Illustration: “Gold for Others”. Everywhere you look these days there are adverts in Newspapers, on the TV that say: “We Buy Gold,” and you wonder, do these people who are buying everyone’s gold know something that I don’t know? What are they going to do with all this gold? For centuries, the church of Jesus Christ has been the receiver dispenser of untold amounts of gold, and while not all of it has been dealt with in ways that would honor Jesus Christ, some of it has.
Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12: “Others”
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Think of the missions that have been launched with the “Gold for Others”, the poor who’ve been fed with the “Gold for Others”, the medicine that’s been dispensed with the “Gold for Others”, the hospitals and orphanages that have been established, schools that have been founded, with the “Gold for Others” and churches that have been built in almost every corner of the world because people brought their gold to the feet of Jesus Christ for the benefit of “Others”
Right in the middle of what has been so far a narrative written by a Jew (Matthew), about a saviour (Jesus) who was of Jewish birth, a story of particular interest to Jews, “wise men from the East” enter the picture as an clear indication that this saviour (The Real Gold) is not just for “us,” but also, for others.
1. They are led miraculously by a star in the heavens,
2. They find the Christ child
3. They worship him
4. They offer him gifts, which actually are used to provide for the saviour and his family, and beyond. Bringing transformation, to the Holy Family and their community and the world beyond.
This is a reminder that God may be leading people “Others” to our churches and communities who are not from among us, and whom we must help in their search for God.
1. What are the “stars” that may be leading “other” people into life and ministry?
2. How do you think can we join God in His efforts to reach out and bring others near to Christ.
Conclusion: May we too, have hearts of worship towards Christ in the remainder of this year and may our offering also be of benefit to the “Others”
"Life In the Fast Lane" is a description of a man and woman that had everything but lost it because of their lifestyle. It tells the story of a couple that takes their excessive lifestyle to the edge. On "In the Studio with Redbeard" in 1981 Frey explained that the title came to him one day when he was riding on the freeway with a drug dealer known as "The Count". Frey asked the dealer to slow down and the response was, "What do you mean? It's life in the fast lane!" In that same interview, Frey indicated that the song's central riff was played by Walsh while the band was warming up in rehearsals and Walsh was told to "keep that, it's a song".
Life In The Fast Lane' kind of expressed the stereotyped LA 'run around in your Porsche' 24 hour boogie mode that unfortunately is too true for a lot of people. Frey says that the song was not really a statement about the guys in the band, or about anybody in particular. But it's just it's kind of disturbing to see the extremes that the bourgeois jet set will involve themselves in. When reminded that his Eagles bandmates may have exhibited some symptoms described in this song, Walsh replied: "Yeah, that's probably true, and I think it was healthy, though, that we realised that running around and parties and fast cars are really not the answer – it's kind of a shallow way to approach why we're on this planet, and it probably came as a band consciousness." After this song came out, the phrase "Life in the fast lane" became commonly used to describe a jet-set lifestyle. It remains a fairly misinterpreted track, as it's not supposed to glamorise the lifestyle, but to be a warning about the dangers of drugs ("Lines on the mirror, lines on her face" describe cocaine on a mirror about to be ingested), alcohol and bad decisions.
"Life in the fast lane" is a song about the futility of a life full of success, money and lifestyle. That in the end you can lose it in a moment.
He was a hard-headed man He was brutally handsome, and she was terminally pretty She held him up, and he held her for ransom in the heart of the cold, cold city He had a nasty reputation as a cruel dude They said he was ruthless, they said he was crude They had one thing in common, they were good in bed She'd say, 'Faster, faster. The lights are turnin' red." Life in the fast lane Surely make you lose your mind, mm Are you with me so far?
Eager for action and hot for the game The coming attraction, the drop of a name They knew all the right people, they took all the right pills They threw outrageous parties, they paid heavenly bills There were lines on the mirror, lines on her face She pretended not to notice, she was caught up in the race
Out every evening, until it was light He was too tired to make it, she was too tired to fight about it
Life in the fast lane Surely make you lose your mind Life in the fast lane, everything all the time Life in the fast lane, uh huh Blowin' and burnin', blinded by thirst They didn't see the stop sign, took a turn for the worse
She said, "Listen, baby. You can hear the engine ring. We've been up and down this highway; haven't seen a goddam thing." He said, "Call the doctor. I think I'm gonna crash." "The doctor say he's comin', but you gotta pay him cash." They went rushin' down that freeway, messed around and got lost They didn't care they were just dyin' to get off And it was life in the fast lane Life in the fast lane
The big theme of the song is that you can gain everything and lose your own life and soul. The lyrics are about shallowness. The theme of the passage we are looking at today is also about riches.
