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

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

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/

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

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(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.

Do you know what prayer is?

It may be that some will think: 

‘Doesn’t everyone know what prayer is’?

If you ask me if I know what prayer is, my answer is: ‘Yes, I know a little bit’. The reason why I only know a 'little bit' is because the subject of prayer is boundless. I have so much to learn about prayer and contemplation through living close to Jesus, and I also learn from other believers from the whole spectre of denominations.

For me the journey of prayer has been long and a journey of exploration and it is not finished yet. When Jesus walked together with his disciples towards Jerusalem, the disciples faced a situation they could not handle. So when they asked “Why couldn’t we?” – Jesus replied:

“…this kind does not go out except by prayer…”
Matthew 17:21

Jesus gave this as part of the reason why the disciples ‘could not drive out’ a demon. Earlier in their ministry the disciples had been with Jesus while he was praying. Afterwards one of the disciples said: “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” (1)

Jesus answered by teaching them the Lord's Prayer. I shared three reflections from this prayer in the Advent-season, and will return to elements from this prayer later. However, after teaching the disciples the prayer, Jesus continued:

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

Please keep these verses in mind this week. I will return to them next week.

‘Manna’ for today:

I have always more to learn about prayer

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(1) Luke 11:1
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

Advent – on earth and in heaven

Over the last three weeks I have focused on the process waiting and longing to see Our Father’s kingdom come and his will be done. This is a prayer that ties heaven and earth together:

Your Kingdom come
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Matt 6:10

In a few days’ time we will celebrate that heaven and earth met in a manger in Bethlehem more than 2000 year ago. God’s kingdom came, his will was made clear on earth as it was in heaven.

The incarnation – the fact that the ‘word became flesh’ – ‘God became man’ (1), was the first real meeting-point between heaven and earth. So when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, why did he include a prayer that had already been fulfilled the day he himself was born?

Because the fulfilment of that prayer needs to be repeated again and again until Christ returns at the end of time. The only way it can happen is through heaven meeting earth in the incarnation of the Word becoming flesh, however with a ‘face’ of our present day.

This miracle of incarnation happens every time I, like any born again believer, see that I live in Christ and He lives in me. Then God’s kingdom comes, salvation for all men in Jesus is proclaimed so that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Every time I study the Lord’s prayer, I am reminded of its perfection. It is saturated with matters of importance. The part ‘Let your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!’ is even a ful surrender to his will and salvation. When we pray in this way, there is Advent on earth and in heaven because more of God’s Kingdom will come.

‘Manna’ for today:

Let every heart prepare Him room! (2)

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(1) John 1:14

(2) Line from “Joy to the world!"

Advent – more to wait for!

When I last week asked the question “What am I waiting for?” – I answered “Your kingdom come!”.
Of course this links very well with the forthcoming celebration of the coming of the King of kings.

However, it must not stop with the celebration of the coming of Christ more than 2000 years ago; or with the coming of Christ in and through his body of believers today. Until Christ returns at the end of time, what I will be waiting and longing for is covered in the prayer:

“Your will be done!”
Matthew 6:10

The good news about what the will of God is, was made known by the angel at the birth of Jesus:

“a Saviour has been born to you!”
Luke 2:11

The whole purpose with “Christmas” was to give the world a Saviour so that “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”(1). When the first Christians prayed the Lord’s prayer, they knew that the greatest desire of God is that: “God our Saviour, … wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”(2).

When I am waiting for God’s will to be done, it is a challenge when I already know what his will is. It would be simpler if I didn’t know and could ask him what it was. I cannot ask him to save the world, because he has already done it. The challenge is that so many people in the world do not know this truth. When I know the will of God and that he has already done his part, I am the closest one to do something with what I know. When I in advent-expectations pray: “Your will be done!” it is very likely that solution is found in the

‘Manna’ for today:

Sometimes I have the key to the answer to a prayer in my own heart.

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(1) John 3:16b
(2) 1 Timothy 2:4

What am I waiting for?

The question is relevant at all times, and for my part, it always gets a special focus in the Advent-season. The word Advent is borrowed from Latin (1) and describes a time when something first comes or appears. It is a time when Christians focus on the coming of Christ. Traditionally, this will be linked to the celebration of his first coming in combination with the expectation of his second coming.

