Commandment of Love – 18 January 2023, Anno Domini

 

A

 NEW commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.    (John 13:34-35)

 

            There is a great apostasy abroad that the Christian, once saved, is no longer bound by the Law and Commandments of God (antinomianism). This is a heresy as old, almost, as the Gospel itself, the spirit of antichrist being active even in that primitive day. The verses most often employed to establish this falsity is  13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. (Colossians 2:13-14) This verse does not apply to the very Commandments and Law of God, but rather to the ordinances instituted by Moses and later added, heap upon heap, by the Pharisees and Jewish ministry). We are told our Lord gave only one Commandment, and that was to love one another.  Christ did not give only one Commandment – He gave only one NEW Commandment, and that Commandment encompasses the full Law and Commandments of God.

 

            The most essential element in obedience to God was missing from the Judaism being practiced by the Jewish rulers, and that element was simply LOVE. Without it, no man can know or follow God.

 

            The New Commandment which our Lord proclaimed was actually a Summary, of the Summary, of the Law which He gave to the inquisitive lawyer who said, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (Matthew 22:36)  Our Lord responded with the oft repeated  (in my devotions) Summary of the Ten Commandments of the Law: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

 

            Jesus would not have thusly summarized the two Tables of the Law if He intended to annul them. How ridiculous to believe that the Christian devotee should be of the one and only class of people exempt from obedience to the Law of God!

 

            Peter, in His epistle, states Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:22-23) It is by the Word of God that we came, by grace, to the Throne of Mercy; and it is also by the Word of God that the Ten Commandments were given to His elect people.

 

            The Law and Commandments are no longer written on Tables of Stone to be harshly enforced by the sword and stone, but rather the Commandments are now written on the tender membranes of the Heart – and in the ink of Love – the same Love that redeemed us at Calvary.

 

            Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us: If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) To which Commandments did Jesus refer? He only gave one NEW Commandment of Love, so all the others to which He refers are those of God as proclaimed in the Ten Commandments and its summary of the Law.

 

            Obedience to the Commandments and Law of God is no longer under the rigid and burdensome ordinances of the Jews, but by way of the tender love of, and for, our Lord Jesus Christ. How is it possible that love could cover ALL sin? If love conforms to the description given in 1 Corinthians 13, it cannot intentional harm another or prove disobedient to the Law of God. It is the intention and condition of the heart that determines the matter:  . . . . love covereth all sins. (Proverbs 10:12) Paul echoes the same principle: And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

 

            In summary: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. (1 Corinthians 13:1-4)

 

Do we have this level of love? It is far less than that evidenced by our Lord and Savior on the cross.

Hymns of the Church - The Shadows – 17 January 2023, Anno Domini (In the Year of our Lord)

 

M

Y soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.    (Psalm 63:5-8)

 

            A picturesque hymn revealing the beauty of God’s presence in the times of darkness as well as light of day – the darkness of sorrow and loss common to the whole spectrum of mankind. The hymn is the composition of Adelaide A. Proctor to the tune of St. Leonard by Hikes.

 

The Shadows of the Evening Hours

 

The shadows of the evening hours

Fall from the darkening sky,

Upon the fragrance of the flowers

The dews of evening lie.

Before Thy throne, O Lord of heaven,

We kneel at close of day;

Look on Thy children from on high,

And hear us while we pray.

 

The sorrows of Thy servants, Lord,

O do not Thou despise,

But let the incense of our prayers

Before Thy mercy rise;

The brightness of the coming night

Upon the darkness rolls;

With hopes of future glory chase

The shadows on our souls.

 

Let peace, O Lord! Thy peace, O God,

Upon our souls descend;

From midnight fears, and perils, Thou

Our trembling hearts defend:

 Give us a respite from our toil,

Calm and subdue our woes;

Through the long day we labor, Lord,

O give us now repose.

 

1 The shadows of the evening hours  Fall from the darkening sky, Upon the fragrance of the flowersThe dews of evening lie. Before Thy throne, O Lord of heaven, We kneel at close of day; Look on Thy children from on high, And hear us while we pray. Night brings darkness and a silent peace, but it also affords cover for the sinful deeds of men. Though wicked men love darkness, so do the flowers of the garden the refreshing dews that rise to water the earth. These dews are much like the Holy Ghost – the work unseen as they condense on the leaves and pedals of the green life God has created for our good. The night is a time that should be met with prayer since the noise and commotion of the day is slowed to a near standstill. God is always near in His felt presence during the night watches. Night is also a promise of the coming dayspring at dawn.

