Tag Archives: Daybook

unpackinga mystery

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This is one of the most famous quotes in the Bible. Thousands of words have been written on it.

John 1

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Ministries & Programs — GAMC.

I will not consider the metaphors of logos — the word, and light driving out darkness. There are two other challenges.

The first is that this person was God, and with God, and was one with God. (There is nothing new here — in Genesis we are told that a man will leave his parents, and he and his wife will become one).

The second is in the following verses (a) that this person became a human (b) that the people rejected him and (c) that this writer witnessed this, and the life he witnessed was a true rellection of w-ho and what God is.

Thus, for a Christian, Jesus is their theology.

Site changes.

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1. I’ve changes the picture on the header. The original photo was taken in the Chinese Garden in Dunedin looking towards first church. WordPress now includes a cropping tool that gets the picture to the right size for the heading.

2. WordPress has just been upgraded with a bug fix. Done

3. Akismet seems to be catching the spam, so comments are going open

Song of Deborah.

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Dore

The RCL has this written as prose, when this is a song. Sisera, who was a general oppression the tribes of Israel, had been killed in his sleep by Jael. The Kenites were not Isreali, but had been allies (on and off) since the times of Moses.

In the 16th Century the Puritans took the highlighted verse and used it as a call for action. Meroz was cursed because they did nothing… and Jael was blessed because she acted

Judges 5:19-31

19″The kings came, they fought; then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they got no spoils of silver. 20The stars fought from heaven, from their courses they fought against Sisera. 21The torrent Kishon swept them away, the onrushing torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul, with might!

22″Then loud beat the horses’ hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds.

23″Curse Meroz, says the angel of the LORD, curse bitterly its inhabitants, because they did not come to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

24″Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, of tent-dwelling women most blessed. 25He asked water and she gave him milk, she brought him curds in a lordly bowl. 26She put her hand to the tent peg and her right hand to the workmen’s mallet; she struck Sisera a blow, she crushed his head, she shattered and pierced his temple. 27He sank, he fell, he lay still at her feet; at her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell dead.

28″Out of the window she peered, the mother of Sisera gazed through the lattice: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the hoofbeats of his chariots?’ 29Her wisest ladies make answer, indeed, she answers the question herself: 30′Are they not finding and dividing the spoil? – A girl or two for every man; spoil of dyed stuffs for Sisera, spoil of dyed stuffs embroidered, two pieces of dyed work embroidered for my neck as spoil?’

31″So perish all your enemies, O LORD! But may your friends be like the sun as it rises in its might.” And the land had rest forty years.

via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Ministries & Programs — GAMC.

One of the current positions within the Church is hard pietism. The secularists would argue that one should not have any religious beliefs and that “God-botherers” should not influence public debate. This has not been accepted within the Church: our internal wrong doing has to be confronted, as it was in 1688 here:

Christians have taken this and other passages as a order to act against injustice, regardless of which branch (Orthodox, Catholic, Reformed, Anabaptist or Pentecostal). We should not sit idly by but fight against injustice. There are historic examples:Yea, rather it is worse for them, which say they are Christians; for we hear that ye most part of such negers are brought hither against their will and consent,and that many of them are stolen. Now, tho they are black, we can not conceive there is more liberty to have them slaves, as it is to have other white ones. There is a saying that we shall doe to all men like as we will be done ourselves; making no difference of what generation, descent or colour they are. And those who steal or robb men, and those who buy or purchase them, are they not all alike? Here is liberty of conscience wch is right and reasonable; here ought to be liberty of ye body, except of evil-doers,wch is an other case. But to bring men hither, or to rob and sell them against their will, we stand against. In Europe there are many oppressed for conscience sake; and here there are those oppressed wh are of a black colour. And we who know than men must not comitt adultery, – some do committ adultery, in separating wives from their husbands and giving them to others; and some sell the children of these poor creatures to other men. Ah! doe consider will this thing, you who doe it, if you would be done at this manner? And if it is done according to Christianity?

But we must always speak publicly. The declaration of Bremen addressed the issues of the secular and frankly anti Christian and neo-pagan National Socialists saying that the church must reflect the national mission.

As members of Lutheran, Reformed, and United churches we may and must speak with one voice in this matter today. Precisely because we want to be and to remain faithful to our various confessions, we may not keep silent, since we believe that we have been given a common message to utter in a time of common need and temptation. We commend to God what this may mean for the interrelations of the confessional churches.

In view of the errors of the “German Christians” of the present Reich church government which are devastating the church and also therefore breaking up the unity of the German Evangelical Church, we confess the following evangelical truths:

1. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” (Jn 14.6) “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber… I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” (Jn 10.1, 9)

Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in holy scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church could and would have to acknowledge as a source of its proclamation, apart from and besides this one Word of God, still other events and powers, figures and truths, as God’s revelation.