Of course this also my focus; however, I will in this blog and the following reflections in Advent share what I am waiting for and longing to see. The longing is expressed in the Lord’s prayer:

“Your kingdom come!”
Matthew 6:10

In a time when the ‘kingdoms’ of this earth again are experiencing the rise of nationalism resulting in enmity, martial laws, breeches of agreements and treaties; in a time when human rights are heavily under attack and the sanctity of life seems to be a forgotten concept; in a time when wars and embargos are causing small children starving to death; in such a time I am not only praying but also crying out: “Our Father, let your kingdom come!”

When the King of kings stood in front of Pilate, he came with this statement:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” John 18:36

You and I represent this kingdom. Our mission has all to do with this kingdom. And in reality it is already here:

“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Luke 17:20-21

So when I pray “Your kingdom come”, I also realize that the

‘manna’ for today is:

The kingdom of God is in our midst.

I am waiting and longing to see more of its effect.
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(1) Latin = Adventus

‘One’ God!

At the time of Jesus, confessing ‘one’ God was part of the upbringing for all Jews. There may be several reasons for Paul bringing this aspect into his teaching about unity in the Spirit (1), and I think the most important is that the consequence of this confession is that: There is only ‘one’ God that should be worshiped! Jesus reminded Satan about this when he was tempted by him in the wilderness (2). 

It is a great threat to unity when ‘worship’ goes astray and focuses on other sources. Even the worship activity can easily be a goal in itself and replace God. When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth and addressed how the church was divided, one of the issues was that they focused on the ’instruments’ the Lord had used to lead them to faith, rather than ‘worshiping’ the one and only God (3). If they had been united in the worship of 'one' God, they would have known that Apollos, Cephas and Paul were nothing but God’s instruments.

My great desire is to serve the Lord and be His instrument. From time to time I need confirmation that he uses me as his tool; however, it stops there, I do not want to stand in his way – actually it is one of the few things I really fear. Through the years, I have witnessed how some of his instruments have received more attention than the Lord.

Maybe it should be an eye-opener for us that stars within popular music are called ‘idols’ and are more or less worshiped by their ‘fans’? The ‘stars’ even take part in competitions to become the greatest ‘idol’ of the year. I cannot deny that I admire some of them including many of the great worship-leaders, because they are very good and sincere musicians. However, for me there is only one God worthy of my worship.

‘Manna’ for today: 

I will worship the Lord my God
And I will serve him only.

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(1) ….keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God – Ephesians 4:3-6
(2) For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ – Matthew 4:10
(3) 1 Cor 1:12-13

One Lord!

When you and I were called and responded with a ‘Yes!’ to the calling, we also said ‘Yes!’ to ‘one’ body, ‘one’ Spirit and ‘one’ hope. However, to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, also implies the acceptance of the fact there is only ‘one’ Lord. It was an imperative for Paul to remind his readers that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (1).

If we have surrendered to ‘one’ Lord, unity should be a logical consequence. Even though Paul does not explicitly writes this, I sense that it is ‘written’ between the lines. I have often used the following simple illustration:

If Jesus is in the center and I want to get as close as possible to the center, I will also come closer to all his followers who have the same desire. With this in mind, I wonder if lack of unity between Christians can be a sign that Jesus is not any longer the one and only Lord?

With ‘other’ lords, I do not limit 'lords' to e.g. Mammon (2) or a ‘lord’ that takes domination by causing an unhealthy addiction – the ‘lord’ can simply be myself because I can become the center of my own attention and will do it ‘my way’. My inclination is to take control over my own life. It may even sometimes prove to be safer and more predictable than leaving the control to the one and only Lord and let him lead me wherever it suits him best.

I believe Jesus is so focused on unity that he wants me to surrender what I regard as my indisputable right, so that the unity with other believers is not broken. It is not so hard when I remember all the experiences of the truth that “all things work together for good to those who love God” (3)

‘Manna’ for today:

If Jesus is not my 'one and only Lord', I will lose the momentum in my calling.

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(1) Phil 2:11
(2) “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24
(3) Rom 8:28

Learning how to walk

I love to move around on foot. Therefore, I cherish walking instead of driving a car. When I add some running, the benefit is that I keep fit. The principles are the same in God’s Kingdom.

The three first chapters in Paul’s letter to Ephesians are very much focused on my status or position in Christ. Paul wanted to make sure that his readers know their position. When I know where I “sit”, I am ready to raise and start walking:

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called…
Eph 4:1

The word Paul uses in Greek literally means ‘walking’. However, it is also possible to use ‘living’, which many translations of the Bible prefer in the verse above.

