EXPECTATIONS

Everyone on planet Earth has their own expectations.We expect that people will be nice to us,that we will all be in good health, there will be no negative change in our circumstances,that nobody will rock our fragile boats, that we will have faithful friends and successful marriages.But what do we do whan life does not live up to our expectations? In fact, rarely does life tune in to our own whims and fancies.Things will go wrong and they will.Maybe for you-people have not lived up to your expectations and you are terribly disappointed.The Bible is full full of people who got into horrible disappointments.Joseph,John the Baptist and Paul were all in prison.When we get stuck in a difficult position its difficult to be positive.But Paul said that his suffering was actually furthering the gospel.(Phil1:12)

Maybe its an uncertain future that you are facing. Difficult situations at home and at office or a troubling relationship that saps your energy and leaves you exhausted.Do not suffer alone-talk to someone who will pray together with you.Or if you dont want that-Take time alone to be with yourself and sit in some corner with a Bible.The truth is,everyone is going through something.So you have to deal with your journey. "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Psalm 23

Paul's only expectation- for Christ to be honoured no matter what.( Phil 1:21)

TEMPERS

Learn to keep your temper under control.Each time you are in disagreement or others did not do things your way,or see your point of view-do not immediately bare your fangs and growl fiercely.It just proves that you are ruled by negative emotions which inevitable cloud everyones reasoning faculties.The next time you find yourself in such a situation,take a deep breath and resist that rising spirit within you.Do this and you will not lose your personal peace.Ignore this advice,and others start pushing your buttons and literally rob you of your peace and move on.

ANTICIPATION

One of the thrills of life is the feeling of anticipation.A whole lot of emotions surround this feeling.When I was a young boy,the most earnestly anticipated event was Deepavali.First the buying of new clothes,then the making of "murukku" and other Indian delicacies,and the sending out of Deepavali Cards.Then finally the day arrives,and the whole family all dressed up in our new clothes,and then the arrival of the guests and the endless feasting.The anticipation and the reality.On Deepavali's eve,one can sense the celebrative mood in the very atmosphere.

I think about the thrill of anticipation and what it can do to the human heart.In Psalm 30:5 the Psalmist is sharing with us that while we may be going through a tough time here and now- this weeping,enduring and trying to make sense out of it can be a difficult time for everyone.Is your heart overwhelmed by some sorrow that seems to persist,to endure? The truth is that the weeping cannot endure forever.The darkness may be intense but it must giveway to the first rays of the morning sunrise. So it is with our sorrows.

For those who weep can dwell on hope instead of hopelessness and anticipation instead of sorrow. It may be nightime in our hearts, but just ahead lies the dawn of eternity and with it God's promises-" Behold I make all things new and He will wipe away all tears from their eyes." Now thats a real promise which cannot fail.

LUKE 12:16-19 YOU HAVE LESS THAN 24 HOURS LEFT

Then he spoke a parable to them saying , " The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully.And he thought within himself saying,"What shall I do,since I have no room to store my crops? So he said," I will do this: I will pull down my barnes and will build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.And I will say to my soul,'Soul you have many goods laid up for many years, take your ease, eat,drink and be merry." But God said to him ' Fool! This night your soul will be required of you.Then whose shall those things be which you have provided?"
So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God.

If you became a millionaire overnight, would you change your lifestyle? What would you change immediately? New home,new car and fancy clothes? And not forgetting that expensive pen,Rolex watch and of course- the dream vacation.We all have our inclinations.It is said that our real colours only appear when our wallets are bulging with new found prosperity.

I feel somewhat sorry for the man in this story.He was right in many ways but was deadly wrong on one final point.He got his prosperity. Finally he was seeing some real money. Firstly, he renovates his own property, this tearing down and building greater.Lots of people renovate their property. But no Christian should feel bad for doing so.All Christians need comfortable homes to live in and should not feel bad about having a nice home and enjoying the good things in life.

Secondly he is finally planning on retirement.And that too is a wonderful decision. Why do people keep on working long after they have made enough money? But this man is saying "I have enough,I am going to relax."

Thirdly he has decided to stop working and enjoy life.Wonderful.Indeed on some days I dont work but just go out for a wonderful meal then come back read a book and relax.That's a very blessed time.But the sad and tragic part of the story is this-he thought he had many years left to live,lots of time to unwind.And in doing so,he miscalculated his personal life situation.

Moving into new homes,renovation,retiring and taking it easy are all within our control.We can decide on these matters but there is a terrible limitation-We can't decide the day of our departure from this planet.This man miscalculated his remaining time- He thought he had many years left,but God said -You Fool!You have less than 24 hours left.You see,my brothers and sisters- nobody has got even a remote clue as to how much we have left.In spite of all the technological gadgetry available to us, nobody can tell us what is going to happen in the next 24 hours.Because the sum and substance of life is unpredictable.

God help us not to miscalculate life.In whichever situation you find yourself in,its much safer to say "Thank you God for all that you have blessed me with and please bless my remaining days.Grant me strength and faith to continue this journey of life without making fatal errors." Vijay

CURTAINS DOWN ON THE OLD LIFE.

Now the Lord said to Abraham “Go from your country and your kindred and your fathers house to the land I will show you…and Lot went with him… Abraham was seventy five years old when he departed from Haran.” Genesis 12: 1-4

It must have been a very nostalgic moment for Abraham when he started packing his bags to begin his journey into the unknown wilderness. Looking around his living room for one last time, the kitchen where he had shared many wonderful meals, going upstairs to see his bedroom, the table at his window with the morning sunlight streaming in. One last look through his window to see the familiar neighbourhood and the vast wilderness in the distance. Everything seemed so silent that day and there was a sinking feeling in his heart.

To leave the place where he had grown up and never to return. That must have been a very tough decision. Until today I have not seen a single individual who have forgotten their hometown. The last funeral I attended was in New York City, my hosts father an elderly Chinese gentleman who had succumbed to old age. His last instruction was to take his ashes back to his little hometown back in China.

We have all had the experiences of packing our bags to go on journeys here and there. But we always found our way back home. But Abraham would have to go on a journey and not return. He would be seeing his hometown and his kindred for the very last time. Painful though it must have been, the divine voice had to be heeded. The curtain had to be brought down on the past life. God had called him from a life of routines, monotony and certainty to a life of faith in Him!!

It seems whenever God appears on the scene in the Bible –its curtains down on the old life. Exodus is a classic example. And they left their nets and followed him was said of the early apostles.

