's God's job to judge them.
- God gives us freedom in Christ! Freedom to obey him, to do good. In sin, we are bound, only able to sin. The weird thing is, humans tend to look for rules and to abide by them, even as Christians.
Sunday 28 December 2008
Toothy Torture
On the professional recommendation of my sister, I'm getting my dormant wisdom teeth removed in January. I'm having local anesthetic. And I was ok about being conscious for it all...
Until recently.
I've been watching the first few seasons of Alias. In two torture scenes, there is a stern man of Asian extraction (pun intended), nicknamed "Suit and Glasses", with "an array of frightening instruments". His specialty is extracting information by performing root canals, creating cavities and tooth extractions without anesthetics.
"Tell me who you work for!"
Mwa haha HA HA! HA ~ hahahah !! HA HA ha aha... ha... heh... ahem.
Until recently.
I've been watching the first few seasons of Alias. In two torture scenes, there is a stern man of Asian extraction (pun intended), nicknamed "Suit and Glasses", with "an array of frightening instruments". His specialty is extracting information by performing root canals, creating cavities and tooth extractions without anesthetics.
"Tell me who you work for!"
Mwa haha HA HA! HA ~ hahahah !! HA HA ha aha... ha... heh... ahem.
Update: Taiwanese spectacle man just tortured Marshall in series two! (He tortured Sydney and Will in series one. Marhshall's one of my favorite characters.)
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Anger at Sin
It may sound arrogant to claim to understand something of God because of human experience (especially when my motives are uniformly ungodly and un-other-person-centred). But I was really struck as I watched someone walk in foolish ways.
Sin makes you mad.
It makes you angry because of the sheer audacity of it. The defiance against God! They are walking towards darkness and have turned their back on truth. The fool closes their eyes and renounces God's ways - because they have full knowledge the act makes them all the more foolish. They justify perversion in the name of good things. The abandonment of goodness, counsel and fellowship of friends fires the temper. Embracing evil is revolting. They exchange wisdom for folly, friends for deceivers, safety for peril, wholesomeness for twistedness and the fear of the Lord for disregard. How dare you slap God in the face, who gave you wonderful blessings, opportunities and the Spirit to help you discern and choose? What have you thrown away?
All the while, pretending to be grown-up and claiming Christian virtues. It's sickening, saddening and maddening.
Isn't the Lord returning soon?
I wanted to take the foolish person across my knee and have very stern words with them, because that's an effective way of dealing with a naughty child. But since they wouldn't listen, I am giving them up to their folly.
... It's embarrassing to think that I often don't take my own sin all that seriously. Think of all the times that I've defied him and infuriated him! God takes my sin very personally. And he's got good reasons to be seriously and very angry whenever I've shoved things back in his face. I've treated God with contempt. So I'm thankful that Jesus died for me. I could never drink the cup filled with God's burning anger. Jesus, thank you for drinking my portion.
Sin makes you mad.
It makes you angry because of the sheer audacity of it. The defiance against God! They are walking towards darkness and have turned their back on truth. The fool closes their eyes and renounces God's ways - because they have full knowledge the act makes them all the more foolish. They justify perversion in the name of good things. The abandonment of goodness, counsel and fellowship of friends fires the temper. Embracing evil is revolting. They exchange wisdom for folly, friends for deceivers, safety for peril, wholesomeness for twistedness and the fear of the Lord for disregard. How dare you slap God in the face, who gave you wonderful blessings, opportunities and the Spirit to help you discern and choose? What have you thrown away?
All the while, pretending to be grown-up and claiming Christian virtues. It's sickening, saddening and maddening.
Isn't the Lord returning soon?
I wanted to take the foolish person across my knee and have very stern words with them, because that's an effective way of dealing with a naughty child. But since they wouldn't listen, I am giving them up to their folly.
... It's embarrassing to think that I often don't take my own sin all that seriously. Think of all the times that I've defied him and infuriated him! God takes my sin very personally. And he's got good reasons to be seriously and very angry whenever I've shoved things back in his face. I've treated God with contempt. So I'm thankful that Jesus died for me. I could never drink the cup filled with God's burning anger. Jesus, thank you for drinking my portion.
Perfect Match
It's common for people to choose people of similar attractiveness to them. There's a natural justice when the gorgeous marry the gorgeous, then have uber-gorgeous children. The gorgeous marrying the average, on the other hand, may evoke inferiority complexes, insecurity or perennial public scrutiny. Until the time when age levels out their attractiveness, they will catch comments in the wind, along the lines of, "How did a 5 like him hook up with an 8 like her?"
Some may have other criteria and seek their educational, social or ambitional match.
Likewise, Christians tend to go out with people of a matched spiritual maturity. Mature Christians tend to look for another. So if a girl goes out with a non-Christian or an immature, ungodly Christian, it can indicate their own Christian maturity.
It's a pretty good gauge that their faith may be pretty on par with their mate's.
Some may have other criteria and seek their educational, social or ambitional match.
Likewise, Christians tend to go out with people of a matched spiritual maturity. Mature Christians tend to look for another. So if a girl goes out with a non-Christian or an immature, ungodly Christian, it can indicate their own Christian maturity.
It's a pretty good gauge that their faith may be pretty on par with their mate's.
Saturday 1 November 2008
A Kingdom Wedding
Photography by Esther T.Carol married Pete this morning!
There were moments of gold. Like when Pete looked at nothing but the face of his bride. And how Carol smiled excitedly the whole time, looking back at the church to take it all in and commenting to Pete. Like when the pray-er said that it's a special wedding because "it's a kingdom wedding" and "in their oneness, may they serve Christ". Like when the minister started to say the vows, "Do you take Carol..." and Pete, in eagerness, came in too early with "with God's strength I will" which made Carol burst out laughing, slapping her thigh. Everyone laughed, too. They were clearly enjoying themselves. As soon as they walked up the aisle, I broke out into a little dance. A friend said later that they felt like they ought to be dancing (perhaps everyone finds the Beatley beats of "the Ancients" irresistible).
Two impressions were made:
Death
The non-Christians' ears must clang as the word "Death" enters a wedding service. But all through the service the Christians kept talking about how their marriage was only possible because of the death of Jesus. Oh, so true. What a wonderful death, which makes people alive and able to love.
Something else deathly ~ How do you get to The Ultimate Wedding? (Read the synopsis here.) Well, first you die. And after that, you walk down as a bejewelled bride towards the eternal King, to live together in paradise. But that's only if you want to commit your life to Jesus that way. I do... If you are going to be my obituarist, please don't say, "Honoria has gone to a better place", but "Honoria is at her wedding. So don't be sad for her sake."
(I'm trying to panel beat this thought into good shape:)
Jesus dies to have a glorious marriage to his bride, the church. We follow Jesus in death so we can take part in that glorious marriage. Jesus proposes, "come die with me and come live with me".
(It's quite natural if you don't get it because you're not a Christian. I'd be happy to tell you about the joy.)
Best
How lovely and special to give your best to another human being*! Or to be honored as a recipient of someone else's best. Your best isn't to be spent on your work or your friends, but given to the one with whom you share a "oneness". The best of your affections and time, the best of your gifts and personality, of your sexuality and intimacy... Wow.
Congratulations and blessings to you, Pete & Carol!
*of course, there's no one higher than Christ. So he deserves your all and your best. I'm just talking about the first human after your devotion to Christ... y'know what I mean.
Saturday 25 October 2008
[woken]
A “domestic disturbance” at 4am
– the impersonality of the term
belies the shocking human rawness of the reality
of slamming doors and broken glass, shrieks and crashes and, eventually, police
and loud wailing cries splitting the stillness of the night
Oh, our street needs Jesus
This ugly underbelly of suburban life, briefly and embarrassingly revealed
So out of place in genteel Surrey Hills
where well-bred folks stifle their sobs into pillows
and grief and rage is concealed behind Laura Ashley facades
We keep our tombs very well whitewashed.
Yes, our street needs Jesus...
– the impersonality of the term
belies the shocking human rawness of the reality
of slamming doors and broken glass, shrieks and crashes and, eventually, police
and loud wailing cries splitting the stillness of the night
Oh, our street needs Jesus
This ugly underbelly of suburban life, briefly and embarrassingly revealed
So out of place in genteel Surrey Hills
where well-bred folks stifle their sobs into pillows
and grief and rage is concealed behind Laura Ashley facades
We keep our tombs very well whitewashed.
Yes, our street needs Jesus...
Tuesday 21 October 2008
Grace to the Self-Centred
If a person persists in being manipulative, abusive and destructive, how do we love them in a way that honors God? What does it mean to show grace to such a person? These are not rhetorical questions. I would love your input.
God hates sin, went to a lot of trouble to get us out of trouble and helps us escape his condemnation. Shouldn't we then be in one accord, keeping the Judgment Day in mind?
Give them chances to change
Repentance starts with identifying a problem. That may mean "having words" with them, which may not be a pleasant conversation (see Nehemiah's acts of 'persuasion'.) In Ezekiel 3, if the prophet failed to warn the wicked, God will hold him accountable for their blood.
It may (or may not) mean seeing them through the phases of acceptance / denial, working through the problem and relapse.
Offering other means of help (counseling, changes in lifestyle).
Remind them of the Day of Judgment, and help them work out whether they are storing up wrath or good works in heaven on their current course.
Take away chances for them to do more damage
Ultimately, one's actions are not anyone else's responsibility but one's own.
But you could help them by setting up appropriate boundaries with the person to help them act on that responsibility. (I saw an ad for self-defense once: "Learn how to stop your brother from sinning against you!")
It may also mean limiting harm done to others (tricky...)
Both of these might stop them incurring more of God's condemnation.
Do not sin yourself
It's easy to act like a victim if you feel victimised. It's easy to slander, to be bitter, to hate, to take revenge. But vengeance is the Lord's.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) says this about putting away falsehood and speaking truth, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."
See that? Be angry. It's a command (The NIV is obscures the command, by rendering it incidental: "In your anger..."). It's ok to get angry, especially at sin.* It's not ok to sin yourself.
Wait for God
Commit the person to prayer to recognise that it's all God's work. The only agent that can effect change is the powerful spirit of God, who awakens consciences, pierces hearts, humbles, grieves people for their sinfulness.
He is in control. He know what they were like before you did. He is in the spheres of their life that you have no access to. Plus, he is more powerful and cares more about this whole thing than any human.
He sees and remembers everything. And in the end he will reward each of us for our folly or wisdom.
That's all I got. Ideas?
* My friend who worked in Child Protection for 7 years says that getting angry is a good response to child abuse. She says the day that social workers stop getting angry is the day they should get out of the job. (7 years! What stamina)
God hates sin, went to a lot of trouble to get us out of trouble and helps us escape his condemnation. Shouldn't we then be in one accord, keeping the Judgment Day in mind?
Give them chances to change
Repentance starts with identifying a problem. That may mean "having words" with them, which may not be a pleasant conversation (see Nehemiah's acts of 'persuasion'.) In Ezekiel 3, if the prophet failed to warn the wicked, God will hold him accountable for their blood.
It may (or may not) mean seeing them through the phases of acceptance / denial, working through the problem and relapse.
Offering other means of help (counseling, changes in lifestyle).
Remind them of the Day of Judgment, and help them work out whether they are storing up wrath or good works in heaven on their current course.
Take away chances for them to do more damage
Ultimately, one's actions are not anyone else's responsibility but one's own.
But you could help them by setting up appropriate boundaries with the person to help them act on that responsibility. (I saw an ad for self-defense once: "Learn how to stop your brother from sinning against you!")
It may also mean limiting harm done to others (tricky...)
Both of these might stop them incurring more of God's condemnation.
Do not sin yourself
It's easy to act like a victim if you feel victimised. It's easy to slander, to be bitter, to hate, to take revenge. But vengeance is the Lord's.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) says this about putting away falsehood and speaking truth, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."
See that? Be angry. It's a command (The NIV is obscures the command, by rendering it incidental: "In your anger..."). It's ok to get angry, especially at sin.* It's not ok to sin yourself.
