What is The Salvation Army about?

The answer will depend on how much the person answering knows about the organization. One would say: “It is my favourite store!” – with reference to our thrift stores. Another would say “They help the poor!”. A third may say “They have good brass-bands!” whilst a fourth states “It’s my church!”.
Nothing of this is wrong, however they are just fragments of the truth. I could continue with a multitude of statements that would say something about what we are.

For me The Salvation Army is all about mission; and mission is bringing the life of Jesus into the communities of our present time. We can do that through a thrift store, a poverty alleviation project, a brass-band, a church/corps or in a way that has not yet crossed our minds. That is why The Salvation Army has so many expression of the mission.

In the last twenty reflections, I have elaborated on General Brian Peddle’s “Call to Mission – NOW”. The danger with everything we do, is that we can continue to do it also after we have lost the focus on the mission. The store, the project, the band, the corps, or one of the many other expressions of our mission can replace the main focus, which is the sole reason for doing the mission.

Many years ago I was leading a large, quite traditional Salvation Army corps. In a meeting with most of the active members of the corps present, I said the following in my sermon:

“If it was possible for God to die, and he actually decided to die, it would take at least three years before this corps discovered it! Therefore, we would continue to what we have always done as though nothing of importance had happened”.

In some ways it was a “Wake-up call”, and the feedback afterwards was on the whole scale of emotional expressions. A young soldier came to me and said: “First I thought, you must be right, and I felt scared. However, then I thought, if God really died, I trust that Jostein will discover it, and I am sure he would tell us!” In some ways it was a joke, but I also sensed that he saw the seriousness of the message.

At all times we need to be reminded “Mission first!”. The General has reminded us. We need to remind each other: We need to spread the life of Jesus right where we are. The mission is not something we do, but something we live.

As I could say to the young soldier many years ago, I confirm again:

“God is not dead, he will never die, he conquered death and rose from the grave. He is alive in you!” (1)

‘Manna’ for today:

Live the mission!

…and have a blessed summer
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(1) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms...

Ephisians 1:18-20

The greatest challenge of our time?

The Salvation Army’s international mission statement declares that our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and ‘to meet human needs in his name without discrimination’ (1). In the general's ‘Call to Inclusion’, we are again reminded of this important part of our mission statement (2). Inclusion was definitely central to Jesus' understanding of his own mission:

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
John 6:37

Jesus states that he will never drive away anyone who comes to him. Still, some will go away from him saddened. That happened to the rich man who came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to have eternal life. He confirmed that he had kept the commandments, but something was missing. Jesus then confronted him with this challenge: “If you want to be complete, go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come follow me.” (3). Because the man had many possessions, this challenge became too much for him, and he left.

Jesus welcomes everyone. It was not Jesus who drove the rich man away. It made his own choice. Some would probably say that the man was a victim of discrimination because he was rich, and therefore could not follow Jesus in the same way as his disciples did. However, I am convinced that he knew he was loved and accepted. The challenge for him was that to make a choice also involved opting out of something else.

That hasn't changed over the past 2000 years. When I make a choice, it is likely to influence the possibility of making other choices. When everyone desires everything, and want to keep the freedom of choice under all circumstances, it becomes very hard. May be this is the greatest challenge of our time?

‘Manna’ for today:

Jesus will never drive anyone away

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(1) The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Our message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by the love of God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.
(2) General Peddle’s call: A Call to Inclusion: We must be beyond reproach in treating all people with respect and compassion, remembering our mission to meet human needs in Christ’s name without any discrimination
(3) Matthew 19:21

Is ‘the name of Jesus’ a kind of mantra?

"Mantra" is a sound associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. The sound is used to realize a thought or purpose. The word has several meanings, like e.g. a prayer, hymn or spell. It is the repetition of the sound or word that is supposed to trigger the effect. 

Interestingly, Jesus repeatedly spoke about prayer in his name. 