Mark 10:17-27
7 "As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
The man who came to Jesus was a wealthy man, and a young man. His eyes were set on religious matters - on teachers, eternal life, good deeds. He had the look of a seeker: he seemed willing to listen and eager to learn. He seemed a disciple-in-the-making. But his story has a dark end. It was he that inspired Jesus famous words "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. The rich young ruler made some mistakes.
The 1st mistake: He did not recognise Jesus as Lord
The young ruler came rushing to Jesus, and falling to his knees, he asked "Good teacher, what good thing need I to do, so that I may have real and un-ending life?" Jesus, perceiving the youth’s mistakeness, answered with a question, a question that would prove the depths of the young ruler’s knowledge of God. "Why do you call me good?" Jesus was in the habit of asking such disarming questions. The young man did not recognize with whom he was talking - a teacher, and more than a teacher. He was kneeling before the one called "greater than Solomon." The young ruler saw Jesus as a moral man, a man of insight and depth, but he did not recognize His divine authority. And to make such a mistake is fatal. As C.S. Lewis made clear, Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. He cannot be only another teacher.
The 2nd Mistake: He was unaware of his own faults
Suppose for a moment that the wealthy youth had never violated the commandments Jesus presented to him. Suppose that he had never murdered - even with his tongue. Suppose that he had not committed adultery - even in his heart. Suppose that he had not stolen - or even envied. Suppose that he had never spoken less than the whole truth. Even still he was unaware of his own faultiness. Did you notice that Jesus only presented him with the parts of the Decalogue that deal with man-to-man relationships. The other commandments have to do with God-to-man relationships,and this young man had obviously not fulfilled those commands. If he had fulfilled them, he would have immediately recognised Jesus as the Son of God. But he did not recognise Jesus, and he did not tell the truth to Him about his behaviour. He was wildly naive and tragically blind.
The 3rd Mistake: He misunderstood the plan of grace
"What good thing must I do to have eternal life?" There is no good thing. Only to believe on Jesus Christ as Saviour. As wealthy as he must have been, he was spiritually bankrupt, and terribly poor of faith.
The 4th Mistake: He went away
In a way, this is his only mistake. A man can misunderstand the divinity of Christ, be blind to himself, and misunderstand God’s grace and still be saved if he will committ to staying with God. Peter, Andrew, John, Matthew, and the others did not fully understand the Lordship of Jesus, and they certainly did not fully understand the plan of grace, but they stayed with Jesus. They were willing to commit to a lifestyle of learning Him. They apprenticed themselves to Him, for the long haul. That is the way to be saved. If you are willing to launch out with Christ on the long journey from brokenness to wholeness, if you are willing to walk all the way, every hard step, then you are a wise men, even if you are not young or wealthy.
Wealth and possessions can capture and wreck your soul. The passage and the song "Life in the fast lane" are looking at the same issue that of what riches and fame will do to your soul. Riches have the possibility to bankrupt the soul. In another passage in the new testament we find these haunting words
Matthew 16:26"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"
There are many trapped in this endless cycle of shallowness. Just like the people in the lyrics of the song and the young man in the bible passage. Shallowness because life somehow is not real. Shallowness because somehow people have lost the love of life and in it's place has become monotony and futility.
It is my prayer today that life is full of it's own riches. So much so that you do not have to go and hunt for wealth.
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is the second track from U2's 1987 album The Joshua Tree and was released as the album's second single in May 1987. The song was a hit, becoming the band's second consecutive number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 while peaking at number six on the UK Singles Chart.
The song originated from a demo the band recorded on which drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. played a unique rhythm pattern. Like much of The Joshua Tree, the song was inspired by the group's interest in American music. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" exhibits influences from gospel music and its lyrics describe spiritual yearning.
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" was critically acclaimed and received two nominations at the 30th Grammy Awards in 1988, for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. It has subsequently become one of the group's most well-known songs and has been performed on many of their concert tours. The track has appeared on several of their compilations and concert films. Many critics and publications have ranked "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" among the greatest tracks in music history.