Wait for God
Commit the person to prayer to recognise that it's all God's work. The only agent that can effect change is the powerful spirit of God, who awakens consciences, pierces hearts, humbles, grieves people for their sinfulness.
He is in control. He know what they were like before you did. He is in the spheres of their life that you have no access to. Plus, he is more powerful and cares more about this whole thing than any human.
He sees and remembers everything. And in the end he will reward each of us for our folly or wisdom.
That's all I got. Ideas?
* My friend who worked in Child Protection for 7 years says that getting angry is a good response to child abuse. She says the day that social workers stop getting angry is the day they should get out of the job. (7 years! What stamina)
Monday 13 October 2008
Really...?!
Anonymous quote:
Really...?
Really?!
You click with the people you are sexually attracted to.
Really...?
Yes, you don't know yourself!
Really?!
Friday 10 October 2008
Archie Quotes
1.
2.
The cross presupposes the fact that we’ve got broken circuits (for instance: envy, how men view women). We are all broken at the foot of the cross.
2.
It’s not that we need sex, but our marriages need sex. Our sexual desires do not need to be expressed, just because we have them.
Ephesians for teens
Ever heard of Rod and Karen Morris' spicy ideas for Bible studies? They are so keen on the Bible that they wrote a book on leading better Bible studies and have saved many a study from dying a slow and painful death by a thousand Q&As...
Last term's Ephesians studies were inspired by them... (studies were more or less divided according to chapter divisions)
Chapter 1 - Timeline (Before the foundation of the world -> Jesus on earth -> Our time -> End of this age)
Paul pulls out the Imax Camera to show how God planned all of history around Jesus, with the intention of blessing us. (Application ~ Who's at the centre of the universe / history / your life? Does that match God's view?)
Chapter 2 - Divides (lists of contrasts, working in pairs)
How we used to walk and what our new walk looks like (1-10).
Who's in, who's out? How do you get in? (11-22)
Chapter 3 - Play Detective (gather clues)
What's the mystery? (1-6)
What's Paul's job? (7-13)
What does this have to do with the Ephesians & us? (14-21)
Chapter 4 - Patterns (discussion)
One
Body language & Church (unity and diverty)
Old and New Self
[Game: take turns naming a body part, when you repeat / get stumped, sit down]
Chapter 5 Walking (describe the pairs of people)
- Walking around & fill in lists (pinned up around the room) of how people are to behave.
Walking = conduct / practice.
[Game: adverbs game - The group decides to behave in a particular a manner (crazily, shyly, theatrically). The guesser asks any one of the group to do any action and has to guess what the manner is.]
Chapter 6 - Fashion Parade
Make Armour of God out of newspaper (2 teams). Someone narrates the model as they walk down the 'runway'.
Last term's Ephesians studies were inspired by them... (studies were more or less divided according to chapter divisions)
Chapter 1 - Timeline (Before the foundation of the world -> Jesus on earth -> Our time -> End of this age)
Paul pulls out the Imax Camera to show how God planned all of history around Jesus, with the intention of blessing us. (Application ~ Who's at the centre of the universe / history / your life? Does that match God's view?)
Chapter 2 - Divides (lists of contrasts, working in pairs)
How we used to walk and what our new walk looks like (1-10).
Who's in, who's out? How do you get in? (11-22)
Chapter 3 - Play Detective (gather clues)
What's the mystery? (1-6)
What's Paul's job? (7-13)
What does this have to do with the Ephesians & us? (14-21)
Chapter 4 - Patterns (discussion)
One
Body language & Church (unity and diverty)
Old and New Self
[Game: take turns naming a body part, when you repeat / get stumped, sit down]
Chapter 5 Walking (describe the pairs of people)
- Walking around & fill in lists (pinned up around the room) of how people are to behave.
Walking = conduct / practice.
[Game: adverbs game - The group decides to behave in a particular a manner (crazily, shyly, theatrically). The guesser asks any one of the group to do any action and has to guess what the manner is.]
Chapter 6 - Fashion Parade
Make Armour of God out of newspaper (2 teams). Someone narrates the model as they walk down the 'runway'.
Sunday 28 September 2008
How random!
...apparently, people just can't get enough random facts!
In case you think you're seeing double, this is not a repeat of Honoria's post. I've been lured out of co-blogger-lurkdom by the irresistible invitation to rabbit on about myself. Here are 6 random facts about me:
1. Famous people I have met in my life include: Bob Hawke, Julian Lennon, Jimeoin, John Safran, and various stars of Neighbours. I am distantly related to Rex Hunt, though have never met him.
2. I lived the first 30 years of my life blissfully without a mobile phone, and often fondly yearn for those past innocent, carefree days...
3. Things I have collected at different times during my life include: stickers, stamps, erasers, sugar/salt&pepper sachets from planes & cafes all over the world, teaspoons, and (most recently, thanks to the Moodys) antique toy robots.
4. I have not vomited since I was in grade 6. This means I'm proudly running a current non-vomit streak of over 20 years! (though a memorable flight to Sydney in August brought me uncomfortably close to ending the streak)
5. The first album I ever bought with my own money was Bananarama "Wow!" (it was a toss-up between that and "Push" by Bros). First concert I went to was 1927 at the Tennis Centre, supported by Boom Crash Opera. Ahh the memories!!!
6. I learnt french for 6 years and piano for 14 years, and haven't really used either of those "skills" since.
Not tagging anyone else since just about all the bloggers I know have been tagged already!
In case you think you're seeing double, this is not a repeat of Honoria's post. I've been lured out of co-blogger-lurkdom by the irresistible invitation to rabbit on about myself. Here are 6 random facts about me:
1. Famous people I have met in my life include: Bob Hawke, Julian Lennon, Jimeoin, John Safran, and various stars of Neighbours. I am distantly related to Rex Hunt, though have never met him.
2. I lived the first 30 years of my life blissfully without a mobile phone, and often fondly yearn for those past innocent, carefree days...
3. Things I have collected at different times during my life include: stickers, stamps, erasers, sugar/salt&pepper sachets from planes & cafes all over the world, teaspoons, and (most recently, thanks to the Moodys) antique toy robots.
4. I have not vomited since I was in grade 6. This means I'm proudly running a current non-vomit streak of over 20 years! (though a memorable flight to Sydney in August brought me uncomfortably close to ending the streak)
5. The first album I ever bought with my own money was Bananarama "Wow!" (it was a toss-up between that and "Push" by Bros). First concert I went to was 1927 at the Tennis Centre, supported by Boom Crash Opera. Ahh the memories!!!
6. I learnt french for 6 years and piano for 14 years, and haven't really used either of those "skills" since.
Not tagging anyone else since just about all the bloggers I know have been tagged already!
Tuesday 23 September 2008
What is Truth?
Pontius Pilate's question adorned yet another mission T-shirt. But it's a good question...
Truth corresponds to reality.
When people speak the truth, we are making statements which reflect reality - the more real, the more true. Faith is acknowledging the reality that Jesus is the Lord.
The noetic effect of sin is the corrupting element in our perception of reality. In normal speak: the more sin we have, the more stuffed-up our view of reality and the more lies we speak. Especially revolving around God.
The Devil is a compulsive liar and God is a compulsive truth-teller. (Ask me about the puzzle sometime.)
God has no sin and can see reality completely (outside and inside of people). This means he's perfect in speaking and judging.
God's statements are so truth-full that when he speaks, reality becomes.
Truth corresponds to reality.
When people speak the truth, we are making statements which reflect reality - the more real, the more true. Faith is acknowledging the reality that Jesus is the Lord.
The noetic effect of sin is the corrupting element in our perception of reality. In normal speak: the more sin we have, the more stuffed-up our view of reality and the more lies we speak. Especially revolving around God.
The Devil is a compulsive liar and God is a compulsive truth-teller. (Ask me about the puzzle sometime.)
God has no sin and can see reality completely (outside and inside of people). This means he's perfect in speaking and judging.
God's statements are so truth-full that when he speaks, reality becomes.
More Reflections on Narnia
Function vs. Faith
Lucy is held up as the main heroine of the story. Lucy is almost useless in battle but she is commended because of her faith or keenness to see and follow Aslan. This conveys that God is not so much interested in results or efficiency but in attitudes and virtues.
Those who are evil are characterised by their selfishness and practicality. Being practical or pragmatic is a euphemism for unethical behaviour and caring about tasks / achievements over people. Those who predicated as "practical" are The White, the Ape (?) and, lastly and tragically, Susan.
Growing old vs. Maturing
Age is also inversely valuable. Youthfulness, or rather childlikeness, represents purity of faith and trust in Aslan. Lucy embodies this. This is contrasted with growing old, which mitigates faith. When the returned to Narnia a second time, they considered themselves more grown up, having ruled for many years already; so they trusted themselves over Aslan and got lost. Peter and Susan were turned away from Narnia because they got older (but didn't grow in faithfulness, it's not about their numerical age, since they grew much older in years in LW&W). Susan, who stops believing, was keen to "race on to the silliest time of one's life as quick as she can and then stop there as long as she can". Maturity is measured by how big Aslan appears.
Speech is an defining characteristic. The Talking animals are the leaders of their kind. Speech is a privilege which makes the creature unique and precious (killing a dumb animal would not constitute murder). Aslan's leaders are truthful while the evil characters characteristically lie. (Maybe Lewis was making a statement about the role of language in our nature / imago deo / human dignity.)
The Lion is a gentleman
Aslan never forces loyalty. He may be firm (roaring) or even shake people up (literally, with Trumpkin the Red Dwarf), but he never makes people submit to his rule. In the end, he gives each person what they choose.
Universalism?
I suppose Lewis did leave himself open to the charge of universalism or pluralism (where people of different faith are finally incorporated into his kingdom). Aslan includes an ardent servant of Tash, Emeth (which means "Truth" in Hebrew), and accepted his worship to Tash as worship to him.
... Two clues against universalism. One. The Dwarfs, who once acknowledged Aslan, finally refused to see him or appreciate his gifts. It shows that Lewis didn't see heaven as having an open door. Two. Despite his prior commitment to a false god, Emeth still needed to recognise Aslan as the true God, repents and follows him, a la eleventh hour.
Freedom
Aslan is not a tame lion. It's always dangerous to liken God to something created. But this is a glorious description sanctioned by Isaiah, of God's freedom, power and unpredictability. He's not safe, but he is good!
Lucy is held up as the main heroine of the story. Lucy is almost useless in battle but she is commended because of her faith or keenness to see and follow Aslan. This conveys that God is not so much interested in results or efficiency but in attitudes and virtues.
Those who are evil are characterised by their selfishness and practicality. Being practical or pragmatic is a euphemism for unethical behaviour and caring about tasks / achievements over people. Those who predicated as "practical" are The White, the Ape (?) and, lastly and tragically, Susan.
Growing old vs. Maturing
Age is also inversely valuable. Youthfulness, or rather childlikeness, represents purity of faith and trust in Aslan. Lucy embodies this. This is contrasted with growing old, which mitigates faith. When the returned to Narnia a second time, they considered themselves more grown up, having ruled for many years already; so they trusted themselves over Aslan and got lost. Peter and Susan were turned away from Narnia because they got older (but didn't grow in faithfulness, it's not about their numerical age, since they grew much older in years in LW&W). Susan, who stops believing, was keen to "race on to the silliest time of one's life as quick as she can and then stop there as long as she can". Maturity is measured by how big Aslan appears.
"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."Dignity & Speech
"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."
Speech is an defining characteristic. The Talking animals are the leaders of their kind. Speech is a privilege which makes the creature unique and precious (killing a dumb animal would not constitute murder). Aslan's leaders are truthful while the evil characters characteristically lie. (Maybe Lewis was making a statement about the role of language in our nature / imago deo / human dignity.)
The Lion is a gentleman
Aslan never forces loyalty. He may be firm (roaring) or even shake people up (literally, with Trumpkin the Red Dwarf), but he never makes people submit to his rule. In the end, he gives each person what they choose.
Universalism?
I suppose Lewis did leave himself open to the charge of universalism or pluralism (where people of different faith are finally incorporated into his kingdom). Aslan includes an ardent servant of Tash, Emeth (which means "Truth" in Hebrew), and accepted his worship to Tash as worship to him.