            2 The sorrows of Thy servants, Lord, O do not Thou despise, But let the incense of our prayers Before Thy mercy rise;The brightness of the coming night Upon the darkness rolls; With hopes of future glory chase shadows on our souls. When the smothering darkness fills our bed chambers, it seems that God has forgotten us, but this is the moment when He is closest if we will but open our hearts and spirits in prayer. He will commune with us during the night watches. Job proclaims: 9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. 10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; 11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?  (Job 35:9-11). Have we forgotten those songs in the night? I don’t God would give the frilly and sensuous songs of the modern church, but I know for certain that He does gives the pure songs of Psalms and spiritual hymns. 

 

            3 Let peace, O Lord! Thy peace, O God, Upon our souls descend; From midnight fears, and perils, Thou Our trembling hearts defend: Give us a respite from our toil, Calm and subdue our woes; Through the long day we labor, Lord, O give us now repose. God has always provided a Light for His people in the darkest wildernesses of life. It was a Pillar of Fire by night to Israel on occasion of the Red Sea crossing . He gave a regal Star to proclaim the birth of His only Begotten Son. He gives us the Evening Star to be transformed to the Morning Star at daybreak – and it is at daybreak that the Sun of Righteousness shall arise. The hope provided by the moon and stars of night lead on to the brilliance of the DayStar.

 

            There is a great quote from a poem written by Minnie Louise Haskins that sums the matter well. It was read by King George VI on Christmas Day in 1939 at the beginning of that terrible conflict called World War II: And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’  And he replied:  ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’

 

S

O I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

AOC Sunday Report – Second Sunday after The Epiphany

 

Happy Second Sunday after The Epiphany!

The AOC Sunday Report is available RIGHT HERE!

This morning we have excellent sermons from Bishops Jerry and Roy, as well as from Revs Jack and Bryan. Each is quite a bit different and very good.  Rev Jack brings the Propers together today.    His sermon can be viewed on video here -> https://youtu.be/BDi9mCZ4WWA  Today’s Collect asks for God to hear our prayer, an odd request since a perfect God always hears us, our problem being our failure to listen to His responses.  It also acknowledges our need for His peace.  In the Epistle to the people of Rome Paul points out each of us has a place in God’s service, we are not all the same by design.  The Gospel is Mark’s accounting of Jesus’ baptism and the place of praise in our lives.  It all comes together, listen or read to understand how.

Every week we have a tremendous number of people that desire your prayers. Today is no exception. Please start with the Flanagan family, Tricia, Laurie, Shamu and work out from there. 

There is a really wonderful week ahead, sometimes it can be hard to see it. If you're having difficulty try to refocus your mine, looked at that Third God Guy, the Holy Ghost for help.

Have an epic week,

Hap
Church of Faithful Centurion
Descanso, California

United States of America 

Second Sunday after The Epiphany - Propers with explanation – Rev Jack’s Sermon– With Video

Rev Jack brings the Propers together today.    His sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video here -> https://youtu.be/BDi9mCZ4WWA

Today’s Collect asks for God to hear our prayer, an odd request since a perfect God always hears us, our problem being our failure to listen to His responses.  It also acknowledges our need for His peace.  In the Epistle to the people of Rome Paul points out each of us has a place in God’s service, we are not all the same by design.  The Gospel is Mark’s accounting of Jesus’ baptism and the place of praise in our lives.  It all comes together, listen or read to understand how. 

The Propers are found on Page 111-112 with the Collect first:

 

The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The Epistle for today came from the Twelfth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the Sixth Verse. As Paul often does, he gives guidance on what God would have us do.  He notes that each of us have differing talents, skills and resources.  What God wants us to do is use all of what He gave us to further His will and His way, so that we might be truly happy here on earth.  To be gracious and hospitable to those around us, to remember each of us are equal in God’s eye.

 

H

AVING then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. 

