PENTECOST • 51

What is life really all about?

This week’s reading shows us what is life, who gives life and how are we to live our life.

TO ACCOMPANY YOUR LECTIONARY READINGS, LISTEN TO THIS SONGS WHILE YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

reading for: 27 Oct

Mark 12:28-34

What is the Essence of Our Life in God?

  • READ

Having traveled to many parts of Israel, Jesus is finally back at the center of Israel, Jerusalem (Mark 11). The very first place he goes to is the temple to clear our everyone and everything that was making it a marketplace.

Our scripture in Mark today, is actually the end of long scene that started out in Mark 11. Upon entering Jerusalem and clearing the temple(11:15-12), Jesus is first challenged by the chief priests and leaders (11:27-33), then by the Pharisees (12:13-17) and Sadducees (12:18-27). Its in this context that an onlooking scribe, was pleased with how Jesus had answered all the questions.

And having the opportunity now, he wanted to hear what Jesus thought was the most important commandment. Note, this question back then was a common question people would ask reputed teachers. In our context, its what we call an elevator pitch, a short and quick summary of a topic or yourself.

To that, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:4-5, what all Jews and Israelites also thought was the most important commandment for them. But adds a second, equally important commandment, to love our neighbour as ourselves. By doing this, what Jesus is saying is that we cannot love God if we do not love our neighbour. Similarly, if we love our neighbour, it would be our act of loving God. The apostle John later elaborates by saying that we are liars if we say we love God but hate our neighbour (1 John 4:20), while James puts it differently that our faith without action is dead (James 2:14).

Interestingly, this scribe has his own understanding, which is commended by Jesus - that loving God and neighbour, is more important than any burnt offerings and sacrifices (v. 33-34).

  • REFLECT

If you had to share in 1 minute, about the essence of our life in God, what would you say? What would you say is the most important thing in our Christian faith?

In this new season moving into Gek Poh as One Body, missions is the reason that God has brought us there. Suppose we had an opportunity to share about the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15) about our life, what would you say? (In LG this week, feel free to use this as a Gel question to kick off LG in a fun but meaningful way)

reading for: 28 Oct

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

What will Enable our Children and Generations to Thrive in Life?

  • READ

    In this familiar passage, one thing we do not always notice is God’s heart and concern for the generations. And by generations, we’re mean not just the children, but our children’s children. Its important to remember that Moses here is speaking to the children of the previous generation who had died because they did not trust God (Numbers 14:31-34). So here is God, speaking to the generation of young Israelites, as they prepare to enter the promise land (6:1)

    What must they do? Well, not only did they have to fear the Lord their God, but they had to instruct their children and grandchildren to do the same! For in obedience to God’s commandments, they would not only live a long life (v. 2), but also ensure their very well-being and existence of their children and grandchildren (v.3). Why? Because if we observe carefully, God’s promise of multiplication is dependent on that. In other words, fear God and teach your children to fear Him, or your children might not make it in life!

    But before we jump and conclude that fearing God can buy God’s favour to bless us with children, we need to remember that this text isn’t about that. Rather, its about God’s heart and concern for the generations. His heart and concern for the generations isn’t just about entering and occupying the promise land, but also thrive in it. In other words, He’s concerned for the well being, the longevity and continuity of our children and our children’s children.

    It is in this light that we have the famous verse in 6:4-5. That we are to listen, pay attention and follow this LORD who is our God and no one else. There will be times when we are tempted, times when our hearts will stray, but listen, we must always come back to the LORD. For He alone is God and no one else.

    But we’re not only to live in reverence of Him as God, we are also to love him. With all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength. With our full commitment and never holding anything back.

    This wholeheartedness commitment to the Lord in love, should then overflow to our children. Teaching, speaking, telling stories (might I add singing!) to them at all times! (v. 7) Whether we’re sitting, lying, walking or rising, this must always be the front of our focus and attention (v.8). And it should fill our homes, so that our wholehearted commitment to the Lord will also fill our living spaces (v.9).

    Why? To ensure the well-being and multiplication of God’s goodness and character in our children and children’s children (v. 3).