There are a number of ways to interpret this song. On the one hand it seems that this song is about having questions regarding faith. On the other hand it's could be seen as an attack on organised religion. That's how the Catholic church in Ireland saw it when it was produced. When it first came out the song was very controversial, because U2 are Irish the Catholic church in Ireland demanded an apology from U2 when the song was released. The Catholic Church saw the song as a direct attack on the church. They also hit hard at the rock band for writing this song and as we have already said demanded an apology, but the band declined any further comment. Another way to understand this song is to say the person in the song has some kind of faith, but has some unanswered questions or doubts.
I have climbed highest mountains I have run through fields Only to be with you Only to be with you I have run, I have crawled I have scaled the city walls Said it was Only to be with you But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for I have kissed honey lips Felt the healing in her fingertips It burned like fire This burning desire I have spoken with the tongue of angels I have held end of the velvet It was warm in the night I was cold as a star But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for I believe in kingdom come When all the colors were bleeding as one Bleeding the one Yes, I’m still running He broke the bounds, he loose the chains Carried the cross of my shame Broke my shame You know I believed it But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
You could not be blamed if you have second thoughts about organised religion or that you have doubts about faith. It is not wrong to question, It's not wrong to doubt. On the contrary it would be very suspicious to many if they met someone who seemed to have it all sewn up. You know the kind, that perfect person that does not have any problems, no issues, no worries, no questions, no brokenness and answers to the name of perfect Peter. I'm not sure that they person really exists. I have encountered many people who have said they have no issues, but scratch the surface and there they are.
In the gospels there is a character that we often use in general conversation. Often when someone is unsure about something we will call him a "doubting Thomas" I think a better way of referring to him would be to rename him as "honest Thomas"
John 20:19-29
"19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
In terms of Faith an "Honest Thomas" says "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" It's a good place to be. It means you will not settle for imitations or second best. It's a humble place. And in that humble place arrogance and pride cannot take root. All of us have questions from time to time and need the security of being convinced. Thomas simply wanted to see, he did not want to take it on hearsay. Thomas wants what we all want a "Real Experience" and who are people to say he is right or wrong on that. But that is not the end of the story as Jesus himself in the passage talks about a whole group of people who will not see what Thomas has seen but yet still believe.
When confronted with religion an "Honest Thomas" says "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" The institution of organised religion however good cannot take the place of a real life relationship with Jesus. From time to time most people will find that life in the church is not all that it is cracked up to be. at the end of the day, it's a bunch of broken people trying their best to navigate the the world of faith. It can never be as good as a relationship with Jesus. Is it any wonder that the church cannot satisfy the needs we have. 'We still haven't found what we are looking for"
But when confronted with the real Jesus an "Honest Thomas" must concede and admit that a relationship with Jesus is of more worth than anything else. "My Lord and my God" is what Thomas in John 20:28. Thomas saw and believed. He found in reality what others had told him about.
There is nothing wrong with the desire that you will not take second best. There is nothing wrong with questions. there is nothing wrong with seeking the truth and not giving up. there is nothing wrong with have issues with organised religion. Nothing wrong with not giving up seeking for answers regarding faith. It's a quest that we are all on. It's just sometimes we admit that fact.
"Everybody Hurts" is a song by R.E.M., originally released on the band's 1992 album Automatic for the People and was also released as a single in 1993. It peaked at number twenty nine on the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and France.
In the 1980s, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe preferred to sing his cryptic lyrics in mumbled, mysterious tones. But for this openhearted 1992 ballad, Stipe made his intentions plain, delivering one of his most plaintive performances. Over comforting, churchly keyboards and strings, Stipe consoles the listener, urging him or her not to give up. "Everybody hurts sometimes," he says, "so hold on."
When your day is long
And the night, the night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life, well hang on
Don't let yourself go
'Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes
Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (Hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go (Hold on)
If you think you've had too much
Of this life, well hang on
Everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts
Don't throw your hand, oh no
Don't throw your hand
If you feel like you're alone
No, no, no, you are not alone
If you're on your own in this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
Everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes
So hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts
Everybody Hurts is not a typical REM song. For one thing, you can make out all of singer-songwriter Michael Stipe's words. More importantly, it's immediately obvious what they mean: don't give up. It was, for example, the first song played by Radio 1 after the two minutes' silence to mark 1996's Dunblane shootings. A version edited to include the sounds of the attacks on the Twin Towers was widely circulated online in late 2001. And the track rubbed shoulders with Candle In The Wind and I'll Be Missing You on the official Diana Memorial album. In 2010 the DAILY MAIL reported "REM's Everybody Hurts to be Simon Cowell's charity Haiti single... as stars line up to take part"The song also has been attributed with a more person connection. In the 1993 video, Stipe is portrayed among drivers stuck in an almighty Texas traffic jam, each with troubles on his or her mind, all of these conveyed in subtitles. Among them is a teenager staring out of a window, thinking: "They're going to miss me." The lyrics and the official video have led some to conclude that suicide - especially among the young - is the personal problem with which Everybody Hurts is most often associated with. In a wider sense "Everybody Hurts" is song that is applicable for any who are going through situations and problems that have taken over their lives.
