The Number 17 & Rest

When it comes to the issue of rest, I am such a slow learner. Actually, I’m just being kind to myself. More accurately, I am downright disobedient and utterly stiff-necked where rest is concerned.

No, I am not being overly harsh at all. That was the revelation this morning and I need to be totally and brutally honest. There really is no running away when the Lord reveals the truth. The light may be blindingly bright and extremely uncomfortable but no amount of rationalising is going to help. The only appropriate response is to admit, to own up, to accept, to align. God is right. And I am not.

It all began sometime in the last quarter of 2023. The number 17 kept popping up. Here. There. Everywhere. On 17 October, I recorded in my journal, “I’ve been noticing 17 of late; have to re-read Noah again, and the significance of number.”

Of course, life (and ministry) takes over and I promptly forget to do what I said I would do.

On 17 February, it was Session 17 of MAP (Mentoring Aligning Process); and I was rostered to facilitate the topic “Work From a Posture of Rest”. That ‘coincidence’ of 17s sure caught my attention as I was feeling very tired both physically and spiritually. [I only just realised today that it’s Chapter 34 of Alignment Check: 17 x 2]

That night, as I reviewed my wife’s message for her part of our home church’s teaching on Ephesians, it dawned on me that I would be speaking next: Part 17! No prizes for guessing how many times Ephesus is mentioned in the New Testament. Yes. 17. What are the odds, right?

That weekend, we also considered if we should renew the road tax of our car or just sell/scrap it? Only to realise that the car was 17 years old.

ok, Lord, You’re getting my attention. Need to go check out the significance of the number 17 in the Bible. Here’s the gist:

The significance of 17 is that of overcoming the enemy and complete victory (both numbers 10 & 7 are significant in themselves). This is seen through the account of Noah and the flood – the floods came on the 17th day of the 2nd month (Genesis 7:11) and the ark finally rested on Ararat on the 17th day of the 7th month (Tishri 17; which later became the first month Nisan 17). This foreshadowed the work of Jesus when He died and rose on Nisan 17 (3 days after Passover Nisan 14), overcoming and securing complete victory over the enemy. Simply, 17 signifies total victory and complete rest.

Amen. Really great stuff. But what do I do with this without reading too much into it?

Over the next days and weeks, it became more and more apparent to me that the Lord was directing me to consider the issue of rest. Again. Or, as in my case, the lack of. Guilty as charged. I’ve come to term this as a Sabbatical Awakening. And as with certain awakenings, the Lord has to nudge (slap?) me more than a few times for me to get it.

In the meantime, more 17s along the way:

In March, Serene and I celebrated our 29th Wedding Anniversary. Over dinner, I realised that we have known each other for 29 + 5 years or 34 years (17 x 2)! Somehow, my wife didn’t think it was that amazing of a discovery. Then again, this word/number is for me, not her.

More recently, taking the MRT to town, I looked up and was shocked to see that Bishan MRT Station is NS17 or the 17th station on the North-South line.

The next morning, checking Archippus Awakening’s Post Office Box 656, I casually (not deliberately) added up the digits (just for fun); and it totalled 17! Again, not making a big deal of it. Perhaps, I am just extra sensitive about the 17 at this point.

That morning (30 April), somehow, I was led to Jeremiah 17. No, I did not plan or intend to at all. Otherwise, I would have determined to read every 17th chapter and/or 17th verse of the bible. [By the way, the key verse of Archippus Awakening is the 17th verse of Colossians 4 #justsaying]

Anyway, this would become the set up to the slap. Stay with me …

To me, Jeremiah 17 has always been about the contrast between one who trusts in man and one who trusts in God (Jeremiah 17:5-8). Then comes the caution that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?” In other words, I may think I am trusting in the Lord when I am really trusting in myself. As such, the Lord is the One who tests and reveals (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Good sermon point. But what about it?

I conveniently ignored the second part in Jeremiah 17:19-27 … until the Lord directed me to read it this morning. Flipping to Jeremiah 17, the header caught my eye: Hallow the Sabbath Day.

“… hallow the Sabbath day as I commanded your fathers …” Jeremiah 17:22

This command was clearly given at Sinai: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy … but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work.” Exodus 20:10

Stated once more before entering the land: “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you … the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work; … rest … And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by and outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:12-15

But Israel conveniently ignored it, providing the context of Jeremiah 17. The Lord took Israel to task because they had not observed the Sabbath. What about the contrast between trusting in God and man? Put another way, to keep the Sabbath was to put one’s trust in the Lord. Conversely, to not observe the Sabbath, by not resting rightly to remember God’s redemption, was to trust in man or one’s own strength and work. Slap! Ouch!

Over the past ten years, moving on the kingdom assignment of Archippus Awakening, I have constantly struggled with the work that needs to be done and the rest that I must have in order to keep going. Yes, I know the principle well. Good intentions notwithstanding, I usually find myself pressing on and pushing myself too hard. That chapter on rest is one I have read the most times. For one, I need to keep reminding myself. For another, I am a slow learner in this department. Yet, where alignment checks are concerned, it all boils down to the fundamentals issues of worship and faith (as highlighted by the author of Alignment Check, pp223).

