(May 2001 Edition)
Editorial - Human or Divine Thinking?
Editorial
Human or Divine Thinking?
Human thinking justifies self. Can I find a loophole through which I can crawl with my valued self-righteousness intact? Can I somehow find Bible justification that will excuse my less than sinless behaviour?
The Word of God says simply that God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16). It says that disunity and division in the body of Christ are worldly and carnal (I Cor. 3:3). It tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that God will make us rich in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion (Acts 20:35; II Cor. 9:11). But with self-convincing logic we argue that God will not hate some divorces – especially my own – because they were somebody else’s fault. We cite II John 10 to justify refusing to welcome a brother or sister, or a stranger, graciously and freely into our home. We excuse lack of generosity on the ground that the recipient is certain to abuse it. We stake our right to pursue a grudge because our antagonist has not yet repented. We whitewash our controversies and disunity by claiming that we are defending the purity of the truth.
Job was typical of all of us when he burst out, "I will never admit you are right. Till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it" (Job 27:5-6). After days resisting the reality, proud Job’s vanity finally crumbled before the truth. He finally accepted that even he, blameless and upright though he was, needed to repent. He became humble Job. "I despise myself," he confessed, "and repent in dust and ashes" (42:6).
Divine thinking justifies God. "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" is the model for us all (Luke 18:13). Away with our foolish rationalizations and self-justifications! Divine thinking does not seek to excuse our shortcomings. It acknowledges that we have fallen short of the glory of God. It confesses unworthiness, and asks for God’s help in picking up the broken pieces. It is kind and tenderhearted.
I accompanied an ecclesial elder once to interview a sister who had married an "alien." He tried hard to make her confess that she had committed a wickedness so great that she would have to accept being expelled from the body of Christ. She spoke of her husband’s kindness and loving spirit. "I am not as strong as you are," she pleaded. "I could not face living a single life. But I love God and He is the light of my life. Why are you sending me into the dark?" She did not justify what she had done. Can any of us?
Several important issues have been ventilated in the Caribbean Pioneer in recent months. These have been concerned with the impact of the gospel and the spirit of Christ on various aspects of our daily lives: marital matters, the workplace, strife and malice, helping the poor and needy, generosity, human love, self-righteousness, disunity, unmerciful behaviour.
We have appreciated feedback from readers. Some of it has been encouraging because it has reflected divine thinking. I also have a letter from a Bro. R. Paterson, written 125 years ago, which reflects divine thinking. It is worth reading (see below).
The simple fact is that God’s analysis of the human heart is so radically different from our own. If we "cherish" or try to find an excuse for sin in our hearts, God will not listen to us (Psa. 66:18). But "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psa. 51:17).
Alan Eyre
At the
Lord's Table
The Light of the World
Exodus 37:17-24; Revelation 12:12-20.
"Hush’d was the evening hymn, the temple courts were dark;
The lamp was burning dim before the sacred ark..." Hymn 96.
How big was the seven branched candlestick? It was tiny. It was only twenty inches high including its tripod base, reaching from floor to knee height. Every ancient artistic picture of it that has survived, including ancient synagogue mosaics and catacomb graffiti, is consistent as to its miniature size.
The most famous contemporary portrayal is, of course, that on the Arch of Titus. The prominent double polygonal base, probably wooden, shown there was not original. It was either an artifact of Herod’s to raise the level of the lamps to a more convenient height, or more likely a contrivance of the Roman conquerors for the purpose of displaying the candlestick in Caesar’s palace. The lower polygonal base contains at least one sculpture of a naked woman, perhaps symbolic of the enslavement of Israel.
How heavy was it? It weighed about fifty-six pounds, the same weight as one typical gold bar traded today or stored in Fort Knox. When the hollow gold tubular branches and stem were filled with olive oil it would weigh a little more.
What was it made of, and how was it made? It was made of "pure gold," but certainly not solid gold. It was made by "beating," and it was made as one single piece of beaten gold, a marvelous work of the goldsmith’s art. A skilled goldsmith can beat gold until it is only 1/10,000th of a millimeter thick, or draw out that 56 pound gold bar into a gold wire stretching three times round the Equator without breaking!
What happened to the seven-branched candlestick? It was in the tabernacle in the wilderness, and then in Shiloh. Perhaps the Philistines melted down the original, and David or Solomon made another. It survived the Babylonian conquest and display in the temple of Nebo, to be returned to Zion with Sheshbazzar. As the Romans’ trophy of conquest, it became the superstitiously venerated centerpiece of the Emperor Nero’s "Golden House" in Rome (still extant, though ruined). Constantine took it to Byzantium with him, where it was the centerpiece of the palace in his renamed capital of Constantinople. Finally, on April 14, 1204, it was captured by the Crusaders and melted down to pay overdue wages to the avaricious knights.