If Abraham had said, “God, I am not going anywhere!! Why can’t you bless me here in my own hometown?” If Abraham had said we would never have heard about Abraham.

Perhaps life has taken a twist for you too. Suddenly the signboards pointed to a new and different direction and the roads do not look familiar at all. Nevertheless, the road must be travelled and the journey must be accepted. Somebody has once said, the will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you. And that’s a profound truth in that statement. Simon Peter the apostle stated, “For you were going astray like sheep, but now have returned to the Shepherd and guardian of your souls.” Now that’s a promise to every believer. No matter where the journey leads, God is the Shepherd and Guardian of every believer’s soul.

So take heart, it may be the end of the old life of routines, the merry go round and the familiar And God brings you into a new life where nothing seems to be certain or a merry go around where we get off at the very place we got on! No- the life of faith leads you further and further in your trust in Him- as you move from one trial to the next and to the next level of God dealing with you. And the life of faith matures you as a believer. It is when the storms hit that the roots strike deep. And when the storm has passed, we hear the divine voice again, “Behold I make all things new!”

Are you feeling nostalgic and yearning for the old relationships and comforts with its predictable routine? When we felt secure in the knowledge that everything was under our control? To bring you forward God has to change the times and the seasons. Now is not the time for regrets. It’s the dawn of a new season for you. Take courage and move on. You will be glad you heeded the divine voice. Because it’s the only voice that does not deceive. Although He hides in the shadows and does not show His face, yet He is your Eternal lover. Discard your uncertainty and do not grieve at the memories of yesterday! It’s the beginning of a new season.
Posted by vijay at 12:18 AM

ANOTHER MONKEY ON MY BACK.

Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me….. for we are kindred. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand I will go to the left. Genesis 13:10

When Abram left his hometown, he made one little mistake- he took Lot with him, presumably for some male fellowship along the journey. Everything was fine, that is, until they journeyed on into the wilderness. And then the first embers of a little fire broke out that began to strain the friendship. The controversy is very revealing “and there was strife between the herders of Abrams livestock and the herders of Abrams livestock…” v6. What started out as a promising relationship soon took a turn for the worst. Strife can be a terrible thing-each doing or saying something to even the score and the relationship worsens. Until finally Abram could not bear it no longer, so he called Lot his nephew aside and spoke the unthinkable, painful though it was-Separate yourself from me for we are brothers.

How many people go through unnecessary pain and start holding grudges because they did not have the foresight to separate at the right moment? To carry on meaningless relationships which does not edify, built up or encourage is foolishness. Perhaps the one thing that you need to do is to consider cutting off those relationships and friendships that do you more harm than good. It is human nature to retaliate, not to give in. For many they suffer quietly at the abuses and insults of others because they do not have the strength to stand up to their abusers. The better approach is to separate quietly, gracefully without nourishing the idea of having the last word. Anyway what is the point of winning another quarrel with a brother? It just proves that behind the so called winning is a very insecure brother who needs to be proven right all the time.

We quarrel because we are immature, have differences of opinion and many among us believe whatever poison is poured into our ears because of others quarrels. Are there relationships in your life that ruffle your feathers, push your buttons and leave you strained? Do not hesitate any longer. It is enough! Have the boldness to say that you will not carry on like this. If you try to be everybody’s friend you will soon realize that really is a very tough burden to carry. In the end you will end up trying to please everyone taking all kinds of insults and abuses and suffer quietly in the process.

Take the peaceful road and be mature in your dealings with everyone whether you are in the secular world or with your brethren.

Even in the context of marriage the Apostle Paul wrote “But if the unbeliever separates, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound. It is to peace that God has called you.” 1 Cor 7:15

I WILL NOT TAKE MY REVENGE

So the enemy took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorroh and all their provisions, and went their way, they also took Lot…. When Abram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen of them and went in pursuit as far as Dan… then he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his nephew Lot… Genesis 14- 11-16.

This is the first war that Abram was involved in and it was done to rescue his nephew Lot. Abram did not dwell on his old peeves and grudges against Lot and exclaim “Well he deserved it!! Serve him right for causing me all those troubles.” Rather he was prepared to forget the former troubles with Lot and immediately goes out in the middle of the night to rescue Lot.

Most of us would not let go of old grudges but not Abram. The past attitudes of his nephew were not to be brought up again and again throughout his lifetime. All that matters most was that his nephew was in trouble and needed his help. Imagine Lots surprise when Abram delivered him from the possibility of being sold into slavery or being killed with the sword. But one must also bear in mind that Abram after rescuing Lot did not invite him on his journey again. He had learnt his lesson and he was not about to put himself in a position where the old story repeats itself. This is a principle that every man must learn.

The Christian is not called to be so cold hearted so as to desert a brother in his hour of need. Have you ever observed the attitude of some Christians when they hear the moral failure of some brother or sister? Or worse still, they keep on whispering about it at every opportunity they get? Such an attitude does not come from the Spirit of Christ. It is a self righteous attitude. Of the many sins that Jesus spoke against, He reserved his most scathing remarks for the self righteous.

Is there someone who needs your help today? Maybe someone needs to hear from you. Perchance they have quit the Christian fellowship because some private sin has been exposed and they have quietly retired into their personal night. If you know of such a person, then go out into their night and seek them out. Make that phone call or write that letter - actions like this gladden the heart of God and brings hope back to the wounded souls.

We all know that life is incredibly short. I don’t have to convince you of that. So live to heal and bless. Don’t be a hateful and vengeful person. It is alarming that some believers can be destructive to other believers of the family of faith. If you see such a person who may seem superior to others in status belittling others, don’t participate or contribute. Do the right thing, withdraw from that brother- its time to leave for the sake of your own peace. Instead seek the person out with encouragement- it merits the approval of God in Jesus. Do it today!

A SLEEPLESS NIGHT

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Genesis 15:1

Everything seemed to be going against Abram that night. Firstly after rescuing Lot, he knew that those kings would search for him to execute their revenge. That was a fearful thought. Secondly when he had returned with their loot, the Kings of Sodom and Gomorroh had offered the loot to Abram. But Abram had refused it because he did not want anybody to say that he became rich through homosexuals. But even assuming that he did accept the money- he could not pass it on to anybody, because Abram was childless. As Abram thought about his future that night, he saw battles in it, he saw more quarrels with his wife Sarah and he was probably going to die without descendants. All those thoughts must have certainly overwhelmed him. The future was certainly bleak and not very promising.

