Tag Archives: Reflections column

Politics, change & wishes

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

How did your vote go? Did it count for something? Are you happy with the outcome, do you think you made a contribution?

I write this before the federal election, but am already sure of one thing: no one will be completely satisfied. You might prefer things a little different, or completely different. Either way, our dreams have not been met.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a man who wanted things different. As a Christian minister in Germany, he opposed Hitler, and during the war was imprisoned and executed. He wrote something very helpful about our desires, what he called ‘wish dreams.’ His claim: we need to give up our wish dreams.

So there’s no point saying, ‘If only our politicians were fully trustworthy.’ Or, ‘If only my family had more patience.’ Or, ‘If only the church was perfect.’ (Bonhoeffer was writing specifically about churches.) We need to get past the ‘wish dream’, and work with the reality before us.

As Bonhoeffer put it, “What may appear weak and trifling to us may appear great and glorious to God.”

God proved that appearances aren’t everything by working through Jesus and his execution on the cross. These look feeble and empty. The unjust execution of a poor Jewish teacher 2000 years ago does not sound impressive. It sounds positively shameful. Yet the Bible says that Jesus mocked this shame and weakness and chose to endure the suffering. Why? Because the cross is real power: it is where God changed the world, offering forgiveness to anyone.

Perhaps you have had wish dreams about God. That he’d do something spectacular and showy. That he would suddenly change everything about life that you don’t like. Forget the wish dreams. The reality is much better. It’s trusting Jesus that changes life. He may appear weak and trifling, but is great and glorious to God.
October 2004

 


 

Gallipoli & meaning

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

 

Three weeks ago I had the chance to visit Gallipoli.

It was a centre of activity in preparation for ANZAC Day. There were Turkish voices, Australian accents, temporary seating and police direction (as well as the ubiquitous souvenir sellers!).

It was moving to walk through graveyards with headstones of Australians, New Zealanders, Turks, Indians and other nationalities. It was impossible to imagine how anyone could even land at the narrow beach of ANZAC Cove, let alone climb the steep slopes above.

Headstone from Lone Pine cemetery
The visit made me remember what so many have said: the futility of death.

I think there’s another force for modern visitors: the futility of life.

We can do heaps: work, family, fun, fly around the world and visit battle fields. These things certainly take our attention. But is there any point? Is there anything that lasts? We all end up precisely like the men whose remains lie scattered about the Gallipoli battlefields.

The Bible is not shy about this feeling of futility. ‘Meaningless, meaningless. All is meaningless’ says the writer of the Bible book Ecclesiastes. (You may have heard it as ‘Vanity of vanities.’)

Another part speaks of creation being ‘subject to futility’ or ‘in bondage to decay.’ Things wear out and look pointless. That includes you and me!

Jesus himself points out what modern physics now also says. Jesus said ‘Heaven and earth will pass away.’ The sun looks permanent. It is only more permanent than us.

But I cut Jesus off. Let’s allow him to complete his sentence. ‘Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.’ Jesus’ extraordinary claim is that what he says lasts forever.

He promises forgiveness to those who trust him – this lasts forever. He says no one is too bad for God’s love – this lasts forever. He says he accepts all who come to him – this lasts forever.

Gallipoli is definitely moving. Yet as I left, I could only be more thankful for Jesus and his trusty word.
May 2007

 


 

Passionate commitment

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

Have do you describe a good argument? How about a worthless argument?

Watching the new freeway opening made me ask these questions. I think they’re good questions to ask! Let me explain why.

It’s been fascinating watching the new freeway take shape, and now begin to flow. One thing the border can never forget is the range of opinions people had. And still have!

We saw this in the Border Mail history of the freeway. The television news pictures from the last decade were just as informative. A number of Albury-Wodonga houses still have signs demanding where the road should go. During construction there was the odd bit of graffiti protesting developments.

What most struck me about the early debates is how passionate people were. Arguments were fiery. Opinions strong. Emotions high. A number of folk had a lot of their life invested in these decisions.

Now, roads are useful. But there are more important matters.

Likewise, commitment is great. But the best commitment is commitment to the best causes.

Easter gives us a hint about the best commitment, the best argument, and the best passion.

The best model of passion is the man who went through the Passion, Jesus Christ. His passion – his suffering, in other words – was the perfect expression of love. Jesus’ love for people proved his great love for God’s ways.

What they said at the time was right, ‘zeal consumed him.’ Jesus’ zeal to do good and bring forgiveness cost his life. That’s why so many people not only remember Jesus’ death but also commit to following him in every area of life.

So what arguments will you get involved in this week? I hope they’re about lasting matters: life, forgiveness, love, truth, … Perhaps even about whether you can follow Jesus as we approach Easter.
March 2007

 


 

Reasons not to believe

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

What’s a good reason to not be a Christian?