... Two clues against universalism. One. The Dwarfs, who once acknowledged Aslan, finally refused to see him or appreciate his gifts. It shows that Lewis didn't see heaven as having an open door. Two. Despite his prior commitment to a false god, Emeth still needed to recognise Aslan as the true God, repents and follows him, a la eleventh hour.
Freedom
Aslan is not a tame lion. It's always dangerous to liken God to something created. But this is a glorious description sanctioned by Isaiah, of God's freedom, power and unpredictability. He's not safe, but he is good!
Narnia & the Bible
When I was a child, I was read picture books (in Cantonese? Mum particularly liked fables or stories with morals). When I was a teen I read paperbacks (Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley High... then I got a toothache and switched to fantasy and darker stuff). When I became a Christian, I read theology. My reading repertoire has always been genre specific.
So I completely missed the classics and children's novels, including The Chronicles of Narnia. Happily, that was remedied this month.
Everyone seems to know the Narnia series so I've love to hear how you read it. I've noted a few parallels between the books and the Bible (with Wiki's help!).
The Magician's Nephew
Aslan is God, through whom all things are created.
Its an allegory on the creation narrative in Genesis. The other world represent the reality of the Spiritual world which parallels our world, where time corresponds inexactly.
The White Witch is sin, evil, the Devil. She can't actually make anything herself, but just steals (jewelery, food), kills (by turning others into stone by the Deplorable word) and destroys things (the carriage, the lamppost) that others make and offer. She has a reign of some sort but her powers are limited. She and lusts after power, being completely self-centred and only acknowledges people who may be of use to her. Some see her for what she is, while others are entranced and attracted by her.
King Frank and Queen Helen (a Cabbie and a maid in London) may be pre-fall Adam and Eve or the ideal Christian leaders. Frank loved listening to Aslan. They demonstrate the inverted values of Narnia, where personal attributes, rather than education or class, determine one's suitability for office.
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Aslan is revealed to be Jesus, who dies in the place of Edmund.
The-Emperor-Over-the-Sea is Father God.
Deep Magic is Scripture, binding and lasting.
The long winter is the deadening force which sin brings.
The Turkish Delight represents the worthless idols we pursue, and for which we willingly betray people and good pursuits. It's not at all substantial and a poor substitute for real food (ask SJ about the ingredients!), so consuming it is not satisfying, but only makes you crave more.
Edmund is Peter (the Apostle), whose initial betrayal and unfaithfulness is inverted.
The Horse And His Boy
Perhaps this book represents the Exodus.
Shasta, the exiled Narnian (who is revealed to be Prince Cor) is Moses. He's found in floating as a baby and adopted by a person of a hostile nation. But he's really a leader of God's people, and more ready to lead than his brother.
Calormen is Egypt, and with Telmar (Babylon?), it represents the other nations which are characterised by hardship and tyranny. They must cross a desert to return to. (Babylon is actually NE of Israel, but since a desert lies between them. Babylonians must come across the top and down to attack Israel. Therefore, they are a known as the force "from the North")
Bree represents the faithful whose character has been shaped (for the worse) by the enslavement of other nations, who then experiences difficulties returning to their own land.
The Wizard who looks into the pool to view action remotely represents the Old Testament Prophets.
There is a theodicy / explanation for suffering and trials (meetings with wild lions). They are all unhappily endured, but inflicted by Aslan and in the end, shown to be valuable and character building experiences that led them on the right path.
Prince Caspian
Maybe the Exile? Where the leader of God's people need to reclaim the land rightfully from powers that do not acknowledge Aslan.
The Narnians are scattered and in hiding, thought to be extinct as a people group.
Dr Cornelius represents God's people who have assimilated with the culture of foreign nations, but who remained true to Aslan. His knowledge and teaching about Narnia's history and the stars (prophecy) make him subversive and dangerous. But it is with knowledge that Prince Caspian defies the corrupt powers that have established themselves over the Narnians. I'm not sure about this... what part of the Bible does this resonates with?
The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader
I wonder if this is Acts or the Epistles, because they go out to different countries. (Or maybe it's the seven churches in Revelation?)
Eustace is Paul. Initially an enthusiastic persecutor of God's people, he soon is constrained by scales / dragon exterior. Stuck as a dragon, Eustace mourns his behaviour and attitudes. The gold bracelet which bites into his dragon arm may represent a thorn in his flesh. Only with God's help is he freed from them. While he is humbled (in dragon skin), he is helpful more than anyone else (flying over vast territories) but he also finds himself doing things he hates doing (he finds his eating habits shameful). He occasionally tussles with Edmund (Paul and Peter?). Eustace is transformed and becomes considerate and courageous, suffering many injuries. The adventures of Narnia continue with him rather than the Pevensie children, like how Paul dominates most of the New Testament.
The Silver Chair
May describe the Christian experience.
Jill may represent those who are converted without a Christian upbringing, because she is not acquainted with Narnia's history, which is a detriment. She is slow to keep God's words.
Rilian represents the elect who are in enslaved to sin, who need to be freed by God's people. When he is under the spell, he inadvertently plots and strives to conquer a land which he rightfully has already. (Doesn't this sound like the silly striving of non-Christians for paradise, when God offers to give it to them anyway?) Once freed, Rilian must destroy the chair that kept him in bondage (Romans 6 style). Even then, it is easy for him to be ensnared again by the Green White.
Puddleglum represents the Anglicans (kidding!)
The Green Witch is the White Witch in another guise, but is still playing the same power game. Harfang is the new deception and lure away from the walk of faith. Like the long winter, the underworld is another place of anti-life and hardship imposed by sin.
The Last Battle
The darkest book in the series is probably Revelation, where many of God's people are deceived by the Anti-Christ. There is a climatic battle, Armageddon, of both physical and spiritual forces, where God's people are few and heavily persecuted. It is a battle for truth.
Shift, the Ginger Cat, Rishda Takaan represent the string of people who lead God's people astray from within with increasing cleverness and success.
It's very hard to escape the thought that Calormens represent Muslims, and Tash is Allah (a mask for evil). While both Tash and Aslan are powerful and inspire fear, Tash's fearfulness is untempered by loveliness and mercy.
At the end of time the creatures walk before Aslan, who judge and separates them to his left (to destruction) and right (to glory and real life). Not much allegory here.
The final reunion of all the main characters is the resurrection of the dead.
Aslan's mountain is heaven, after the world is remade new, where they will all dwell without sin.
So I completely missed the classics and children's novels, including The Chronicles of Narnia. Happily, that was remedied this month.
Everyone seems to know the Narnia series so I've love to hear how you read it. I've noted a few parallels between the books and the Bible (with Wiki's help!).
The Magician's Nephew
Aslan is God, through whom all things are created.
Its an allegory on the creation narrative in Genesis. The other world represent the reality of the Spiritual world which parallels our world, where time corresponds inexactly.
The White Witch is sin, evil, the Devil. She can't actually make anything herself, but just steals (jewelery, food), kills (by turning others into stone by the Deplorable word) and destroys things (the carriage, the lamppost) that others make and offer. She has a reign of some sort but her powers are limited. She and lusts after power, being completely self-centred and only acknowledges people who may be of use to her. Some see her for what she is, while others are entranced and attracted by her.
King Frank and Queen Helen (a Cabbie and a maid in London) may be pre-fall Adam and Eve or the ideal Christian leaders. Frank loved listening to Aslan. They demonstrate the inverted values of Narnia, where personal attributes, rather than education or class, determine one's suitability for office.
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Aslan is revealed to be Jesus, who dies in the place of Edmund.
The-Emperor-Over-the-Sea is Father God.
Deep Magic is Scripture, binding and lasting.
The long winter is the deadening force which sin brings.
The Turkish Delight represents the worthless idols we pursue, and for which we willingly betray people and good pursuits. It's not at all substantial and a poor substitute for real food (ask SJ about the ingredients!), so consuming it is not satisfying, but only makes you crave more.
Edmund is Peter (the Apostle), whose initial betrayal and unfaithfulness is inverted.
The Horse And His Boy
Perhaps this book represents the Exodus.
Shasta, the exiled Narnian (who is revealed to be Prince Cor) is Moses. He's found in floating as a baby and adopted by a person of a hostile nation. But he's really a leader of God's people, and more ready to lead than his brother.
Calormen is Egypt, and with Telmar (Babylon?), it represents the other nations which are characterised by hardship and tyranny. They must cross a desert to return to. (Babylon is actually NE of Israel, but since a desert lies between them. Babylonians must come across the top and down to attack Israel. Therefore, they are a known as the force "from the North")
Bree represents the faithful whose character has been shaped (for the worse) by the enslavement of other nations, who then experiences difficulties returning to their own land.
The Wizard who looks into the pool to view action remotely represents the Old Testament Prophets.
There is a theodicy / explanation for suffering and trials (meetings with wild lions). They are all unhappily endured, but inflicted by Aslan and in the end, shown to be valuable and character building experiences that led them on the right path.
Prince Caspian
Maybe the Exile? Where the leader of God's people need to reclaim the land rightfully from powers that do not acknowledge Aslan.
The Narnians are scattered and in hiding, thought to be extinct as a people group.
Dr Cornelius represents God's people who have assimilated with the culture of foreign nations, but who remained true to Aslan. His knowledge and teaching about Narnia's history and the stars (prophecy) make him subversive and dangerous. But it is with knowledge that Prince Caspian defies the corrupt powers that have established themselves over the Narnians. I'm not sure about this... what part of the Bible does this resonates with?
The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader
I wonder if this is Acts or the Epistles, because they go out to different countries. (Or maybe it's the seven churches in Revelation?)
Eustace is Paul. Initially an enthusiastic persecutor of God's people, he soon is constrained by scales / dragon exterior. Stuck as a dragon, Eustace mourns his behaviour and attitudes. The gold bracelet which bites into his dragon arm may represent a thorn in his flesh. Only with God's help is he freed from them. While he is humbled (in dragon skin), he is helpful more than anyone else (flying over vast territories) but he also finds himself doing things he hates doing (he finds his eating habits shameful). He occasionally tussles with Edmund (Paul and Peter?). Eustace is transformed and becomes considerate and courageous, suffering many injuries. The adventures of Narnia continue with him rather than the Pevensie children, like how Paul dominates most of the New Testament.
The Silver Chair
May describe the Christian experience.
Jill may represent those who are converted without a Christian upbringing, because she is not acquainted with Narnia's history, which is a detriment. She is slow to keep God's words.
Rilian represents the elect who are in enslaved to sin, who need to be freed by God's people. When he is under the spell, he inadvertently plots and strives to conquer a land which he rightfully has already. (Doesn't this sound like the silly striving of non-Christians for paradise, when God offers to give it to them anyway?) Once freed, Rilian must destroy the chair that kept him in bondage (Romans 6 style). Even then, it is easy for him to be ensnared again by the Green White.
Puddleglum represents the Anglicans (kidding!)
The Green Witch is the White Witch in another guise, but is still playing the same power game. Harfang is the new deception and lure away from the walk of faith. Like the long winter, the underworld is another place of anti-life and hardship imposed by sin.
The Last Battle
The darkest book in the series is probably Revelation, where many of God's people are deceived by the Anti-Christ. There is a climatic battle, Armageddon, of both physical and spiritual forces, where God's people are few and heavily persecuted. It is a battle for truth.
Shift, the Ginger Cat, Rishda Takaan represent the string of people who lead God's people astray from within with increasing cleverness and success.
It's very hard to escape the thought that Calormens represent Muslims, and Tash is Allah (a mask for evil). While both Tash and Aslan are powerful and inspire fear, Tash's fearfulness is untempered by loveliness and mercy.
At the end of time the creatures walk before Aslan, who judge and separates them to his left (to destruction) and right (to glory and real life). Not much allegory here.
The final reunion of all the main characters is the resurrection of the dead.
Aslan's mountain is heaven, after the world is remade new, where they will all dwell without sin.
Wednesday 3 September 2008
Insecurity
I used to see insecurity as something to be nurtured ~ like a baby: vulnerable, helpless, needy. How would you deal with insecure Christians? Well, you affirm and encourage the person, I'd've said.