"Everybody Hurts" is a comfort song to help when times are bad and life seems unbearable. "Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on Everybody Hurts"
There are thoughts of strength, courage and endurance here. Strength to pick life up from the raw edge and press on, courage to face the problem head on and endurance not to give up even when you fail.
In the New Testament there are many Jesus encounters. Hurting broken people who encounter Jesus and his compassion for them in their life situation. In John 4 Jesus encounters a woman at a well. Nothing strange in that you might add. Except that everything within the passage shouts out that he should not be there. She is a Samaritan woman, (Samaritan's were hated by Jews. They were viewed as being a race of people to avoid) She was also a woman. Someone who who was a non person. She was also a "known" woman 5 husbands and the one she was now with was not her husband. Life had delt her lots of blows. Jesus come along side - listens, comforts, and challenges. She has hidden her life, her hurts. She has dodged the taunts. The reason she turns up when the sun was at it's highest was that no one else would be there. No other women who would lash out with their tongue would be there when the sun was at it's highest. Read the text and see.......
John 4:1-18
1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of waterwelling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.
The story ends with the woman going into the village with good news "Come and see a man" He hurts have been heard and healing has begun. "Everybody Hurts" but there is someone who will listen. Jesus is only a prayer away.
Paul in one of his letters encourages us not to give up on life but to press on for the prize.
Philippians 3:13-15
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
In the words of the old hymn WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS "Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer" Just like the woman in the story Jesus is waiting for hurting people to confide in him. One prayer away.
The song "Behind Blue Eyes" was originally part of Pete Townshend's "lifehouse project", which was shelved. Of course, a great deal of that aborted project would end up on the album "Who's Next", including this song. It is written from the point of view of the "villain" character (from the story that compromises the "lifehouse project"), showing even bad people have emotions like the rest of us. The "behind blue eyes" refers to the thoughts and feelings of the villain, in his head, behind his eyes.
No one knows what it's like To be the bad man To be the sad man Behind blue eyes
No one knows what it's like To be hated To be fated To telling only lies
But my dreams They aren't as empty As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely My love is vengeance That's never free
No one knows what it's like To feel these feelings Like I do And I blame you
No one bites back as hard On their anger None of my pain and woe Can show through
But my dreams They aren't as empty As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely My love is vengeance That's never free
When my fist clenches, crack it open Before I use it and lose my cool When I smile, tell me some bad news Before I laugh and act like a fool
If I swallow anything evil Put your finger down my throat If I shiver, please give me a blanket Keep me warm, let me wear your coat
No one knows what it's like To be the bad man To be the sad man Behind blue eyes
In Mark's gospel chapter five Jesus sets out with his disciples for the Roman occupied Gerasenes. Within the vicinity of a Roman garrison and close to the village. A man lived among the tombs, down by the pigs, A social outcast, a villain, a dangerous man, some said a mad man. Who in his madness was uncontrollable in his rage and venom. Someone who could no longer live in the sanctity of the village. A prisoner, chained hand and foot, but with the strength to break out of the irons he was placed in. In the words of the song "A bad man, a sad man, hated, full of vengeance, possessed by an army from the pits of hell. Nothing about this land is kosher; everything was unclean; spirits, tombs, swine and the territory, everything within this story cries "get out of there Jesus". But he keeps on coming! What for - for the "Bad man, the sad man behind blue eyes"
Mark 5:1-20
1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
The great message of this story: The people in the village that Legion came from would have considered that this man was a waste of space or an idiot or worse a villain, they would have viewed Legion as less than human and mocked and laughed at him while their children probably teased him or made fun of him, added to this because they believed people in this tragic condition had evil gods called demons possessing them and because of this they would have had him cast out of the city. At worse they would have feared him and his evil cohorts. This all would have compounded to the mans feeling of depression, condemnation and rejection. Just like in the song"No one knows what it's like" Jesus does Legion. (To all the Legions that are in society today) Jesus knows what it's like to be condemned and rejected. In the midst of Legion's chaos Jesus does something that no-one else will do. He comes to the "Man behind blue eyes". He comes to this suffering, lonely, man society considers a reject, He comes to this man who has been rejected and scorned. He comes to a man who has been branded an outsider. Sentenced to live a life outside the community. A life sentence, with no hope, no love, no care. Jesus comes to this man on the margins of life and society. He come to a person who too often has been branded a villain and shows him God’s great mercy and compassion.
