Four Critical Moods in Preaching

TITLE: THE FOUR CRITICAL MOODS IN PREACHING
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 17 May 2011

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Tim 4:2)

MAIN POINT: This week's article is a note to preachers, in particular myself, that preaching requires four critical moods.

I love to preach. Having gone through theological training, and being schooled by some of the best preachers in the world, I still feel frequently inadequate. The irony is that when I feel confident, and when I think I have preached well, there seem to be very little effect on the people. On the other hand, when I feel weak, and inadequate after my preaching, strangely, lives are touched. Preaching can be a humbling experience. I have a world-class professor as my mentor. He has been voted one of the top 12 best preachers in North America. Sitting through his class is an experience in itself. With great training comes a heavy responsibility.

I write the following to remind myself about the FOUR critical moods needed before, during, and after preaching. If you are a preacher, or one who may be called upon from time to time to preach the gospel, feel free to listen in. You may want to share this with your pastor, leader or anyone who from time to time, are called to preach.

Leaving Without a Goodbye

TITLE: Leaving Without a Goodbye
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 9 May 2011

"And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." (Gen. 5:24)

MAIN POINT: Life hurts. Sometimes the cruellest hit to take is an unexpected death, especially when one leaves without saying a proper ‘goodbye.’ I recommend three thoughts about coping with sudden departure of loved ones.

Life hurts.

On May 4th, 2011, a friend of mine went out for an evening run. It was nothing unusual. He had been doing it for many years. A marathon runner, an avid sportsman, he would achieve distances that his peers can only dream about. He ran out but never came back. It was reported that he collapsed in the middle of the run due to chest complications. In one evening, two grown children lost a father. A devoted wife became a widow. I lost a dear brother in Christ.

My children were stunned when I told them the news. My wife was shocked. I remained in a state of anguish that translated into an absence of blog updates. As I collect past photos and videos of my brother in Christ, I cry inside. I grieve within. I question above.

A) Leaving Without a Goodbye

Shock. Incomprehension. Dumbfounded. These are immediate emotions to news of a person who leaves this earth without a decent goodbye. Like a family that perishes after a horrible highway crash. Like a teenager who drowns during an excursion. A Church elder I know is still crushed by the memories of a boy who died at a school outing many years ago, when he was a teacher in charge. The recent tsunami in Japan leaves many people no chance of saying goodbye to their loved ones. Michiko Segawa of Chiba a survivor from the tsunami disaster shares her grief:

“I can’t explain how I feel for the victims and their family. Did they have a happy life? How cruel to lose something so precious to a tsunami. They could not even say goodbye to those they loved. I only hope at least all the bodies can go back to their waiting families.” (Quakebook Community, 246 Aftershocks, Quakebook.org, 2011, p38)

When one leaves without a goodbye, imaginations run wild. How did the person die? What was he thinking just before dying? What last wishes did he have for his loved ones? Is there a last goodbye he had wanted the family to know about? What will happen to the family he/she leaves behind? What about the many projects and things undone?

Such questions may never be answered. It only ushers in a painful flood of emotions beyond our own understanding. Emotions flip flop in all directions.

• I think I know why. No I don’t know why.
• I think I understand his intentions. Maybe, I don’t really know.
• Perhaps, he had wanted to leave this earth sooner than later. Maybe he does not.
• Is she happy just before she died? Or are there some unresolved issue that saddens her?

Stubborn questions can only face up to mere speculations. As I read Genesis 5:24 about Enoch, I wonder: “What was Enoch doing just before God took him?”

B) Enoch Walked With God

Enoch is an interesting biblical character who has a very brief mention in the Bible. He is the son of Jared, and the seventh descendent from Adam. The name of Enoch means ‘consecrated’ or ‘dedicated.’ He lived 365 years, which is by modern standards practically impossible. Perhaps, the environmental conditions during that time allows for a longer life. Without the threat of radiation in the atmosphere, global warming or polluted natural resources, life is certainly cleaner then. The most significant part in Gen 5:24 is the phrase “Enoch walked with God.” This is significant for at least 3 reasons. Firstly, his name (consecration) reflects a life totally dedicated and reserved for God. Secondly, like Noah later on, he walked with God. Later we will read about Abram who walked before God in Gen 17:1. At 99, Abram heard the LORD saying to him:

“I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.” (Gen 17:1)

Interestingly, for Enoch, no such conversation is recorded. It simply mentions ‘Enoch walked with God.”