When everything seemed to be going against him, God intervened and every word that God spoke met one of those needs. That his future was not what he was imagining with loads of miseries. In fact although Abram’s future was going to be tough, yet great events were yet to unfold in his life- events he could hardly imagine. But there was one thing that he needed to do- believe God had said about his future. And Abram believed on the Lord and it was credited to Him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6)

What do you see in the future for you? Are your circumstances overwhelming? Do you see more struggles and troubles the unbearable monotony along the way? I assure you, troubles will never go away. These days we read about young people jumping off buildings rather than face their future- because in their minds there was nothing worth looking forward to. No Christian should contemplate suicide. There are some stories in the Bible that ended on a tragic note. They started well with God but the eventual decline came ending in suicide. The most notable are King Saul, Ahitophel and Judas. They all took their own lives. If something is really distressing don’t decide to end it all. But anyway, who is so sure and certain of his future? On a personal note- everybody’s future seems uncertain too. Even those who appear to be secure about their future are riddled with insecurities.

But there is one thing needed along every step of the Christian journey, and that is the same thing that Abram had- faith. To believe that in spite of all that had happened, God allowed it to happen for some mysterious purpose. Even our own blunders and horrible bungling through life, God may not have done it, its our foolishness and naiveness that caused those events that still cause pain, still God allowed it that we may learn the lessons. And we certainly learn one thing- life’s lessons are tough. Sometimes they leave their mark on us for the rest of our lives.

Remember if you are still recovering from some painful event, and your honor is in the dust and you see a bleak tomorrow, may I see say that God may still bring some good out of those evils. Once someone said to me “When you lose, don’t lose the lesson!”

Let God have its way in the days ahead. He is able to build you up again. Certainly you will meet new people and new events will take place in your life. Maybe God will open the door for you to visit distant lands and meet the foreign brethren.

Your life was not meant to end in shame. Maybe you have become like a tree in the wilderness with nobody to water your roots. Be still and accept the present season. The dark clouds will disappear, the sun will shine, the streams will hit your roots again- the hour of God’s visitation may be sooner than you think.

O GOD WHEN WILL I EVER LISTEN TO YOU?

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife bore him no children. She had an Egyptian slave girl whose name was Hagar, and Sarai said to Abram, “You see that the Lord has prevented me from bearing children; go in to my slave girl; it maybe that I shall obtain children by her’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai … he went in to Hagar and she conceived … and Hagar looked with contempt on Sarah…then Sarah dealt harshly with her and she fled from her presence” Genesis 16:1-6

One of my saddest experiences in life was with an encounter with one of my students. I am a part time law lecturer and over the years I have had the privilege of meetings thousands of students. Her story- My mother was a pub woman- had an affair with a rich man and got pregnant with me- his wife found out, she came over with her relatives, shaved my mums head bald, together they beat her and warned her she would kill my mother if she ever tried to contact her husband again. One day my mother pointed out my father at the local Supermarket. He quickly turned his face the other way. That *&^%$#@ bastard!!!

I saw the anger in her eyes and the sadness in her face. Just one mans act of foolishness and there comes along a history of pain, sorrow and acts of revenge. Most of the friendships and acquaintances we enter into seem pleasant at the time. The initial courtesies, the smiling faces and the warm handshakes. If the conversation takes on a religious angle, with many religious phrases exchanged in the process, one becomes more vulnerable and ends up getting into friendships and relationships that were not meant to be.

And the victim in this story is Hagar. But it also cost Abram something- a future of endless conflicts and battles between the Ishmaelites and the Jewish race. It is a blood soaked history with border wars and suicide bombings.

May I suggest this to everyone out there- strange thought it may seem. You can be everybody’s friend- because as Christians we are called to love and to serve. But don’t make the mistake thinking that you can take everyone to be your friend. Ignore this advice and you will pay a painful price sooner or later. Be a brother and a sister, that’s good enough!!

And the greatest mistake of Abram in this story is this- And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. If only Abram had prayed about the matter and listened to what God had to say in that situation!! God, are you in this? And the tragedy is that he did not consult God about such an important decision in his life. May I suggest that you pray who you should fellowship with, because in many ways our thoughts and our attitudes are conditioned by those with whom we fellowship. And we usually heed the voice of those around us. Pray about the matter before opening your ears to anybody and before the poison flows in.

Today although we are a developed nation, there are more and more unwanted children roaming our streets. Who are their parents? And there seem to be more and more angry and fuming people out there. What has happened? Further our divorce Courts are very busy these days- Christians included. It makes a mockery of the religious rites….for better or for worse, in sickness and in health…..till death do us part…that is, if another suitable candidate doesn’t show up before death…

A GRIEVIOUS FAMILY HISTORY

“ … you shall call his name Ishmael, for the Lord has given heed to your affliction. He will be a wild ass of a man, with his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him and he shall live at odds with all his brethren.” (Genesis 16: 11-12.)

So she said to Abraham. “Cast out this slave woman wither son; for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac” Genesis 21 :10

I have a confession to make. I have oftentimes sympathized with the outcastes in the Bible than with heroes. And on this point my sympathies are with Hagar the slave girl, and her son Ishmael. How do you live with the knowledge that your mum had been abused and the fact that she had no rights in the house. And later when Isaac was born, his mother was literally driven out. Imagine Ishmael’s hatred for Sarah and Isaac. I am not in the least surprised when God saw the future life of Ishmael - He shall be a wild donkey of a man. It certainly was a very painful rejection for Ishmael and it was going to govern his hostile attitude towards the Jewish people later on.

“God was with the boy, and he grew up, he lived in the wilderness and he became and expert with the bow.” (Genesis 21: 20)

Have you ever imagined what target Ishmael had in his mind and heart as he shot his arrows in the wilderness. What was he thinking? The stage had been set for future conflicts.

Today we have such a phrase as “He comes from a dysfunctional family.” There are cases on record of children shooting their own fathers and sometimes both their parents. The years of verbal abuse, rejection and the feelings of being unwanted and unloved finally led to the hidden volcanoes erupting.

My own theory is that every family has its own history, or rather their own baggage. Rejections can be a very terrible thing, more so when it comes from within ones own family. Perhaps your life story is somewhat similar to Ishmael and you too have the temperament of an Ishmael because of past offenses and abuses and rejections. And when you are provoked, your fire burns again.

May I give you a word of caution? Don’t play the victim. One of the best books I have read is titled “Victimology”, how some people play the victim throughout their lives. Our Holy Scriptures reveals that even the Lord Jesus Christ was rejected by his own countrymen. Indeed one of the saddest features of Ishmael’s life is that he never turned to God and ask what was life’s purpose for him. If he had just looked upward and asked for direction, God would have shown him something. But he never asked what God his father Abraham worshipped. That was a real tragedy. And so the old hatred and revenge remained with him throughout his life.