Here is one example:

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:14

It is very clear that the first Christians had accepted this teaching and practiced it. They believed that Jesus was among them when they gathered in His name (1). They proclaimed that miracles happened through faith in the name of Jesus (2). They baptized in the name of Jesus (3), and they proclaimed that there is salvation in no other name (4).

Nevertheless, there is nothing to suggest that they used the name as a form of mantra. The name had power only when it was used through faith in Jesus Christ.  If used outside of such a context, the name may function against its purpose. An example of this can be found in the story about the seven sons of Sceva who tried to exorsize evil spirits in the name of Jesus without knowing him as Jesus Christ (5).

I often exclaim ‘Jesus’, but not as a sacred sound or a magic formula that will get me in contact with a deity that is outside of me or in me. I use the name because I believe it symbolizes everything that God is able to do for and through me. It is by that name, the Father is glorified, for it confirms that I believe in Him and all that he has done for me. Further it confirms that faith is linked to His name and not to mine.

So, when General Peddle reminds us that “our mission is to meet human needs in Christ’s name” (6) – it is more than a ‘sacred sound’ – it places our ministry right at the heart of God’s mission. For the purpose of this mission, nothing should be done, or can be done, outside of his name.

‘Manna’ for today:

In the name of Jesus Christ only!

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(1) Matthew 18:20
(2) Acts 3:16
(3) Acts 2:38
(4) Acts 4:12
(5) Acts 19:13-16
(6) General Peddle’s call: A Call to Inclusion: We must be beyond reproach in treating all people with respect and compassion, remembering our mission to meet human needs in Christ’s name without any discrimination

What does ‘Respect’ mean?

I do not need to spend many minutes reading messages and comments on social media before I start to wonder if some people have forgotten what respect means. 

However, today my question refers to the etymology of the word and the call to show respect. The word derives from the Latin respicere, which means ‘looking back at’ or ‘seeing again’. 
For me this has at least two meanings:

1. To see a person and let him feel ‘seen’ again and again.
2. To treat a person in such a way that I can meet him again without being ashamed.

When my wife, Magna, many years ago should find a name to the after-school project we have in Eastern Europe, she chose to call it “See me!”. When children are seen and acknowledged, they grow and mature because they feel respected. If they aren’t seen, they will try to attract attention often in ways that are not necessarily good. Very often they know that what they do is not good, however, nothing is worse than being ignored and excluded.

Adults are in reality only children who have grown up. We also need to be seen, and the mechanisms we use when we feel ignored, are often similar to those we used as children.

I know that the Lord is my shepherd( 2)  and that he watches over me. Jesus called himself the good shepherd (3), and as God sent him into the world, Jesus sends us (4). This means that one of the roles embedded in discipleship, is to be shepherds = people who see others, and by doing so show respect and include.

From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind…
Psalm 33:13

‘Manna’ for today:

… and we are his eyes here on earth

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(1) General Peddle’s call: A Call to Inclusion: We must be beyond reproach in treating all people with respect and compassion, remembering our mission to meet human needs in Christ’s name without any discrimination. 

(2) Psalm 23
(3) John 10:11
(4) John 20:21

I am included

At the end of June, I will go to Norway and be part of the congress. This will be a ‘different’ congress, and I look forward to it. In particular, I look forward to the 'long table' that will be placed in the main street. Places as the table are open to everyone. Whosoever will may sit down, share the food and the fellowship. There is something divine about the sharing around the table. The Norwegian poet, Trygve Skaug, has captured this in a beautiful way in his short reflection which was posted on Maundy Thursday (1):

Then he took my heart
just after the supper
gave thanks
blessed the heart and said
this is my heart
that will beat and burn
for all those who did not believe
that there’s space for them
here at the table
come for everything is finished
come it's here you belong

This simple verse illustrates the content of General Peddle’s “Call to Inclusion” (2) in a great way. To include people is a heart matter. We can write it in our mission-statements, we can preach it from our pulpits, we can set a table in the main street, but people who feel that they are on the ‘outside’, will know if it comes from the heart. Like compassion, inclusion comes with a price – Jesus defined the price in his ‘new’ commandment:

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34b

‘Manna’ for today

As Jesus has included me, I should include others

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(1) Luke 22:7-20
(2) A Call to Inclusion: We must be beyond reproach in treating all people with respect and compassion, remembering our mission to meet human needs in Christ’s name without any discrimination.

