EMMDEV 2012-01-31 [Revelations Reassurances] God's plan: The Church

Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches Revelation1:19-20

Revelation chapter one ends with John being instructed to write down Seven Letters to Seven Churches in Asia Minor. These letters are lovingly dictated to John by Jesus Himself.

There has been much scholarly debate about these Seven Letters and the congregations they are addressed to. Some have postulated that each of these letters represent a historical chapter in the church's journey. But this is problematic: If we knew the end of the world would be soon, then we'd be the Seventh Church, but if it is another thousand years before Jesus returns, then which church are we? I think there is a better explanation...

The Seven Letters were written to seven real congregations in seven real geographical contexts in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and they all existed at the time that John wrote to them. The number seven is symbolic of completeness and I think it is best to say that at any time in history there are congregations that are loveless, persecuted, tempted to compromise, overwhelmed, depleted, courageously faithful or lukewarm. (Or some combination of these!)

These letters represent God's heart toward the churches and there is a phrase repeated in all the letters: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

As we noted earlier, Jesus stands among the Lampstands, He is passionate about the church. His plan is to be at work in the Church. John had been at the first church, Ephesus, for many years. These Seven Churches would have been familiar to him. As he writes, he experiences God's care, concern and priority for these congregations, and we are once again reminded that God cares about the local church.

So, if God cares about the local church, so should we.
I found this great quote recently:
If you don’t cross over from "What-can-I-get?" to "What-I-can-give?", your church will become increasingly unsatisfactory to you. (James MacDonald)

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2012-01-27 [Revelations Reassurances] Do not be afraid

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation1:17-18

"Fobos" is the Greek word for fear, terror and fright.
It is used in the New Testament to describe the fear Peter felt of the wind and waves when he was walking on the water, the fear Joseph felt when an angel appeared to him, the fear the temple-bouncers who were supposed to arrest Jesus felt of the crowds, the fear of the lazy talent servant towards his hard master, and the fear of the three disciples at the Transfiguration.

It is a primitive, knee-buckling and debilitating fear. It brings the worst out in us, it paralyses us and inhibits faith. The Bible regularly reminds us that this kind of fear does not belong. In fact, those who count these things tell us that the Bible says "do not fear" some 365 times - one for each day of the year.

But I am interested in _why_ we do not have to fear:
1. He places His right hand on John. It's a simple gesture, but one of great comfort and closeness.

2. He is the First and Last - there are no surprises to Him. He knows where we have been and He knows the road ahead. We can trust Him to guide us through.

3. The greatest fear we have is for our lives, but Jesus has conquered death. He has conquered our mortal (pun intended) enemy. Not only has He overcome, but He has dominated death - He holds the keys.

We are often tempted to "fobos" but we don't have to be debilitated, paralysed or inhibited - Jesus is close, Jesus has the bigger picture and Jesus is our Victorious Champion!

Don't let fear bully you!

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2012-01-26 [Revelations Reassurances] Not the beard and sandals

... and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Revelation1:13-16

As glorious as the truth of the incarnation is, there is a danger inherent in the picture of Jesus walking in the dusty streets of Nazareth or teaching on the peaceful shores of Galilee. The danger is the temptation to reduce Jesus to beard and sandals. The risk we run is that we might limit and domesticate Him.

John inoculates us against this danger. He does so by describing Jesus in all His glorious majesty. Paul tells us that when Jesus came to earth, "He made Himself nothing" and "humbled Himself even to death", but now we can see Him in His fullest resurrection glory.

So what does John see?
1. Christ is _among_ the lampstands (i.e. with the church) (we discussed this yesterday...)
2. His robe and sash depict kingly and priestly majesty.
3. His head and hair suggest wisdom, purity and dignity.
4. The blazing eyes hint at omniscience, justice and purity.
5. Glowing bronze feet most probably indicate judgement.
6. His voice, like rushing waters, indicates power and glory.
7. The stars are messengers of the churches, held in His right hand show that He is in charge and interested in the leaders of the church.
8. The double-edged sword from His mouth reminds us the authority of His Word.
9. His face is glorious and majestic - and as happy as we are to see the sun after a dark night, John is happy to see the face of Christ.