Here is the great lesson - That everyone on the face of the planet has worth, that each person no matter how damaged is of great value. That even those who are so far removed from what some would call normal living, are worth pursuing, helping and giving mercy and grace to. Even villains weep. We too as the church need to learn this lesson. Jesus set out on this excursion across the lake in a boat with his twelve disciples, where did they get to? It was only Jesus that came ashore. The Disciples were like the church is at times more concerned with their own wellbeing.........but I guess that's another story.
In 1969, politically and emotional America was in the midst of a turmoil. In just two and a half minutes, Creedence Clearwater Revival spat out enough venom via ‘Fortunate Son’ to fight back at the political administration. ‘Fortunate Son’ was written with middle finger in full flight towards Nixon and those that occupied his administration, the legacy of the “silver spoon in hand” kids, and the contradictions and struggles of a wartime America.
People like to remember the “peace and love” aspect of the ’60s, but it was a violent, brutal time as well. Putting flowers in their hair may have been a novel pastime for bored kids with nothing to do a couple years prior, but by 1969, another voice was erupting, with the force of anger and frustration behind it. Where is the modern day equivalent?
That being said, even if you take the politics out of it, ‘Fortunate Son’ remains one hell of a record. Released in the fall of 1969 as a double A-side (with ‘Down on The Corner’ as the flip), it made the top 10 and helped the band’s ‘Willy And The Poor Boys’ album hit the gold standard. The emotion and energy in the playing shines through and lets the listener know that something important is going on. One of John Fogerty‘s best vocals sends the song through the roof.
Some folks are born, made to wave the flag Ooo, their red, white and blue And when the band plays "Hail to the Chief" Ooo, they point the cannon at you, Lord
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, son It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no
Some folks are born, silver spoon in hand Lord, don't they help themselves, y'all But when the taxman comes to the door Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yeah
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no millionaire's son, no, no It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no
Yeah, yeah Some folks inherit star spangled eyes Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord And when you ask 'em, "How much should we give?" Ooh, they only answer "More! More! More!", y'all
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, son It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, one It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no, no, no It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son, no, no, no
This song is a protest song, a song that rails against the system. With overtones of anti war and a longing for something different. This song at the time was also seen as a rail against nationalist pride. An attack against the patriotic system if you like. Some of the the lyrics are filled with sarcasm "It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son, no, no, no".
In 1962 the Byrds produced Turn, Turn, Turn. In 1963 Bob Dylan wrote and produced "Blowin in the wind" In 1964 Bob Dylan produced and sung "the Times They are a Changin" In 1964 Sam Cooke penned "A change is gonna come" In 1965 Donovan sung Universal Soldier which was written by Buffy Sainte-Marie.Phil Ochs performed "I ain't marching any more" at anti-Vietnam War and Civil Rights rallies. His song is from the point of view of a soldier as he is called on to fight through America’s history, culminating in the atomic bomb attack on Japan. It became a signature song for Ochs and was at its most powerful at the infamous Chicago Democratic National Convention in 1968 when members of the crowd burnt their draft cards during his performance.In 1969 John Lennon sung and produced "Give Peace a chance"
People have sung protest songs throughout human history. Wherever people are oppressed or united in a common struggle, someone will voice strong feelings in song. The 1960s came to be known as the decade for protest with the twin causes of the Vietnam War and the lack of civil rights for African Americans. Some of these songs became anthems and still resonate today. They were the inspiration in countless demonstrations and marches. The same political turmoil and chaos was the seed bed that brought about the creation of CCR's "Fortunate Son"
Jesus too was not ashamed at protest, he was not ashamed to stand up for the rights of the poor, those on the margins, the lepers, the widows, the orphans, women, children, the sick, the old, those of other nations, creeds, times, and languages. He railed against the inadequate system that did not look out for the last, the lost, the least, the lonely. When you read the gospels you see the protesting Jesus at work.