 

The Holy Gospel for today came from the beginning of the Gospel according to St. Mark, the First Chapter, beginning at the First Verse.  This is the very first of the New Testament, a New Covenant or agreement with God.  It tells the story of the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  It talks of John the Baptist, who God sends as His messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  And the people came to John and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.  But, as a harbinger the One to come, John told them of the One coming  the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.  He told them of the Holy Ghost.  When Jesus, in His submission as a man to God came to John for baptism, as he came out of the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

T

HE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold - Time and Action

Church of the Faithful Centurion, Descanso, California

Today’s sermon ties together the propers, that is to say the prayer and readings for this week. Rev Jack brings the Propers together today.    His sermon can be viewed on video here -> https://youtu.be/BDi9mCZ4WWA

 

Consider these words from the Collect:

 

… God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life …

 

In the Collect, first we acknowledge God’s place in the universe, that is He is the ultimate ruler of all things.  Thus, the civil authorities of each country, state, county and locality govern with His Authority, so long as they do His Will, whether they be Christian or not.  It is His Authority that is the source their powers and not their own determination. They do not have the power to grant themselves the power that God grants them.  The power God gives is not to be abused for self-profit or their own means, but to better the country and the people within it. Our Constitution, which serves as the skeleton or foundation of all our laws gets its authority from the Declaration of Independence.  Where, pray tell, does the Declaration of Independence get its authority?  From our Creator.  Acknowledged right there in plain English.  It needs no explanation, merely a grade school reading ability!  

 

It tells us that men do not have the power themselves to rule and govern us, but only what God has given to them. It is not theirs to claim for themselves, no matter how hard the modern establishment tries to proclaim it so. It is only theirs for as long as God allows them to have it. God has given it to them for the specific use of governing us to the best of their abilities. It is not there for them to abuse and become tyrannical with. With that great power God has lent comes great responsibility to use that power well. And this is just another simple fact that Man cannot change even though he does not like it or wish to acknowledge it. We can see this occurring in many governments around the world these days.

 

We go on to ask God to listen to us and give us His peace in our hearts.  God is perfect.  His hearing is perfect.  It is not His hearing that is in need of help; it is ours. He hears us clearly when we pray; God always hears us when we call Him.  What we learn from this Collect is that when we pray to Him, we need to listen to Him.  We need to establish two-way communication. In order to act upon His Word, we need to first listen to what He tells us and understand what He is telling us. We are the ones that need help with hearing, not Him. He always listens to what we have to say, but do we always listen to what He tells us? Therefore we need the help to calm our hearts and listen to what He says and then act upon it. This is easier said than done sometimes and that is why we need the help of the Holy Ghost to enter into our hearts and help us to listen to what God tells us to do, then He will also give us the strength to act upon what He tells us to do. 

 

To truly follow Him, we need to truly listen and take His Guidance to heart. In order to truly listen to His Guidance we need to act upon His Words. key word being ACT. We need His Guidance to transform ourselves from evil to good.  Without His Guidance, we cannot hope to be transformed to be good to serve Him. His Guidance comes in the form of the Holy Ghost. Without His Guidance, we cannot ever hope to be good and righteous. To do that, we must open our hearts and minds; and let Him in. He will not force His way in.  It takes action on our part to let Him in.  If we open our hearts and minds, we will hear Him. Then after we hear Him, there is still more action to be done. After we hear Him, we then have to act on what He tells us to do. Action, not just diction, is what counts in the end.

 

In the Epistle Paul reminds us that each of us have of individual talents important help the Church further its cause. And it is equally important that we all work together. To work together in the church, each of us need to utilize our unique talents according to the needs of the church, not somebody else’s talents, but their talents. Each and every one of us has a talent of some sort, be it musical, talking (being good with communication), sweeping, taking out the trash, there is no end to the need. Almost anything else can be used for His Glory, to further His Work, His Goals, is a talent. What we need to do is co-ordinate with others of differing talents to come together and further His Will. We have a lot of differing gifts, each and everyone of us and the Church needs all of those gifts to work together to further His Cause here on Earth. Each gift is special and unique to the person and can advance the Church’s mission here on Earth and someway.

 

We should not look for praise for our own work (though we may appreciate it, we should not dwell on it too long, lest we have to start shopping for size fourteen hats for our swollen heads!) However, we should look for reasons to praise and encourage others. Encouragement is the best way to help the team grow the Church. Encouragement helps other Christians to grow in their talents.  The more we encourage our fellow Christians, the better off the team as a whole will be. That which is rewarded most is what grows. And this is how we can encourage our fellow Christians and our other friends to grow and learn, by the encouragement. This encouragement will help sprout the seed for more of the good work around us to flourish.

 

Look at John the Baptist, out in the wilderness; not in the fancy building, the gold-plated temple, but out where he could prepare straight the way for the Lord. He was out where the people were, he came to them, rather than wait for them to come to him in a fancy building. He was on a mission to pave the way for Jesus to come and preach and ultimately for His Death and Resurrection. Smoothing the path so to speak, making ready the hearts and souls of the people for the coming of the Lord.  He did not point at himself, rather he pointed the way towards God incarnate[1]!