Some scholars prefer to see Enoch as someone who has not actually seen death. God just took him. They quote Hebrews 11:5 which says:

“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found because God had taken him away.” (Hebrews 11:5)

By faith, Enoch walked with God. By faith, God took him away. By faith, he did not actually see death.

Thirdly, when one walks with God, one fears neither life nor death. I am encouraged as I reflect on the life of Enoch. In faith, Enoch has eyes only for God. In faith, he walked with God, indicating that it is a life where all of his plans, his actions, his words, his deeds are done with glorifying God first. I am encouraged because as far as God’s children is concerned, God will take them away in the most comforting manner. I am encouraged because when one walked with God, there is no need to fear. There is no need to worry about the uncertainties ahead. God walks besides Enoch. God talks to Enoch. God takes care of Enoch. Enoch was no more because he has gone to a better place.

C) Preparation For End-of-Life

I first learned about end-of-life (EOL) when I was working in the manufacturing industry. Months before a product reaches its end-of-life, engineers would have several new alternatives to take its place. One of the end-of-life responsibilities for support staff will be to advise customers about continuing support as well as upgrade options. Both manufacturer and clients will then be in constant talks about possible options to tackle the product’s end-of-life.

One of my personal beliefs is that no one is indispensable anywhere. A replacement is always available. Thus, there is no need to try to puff up one’s importance. Instead, it is always a responsible move to train the next generation of leaders, to plan ahead, to discuss options, to prepare for end-of-life scenarios. If we in the workforce are intelligent enough to make strategic plans about a product’s end-of-life activities, how much more our own human end-of-life?

I have three thoughts to share. If it is helpful, use them. Otherwise, just consider them.

D) Coping with Sudden Deaths

First, take a photo from the past and give thanks. A good way is to collect a pool of photographs through the years, piece them together to tell a story of the deceased life. With each photo, arrange them together with a thankful heart. Some experiences are heartwarming. Others not so. Yet, all of them are part and parcel of the life of the cherished one. Just honour the story.

Second, capture a memory from the past, and see if there is something it can be used to honour the deceased. Remember what the person stands for. It can be faith. It can be a work of art, or a project. It could even be a surprise for another person. Maybe, look forward to fulfilling that wish of the deceased. It could be elaborate. It could be simple. Most importantly, offer it as a loving parting gift, to honour the life of the deceased. I like to add a small caution. Always maintain a balanced approach. Some memories are good while others are not so good. Do not pack all the good together until the memory of the deceased are polished to perfection. Neither should we go to other extreme of loading ourselves with bad memories that depresses us. You can choose to fulfill the dream of the deceased, or to live your life to honour him/her by fulfilling your own dreams in his/her honour.

Thirdly, at some point, think about our own end-of-life preparations. What are we doing ourselves to prepare for our own death? Are we prioritizing our most important things in life? Are we responsible only for current matters? What about the future? Have we done more than just talk when it comes to reconciliation and healing of relationships? What about our own deepest desires and plans of our heart? Are we doing something about them, or are we procrastinating?

Let me end with this story. It is about balancing our need to grieve together with our desire to celebrate the life of someone who left without a proper goodbye.

“One man, in speaking at his father’s memorial service, began his comments with a remark about how his father had been an intensely stubborn and frugal man. ‘You could say that my father was cheap and uncompromising,’ he said. Looking out on those assembled for the funeral, he could see a few faces tighten, and a few people shifted uncomfortably in their chairs. Then he said, “And I’m just like him, thank God!’ The audience cracked up.” (Barbara Okun & Joseph Nowinski, Saying Goodbye, Harvard: Berkley Books, 2011, 278)

Yes. Life hurts. Life is also full of the overcoming of hurts. Live a balanced life of grieving as well as celebration. Do not let one overwhelm the other. For some of us who are grieving loved ones who have died without leaving a proper goodbye, it can hurt real bad. Let us look to Christ for help to enable us to balance grieving with celebration; thankfulness with every memory; and a continued faith, just like our dear brother or sister who have died. For men and women of faith, people who have passed away, we can honour them well through our faithfulness to God, and a perseverance of faith in God.