This is a glorious picture and it challenges us never to domesticate Jesus. In the "Chronicles of Narnia", CS Lewis depicts Christ as Aslan the lion. In his story one of the characters says "Aslan is not a tame lion." To which someone responds "Is He safe?" And I love the response: "He isn't safe - but He's good!"

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2012-01-25 [Revelations Reassurances] Among the Lampstands

12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. Revelation1:12-13

John is describing his transition from worship to vision. He has _heard_ the voice of Jesus instructing him to write down what he sees and to send it to the churches.

Now John turns to _see_ the voice that was speaking to him...
So what did he see?
"Seven golden lampstands and someone like a 'Son of Man' among them."
(The lampstands are a symbol of the church)

So wait a minute! If Revelation is about Jesus being the victorious champion and John was turning to look for this voice that was speaking to him, why does he see the symbol of the church first?

Surely he should have eyes only for Jesus? Surely he should have seen Jesus first? And why is Jesus "among" (in the midst of) the lampstands?

Because Jesus _chooses_ to be revealed and seen in and through the church. Because He _chooses_ to be at work in and through the church. The church is God's plan in the world and Revelation consistently describes the church as the Bride of Christ. The church is the reason He came to the cross and the reason He is returning again.

But not the organised structural church with all its faults and foibles, but the church made up of people who love His name and long to have Him "among" us.

No matter how tough times are: Jesus is among His faithful church!

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2012-01-24 [Revelations Reassurances] Triple Triplets

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation1:4-5

Many years ago, Annette Stiff, one of our elders, gave a children's address I will never forget. She brought a sprig of a bush from her garden. It had blossoms on it: mauve, lilac and white.
"What kind of bush is this?" she asked.
Eventually the right answer came out - it was a "yesterday, today and tomorrow bush" and she explained how each individual blossom transitions from purple to white, usually over a period of three days.
"We are like the blossoms," she said, "but God is like the whole bush!" He knows us at every part of our lives and He is the same - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow."

John's view is the same: He is an old man (a white blossom) but God is the One who is, was and is to come. I think it's significant that John starts with God's role in the present because it's the present that vexes us most!

But today, yesterday and tomorrow is not John's only triplet. He is also, more subtly making a reference to the Trinity. As we have seen he has described the Father as timeless and unchanging, but he also talks about the Holy Spirit and the Christ the Son.

In many translations, the phrase "Seven Spirits" is translated "Sevenfold Spirit" which is quite helpful in conveying what is meant. Seven is a number of perfection, when God's Spirit is described as "Seven Spirits", John is really saying that God's Spirit is always perfectly present and near.

And John is still "tripletting" when he describes Jesus! Here are the three introductory points John would make about Him:
* He is the faithful witness - He accurately revealed God to us.
* He is the firstborn from the dead - He finished His mission and triumphed.
* He is the ruler over the kings - and by implication He is coming to reign!

In the midst of trouble and hardship we need a big and erosion-resistant view of God. John provides this for us.
- An unchanging Father through our todays, yesterdays and tomorrows
- A Spirit is a supernaturally and amazingly always present
- The Son who reveals God, conquers our greatest fear and is our champion.

HALLELUJAH!

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2012-01-20 [Revelations Reassurances] Pastoral Poetry

Greetings and Salutations for the New Year to you!
May God's strength and peace be your guide in 2012!
With schools re-opening on Wednesday it is time for the eDevs to start again and I must say that it is with a certain nostalgia that I am writing to you... There are two reasons for this:

Firstly, in December Calvin Cook, one of our denomination's senior ministers passed away. Calvin was a great mentor and encourager to me and I will miss his encouraging and provocative emails very much. This eDev series is dedicated to his memory.

Secondly, this year marks the tenth year of EmmDevs. Can you believe it? Thank You Lord for your faithfulness!
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9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches. Revelation1:9-10

We start a new series today: "Revelations Reassurances."

