From your editor... Editor, Closer to God

Transcription

1 From your editor... I ve just been on an Alpha course with a friend, and once again I ve been struck by the outrageousness of some of the central beliefs of Christianity. There s a God who s always had a relationship with the world he made. To begin with he mostly deals with one particular nation, Israel, who had laws that showed them how to live as his people (more on this in Simon Reed s Deuteronomy series). Things go from bad to worse as Israel rebels (Jonathan Bell on 1 Kings and Beth Stovell on Ezekiel cover some pretty shabby patches in the God/people story). And so, we believe, God became man in the person of Jesus, to die for our failures and mend things for good. This all sounds a little crazy if you think about it from the perspective of a cynical punter doing Alpha for the first time. But over these next three months we ll be dipping in and out of Luke s orderly account of Jesus life. We ll see Jesus impact on others, his actions and priorities, his understanding of himself. And, as I have been through my Alpha experience, perhaps we ll be reconvinced, falling once more for this man who is, as Phil Andrews puts it, God loosed from religious systems to walk in our streets speak forgiveness to us heal us Editor, Closer to God 1

2 Writers Luke Smith Luke lives in York and is married to Hannah. They serve at G2, a satellite church of St Michael Le Belfry. Luke works for Fusion, helping churches connect to students. Phil Andrews Phil is an independent writer, exploring the gospel through comedy, poetry and graphic novels. He is married to Nicola. Jonathan Bell Jonathan leads churchcentral in Birmingham, which is part of the Newfrontiers family of churches. He is married to Helen and they have two very energetic boys. Tricia Williams Tricia is a writer and editor with a passion for helping people engage with God s Word. She has a masters degree in Contextual Theology, preaches regularly at her local church and leads a home group with her husband Emlyn. Simon Reed Simon is Vicar of two Anglican churches in West London. He is married to Alison and they have a teenage son, Matt. Their seriously handicapped daughter lived to the age of 5. Anna Robbins Anna serves on the faculty of Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada as Director of the Doctor of Ministry programme. She likes people, cafes and open spaces. Tricia Marnham A former solicitor, Tricia works alongside her husband, Charles, at St Michael s, Chester Square, London. She is passionate about teaching the dynamic relevance of the Bible and speaks widely at conferences and retreats. Beth Stovell Beth is a professor of Old Testament at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is the author of Mapping Metaphorical Discourse in the Fourth Gospel. Lizzie Telfer Lizzie is a freelance writer and publishing support assistant at SU. She lives in Aylesbury with her husband Pete. Penelope Swithinbank Penelope runs The Vine, a retreat house on the edge of the Cotswolds, and she and her husband, both Anglican clergy, lead retreats and pilgrimages in the UK and abroad. 2

3 Contents 1 From your editor 2 About your writers 4 Unlocking the Bible How to use Closer to God 5 Real purpose (continued) Luke Smith on Ecclesiastes When love comes to town Phil Andrews on Luke In search of a true king Jonathan Bell on 1 Kings Living for God Tricia Williams on 1 Peter 68 A law based on love Simon Reed on Deuteronomy Life on The Way Anna Robbins on Acts Radical living Tricia Marnham on Luke The power of God s presence Beth Stovell on Ezekiel Impassioned for us Lizzie Telfer on Luke Feature 56 The spiritual benefits of retreats Penelope Swithinbank 3

4 Unlocking the power of the Bible The Bible is alive. Its covers contain the most powerful force in the universe: the Word of God. That s why when we read it the words can leap off the page and speak to us personally. These words have the ability to bring about change. The Bible is the handbook for life. Although it doesn t have a precise answer for every question, through reading it we come to know God s perspective and are able to make choices which will bring about good for ourselves and for our world. Reading your Bible with Closer to God, you re part of a worldwide family of people who read the Bible God s message to the world. To get the most out of the Bible you need to do two things: read it expectantly; read it regularly. Closer to God is designed to help you do this. The notes that accompany each reading aim to provide a pattern for meeting with God in his Word. As you listen to God each day, you ll get to know him better and learn to respond to him in love and obedience. Take time to be quiet and ask God to speak to you. There is a Bible verse from the day s reading at the beginning of each day s note. Read it (why not memorise it?), allow God to centre your thoughts on him and what he wants to say to you. Read the Bible. Sometimes there is a paragraph to introduce the Bible passage; sometimes we go straight to the Bible reading. Into the Bible What s the main point of this passage? What is God showing me about himself or about my life? Is there a promise or a command, a warning to take notice of, or example to follow? Let the suggestions or questions take you deeper into the Bible passage. Listen out for what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. Respond to what God has shown you in the Bible passage in worship and prayer for yourself and others. You might like to jot down some of your thoughts and prayers in one of the journal spaces. Decide how to share your discoveries with others in word and action. 4