I thought I had juggled and managed as best as I knew how. But the Lord who searches the heart and tests the mind (Jeremiah 17:10) knows much better. Through a series of 17s, He patiently drew me to a place where I was ready to receive His gentle and loving rebuke. And to repent.

Turning 60 soon, this slow learner had better learn well and much faster. My 7th decade must incorporate the 7th day of God’s Sabbath, not just conceptually or intellectually, but a lot more practically. Sure, there is still work to be done but it must be done with rest and from a posture of rest. For, in rest is the overcoming and the victory. Because the victory that we have in Christ in one that provides and promises rest. [By the way, Paul mentions “in Christ” 34 times (17 x 2) in Ephesians #justsaying]

What a Sabbatical Awakening this has been. Who knows if more 17s will pop up? I sure can do with the reminder every now and then. That said, I’m not suggesting that God always speaks in numbers to everyone. But I’ve come to learn that God speaks to us in ways we understand. And when He does, there really is no excuse. He expects us to acknowledge and to realign for He desires the best for us. And His ways are always the best.

Time to rest.

Following Jesus: No Regrets

Photo by Matt Howard on Unsplash

Each year, on 8 July, I make it a point to remember, review and reflect.

This significant date marks the day when I ‘heard’ the Lord say specifically and personally to me: Follow Me.

Today marks 23 years since those two words gripped my heart that morning as I read the Markan passage of Jesus and the fishermen by the Sea of Galilee.

It is thus apt to pause to consider the journey so far. And more poignantly, the next leg ahead.

This exercise is not meant to be a big deal thingy. Or to generate some feeling if there isn’t any. For sure, the point is not to throw out a few Christian-type phrases for the sake of sounding spiritual and all praise-the-Lordy. Not at all. The key is to remember and that is precisely what I am doing here. That I may never forget. That these two words – follow Me – will always remain fresh.

Following Jesus has been a very exciting and rewarding. That is only to be expected, right? That said, there have also been many uncertain, frustrating and even overwhelming moments. This is not to say that I ever questioned the decision to follow Jesus. Even so, the struggles and wrestlings are all very much a part of the deal, are they not?

In the first few years, like in the developing stages of a relationship, it was filled with discoveries and idealistic ideas (mostly my own imaginative romanticised concoctions) of loving and serving Jesus. Leaving the marketplace and entering bible school was like a dream come true. The world behind me, the cross before me. Or so this wide-eyed bible student thought. Not unlike how the disciples might have imagined the restoration of the kingdom, I suppose.

Upon graduation, I was all ready to put into practice all that I had learned and acquired. To me, it was simple and straightforward: To follow Jesus meant to follow His Word fully and wholeheartedly. And the results would automatically follow – yes and amen. Why would any believer not want to do that? Right? I was so wrong. I quickly discovered that my gifting was more ‘teacher’ than it was ‘pastor’. That was my convenient excuse for quite a while until I studied Ephesians 4:11 more deeply; and became convicted it was not ‘teacher’ or ‘pastor’ but ‘pastor-teacher’. If I wanted to truly follow Jesus, I had to learn to teach as He did. And also shepherd as He did. More easily said than done.

The next phase in a ministry and local church setting opened my eyes even more. How does one follow Jesus in such an environment? What does it mean to follow Jesus through set patterns of liturgy, church programmes and never-ending Christian activities? Am I – are we – really following Jesus? Or have we settled for a form of churchiness? These were tough questions I had to grapple with for quite a while. With no easy answers.

Then came the Lord’s instruction to drop everything for a new assignment. Through Archippus Awakening, I was launched into a new season of following Jesus. All I had was one message to declare. Nothing else. Literally, a blank sheet. While that offered some degree of flexibility and freedom, it also meant the critical need to hear accurately and to follow Jesus even more closely. No church, structure or leader to blame anymore. Talk about a totally new level of following Jesus. I can’t even begin to describe the lessons I have learnt – and the knocks sustained. Again, this should not come as a surprise at all. Jesus never said that following Him would be easy. But He does promise that we will learn and grow.

23 years. Yet, still a noob compared to others who have gone way ahead and followed Jesus for so many more years and decades.

My own assessment is that I have mellowed somewhat and also matured, I hope. (I am well aware that this can only be verified by others, given my own blind spots, biases and presumptions.)

What used to be idealistic is now balanced with more realistic expectations. Individual tasks and assignments are important. Yet, these must be always be undertaken and accomplished with the big picture in mind. Projects are not just about processes but primarily about people. The objective is not merely to get something done; but through what is being done, by how we follow Jesus, that many more will also decide to follow Him.

The kingdom of God is much bigger than what we see or experience in the local church, than what our finite minds can figure out. The more I learn through preparing and teaching KINGDOM101, the more I realise how much more there is to discover about the kingdom of God – and how to put that into practice.