There are a lot of similarities between ‘living’ and ‘walking’. I live because I am alive. I don’t have to tell my heart to beat or my lungs to draw the breath – it is all part of being alive. Likewise, when I have learned to walk, I do not need to think about how I stand up and start to move my legs to get the correct movement to reach my destination. I only need to know where I am going, simply because the ‘art of walking’ is an integrated part of my life.

When Paul beseech me to walk and live worthy of the calling with which I was called, he continues to outline what he sees this to be. When you read it (1), you will discover that he makes a list of the attributes of Jesus. It is all about walking like Jesus in the world today. That is the normal Christian life (2). It is impossible without him, yet he will not do it without us. When we start walking in this way, it becomes an integral part of us – we do it without thinking about it, or even knowing about it (3). We will look at several of these attributes of walking in the weeks to come.

‘Manna’ for today:

Learning how to walk – like Christ

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(1) Eph 4:1-16

(2) “The Normal Christian Life” is another book of Watchman Nee – the author of “Sit, Walk, Stand”. Nee’s books have meant a lot for me on my personal spiritual journey. 

(3) “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? …” Matthew 25:37-40

Go for it!

NORSK
The charge ‘Go for it!’ can be heard in many contexts. You can hear it in a ‘timeout’ on a sports-arena when a couch is encouraging the team to do the little extra to win a match. It is used on boards when decisions are made, and a ‘Go!’ is always fitting for the body of Christ in general and for The Salvation Army in particular.

The Greek word Paul uses when he encourages us to ‘eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit’ (1) is the same word that gave name to the ‘fourth’ of the Jewish religious parties – the Zealots. One of the disciples of Jesus, Simon (not Peter), is believed to have come from this group (2), and some scholars even believe that Paul was associated with them (3). The Zealots were very passionate in what they believed and fought for. Paul encourages us to have the same kind of passion.

Last week a friend of mine responded on this way to what I had written:

I wish that many more would burn in the Spirit and search the gifts of the Spirit. As I see it, to be on fire is a choice every individual must make, the fire starts when one chooses to be a disciple and spend time in prayer.

I very much agree and responded in this way:

This is very important. The disciples received The holy spirit and the gifts because they were desperate in their searching and longing for the Spirit. I have to take the initiative so that The holy spirit can use his initiative in me ... This is because The holy spirit is God, and the attribute of God is love. God does never force himself on any human being.

Therefore, to “Go for it!” is actually to “go for Him”. That means to give more and more of myself to him, because Jesus has already given his all to me – including the Spirit. John the Baptist had seen this even before Jesus had sacrificed all, and expressed it like this:

He must increase and I must decrease.
John 3:30

So simple, and yet many times so hard.

‘Manna’ for today:

To go for Him means losing myself to be found in Him.

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(1) 1 Cor 14:1 – see also: Which are the ‘greater gifts’?
(2) Matt 10:4, Acts 1:13
(3) Firstly - when Paul refers to the group in his writings, he does it respectfully.

Secondly – he was militant in his persecution of the first followers of Jesus.

Talents as fuel for movement

In his beautiful song “All that I am”, Bill Himes prays: “Take every passion, every skill, take all my dreams and bend them to your will” (1). In this sentence he touches three of the four important factors influencing my movements as a disciple of Jesus: Passion, Skills (or Talents) and ‘Dreams and Will’ which are part of my personality.

It is interesting that Jesus did not seem to be very concerned about talents when he called his disciples. He seemed to be more focused on “availability” than anything else. Discipleship is primarily a call to follow after him. Availability was the ‘talent’ the first twelve disciples had in common; availability was the common factor for the workers in the parable of the vineyard (2).

But when availability is announced, like Himes does in his song: “My all I give, Lord, for you I’ll live, Lord, come what may” (1) – God wants us to use all our talents to spread His love.

My greatest desire is to see people saved through faith in Jesus Christ. This can happen in many denominations. However, one of my reasons choosing The Salvation Army is because it gives me an arena where I can use all my talents.

I have some small talents in many areas. I love to write, and I have been trusted with opportunities to do so. I love to play musical instruments, and in The Salvation Army I have had almost unlimited possibilities of using my limited skills. I love languages and I have been sent to places where I have been able to use languages I did not think would be within my reach to learn. I love to use tools, build and repair properties – and guess what… yes, of course it has been useful. I love to be with people and share thoughts and life with them…. The list is long. Fortunately in God’s kingdom one person does not need to do everything himself because he is part of a body of believers with extreme reserves of talents.

Do you think that the boy who placed his five loaves and two fishes in the hands of Jesus had foreseen what was going to happen? (3)  Neither should you judge the value of your talents before you place them in the same hand.