Personally, I do not think that it makes any big difference whether one is an Enoch or not. What is most important is that when we can, like Enoch, walk with God. If we are able, like Paul, run for God. If we are able, always be prepared. Be prepared to say goodbye. Be prepared to meet God. Be prepared to continue running the race of faith. Until God calls us home.

For my brother Paul, I like to say that in my years of fellowship with him, I can firmly say that Paul did not just walked with God, he ran for God. The best compliment and honour that I can do for him, is to walk and run for God, like him. What earth has lost, heaven has gained. Hallelujah!

Thought: “Pain is never permanent.” (Teresa of Avila, 16th Century Spanish Saint)

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Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries.

Christianity: Arrogant and Exclusive?

TITLE: Christianity: Arrogant and Exclusive?
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 2 May 2011

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

MAIN POINT: Tackling the issue of exclusivity claimed by the Christian faith. Truth by nature is exclusive.

Credit: David Gunter

Many years ago, as a young Christian, I will engage in a vigorous debate with my well-educated uncle. A firm atheist, he is much against anyone who ventures beyond a private-only faith, to start sharing about their beliefs to others. In his view, a religion is for personal consumption. Anything other than a personal religion is considered a ‘crusade,’ a fanatical movement that attempts to shove the faith down another person’s spiritual throat. For my uncle, there is no need to be so serious about any religion. After all, he says defiantly:

• That all religions are the same.
• That all religions teach people to do good deeds.
• That Christianity is wrong to claim sole right to eternity in heaven.
• That it is preposterous for Christians to insist that Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven?

We debate through the night. We argue the pros and cons of religion. Like a chess game, we start well with our pieces on the board, exchange pieces throughout the game, and conclude at a stalemate. My uncle was at that time, an atheist. I think he died a free thinker, still refusing to believe in anything religious.

The Second Question

TITLE: THE SECOND QUESTION
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 27 April 2011

TEXT: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)

MAIN POINT: Are we ‘doing’ Church or ‘being’ Church? If anyone asks you the first question, see it as an opportunity to VOLUNTEER the second question. Are we stuck in doing church? (1st question). Or are we being Church? (2nd question)

What comes to mind when you think of Church? For some of us, it is basically going to Church for Sunday services. Be on time. Be on our best attire. Be present with others in worship. For many, it is also a time of spiritual nourishment, through the sermons and the overall worship experience. In any church, there are ordinary church-goers, sprinkled with a small group of gutsy church-servers. Based on the ‘pareto principle,’ a large group is served by a small group. A typical 'pareto principle' for Church is 80-20. It basically means 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people at any one time. In some cases, I hear that it can be lower than the 95-5 percentile.

Credit: Xarisbob

Over time, if there are no changes, we see a deterioration of this figure. The committed becomes overcommitted. The overcommitted gets burned out. The cost of ‘doing’ church results in the sacrifice of ‘being church.’

Efforts to address the lack of servers in Church are met with standard replies like "I'm busy," or "I don't have the time," or "I am not gifted," or "Thanks, but no thanks!"

Having served in various leadership positions in churches, I am used to people replying in the negative when it comes to serving in church. It can be discouraging. What makes it even more disconcerting is that many churches seem to be fighting a losing battle as far as the 'pareto principle' is concerned. You can say that the Church is God's House, but chances are people are more likely to tend to their own houses first. They quote 1 Tim 3:5 about the need to manage their own households first, as a convenient escape clause from Christian service.

In some cases, some church-goers even think that all the work should be done by all the paid staff in church! Why are there so few volunteers in church ministries? In this article, I shall try to list three common reasons, followed by a proposed paradigm shift for all members.

Be Thankful

TITLE: BE THANKFUL
WRITTEN BY: Conrade Yap
DATE: 19 APRIL 2011

“The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials,” (Nehemiah 12:40)

MAIN POINT: Thanksgiving is more than a ‘Thank-You.’ Three lessons to learn from the meaning of 'Todah.'