* Illustration - 'Place at the table' in the street 

The loser takes it all! *

ABBA put music to the statement

“The winner takes it all!”. 

Sometimes it feels like that, and from a secular perspective, it seems to be an established truth. There is also empiric evidence confirming that a person born into a dysfunctional family without the capacity to give sufficient care, is more likely to remain deprived of a good life than a person born into a caring and well-functional family. It is important to remember that functionality and care are not dependent upon wealth, but poverty can prevent a parent from giving sufficient physical care for a child.

I will be the first to admit that this world is unjust. Living in the poorest country in Europe, I see this as a reality every day, and I wish I could do more about it. How then do I even dare to proclaim that “The loser takes it all!”?

Because it is a spiritual principle. Jesus proclaimed that I find my life by losing it (1). I believe that God has created me to have fellowship with him, but he has also entrusted me control over my own life. The way to find my life in him, is by losing control over my life and surrender it to him. At the cross Jesus said: “Father into your hands I commend my spirit!” (2) – he lost his life, conquered death and gained life not only for himself, but for all who believes.

That ‘the loser’ takes it all, is also confirmed in this verse:

“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
Colossians 3:11

However, even in nations calling themselves Christians, even some churches and some individual Christians struggle with greed. Greed is considered to be one of the seven deadly sins, and I believe it is the cause of most of the problems we face in the world today, including such evils as wars, poverty and climatic crisis. I am convinced that if we as individuals, communities and nations were willing to ‘lose’ by being willing give instead of craving and hoarding, everyone would find a better life. 

So, yes, I believe that ‘the loser takes it all!’

‘Manna’ for today:

We win by losing!

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* See: The weakest team - A call to costly compassion
(1) Matthew 16:25
(2) Luke 23:46

The weakest team!

“Which is the best team?”, my dad asked one of his grandsons. Of course, the 10-year-old immediately replied ‘Viking’ – the home-team. The boy followed up with a long explanation and solid arguments why the Vikings were so much better than the guests. “Then you can cheer on the Vikings, and I can cheer on the guests” granddad said as they went to watch the match. “Why?” was the grandson’s worried response. “Because the weakest team also needs someone to cheer on them!”, granddad replied.

It was probably said with a ‘twinkle in the eye’, but it also describes my dad’s basic attitude and values: He always took the side of the weakest.

When Jesus died on the cross, he was actually ‘on’ the weakest team with a rebel on each side. But he also died ‘for’ the weakest team:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:12-13

This statement was Jesus' response to the Pharisees who criticized him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. If the Salvation Army is no longer alongside the weak, we have lost sight of an important part of our calling. That's why General Peddle reminds us to take responsibility. It involves a ‘costly compassion’ for the weak. It means that we must defend others, seek justice, express generosity and participate in redemptive actions (1). When we do this, we begin to learn what ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’ (2) means.

Then we don’t only cheer on the weakest team - we become part of the weakest team - vulnerable like Jesus became, but we also become winners of life!

‘Manna’ for today:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (3)

Blessed Easter!
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(1) ‘A Call to Costly Compassion’ is the second call under the charge to take responsibility, in General Peddle’s Call to Mission.
(2)  Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13

(3) 2 Corinthians 12:9

Where have all the ‘great ones’ gone?