My friend prescribed a different treatment. They suggested that insecurity, like arrogance, needs to be rebuked. Hmmmm...
Let's look at the varieties of Insecurus Doubtae. They may look:
· nervous, scared, timid, weak, anxious, untrusting, paranoid.
· proud, needing to look down others in order to feel better about themselves.
· envious, needing to compare themselves to others: elated to be doing better, dejected to be lagging.
· petty, needing to assert the very little power they have.
· defensive, needing to guard and protect what they have.
· stingey or selfish, needing to make sure they have enough for themselves.
· possessive, needing to claim things as their own.
· discontent, needing more, needing better.
· competitive, needing to prove they can beat others.
· powerful, needing to control and exercise power over others.
· stagnant and inflexible, needing stability and predictability for security.
· opinionated or critical, needing to show that they have superior knowledge and experience.
· like a bully, needing to intimidate and belittle people to gain a sense of power.
· like a control freak, needing to control themselves, their environment and others in trivial and big ways.
· like a manipulator, needing to control others in trivial and big ways.
· like a rebel, needing to subvert and throw off the established powers.
· like a corrector or authority, needing to show they know best.
· like a gossip, needing to control information because knowledge is power.
· like an attention seeker, needing other people's affirmation in order to feel valued.
· like an exaggerator, flatterer or liar, needing to blow out or take away from the truth.
· like an anorexic or bulimic, needing to control their food and bodies in order to have some control over anything.
· like a pioneer or high achievers, needing to achieve something significant in order to be someone significant.
· like a usurper, needing to take power away from the ones in higher positions.
· like a predator, enjoying the power of breaking the rules or taking what they shouldn't take.
All different of animals at this zoo. All with the same brokenness. All need the same treatment.
At its core, insecurity is disbelieving God is good + God is in control + God is enough.
Disbelief.
Doubt.
Introspection.
The remedy for insecurity is correcting and reminding about the security that is God. Perhaps gently, perhaps not. How you treat them depends on the type of animal. But the active ingredient is the same.
Click to see it bigger at Wordle.
My friend prescribed a different treatment. They suggested that insecurity, like arrogance, needs to be rebuked. Hmmmm...
Let's look at the varieties of Insecurus Doubtae. They may look:
· nervous, scared, timid, weak, anxious, untrusting, paranoid.
· proud, needing to look down others in order to feel better about themselves.
· envious, needing to compare themselves to others: elated to be doing better, dejected to be lagging.
· petty, needing to assert the very little power they have.
· defensive, needing to guard and protect what they have.
· stingey or selfish, needing to make sure they have enough for themselves.
· possessive, needing to claim things as their own.
· discontent, needing more, needing better.
· competitive, needing to prove they can beat others.
· powerful, needing to control and exercise power over others.
· stagnant and inflexible, needing stability and predictability for security.
· opinionated or critical, needing to show that they have superior knowledge and experience.
· like a bully, needing to intimidate and belittle people to gain a sense of power.
· like a control freak, needing to control themselves, their environment and others in trivial and big ways.
· like a manipulator, needing to control others in trivial and big ways.
· like a rebel, needing to subvert and throw off the established powers.
· like a corrector or authority, needing to show they know best.
· like a gossip, needing to control information because knowledge is power.
· like an attention seeker, needing other people's affirmation in order to feel valued.
· like an exaggerator, flatterer or liar, needing to blow out or take away from the truth.
· like an anorexic or bulimic, needing to control their food and bodies in order to have some control over anything.
· like a pioneer or high achievers, needing to achieve something significant in order to be someone significant.
· like a usurper, needing to take power away from the ones in higher positions.
· like a predator, enjoying the power of breaking the rules or taking what they shouldn't take.
All different of animals at this zoo. All with the same brokenness. All need the same treatment.
At its core, insecurity is disbelieving God is good + God is in control + God is enough.
Disbelief.
Doubt.
Introspection.
The remedy for insecurity is correcting and reminding about the security that is God. Perhaps gently, perhaps not. How you treat them depends on the type of animal. But the active ingredient is the same.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
~ Psalm 84:11-12
Click to see it bigger at Wordle.
Saturday 30 August 2008
Pastoral Conundrum
So I chatted with this girl, right, because I was worried that she's leading a double life. Christian on Sundays and non-Christian when she's with non-Christians.
When I brought it up, she cries. She told me that there is a problem and she's talking to someone about it. I was blocked. And it left open the question of what the problem is. Is it a sad problem? Or a sinful problem?
What do I do? There may be nothing to worry about. And there may be something to worry about. My hunch is that it's a sinful problem. If I say something *just in case* there was something to worry about, it's ok, right? since a Christian should be able to understand that concern.
... So anyway, I hope to speak to her again and tell something she already knows. I'll going to tell her the gospel. It's a comfort if there's a sad problem and it's a rebuke if it's a sinful problem. If anything happens, I'll post!
What would you have done?
When I brought it up, she cries. She told me that there is a problem and she's talking to someone about it. I was blocked. And it left open the question of what the problem is. Is it a sad problem? Or a sinful problem?
What do I do? There may be nothing to worry about. And there may be something to worry about. My hunch is that it's a sinful problem. If I say something *just in case* there was something to worry about, it's ok, right? since a Christian should be able to understand that concern.
... So anyway, I hope to speak to her again and tell something she already knows. I'll going to tell her the gospel. It's a comfort if there's a sad problem and it's a rebuke if it's a sinful problem. If anything happens, I'll post!
What would you have done?
Love You, Long Time
I like things that take time:
- A well written and well delivered sermon.
- Cooking.
- Evolution of friendships.
- Breakfast.
- Unraveling of a mystery.
- A baby.
- God's kingdom.
Random Facts Meme
I've been tagged by Nicole to do this meme. I'll get the 'rules' out of the way first!
1. Link to the person who ‘tagged’ you!
2. Post the rules on your blog!
3. List 6 random facts about yourself!
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post!
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by commenting on their blog!
6. Let the tagger know the entry is posted on your blog!
Here are my 6 random facts:
1. I spent my teenage years as a "dark child", rarely smiling because of braces hurt my mouth to smile, reading horror novels / watching horror movies and wearing black and grey.
2. I've worked as a piano teacher, English teacher, receptionist in an engineering firm, hair accessories demonstrator at Vic Market, check out chick, registered nurse (Wards / Medical Imaging / Operating Suite), agency nurse in the UK (Emergency / Plastics theatre in the famous Harley St), trainee staffworker.
3. I've been on national TV a few times. My sisters were playing in a hotel lobby once and ended up in an ad in China. I was in the Myer Music Bowls Carols by Candlelight choir for 2 years (looking like a giant, forgetful and unhappy elf because the robs were elf green; we weren't supposed to look down at the words very much and I have difficulty remembering beyond the first verses of most carols; it hurt to sing with braces)
4. I was born in the summertime and celebrated my birthday in the summer holidays for the first few years of my life.
5. I have a savoury tongue, rather than a sweet tooth, which betrays my Asian palate. I also like durian (which is a stench to some, a fragrance to others!).
6. It's very hard to get an accurate Myers Briggs thingy on me. My personality is a "form" that changes every so often. Like a gas.
Now, I tag: Bek, Diane, Andrea, Matt, Fletcher, Doug...
1. Link to the person who ‘tagged’ you!
2. Post the rules on your blog!
3. List 6 random facts about yourself!
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post!
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by commenting on their blog!
6. Let the tagger know the entry is posted on your blog!
Here are my 6 random facts:
1. I spent my teenage years as a "dark child", rarely smiling because of braces hurt my mouth to smile, reading horror novels / watching horror movies and wearing black and grey.
2. I've worked as a piano teacher, English teacher, receptionist in an engineering firm, hair accessories demonstrator at Vic Market, check out chick, registered nurse (Wards / Medical Imaging / Operating Suite), agency nurse in the UK (Emergency / Plastics theatre in the famous Harley St), trainee staffworker.
3. I've been on national TV a few times. My sisters were playing in a hotel lobby once and ended up in an ad in China. I was in the Myer Music Bowls Carols by Candlelight choir for 2 years (looking like a giant, forgetful and unhappy elf because the robs were elf green; we weren't supposed to look down at the words very much and I have difficulty remembering beyond the first verses of most carols; it hurt to sing with braces)
4. I was born in the summertime and celebrated my birthday in the summer holidays for the first few years of my life.
5. I have a savoury tongue, rather than a sweet tooth, which betrays my Asian palate. I also like durian (which is a stench to some, a fragrance to others!).
6. It's very hard to get an accurate Myers Briggs thingy on me. My personality is a "form" that changes every so often. Like a gas.
Now, I tag: Bek, Diane, Andrea, Matt, Fletcher, Doug...
Friday 22 August 2008
Breaking the Rules
~ Spoiler Alert: Dark Knight ~
The Dark Knight is a horror movie. Slasher films or films with invading radioactive aliens carrying lasers of mass destruction are more likely to make people yawn or laugh, rather than scream. A true horror unpicks your sense of security. Dark Knight was profoundly disturbing because it is possible. There are no super-powers or supernatural forces - there are just average people and their capacity for evil. Gotham city is our world, our values in close-up. The movie forced us to face the real, underlying evil in each of us.
An excellent review on the excellent movie floated up some ethical issues I've been chewing over. The Joker doesn't subscribe to anybody's rules. He advances in his schemes by letting people choose: to break the rules that underpins society and benefit, or to hold fast to the rules and absorb the consequences? As people choose to break the rules, they participate in destruction and help The Joker win the game of exposing the society's rules as a farce.
The citizens of Gotham city let him down in the ferrie incident by making the nobler but riskier choice. But that was a squirt of Hollywood-flavored syrup! (I think the makers lost the nerve to quench the smoldering hope in the human spirit.)
Even its true, unsung hero barely emerges virtuous. When tested, the Batman almost-but-not-quite breaks his only rule not to kill. He only just subdued his murderous intent and engaged in a desperately unethical, Orwellian strategy to overcome evil. Gotham city's hero tottered on the edge of integrity, like Harvey and many of the citizens.
What do you do when your enemy doesn't play by the rules? Do you get to break your rules to overcome evil for the greater good? What's the point of keeping the rules when others don't and sell you out?
I wonder what the Joker would say if he went head-to-head with Jesus. No Comprehende? He'd feel a bit let down, I think.
Jesus, the mighty hero, makes the nobler choice, refuses to break God's rules and absorbs the consequences himself. Jesus emerges completely virtuous and victorious over his enemy! He overcomes his enemy, sin, by dying on the cross and comes out clean in his resurrection. What's more, he does this for the benefit of everyone else.
~ John 1:9-13
Our world is less noble and more stuffed up than Gotham City. But we have a hero greater than Batman. If it wasn't for Jesus, wouldn't we just despair and wail for our society?
Brilliant film. Mighty Savior!
The Dark Knight is a horror movie. Slasher films or films with invading radioactive aliens carrying lasers of mass destruction are more likely to make people yawn or laugh, rather than scream. A true horror unpicks your sense of security. Dark Knight was profoundly disturbing because it is possible. There are no super-powers or supernatural forces - there are just average people and their capacity for evil. Gotham city is our world, our values in close-up. The movie forced us to face the real, underlying evil in each of us.
Some men aren't looking for anything logical~ Alfred, The Dark Knight
They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with.
Some men just want to watch the world burn.
An excellent review on the excellent movie floated up some ethical issues I've been chewing over. The Joker doesn't subscribe to anybody's rules. He advances in his schemes by letting people choose: to break the rules that underpins society and benefit, or to hold fast to the rules and absorb the consequences? As people choose to break the rules, they participate in destruction and help The Joker win the game of exposing the society's rules as a farce.
The citizens of Gotham city let him down in the ferrie incident by making the nobler but riskier choice. But that was a squirt of Hollywood-flavored syrup! (I think the makers lost the nerve to quench the smoldering hope in the human spirit.)