One thing is certain in life- we cannot undo the past. There is not a man on this planet who can rewrite our personal history or family history. One of the worst things that can happen to a person is to live a life of regrets. Move on in the light and may God built you a sure future - better than the past relationships. May God give you the grace to laugh again and may you live to see the day and say- Thank God for the past- God used it to make me what I am today!” You need to read the story of Joseph again, how his brothers sold him off as a slave. There is only one thing worth keeping in our hearts- in the midst of treachery, betrayal, rejection, lies and imprisonment- but God was with Joseph.” And the God of Joseph is your Lord and Saviour and He can do the same with you

ARE YOU FEELING THE RIGHT THING ABOUT THIS?

So the men turned from there, and went towards Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Genesis 18:18:22-23

Some time ago in the city of Kuala Lumpur a Pastor wanted to start a gay church. There was some publicity given in the newspapers and many Christians’ feelings were ruffled about this. Others just hurled condemnations and insults in righteous anger (sic). Immorality is nothing new in the church. It manifests in various forms. It happened in the early church at Corinth, and worse Paul wrote to state that it was a kind of immorality that is not even found among pagans- “for a man is living with his fathers wife” (1Corinthians 5) If the church had been simply a human organization we would have packed our bags a long time ago because of all the scandals that has rocked the Christian fellowship for the past 2000 years. But the big question Paul had to ask that church is this “Should you not rather have mourned?”

Most of the time when some Christians’ shortcoming comes to light, all that we hear is suspension, expulsion, discipline and excommunication. And worse than that it seems to become the main discussion among believers at the tea stalls and telephone conversations. But very few seem to have the right attitude towards such a brother or sister. Paul told the church that you are not even mourning that such a deed has been done among us. But how many among us grieve for others when they fall into some miserable pit?

When God revealed to Abraham about the imminent destruction of Sodom and Gomorroh, those two sexually immoral cities, Abraham interceded for those people to the last bit. Unknown to Abraham, he was revealing the very nature of Jesus to God, for one of the ministries of the ascended Lord is to make intercession before the Holy Father. And only Abraham is described in the Scriptures as the “Friend of God”.

It is always easier to condemn and distance ourselves from those who have chosen a questionable lifestyle. But if you look at the Scriptures carefully those who are sexually immoral are placed alongside the greedy, idolater, reviler, drunkard and the robber!! 1Corinthians 5: 9-12. Have you ever been greedy in your life grabbing everything that came along your way? Fill your homes with useless and unwanted things? Have you passed a cynical remark against another believer and belittling them while maintaining you moral superiority? Then you are placed alongside the sexually immoral too!!

We all need to learn something from the life of Abraham - not criticizing and condemning others while quoting a dozen Bible verses. Psychologists have pointed out that the sins that we often shout loudest against, these are the very sins that we have the greatest difficulty with and these are the sins which we recognize in others easily. I have seen people caught in so many situations that very few things surprise me anymore. Begin this moment onwards to intercede for others whom you think are coming under the judgment of God. But you maintain your Christian attitude like Father Abraham - and he was prepared to go down on his knees and pray for a people who were not even his own race!!! That’s what commended him to God and that’s what made him a spiritual giant. And mind you, Father Abraham did not know of even one Bible verse and he was not in fellowship with any church.
Posted by vijay at 12:28 AM

A LYING PROPHET

From there Abraham journeyed towards the region of the Negeb, and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While residing in Gerar as an alien Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister” And King Abimelech of Gerar sent and took Sarah. Genesis 20: 1-2

Someone once said “I am sorry that Abraham lied, but I am glad that it was recorded down because it gives me hope!” The Bible never presents men of God as flawless characters above the many evils that plague the rest of humanity. Instead they are just presented as they are really were. We have all heard about it – politicians lying to the people with their election promises. And I have seen it in a Courtroom too- witnesses lying after taking the oath. It’s all part and parcel of humanity. And rest assured, you will never come across a person who had never lied before. And if you ever meet such a saint, ask him or her to autograph your Bible immediately.

And here Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his wife’s dignity and honour to save his own skin. But I am glad that God intervened on his behalf and saved Sarah from a dreadful situation.

Maybe you too have lied to people and others have told you horrible lies for whatever reason. I have learnt the hard way that it is better to be upfront with people then to make a vague commitment and later to give hundred reasons as to why we can’t keep our commitments. The last time I was lied to so professionally were two men I knew- because of their religious appearance I was really taken in. Turned out that they were skillful liars. But in life we only learn by hindsight, after making all the mistakes.

This was Abimelech’s first encounter with a worshipper of God and it was not very pleasant. In fact, Abimelech sent Abraham and Sarah packing off the very next day. We were always taught that it was Abraham’s grandson Jacob who was a skillful deceiver. The truth is, he probably inherited it from his grandfather Abraham. Later Isaac would be lying about his wife in just about the same way.

And today lying is not limited to save ones skin. Like the person who always has the tendency to exaggerate his business or academic achievements. Or the preacher whose life is just so full of one wonderful supernatural encounter after another.

Personally, the reason why people are prone to exaggerate is because if there is one thing we cannot stand, it is to be outclassed by other people. But for Abraham it was a very real lesson when Abimelech was told the truth about his latest addition to his harem. All Abraham’s worship and faith could not have convinced Abimelech of Abraham’s integrity. It would have been so much better if he had just told the truth upfront. It certainly would have avoided the humiliation when he was told off by a furious pagan king.
Posted by vijay at 12:29 AM

AN OLD ENEMY VISITING

At that time Abimelech, with Philcol the commander of his army said to Abraham, God is with you in all that you do; now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but as I have dealt loyally with you, you will deal with me and with the land where you have resided as an alien. And Abraham said “ I swear it”.

Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized… Genesis 21:22-25

Have you ever nursed a grudge against someone and found it awfully difficult to forgive? That even though you tried but somehow those bitter memories remain hidden in some unreachable places of your spirit? It happens to us all and it happened to Abraham. And he was in that same position that day when Abimelech visited Abraham under the pretext of peace. There was one unsettled issue- a well which belonged to Abraham which Abimelech had seized. Abraham had been treated with disrespect by this man of authority .This man had ruffled his feelings and so it’s understandable why Abraham nursed a grudge against him.