By far the most interesting of those protests is when Jesus arrives at the temple and vents his anger at the injustice of the system.
Matthew 21:12-13
12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.”
The place in the temple courts that Jesus encountered people buying and selling was called the court of the Gentiles. This was an area where anyone could access. But on this occasion no one could gain access because it had been crammed full of people buying and selling. No space for outsiders, no access, no welcome, no drawing near. Of course Jesus was having go at those who were making money off of "Big Religion". He was more infuriated at the space being used for religious business, rather than being a space for those who were seen as outsiders. For Jesus this was the last straw. He drove out, or he cleared some space, he de-cluttered, and re-established the area as a space for prayer. " A house of prayer" Jesus was protesting about power against those who had no voice. Just as in every protest song written or march ever attended.
When Injustice flourishes than the is a place for clearing some space, de-cluttering. In order that injustice is exposed. some do that with song, others with over turning tables. Jesus especially has anger reserved for those who are religious and who use power to oppress people. If we, who say we are the followers of Jesus, do nothing about injustice then our words and prayers are shallow. There is a place in our world still for protest songs and also standing against injustice. Especially injustice done in the name of religion.
INTRODUCTION: We are currently working our way through a preaching series called Cultivating a passion for Jesus. We have already studied “Seeing Jesus”, Understanding Jesus Pt1 – “The Sown Seed”. Understanding Jesus Pt 2– “Christ the Ransom”, and now today we will be looking at Understanding Jesus Pt3 –“Epic Jesus”.
Today we look at the “God with us” gospel. The Gospel context is that Matthew is all about Jesus with us. Matthew 1 and Matthew 28 are the bookends of the gospel and are saying the same things. God is with us in Jesus.
READING:MATTHEW 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The context of the passage we have just read is resurrection. We also see that the immediate context is about the commission of the new community of God to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus The new community are tasked by Jesus himself with the continuation of his work in the world. These are actual words of Jesus. He is speaking of himself and his role.
1. “ALL NATIONS” - vs19
Jesus says discipleship is possible for the whole world.
· Why do we live as if Jesus said “stay and do nothing”.?
· Teaching Jesus in the World, His words, His truth, His way.
· Baptize and teach says Jesus, Teach and baptize says the church.
· You are not alone – I’am with you.
2. ALWAYS - vs20
Jesus says there are no barriers in time and space to his presence.
· Why do we live as if this was not true?
· I am with you some of the time.
· I am with you when you are doing good.
· I am with you when you have tried everything else.
· I am with you if you believe.
· No I am with you………..It’s grace and it depends on him.
3. ALL AUTHORITY - vs18
Jesus says All Authority and power in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
· This is the “Epic Jesus”
· Colossians 1:
· Ephesians 1:
· The contents of Hebrews
· The vision of Revelation.
CONCLUSION: Everything changes when we understand Jesus. Our whole outlook on life changes. This is the kingdom’s king. With him you can do everything. Without him you can do nothing. HIS LIFE, HIS GOSPEL, HE IS THE KING, HE IS ON THE THRONE. IT’S HIS WORLD, HIS CHURCH, HIS MISSION AND WE …….WE ARE HIS PEOPLE. IT ALL DEPENDS ON HIM…..NOT ON US!
What is and What Should Never Be was one of the first songs on which Page used his soon-to-become trademark Gibson Les Paul for recording. The production makes liberal use of stereo as the guitars pan back and forth between channels. Robert Plant's vocals were phased during the verses.
This was also one of the first songs recorded by the band for which Robert Plant received writing credit. According to rock journalist Stephen Davis, the author of the Led Zeppelin biography Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga, the lyrics for this song reflect a romance Plant had with his wife's younger sister.
"What Is and What Should Never Be" was performed live at Led Zeppelin concerts between 1969 and 1972 (and played once in 1973). A live version taken from a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1970 can be seen on the Led Zeppelin DVD. Another was included on disc two of the live triple album How The West Was Won.
The song inspired the name of an episode of the popular teen drama One Tree Hill, and the name of an episode of the paranormal drama Supernatural, as well as an episode of popular half-hour comedy That 70s Show, and one from the action drama Covert Affairs. Billy Joel also played it as part of the intro to the "We Didn't Start the Fire" medley on the 1997 VH1 Storytellers episode on his career. Record producer Rick Rubin has remarked, "The descending riff [of "What Is and What Should Never Be"] is amazing: It's like a bow is being drawn back, and then it releases. The rhythm of the vocals is almost like a rap. It's insane — one of their most psychedelic songs."