As a minister, I regularly ask myself this. After all, I don’t want to waste my time if the Bible, prayer and church are empty. There are many suggested arguments against Christianity. Of all the reasons, there is only one that might stick.

Some reasons are about weak Christians. Perhaps you know a Christian with a short temper, or you’ve been to a church that did not feel as friendly as it could.

These are weaknesses, but hardly reason to ignore Jesus. Jesus said he came to call sinners, so I expect them at church. Having wrongdoers at church is just like having sick people at hospital – perfectly normal.

Other reasons against Christianity are about the Bible. Maybe you have said, ‘It’s too hard to understand.’ Or, ‘I want to read it one day, but haven’t got around to it.’

These aren’t convincing either. It’s a big surprise to me to find men and women who are experts in their work, but whose understanding of Jesus is at the level of a ten year old. They’ve never read the Bible as adults and rely on half-remembered school scripture from 20 years ago!

So what is the one good reason to stay away from Christianity?

As we’d expect, the reason is all about Jesus. Specifically, if Jesus is not alive from the dead then ignore all Christians.

Lots of leaders have died unjustly, even heroically. Yet none claimed that they would come back to life after three days. Jesus did.

Many religions spread their leader’s teachings. Followers of Jesus have always announced that Jesus’ tomb is empty. A ridiculous message. Unless it’s true!

If anyone could prove to me that Jesus did not rise and that he is not alive, it would change everything. This alone would convince me Christianity is bankrupt.

Yet, as we approach Easter, I am ever more convinced that Jesus is alive. That’s why I keep following him. What do you say about the living Jesus?
March 2006

 


 

Sport will let us down

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

Do you love sport like I do? Or do you think there is far too much fascination with games? Either way it’s impossible to miss how much we watch and talk about sports. As the footy season finishes, cricket and netball begins. And to fill in any gaps I can watch the rugby world cup too. Truly, too much sport is never enough.

We love sports to see people achieve. Lima Azimi of Afghanistan ran the women’s 100m at this year’s world championships, a first for her country. She’d never used starting blocks before, and did not own a tracksuit. What an effort!

Unfortunately, even the most skilled athlete will let us down. She will drop the ball, he will prove arrogant, the team will become angry at critics. It’s unfair to make sports people our heroes.

As a Christian, I am thankful for the one person who will never be a let-down, the man Jesus. As it’s put in the Bible ‘For me, to live is Christ.’ He performed under pressure and always loved people. He went through the pain barrier of the cross. He scored the winning goal by rising from the dead.

Knowing this makes sport so much better. I still want my team to win, but my life doesn’t depend on it.
October 2003

 


 

We’re a mixed up bunch

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

July does the same thing every year. The weather makes it less appealing to ride my bike. The TV makes it more inviting to watch others ride their bikes. Yes – I’m addicted to the Tour de France.

Each year I again fall for the helicopter shots of tourist sites, for the speed of fast flat racing, for the pain of riding up ridiculously long mountain roads. There’s a lot to see: fanatical fans; beautiful country; selfless teamwork; athleticism.

This year there was even the chance of an Australian winner. I hope I’m not crazy, but I tried to support Cadel Evans by riding my bike down Cadell St in Albury a few times.

Yet cycling has a problem. Drugs. Again in 2007 there were accusations of cheating and lying. Some cyclists were caught, some teams were kicked out.

There’s no excuse for cheating, but I am not surprised that people try.

These ups and downs are simply an expression of what people are like. We’re a mixed-up bunch, both wonderful and awful at the same time. I started with the Tour de France, so here’s a famous French thinker. Blaise Pascal called people ‘the glory and the shame of the universe.’

If there’s a shadow over cycling it is because there is a shadow over humanity.

Jesus also knew that we’re a mixed-up bunch. Talking about families in Luke’s gospel chapter 11, Jesus pointed out that we don’t give our children scorpions if they ask for food. Yet we are far from perfect. He said that we who are evil know how to give good gifts.

That’s certainly confused. Is there any solution?

It’s no solution to pretend everything is alright. There are drugs in pro sport. And there is failure in our lives.

It’s no solution to give up. Drug testing should continue. And we still admire those able to say sorry.

Jesus’ words point us to the real solution, prayer to God our Father. He’s the one who gives the good gifts of life and forgiveness.
August 2007

 


 

Two kinds of wisdom

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

Wisdom can sometimes be the most foolish thing.

I saw this recently with an expert quoted in The Post. A private eye gave ‘five golden rules for cheaters to protect themselves’ from being caught. Each rule was logical, sensible, achievable. And each rule was a great way to destroy trust and relationship. Would you like to find your husband or wife memorising these rules? This is wisdom that strangles life: foolish wisdom.

The Bible book of James speaks clearly about two types of wisdom. The first is like the private eye’s five rules. The second is wisdom from God. ‘The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.’