Not everything is black and white. Miss the kingdom principle and we end up with religiosity and legalism. What is often needed – yet sadly lacking – is godly wisdom to apply kingdom perspectives. This can be very discouraging if I try to follow Jesus and meet His standards by my own efforts and strengths. If there is one thing I have discovered over and over these 23 years of following Jesus, it is His grace that sustains and enables me to live the kingdom. By the power of the Holy Spirit.

It’s been totally humbling to realise and admit that I don’t make things happen. In the end, when all is said and done, God is the One who makes everything happen according to His plan and time. My part is to follow Jesus and be faithful in all that has been assigned to me. I just have to remember not to over-think and over-plan. Slow learner, I am.

23 years. Still so much to learn. Even more to unlearn. Does it get easier? Not really. What’s up ahead? I have no idea at all. It has always been ‘one day at a time’ and it continues to be so. The key is to follow Jesus and to keep following Jesus.

Follow Me. Two words that started it all.

Let me wrap up this review and reflection with my own two words. No Regrets.

Past Reflections:

• Follow Me: It’s Been 9 Years (2009)
• Remembering His Call (2011)
• 14 Years of Following Jesus (2014)
• The Question I Thought I Had Answers To But Didn’t (2015)
• Two Words that Changed the Entire Course of My Life (2018)
• Who Do You Say That I Am?: 19 Years of Following the Christ (2019)
• 20 Years of Following Jesus (2020)
• 21 Years: A Coming of Age (2021)
• Follow Me: An Invitation to the Next Level (2022)

Neither Betrayal Nor Disappointment

Contemplating Maundy Thursday.

After issuing the mandate (that’s what Maundy means) for His disciples to love and serve one another, Jesus identifies the one who would betray Him. In Gethsemane, His closest disciples fall asleep as He grappled with the prospect of death by crucifixion. On trial, His star student denies Him three times.

Ouch. Ouch. And ouch. Painful. Super painful. And we are not even talking about the cross. Yet.

As one moving on kingdom assignment, I understand the feeling of aloneness. This is not to say I do not appreciate the many who have rallied around me and continue to serve alongside me. So very thankful for these brothers and sisters. Even so, there are many moments where you know it is your assignment and you are the one who has to fulfil it. No matter what. Even if no one is there for you. This, I know and accept.

What I find difficult to stomach is the pain of betrayal and disappointment. As a leader, I wish I didn’t have to experience this at all. Wishful thinking, I know. Almost every leader I know has had his or her share of such experiences.

And yet, in a strange but sovereign way, it was Judas’ betrayal that kickstarted the fulfilment of Jesus’ kingdom assignment. I can’t imagine how our Lord felt that night, and that morning, on the way to the Cross.

This is a big lesson for me.

No one said that moving on kingdom assignments would be easy. Add people to the equation and everything becomes even more complicated. Some will run with you and others will leave. Just keep moving. Learn from every situation, every mistake and strive to be a better leader with the Lord’s help. Even so, not everything is your fault. Not everyone will understand you all the time. The key is to know what the Lord has asked you to do and be faithful to fulfil that by His grace and with His enablement. By His sovereignty, and if He allows you to discover on hindsight, not a single experience, however painful, will be wasted. It might, in fact, be the very impetus that pushes you towards the completion of your assignment.

I sure am glad that betrayal and disappointment didn’t stop Jesus from fulfilling His kingdom assignment. Otherwise, we will not be beneficiaries of His salvation through the work on the Cross.

Similarly, as I move to fulfil my kingdom assignment, Lord, help me brave the pain that others may also gain. May neither betrayal nor disappointment ever distract or deter me from what you have tasked me to do.

Glory Only in the Lord

Reflecting on the celebrations and events of the past week, this one verse sums it all up.

Especially in our age of social media, others only see the good, the glam, the glitz. Few, if any, see or understand the pain, the plight, the perplexities.

Too easy it is to spew Christianese. Or God forbid, spout kingdomese. But to truly reveal the Christ … ah, that’s a totally different matter, is it not?Similarly, when it comes to assignments, the focus tends to be on abilities, affirmations and accolades. Truth is, one must be equally ready to encounter and embrace the woes, the weariness and the weaknesses. Both in others. And especially in the self.

Which is why 1 Corinthians 1:13 is such an apt reminder (cf Jeremiah 9:24). For good measure, the apostle quotes it again in 2 Corinthians 10:17. For amidst achievements, we are prone to forget all too quickly.

We really have nothing to boast about. When all is said and done, all glory belongs to God.

And yet, this is not to say that no glorying is allowed. We are just not to think that it is a result of our own wisdom, might or riches. We are instead to glory in the Lord: To understand and know God – who He is and what delights Him (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

It’s been a meaningful time of marking milestones this week. I’ve received much encouragement from many. For these, I am very thankful and grateful. In everything, I openly and readily acknowledge that it is entirely by His grace that I can even get to glory in anything; and especially in Him.