Even its true, unsung hero barely emerges virtuous. When tested, the Batman almost-but-not-quite breaks his only rule not to kill. He only just subdued his murderous intent and engaged in a desperately unethical, Orwellian strategy to overcome evil. Gotham city's hero tottered on the edge of integrity, like Harvey and many of the citizens.
What do you do when your enemy doesn't play by the rules? Do you get to break your rules to overcome evil for the greater good? What's the point of keeping the rules when others don't and sell you out?
I wonder what the Joker would say if he went head-to-head with Jesus. No Comprehende? He'd feel a bit let down, I think.
Jesus, the mighty hero, makes the nobler choice, refuses to break God's rules and absorbs the consequences himself. Jesus emerges completely virtuous and victorious over his enemy! He overcomes his enemy, sin, by dying on the cross and comes out clean in his resurrection. What's more, he does this for the benefit of everyone else.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
~ John 1:9-13
Our world is less noble and more stuffed up than Gotham City. But we have a hero greater than Batman. If it wasn't for Jesus, wouldn't we just despair and wail for our society?
Brilliant film. Mighty Savior!
Thursday 14 August 2008
Happy Birthday to Blog!
This wee blog is already one! Or two, if you count the Chinese way.
Anyway, welcome! Feel free to explore and leave your thoughts.
I know, I know... it looks like a blog. But it's actually a cleverly disguised list of lists (I love lists). There are a few post series but they are scattered throughout. Here's a list to help you get started.
Through a Glass Darkly
1 Corinthians 13:12
Film, Stories
Face to Face
Musings on Hell (from a college essay)
Lying about Hell
Because God is loving, Hell exists
Hellish Resources
Fear God, Escape Hell
The Ultimate Horror of God's Universe
Thinking about Hell is edifying
Family
Mum
Dad
Cantonese Idioms
Like?
Childhood Foods
Givers & Takers
Abuse
Wolves
Self or Other
Self and Other
Loving Self-centred People
... and after all that, remember!
The Silly One
Black Music
Quick Kip
Changing Platforms Hazards
Anyway, welcome! Feel free to explore and leave your thoughts.
I know, I know... it looks like a blog. But it's actually a cleverly disguised list of lists (I love lists). There are a few post series but they are scattered throughout. Here's a list to help you get started.
Through a Glass Darkly
1 Corinthians 13:12
Film, Stories
Face to Face
Musings on Hell (from a college essay)
Lying about Hell
Because God is loving, Hell exists
Hellish Resources
Fear God, Escape Hell
The Ultimate Horror of God's Universe
Thinking about Hell is edifying
Family
Mum
Dad
Cantonese Idioms
Like?
Childhood Foods
Givers & Takers
Abuse
Wolves
Self or Other
Self and Other
Loving Self-centred People
... and after all that, remember!
The Silly One
Black Music
Quick Kip
Changing Platforms Hazards
Friday 8 August 2008
It is those we live with and love and should know who elude us
The alien moment always happens in the micro. Something mundane: an off-handed comment, a joke, a contortion of face muscles. A little gesture that disturbs the equilibrium of acceptance between friends. Why would she say that? Is there a secret world I don't see in which my friend dwells?
It would be too much to ask them to unpack all their mental luggage. What if they stuck their hand into one of the zipped pockets behind the lining to produce a decomposed and smelly old memory? Don't tell me about your childhood.
The alien sitting at my kitchen bench pulls at her earlobe, expertly mimicking the gesture of my beloved friend, as if to mask her alienness.
I change the topic casually, "What's happening with Mr Lee?". I hoped the question was pumped with enough mundane-ness to mask the identification verification.
"Poor uncle. Milk-bars aren't what they used to be. Now he's stuck with a tonne of lollies and tazos... " She dutifully supplied the slow news-day gossip. Identification was verified by the detailed knowledge of a peripheral character. Beloved friend's prattle trailed off, and she pulled at her earlobe again to denote boredom. The alien has been exorcised by the reality of her uncle's milkbar.
But it still wasn't safe, and may never be again. That little sign broke the innocent bond of trust and commonality.
This was written in 90 minutes at The Faithful Writers' conference last weekend.
It would be too much to ask them to unpack all their mental luggage. What if they stuck their hand into one of the zipped pockets behind the lining to produce a decomposed and smelly old memory? Don't tell me about your childhood.
The alien sitting at my kitchen bench pulls at her earlobe, expertly mimicking the gesture of my beloved friend, as if to mask her alienness.
I change the topic casually, "What's happening with Mr Lee?". I hoped the question was pumped with enough mundane-ness to mask the identification verification.
"Poor uncle. Milk-bars aren't what they used to be. Now he's stuck with a tonne of lollies and tazos... " She dutifully supplied the slow news-day gossip. Identification was verified by the detailed knowledge of a peripheral character. Beloved friend's prattle trailed off, and she pulled at her earlobe again to denote boredom. The alien has been exorcised by the reality of her uncle's milkbar.
But it still wasn't safe, and may never be again. That little sign broke the innocent bond of trust and commonality.
This was written in 90 minutes at The Faithful Writers' conference last weekend.
Thursday 31 July 2008
Loving Self-centred People
There are people who are draining. And there are people who are more than draining. They crave attention and any love you give will never be enough. Perhaps they are hard to love, needy, controlling or possessive. Perhaps they are in it for themselves and aren't considering your needs at all.
How do you love people who are very demanding or manipulative?
If you are kind and sensitive, you may respond by meeting their demands. If you not, or are already spent, you may disengage and hope someone else is able to help them! I sometimes find myself in one of these gears (i.e. giving until I'm empty or staying away from that person). I don't think either option is healthy or helpful.
A wise woman showed me little ways to love and serve people who are demanding or controlling.
Firstly, break the cycle of demand.
Giving into unreasonable demands reinforce their unhealthy behaviours. If they try to get affections, love, attention, help beyond what's reasonable or what you're willing to freely give, you don't have to meet that demand. You can say no gently. Show them that way of relating is not ok and will not work.
But show love or affirmation when they don't demand it. Then you are giving those things in freedom and not coercion. This helps them realise what they want is available without the having to employ unhealthy behaviors.
In other words, don't give them what they want when they demand it but give it to them when they haven't asked for it. Manipulation is not helpful for either parties involved. Breaking manipulative habits is hard work and can be unsatisfying. The wise woman said "It takes a big love to risk an anger response". But it's better for the person, because it helps them to relate normally in the long run. Don't play their game and maybe they'll lose interest in the game.
Secondly, if they behave in inappropriate ways which have affected you, it may be better to gently bring it up then and there. Talk about it immediately because they may not be able to handle the "big talk" three weeks after the event. Too much, too late, too abstract. But briefly pointing little concrete events and then moving on is more doable.
Thirdly, you don't have to give people your first available free time slot. If you had Monday, Wednesday and Saturday free, you can make yourself available on Wednesday. Most things (except for the very urgent), can probably wait til the next day. Some even the next week!
Fourthly, don't enter into gossip. This is just a general godliness thing and it helps curb jealousy or voyeurism.
People who engage in these behaviors are often crying out for love. But their ways of gaining love are actually pushing people away who could love them! They are unable to have equal friendships. Sigh. They have not yet really known how God loves them fully and completely. They don't really believe this.
But isn't God's love for needy and broken people lovely?
~ Isaiah 42:3
How do you love people who are very demanding or manipulative?
If you are kind and sensitive, you may respond by meeting their demands. If you not, or are already spent, you may disengage and hope someone else is able to help them! I sometimes find myself in one of these gears (i.e. giving until I'm empty or staying away from that person). I don't think either option is healthy or helpful.
A wise woman showed me little ways to love and serve people who are demanding or controlling.
Firstly, break the cycle of demand.
Giving into unreasonable demands reinforce their unhealthy behaviours. If they try to get affections, love, attention, help beyond what's reasonable or what you're willing to freely give, you don't have to meet that demand. You can say no gently. Show them that way of relating is not ok and will not work.
But show love or affirmation when they don't demand it. Then you are giving those things in freedom and not coercion. This helps them realise what they want is available without the having to employ unhealthy behaviors.
In other words, don't give them what they want when they demand it but give it to them when they haven't asked for it. Manipulation is not helpful for either parties involved. Breaking manipulative habits is hard work and can be unsatisfying. The wise woman said "It takes a big love to risk an anger response". But it's better for the person, because it helps them to relate normally in the long run. Don't play their game and maybe they'll lose interest in the game.
Secondly, if they behave in inappropriate ways which have affected you, it may be better to gently bring it up then and there. Talk about it immediately because they may not be able to handle the "big talk" three weeks after the event. Too much, too late, too abstract. But briefly pointing little concrete events and then moving on is more doable.
Thirdly, you don't have to give people your first available free time slot. If you had Monday, Wednesday and Saturday free, you can make yourself available on Wednesday. Most things (except for the very urgent), can probably wait til the next day. Some even the next week!
Fourthly, don't enter into gossip. This is just a general godliness thing and it helps curb jealousy or voyeurism.
People who engage in these behaviors are often crying out for love. But their ways of gaining love are actually pushing people away who could love them! They are unable to have equal friendships. Sigh. They have not yet really known how God loves them fully and completely. They don't really believe this.
But isn't God's love for needy and broken people lovely?
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
~ Isaiah 42:3
Jesus loves you!
Yes, you!
He really does.
Fully and deeply.
Don't ever doubt it.
Jesus loves you more than your Mum & Dad,
more than your fella / your girl,
more than your best friend,
more than your dog.
God Loves You!
~ wow ~
He really does.
Fully and deeply.
Don't ever doubt it.
Jesus loves you more than your Mum & Dad,
more than your fella / your girl,
more than your best friend,
more than your dog.
God Loves You!
~ wow ~
Saturday 26 July 2008
Childhood Foods
When I got this wrapped tin from a generous 'Aunty', I suspected it contained almond cookies. Ble'ch! Almond cookies are like ground almonds held together by butter. Stick a whole almond on top, stick it into an oven for too long and voila! Simultaneously dry and too greasy. When you chew one, it forms a gluggy, almondy paste which coats your teeth and tongue. Ble'ch.
I thanked her politely and wondered how I might get rid of such an inferior baked good without wastage. I let the tin sit on my shelf unopened for a little while.
I didn't question my assumption until I picked up the tin a year or two later and shook it gently to see what sound the contents made. Left to right gave a sliding sound *shuuuk*. Front to back made no sound - the contents did not budge. Curious. Almond cookies would topple over each other, not slide. The contents had to be long-shaped.
[gasp!]
Egg rolls!!
Using my nail, I sliced through the sticky tape holding closed the square, outer lid and used a spoon to lever open the round, inner lid, as I had did many times as a child. One last obstacle before reaching the golden logs... Bubble wrap! Extra fun.
As I offered it to suspecting friends, I explained their unassuming delights:
"They taste like fortune cookies."
"They are as fun as other foods with a hole in them, like spaghetti!"
"You can pretend to smoke them like cigars," I demonstrate with an egg roll between two fingers, narrowing my eyes glamorously. "But they have to point to the sky, so when you bite into them, the crumbs fall back into your mouth". Even as children, we perfected this technique of eating egg rolls to leave my mum's floor clean.
I thanked her politely and wondered how I might get rid of such an inferior baked good without wastage. I let the tin sit on my shelf unopened for a little while.
I didn't question my assumption until I picked up the tin a year or two later and shook it gently to see what sound the contents made. Left to right gave a sliding sound *shuuuk*. Front to back made no sound - the contents did not budge. Curious. Almond cookies would topple over each other, not slide. The contents had to be long-shaped.
[gasp!]
Egg rolls!!
Using my nail, I sliced through the sticky tape holding closed the square, outer lid and used a spoon to lever open the round, inner lid, as I had did many times as a child. One last obstacle before reaching the golden logs... Bubble wrap! Extra fun.
As I offered it to suspecting friends, I explained their unassuming delights:
"They taste like fortune cookies."
"They are as fun as other foods with a hole in them, like spaghetti!"
"You can pretend to smoke them like cigars," I demonstrate with an egg roll between two fingers, narrowing my eyes glamorously. "But they have to point to the sky, so when you bite into them, the crumbs fall back into your mouth". Even as children, we perfected this technique of eating egg rolls to leave my mum's floor clean.