  • REFLECT

    As grandparents, parents, uncles and aunties, we all want the best for our children and grandchildren. Our Singapore society stresses that getting into a good school, doing well in PSLE, O’ Levels and entering a good university is essential. Most recently, the buzzword has been the mental health of our children. All these things are important, but what would really enable our children and grandchildren to thrive in life? What would ensure their well-being, continuity and longevity?

    There are many families, children and grandchildren in Gek Poh. Let’s start by praying for the reverence of God and love to fill the Christian families there. So that other families would notice that the life that can only be found in the LORD.

reading for: 29 Oct

Hebrews 9:11-14

Who Truly Gives Life?

  • READ

    The main point of Hebrews is to tell us that God has spoken to us through Jesus. And that Jesus radiates God’s own glory, showing us God’s character and sustains everything by His word (1:2-3). Jesus is first greater than the angels (1:4), greater than Moses (3:3), greater than Melchizedek (7:28) and now the greatest, perfect sacrifice for us (9:11-27).

    What does that mean?

    First of all, only He has entered the greater, more perfect tabernacle in heaven (v. 11). While the priests and high priests entered the tabernacle on earth, a copy of things in heaven (v. 23), He entered into heaven itself to appear before God on our behalf (v. 24).

    Second, unlike other high priests who annually had to sacrifice the goats and calves to make atonement (v. 13 and 25), Jesus used his own blood. And by doing so, entered the Most Holy Place and secured our redemption once and for all (v. 12 and 26). Our sin has been removed because of Jesus blood, we have been purified from our sins. So that we can worship the living God (v. 14, 26 and 28). What does this mean? It means that we can now boldly enter into heaven’s most holy place, right into the presence of God (10:19-22)

    What do we enter with? We enter into God’s presence with God’s laws in our minds and hearts, knowing that He is our God and we are His. For in Jesus, God new covenant has been fulfilled (8:10).

  • REFLECT

    Jesus is our Saviour. He has died on the cross and paid for our sins. That is what we often say and believe. But do we know the depth of his sacrifice? Do we know the extent of God’s love for us? Our reading today is a summary of the sacrifice Jesus paid for us. For a better appreciation, we can read Hebrews 8-10 and notice how several themes are repeated over and over again. Thereby extending our understanding.

    With this fresh appreciation of what Jesus has done so that we can have life, lets remember the people around us who are also seeking that.

    On the 17th Oct during Corporate prayer, looking at the other religious buildings in Gek Poh, we prayed for genuine seekers of Truth. Let’s continue to pray for them, asking for the Giver of Life to reveal Himself to them. And that in their search for life, they would find the greatest and perfect sacrifice, Jesus.

reading for: 30 Oct

Psalm 119:1-8

What is a Happy and Blessed Life?

  • READ

    We often say these words “God bless you”. But what does it look like to be blessed?

    Is it an absence of trouble and challenges? Or perhaps like we like to pray, that everything in life is smooth sailing and good?

    1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us explicitly that we shouldn’t be surprised by the fiery trials we go through. And if we look at Jesus’ life, it was full of trials and challenges. What more us, who profess to follow Him? Thankfully, we’re reminded by Peter that its through similar trials we partner with Christ. So that we’ll experience the wonderful joy of his glory being revealed.

    The first 3 verses make a clear statement of what a blessed, joyful life looks like.

    Joyful are people of integrity,

    who follow the instructions of the LORD.

    Joyful are those who obey his laws

    and search for him with all their hearts.

    They do not compromise with evil,

    and they walk only in his paths.

    Psalm 119:1-3 (NLT)

     

    Before we read the Psalmist’s prayer and response,

    You have charged us

    to keep your commandments carefully.

    Oh, that my actions would consistently

    reflect your decrees!

    Then I will not be ashamed

    when I compare my life with your commands.

    As I learn your righteous regulations,

    I will thank you by living as I should!

    I will obey your decrees.

    Please don’t give up on me!

    Psalm 119:4-8 (NLT)

  • REFLECT

    The COVID 19 pandemic has brought about many challenges for us at many fronts. We feel that at home, at work and even at church. And constantly our hearts are struggling with all that is being thrown at us.

    What does it mean to be blessed in such a time? How do we be joyful?

    And in light of our challenges we face, how then do we pray?

    Allow the words and example of Psalms 119 to instruct our hearts and minds. Meditate on the words and pray along.

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