5 DECEMBER 29 JANUARY 11 Introduction Real purpose Writer: Luke Smith Ecclesiastes is part of the group of books in the Bible known as Wisdom literature. It is a collection of royal teachings in the tradition of Solomon, most likely collected together by editors. It looks both at foolish and wise ways of living life, at what is valuable and what is meaningless. God made humans in his own image. God works so we work. God is the creator so we are creative. But while we are like God in some ways, we must remember we are not God. Lord, help me use the wisdom in Ecclesiastes to reflect on my life. This week s Bible: Ecclesiastes 1 4; Psalm 144 Read every day or some days. Here are the readings for this week: 1 Ecclesiastes 1: Ecclesiastes 1: Ecclesiastes 2: Ecclesiastes 2: Ecclesiastes 3:1 15 Weekend Ecclesiastes 3:16 4:12 Psalm 144 Find more at: 5

6 DAY 4 DECEMBER 29 JANUARY 4 Legacy I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil Ecclesiastes 2:18,19 Solomon is lamenting that even his great life is unsatisfactory because everything he accomplished could be wasted once he is dead. Everything he worked so hard for could be squandered by the one who inherits it. Read: Ecclesiastes 2:17 26 > What Solomon did not know was that his son Rehoboam would do the very thing he feared (1 Kings 11:41 12:24). What he did know was that he had no control over his legacy. Legacy building, it turns out, is also meaningless. > As we go through life we begin to assess the impact we have had. How we have used our time on the earth? Will history look kindly on the decisions we have made? Will we be remembered, and, if so, for what? > We could be obsessed about our legacy, or we could focus on living well in the present moment enjoying the wisdom, knowledge and happiness that are gifts from God (vs 24 26). God, I m grateful for what I have. You have been generous to me. Help me to use it for your glory. Genesis 1,2; Matthew 1 6

7 DECEMBER 29 JANUARY 4 The tension DAY 5 [God] has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1 15 In the first two chapters of Ecclesiastes, the Teacher has argued life is monotonous, meaningless and entirely pointless a chasing after the wind, a never-climaxing cycle. But here in chapter 3 there is a challenge to that outlook. > What picture of life is painted in verses 2 to 8? How does this picture contrast with the picture of the opening chapters of Ecclesiastes? > All these times, both good and bad, are made beautiful by God (v 11). How have you seen this to be true in your life? > Time is a great mystery. We are stuck within its structure, and yet we have eternity in our hearts (see v 11). We know, deep down, that while death comes to us all, that is not the end of the story. > What we do may disintegrate as the seasons come and go, returning to the dust they were formed from; what God does, and what he does in and through us, is permanent (v 14). Investing in the kingdom of heaven is the wisest move we will ever make. God, thank you for letting me glimpse your eternal goodness and kingdom. Help me to trust you today. Genesis 3,4; Matthew 2 7

8 WEEKEND DECEMBER 29 JANUARY 4 The lottery There is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. Ecclesiastes 3:22 Read: Ecclesiastes 3:16 4:12 The Teacher looks at the world around him and sees three terrible realities: oppression and exploitation, pain and sorrow, and total disregard from those who could have helped (4:1). We could just as well look around us and conclude that we d be better off if we d never been born, but there are reasons not to despair: > We can count on ultimate justice and mercy because God is the judge of the world (3:17). > There is satisfaction and fulfilment to be found in our work (3:22) so long as we are able to be content with what we gain from it (4:8). > Since God first made Eve for Adam, he has acknowledged our need for human companionship and provided for it. Who do you have in your life who works alongside you and shares your load (4:9), helps you up when you fall (4:10), who stands beside you and helps protect you from harm (4:12)? Write down the names that come to mind and thank God for these people. God, thank you that however bleak the world around us looks, you have given us reason for hope and cause to be joyful. Genesis 5,6; Matthew 3 8

9 DECEMBER 29 JANUARY 4 Safe zone WEEKEND He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge. Psalm 144:2 Read: Psalm 144 > David, who probably wrote this psalm, had a similar sense of the brevity and insignificance of human life as the Teacher in Ecclesiastes (v4). Yet instead of being led to conclude his life is meaningless, David is drawn to worship a God who finds us significant enough to notice, protect, and provide for. > Imagine yourself nestling deep down in the security of the strong, loving arms of your Father God. He approves of you. He loves you. He delights in your funny little ways. Father God, thank you that you love me and that I can safely rest in your protection. This week s Bible: Ecclesiastes 4 12; Psalm 145 Read every day or some days. Here are the readings for this week: 1 Ecclesiastes 4:13 5:7 2 Ecclesiastes 5:8 6:12 3 Ecclesiastes 9: Ecclesiastes 9:13 10:9 5 Ecclesiastes 11 Weekend Ecclesiastes 12 Psalm 145 Genesis 7,8; Psalms 1,2 9

10 DAY 1 JANUARY 5 11 Listen up, fool! Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Read: Ecclesiastes 4:13 5:7 Words are powerful and yet how often do we speak without thinking? As technology has developed, the potential harm from words has increased. Have you ever sent off an impulsive and regretted it? Or hit send on a text and realised it has gone to the wrong person? Using words carelessly with each other is bad enough, but when it comes to God, we really need to be wise. > Today s passage reminds us that our first step in worshipping God is not to speak, but to listen. God invites us all to go near to listen (5:1). > Throughout the Bible vows are taken very seriously. When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfil it (5:4). Have you made any promises to God? Ask him to help you keep them. > Take time today to listen to God. Perhaps you would find it helpful to go for a walk or find a quiet place to sit. Be still and wait. God, help me to be a listener. I am keen to hear your words rather than my own. I am listening. Genesis 9 11; Matthew 4 10