Wednesday 23 July 2008
Envy
The green-eyed monster played a part in Jesus' death.
"... it was out of envy that the chief priests handed Jesus over..." Mark 15:10
Were they envious that people liked Jesus better? Were they that infantile? Perhaps.
In The Parable of the Tenants, the envy of the Jewish leaders has a murderous edge:
"But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance.' So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him."
They wanted Jesus' inheritance.
We could point our fingers at the Bible's arch-villains and forget that we have roots of envy, too. Eve's enticement, which represents ours, is "You will be like God" in Genesis 3:5.
There's a subtle but crucial difference between admiration and envy. It's
"I want to be like you" vs "I want to be you".
And there's a difference between jealousy and envy. It's "desiring what rightly belongs to you", vs "desiring what belongs to someone else".
There's nothing wrong with wanting to be like God. God thinks this is a great idea and encourages his people to be transformed more and more into his image.
But there's definitely something wrong with wanting to be God ourselves. Sounds crass, huh? Who would dare take God's place? But don't we do it when we kick God out of the drivers' seat of life and drive off? Do we treat our words as more authoritative than his? Do you presume to enter heaven without asking him first, as if he didn't own the place?
Next to our grasping and selfish aspirations, Jesus is so amazing. He had all the entitlements to Goddiness, but gave it up to become a lowly human. He did the backwards of jealousy. Actually, it's probably us who has got it backwards! So it may be hard for us to get our heads around Philippians 2:5-11:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Saturday 19 July 2008
Bring on the Grey Hairs!
I'm really looking forward to being older than I am. At my next birthday, I'll be 30 if you count in the Chinese tradition (where you're 1 when you're born and turn 2 when you've lived for 12 months). I can't wait to be out of my 20s. It's been a decade of ups and downs. And in many ways, a big ol' mess. I'm grateful for how those things have developed me, but I will be glad to leave my 20s behind. It's not that I expect things to get better in my 30s. But I expect me to be different and more equipped.
I look forward to being stiller, more sure of God's truth and love, more truthful and loving, and letting Christ make his dwelling in me completely. I look forward to bearing old, closed scars having survived injuries and fought good battles. And I look forward to being softened by time and bearing the callouses of hard work. I look forward to being more sincere and teachable, evenhanded and evenminded, seeing that "it's not as simple as that" or "it's not the right time".
People often love people for their youthfulness: vitality, beauty, potential, but these things often don't last. When those things have been stripped away by time, you know if you're really loved.
I am looking forward to look older than I do now. People sometimes dismiss what I say until they find out that 1. I'm not a teenager. 2. I work for the church. 3. I'm studying theology after finishing undergrad studies. 4. I've worked as a nurse. 5. I've lived overseas. Why do these external things matter so much?
And I really look forward to being closer to being in paradise with my Lord. Eternity. No, it's not more of this! Who wants an eternity of this world?? No, he promises an unending day of joy. Let the day come quickly.
I look forward to being stiller, more sure of God's truth and love, more truthful and loving, and letting Christ make his dwelling in me completely. I look forward to bearing old, closed scars having survived injuries and fought good battles. And I look forward to being softened by time and bearing the callouses of hard work. I look forward to being more sincere and teachable, evenhanded and evenminded, seeing that "it's not as simple as that" or "it's not the right time".
People often love people for their youthfulness: vitality, beauty, potential, but these things often don't last. When those things have been stripped away by time, you know if you're really loved.
I am looking forward to look older than I do now. People sometimes dismiss what I say until they find out that 1. I'm not a teenager. 2. I work for the church. 3. I'm studying theology after finishing undergrad studies. 4. I've worked as a nurse. 5. I've lived overseas. Why do these external things matter so much?
And I really look forward to being closer to being in paradise with my Lord. Eternity. No, it's not more of this! Who wants an eternity of this world?? No, he promises an unending day of joy. Let the day come quickly.
Job talk
Here's a talk that I gave on Job. Feel free to download from the other site or ask me to email it to you (transcript in softcopy or audio file that's 14MB and a whopping 31 minutes!)
Before you listen...
- read God's speeches in Job 38-42 aloud, loudly!
- read Job 1 & 2, if you're keen
- and if you're really keen, soak up the rest of Job.
During the sermon... refer to this outline:
-----------------
Fear the Lord
1:1, 1:8, 2:3, 1:9, 6:14, 9:32-35, 13:9-11, 13:21-23, 21:6, 23:3-4, 23:6-7, 23:15-17, 27:2-6, 28:28, 31:23, 31:35-37
God answered Job – Mystery & Power of Creation
Wisdom & Folly
Creator & Creation
-----------------
After you listen to the sermon... read some 'blog extras' ~ outtakes, commentary, gag reel:
- I said "after"!
- 1 Peter makes a great reading companion to Job, as a book on suffering.
- the 62th version of the talk was going to consist entirely of questions to convey the bigness and perplexity of Job, and highlight the number of contemporary issues that it raises.
- Have you noticed that God asks a lot of questions in the Bible?
- The working title of the sermon was "Job, the Comedy of Wisdom". We often think of Job as a tragedy because it's filled with suffering. But as a genre in literature, Job would be classified as a comedy. Job, the hero fulfills the quest by continuing to "fear God for nothing". At the end, God does not retract his approval of Job as a righteous man. (c.f. A tragedy where the hero does not accomplish the task. Alternative, tragic endings: Job loses his fear of the Lord, Job charges God with wrongdoing, Job curses God and dies, Job stops waiting for God's vindication.) Plus, there's definitely a happy ending!
- It's interesting that Christians tend to shy away from suffering. We always pray for it to be taken away and are often surprised / indignant when it happens.
- Suffering weeds out those who are only "in it" for the blessings from those who are really in it for God. Job proved that he was only in it for God. God's shower of blessings at the end is a completely free and joyful gift (not a bribe as Satan insinuated).
- Job makes a cameo in Ezekiel 14:14 and James 5: 11 as one of God's favorites and a blessed man who persevered through suffering.
- a sermon on Job's friends could be called "Pity the Fool"
- I realised that a friend saw me as one of Job's friends when he said "Hon's got an answer for everything".
- an adapted therapy idea for people made deeply introspective from suffering: read God's speeches (Job 38-41) to them. Loudly and forcefully. So they feel pinned to the wall and stung by a bee. (And hopefully get shaken out of their despair and face God's bigness and power!)
- Job is as much about suffering as Ecclesiastes is about significance.
- An exploration of The Fear of God in the Bible hit the cutting room floor.
- Omitted illustration from King Kong to show how God's raw power might have inspired good fear and trust in God who loves you:
Jungle predators were no match for him. King Kong could not be subdued by natives, chemicals or chrome steel chains. Sheer brute force. There was a scene when Kong fights off a pack of dinosaurs who were attacking Ann. She gets away but then finds herself face to face with a hungry T-rex, who looked intent on eating her. Kong drops in behind her and… she steps back into his shadow… waiting for him to fight for her once more. Yes, he could still crush her with one hand, but he was using his power to protect because he cares for her. Raw power evokes blind terror, but power with love was her security.
- Ideas for a series on Job:
· Grace in Job
· Christ in Job, Emmanuel
· Theodicy & Morality in Job
· Our right responses to suffering
Before you listen...
- read God's speeches in Job 38-42 aloud, loudly!
- read Job 1 & 2, if you're keen
- and if you're really keen, soak up the rest of Job.
During the sermon... refer to this outline:
-----------------
Fear the Lord
1:1, 1:8, 2:3, 1:9, 6:14, 9:32-35, 13:9-11, 13:21-23, 21:6, 23:3-4, 23:6-7, 23:15-17, 27:2-6, 28:28, 31:23, 31:35-37
God answered Job – Mystery & Power of Creation
Wisdom & Folly
Creator & Creation
-----------------
After you listen to the sermon... read some 'blog extras' ~ outtakes, commentary, gag reel:
- I said "after"!
- 1 Peter makes a great reading companion to Job, as a book on suffering.
- the 62th version of the talk was going to consist entirely of questions to convey the bigness and perplexity of Job, and highlight the number of contemporary issues that it raises.
- Have you noticed that God asks a lot of questions in the Bible?
- The working title of the sermon was "Job, the Comedy of Wisdom". We often think of Job as a tragedy because it's filled with suffering. But as a genre in literature, Job would be classified as a comedy. Job, the hero fulfills the quest by continuing to "fear God for nothing". At the end, God does not retract his approval of Job as a righteous man. (c.f. A tragedy where the hero does not accomplish the task. Alternative, tragic endings: Job loses his fear of the Lord, Job charges God with wrongdoing, Job curses God and dies, Job stops waiting for God's vindication.) Plus, there's definitely a happy ending!
- It's interesting that Christians tend to shy away from suffering. We always pray for it to be taken away and are often surprised / indignant when it happens.
- Suffering weeds out those who are only "in it" for the blessings from those who are really in it for God. Job proved that he was only in it for God. God's shower of blessings at the end is a completely free and joyful gift (not a bribe as Satan insinuated).
- Job makes a cameo in Ezekiel 14:14 and James 5: 11 as one of God's favorites and a blessed man who persevered through suffering.
- a sermon on Job's friends could be called "Pity the Fool"
- I realised that a friend saw me as one of Job's friends when he said "Hon's got an answer for everything".
- an adapted therapy idea for people made deeply introspective from suffering: read God's speeches (Job 38-41) to them. Loudly and forcefully. So they feel pinned to the wall and stung by a bee. (And hopefully get shaken out of their despair and face God's bigness and power!)
- Job is as much about suffering as Ecclesiastes is about significance.
- An exploration of The Fear of God in the Bible hit the cutting room floor.
- Omitted illustration from King Kong to show how God's raw power might have inspired good fear and trust in God who loves you:
Jungle predators were no match for him. King Kong could not be subdued by natives, chemicals or chrome steel chains. Sheer brute force. There was a scene when Kong fights off a pack of dinosaurs who were attacking Ann. She gets away but then finds herself face to face with a hungry T-rex, who looked intent on eating her. Kong drops in behind her and… she steps back into his shadow… waiting for him to fight for her once more. Yes, he could still crush her with one hand, but he was using his power to protect because he cares for her. Raw power evokes blind terror, but power with love was her security.
- Ideas for a series on Job:
· Grace in Job
· Christ in Job, Emmanuel
· Theodicy & Morality in Job
· Our right responses to suffering
Thursday 17 July 2008
Quote for Matt
I read this on a mug:
A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.
Monday 14 July 2008
Roadtrip to see Lara
"A tree in the wind" (no wait... the air was very still. Perhaps, "Wind-formed giant-bonsai")
A sea-weed tee.
"No really, it does with your top! It'll make a great fascinator."
Ta da-da!!
Yes, a surfer with an oar!
Some Easter eggs are hollow and some are solid.
Sandra, Lara & Hon
2. Self and Other
Having said that people are primarily 'Self'-centred or 'Other'-centred, I should add that each of us are capable of being both 'Self' centred and 'Other' centred. We all possess both sets of attributes to varying degrees. A person can even be primarily 'Self'-centred but show 'Other'-centredness in particular contexts. For example, a person may be 'Self' centred at work, being an over-ambitious and overbearing towards their colleagues. The same person may be very 'Other' centred at home towards their spouse and children.
In the Bible, self-centredness is called "sin". And other-centredness is called "love". We are capable of both. Sometimes we sin and sometimes we love. The one thing in common is that we all start as hopelessly 'Self' centred people towards God. We have neglected to thank him, realise and say sorry when we offend him, we don't have time for him, think we're better than him, ignore him, just take from him, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
Thankfully, God is radically different from people. He is utterly 'Other' centred and the root source of all love. He is totally worthy of our adoration and love because he is who he is. He is the exemplar of good, loveliness and excellence.
But instead of loving him, we sin against him by being 'self' centred people towards him. How blind and destructive!
We would've been stuck forever if Jesus had not come to love us by dying on the cross for our sake. He poured himself out for the sake of Others. His love and 'Other' centredness was so complete and abundant that it overwhelms our 'Self' centredness. Those who receive his love are filled to the brim to overflowing. It purges our self-centred, empty hearts of sin. The tide of Jesus' love and generosity overwhelms sin. How glorious!