And if I say to you tomorrow. Take my hand, child, come with me. It's to a castle I will take you, where what's to be, they say will be.
Catch the wind, see us spin, sail away, leave today, way up high in the sky. But the wind won't blow, you really shouldn't go, it only goes to show That you will be mine, by takin' our time.
And if you say to me tomorrow, oh what fun it all would be. Then what's to stop us, pretty baby. But What Is And What Should Never Be.
So if you wake up with the sunrise, and all your dreams are still as new, And happiness is what you need so bad, girl, the answer lies with you.
Oh the wind wont blow and we really shouldn't go and it only goes to show. Catch the wind, we're gonna see it spin, we're gonna...sail, leave today do do do, bop bop a do-oh, my my my my my my yeah. Everybody I know seems to know me well but they're never gonna know that I move like hell.
The song is about a man trying to take his beloved woman to a magical place. He wants to be the ringleader, as she will follow him wherever he goes. The only thing that can stop them from a magical journey is “what is” and “what should never be.” Those are the woman’s two choices: to follow him (what is) or to leave him (what should never be). She can have everything she’s ever wanted- the majestic sunrise, all her dreams come true- but if she doesn’t get those things, then she can only blame herself.
‘So if you wake up with the sunrise, and all your dreams are still as new. And happiness is what you need so bad, girl, the answer lies with you.’
This song is about inner contentment, about true inner happiness. The kind of happiness that comes from inside, from a deep thankfulness with what is going on in your life. Be content in what you already have. Remind yourself that you have food on the table, a roof over your head, friends and a loving family. We think that happiness and contentment is conditional and only comes once we’ve reached our dreams; whether it be a dream job, dream relationship, dream financial situation. Now even if those dreams do not come true, we can still be grateful, thankful, content.
Happiness can not be found in "Things" as they are only "Things" Happiness or contentment is in our attitude to life. The song is right "the answer lies with you"
Philippians 4:11-12
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need"
Paul the great apostle writes about true happiness and contentment coming from the inside. He describes it as something he has learned and knows. "I know" and "I have learned"
The poignant question is "Where does our happiness and contentment come from?" Is it founded on the things we have or does it come from a deeper place. Paul says "for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content" To be content when you have nothing as well as when you have much. Paul could also be writing about the power within that keeps his life on track. We cannot do anything without the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us. The Holy Spirit himself brings us to the place of deep happiness and contentment.
The world would be a happier place if all us learned to be content and happy not in "Stuff" or "Things" but happy and content in ourselves.
I came across this today as I was looking at some other things. This piece of poetry by David Bowden seemed to sum up where I have found myself a lot over the last decade. One line in the poem is particularly haunting for me and ties in very well with the thoughts that occupy my mind on a daily basis.
"For the wife has been bruised Her body beaten and bludgeoned She’s cheated on the man she once pursued For the bride has now forgotten her husband"
This poem fits with the passage in John's revelation about the church that has deserted it's first love. The poem calls for us to remember who the husband of the church (The bride) really is. It's unthinkable that a bride who was so in love is now in undeniable divorce of heart from him who she was lover to. I found myself so moved with this poem that I just had to record it somewhere.
I pray that in our generation we (The followers of Jesus) may embrace our bridegroom once again and discover our lost love and in doing so discover a renewed vision for the world and the kingdom of God.