11 JANUARY 5 11 The gambler DAY 2 When God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil this is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 Read: Ecclesiastes 5:8 6:12 I have a friend who is descended from Henry VIII. Her husband told me this with great amusement and then grumbled that they would have been very rich were it not for her great-great-great-grandfather who had lost the entire family fortune in one game of cards! The Teacher refers to this kind of misfortune in 5:14. I can t imagine how it must have felt to have lost such a huge amount. However, for him to have been gambling with his fortune in the first place suggests he was greedy for more. He loved his money, and so he needed more of it (5:10). > The Teacher points to the wholesome simplicity of being able to eat, drink and enjoy your work as the secret to being fulfilled (5:18). Do you agree? Why, or why not? > In my experience, contentment begins and grows with a choice. Do I choose to be grateful for my food and drink? Do I choose to find enjoyment in my work? Will you? God, thank you for the blessings you have given me. Help me to enjoy my lot in life. Genesis 12,13; Matthew 5 11

12 DAY 3 JANUARY 5 11 Near-death experience The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong but time and chance happen to them all Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come. Ecclesiastes 9:11,12 Few of us have any idea when we will die. Last year I became very aware of that truth as I had cancer. Although the prognosis was uncertain I asked myself this question, If I knew I was definitely going to die within the next year, what would I do differently? How would it alter your present if you knew your future on earth was soon to end? Personally, I decided that I would live today with more grace, forgiveness, love and generosity. Read: Ecclesiastes 9:1 12 > The Teacher seems to have very little concept of the eternity that those of us privileged to know Jesus put our hope in (look again at vs 4,5, also v 10). How might our understanding of the ongoing kingdom of heaven cause us to think differently from the Teacher about what life under the sun is all about? > In verse 10 the Teacher urges us to use our lives wisely and with much gusto! We don t have long on this earth but can do a lot. Jesus, help me to live a full life. I want to use my days well. They are a gift from you. Genesis 14,15; Psalms 3,4 12

13 JANUARY 5 11 Who are you listening to? DAY 4 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Ecclesiastes 9:17 Read: Ecclesiastes 9:13 10:9 > There are a great many voices speaking at any one time and we have to choose who and what to listen to. Wise words won t always be trumpeted we might have to pay careful attention to hear them (9:17). > This passage talks a lot about fools and how dangerous they can be: they destroy good (9:18), they pollute wisdom (10:1), they instinctively head in the wrong directions (10:3), they endanger themselves through their stupidity (10:8,9) and when in power, as they frequently are, the potential for disaster is huge (10:6). > It also talks about how wisdom can diffuse conflict. Are you facing any potentially explosive situations at the moment? How might calmness lay great offences to rest (see 10:4)? What does wisdom look like in this context? Use the journal space to write any thoughts that come to you: Holy Spirit, give me wisdom. Help me to recognise folly when I see it, and to avoid it. Genesis 16,17; Matthew 6 13

14 DAY 5 JANUARY 5 11 Gardener s question time Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. Ecclesiastes 11:6 Read: Ecclesiastes 11 As much as we may imagine otherwise, in many ways we have as little control over our lives as we do over natural phenomena such as rainfall, wind speed or the direction trees face when they fall. This lack of control might lead us to be fatalistic and passive, but this is not what the Teacher suggests. He urges us to seize opportunities, enjoy ourselves, and trust God with what we cannot understand. > Why does the Teacher say to invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight? (v 2). What is he getting at? > Psalm 37:4 says Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. How does this add to what the Teacher says in Ecclesiastes 11:9? > Banish anxiety from your heart (v 10): Jesus tells us not to worry not because youth and vigour are meaningless, but because we have a heavenly Father who cares about us (Matthew 6:30,31). Ask God to help you cast off the troubles of your body (v 10) and trust him. Genesis 18,19; Matthew 7 14

15 Going deeper The book of Ecclesiastes is a much needed tonic for our society. Our cultural climate is saturated in self-belief and the idea that anything is achievable. It is very normal for a young adult to consider that because they are so special they could become anyone they want to be and do anything they want to do. This, however, is not reality. Ecclesiastes reminds us that in order to find fulfilment, we don t need to be a success and that our destiny doesn t necessarily involve stardom! Instead we are encouraged to find joy in working hard. It is good, Ecclesiastes teaches, to labour hard and rest well. Even more than this, Ecclesiastes challenges our dependence on purpose. The bombshell is this some things just are as they are. The tough parts of life aren t the down moments that make the fairy-tale ending possible they are just down moments! Allow the truths scribed in Ecclesiastes to wash over you and affect you. I pray that it helps you to surrender your goals, hopes and ambitions to God, that it releases you from the pressure of performance and into the freedom of living in God s glorious story. Going deeper 15