To God be the glory! #entirelybyhisgrace

Even in the Wrestling There is Rest

Almost out of the blue, as if an overnight occurrence, the most talked about topic is that of mental wellness.

The sad irony is that, just a while before this, the tone was a lot more accusatory and damning with many wondering why the younger generation is a lot less resilient and a lot more ‘strawberry’. Today, the narrative has been flipped on its head. If anyone as much as dare suggest that someone doesn’t have that mental mettle, he or she is promptly taken to task.

Here’s the scary thing. It’s not just a local problem. It’s a global one. Here’s a scarier fact. It’s not just experienced by non-believers. It’s also experienced by Christians. And judging from the sudden surge of articles, sermons and seminars in Christian circles, the percentage is not low.

Since I am no mental wellness expert, I will not attempt to write anything that may be misconstrued or challenged. All I offer is a simple word picture that popped into my mind as I pondered the place of wrestling and that of rest in the midst of challenges. The Lord opened my eyes to see ‘rest’ embedded in ‘wrestle’. Wow.

It’s all too easy to think that it is one and not the other. Clearly, we have swung to one extreme. But in trying to correct it, we must be careful not to swing to the other extreme. The key really is in knowing how to wrestle well and still be rested in that endeavour.

In Archippus Awakening – where I challenge many to know and fulfil their God-given kingdom assignments – the phrase that is used is ‘knowing how to work from a posture of rest.’ Yes, perseverance and endurance are required that we may fulfil our assignments. Yet, rest and restedness are very much a part of the process; without which, we will break down, give in and give up.

There have been many times where, in striving to give my best to the Lord, I have succumbed to stress, negative anxiety and even experienced extremely low periods of depression. Understandably, the work, demands and pressure may have been very heavy but the real issue is that I have taken myself out of His rest.

Kingdom goals, however well-intentioned, had become my own agenda. My reliance, regardless of how well I spewed Christian cliches, had been more on my own strengths and abilities than it should have been upon the Lord and His empowerment. My pressing on (more Christian-talk) was really more about preserving my pride than it was about persevering in humility. No wonder I was stressed and anxious. I was not rested at all. (I often quip that ‘stress’ is simply messed-up ‘ressst’.) I readily declare that it is all about Jesus; when in reality, it became all about me. Remembering the rest that I have in Him has helped me bounce back to continue to wrestle. And to wrestle well.

We have much to learn from Jesus, our King. He worked very hard but was always at rest. He knew when to engage and when to dis-engage. If anyone had to live up to expectations, Jesus did as Messiah and the Saviour of the world. #nopressure

Was Jesus ever mentally and emotionally stretched, anxious, stressed or perplexed? I believe so. Mark 14:33 records that our Lord was “troubled and deeply distressed” in the Garden of Gethsemane. To the point that it manifested physically through His sweating drops of blood, a condition known as hematidrosis (Luke 22:44).

Yet, through it all, because Jesus knew His assignment, He never once gave up. That He may fulfil what the Father sent Him to do, the only thing He gave up was His own will in submission to His Father’s will.

Jesus wrestled. Big time. Yet, in and through that wrestling, there was rest. It didn’t feel ok but He knew it would be ok. I believe this promise is available to us too – if we would learn how to appropriate it in Christ.

Today, more than ever, there is a battle for our minds. The pace of this digital world and the influences of social media are not helping one bit. What we set our minds on matter. A lot! If we do not renew our minds and be transformed, we will conveniently conform to the default pattern of the world (Rom 12:2). If we do not hold every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, we will be held captive by the arguments and philosophies of this world (2 Cor 10:3-6). If we set our minds on the things of the flesh, it will lead to death. But if we would set our minds on the things of the Spirit, the promise is life and peace (Rom 8:5-6).

It is really encouraging that there is increased awareness of mental wellness today and more attention is being directed to help those who are struggling and suffering. In this area, I have lots more to learn and catch up on.

If you are wrestling with any issue, don’t let it escalate or wait until it’s too late. My prayer for you is that you will discover the rest that is found only in Jesus Christ. That said, being a Christian doesn’t mean that you will no longer wrestle with the challenges and issues of this life or your own faith. Trust me – I am still wrestling with God on so many fronts. The assurance is that if our focus is always on Him and His promises, it’s ok to keep wrestling. Because in and through that wrestling, there is the promise of rest.

21 Years: A Coming of Age

Turning 21 is a milestone. In many cultures, it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood.

In our family, our first-born turned 21 in 2019. A month and a half ago, it was his sister’s turn. Serene and I still find it a little odd but officially, they are both adults now. Our babies have grown up, come of age. Even so, at any age, they will always be our children.

This was the impression that came to mind – a coming of age – as I considered the significant date of 8 July. Each year, I will take time to reflect, remembering the day I heard the Lord’s invitation to follow Him at a much deeper level. This year, it would have been 21 years since I first said yes to Him in 2000.