 

By the way, how necessary is praise to miserable human beings?  God Himself, looking on His Son’s baptism remarked for all to hear, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

How oft do we praise the actions of others?  Too often we are quick to criticize the failings of others and over analyze their failings. Sometimes when we think of people we know, all we can think of is their failings and forget everyone has their good parts as well, for each of us has been created by God. It is in our nature, part of our human nature, our free will condition that we must fight against with His help. We must understand while it is valuable to know when we fall short, people strive the hardest for praise of those whose opinion they value.

 

When you hear those words, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, remember to use them yourself.  Lead others to God, don’t just point the way.

 

Be of God - Live of God - Act of God

---

[1] Incarnate, literally in the flesh.  Carne being a Latin derivative meaning flesh.

Sermon Notes - Second Sunday after The Epiphany - Transfiguration - Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide - 15 January 2023, Anno Domini (in the Year of Our Lord)

The Transfiguration of Christ. [August 6.]

The Collect.

 

G

OD, who on the mount didst reveal to chosen wit nesses thine only-begotten Son wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistering; Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in his beauty, who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reign-eth, one God, world without end. Amen. 

 

The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.

The Collect.

 

A

LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

A

ND after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and He was transfigured before them. 3. And His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 5. And Peter answered and said 

to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 6. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. 7. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him. 8. And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. 9. And as they came down from the mountain, He charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of Man were risen from the dead. 10. And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. 11. And they asked Him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? 12. And He answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things, and be set at nought. 13. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him. (Mark 9:2-13)

 

This event follows a stern warning by Christ to Peter after Jesus announces His coming crucifixion

 

A

ND he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and ofthe chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ³² And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. ³³ But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. (Mark 8)

 

We observe a change in the demeanor of Jesus as He approaches His moment of suffering. His seeking the seclusion of the hills, attended only by the innermost group of the faithful three, is a touching token of the strain to which that week had subjected Him. 

 

Look at how Peter’s heart must have filled with thankfulness, notwithstanding the stern rebuke, he was taken with the other two!

 

There are three stages we can observe in the complex incident which we call the Transfiguration:

 

1.     The change in Jesus’ appearance, 

2.     The colloquy with Moses and Elijah,

3.     The voice from the cloud.

 

Luke, who has frequent references to Jesus’ prayers, tells us that the change in our Lord’s countenance and raiment took place ‘as He prayed’ in Luke 9:29 - And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 

 

So far as we know, this was the only time when mortal eyes saw Him absorbed in communion with the Father.

 

It was only after witnessing this great event wrought by prayer did the Apostles ask Him to teach them to pray at Luke 11:1

 

 

A

ND it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples 

 

Jesus was transformed and glowing with the Glory of God. Perhaps the glory hidden deep in His soul was made to come to the surface during His earnest prayer and Communion with the Father.

 

This manifestation was made to appear as a testimony of strength to the apostles, and to us. Faith requires some spiritual evidence in truth, else how could we know and believe?

 

The two men with whom Jesus taught are noteworthy:

 

1.     Moses, who had died on Mt Nebo of Pisgah and who was the founder of the Hebrew nation and Law;

 

2.     Elijah who had never died but was translated by a chariot of fire and was the restorer of the Hebrew Law.

 

These two were now gathered about the whole object of their purpose and being, the fulfillment of all the Law and the prophets, the Person of Jesus Christ.

 

He communed with these two great Old Testament prophets, just as He communes with us in our studies.

 

Remember Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of his anger. He saw it from Mount Nebo, but could not cross over Jordan waters.

 

But just look at the greater land of promise to which Moses went!

 

It is also noteworthy three glorious appearances occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration, and that there were three on earth to witness this appearance – James, Peter, and John.

 

It reminds us of the reference in 1^st John 5:

 

F

OR there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. ⁸ And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. ⁹ If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 

 

I believe there is a great mystery buried in this passage of 1 John that escapes our complete understanding at present.

 

But what was taught by this appearing of the three together?

 

A

ND Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 6. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. 7. And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him.

 

Trust no man but God – no preacher, no deacon, no best friend – only God for the salvation of your precious souls.

 

The third observance was also met for the disciples and for us.