‘Manna’ for tody:

Do it – and be surprised by God!

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(1) Link to the English text HERE - Youtube
(2) Matthew 20:1-16
(3) John 6:1-13

A new move!

When we read the stories of the Old Testament, it is not difficult to see how God is moving in and through his chosen people, and how he also reveals to them what his plans are. The author of the letter to the Hebrews has captured this and described it in this way:

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Hebrews 1:1-2

The belief that Jesus Christ was present in God – the ‘first mover’ – when the world was created, was very important for the first followers of the Way, who later were called Christians. When God became flesh, his presence and identification with his creation became even more evident. God was not just a distant Creator, but lived as a human being among ordinary people, “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (1).

The prophets saw that this would happen, and Isaiah described it in this way:

For this is what the high and exalted One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Isaiah 57:15

Therefore, the birth of Jesus Christ is so vital for the Christian faith and for the momentum of God’s plan of salvation. In the incarnation the first mover is giving his creation a new move. Some of Jesus’ last words were: “Go therefore…” 

- If we do not grasp the mystery of the incarnation, but still want to do what he asks us to do, we are likely to try to move but with the parking-brakes on. More about incarnation in the reflection on the ‘third move’ next week.

‘Manna’ for today:

I move because He is with me always (2)

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(1) Hebrews 4:15b

(2) Matthew 28:20

Why did God choose The Salvation Army? # 2

NORSK
Today I share the second reason (1) why I think God chose to bless William and Catherine Booth and subsequently the movement that is a fruit of their ministry:

2) Because we focus on the fact that everyone is called!

The more I read the Bible, it becomes clear to me that no one is excluded from God’s calling:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12 

I am aware that Jesus said:

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
Matt 22:14

As a young believer I found it strange that Jesus did not say: For all are invited (called), however, Jesus said this in the context of the parable of the wedding banquet, and the servants were not able to reach all. The chosen where the people who accepted the invitation and ‘changed into wedding clothes’. 

Today’s servants are called to give the invitation to all. This is the very backbone of The Salvation Army’s belief expressed in the 6th doctrine: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.

God blesses and strengthens people with a gospel that embraces the whole world, because that is what he himself does (2)

‘Manna for today’:

God embraces the whole world

The next blog in this series will be published Saturday
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(1) The whole series:
# 1 God chose TSA because of people with a calling and a passion!
# 2 God chose TSA because we focus on the fact that everyone is called!
# 3 God chose TSA because everyone who receives the call has the same right to ministry
# 4 God chose TSA because we focus on the content of the baptism and the agape meal,

# 5 God chose TSA because we have a holistic view 

(2) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
The next blog will be published Saturday

Marathon and Momentum

NORSK
Today is the annual Oslo Marathon and if I were in Norway, I would have taken part - at least in the 10 km. It's been four years since I last ran and there are several reasons for me not taking part over the past years: 

In the autumn of 2014 we had just arrived Stavanger and all weekends were busy with meetings and events for the new DCs. By 2015, we had just arrived Moldova, and the same matters with a full program were again valid. Mind you, it would have been irresponsible to spend a lot of savings on traveling for at least 8 hours to Oslo just for the sake of running 21 km. 

In the autumn of 2016 I was happy for just being able to walk 5 km (1).

This morning I was up early and ran 10 km at the average speed of 5:28 per km. By comparison, I had 5:27 as average speed at the Oslo half marathon in 2013. For me it is a small miracle that today's 10 km held the same speed.

Today's run is not really an achievement in itself, I just ran and enjoyed it. But the way to get there has costed pain and discomfort, mixed with careful optimism when I noticed progress. I just needed to keep the momentum. 18 months ago, I sometimes doubted that I would be able to run again, and the doctors could not give me any promises. The reason why I chose to challenge the knee's protests, is the sense of physical, and even more important, of mental well-being that I get from running. I had to sacrifice something to achieve something good. 

Furthermore, the reason for me writing this blog is simply that this period of getting back in shape, contains a principle that is valid in most areas of life - even the spiritual area.

Salvation is free, but discipleship is costly, was one of Bonhoeffer’s statements. If I want to experience the good progress or the momentum, which actually is Latin for a move in the right direction, then I must be willing to pay the price. And that price is not a one-time-effort, but a conscious daily choice.

I revert to the example of running. Although I am a morning bird, I have never liked running in the morning. However, in this part of the world with temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees for more than four months in the summer, it is hazardous to run during the day and evening. Then, I can either choose to scrap running or run when I do not like running. Eventually it has become OK to run in the morning - at least when I think of the option of running in + 35.