What is the meaning of the seven-branched candlestick? The Revelation tells us. The light is the truth. Seven is perfection. Gold is precious, pure and holy, the purity of Christ, not of ourselves. The "churches" of Christ are "one single piece," the undivided body of Christ. It is "beaten gold," tested and hammered by persecution and affliction. The oil is God’s Spirit, bearing buds, flowers and the fruit of the Spirit. It is not difficult to imagine that it was inspired by the tree of life! The entire candlestick, the whole brotherhood, is tiny, "despised, forgot," looked down upon in the eyes of men. But, as all seven bowls are on the same level, so the many "churches" (ecclesias) throughout the world are all of equal importance, shining out together as one the light of truth.
* * * *
The famous lighthouse on the great eastern cliffs of Cayman Brac shines its powerful beams all of thirty miles across the dark treacherous waters of the Caribbean Sea. It has guided and saved many ships in Caribbean storms. It can be seen on clear nights from passing aircraft at 40,000 feet. Tourists are startled when they visit the Bluff. The wonderful light turns out to be little bigger than an ordinary light bulb, and the new automatic lighthouse is just a simple frame a few feet high! But the beam has never been more powerful. It is just like that with Jesus and with us. He is the Light of the world. We are the Light of the world. For we are One.
* * * *
Lord, we share this bread in token and worship of you, the bread of life. You were and are pure beaten gold, filled by the Spirit, the Light of the world. Use us, Lord, as a bright beacon light to guide the storm tossed and weary to the safety of your glorious Kingdom. For your Name’s sake, Amen.
Lord, we sip this wine to share the preciousness of your sacrifice. May we understand that our golden purity is from you, not from ourselves, and be humbled accordingly. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
Alan Eyre
In 1924 a poor child was born in the Cayman Islands, and she was named Hope. In those days there was little hope for poor people of color. Only education offered a way of survival. Sixty-four years later Hope Dorothy Ethelyn Glidden-Borden retired from a distinguished career in the Postal Service of the Cayman Islands Government.
At a time when most people would be thinking about slowing down, her faith in God, her zest of life, and her unquenchable love of people inspired her to begin a new career. Hope became the unofficial leader and inspirer of Cayman Airways, our national airline.
Hope convinced the entire Cayman Airways team that faith, prayer, dedication, responsibility, service, and love for mankind are the basis for every daily task of life, from Captain to baggage handler. She established morning prayers for employees, a custom that has continued for the past twelve years. For twelve years, until she was 76, her unforgettable voice greeted callers on the telephone: A very good day to you. This is Hope at Cayman Airways. How may we help you? Her image and voice became icons of Cayman Airways. Twelve years of selfless Christian leadership of a turbulent industry. For twelve years, Hope led this company with her example of grace, dignity and unwavering faith in God. Humble and dignified in everything she did, she was mother, friend, co-worker, counselor, and mediator. From President to porter, we turned to this little Christian woman for inspiration, guidance, consolation, uplift, and friendship. She loved without judging. She inspired without domineering. Her effervescent personality led us onward and upward.
Hope had an extraordinary passion for life, which was infectious. But above all, she taught us about the importance of compassion, understanding and forgiveness.
The greatest thing of all about Hope was that she was "not ashamed of the gospel of Christ." She was an utterly fearless advocate of the highest standards of Christian integrity, commitment, and devotion to duty. She banned bad language. Very few of us could resist the power of her consistent testimony that Jesus Christ is Master of every workplace, the sovereign Lord of air, sea and land.
Remember, Hope had three great human disadvantages: she was poor, she was a woman, and she was colored. Yet, on December 30 2000, Hope went to her rest mourned by tens of thousands all over the world, leaving a government, an airline, and a country, that are in many ways unique in the world, all inspired by one unforgettable life of courageous faith.
Presented to "The Caribbean Pioneer" by the Staff of Cayman Airways.
[As Dean of the International College of the Cayman Islands, the Senior Editor was to have presented Hope with an Honorary Degree, but sadly her death intervened].
Being disabled and on my bed most of every day, I like to imagine Jesus as he was in the days of his sacrifice, his temptation and his mortality.
When I read about him in the gospels, like the people that he mixed with I am "amazed" and "astonished beyond measure."
His own home, Joseph and Mary’s home, must have been a very loving one, for his upbringing in such a home shines out from his words and actions. During his adolescence, his home was full of the laughter and games and joys of loving parents and younger children. It must have been a joyful home. But Jesus was not unaware of sorrow. There must have been such times also. The anxiety of childhood illnesses? Political troubles? Economic hardships? Was Mary bereaved and the family fatherless by Joseph’s premature death? But for Jesus, sorrow is always transformed into joy.