 

This third part of the incident, the appearance of the cloud and the voice from it, was for the disciples. Luke tells us that it was a ‘bright’ cloud, and yet it ‘over shadowed them.’ That sets us on the right track and indicates we are to think of the cloud of glory,

 

This was the cloud that protected the children of Israel from Pharoah’s army, and followed them as a pillar of cloud by day, and fire by night

 

A

ND the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: ²² He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, frombefore the people. (Exodus 13)

 

We are to think of the cloud of glory, which was the visible token of

the divine presence, the cloud which shone lambent between the cherubim, the cloud which at last’ received Him out of their sight.’

 

Remember, Christ was received into a cloud at His ascending up into heaven, and He shall return in a great cloud of glory:

 

At His going up into Heaven – 

 

W

HEN they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? ⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. ⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. ⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; ¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1)

 

And

 

A

ND there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; ²⁶ Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. ²⁷ And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:25-27)

 

 AND SO WILL YOU!  AMEN!

Stilling the Storm – 13 January 2023, Anno Domini

A

ND when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:23-26)

 

            This beautifully illustrative hymn recounting the calming of the sea by our Lord has been omitted from the modern hymnal, and even the 1940 Hymnal. It was published in the 1872 and 1892 Hymnals of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The author was the Rev Hyde W. Beadon (1812-1891), an Anglican cleric, in 1863. The tune to which the hymn was sung is MORAVIA by Lewis Renatus West. The hymn is based upon the Gospel for the 3^rdSunday after Epiphany (lectionary text of 1892).

 

Stilling the Storm

 

Fierce was the storm of wind,

The surging waves ran high,

Failed the disciples' hearts with fear,

Though Thou, their Lord, wast nigh.

 

But at the stern rebuke

Of Thy almighty word,

The wind was hushed, the billows ceased,

And owned Thee, God the Lord.

 

So, now, when depths of sin

Our souls with terrors fill,

Arise, and be our helper, Lord,

And speak Thy, Peace, be still.

 

When death's dark sea we cross,

Be with us in Thy power,

Now let the water-floods prevail,

In that dread trial-hour.

 

And, when amid the signs,

Which speak Thine Advent near,

The roaring of the sea and waves

Fills faithless hearts with fear;

 

May we all undismayed

The raging tempest see,

Lift up our heads and hail with joy

Thy great Epiphany.

Amen. 

 

1 Fierce was the storm of wind, The surging waves ran high, Failed the disciples' hearts with fear, Though Thou, their Lord, wast nigh. What needless fear we bear at the sudden rising of the billows and breakers of the storms of life when, all the time, we should know that our Lord is very near – even by our sides. The fear of the Christian is actually a failure of love. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:8) The disciples were yet to be made perfect in love and faith, but the time would come when they would freely lay down their lives for the Savior as He has done for us. The more we know our Lord, and the closer we bind our hearts to His will, the greater love we bear and the less fear we entertain at any threat.

 

2 But at the stern rebuke Of Thy almighty word, The wind was hushed, the billows ceased, And owned Thee, God the Lord. Ocean seas quake at the Word of the Lord and cease their violence, and so does the rebellious heart that comes to know Him in faith. All strife of soul and spirit is made calm by love and faith in Him. If even the mighty storm responds to His voice, should not the heart of the depraved soul? He quickens our dead souls by the Word of His mouth, and we are made alive!

 

            3 So, now, when depths of sin Our souls with terrors fill, Arise, and be our helper, Lord, And speak Thy, Peace, be still. We wrestle aimlessly against the winds and tides of the sea of life when our Lord is present among us. Our futile efforts fail and we panic at the perceived impending calamity, but all we need do us raise our voices in prayer to the Master of the Seas and He will speak peace to our burdened and fearful hearts. Peace, be still! Only when our hearts are stilled in the covert of His love, are we able to clearly discern His voice.

 

            4 When death's dark sea we cross, Be with us in Thy power, Now let the water-floods prevail, In that dread trial-hour. The sea of death is dark and sinister to the faithless. Approaching Jordan Banks may chill the heart and spine of the incorrigibly lost sinner; but the Christian, strong in faith, approaches that bar with fearless resolve of crossing over that tumultuous flood in the company of a Heavenly Helper sent by God just as the beggar Lazarus was borne up by angels to Abraham’s bosom. It is at the moment of death that the Christian testimony of faith is most pronounced – and a blessing that one can go in both peace and joy.