2. “Christ Jesus, whom God has made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” (1 Cor 1.30)

As Jesus Christ is God’s assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so, in the same way and with the same seriousness he is also God’s mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his creatures.

We reject the false doctrine, as though there were areas of our life in which we would not belong to Jesus Christ, but to other lords – areas in which we would not need justification and sanctification through him.

3. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body [is] joined and knit together.” (Eph 4.15,16)

The Christian church is the congregation of the brethren in which Jesus Christ acts presently as the Lord in word and sacrament through the Holy Spirit. As the church of pardoned sinners, it has to testify in the midst of a sinful world, with its faith as with its obedience, with its message as with its order, that it is solely his property, and that it lives and wants to live solely from his comfort and from his direction in the expectation of his appearance.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church were permitted to abandon the form of its message and order to its own pleasure or to changes in prevailing ideological and political convictions.

4. “You know that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” (Mt 20.25,26)

The various offices in the church do not establish a dominion of some over the others; on the contrary, they are for the exercise of the ministry entrusted to and enjoined upon the whole congregation.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church, apart from this ministry, could and were permitted to give itself, or allow to be given to it, special leaders vested with ruling powers.

5. “Fear God. Honour the emperor.” (1 Pet 2.17)

Scripture tells us that, in the as yet unredeemed world in which the church also exists, the state has by divine appointment the task of providing for justice and peace. [It fulfils this task] by means of the threat and exercise of force, according to the measure of human judgment and human ability. The church acknowledges the benefit of this divine appointment in gratitude and reverence before him. It calls to mind the kingdom of God, God’s commandment and righteousness, and thereby the responsibility both of rulers and of the ruled. It trusts and obeys the power of the Word by which God upholds all things.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the state, over and beyond its special commission, should and could become the single and totalitarian order of human life, thus fulfilling the church’s vocation as well.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church, over and beyond its special commission, should and could appropriate the characteristics, the tasks, and the dignity of the state, thus itself becoming an organ of the state.

6. “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Mt 28.20) “The word of God is not fettered.” (2 Tim 2.9)

The church’s commission, upon which its freedom is founded, consists in delivering the message of the free grace of God to all people in Christ’s stead, and therefore in the ministry of his own Word and work through sermon and sacrament.

We reject the false doctrine, as though the church in human arrogance could place the word and work of the Lord in the service of any arbitrarily chosen desires, purposes, and plans.

The Confessional Synod of the German Evangelical Church declares that it sees in the acknowledgement of these truths and in the rejection of these errors the indispensable theological basis of the German Evangelical Church as a federation of confessional churches. It invites all who are able to accept its declaration to be mindful of these theological principles in their decisions in church politics. It entreats all whom it concerns to return to the unity of faith, love, and hope.

What does this mean for all us?

  • We need to be reforming our own life. We are enjoined to love God and our neighbour, and therefore not oppress our neighbour. This is both a private and corporate struggle.
  • We should make our stances clear to the surrounding community, by way of declarations and protests within the law.
  • However, we should resist and refuse any move to make our message subservient to the political fashions and movements of the day, regardless of how worthy they are. The political leaders who make changes are allies for that issue. We reserve the right to oppose them, and we refuse to be cowed into some form of national or political coordination — as was the error of the German “National” church and the official churches during the oppresions of the 20th century. Our issue is diluting our faith to deal with the querulous legalities of political correctness.
  • We will not retreat into quietism. We will have to be silenced.

These things are costly.  Many of the people who signed the Bremen confession were killed.  But if we do not reflect the truth, we lose our salt and become… a useless appendage to a failing society. For without the Salt of witness, righteousness and truth, society rots.

for the ‘stan

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For those Kiwis, Aussies and Canucks serving in the ‘stan. From a previous generation.

When first under fire an’ you’re wishful to duck,

Don’t look nor take ‘eed at the man that is struck,

Be thankful you’re livin’, and trust to your luck

And march to your front like a soldier.

Front, front, front like a soldier . . .

When ‘arf of your bullets fly wide in the ditch,

Don’t call your Martini a cross-eyed old bitch;

She’s human as you are — you treat her as sich,

An’ she’ll fight for the young British soldier.

Fight, fight, fight for the soldier . . .

When shakin’ their bustles like ladies so fine,

The guns o’ the enemy wheel into line,

Shoot low at the limbers an’ don’t mind the shine,

For noise never startles the soldier.

Start-, start-, startles the soldier . . .