What a journey it has been and continues to be. I have experienced God’s love, grace and faithfulness every step of the way. If you have not started following Jesus (and I mean, really follow Him), don’t waste another moment. Make this day the day you decide to follow Him and we can celebrate this anniversary together.

Here are my past reflections if you’d like to know the details:

• Follow Me: It’s Been 9 Years (2009)
• Remembering His Call (2011)
• 14 Years of Following Jesus (2014)
• The Question I Thought I Had Answers To But Didn’t (2015)
• Two Words that Changed the Entire Course of My Life (2018)
• Who Do You Say That I Am?: 19 Years of Following the Christ (2019)
• 20 Years of Following Jesus (2020)

In a blink of an eye, it’s been 21 years.

I can’t really explain this impression of ‘a coming of age’. Truth is, I don’t even know how to express it adequately. Notwithstanding, I will try my best because I want to have a reminder of this.

Back in my days, we didn’t have the concept of adulting nor the complications and complexities attached to it. We just reached a legal age of responsibility and were expected to conduct ourselves accordingly.

As I entered adulthood back then, as I came of age, I enjoyed a new level of freedom. I could come and go as I pleased. I decided for myself without having to explain or justify. It was a nice feeling. That said, I quickly learned that I would be responsible and accountable for all my decisions – both the right ones as well as the wrong ones. Not quite as fun. In fact, very serious and rather overwhelming. Yet, that was how I grew and matured. Experience is a great teacher.

In the same way, after 21 year of following Jesus, it is as if a new level of freedom has been unlocked for me. This is not to say that I was not free in Christ before this, for those whom the Son has set free is free indeed (cf John 8:36)! In Christ, I always had the freedom but perhaps I never knew how to enjoy that freedom to its fullest.

As I ‘turn’ 21, I am hearing the Father give me permission to enjoy this new level of freedom as I embrace new responsibilities ahead. To be sure, this coming of age is not so much about arriving than it is about arising.

As children, we would ask for our parents’ permission before being allowed to do anything. As adults, we no longer have to do that. With experience and wisdom (and a lot of hindsight), we are free to choose and decide.

It is with this freedom that I believe the Lord is challenging me to move forward with greater boldness and confidence.

With all I have learned in the past 21 years, led and guided by the Spirit, He is saying to me, “I trust you. Go ahead. You know your kingdom assignment. Do what you need to do. You don’t have to keep looking over your shoulder, wondering or worrying about what I will say.”

At the same time, the Lord reminds and encourages, “You may have come of age, but remember that you are and will always be My son. As an adult, it may feel scary and uncertain at times, as if you are out there on your own. But you are not alone, My son, I will always be with you.”

On this note, I am reminded of how my father trusted me enough to let me to run the advertising agency he founded and painstakingly built up. He gave me the freedom to do what needed to be done. Yet, freedom didn’t mean ‘anything goes’. On a regular basis, we met – for me to give account, to seek advice; for him to give input, to provide counsel. I may have appeared to be out there alone, but I was never left to struggle on my own. Mistakes, I made quite a few. But he continued to give me the freedom to learn and grow from those mistakes.

Please don’t read this as there is no longer a need for me to read the Bible or pray or seek the Lord for His will and direction. That would be a totally wrong takeaway. This is why I mentioned upfront that I don’t quite know how to express this ‘coming of age’ impression. I certainly do not wish to confuse or stumble anyone. Let me state it a little more clearly: There is a certain level of freedom that comes with maturity and yet the adult remains a son that desires to please the Father and fulfil His will. Makes better sense? I hope so.

21 years of following Jesus. And as the Son went about His Father’s business, I too am learning what it means to partner Him in the same business. In the purposes of the kingdom of God. With the same liberty and joy in the Spirit. With the same favour and authority as His son.

A coming of age. With this fresh understanding of freedom, I am looking forward to learning so much more in the days ahead.

I have no idea how that will be or what it would look like. For now, I will just celebrate turning 21.

Faith & Vaccination

Those familiar with this site will know that this is where I share my views and thoughts. At times, strong points are made and firm positions are taken. Then again, at other times, I may ramble a little as I process matters that are not quite as straightforward. This is one such case.

Regardless of how simple or complicated the issues may be, I strive to remain biblical, to the best of my own hermeneutical ability at that point in time. In no way and at no time do I wish to confuse, stumble or mislead anyone.

I am starting with this rather serious-sounding disclaimer because this post is about vaccination. Or more precisely, the place of faith for Christians where Covid-19 vaccines are concerned.

I am not supporting or recommending anything. Hence, there are no links or references to anyone or anything. I am merely making a personal observation. So don’t pick a fight with me here. Also, please do not spam this site with articles for or against vaccination. This is not the place for pro-vaxxers or anti-vaxxers to convince the other group of your stand. If you wish to comment, please do so cordially and politely. In any case, inappropriate comments will not be approved. Remember, once again, it’s more about faith than it is about vaccines. Thank you.