We'll be looking at some of the gems in the book of Revelation. This won't be a verse by verse commentary, or even an overview, but rather I'll be trying to use Revelation as I believe John meant it: As an encouragement to believers who face tough circumstances, who find their faith being tested and who experience opposition from the world.

Many people think that Revelation was meant to be a book about "How it will all end." But that does not make sense! How would a book about how the world would end in 2000+ years time be of great comfort to the early Christians in the first century? To limit Revelation to being a "book about the End Times" is to completely underestimate the book!

Jesus spoke about history and the end times and described it as a woman in labour: There is a contraction, then relief, a contraction and then relief, and this cycle continues until the baby comes. History is the same: It is a cycle of contractions and relief and we don't know which contraction will bring the end. (Although many have foolishly tried to guess!)

Revelation was written for the church to read during the contractions of history. It is a dramatic and colourful book that does not shrink back from trouble - it describes trouble in terms of monsters, beasts, thunderclaps, bowls of judgement and other vivid pictures. But it also describes God as our glorious champion and our ultimate victory as a complete certainty.
Eugene Peterson describes Revelation as "Pastoral Poetry."

Nearly two thousand years ago, John wrote to comfort a church experiencing trouble and opposition and today we still draw comfort, inspiration and courage for the year ahead from Revelation's Reassurances.

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2011-12-13 [Ephesians] Conclusions

Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians6:21-23

Ephesians has been called the "Grand Canyon" of the shorter Epistles. It is a breath-taking tour of:
* our Spiritual Blessings in Christ,
* the reconciling work of the cross in vertical and horizontal dimensions,
* prayers that me might comprehend the incredible love of God,
* the wonder of the church
* the urgency of the times we live in
* the potential of relationships that can be transformed
* and the reality of the spiritual struggle we are in.

So, how does Paul hope to end a letter of such epic proportions?

With two thoughts:
1. Community is important: Tychicus and the news he carries is a symbol of our belonging-together in Christ. Paul's assurance that he will connect the Ephesian Church with what Paul is going through is a vital aspect of our faith. We are not Christians alone.

2. Peace, Love and Grace are the most beautiful gifts we have as we understand the Gospel and understand the love of God. And as we experience Peace and Grace, we are able to love Jesus with an undying love.

What does your Christianity consist of? Do you know peace with God and do you understand that grace is free, undeserved and unencumbered by conditions? Do you have an unquenchable love for Christ?? If you do, then you have really SEEN Paul's Grand Canyon!!!
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This brings us to the end of Ephesians and the end of the devotions for the year. Thanks for reading my ramblings through the year and my only prayer is that they have helped, in some way, to clarify God's Word and inspire you to love Him more.
Thanks to those who have sent me encouraging notes through the year!
Have a blessed Christmas and may 2012 lead you to a greater commitment to our awesome God!

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2011-12-09 [Ephesians] Struggle #3: Intercession

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians6:19-20

In the struggle to stand firm in God's will and purposes, Paul is convinced about the power of prayer.

In his second letter to the Corinthians (v.10-11) he says this: "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many."

It is a mystery that God includes our prayers as part of how He works in our world. It bends our minds to try and balance Sovereignty and the human decision to pray or not to pray. But from Scripture and History we know that our prayers for one another have an impact.

When I struggle to wrap my mind around it, I remind myself to simply knuckle down and do it. All I have to do is pray. The results, mercifully, are God's problem.

David Meece wrote some powerful words about praying for others:

UNKNOWN SOLDIER
See him on the campus, as he studies with his friends,
They mean no harm, they laugh, and call him "preacher" now and then,
His words are few, he saves them 'til he's home and on his knees,
That's where he's a warrior; and he fights to see them free.

He's the unknown soldier, the unsung hero, the brother on the street,
He's the unknown soldier, the holy warrior who will never sound retreat,
He's your unseen comrade, and his triumph will be sweet,
He's the unknown soldier

There's been no bloody torture, no burning at the stake,
There'll be no published memoirs, no memorial for his sake,
And no one calls him "martyr"; his blood has not been shed,
Still, in combat he's been faithful in the little things instead.