A 'Self'-centred person becomes 'Other'-centred when they become 'God'-centred. In Christ, we are not hopelessly stuck in our deep seated 'self' centredness, but are transformed into people who love God, others and even those who don't love us back.
John puts it beautifully:
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (v 7-12)
While D. B. Knox puts it like this (from Selected Works, Vol 1: The Doctrine of God, p155):
Personal relationship is ultimate reality. The basic requirement for the establishment and maintenance of true personal relationship is other-person-centredness, that is, genuine interest in the other person and his welfare and the forwarding of that welfare by every appropriate means at one's disposal. This means that absolute other-person-centredness is the most real thing in being a person.
There can be no trace of self-centredness in true personal relationship. The smallest degree of self-centredness diminishes the relationship. Complete self-centredness is the negation of any personal relationship. The complete absence of relationship between persons is hell.
Since God is actus purus (i.e. there is no mere potentiality in him), his other-person-centredness is complete, and active in conferring benefits on the other person all the time.
The authors quoted use the categories a little differently to me, but you get the idea.
In the Bible, self-centredness is called "sin". And other-centredness is called "love". We are capable of both. Sometimes we sin and sometimes we love. The one thing in common is that we all start as hopelessly 'Self' centred people towards God. We have neglected to thank him, realise and say sorry when we offend him, we don't have time for him, think we're better than him, ignore him, just take from him, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
Thankfully, God is radically different from people. He is utterly 'Other' centred and the root source of all love. He is totally worthy of our adoration and love because he is who he is. He is the exemplar of good, loveliness and excellence.
But instead of loving him, we sin against him by being 'self' centred people towards him. How blind and destructive!
We would've been stuck forever if Jesus had not come to love us by dying on the cross for our sake. He poured himself out for the sake of Others. His love and 'Other' centredness was so complete and abundant that it overwhelms our 'Self' centredness. Those who receive his love are filled to the brim to overflowing. It purges our self-centred, empty hearts of sin. The tide of Jesus' love and generosity overwhelms sin. How glorious!
A 'Self'-centred person becomes 'Other'-centred when they become 'God'-centred. In Christ, we are not hopelessly stuck in our deep seated 'self' centredness, but are transformed into people who love God, others and even those who don't love us back.
John puts it beautifully:
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (v 7-12)
While D. B. Knox puts it like this (from Selected Works, Vol 1: The Doctrine of God, p155):
Personal relationship is ultimate reality. The basic requirement for the establishment and maintenance of true personal relationship is other-person-centredness, that is, genuine interest in the other person and his welfare and the forwarding of that welfare by every appropriate means at one's disposal. This means that absolute other-person-centredness is the most real thing in being a person.
There can be no trace of self-centredness in true personal relationship. The smallest degree of self-centredness diminishes the relationship. Complete self-centredness is the negation of any personal relationship. The complete absence of relationship between persons is hell.
Since God is actus purus (i.e. there is no mere potentiality in him), his other-person-centredness is complete, and active in conferring benefits on the other person all the time.
The authors quoted use the categories a little differently to me, but you get the idea.
1. Self or Other
I feel like the Dr Nick Riviera of psychology. Hi, Everybody!!
Here are some hack observations. Most people will have no idea what I'm talking about. But some may nod your heads and recognise these traits.
Sometimes, people are 'Self' centred, to the detriment of their regard for 'Others'.
Here are some characteristics of the 'Self' centred person:
May or may not come with: manners, charm, wealth, intelligence, achievement, religion, self-control, insight into reality, genuine affection and admiration.
It's ironic, or paradoxical, but the self-centred person is usually really insecure and do all these things in order to boost a low and fragile self-esteem. They project a (false) desirable image of themselves or appear a certain way to get people to doing what they want (even disguising themselves as their opposite, e.g. posing as the victim, the vulnerable), but the facade is lacking in genuineness and substance. They are empty.
At the other pole, people can be 'Other' centred, to the detriment of their regard for 'Self'.
Here are some characteristics of the 'other' centred person:
Funnily enough, the latter may look like a doormat and may be abused by the former, but they are actually more internally robust. They genuinely have 'got it together' and have enough self-respect and love that they can care for others. They are filled.
Together, the Self-centred and the Other-centred person make a natural, but unhealthy relationship. They gravitate to each other because the attention is on the same person! The asymmetry is because of dependence (the self-centred person depends on the other-centred person to give them what they need) and power (the self-centred person needs to control the other-centred person).
Other-centred person often complies or enables the Self-centred person to behave and act how they want. They are exhausted of their resources and feel like their energy is being sucked out of them, vampire style. A relationship between 'self' and 'other' centred people is ultimately flawed and difficult to maintain unless this dynamic is corrected. A 'Self'-'Self' relationship is just destructive, but there's a natural justice in giving as good as they get! However, relationship between two 'Other' centred people is lovely. Their giving of themselves is reciprocated and replenished by the other - they are not exhausted.
Kudos to Mark and DBK who used the categories of 'Self' and 'Other-person' centredness.
Here are some hack observations. Most people will have no idea what I'm talking about. But some may nod your heads and recognise these traits.
Sometimes, people are 'Self' centred, to the detriment of their regard for 'Others'.
SELF
__________
other
__________
other
Here are some characteristics of the 'Self' centred person:
- laps up attention and adulation, needs constant affirmation
- has an over-inflated ego
- self-aggrandizing, has to be / do the best and thought of that way, name-drop and associate themselves with the best
- gossipy
- their time, opinion and plans are more important than others so they steamroll over others
- has no time for other's problems and weaknesses
- likes to tell people how it's really done
- thinks they deserve special treatment
- are competitive, engages in one-up-(wo)manship
- gets envious easily
- gets angry when they don't get their way
- gets angry when they are criticised
- finds help, explanation, concession and concern condescending
- controlling
- passive-aggressive
- are bossy, bullying
- if someone were to say sorry, they may want to reply "So you should be"
- it would kill them to say sorry, thanks or pay a compliment properly
- feels threatened by other people's success, happiness, achievement
- gloats in the humiliation, failure of others
- are guarded, self-protective and don't let people in into what they are really like
- forges exclusive alliances, thrives on secrecy
- tends to dominate over, manipulate or pressure people into doing what they want
- plays 'water polo' (players push down on other players to go up in the air): may put others down, step over others, slanders
- disregards insults or hurt to others
- will act to benefit self even at the detriment of the other
May or may not come with: manners, charm, wealth, intelligence, achievement, religion, self-control, insight into reality, genuine affection and admiration.
It's ironic, or paradoxical, but the self-centred person is usually really insecure and do all these things in order to boost a low and fragile self-esteem. They project a (false) desirable image of themselves or appear a certain way to get people to doing what they want (even disguising themselves as their opposite, e.g. posing as the victim, the vulnerable), but the facade is lacking in genuineness and substance. They are empty.
At the other pole, people can be 'Other' centred, to the detriment of their regard for 'Self'.
OTHER
_______________
self
_______________
self
Here are some characteristics of the 'other' centred person:
- sensitive, empathetic, can step into their shoes
- affirming, supportive
- good listener, attentive, reads people well
- open
- humble, servant hearted
- considers others' needs, opinions and time first before their own
- knows their friends more than vice versa
- generous with time, energy and affection
- sticks their necks out for others, put themselves 'out there'
- looks out for the weak
- gives people an “out” in an embarrassing situation
- makes time for other's problems, opinions, weaknesses
- can set aside their own feelings for the evening, so as to not 'ruin' other people's fun
- gives people the benefit of the doubt, give second, third, seventy-seventh chances
- covers for others, meeting their deficiencies
- may need to set boundaries with 'self' centred people so they are not taken advantage of and used
- are a magnet for others with multiple problems and issues
- has many lopsided friendships (looks like counselor-client, carer-patient rather than peer-peer relationship)
- may be acutely aware of everyone else's needs, but may have difficulty articulating their own feelings and needs
- will act to benefit the other even at the detriment of self
May or may not come with: humour, happiness, unhealed wounds, gentleness, warm and fuzzies, self-respect, insight into reality, acknowledgment of being used, guilt, complaints, anger, self-deprecation, self-pity, endurance, tough love, appropriate boundaries.
Funnily enough, the latter may look like a doormat and may be abused by the former, but they are actually more internally robust. They genuinely have 'got it together' and have enough self-respect and love that they can care for others. They are filled.
Together, the Self-centred and the Other-centred person make a natural, but unhealthy relationship. They gravitate to each other because the attention is on the same person! The asymmetry is because of dependence (the self-centred person depends on the other-centred person to give them what they need) and power (the self-centred person needs to control the other-centred person).
Other-centred person often complies or enables the Self-centred person to behave and act how they want. They are exhausted of their resources and feel like their energy is being sucked out of them, vampire style. A relationship between 'self' and 'other' centred people is ultimately flawed and difficult to maintain unless this dynamic is corrected. A 'Self'-'Self' relationship is just destructive, but there's a natural justice in giving as good as they get! However, relationship between two 'Other' centred people is lovely. Their giving of themselves is reciprocated and replenished by the other - they are not exhausted.
Kudos to Mark and DBK who used the categories of 'Self' and 'Other-person' centredness.
Tuesday 8 July 2008
Wolves
If I were a pervert, I'd catch public transport during rush hour wearing my loosest pants. If I were a pedophile, I'd earn a role of responsibility around school children and watch Billy Elliot six times. If I were a parasite, I'd feed on people at Bible college. If I were a power-monger, I'd want to run a church. Why not, when people proffer so much benefit of the doubt, especially to predators who prey on Christian circles?
Jesus warned us (particularly about destructive deceivers), so we should not be surprised to find wolves in sheep's clothing among us.
Oh, we are *so* onto you!
Jesus warned us (particularly about destructive deceivers), so we should not be surprised to find wolves in sheep's clothing among us.
Oh, we are *so* onto you!
Saturday 5 July 2008
off to Melbourne
Going off to Melbourne next week for two weeks! I love Melbourne people very much and may post about them soon.
But this post is about my carbon footprint.
I'm a water-Scrooge: I shower every 1.5 days (at Karen's suggestion and gave up my daily hair wash for the first time ever) and am sad the half flush is ineffective in most toilet designs*. I have refused many kind car-sitting offers and walk or catch a bus. I try to eat things that are low on the food chain / not overly processed. The heater in my room has not been plugged in this year (its cord is too short anyway!). I'd rather fix clothes than create landfill. I go around flicking off lights and appliances in empty rooms. I handwash dishes in a small basin instead of using a dishwasher and scrape off solid fat in the rubbish bin instead of just running water to get rid of the greasy bits. Today, I used the clothes dryer for the first time, but maintain that it's wasteful and overrated (my clothes were still damp!).
But all that seems like "saving cents and loosing dollars" when I fly to Melbourne 2+ times a year (this year, to Thailand too, which consisted of 4 flights). What a total fuel guzzler! Someone told me if I don't use a car for a whole year and jump on a plane at the end of that year, my petrol savings would be spent before I reach the end of the runway.
* The best design I've ever seen was in an Austria toilet. Hygienic, very little splash and good use of flushing water.
But this post is about my carbon footprint.
I'm a water-Scrooge: I shower every 1.5 days (at Karen's suggestion and gave up my daily hair wash for the first time ever) and am sad the half flush is ineffective in most toilet designs*. I have refused many kind car-sitting offers and walk or catch a bus. I try to eat things that are low on the food chain / not overly processed. The heater in my room has not been plugged in this year (its cord is too short anyway!). I'd rather fix clothes than create landfill. I go around flicking off lights and appliances in empty rooms. I handwash dishes in a small basin instead of using a dishwasher and scrape off solid fat in the rubbish bin instead of just running water to get rid of the greasy bits. Today, I used the clothes dryer for the first time, but maintain that it's wasteful and overrated (my clothes were still damp!).