Here goes…

According to experts, the narrative is: Get vaccinated. It’s safe. Let’s label this as Position A.

However, the alternative narrative according to another group of experts is: the vaccines are experimental, not proven, and thus not safe. This will be Position B.

An over-simplification perhaps. But at the end of the day, it does boil down to two groups: those who are willing to be vaccinated; and those who prefer not be vaccinated.

At this point, I must emphasise again that this post is NOT about any particular vaccine. Instead, it is more about the faith of believers and how they respond to the above two broad positions that I find interesting.

For those who have accepted Position A, these have faith. In the authorities, experts and the system. Ultimately, they have faith in God since He is the One who has put these in place. Where spiritual leadership is concerned, pastors and elders have encouraged members to be vaccinated. Whilst not all have done this openly over the pulpit, many have led by example by being vaccinated (and proudly posting on their own personal social media accounts).

For those in Position B, these have faith in God to protect them whatever the outcome. For one, that they will never ever get Covid-19. For another, if they should be infected, that they will recover. And in the worst case scenario, it is still good news because they get to be with the Lord. Similarly, as for Position A, there are spiritual leaders who have opted not to be vaccinated. Or have adopted a wait-and-see approach.

Whether Position A or B, both groups have faith.

More recently, more information, discoveries and warnings have surfaced. Those who have already taken the vaccination are understandably concerned. But what’s the typical Christian response? Faith, of course. Vaxxed but not vexed (sorry, couldn’t resist that). For example, “I believe that even if the vaccine is harmful, God will protect me.” Or “If I pray in Jesus’ name, the negative effects will be reversed.” To these, those in Position B will ask, “If God can protect you from the ill effects of the vaccine, is He not also able to protect you from the virus? Why take the vaccine then?”

Again, both groups have faith.

But which is the correct faith? Or should such a question even be asked? After all, who are we to question a person’s faith, right?

If you have been vaccinated and are generally well, I am thankful for that. Yet, for those who have experienced less than favourable conditions and outcomes – although no one can or is willing to attribute any of these to vaccines – my heart goes out to these too. Sure, the percentage may be negligible but I sure do not relish that I or any of my loved ones be counted amongst those statistics, however small.

Does this mean that one has less faith if one opts not to be vaccinated then? Not necessarily. Does having faith automatically mean that one will never get Covid-19, vaccinated or not? Not at all. Faith, for the vaccinated as well as for the unvaccinated, means that no matter what happens, we are able to give thanks in all situations, continue to trust the Lord and to keep praising Him.

As at the time of this writing, where Singapore is concerned, vaccination is very strongly encouraged but remains voluntary. I am thankful for that and pray that it remains as such – voluntary. This is where decisions can be carefully and prayerfully considered and made according to one’s faith and conscience. This also means that whatever the decision, there should not be any reward or stigma attached. It would be totally inconsistent if the government says it is voluntary yet allow organisations and businesses to set their own rules and requirements, thereby making it mandatory. Yet, since vaccination is very strongly encouraged, a certain pressure to conform is only to be expected. Even so, for now, there is freedom to choose. Who knows what tomorrow holds?

At this point, you may be wondering where I am going with this post. You’re not alone. I am also wondering what I am trying to say, if anything at all. As mentioned, I am merely making an observation about the place of faith in this hot potato topic of vaccination.

Notwithstanding, please permit a small opinion here.

However faith is exercised, especially within the Body of Christ, this issue must not divide us. I am not here to tell anyone to vaccinate or not. At the same time, I will not judge anyone according to his or her vaccination status. Likewise, church communities should not discriminate between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated. We must also be careful and responsible how we comment about the authorities and policies, whichever position we hold to. It would be totally ironic that we as people who profess and declare radical faith end up being viewed as those who respond as if gripped by irrational fear.

End of my one-cent opinion.

All said, I am thankful for the measures (vaccinations aside) that have kept Singapore’s Covid-19 numbers comparatively low. Admittedly, this has permitted me to ramble and reflect in a certain way. Would I offer the same perspectives if I were in a place where cases have spiralled out of control? Then again, should faith not be consistent wherever or however?

Hmmm… the processing continues 🙂 In the meantime, keep the faith.

People of Truth Not Theories

Especially in times of crisis, conspiracy theories abound. These are not new – they have always been around – but in uncertain times, the more certain these theories sound, somehow providing answers to why things are the way they are.

The most recent is that of QAnon, started by an anonymous post by ‘Q’ and has since taken on a life of its own. Of greater concern is how QAnon has attracted a very large Christian following, both in the USA and around the world. The narrative of good vs evil fits right into our kingdom psyche. So as people of righteousness, we must do our part to fight back and to warn others. Sounds right. But is it?