I picture Jesus as a person bubbling over with joy, full of life, telling his stories, enjoying the company and friendship of all sorts of people. I can see him enjoying the company of the ladies, who were not afraid to share their special concerns with him, an unmarried man. And he encouraged them. Amazing! Children especially loved his magnetic personality and easy manner. They could crowd around him and share his joyful spirits, and sing songs with him. Sometimes his close helpers tried to shoo the children away, but Jesus always said, "No. Let them come to me."
He was always at home at dinner parties. He encouraged "music and dancing." He was the life and soul of a wedding. Many of his stories are about celebrations, births, marriages, festivals, joyful family occasions. I can visualize him enjoying those "great feasts" with Matthew and Zacchaeus and Simon the leper. What happy occasions they must have been! One of his own figures for himself and his work was "good wine."
As a mother I can understand how proud his mother would be when her special Son was circumcised, and became a "son of the law," and then became a popular rabbi. Like her, I marvel when I read of him bringing healing and joy to multitudes of sick, distressed and mentally ill people. I like to picture him touching the leper and putting his arms around the "broken hearted." I can imagine the warmth of his kisses, his radiant smile, his quiet words of comfort and cheer.
The day of greatest joy, of course, was the day he "burst the bonds of death" and was given a "glorious body." I like to imagine Jesus as he is now, but I will tell you my thoughts on that another time.
Mary Eyre
Why Obstruct the Returning Sheep
Are we really concerned about the lost sheep? Our Lord was very concerned. In fact, it was his primary concern, as he said, I am not sent but unto the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.
We spend lots of time, money and effort through campaigns and special efforts, to bring people into the household of faith. But do we manifest the same effort for the recovery of those of our brethren and sisters who, through disenchantment, weakness and hurt, stray from the little flock?
It must be depressing to see a small ecclesia with a large proportion of its members out of fellowship. Yet Jesus taught that the shepherd who had 100 sheep considered the loss of one sheep so precious, that he left, yes, he left the 99 (obviously in the care of a fellow shepherd) and went in search of the one sheep that was lost. Was it a casual search? No. He does not return "until he finds it" (Luke 15:4).
How contrary then, to the teachings of our Master is the treatment of our lost brethren who, when they do return after some absence are subjected to the humiliation of making an open confession before the ecclesia as a condition for their acceptance into the fold! Some of us have noticed this. But it continues.
Even in the case of the prodigal son, who had squandered his inheritance, he received a joyous welcome from an anxious father who had compassion on him, while "he was yet at a distance" (Luke 15:20). Truly he was also met with resentment, but it was not from the compassionate father; rather, it was from the selfish elder brother (v. 28). Love and resentment, therefore, are clearly presented as the two reactions which a returning brother may arouse. But there should be no doubt, whatsoever, as to what our Lord requires of us. Acceptance with love, even before this prodigal son could seek forgiveness for wasting his substance on riotous living, is the example presented for our emulation: not the resentment of a selfish brother.
The lesson from the Lost Coin is much the same. The loss is the ecclesia’s. The loss is precious. The coin is believed to be part of a wedding chain - a gift from her husband – something like a wedding ring. To lose that coin was considered unlucky and detrimental to her marital security. She could even be ostracized by her own parents.
The loss of such a precious possession therefore, would require a "diligent" search for its recovery. The word "diligent" speaks of using all practical means. This is what she did. She lit the lamp and swept the room, in order to ensure that even the smallest speck could be recovered. This was the best effort to recover the lost coin. So too the recovery of a lost member requires our best effort.
In all the cases of loss – whether of sheep, or coin or son – recovery is followed by rejoicing. This is how a returning brother or sister should be received. The practice of requiring a brother or a sister to confess before the entire ecclesia the reason for his or her absence is an adoption of the unworthy attitude of the elder brother (Luke 15:28) and contrary to the teaching of Christ.
This violation is even more distressing when it is applied to the first convert who, because of distance from the meeting, is in isolation and therefore unable to attend the meeting with any kind of regularity. Paul makes special mention of Epaenetus who was the first convert in Asia for Christ (Rom.16:5). But here, our first convert, Sis. E, has been disfellowshipped because she lives in isolation and cannot attend with regularity.
The assertion, "we have our rule here," has been advanced as the reason for the obstructive action taken against returning brethren. Yet, only recently in the Sunday reading we read Christ’s stern warning against man-made rules. "In vain," he warns, yes, "in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7).
Preaching without giving equal consideration to the lost sheep is like filling a leaking cistern. Time, money and effort are being used to bring people to Christ, yet when they come to Christ, the realities of life and ecclesial disenchantment keep them away. And their attempt to return is met with this obstacle of confession. Our special efforts to fill the cistern receives the desired publicity, but are we aware of the leak which causes so much of what we fill in to leak out?
Let us heed Christ’s warning. Let us observe his teaching. Let us have rejoicing rather than humiliation of the returning lost sheep. Let us know, says James, "that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins"(5:20 RSV.)
Mark Johnatty Leamingnton, U.K. visiting a Caribbean area