I write to you Poets and Martyrs Disciples and Daughters Elders and Brothers Christians and Lovers Pastors and Teachers Prophets and Preachers
I write to you Leaders That you might gather the weapons from your armories Grab your pulpits and mics Your stages and lights Your buildings and pews Your resources be used
For the wife has been bruised Her body beaten and bludgeoned She’s cheated on the man she once pursued For the bride has now forgotten her husband
I write to you for you have been summoned That you might sacrifice your church services and functions Your evening worship and your luncheons Bring your members by the dozens No matter your short-comings or dysfunctions
You have been summoned to bear this insistence God wants to use every part of your existence And none of you are any different If your church is slowing or resurgent Older or but an infant You are part of the resistance To stand your ground at the armies of apathy that are rising against us
I write to you because I see Christians, but I don’t see Christ I see people living, but not surrendering life I see large buildings that cannot see strife I see free salvation that is way under priced I see a body called to poverty by wealth be enticed And I know you see it too, our allegiance has been spliced Unsatisfied with the riches of the world, when God’s kingdom should have sufficed
So I write to you Who are soon to be Revolutionaries To encourage you in the cause You will be influencing
I write to you to tell you that You have all that you need And that’s not another book, facility, conference, or degree For Christ conquered death with only a tree And if you have more than that How much more will he want to see
You see You have all that you need For you have Breath, feet Blood, tears Pulse, hands Eyes, ears
You have Brothers, sisters Resources, givers A world full of sin And a God that is bigger
You have all that you need, and You will need all that you have For the life influence by Christ, cannot be given in halves It will not spare a drop It will not scare or stop But will sell all it’s got for that treasure in the empty lot
You will need all you have For you know the cost The cause may cause you to toss away Your money, your house Your car, your clothes The cause may cause you to lose all of those
You will need all you have For you have all you need And all you have is all he needs For all you need is all he has With great urgency I write this muse For the one thing we do not have Is an excuse
We have Mighty God who became poor and bruised What we do not have is an excuse We have the Holy Spirit inhabited for God’s own use What we do not have is an excuse We have a sure resurrection the power of death diffused What we do not have is an excuse We have the words of life the greatest of news What we do not have is an excuse
That is why I write to you this insisting issuance That you might lead with great prudence To a world of darkness may we be a holy nuisance
As we lead the cause of Christ through the power of His influence.
David Bowie is a true rock ‘n’ roll chameleon. He has gone though more on stage changes than any other rock musician on the history of classic rock. It is very appropriate to talk about change by using the song "Changes" by some one who has not stopped changing and morphing into someone else.
"Changes" is a song by David Bowie, originally released on the album Hunky Dory in December 1971 and as a single in January 1972. Despite missing the Top 40, "Changes" became one of Bowie's best-known songs. The lyrics are often seen as a manifesto for his chameleonic personality, the frequent change of the world today, and frequent reinventions of his musical style throughout the 1970s. This single is cited as David Bowie's official North American debut, despite the fact that the song "The Man Who Sold the World" was released in North America two years prior. This is the last song Bowie performed live on stage before his retirement from live performances at the end of 2006.
I still don't know what I was waiting for And my time was running wild A million dead-end streets and every time I thought I'd got it made It seemed the taste was not so sweet So I turned myself to face me But I've never caught a glimpse Of how the others must see the faker I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes (Turn and face the strain) Ch-ch-Changes Don't want to be a richer man Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes (Turn and face the strain) Ch-ch-Changes Just gonna have to be a different man Time may change me But I can't trace time
It’s one of the greatest constants in life. Whether because of slow and gradual passing of time, or fast almost earth shattering moments, change happens to everyone. It's the one thing that is inevitable. People change, relationships change, jobs change, technology changes. Life itself can be accurately described as a process of continual change. That’s such a comforting thought! Yeah Right! Some changes are positive - New friends, New house, New Babies, Winning the lottery! Others are negative, An injury, Loss of a job. Like in Bowie's song - Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes (Turn and face the strain)
In the Old Testament we find a story of great upheaval and change. The story is about the favourite son of a wealthy farmer. His brother did not like his arrogant ways......at all. He found himself in a pit, not once but twice and had to summon all the courage he had inside to conquer the changes and face the strain.
In a nut shell – His brothers hated him, threw him in a pit, told their dad a lion got him, but really they sold him. He found himself a slave to a big time pharaoh. Joseph did all the right things and lived with integrity…which landed him in another pit. For years!!! The story does have a happy ending though…You can find this story in Genesis chapters 37 – 45.
He experienced the loss of his home, his family, his trust, his freedom…and probably much more. Yet, Joseph managed to survive with his faith in tact. He found a way to maintain his character and integrity in the middle of the change. And the stability came from his deepening faith in God. He faced the strain in the midst of change and became an overcomer.
The Bible has these 2 great truths about Change.
1. Despite the changing world around us
God is changeless & dependable.(Hebrews 1:12)
2. God calls for an inner change of heart.
Repentance means a 180 degree change in your direction. I was headed this way, now I’m headed the other way. This produces an outer change in our lifestyle – an obedience. (Luke 19:1-10)
When like the lyrics in the Bowie song "Changes" you "Turn and face the strain" when you feel anxious about change in your life remember who you are and more important, who God is. Keep your eyes on him and he will give you the strength to face the strain.