He's the unknown soldier, the unsung hero, the brother on the street,
He's the unknown soldier, a holy warrior who will never sound retreat,
He's your unseen comrade, and his triumph will be sweet,
He's the unknown soldier

(how about being the "unknown soldier" for your pastor this weekend?)

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2011-12-08 [Ephesians] Struggle #2: Dressed for Success

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians6:14-18

In 2003 I did a full and detailed series on the Armour of God which can be found at http://emmanuel.org.za/emmdev-archive/the-armour-of-god/ .

I'd like to consider the armour in a different way today:

Firstly, lets look at the virtues that make up the armour:
Truth, Righteousness, Readiness (to proclaim the gospel), Faith, Salvation, the Word of God and Prayer.

These are facets of our relationship with God that need to be in use and well-practised. Just as a soldier knows how to wear and use his equipment, we should be practised at speaking and living TRUTHfully. The RIGHTEOUSNESS imputed to us by Christ should assuage our guilt and inspire us to live like Him. We must understand if we are not READY and willing to share our faith, we're going to be as ineffective as a barefoot soldier, because Standing Firm is about sharing our faith. FAITH is trust and trust is like a muscle - it atrophies when not used - growing faith often means there are flaming arrows. SALVATION is the wonderful knowledge that I am saved and don't need to save myself. God's WORD and PRAYER are vital to our walk with Him.

Secondly, we must also look at the parts being protected:
The belt is the foundation of Roman Armour - all the other bits were attached to it. Integrity holds all the facets of our faith together. The heart and vital organs reflect our soul, emotions and character - these need to be immersed in the comfort of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us. The feet represent action: they are what we Stand on! The shield is how we protect ourselves and trusting in God rather than ourselves makes a great deal of sense here. The head has to do with our thoughts and we need to think as people who are in the light (saved). An offensive weapon can injure its owner or be used against him, so it makes sense that Scripture is the most balanced weapon we can use. Prayer is like breathing.

Paul's description of armour, whether we go into it in fine detail or overview it, reminds us that we should be serious in wearing the virtues or traits described because we are in a serious battle - but lets be clear: The battle is to "Stand Firm" to keep the faith and we will need all the traits and virtues described here.

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/

EMMDEV 2011-12-07 [Ephesians] Struggle #1: Stand Firm

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians6:10-13

We come to the final major section of Ephesians which has to do with the challenges of living for Christ in a hostile world. This is often called "Spiritual Warfare" but this is a term I have increasingly become uncomfortable with as it has become "Spiritual Cowboys and Crooks" where the earthly "cowboys" and "cowgirls" make the rules and have drifted away from the guidelines that Scripture provides.

Paul and the Ephesians were seasoned veterans in experiencing opposition. (Do you remember the story of the demon possessed man and the seven sons of Sceva in our introduction?) This experience translates into some common-sense principles for dealing with evil.

1. We must be strong in the Lord. Not in our supposed knowledge or our ideas of how the Spiritual Realm "works." Many people who get involved in "Spiritual Warfare" spend too much time "looking for the devil" when they ought to be looking for Christ.

2. We need God's armour - not our own ideas. God has already provided what we need. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. (More on this tomorrow...)

3. We have an enemy: Satan, his fallen angels and those who follow him. Many modern Christians feel that songs like "Onward Christian Soldiers" are not appropriate in our modern society, but the only reason that the darkness will leave us alone is if we are not shining the light of Christ! CS Lewis pointed out that the enemy has two winning strategies: Firstly that Christians ignore him - so that he can do what he likes. Secondly that we pay so much attention to him that we take our eyes of Christ.

4. Many people think that their job is to "defeat the devil." This so often leads to obsession and pride. Jesus already defeated Satan on the cross and soon He will complete His victory. Our job is to stand! Our job is to carry out our Master's call to make disciples of the nations by preaching and living a gospel of love. We are not called to "kill the crooks" but to stand firm. It means we shouldn't go beyond our Master's orders.

So, this is Paul's balanced perspective: The battle is real, but we must stay focussed on God and stand firm by staying in His will.

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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/