It was a very old quarrel and it was related to a well. Abraham’s servants had dug a well but when the waters gushed forth, Abimelech confiscated it! The reason is obvious – Abraham did not own the land- he was just a stranger in the land and it was easy to bully him and shove him out of the land. Further Abimelech was a man of authority, a king and he had his army commander with him, Philcol. But Abraham was just a wandering gypsy with just home born slaves. And now Abraham had dug another well, and the king was at his doorstep again. At Abimelech’s bidding, Abraham swore the peace the king wanted and settle the old quarrel.

But even though the peace had been sealed, Abraham could not hold it in. The next verse tells us that Abraham rebuked the king for his conniving ways. But Abimelech very diplomatically and tactfully denied any knowledge of the well. Abimelech represents one of those people who are just filled with envy and jealousy at the prosperity of others. But at the same time they are able to portray very innocent faces when confronted. The truth is that Abimelech is a man with such a notorious sense of insecurity that he had to bring along the commander of his army to negotiate with a travelling gypsy!

But Abraham made the peace because he was thinking of going into retirement. He had cut ties with Lot his nephew. He had sent off Hagar and Ishmael. Now finally he had peace with neighbours. The journey had been tough but he had traveled the road. By letting the old grudge against Abimelech he could now concentrate on his own future.

How are you dealing with your own Abimelech? It is enough. Those incidents that happened a longtime ago should not occupy your mind forever. What happened cannot be erased. No doubt you can never forget Abimelech for what he did to you. But you certainly will be more prepared and matured in your dealings when you meet the next Abimelech. For the sake of your own peace, sign the peace treaty.

CHANGES IN THE FAMILY

Saturday, September 6, 2008
CHANGES IN THE FAMILY LIFE
Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him (Genesis 21:2)

The birth of his son Isaac developed new situations on the domestic scene. His relationship with Hagar and Ishmael would soon end. His friendship with Lot also ended on an unhappy note. In his lonesome old age, God gave a son to Abraham and with that birth there were drastic changes about to take place at home.

How do you cope being a father at that age? One thing was sure, and Sarah had to make a lot of readjustments. Babies crying uncontrollably in the middle of the night is something all new fathers dread- at least the ones I know. It is doubtful if Abraham was able to play with his new born son.

Isaac is a kind of a withdrawn character. He is actually meditating in the field when Sarah arrives on a camel many years later. But there was one unhappy person at the birth of Isaac which the Scriptures are careful to record, and that was his elder half brother Ishmael. By Isaac’s birth, Ishmael was dispossessed because he was just the son of a maidwoman, with lesser legal rights than the lady of the house Sarah.

But then Sarah noticed something during the great feast for her son Isaac- Ishmaels was mocking at the whole thing. Trouble was brewing at home and with that trouble Abraham had to cut all ties with Hagar and Ishmael. He had to do it for the sake of his wife Sarah and for the sake of family peace.

I think everybody agrees that this world is not a happy place to live in. And a fair portion of our sorrows come from our own blunders. What is the biggest blunders you have made? That you married the wrong person? That you formed a friendship of which you are now regretting? Who can tell us whether next year at this time our family situation would be a happy one or a miserable one? For Abraham that day he was happy because of Isaac. But that happiness was not full because of the upcoming departure of Ishmael.

We cannot have everything in life. And so we are forced to choose in life. Are we prepared to life’s ever changing situations and accept the reality or do we blindly go forward without choosing the better hoping that somehow reality itself would change? Abraham had to readjust. It was necessary in the long run. How does a family stay together when it is quarelling all the time, when there are shoutings and commotions in the late night and the police are called in by irritated neighbours?

Are there situations in your life that you need to readjust? Then readjust you must- you must let Ishmael go. Abraham had grown fond of Ishmael. What are you so fond of that makes hesitate to forward? Ishmael represents the life in the flesh, and Isaac life in the Spirit. Ishmael is the joyful memory of yesterday, reckless decisions and an untamed nature. But now a better than Ishmael is here- Isaac- in whom all Gods promises are carried on. Although those memories with Ishmael were so glorious- still the curtains must come down. God’s purpose for you is not in the old life. Let it go and be prepared to be led into the narrow way of the Kingdom of God.
Posted by vijay at 12:30 AM

THE FINAL TEST

After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am’. He said, “ Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” (Genesis 22: 1-2)

It had been a very long journey and finally Abraham was going into retirement. He got his well of water, he got the son he had always wanted and he had peace with his neighbours. And to symbolize his retirement, he planted a tamarisk tree. Just as the tamarisk tree takes deep roots in the earth, finally Abraham was going to take root and settle down and enjoy the fruits of his labour. Or so he thought.

But God came to Abraham at that point of his life and called him to the biggest test of his obedience. It seems as though everything was building up to this moment. This is the peak in Abraham’s life for after this event, the life of Abraham flows like a river into the vast wilderness and disappears into the horizon.

The test of Abraham is three fold, take now your son- the test of his faith, your only son Isaac, the test of his hope, whom you love- the test of his love. These are the three greatest qualities a Christian should have. And now there abideth faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love.

Firstly the test of his faith. Just as Isaac had been born in a supernatural way, Abraham had to surrender Isaac back to God believing that somehow God was able to restore Isaac in that same supernatural way. But he just did not know the how or the when. But he had to believe it.

Secondly the test of his hope. Abrahams hope for the future was not tied to his bank balance but on his boy Isaac. He knew that he would never have another son- not through Sarah anyway. A peace or a wave offering, the worshipper will get something back. But a burnt offering every bit of it had to go - the offer or will get nothing back- as it will have to be burnt completely to ashes. How was Abraham going to get Isaac back? He did not know the how or the when but he responded in obedience.
Thirdly, the test of his love Abram was fond of Ishmael but Isaac he loved. It was the fulfillment of a promise that he had waited a very long time. But now even Isaac had to go. The test was this- Abram, is your faith and hope in God or is it on Isaac- that was the ultimate test?

May I ask you a personal question? What is your most precious possession on this earth? What is it that makes your life worth living? For some it may be a person and for others it may be a thing. But if God told you to surrender your most prized possession would you be able to surrender it believing that somehow God is able to restore it back to you in a supernatural way- something even better? Abraham, would you take your boy, your only boy, the boy whom you love and give him back to me in faith?

Look at the following verses “ And Abraham said to his young men- Stay here with the donkey while me and the lad go yonder to worship, and we will both come back to you”
Abraham was not fooling around with the young men. He said that they will both come back!!! Again he did not the how or the when but he just sensed that something supernatural was about to take.