Hjørdis was not my ‘aunt’ in terms of being a relative. All the same, the children who attended the nursery-class at the Sunday school in Stavanger in the late 1950s called her ‘aunt Hjørdis’. I don't know how many years she had been doing the ministry, but I believe it must have been for the major part of her life. For me she was always an ‘old’, but very important person. 

Because my parents went to the ‘Battle-School’ to be trained for officership, I was only four years old when we moved from the city. However, I know ‘aunt Hjørdis’ remembered me, prayed for me and every time I came back for furlough, she talked to me - and I was one of many who received her care. I felt seen, loved and affirmed even when I was an adult and had become an officer myself. I don't think she ever thought that she was one of the ‘great ones’ in God’s Kingdom, but when I read what Jesus said, I believe she was:

Then Jesus said to them,
“Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me;
and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
Luke 9:48

The memory of her was triggered by General Peddle’s: ‘Call to Raise and Nurture Every Generation’, which is the first point of the charge to take responsibility (1). Praise God, we still find people who are ready to be engaged and prepared to take responsibility for children’s ministry. The challenge is that they are 'red-listed' because they belong to the endangered species – particularly when we speak about a long-term ‘aunt Hjørdis-commitment’.

It is not so hard to get people to engage in a one-time event. However, in an ‘instant’ society where the benefit of having a multitude of options to choose from is considered the highest value worth striving for – we still need people who are willing to say “I am ready to welcome and invest in children!”

‘Manna’ for today:

‘Welcome Jesus, welcome!’

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(1) A Call to Raise and Nurture Every Generation: We must accept responsibility for children, young adults and emerging leaders – equipping, growing, empowering and discipling our present and future Salvation Army.

Bringing transformation

The Gospel is not just bringing life, it brings transformation. This is because the life it brings, is ‘new’ life. A person who accepts salvation, becomes a new creature (1). To have confidence in the gospel (2), includes the belief that the Word of God is inspired, it is ‘God-breathed’ (3).

It is the combination of the Gospel and The Holy Spirit that is THE transforming power. The Word of God gives a lot of good advice, and teaches us how we should live our lives. This is all good and can even bring some change. However, there is a big difference between putting on ‘make up’ and undergoing a total ‘make over’ directed by The Spirit in the Word.

The ‘make over’ happens when the Word of God becomes a part of me and becomes what I live. Make-up is for the outside, make-over takes place on the inside and provides a solid foundation:

“… everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock”, said Jesus.
Matthew 7:24

That is where the transformed life comes from, that is where the transformed life rests, that is where the transformed life will stand firm in the midst of the storm.

The Gospel and The Spirit can be said with one word: Jesus. In him, and only in him, can I reach my God-given potential.

‘Manna’ for today:

In Christ alone!

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(1) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
(2) A CALL TO CONFIDENCE IN THE GOSPEL: As we share the good news of the gospel, we must recognise its power for salvation and transformation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, people can be released from everything that stops them reaching their God-given potential.
(3) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
* Source: http://www.marketingjournal.org/the-continuous-transformation-imperative-john-hagel/

Bringing life

When General Brian Peddle calls The Salvation Army to ‘confidence in the gospel’ (1), it could also be a call to all believers in the Christian Church. Paul’s credo confirms the power of the gospel:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 1:16

However, faith works through many stages.

In the story about the woman who had been sick for twelve years (2), it is easy to see several of these stages. First, we read that ‘she heard about Jesus’. Again Paul confirms that ‘faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ’ (3). Further we learn that ‘she thought’. This is an important stage, because it means that what you hear, needs to be implemented in your life, and the woman thought: “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”

However, if it stops there, it just remains a nice and comforting thought. Fortunately, the woman took the next step and acted on her faith, she came up behind Jesus in the crowd and touched his cloak.

She experienced immediate healing, however once again: if it had stopped there, it would only have been a healing.