Let’s take the first point, purity. This does not mean perfection – who could ever reach that standard? It means that if you cheat on your spouse or cheat on God you will first say sorry. The wise thing is always to ask forgiveness, forgiveness from people and from God. This wisdom will move to restore relationship, not fracture relationships any further. This is wisdom that gives life.

You know your own relationships: with God, family, friends, workmates, neighbours. With all these people, how wise are you today?
December 2003

 


 

This news needs action

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

‘The building’s on fire.’ I’m glad no one has ever yelled that at me. But if they did I would definitely react.

There are plenty of times when we must react to news. Times when it would be wrong to do nothing.

If your daughter tells you she’s engaged it’s time to celebrate.

If you attend a funeral you know it’s time to mourn.

Imagine if you told someone, ‘I love you’ and all they did was look at you blankly. You’d know something was wrong. That’s true for God’s truth too.

If what God says is right we have to respond. The Bible says, for example, that Jesus is alive from the dead. That’s some news! It also says that Jesus is the one who will judge each of us at life’s end. We need to be ready.

What is the right response to God’s news? It is to trust and follow Jesus. Trust means to take God at his word, and therefore to live by that word.

So how should you respond to God’s truth? Perhaps you need to investigate if it is true. Or perhaps you have found out but now need to respond with trust.

Since I’m writing about making a response, I want to do something a bit unusual for a Reflections column – give you a chance to react. If you’d like a free New Testament part of the Bible, so you can read about Jesus for yourself, send me an email (minister@alburybiblechurch.com.au). This address is only for this column, and I promise to send nothing but this part of the Bible.

The important thing, of course, is not that you respond to me. It’s that you respond to Jesus. The truth about Jesus changes everything – and that includes changing you and me.
March 2008

 


 

Solid as a rock

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

We just finished a two week family holiday on the coast. What a great time to relax and see the wonders along the Great Ocean Road. It was my first time atop the limestone cliffs and looking to the Twelve Apostles.

The whole view is magnificent, huge, powerful and awe-inspiring. Much of the coastline looks impregnable and unshakeable.

So today’s newspaper gave me quite a surprise. One of the ‘apostles’ collapsed into the sea. What was a towering presence of strength is now a wave-beaten pile of rubble. If I was there, I could have watched it collapse. How great was its fall!

It’s common that life reminds us that what looks permanent is only temporary.

Years of good health can quickly pass into chronic illness. A stable relationship suddenly ends when a loved friend dies, or even over a trivial argument.

It is worse when our world tries to hide any hints of future collapse. As certain as death is, we don’t start conversations with “So, who is prepared for death?” We have to admit it: our foundations are not so permanent after all.

There is no surprise in one Bible image for God: he is the rock that cannot be shaken. “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” (Psalm 62:2.) What joy – we can build on a firm foundation.

Jesus offers us this foundation. And at the same time he warns about building on shifting sand. He said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall.”

Coastal cliffs are wonderful. But they will all fall. Jesus and his words are even more wonderful, for he will never fail us.

Jesus’ invitation is open to all of us: to trust him and to trust his words of life.
July 2005

 


 

Progress, purpose & God’s freeway

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In Albury-Wodonga, the weekly free newspapers used to include a column of reflections. They were written by local  ministers, or similar (authors included a local Baha’i leader, as well as someone from the local humanist society branch). I don’t know why they stopped. Equally, I don’t know if they achieved anything!

Cleaning up my computer, I found a few of mine. In the interests of recycling, I will re-release them on this blog.

From my house, I can see each week’s progress on the new freeway. Last Monday the local news included the opening of the impressive new North Street bridge.

There is a buzz of activity: organised, purposeful, persistent and controlled. It’s no surprise that many people stop to watch the work. It’s fascinating to watch plans unfold.

When the project reaches its conclusion, there will be further progress. Progress for transport industries. Progress for residents have access to roads and paths. In other words, the roads will help us be organised, purposeful, persistent and controlled.

In human life, work and planning are good things. Someone who is without purpose could do with friendly help.

When we look at Jesus’ plans, we see that he was a very different man. His life’s work and plan was unique. Here are some of the things he said:

‘I must go on my way, for it cannot be that a prophet should die away from Jerusalem.’

‘I must suffer many things and be rejected, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’

And after he rose from the dead, ‘Was it not necessary that the Christ suffer?’

Jesus’ own purpose in life was to die! His suffering was necessary.

Why was this required? Simple. Just like our local road-builders, Jesus had a purpose. His purpose is to give access to God. Jesus’ death built the freeway to our Father.

It’s never too late to accept this purpose of Jesus, as I learned when I met a remarkable woman. She was in her 80s, and completing a university degree. In her youth she was an Olympic athlete. Definite all-round ability!

She was a life-long church member, but had a shock when at 76. She realised that she was not a Christian. Up to then all her trust was in her own ability, not Jesus’ death. She thanked God for the chance to learn to trust Jesus’ death. A remarkable woman, and a fine example.
July 2006