It is a horrible moment now and this story increases in tension as the two go up to Mount Moriah. Imagine the scene- Isaac carrying the heavy wood for the sacrifice up the mountain, Abraham carrying a bucket of fire and a sharp knife. Again when Isaac asks his father Abraham – “My father look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt sacrifice?” That Isaac who was about to be sacrificed was asking a broken hearted father about the lamb for the sacrifice. And the father replied saying that God would provide himself a sacrifice.

In my early Christian life -, when reading the Bible I got the impression that God was a cruel and bloodthirsty character up there and his favourite pastime was to sit on an exalted throne to test his people. But it was after spending much time with the Bible that I could see the divine pattern. I am told that Mount Moriah is just within walking distance to Calvary. That Isaac is carrying the wood that is to be the means of his own execution with the father surrendering him is all pointing to Calvary. The redemption story.

What is the biggest test you have been through in the Christian life? Of all the Bible characters I have read, I think Abraham went through the biggest test. Romans put it this way- “Who against hope believed in hope.” What is your biggest test that you are going through right now? Some testing’s are intense like the testing of Jesus in the wilderness but other testing’s are really circumstantial for the believer- relating to honesty in business matters or keeping a commitment or refraining from badmouthing others. Then others seem to go through a perpetual loneliness. I don’t think that is a test at all. These Christians just need to discard their “spiritual image” and just need to go out and meet more people. You are a Christian? So what? You still have to face all the trials just like everybody else!

When the days seem incredibly long and your perseverance seems to diminish, take time out and find a place of solitude in prayer. One learns many things in solitude rather than griping to others how severe the trails have become. Every dark season has to pass sometime. The story of Corrie Ten Boom , how she survived in a Nazi camp when she was asked “ Why does God allow this?” She replied- We do not know the answer but we know that we can face this with our faith


ABRAHAM REVEALS GODS IMAGE 12

Then he bound Isaac his son and placed him on the wood, upon the altar. Then Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But an angel called to him from heaven and said “ Abraham” And he said “ Here I am” And he said “Do not lay your hands on the child or do anything to him for now I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your son, your only son from me.


We have now reached the climax in Abraham’s testing. After both of them had built the altar together, Abraham suddenly turns against his only son whom he loves binds him and lays him upon the altar. Just imagine the picture, on some desolate side of Mount Moriah, the fire burning at Abraham’s side ready for the burnt offering. Isaac tied upon the altar and a sharp knife in Abraham’s hand. It was when Abraham looked at Isaac’s face for the last time that he stretched for his hand and took the knife to slay his only son. To make any sense, to this story we have to step into the supernatural dimension -otherwise it is just a horrible story and can’t even be preached to young people in the church or to older people who have own children. But is the meaning of the story?


We have now reached the climax in Abraham’s testing. After both of them had built the altar together, Abraham suddenly turns against his only son whom he loves binds him and lays him upon the altar. Just imagine the picture, on some desolate side of Mount Moriah, the fire burning at Abraham’s side ready for the burnt offering. Isaac tied upon the altar and a sharp knife in Abraham’s hand. It was when Abraham looked at Isaac’s face for the last time that he stretched for his hand and took the knife to slay his only son. To make any sense, to this story we have to step into the supernatural dimension -otherwise it is just a horrible story and can’t even be preached to young people in the church or to older people who have own children. But is the meaning of the story?

But when the knife was raised, God intervened and stopped it all because even the sacrifice of Isaac was not good enough. The sacrifice for the atonement must be perfect and even reading the life of Isaac casually one straightaway discerns that even Isaac too had the compulsion to lie when caught in a difficult situation.

But God did not intervene when another sacrifice was presented at Calvary many years later. The price had to be paid. It was a dreadful day when the Father sacrificed the Son for the atonement. Four thousand years earlier David had wrote “My God, My God why have you forsaken me? The exact words Jesus had cried out from the cross during his last moments. There was no other way- “Without the shedding blood there is no sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews).

If you are a Christian, rejoice in the fact that your past records of sins have been wiped clean. Jesus made the atonement for you by his death - and that is the only sacrifice that God accepts.
Posted by vijay at 12:33 AM

THE SECRET OF SARAH'S BEAUTY

Sarah lived one hundred and twenty seven years. This was the length of Sarah’s life. And Sarah died at Kiriath –arba (that is Hebron) in the land of Canaan; And Abraham went into mourn for Sarah and weep for her. (Genesis 23 :1)

The last chapter in the life of a beautiful woman, Sarah. It is surprising to find that Sarah was beautiful even in her old age that a king wanted to court her. And the Bible reveals the secret of her beauty- she had a meek and quiet spirit, was submitted to her own husband and feared the Lord. To say this thing today would be taking the risk of being labelled as a male chauvinistic pig!

Alas today people today mistake glamour for beauty. And what we see on television today are not beauty queen contests but glamour queen contests. Beauty you can keep but glamour you cannot. Simon Peter gives some hints about how ladies can keep their beauty- not in elaborate hairdo and excessive jeweler but here is the secret straight from his pen “Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing, rather let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.” Ignore this advice and you will fill the category of “An old mutton dressed up as lamb!”

I once came across a lady in her fifties with such a heavy make up- that it reminded me of a birthday cake. All that was missing was a candle on her forehead and we could have sung “Happy Birthday To You”. Don’t dress your carcass excessively! It’s the inner beauty that is precious in His sight. And I am glad that I am not saying this in a ladies fellowship, otherwise I will share the fate of John the Baptist with my head on the chopping block and eventually landing up on a silver platter

A TIME TO MOURN

Now the other side of the story is this, that when Sarah died Abraham mourned for her. Although Abraham is presented to us as a spiritual giant, still his earthly nature remained with him. Sarah had accompanied him on all his journeys, shared in all his trials and was faithful to Abraham until her last breath. No doubt she had enough valid reasons to desert him, especially when she was despised by Hagar-but she stayed. And now she was gone for good and Abraham wept.

I have attended many funerals but one was particular funeral that I attended left me distressed. Christians from a particular group had arrived and proceeded to sing “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice!!” accompanied by the music of tambourines’ and guitar. They were rejoicing because according to them, the Bible says- “We must give thanks in all things!!” It really left a bad impression with the non- Christian group. If you ask me- these believers needed to be spanked with a frying pan and sent back out of the funeral house. It is demeaning when the brethren behave like this. More so when the host of the house are from other religions.