Jesus knew this. That is why I think he wanted her to come out publicly. I believe that Jesus knew who had touched his clothes, but he would hear it from the woman’s lips. A very important stage of faith is to confess the faith and that which has happened. Even though trembling, the woman was also ready to take this step and she ‘told the whole truth’. 

‘Confidence in the gospel’ – means to act in accordance with it all the stages mentioned above. It is a matter of salvation; it is a matter of bringing life.

‘Manna’ for today:

The Gospel is bringing life!

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(1) A CALL TO CONFIDENCE IN THE GOSPEL: As we share the good news of the gospel, we must recognise its power for salvation and transformation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, people can be released from everything that stops them reaching their God-given potential.
(2) Mark 5:25-34
(3) Romans 10:17

What is relevant worship?

If we look at churches that are experiencing growth – one of the qualities is that people attend because they find the worship relevant (2). If I made an open survey and asked people what relevant worship is, I am sure that I would get a wide range of answers. I suppose that age, cultural background, expectations, relationships, balance between being a receiver and a contributor will be some of the factors that would influence the response.

I believe it is important to plan worship with all these factors in mind. However, we should never forget the words of Jesus:

“God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:24

I live in a culture that is different from where I grew up. In many ways I am not culturally relevant at all. I cannot pretend to be Moldovan, Georgian or from any other culture that differs from my own. But I can be authentic and true in my worship. I can make efforts to build relationship with people I meet and I can pray that the love of Jesus will flow through me. What I can do, is to encourage people of other cultures to be authentic and true in their worship and find expressions that relates to people of their own age-group and culture.

Some years ago I had contact with people from a church with mainly young people clothed in black leather, multiple piercings and chains. I couldn’t relate to their style, but I was at home in their passion.

For several years I was involved in a huge Christian Sport Network in Norway. What they had in common was that they were young, active in sports and had a Christian faith. For more than a decade they called the same retired ‘old’ pastor (1) as one of the main speakers to a summer-camp that gather many hundred young people. The reason: The pastor was authentic, true and full of passion in his communication. He was a bringer of life.

‘Manna’ for today:

Authenticity, love and life are relevant in all cultures.

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(1) Edin Løvås (1920-2014) always relevant because of authenticity, love and life!

(2) General Brian Peddle's 'Call to Mission' NOW includes: 

A CALL TO WORSHIP: We should celebrate God’s redeeming love through our worship, seeking culturally-relevant ways to join together in praise and thanks, as we reach out to and welcome people.

Engaged for others

The last ten weeks I have focused on the call to ‘Be Ready’, which is the first part of General Brian Peddle’s ‘Call to Mission’ (1). Today I start with the call to ‘Be Engaged’ (2)

Here are some selected quotes with this focus:

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen …”Isaiah 43:10a

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations …” says Jesus
Matthew 28:19a

“… we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” says Peter
Acts 4:20b

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” says John
Revelation 22:17a

“I shall endeavour to show, that Christianity is essentially a social religion; and to turn it into a solitary religion, is indeed to destroy it” says John Wesley (3)

‘Others!’ says William Booth – and that says it all.

‘Manna’ for today:

Saved to Save & Saved to Serve

---------------------------------
(1) Call to Mission - NOW!
(2) A CALL TO SERVE: Serving others must be our missional priority. We must value officership, local officership, soldiership, adherency and junior soldiership, recognising too that The Salvation Army’s many employees and volunteers are key to fulfilling our tasks.
A CALL TO WORSHIP: We should celebrate God’s redeeming love through our worship, seeking culturally-relevant ways to join together in praise and thanks., as we reach out to and welcome people.
A CALL TO CONFIDENCE IN THE GOSPEL: As we share the good news of the gospel, we must recognise its power for salvation and transformation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, people can be released from everything that stops them reaching their God-given potential.

(3) In ‘No holiness, but social holiness’ in “Upon our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount” IV – Sermon XIX – i “Wesley’s Standard Sermons” Vol. I – Francis Asbury Press – Grand Rapids – 1955 s. 382

* The picture is the cover page of Harold Hill’s book – hereby recommended.