In the past weeks, more has been written about this movement. But hold on! Can we trust what is published in the mainstream media? More pastors have stepped up to warn their congregations about the dangers of QAnon. Oh wait. Maybe these pastors are part of the conspiracy, wolves in sheep’s clothing?! After all, anyone who speaks against QAnon speaks against Trump and hence cannot be trusted. In fact, anyone who votes against Trump contributes to the end of the Church. Really?

Chances are you have received one of such warnings or heard a few of such teachings from well meaning Christians. How are you processing these? Did you spam, er … share, these with your friends and pastors too?

I must confess that it is very enticing and tempting to feed on the QAnon offerings. It is like receiving some higher level information which normal people are not privy too. It makes one feel smarter, in the inner circle, and more spiritual. But is this how it is supposed to be? Is this what discernment looks like? Or is it quite the opposite?

Led by the Lord to read through Psalms and to post a verse each day with my own thoughts and reflections (#apsalmaday), today’s gleanings from Psalm 2 provide perspective as to how we should respond.

Reading this verse, I can’t help but think of the many conspiracy theories circulating these days. A new world order. A global government. A ruling elite. Population control. DNA-altering vaccine. Big Brother system. Whatever or however, these all go against the Lord and His Anointed.

Here’s the good news. God is not surprised or perturbed at all. In fact, He will have the last laugh (2:4). His Son, His Anointed, His Messiah – Jesus – will come to judge and to rule His kingdom in righteousness. How cool.

Don’t miss the hint in the final verses – be wise, be instructed.

No need to fear hidden agendas. Look instead to God’s plan that has been clearly made known to us.

No need to spread conspiracy theories or add to the rumours. Proclaim instead the gospel of the kingdom. Invite and remind all to “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.” 2:11

And remember: “Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” 2:12 (not in conspiracy theories or whoever the next president is).

9 September 2020 #apsalmaday

This may or may not be satisfactory to you. But as for me, it brought me comfort and helped me focus.

To be sure, where conspiracy theories are concerned, there are way more questions than there are answers. Depending on which way you go, it will lead to confusion, distraction and fear on one end, or a radical almost maniacal vigilante Christian resistance movement on the other. I believe that either extreme is not what the Lord expects of matured believers.

Whilst we may not be entirely clear of how things will pan out, or what is actually true or false, I hope we can at least agree on the following:

Yes, the world is in a mess in need of salvation. No, we don’t need more conspiracy theories to confirm that. Yes, the Church needs to wake up and fulfil her assignment. No, the Church is not ending anytime soon, nor can her existence be determined by the outcome of an election. Yes, we must be aware of deception in the final days. No, we should not add to the deception by spreading more lies and rumours we cannot verify. Yes, the days ahead may get more challenging for followers of the Christ. No, we are not surprised because these have been foretold and we have been forewarned.

There are still many more assignments to be fulfilled. The Church must not be distracted. There are enough fakes around. Let’s not add to that by being flakes.

We are people of Truth. Know the Truth. Live out of that Truth. Proclaim the Truth. Not theories.

Beyond Resurrection: The Next 40 Days

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Acts 1:1-3 (emphasis mine)

Today is Resurrection Sunday.

This year, because of the Covid-19 crisis, it is celebrated very differently – not in packed churches and auditoriums, but in homes. This morning, I enjoyed our church’s online service with my family in the comfort of our living room. I am sure it was the same for many others; not just in Singapore but around the world.

Although somewhat muted, its significance remains the same: Jesus is risen! He is alive! Death is defeated! We have victory in and through Him!

We know that now.

But for the disciples of Jesus then, it took some time for the reality of the resurrection to hit home. For this reason, Jesus “presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs”. Over the course of 40 days, He was seen by many of them.

40 days may seem a long time to us (think 28 days in circuit breaker mode and the possibility of an extension) but Jesus knew better. This window was all He had to convey what was important and critical – the essentials. Beyond the initial high-fives and hugs, Jesus spent every other moment “speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Yes. Whether encountering the disciples in their homes or along the road to Emmaus, Jesus revealed the kingdom of God.

Similarly, beyond the celebration of the resurrection today, this is my prayer for the next 40 days – that there will be a fresh revelation of the kingdom of God to disciples of Jesus Christ.

Whether staying in our homes or jogging along exercise routes, I pray that King Jesus will break in to show us what we need to see and understand about “things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” When reading Scriptures, may the words of the King ring ever more clearly and powerfully, opening eyes, convicting hearts and renewing minds. More than just waiting to get back to church as usual, that we would wait – crave! – for the Spirit of the Christ to be outpoured again upon all believers. What a new normal that’d be!

40 days was all Jesus had and it was enough.

The disciples didn’t just celebrate Jesus’ resurrection but carried it in their hearts. It didn’t end with a stirring easter cantata or musical but resounded in and through their lives. As witnesses of His resurrection, Jesus wasn’t just alive for them; Jesus was alive in them! This revelation and reality enabled them to represent the King in all “things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” They knew full well that kingdom exploits may result in death for some. But because their King lives, even if they lost their lives, they too would live with Him.