The Christian is not called to be an imbecile with an incapacity to mourn. There is a time to mourn. When Jesus heard about the death of Lazarus, he did not dance and celebrate with a guitar and tambourine, crying out “This is the day the Lord hath made!!” He wept when he heard about the death of Lazarus. And that is the human side of Jesus. He was very human. Maybe more human than many of us.

All people regardless of their faith should share in the sorrow of those who have gone before us. And all Christians from whatever denominations should pay their last respects reverently. At every funeral I am reminded that one day I will be there too and so will you. And I certainly don’t want to hear people singing carols at my funeral.

When Paul wrote “We do not grieve like others who have no hope” he was not exhorting us not to grieve. The non-believer grieves because they believe the separation of death is forever and they will not see their loved ones anymore. Christians do not grieve because the Bible assures us that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones in the vast yonder out there some where- called heaven.

At this point please allow me to say a benediction for you, May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, May you live long enough to see your children and your grand children, May your life be blessed upon the earth, May you live a full and wholesome life on the face of the earth, and when the time comes for your departure, may you depart in the presence of your loved ones, who will miss your presence and cherish your memories. And above all may your soul depart boldly, in the full assurance that that you are entering a better world where there is no night.

And may those of you who, because of your earthly connections are few somehow land up in the old folks home, don’t despair. Although there is no record of Jesus visiting any old folk’s home, I believe that God is present there too. May you find some friendly faces there to comfort you in your last days. And if somehow by chance you find out that I am your neighbour, we will drink tea and share many of our experiences , enjoy many quiet days, enjoy the great peace and solitude of old age- and get our hearts ready for the final destination

MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ISAAC

“ Put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live but will go to my country and my kindred and get a wife for my son Isaac.” (Genesis 24:2-4)

Undoubtedly Isaac was a mummy’s boy who cared and loved him. But now Sarah was gone and who would fill the void in Isaac’s life? Isaac is a kind of colourless character and everything had to be done for him. He is not a Jacob or an Esau. And now Abraham looks into the affairs of his only son Isaac. If Abraham had not looked into the affairs of Isaac, it is doubtful if Isaac had any of the social skills to woo even the Canaanite women. Something had to be done on his behalf. And after the death of Sarah, when the loneliness had set in, and Isaac spends more and more time out in the field meditating by himself, Abraham gives the instructions to his servant Eleazer in the matter of Isaac’s marriage.

Some people are the life and soul of the party and they need no help in breaking the ice or venturing into new territory. For others it’s an uphill battle and they become the wallpaper in the background- and they need help. It is these people who get joked about and get the least attention. These are the plain Jane’s and the introvert John’s- usually from the lower income group- children of the taxi drivers and the food hawkers with very modest means. As a lecturer, I have many students and the temperaments are very varied. In one particular class, there were a few models, and they oftentimes come sensually dressed. And a strange silence descends on the class and I can sense that some of the young men are yearning to break the ice. It is the handsome Romeo with his dyed golden hair, fake Rolex watch and his borrowed car who seems to be the hero and the loudest in the class.

I think the most saddest case history was in the USA when a Korean student was laughed at mercilessly by his classmates because of his poor English. He left the class and in a few moments returned with a gun, shot many students to death and finally shot himself. Some people can take severe provocations, for others, the tolerance level is limited. And it is prudent to be aware of your own sheep. The tragedy-nobody befriended him and spoke out on his behalf to save him from those humiliations.

If you look around in the church or at the working place, you will always find some unassuming characters. These are usually people who lack the social skills but yearn for company. May you have the spirit of father Abraham in looking out for others- especially the unassuming. I am not asking that you put your hand under my thigh and take some kind of mysterious nomadic oath and find a wife for these people. Get to know them – don’t wait to be introduced- go and introduce yourself. God can use you to be a witness for these people. Why do you think God put you there? Per chance you can speak a word on his behalf.

May I say this word for all believers- do not demean anybody by commenting on their looks or their appearance. After all you do not have the looks of Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts either. And if you ever find these characters being disrespected in your presence- speak up on their behalf. I have time again been in the company of people who don’t seem to have a heart or a conscience. It just dosen’t bother them that they have ruined somebody’s day. These are the real devils in our midst straight from the pit.

I have noticed that there are many young people in church . The next generation of believers is rising ups fast. Watch out for these people. Without doubt you have much to offer to these young people in terms of example, advice and guidance. May you be blessed of the Lord and use you greatly.

ABRAHAM- A POLYGAMIST?

Abraham took a wife and her name was Keturah. She bore him Zimram, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbah and Shuah. Genesis 25)

And Abraham gave everything he had to Isaac but to the sons of the concubines he gave gifts.”

Here we see have one of the greatest difficulties in the life of a great spiritual giant, Father Abraham- that he was actually a polygamist. And because of this Abraham has been severely criticized by many Bible commentators. My personal opinion is this- the Bible does not critisize or commend this aspect of Abraham’s private life. And if God does not make a comment, its would be unwise on our part to be making any kind of comments.

The Bible is a very honest book. It just paints the people as they really are – not as we would like to see them. This is one evidence that the Bible is the Word of God because of its utter honesty in revealing human nature. Every other religious book rarely mention the weaknesses of its holy people. The Bible is the only book that reveals both the strengths and the weakness of its characters. Noah was righteous and preached for many years but the last thing we are told about Noah is that he got so drunk that his pyjamas came off- “… and Noah lay uncovered in his tent”

Have you ever wondered if God were to be writing your life story, what kind of details would be included? Would you like those details to be included? The things that you did that no else found out? Humanly speaking we only want the best things to be said about us and our names shining in gold. But not so with the Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Truth, the facts are recorded as they really took place.

Another example is the funeral service where the deceased is commended for all his noble qualities and Christlike qualities. I remember a funeral I attended where there was a large gathering- and speaker after speaker commended the dead persons achievements and noble and illustrious character. I just hope that the things that were said corresponds to the details in God’s book- because I think there are going to be many surprises on the other side. Its more prudent to keep the commendations plain and simple.

f you feel tempted to criticize others for their moral shortcomings, I am afraid that pretty soon you too would be brought into a situation where your own limitations are exposed. I have seen this happen again and again- among Christians and preachers. I am particularly reminded of a brother who always extolled the virtues and fulfillment of his married life- until one day he went through the divorce himself. He is more circumspect these days when commenting on the shortcoming’s of other believers.

In the Scriptures we are told to fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Fixing our gaze at anything or anyone else will give us enough reason to stop fellow shipping at any church!!!

Paul in writing to the Corinthian church which was known for its criticism of even Paul had this to say,

“But we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong- not that we may appear to have passed the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.” 2 Corinthians 13: 7-8.

