Where is he? - a time for everything *

NORSK
When Jesus had the last intensive period of teaching together with his disciples just before his death, he said:

“In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
John 16:16 

As usual, this statement made the disciples confused. They spoke among themselves, and as usual Jesus grasped the opportunity to explain once more what he had already told many times on their common journey up to Jerusalem.

Nevertheless, only after the resurrection, they started to understand what he really meant. How Jesus revealed himself became an important confirmation of the teaching he had given prior to the crucifixion, and as the wonderful pedagogue Jesus was (and is) (1), he used frequent repetition: He appeared and disappeared repeatedly during the 40 days leading up to the day he ascended to heaven.

I think he chose this strategy so that the disciples could understand that he is there all the time. When the Holy Spirit fell on the day of Pentecost, I believe they were finally convinced: Jesus is always with us.

‘Manna’ for today:

Jesus is always with me!

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(1) If you are interested to read more about Jesus as the 'pedagogue' - you can read a longer article HERE - unfortunately only available in google translate. 
* '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 ime between Easter and Pentecost

A happiness created for rest - a time for everything *

NORSK
Before I leave the story about how Thomas recognized Jesus as risen from the dead, I will make yet another reflection. Thomas saw Jesus, and I think that he also recognized that Jesus had seen him, when he proclaimed:

“My Lord and my God!”

Jesus' response contains important teaching:

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:28-29  

Many attempts have been made to give a good definition of what it means to be ‘blessed’. When I experience a calm and restful happiness, I will define myself as blessed. I know that kind of happiness every time I sense that the Kingdom of God works in accordance with how the Bible says it should work.

When this happens, Jesus, who is not physically visible, becomes real and ‘visible’ in the presence this unique blessing. I do not see, but I still see with the eyes of faith, which confirm that what I see, is Jesus in action in my time. It gives me a happiness created for rest.

Today's 'manna':

I recognize Jesus in a happiness created for rest

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* '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.

The usefulness of teaching

NORSK
Magna (1) can confirm, though with some frustration, that I am very concerned about the usefulness of everything I am doing.

This afternoon I will start the return-journey from a conference in Cape Town that has had the Salvation Army’s IT strategy on the agenda. I believe that IT is useful in the mission of our movement. If my input has contributed constructively, then it is useful that I have been a part of it. And - if the gospel can be communicated in a useful way, that is the way to go.

In teaching we use the words "learning outcomes" to as a parameter for the usefulness of the teaching. Very long ago, when I signed up for lessons at a driving school, a driving license was my desired learning outcome.

Paul wrote to Timothy about the usefulness of the fact the Scripture is God-breathed:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching
2 Tim 3:16-17­­

I strongly believe that the Spirit of God is ever present in the Bible. This implies that I also believe that people who read the Gospel can experience the Holy Spirit through the word in such a way that they can grasp it and be saved. I have read and heard many testimonies that confirm this. It has also been a consolation when I have had to enter the pulpit without a strong conviction of being God-breathed when I opened my mouth to preach.

Yet I am convinced that the optimum is when God's "breath" is present in both the word which is read and recognized when the same word is interpreted by whoever preaches. Then the synergy will not be limited to the usefulness of the learning outcomes of dissemination of knowledge, but include dissemination of vital life.

Teaching is important because 'the Holy Spirit will remind us of everything Jesus has said to us (2).

'Manna' for today:

It is about the Word and the Spirit!

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PS Tomorrow the blog may come later due to travels.
(1) = my faithful companion for 39 years
(2) John 14:26

Important support functions in training of strength

NORSK
Paul gave a very clear message to Timothy about which areas he should focus on while he was in charge of the church at Ephesus:

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
1 Tim 4:13 

It becomes clear that Timothy’s major function was to support those who had already come to faith in Jesus Christ, a function normally covered by the pastor. There is biblical support for saying that Timothy’s primary ministry gift, was to be an evangelist (1), and I believe that evangelist also was the role in which Paul flourished. Nevertheless, both he and Timothy were very busy consolidating the churches with all the painful consequences that had for them (2), and in this strengthening of the churches, these elements are important:

• the public reading of Scripture,
• preaching,
• teaching.

These are elements that also are important for my personal exercise to become stronger. The reading of Scripture and teaching are self-explicable. But I want to share some thoughts on “preaching”. The stem of the Greek word Paul used, is the stem of the name Jesus gave the Holy Spirit = Paraclete. The options for translation of this word, are multiple: Comforter, Advocate, Consoler, Encourager, Refresher, Intercessor, Helper and so on. 

The concept of the original word for preaching embraces all these qualities. That is why the pastor in all his functions is fully dependent upon the Spirit who gives life (3). The same dependence I have in my personal exercise.

‘Manna’ for today:

The Spirit gives life

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(1) 2 Tim 4:5 
(2) 2 Cor 11:28
(3) 2 Cor 3:6

He lived as he taught

NORSK
That was the reason why Paul had credibility as mentor. Timothy had witnessed how Paul lived his life. He had seen how Paul returned to his home-town, Lystra, a town where he had been stoned by the mob and dragged out of the city and left for dead (1).

A person who voluntarily returns to such a place, knows who he believes in, and also in the love that has overcome all evil. Therefor will all he said and wrote also be credible.

When he wrote:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim 4:7

Timothy knew from all his dealings with Paul that it was true. Therefore, he was also ready to accept his exhortations, because Paul had lived just as he taught Timothy to live:

pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Tim 6:11b-12

Many have given me advice down through the years, but those I “listen” to, are they who live as they teach.

‘Manna’ for today:

Credibility depends on the congruence between life and teaching

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(1) Acts 14:19-20

Identity-building

NORSK
In the Salvation Army, we have lately focused on defining our DNA. I have lectured on the subject in many seminars over the last six-seven years. To reach out with our mission, we need to know who we are. It is about identity-building. 

The most important part of a Salvationist’s DNA, is the identity of being a disciple of Jesus. The Salvation Army part is mainly about the identification with our mission. I find it very interesting that Paul defines the third role he holds as a steward of the gospel, as the role of the “Teacher” (1).

THE MENTOR WAS A TEACHER OF THE GOSPEL
The Teacher-approach is about identity-building. Luke reveals how important this is when he summarises what united the first Christians and built their identity:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42

Yesterday I wrote that the role of the apostle gave authority to the role of the teacher. That is because one, whose aim is to build identity, must know whom he represents and know him. Further he must know that he is sent out. When the idea of representation (commissioning) and sending has become part of the “spine”, the true identity is in place, and the teaching he presents becomes trustworthy because it is seen as a part of the mentor’s life. Therefore, he also becomes an identity-builder.

‘Manna’ for today:

To build identity in others, I need to have it myself!

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(1) And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.
2 Tim 1:11