If your officer’s dead and the sergeants look white,

Remember it’s ruin to run from a fight:

So take open order, lie down, and sit tight,

And wait for supports like a soldier.

Wait, wait, wait like a soldier . . .

When you’re wounded and left on Afghanistan’s plains,

And the women come out to cut up what remains,

Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains

An’ go to your Gawd like a soldier.

Go, go, go like a soldier,

via Rudyard Kipling’s poem: The Young British Soldier.

The only thing that has changed is the rifle issue. Steyrs for the ANZACs… M16s for those poor begotton Septics.

Fear or Joy?

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This is the beginning of the resurrection account. Matthew points out that the women — arriving to anoint his body (see Luke) were the first witnesses. He also said that the events were enough to make trained and hardened soldiers “like dead men”.

Our reaction to the power of a storm is fear: God is bigger than the storm. It is unsurprising that the guards were like that. The angel had to tell the women not to… fear.

Matthew 28:1-10

1After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Ministries & Programs — GAMC.

Fear is our natural response in the face of the awe of God. Joy is the response we have in faith. It is not of us: it is a gift.

The peacock in the mine just left

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Just been thinking about how Carter is playing this. He clearly hopes that there are enough people in the rainbow part of Labour to nominate someone like Charles Chauval or Steve Chadwick for the job. He wants to be back in and vindicated as Aunties Favourite son (TM). I consider this a move that looks smart on Cuba St., is seen as stupid within the Beltway, and downright treacherous outside of Wellington.

If this does not work — and the right rump will not want to move until April 2012. George Hawkins is LIKED in Papakura and if he resigns the seat could go national. Te Atatu is gentrifying. Paula is a Westie and Crusher is a honorary Westie. They could easily win it.

It will cost Labour effort and cash (they have neither) to defend the seat. If they fail, the left might move to ally with the Red edge of the Greens. The Rainbow will be left out in the cold.

Phil has very limited room to manoeuvre. And this is not his fault. If you are a progrssive, denounce Carter as a hater and wrecker. If you of the right, push harder and encourage him to continue to make mistakes.,

Witnesses from a distance.

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Today I am extracting from the reading but two verses.

Matthew 27:55-56

55Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. 56Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Ministries & Programs — GAMC.

Jesus lived a life that would challenge us. It is clear that he got food and money from the women discuples. Unlike in art, the women were at a distance — which makes sense. The Mockers and the executioners were up close. Two of the women were mothers of the disciples: they were seeing the death of the man their sons had given their loyalty and lives to.

Women have, throughout history, and proportionate power to their social position. The Queen or the gentlewoman may have managed tens or hundreds of servants (or slaves). Poor women, like poor men, had no power. The text continues that Joseph arranged for Jesus’ body to be washed and buried — on the day of the resurrection these same women were going to the tomb to do that task, which they saw as their duty.

But the picture here — a detail in the suffering — is one of pain and despair.

GO TEAM

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This makes me happy on so many levels. As a recovering Aucklander, I know where we build our yachts, so go my old home town.

As an example of how to piss off your local constituents, it is brilliant.

New England boat builders wondering why, in times of hardship, Sen. Thurston Howell … I mean John Kerry, D-Mass., had to outsource his luxury, going halfway around the world to buy the $7 million luxury yacht he was berthing across state lines in tax-free Rhode Island:

New England boat builders say shame on Sen. John Kerry for buying a $7 million New Zealand-built luxury yacht while local ship makers struggle to find work.

“Darn, that would have been a wonderful job for a Maine builder,” said Jane Wellehan, president of the trade group Maine Built Boats. “If someone comes to build a $7 million boat that would employ half the population of some towns for a year or two. Boat building is such a critical component of our coastal economy.”

via Jules Crittenden » Lifestyles Of The Rich And Clueless.

Oh, and for those Rhode Islanders — we were more high tech when we won the America’s Cup than you all, and we have got even better since.

We commit to what we can just keep.

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Covenants have consequences. The Isrealites were warned that God would turn on them if they turned away. They put away their gods, and turned to the LORD.

And… it lasted through the memory of those who had served with Joshua. It was the younger generation who fell away.

We cannot assume that the blessings, the church, the salvation, the good things we have will be permanent.  Each generation must renew the commitment — or fail

Joshua 24

16Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods; 17for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; 18and the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”

19But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm, and consume you, after having done you good.” 21And the people said to Joshua, “No, we will serve the LORD!” 22Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24The people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and him we will obey.”

via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Ministries & Programs — GAMC.

And I wonder if, as we send our fetuses to Molech and try to build a social welfare net that removes any need to depend on anyone but the state, if we are turning to the foreign Gods and away from the one who protected this land.