That’s it- some sound advice for the believer who is critical of other believers. They have failed the test the moral and spiritual test in your eyes? Another scandal has broken out hat is much whispered about? So what? They did not die for your sins. So pray for them and continue on with the journey God has ordained for you. That the Christian attitude.

THE CLOSING CHAPTER

These were the years of the life of Abarham, 175 years. Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people.(Genesis 25:7-8)

With this verse, the life Abraham comes to an end. He left UR of the Chaldees when he was 75 years old and he died at the age of 175. That means he done God’s bidding and obeyed God for 100 years in obedience to God’s call. He had been through all the troubles from the days when Lot quarreled with him then later the issue of Hagar and Ishmael and finally his peace treaty with Abemelech. Abraham had completed the journey by faith but he did not journey in complete peace. Some Christian seem to believe that as soon as they accept Jesus as their Savior every problem just evaporates. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Abrahams life was filled with battles, domestic quarrels with Sarah, business quarrels with Lot and turf wars with Abimelech. And above all the supreme test when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son and he passed with flying colours.

So accept what the journey brings along the way. And if it is possible- avoid the pitfalls rather than go through it- and if you cannot than may the God of Abraham be with you until his purpose is fulfilled in you.


The Christian journey too for every believer, is fraught with seemingly numerous trials and tribulations in this journey of life-nobody can escape the trials and tribulations that come alongside with it. Everybody has their story to tell. Some troubles come from outside I suspect that most of the troubles for Christians today from their own fellowship. For many, the bruises, scars and wound had their origin from other believers. Indeed one of the first questions every believer has to ask when going through a difficult time is this “ What can I learn from this trouble or misunderstanding?”

Abraham overcame all his trials with his faith in God and with the wisdom that God gave him. Wherever he went, he pitched his tent and build an altar so when Abraham left that place he only left behind an altar as a reminder that somebody had worshipped God there. There were already many other altars in the wilderness in Abraham’s day. Why did he not use those altars? Because those altars were used for Baal worship which were decorated with foul objects. Only Abraham’s altar bore witness to the worship of the one true God but he only pitched his tent signifying that he was only a plilgrim in this earth.

All Christians need to be reminded of Abrahmam’s testimony because we are also pilgrims just as he was and the one thing Christians should leave behind are reminders of God’s faithfulness. If we start building our faith on materials things we will be building on shallow sand. It all right to renovate your property or move into a bigger home. May you be blessed in everything. But remember in the long run, we are just mere pilgrims.

May I ask you a personal question? If you lost all your money and possessions today, how much will you still be worth? Or if you knew that you only had 24 hours left to live how would you feel about he life you have lived! Life is incredibily short, the grey hairs appears even before we know it. Jesus once remarked lay out your treasures in heaven where moth and rust does not corrupt and thieves do not break in to steal for where your treasure is there will be your heart also and in another place he said “Take heed and beware of coveteousness for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things that he possesses.”

Abraham died full of years which means a life well spent. How many remorseful people have you seen in their old days who feel that life have cheated them. It started out with so many promises, so many expectations and yet none of those dreams came true. Only this morning I had a short Bible study in the Sungai Buluh prison. About 50 or so had gathered there – both the young and the old. But they had made mistakes.

In all aspects, it is better to heed the divine voice and let God be our Shepherd. In this way, wherever the journey of life leads us, we can be assured of God’s guidance and protection and our eventual departure. May it be said of us one day- “ It was a life well spent “!!!!

“ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:13)

CURTAINS DOWN ON THE OLD LIFE

Now the Lord said to Abraham “Go from your country and your kindred and your fathers house to the land I will show you…and Lot went with him… Abraham was seventy five years old when he departed from Haran.” Genesis 12: 1-4

It must have been a very nostalgic moment for Abraham when he started packing his bags to begin his journey into the unknown wilderness. Looking around his living room for one last time, the kitchen where he had shared many wonderful meals, going upstairs to see his bedroom, the table at his window with the morning sunlight streaming in. One last look through his window to see the familiar neighbourhood and the vast wilderness in the distance. Everything seemed so silent that day and there was a sinking feeling in his heart.

To leave the place where he had grown up and never to return. That must have been a very tough decision. Until today I have not seen a single individual who have forgotten their hometown. The last funeral I attended was in New York City, my hosts father an elderly Chinese gentleman who had succumbed to old age. His last instruction was to take his ashes back to his little hometown back in China.

We have all had the experiences of packing our bags to go on journeys here and there. But we always found our way back home. But Abraham would have to go on a journey and not return. He would be seeing his hometown and his kindred for the very last time. Painful though it must have been, the divine voice had to be heeded. The curtain had to be brought down on the past life. God had called him from a life of routines, monotony and certainty to a life of faith in Him!!

It seems whenever God appears on the scene in the Bible –its curtains down on the old life. Exodus is a classic example. And they left their nets and followed him was said of the early apostles.

If Abraham had said, “God, I am not going anywhere!! Why can’t you bless me here in my own hometown?” If Abraham had said we would never have heard about Abraham.

Perhaps life has taken a twist for you too. Suddenly the signboards pointed to a new and different direction and the roads do not look familiar at all. Nevertheless, the road must be travelled and the journey must be accepted. Somebody has once said, the will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you. And that’s a profound truth in that statement. Simon Peter the apostle stated, “For you were going astray like sheep, but now have returned to the Shepherd and guardian of your souls.” Now that’s a promise to every believer. No matter where the journey leads, God is the Shepherd and Guardian of every believer’s soul.

So take heart, it may be the end of the old life of routines, the merry go round and the familiar And God brings you into a new life where nothing seems to be certain or a merry go around where we get off at the very place we got on! No- the life of faith leads you further and further in your trust in Him- as you move from one trial to the next and to the next level of God dealing with you. And the life of faith matures you as a believer. It is when the storms hit that the roots strike deep. And when the storm has passed, we hear the divine voice again, “Behold I make all things new!”

Are you feeling nostalgic and yearning for the old relationships and comforts with its predictable routine? When we felt secure in the knowledge that everything was under our control? To bring you forward God has to change the times and the seasons. Now is not the time for regrets. It’s the dawn of a new season for you. Take courage and move on. You will be glad you heeded the divine voice. Because it’s the only voice that does not deceive. Although He hides in the shadows and does not show His face, yet He is your Eternal lover. Discard your uncertainty and do not grieve at the memories of yesterday! It’s the beginning of a new season.