But all that seems like "saving cents and loosing dollars" when I fly to Melbourne 2+ times a year (this year, to Thailand too, which consisted of 4 flights). What a total fuel guzzler! Someone told me if I don't use a car for a whole year and jump on a plane at the end of that year, my petrol savings would be spent before I reach the end of the runway.
* The best design I've ever seen was in an Austria toilet. Hygienic, very little splash and good use of flushing water.
Friday 4 July 2008
Dear Reader
Hi, to all five of you!
I hope to "launch" this blog soon. So I'd love to know what things you think I should tweak and pluck. For instance, a good friend helpfully said "You write well. But it's like trying to look at a lovely view while walking with a stone in my shoe", because my grammar is terrible to the point of distraction! I plan to make her sit down and edit with me. [laughs gleefully]
How do you think this blog should evolve? More pictures and personal stuff? Less internal torment / hell / death / judgment / sickness?
Thanks for reading and your encouragement! Would appreciate a prayer.
Honoria
I hope to "launch" this blog soon. So I'd love to know what things you think I should tweak and pluck. For instance, a good friend helpfully said "You write well. But it's like trying to look at a lovely view while walking with a stone in my shoe", because my grammar is terrible to the point of distraction! I plan to make her sit down and edit with me. [laughs gleefully]
How do you think this blog should evolve? More pictures and personal stuff? Less internal torment / hell / death / judgment / sickness?
Thanks for reading and your encouragement! Would appreciate a prayer.
Honoria
Unique heads
From the back of the lecture hall, I can recognise people by the back of their heads. It doesn't matter if they have had a haircut, or if their head is partially obscured by another. Their heads are noticeably different. Some heads are quite spherical, others have their bulbous part just above the neck. Some are egg-shaped, which is different to being pear-shaped or pumpkin-shaped. Then there are Lurch-lookalikes. Even if two heads' shape are similar, there its volume /mass and how it's set on the neck. People are identifiable by their heads.
When I was a kid, I thought our fingerprints were the only distinguishing feature. Stripes are unique to each zebra. Songs are unique to each whale.
But watching spy movies made me realise that your voice, retina, footprint, handwriting, gait and dental structures are all unique and therefore useful for security clearances. Then there's personality and face. When I get to that point, I ask: is there anything that isn't unique to each of us?*
You are unique compared to everyone else who's ever been. And even as you change, you remain completely special.
God, who is endlessly complex and wonderful, never runs out of creative energy. He doesn't mass produce but only does originals. He has a unique relationship with each of us. You can see the love, care and beauty he endows to each of us. And God even keep tabs on your hair count.
* maybe the DNA of identical twins? But even then they turn out different from each other.
When I was a kid, I thought our fingerprints were the only distinguishing feature. Stripes are unique to each zebra. Songs are unique to each whale.
But watching spy movies made me realise that your voice, retina, footprint, handwriting, gait and dental structures are all unique and therefore useful for security clearances. Then there's personality and face. When I get to that point, I ask: is there anything that isn't unique to each of us?*
You are unique compared to everyone else who's ever been. And even as you change, you remain completely special.
God, who is endlessly complex and wonderful, never runs out of creative energy. He doesn't mass produce but only does originals. He has a unique relationship with each of us. You can see the love, care and beauty he endows to each of us. And God even keep tabs on your hair count.
* maybe the DNA of identical twins? But even then they turn out different from each other.
Thursday 3 July 2008
Journaling
I don't really have the patience for journaling. It takes too long!
But a friend who regularly writes in her journal said that there's good physiological reasons for doing it. The feelings centre in your brain is different from your writing centre, which is in the region of logic. So when you have lots of emotions and you write them down, you are processing it through your reason. That helps you sort through things you're going through.
My friend said "It's a bit like the Psalmist. In a Psalm, they start off in a bit of a mess and by the time they finish writing down it all down, it's sorted!"
But a friend who regularly writes in her journal said that there's good physiological reasons for doing it. The feelings centre in your brain is different from your writing centre, which is in the region of logic. So when you have lots of emotions and you write them down, you are processing it through your reason. That helps you sort through things you're going through.
My friend said "It's a bit like the Psalmist. In a Psalm, they start off in a bit of a mess and by the time they finish writing down it all down, it's sorted!"
Wednesday 2 July 2008
Meaningless, Meaningless?
That funny word that translators scratch their heads at is the refrain through Ecclesiastes and probably its key:
Hebel (Hebrew): heh'-bel, hab-ale' (English: havel). Often used as an adverb, emptiness or vanity, figuratively something transitory and unsatisfactory. Mist, vapour.
You get Meaningless (NIV), Vanity (KJV), Enigma (Lindsay Wilson, OT guy at Ridley). Others have gone with Smoke (The Message), Vapour (The Amplied). Fox has interpreted it as something like Absurdity, CEV says Nonsense, Useless (CEV), Holman's gone with Absolute Futility.
Someone said the point of it was 'transience'. Why not, since the literal sense is "mist", "vapour"? Earthly things are ephemeral.
"Hebel" bears an allusion to "Abel", who made a cameo at the start of the episode about the first family (he died at the hands of his brother, killer Cain, early in the piece).
The writer of Ecclesiastes is a wise and faithful follower of the true God. He throws himself into life, succeeds at everything and is still deeply frustrated. And in parts of the picture, he's despairing at how long things lasts. What's the point of building up an empire, when you'll have to give it over to someone when you die, who'll stuff it all up in a few days? It's like chasing the wind.
The transience of everything under the sun makes a good contrast to the Everlasting Lord and his eternal kingdom. We are like the grass of the field.
And here's where we readers can sober up. Whatever pleasures, riches, good things on earth won't last. So don't put your stock in them. Whatever sufferings, injustices, evils on earth won't last. So grieve over those things as those with hope. And be comforted that this too shall pass.
There is a day coming that will last forever. And in that day The Doorkeeper and The Prize is God himself. Ecclesiastes 12:13-4
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
Jean: if you're reading, I didn't mean for our blogs to cross-pollinate. I've been mulling over Hebel for a while, as a part of my thinking on theodicy. Your post on work was really stimulating.
Tuesday 1 July 2008
Freebies to those who can afford it
Drug reps practically throw things at doctors. Cool pens. Mouse pads. Drinks. Bags. Samples. Puzzles. Lunches. Tickets. Trips overseas. Freebies freebies freebies to those who really don't need more stuff and can definitely afford it.
Have you seen people give out free stuff on the street? They tend to hand things to people who are well put together. But they are reluctant to give out stuff to people who are poor (e.g. students, homeless).
Why so stingey? Is it really free?
Have you seen people give out free stuff on the street? They tend to hand things to people who are well put together. But they are reluctant to give out stuff to people who are poor (e.g. students, homeless).
Why so stingey? Is it really free?
Abuse
I know of an older, dying woman who has separated from her abusive husband but still lives in the same house with him. Her friend called his behavior "psychological torture". Long ago, she stopped herself from taking care of him, since he just takes advantage of her. "He doesn't hit me anymore" she said plainly, "he just throws things". Now that he's showing signs of dementia, he'll get assessed by ACAT. But perhaps there was something else to be assessed years ago.
I know of a mature man who lived with a destructive wife for decades. It's very amazing how he remains soft and generous spirited. He still has good-will for his wife and grateful for how she brought up their children. But there is a raw agony that he cannot share, even though he'd like to. No one understands and he is all alone.
I know of two women who have had violent husbands. They are now both advocates for voiceless victims. They are strong women who spend a lot of time weeping and praying on their knees for those they minister to.
I know of a young woman who had a difficult childhood and had a close relationship with a manipulative and depressed woman. She is now very sensitive and caring of the needy, still giving of herself in dependent relationships.
I know of a young man with a history of abuse in his family who sees how the effects of verbal violence linger even after generations.
I know of a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
The ones who have had bad experiences with abusive people have a strange affinity to them. They often become 'rescuers' or 'protectors', who are nurturing and sensitive, offering sympathy and help. Yet, they are often the ones who are exploited and re-abused.
It shouldn't surprise us that those who are abused often repay their abusers in kind (having vendettas), or pay it forward (becoming abusers of others). This is completely unacceptable for Christians and it perpetuates a cycle of violence and destruction. But retaliation feels very natural. How should the abused react to abuse?
The following verses are very difficult. It's said by the one who was abused the worst and epitomised these words. He does not say it lightly, but soberly, holding out real hope in God to the abused. He also holds out kindness and mercy to abusers.
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. .. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
~ Luke 6:27–9, 35-6 ESV
I definitely think abused people should get help, keep themselves safe and seek the intervention of appropriate authorities. But notice how Jesus' way is so different from our litigious, self-protective society, which cries out "an eye for an eye" and "Get angry!" For those who don't know God, there's only so much justice they can scramble for. If this life is all there is, who wouldn't despair?
But Christians can take genuine comfort when they are abused. Jesus reminds us of two factors that our society leaves out: The role of God and the day of the Lord.
Firstly, God will do right. He holds out real warnings ("Woe..." a la Luke 6:23-6) but also the offer of mercy and salvation. It's constantly amazing that God loves his enemies and offers them an out in Jesus. God remembers his people's great suffering and will reward those who do not retaliate in their power. And God remembers the unrepentant abusers, too.
Secondly, timing. The sufferings of the world are temporary. Their comfort will be so great that even the worst evil is overwhelmed and obliterated. (This is not to belittle suffering and pain, but to magnify the glorious future. If your suffering is great, vast and deep, how much more will you rejoice!). For the unrepentant abuser who runs free today, there will be a reckoning on that day. When God comes back, he'll wipe out all sin and all people who sin.
There is a day coming when God will set everything right. "Though it linger, wait for it. It will certainly come and will not delay." (Hab 2:3).
I know of a mature man who lived with a destructive wife for decades. It's very amazing how he remains soft and generous spirited. He still has good-will for his wife and grateful for how she brought up their children. But there is a raw agony that he cannot share, even though he'd like to. No one understands and he is all alone.
I know of two women who have had violent husbands. They are now both advocates for voiceless victims. They are strong women who spend a lot of time weeping and praying on their knees for those they minister to.
I know of a young woman who had a difficult childhood and had a close relationship with a manipulative and depressed woman. She is now very sensitive and caring of the needy, still giving of herself in dependent relationships.
I know of a young man with a history of abuse in his family who sees how the effects of verbal violence linger even after generations.
I know of a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
The ones who have had bad experiences with abusive people have a strange affinity to them. They often become 'rescuers' or 'protectors', who are nurturing and sensitive, offering sympathy and help. Yet, they are often the ones who are exploited and re-abused.
It shouldn't surprise us that those who are abused often repay their abusers in kind (having vendettas), or pay it forward (becoming abusers of others). This is completely unacceptable for Christians and it perpetuates a cycle of violence and destruction. But retaliation feels very natural. How should the abused react to abuse?
The following verses are very difficult. It's said by the one who was abused the worst and epitomised these words. He does not say it lightly, but soberly, holding out real hope in God to the abused. He also holds out kindness and mercy to abusers.
I definitely think abused people should get help, keep themselves safe and seek the intervention of appropriate authorities. But notice how Jesus' way is so different from our litigious, self-protective society, which cries out "an eye for an eye" and "Get angry!" For those who don't know God, there's only so much justice they can scramble for. If this life is all there is, who wouldn't despair?
But Christians can take genuine comfort when they are abused. Jesus reminds us of two factors that our society leaves out: The role of God and the day of the Lord.
Firstly, God will do right. He holds out real warnings ("Woe..." a la Luke 6:23-6) but also the offer of mercy and salvation. It's constantly amazing that God loves his enemies and offers them an out in Jesus. God remembers his people's great suffering and will reward those who do not retaliate in their power. And God remembers the unrepentant abusers, too.
Secondly, timing. The sufferings of the world are temporary. Their comfort will be so great that even the worst evil is overwhelmed and obliterated. (This is not to belittle suffering and pain, but to magnify the glorious future. If your suffering is great, vast and deep, how much more will you rejoice!). For the unrepentant abuser who runs free today, there will be a reckoning on that day. When God comes back, he'll wipe out all sin and all people who sin.
There is a day coming when God will set everything right. "Though it linger, wait for it. It will certainly come and will not delay." (Hab 2:3).
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