 

            5 And, when amid the signs, Which speak Thine Advent near, The roaring of the sea and waves Fills faithless hearts with fear; The world is fearful at even the mention of the name of Christ. Great effort is expended to expunge His name from the public record, the social gatherings, the places of education, and every government venue. Why? It is because they know Him to be the Divine Son of God even if they outwardly deny Him. But their sinful hearts cannot allow Him to be admitted as Sovereign, else they would need to cease from their sinful pleasure and acknowledge His moral Law and commission of love. This, their hardened hearts cannot allow, so they attempt to expunge even the mention of His name not only from their own cohorts, but by the righteous as well.

 

            6 May we all undismayed The raging tempest see, Lift up our heads and hail with joy Thy great Epiphany.The greatest of all Epiphanies will be the day we cross over Jordan Banks and behold our Lord face to face. The great hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, blind from infancy, writes of seeing her Savior face to face. In that day, she will have no blindness, but her perfect vision may well be nearly blinded by His radiance. The Presence and power of Christ is most emphatic at the time of greatest peril. The bird that builds its nest on a tree branch behind the turbulent waters of a great waterfall will enjoy the greatest security, protection, and peace despite the roar of the falls. The heart that places its trust in the Lord will enjoy that same peace and security even if the cannons roar and the enemy rushes on as a horde of demons. It is at such moments that our faith is tried and our love measured. 

 

            Amen! So be it! This hymn very appropriately ends with ‘amen’ as every hymn of praise and worship should end. Great classical hymns are very much like biblical prayers, and they appropriately end with ‘Amen’ as does the whole Canon of God’s Word at Revelations 22:21.

The Most Important Thing – 12 January 2023, Anno Domini

 

A

ND every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.   (Matthew 19:29-30)

 

            A century and a half ago, the great Russian writer, Leo Tolstoi, wrote a short story entitled, ‘How Much Land does a Man Need?’ I will leave the details to the reader to discover, but in his story, a man’s greed for more and more land led to the one plot of ground necessary for all men – the grave. To that man, land was the most important thing of all. What is the most important thing to you, my friend? Is it the security of a fat bank account, spacious home, fancy exotic automobile – what? 

 

            The Preacher of Ecclesiastes narrows the field of needs somewhat in his last two verses of his book: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

 

            Fear of God was the concluding matter for the Old Testament writers, but the Law and Prophets were a school teacher to bring us nearer to God that we might LOVE him and thus, our fears of judgment were transformed into fears of disappointing the One who loved and died for us.

 

            The introductory text from the Gospel of St. Matthew above may sound somewhat contrary to the Law of Love in Christ, but it is the very opposite. We find the beginning and essence of love in Christ alone. It is from that Mountain Spring of Love and Life from which all loves flows. Our love for family or others is empty and meaningless if not found in Christ. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:8) He is the Word that came down and was made flesh that we could know and love Him.

 

            There is an interesting account given in both the Gospels of Matthew and Mark on an occasion when Christ was teaching in the synagogue. The disciples who followed Christ to catch every word of His teaching were present, but His own close family were seldom present at His teaching sessions. 46 ¶ While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Matthew 12:46-50)

 

            This passage reveals the compelling measure of our love for Christ juxtaposed to that of our near blood relations in the world. The former visitation of the great Angel, Gabriel, had long ago become gray with age in Mary’s memory. The threats and danger evoked by the teaching of her beloved Son in the hostile hearts of the Jewish rulers perhaps overwhelmed that memory. Everything He said and did seemed to provoke the anger of the Scribes and Pharisees. Her physical concern for Jesus for a time eclipsed that memory of the promises of God shared by Gabriel. She seems to have avoided being present at much of His teachings and this event mentioned above was likely one of those moments.  She waited outside the synagogue to meet with Jesus rather than entering to hear His words. 

 

            Many today want to claim Christ as their own but avoid heeding His Word and following close in His footprints. I have had many young Koreans members of St. Andrews over the years that I have come to love as close kin – in some cases more than blood many blood relatives. They are dear to me, and I consider them my own children. The reason for this affection derives from their readiness to faithfully attend my church and hear my voice in sharing the Gospel. The relationship we share in Christ is beyond comparison to any earthly affection we may feel for family and friends outside that circle of love. If our love is not centered in Christ, it is a love that shall perish at the moment of death. But we have no stronger blood relations than that of the Blood of Christ. The love we share in Christ is a love that survives death itself!

 

            For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

 

Paul was convinced of that blood relationship in Christ – are you, my friends? 

 

That is the MOST IMPORTANT THING!