The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed more than a few things in the Church, causing us to consider and examine the essentials and the non-essentials.

After His resurrection, for 40 days, Jesus didn’t speak of anything else except the essentials, “things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Over the next 40 days, in this divine pause, I believe the King will speak again to those who truly desire and are seeking His kingdom.

My prayer is that we will have ears to hear.

Good Friday Reflections: A Thorny Crown

Each year, dictionaries will select a Word of the Year to describe the main trending issue of the year. For 2020, I am predicting that it might well be coronavirus, for obvious reasons.

More accurately, it is the novel coronavirus; or a new strain of a virus whose thorny crown-like spikes earned it the label corona or crown. It was later upgraded to a disease status, Covid-19, the COronaVIrus Disease which originated in 2019.

After the initial finger pointing, there is now a greater call for nations to co-operate. It is becoming clearer that no one nation can fight this battle on her own. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted and disrupted everyone and everything on a global scale.

As noble and needed as this sounds, this is where conspiracy theories abound. Who exactly is WHO (the World Health Organisation) representing? Whose interests are being promoted? Is the new normal going to take us one step closer to the New World Order? Will we see a One World Government established in our lifetime?

In whatever form, the general consensus is that we must stand united against this thorny crown. For humanity to be saved, this coronavirus must die.

Another Thorny Crown

Being Good Friday, I revisited the trial and crucifixion of Jesus through the gospel accounts this morning. This year, what stood out for me was the mocking and ridiculing of Jesus. Whilst this piece of information is not new to me, the identification of the groups of people who mocked Him caught my attention.

Facing the Sanhedrin, Jesus was spat at, beaten, slapped and struck by His own people, the Jews (Matt 26:67). At the trial by Pilate, Jesus was scourged, beaten and mocked by the Roman soldiers, the Gentiles (Matt 27:27-31). As if to cover all bases, Scripture records another mocking where Jesus was treated with utter contempt – by Herod and his men of war (Luke 23:6-12). Herod, as we know from his family line, was a mix of both Jew and Gentile.

To top it all off, adding insult to injury, mocking Jesus’ kingship claim, a crown of thorns was wedged onto His head (Matt 27:29). It seemed that since Jesus was disrupting everyone and everything, He must be decisively dealt with and promptly put away. To restore normalcy, to save humanity, this thorny issue of Jesus must die.

To demonstrate the agreement of this decision on a ‘global’ scale, each and every people group (nation) was represented through the above mocking and rejection accounts – the Jews, the Gentiles, and even those in between. All stood as one against Jesus.

The Real Thorny Issue

In much the same way, we suppose that once humanity works together, we will win the battle against Covid-19 and other similar ills. Through this crisis, a new humanity will emerge – or so we are being told.

To the unsuspecting, this humanistic narrative is not new and has been declared in both obvious and not-as-obvious ways across the decades. The underlying message is simply: We are all the same, regardless of race or religion. It doesn’t matter which god you worship or what you believe. Let’s not fight but unite. At the end of the day, no one can save humanity except humanity itself.

However, the battle is not simply against the coronavirus. Hey, I am all for curbing and eradicating Covid-19, and soon. Yet, even when that happens, it will only be a matter of time before another issue surfaces.

What the world regards as the main issue is only the manifestation of the real thorny issue – sin.

Through this crisis, humanity hopes to come together as one. Even if that should take place, in whatever form, if sin is not dealt with, that unity will still be a sinful one of global proportions (eeks!). And the last time I read the Bible, sin only results in death (Rom 6:23).

The One with the Thorny Crown

The mocking and rejection of Jesus was foretold by the prophet, Isaiah. In describing the Messiah, the coming King and Saviour, he wrote,

“He is despised and rejected by men;
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”

Isaiah 53:3

In the next verses, we learn that the Messiah’s rejection was for a specific purpose:

Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:4-6

After the mocking came the crucifixion. On the Cross, Jesus took upon Himself “the iniquity of us all”; yes, all. The suffering and sacrifice of the Messiah (the Christ) were not just for the Jews. These were extended to the Gentiles and everyone else in between. Where the judgment for sin demanded death, Jesus died in place of everyone that whosoever would believe in Him will receive life.

Do not be deceived. Only Jesus can save from the devastation and destruction of sin and bring about a new humanity of eternal significance and promise. Any other attempt will fail. The world may seek to capitalise on the present crown-like virus for all to stand as one. But Christians know that it is only through faith in Jesus that we can all be truly one in Him.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

Conclusion

This Good Friday, though our hearts go out to the many who have suffered and are suffering in and through the Covid-19 pandemic, it is the vicarious suffering and death of Jesus Christ that we must not forget. As much as we are thankful for good government and practical measures in these times, our hope continues to be in God through the salvific work of Jesus upon the Cross.

Sure, read the news and be updated about the Covid-19 situation. But let us not allow this thorny crown-like virus to detract us from Jesus, the One who wore the thorny crown and bore the terrible Cross on our behalf.