Hope in hell!

Many years ago I met Willy for the first time. He was evangelizing on the street during the day time and handing out food-parcels to people sleeping rough at night. His testimony was simple: “Because I knew evil and my life was a hell, I believed that there had to be a heaven and a good God somewhere. I sought Him and I found Him!”

Some people experience hell on earth. I was reminded about this when I once again met some prisoners serving life-sentences in Moldova. One of them, Vlad, became an adherent of The Salvation Army, and he gave me a painting, that made me think about Willy’s testimony. 

Vlad sought God and through Jesus Christ he found Him when he was in ‘hell’. Many of his mates have done the same. 

Someone cared, and someone cares. Last week I wrote that care influences God’s NOW. Vlad knows where he lives, and that is not ‘hell’ even though the condition around him has not changed. 

Vlad lives in Christ. 

By the way, he has given me permission to share this with you, and the prison authorities have given us permission to take pictures. Many good people, also inside the system, are working to better the conditions for prisoners in the country. 

There is even hope that there will be amendments of the law, so that prisoners serving lifetime-sentences can be released before God takes them to heaven. And we pray and hope together with them.

When I post this, it is with the hope that you who are going through a difficult time – maybe you even call it ‘hell’, shall know that there is always hope in Jesus Christ:

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:24-26

‘Manna’ for today:

There is hope!

Did care influence God’s ‘Now’?

When I was a cadet in the “Overcomers Session” 1974-76 in London, the campaign “For God’s sake CARE” had still a strong focus in the profiling of The Salvation Army. 

In 2019, almost 45 years later The Salvation Army in Romania is celebrating 20 years of ministry. They have chosen “Love and Care” to describe what our mission is all about.

I believe love and care will influence God’s ‘Now’, and again I turn to the gospel of John for Biblical support.

Five people who loved Jesus dearly did not abandon him in his darkest hour. Among the five were Mary and John. The little group cared all the way to the foot of the cross. When Jesus saw them standing there, I am sure he cared for all five of them as he cares for all mankind. However, in the last struggle of his life he exemplified what care is all about when he turned to his mother and to John and asked them to care for one another as mother and son.

I am convinced that receiving care and giving care influenced God’s most important ‘Now’ in all eternity = Jesus’ exclamation:

“It is finished.”
John 19:30

In Norwegian we have one word for ‘finished’ that translates “it is brought to full completion” or “it is fulfilled”. Mutual love and care brought the mission to its fulfilment. Life cannot exist without love and care. I can’t care if I am not able to accept care, and I can’t love if I am not able to accept love. When love and care is released, we see God’s ‘Now’ come true and make the fulfilment of the total mission come closer.

‘Manna’ for today:

For God’s Sake, CARE!

Did some Greeks influence God’s ‘NOW’?

If you have read my blogs over the past weeks, you know that I believe the answer is ‘YES’. Before I explain why, I believe that everything John chose to include in his gospel, is there for a purpose:

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31

Nothing is included by chance. Even something that may seem like insignificant information, can in the stringent edited narrative of John be of vital importance for the understanding of who Jesus is and what his salvation means.

For John it was important to include that Philip and Andrew told Jesus that some Greeks had said: “We would like to see Jesus.” It seems as this was the clue Jesus was waiting for. His reply was:

“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified!”
John 12:23

The story does not tell anything about a personal meeting between Jesus and the Greeks, however, I assume that they were in the crowd of witnesses to Jesus’ exclamation and the events that followed.

So why did the statement “We would like to see Jesus” influence God’s ‘Now’? 

John’s purpose was to communicate that the gospel is for the ‘whosoever’, not limited to God’s chosen people. Greeks were synonymous with Gentiles (1). 