I am going to focus on "Momentum" in the next months – that does not mean that I return to daily blogging, however, I will probably post some thoughts now and then. It was Jesus who started the motion when he commanded the disciples: "Go therefore!" Matthew 28:19 - and Paul urged his readers:

Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
Phil 3:16 (The Message)

When that happens, I believe for a revival in Eastern Europe and Half-marathon in Oslo in the autumn of 2018.
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(1) My knee was badly damaged in a terrorist-attack 12 Jan 2016

The end of the age – a time for everything *

NORSK
Yesterday I wrote about the ‘ends of the earth’ and when I today use the ‘end of the age’, it is because today it is about eschatology and not geography. The Great Commission, which is Matthew's version of Jesus' farewell-speech to the disciples, takes care of the time-perspective:

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matt 28:18b-20

Eschatology was very important for me when I was young. I still believe in the return of Jesus Christ and that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. I also believe it is important that we do not stop preaching what the Bible teaches about this. However, I am increasingly concerned that every moment is ‘the end of the world’ or the ‘end of the age’. In fact, it is also an explicit part of the Bible's teaching. John has many Jesus quotes that take care of this aspect. Here are a few examples:

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18

“Yet a time is coming and has now come…”
John 4:23a

That is why the end of the age perspective points to the place where I am right now. I always live in the end of the age of the world and there he is always with me. That is the place and time where our mission both has its beginning and eventually its end.

‘Manna’ for today:

NOW is important, because it is important NOW.

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(1) In Norway, we have a place called “the end of the world”, and we also have places called e.g. “kingdom of heaven” and “hell” – it is an interesting country…
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

Guaranteed space - a time for everything *

NORSK
If the catch of the 153 fishes is a prophetic event that includes all peoples, there is even more important lessons to learn in the practical teaching that takes place on the See of Galilee. An example is in the last part of the ‘statistical’ verse:

It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. John 21:11

Although the gospel of salvation embraces the whole world, it does not ‘tear’. In other words, the entrusted mission is a possible mission. If I return to the start of the journey ‘up to Jerusalem’, it was at the very start that Peter and the disciples got clarity on what the mission is all about (2). They should (after the resurrection) confess that Jesus is the Son of the living God, this confession is the "rock" on which the whole mission rests, and it is accompanied by a promise:

“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matt 16:18

A net that tears will be the same as being overcome by the gates of Hades. However, the gospel will withstand any pressure – both from the inside and the outside.

Since many of the disciples suffered martyrdom, I think this lesson was important for them to learn and remember. And guarantee of the gospel is valid also in our present troubled times 2000 years later. The gates of Hades do not have power; the net will never break.

Today's 'manna':

Salvation comes with guaranteed space

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(1) I am not 'sponsored', but I have chosen this Coach-company on several occasion because they guarantee space...
(2) Knowing what the mission is - a step on the journey
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.

Why choose Galilee? - a time for everything

NORSK
It is still Easter – at least in the orthodox part of the world. We are still in Jerusalem, and when I began the journey up to Jerusalem, I asked the question “What is the most special aspect of Jerusalem?”

Yesterday the angel asked the women to tell the disciples that Jesus

“…is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him…” Matthew 28:7

Why Galilee? Jesus had spent much time there, and I do not think it was accidental that he wanted to meet there again. When John the Baptist was imprisoned Matthew writes that Jesus “withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum” He also writes that this was a fulfillment of one of the prophecies of Isaiah (1) who called the area “Galilee of the Gentiles” (2). In other words, an area which was inhabited by people from several nations in addition to Jews.

There may be several reasons why Jesus would meet them there after the resurrection. He had once more a limited period of 40 days to "repair" any misunderstanding and to make them ready to receive the Holy Spirit. Because Galilee was a good distance away from the center of power, it was likely that they could work undisturbed there. The distance between Jerusalem and Capernaum is app 130 km.

Still, I like to think that it was even more important for Jesus to remind his disciples that the gospel applies to all nations. It is easier to do where 'Gentiles' live.

Therefore, even in the first message given after the resurrection, there is an element of guidance and teaching. They should be prepared for a new ‘module’ of teaching - it is a time for everything.

‘Manna’ for today:

A time to reaffirm the mission and the foundation of the mission

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(1) Isa 9:1-2
(2) Matt 4:12-15
(3) The area around the Sea of Galilee
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity'
 Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.