Great is Thy Faithfulness

Translation is important. Almost a year ago, I got my own copy of the version of the Bible known as The Message, and it is still a great pleasure to explore it and see new perspectives on the Word of God.

The thing that stands out the most is how positive it is. Yes, I believe that on some level, God’s love is present in every verse of the Bible. But this version still seems deliberately happy in a refreshing and inspiring way.

Who would have thought that a text from Lamentations—arguably the most depressing book in the Bible—should be the text that has spoken most clearly to me in a long time? It is a challenge to put all your trust in the Lord; to have patience in His timing and faith in His faithfulness.

 

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It’s a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It’s a good thing when you’re young
to stick it out through the hard times.

When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.
Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face.
The “worst” is never the worst.

Why? Because the Master won’t ever
walk out and fail to return.

(Lamentations 3:25-31, Message)

 

In Memoriam

Five years ago, the world was changed forever. Yet today is not a day for political discussions. September 11 is a day for remembering those who were lost and praying for those who are still living.

I can probably not say anything about the event that has not already been said. But I can remember my own experience of it.

I was on the bus, on my way home from the Uni in the early afternoon, when my brother called my cell phone to tell me what had happened. As soon as I got home, I turned on CNN and saw the second tower collapse. When my roommate at the time came in, she saw me in front of the TV and asked what I was watching that made me so upset. There was nothing much to say, except let her watch and slowly try to grasp what had happened. The next day, life went on as usual, but in a very subdued way. My lecturer acknowledged that most of us probably hadn’t prepared for class but sat in front of the TV instead. But he carried on, and so did life. The day became history.

September 11 is this generation’s JFK assassination or Pearl Harbor. I’m sure many people will forever remember that day, and where they were when they heard the news. Where were you? I’d like to hear your story.

Proselytizing?

Last week I went to a Christian meeting in a fairly new-started church, having really no idea to expect. As far I could gather, they are young(ish) and Congregationalist, with a not-too-subtle charismatic edge. Aside from the fact that the meeting was way too long (3h), two somewhat contradictory experiences and feelings stand out.

The one was near the end, when the worship went into ‘charis-mode’. Probably fairly moderate actually, but when people fall over and start to babble loudly, I instantly distance myself. When people fall over, you ask if they’re ok, and fetch them a glass of water But no, these outbursts are actively encouraged. Sorry, guys, I just can’t take It seriously.

The other, very pleasant experience was bumping into someone I knew from elsewhere and had no idea was a Christian. Witnessing her praise the Lord Jesus as her Savior made me happy, because I know now that she is saved by His grace. The more, the merrier.

But the contradiction has been nagging me ever since. I’m happy about my acquaintance having found Jesus, but also a little disappointed that she found Him in a place with certain teachings that I cannot subscribe to.

Should this worry me? Should it even concern me? I don’t think there’s any one church or denomination that has the whole truth. So can judging the teachings of others be anything but hypocritical? I don’t have the answer for this.