When representatives from these folk-groups expressed a longing to see ‘Jesus’ – I believe Jesus received the clue “mission accomplished” = “God’s NOW” has come. This was confirmed by two Jews (= Philip and Andrew) telling Jesus about the desire of some Greeks. 

There is nothing that is a stronger hindrance to experiencing God’s ‘Now’ than racism. Today this ‘plague’ is influencing even communities carrying the name ‘Christians’. The combination Christian and racism is impossible, because ‘in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek’ (2) – we are all human beings.

‘Manna’ for today:

Unity in Christ influences God’s ‘NOW’!

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(1) Paul shared this belief: “the gospel of Christ … is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16
(2) Galatians 3:28a
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

Did curiosity influence God’s ‘NOW’?

In the series of reflections on God’s ‘NOW’, I have come to the second time Jesus said: “my time has not yet come”. It was said in response to his brothers who had urged him to go to Judea for the Festival of Tabernacles (1). Jesus also told his brothers that they could go. They left for the festival whilst Jesus remained in Galilee, and the story continues:

“However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.”
John 7:10

What on earth made Jesus change his mind? What influenced God’s ‘NOW’ this time?

I think the answer is found in the next verse:
Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking,

“Where is he?”

It is likely that the Jewish leaders were looking for him with wrong motives, but other people at the festival were ‘seeking’ him because “He is a good man” (v 12).

When Jeremiah shared God’s word to the people in captivity about future and hope, he also included this promise:

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you”
Jeremiah 29:13-14a

When people are whole-hearted and sincere in their search for God, I believe that they influence God’s NOW. I believe that He is there already, ‘but in secret’!

‘Manna’ for today

God is already where you are – but in secret

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(1) John 7:1-13
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

Did the Samaritan woman influence God’s ‘NOW’?

Last week(1) I asked the same question related to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Today I visit Jacob’s well near Sychar in Samaria and follow the conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. For Bible-readers, this story from John 4 is well known, and like the rest of John’s gospel, there are so many layers of truths, both obvious and hidden, that it deserves to be re-visited again and again.

In one moment, it seems as though John is ridiculing the woman’s ignorance with regard to what Jesus was trying to tell her. In the next moment, John is suggesting that the woman actually grasped spiritual truths which for scholars, like Nicodemus, seemed inaccessible mysteries. This is why I love his gospel and regard it as a master-piece.

When Jesus speaks about the water he can give, the woman replied: “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” For many years I thought and taught that she didn't understand what Jesus spoke about. But what if she actually did understand?

It is clear the Jacob’s well had a religious significance. May be it was part of her religious thirst that made her come all the way to this special well? In the context of the whole conversation, I believe that was what she meant.

When the woman later asked where the right place of worship is, I believe that Jesus knew that she was about to grasp what worship was all about, and he answered:

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks”
John 4:23

So, yes, I believe that the woman influenced God’s NOW. Jesus said “Yet a time is coming” – which points to the future; however, because it was revealed for the woman and she had believed it as true, Jesus continued: “and has now come!”.

‘Manna’ for today:

Faith in what God has revealed to me, influences His ‘NOW’!

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(1) This reflction is part of a series on the "Call to Mission - NOW!'

Did Mary influence God’s ‘NOW’?

I ask this question in the context of the call to be ‘battle-ready’ NOW (1). There is no doubt that Mary played an important role as the one who gave birth to the Son of God. Her readiness to do so, made her a vital participant in God’s NOW. However, today I will focus on her role in the first miracle of Jesus.

This took place at the wedding in Cana. When Mary heard the embarrassing news that the host was running out of wine before the wedding-reception was over, she brought the matter to her son. And in a somewhat abrupt way Jesus dismissed her by saying:

“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
John 2:4

When Jesus said: “My hour has not yet come” – it tells me that he was still waiting for his Father’s ‘NOW’. So what made Jesus change his mind?

I believe it was Mary – not by addressing the issue once again to Jesus, but by saying to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you.”

Mary had not seen Jesus do any miracles, but she had kept many words she had heard about him in her heart. She believed in him, and she showed it in action and in words. Such a faith touches a son's heart. As Mary in faith, gave physical birth to Jesus, in the same way her faith and love gave birth to the mission he had come to fulfil.

I believe that faith and love still touches the Son’s heart.

‘Manna’ for today:

Faith and love can turn ‘NOW’ into God’s right moment.

I will follow up with more thoughts on how we can influence God’s ‘NOW’ in the next blogs. (2)
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(1) See: 'Do you know what prayer is?'

(2) See: “Now is the time”
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

‘The art of waiting’ – an important strategy

Part of being ‘battle-ready’* is to respond to the Spirit. Jesus started teaching about the Holy Spirit in the very beginning of the training of the disciples. Jesus said clearly that the Holy Spirit is the best gift his Father can give:

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13

When I experienced the Holy Spirit as a real power in my life in 1972, this verse became one of my favourite verses. When I some years later became a father and wanted the best for my children, the verse made an even stronger impact on me. 

The challenge is that God never intrudes into the privacy of his children. We have to ask him to give us the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus taught his disciples. Therefore, it may seem strange that he just before he ascended to heaven, said:

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”
Acts 1:4

However, this is only strange if I regard the ‘art of waiting’ as a passive strategy. I can hardly imagine anything more active than children who at Christmas are waiting for the moment when the presents are to be unwrapped. Waiting in the Bible is more related to expecting, simply because I am waiting for something to come true in my life. In the narrative about the Baptist, Luke wrote that “the people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah” – Luke 3:15.

God has left it to my initiative to receive the Holy Spirit. The strategy is to pray and wait ‘expectantly’ – after all God has already done his part through the pouring out of his Spirit.

‘Manna’ for today:

I expect The holy spirit to speak and lead - now!

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* General Peddle’s call:

 'I believe we need to be ready for what God wants to do with us and through us. This is a call to prayer, a call to holiness and a call to be "battle-ready" now. There is an urgency to this call that cannot be ignored. Men, women and children need Jesus.'
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

Prayer is more than 'just' asking

Last week I shared some thoughts about prayer and I included the message from General Brian Peddle with a call to prayer (1). If you read last week’s entry, you are likely to remember that I asked you to reflect on this verse during the week:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10

Bible-readers will be familiar with these verses, but many think that they are three expressions of the same matter - a so-called 'pleonasm'. I think this presumption is a fallacy. Already in the first teaching about prayer, Jesus gave a clear message that prayer is much more than plain asking. Unfortunately, our prayers are very often limited to asking God for something. However, prayer is also about

Seeking

I really dislike seeking for things I cannot find, but I love to discover new things. Therefore, it becomes much more interesting to think that: Prayer is to be on a journey of discovery, and on this journey, I will all the time find discover new things that are important for my development. I learn more about God and more about myself. Moreover, prayer is about

Knocking

Jesus was very concerned about perseverance - also in prayer. The parable of the persistent widow is a typical example (2). I have often used the illustration of a game I sometimes played together with other kids when I was a boy – the name of the game was a rhyme in Norwegian, and I suppose the translation "knocking and mocking" will work in English. We simply knocked on a random door, ran, hid and imitated the look on the person's face when he understood that he had been tricked. Not very nice, but fun for kids…

Prayer is knocking on the God’s door and remaining by the door until it opens. In many ways, knocking takes place on both sides of the door (3). It is also part of praying that the Lord will enter the door of my heart. Fortunately, he too is persistent!

‘Manna’ for today:

I will keep knocking!

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(1) 'I believe we need to be ready for what God wants to do with us and through us. This is a call to prayer, a call to holiness and a call to be "battle-ready" now. There is an urgency to this call that cannot be ignored. Men, women and children need Jesus.'
(2) Luke 18:1-8
(3) Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"