A story is told about Michael the Archangel giving 2 angels the responsibility to travel around the world to collect requests from people. The first angel carries a basket labeled: “Prayer Requests.” The second angels carries a similar basket, but is labeled: “Thanksgiving.” Within minutes, the first angel returns with a basketful of prayer requests. The first angel decides to wait at heaven’s gate for the second angel. Minutes creep to hours. Hours become days. After more than a week, the second angel returns with only a few scraps of paper. Unlike the first angel where prayer requests come fast and furious from a world every hungry to have their needs met, thanksgiving seems to be hard to find. The second angel has to rummage through the far corners of the earth just to get the few miserable pieces of thankfulness.

The question is why are people so generous in dishing out prayer requests, but are such misers when it comes to thanksgiving?

Crazy Little Thing Called 'Viral'

TITLE: Crazy Little Thing Called ‘Viral’ – killing the 'ordinary' softly
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 12 April 2011

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Eccl 3:11)

MAIN POINT: Viral marketing is the in-thing now. When something goes 'viral' on the Internet, it is a ticket to stardom. However, such phenomenon can unwittingly corrupt the value of the ordinary in at least two ways.

It used to be that one can only go to Hollywood if one has the right connections, the right talent, the right resources, and the right opportunity.

Not anymore.

It used to be that one can become famous only if there is enough publicity, enough media coverage, and endorsements by big names and popular stars.

Not anymore.

All it takes is the phrase: "Your video has gone viral!" and fame (or parodies) comes looking for you.

Social media networks are fast dumping the old paradigms. ‘Viral’ is a new term used by a new generation. Academics research it. Marketers look for it. Youngsters love it. Long–established stars hate it. Not too long ago, the word ‘viral’ was largely restricted to a medical condition, or close to being ‘virulent.’ Even then, it was not commonly used. With new avenues like Youtube, the word 'viral' has gone virulent.

Be Cheerful in Giving

TITLE: Be Cheerful in Giving
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 4 April 2011

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)

MAIN POINT: Giving is not about what we do with our wallets. It's about how we respond to God in our hearts.

On Sunday, I watch how contestants in the hit reality show, Apprentice, praise one another in good times, and bicker among themselves in bad times. Strangely, the more controversial and breakdowns among the team members, the higher the viewership. Bad news sells volumes. Controversies help ratings. By making them more ‘realistic,’ real people are placed in ‘real situations’ in order to simulate a real environment. The dreaded words of each show are:

• "You're fired!" (in the Apprentice)
• "I'm sorry that you've been eliminated from the race." (from the Amazing Race)
• "You have been eliminated." (from shows like Survivor, American Idol) 

Be Satisfied

TITLE: Be Satisfied
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 29 March 2011

“The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they cry. “There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’ (Proverbs 30:15-16)

MAIN POINT: Discontent has many faces. It grows from an evil root of wanting what we do not have. Satisfaction is knowing you have all you need. The journey to contentment begins with a single word: "Enough."

Once I went on a hike with friends through a tropical jungle. Though we stayed on the hiker’s path for the most part, there are moments when we would take a break by the stream, a small waterfall, or a nice restful spot. Often, the biggest fun in any hike are the breaks we take. As we rested, as we open up our packed lunches or bottled drinks, we would share about our lives. Then we would continue our journey, walking through miles of jungle terrain, wading over streams of water, and occasionally cutting past trigs and branches that impeded any short-cuts we took. At the end of the day, we would set up camp, to refresh ourselves and to rest for the night. Sometimes, when we remove our shoes and socks, we would find unwanted guests like leeches.

Leeches are essentially blood suckers. They must have entered as tiny little worms through our boots as we were wading on the streams. Leeches have an affinity for blood. Lots of blood. The moment they find a source, they will be oblivious to any threats around them, gorging on blood non-stop until their bodies become bloated up. For these little critters, ‘greed’ is their middle name. The proverb above talks about the attitude of leeches like having 2 suckers screaming out: “Give! Give!” all the time. They are always thirsty, always wanting, never satisfied.

A) The Many Faces of Discontent

One of the biggest challenges facing modern living is discontent. Like leeches, modern people grapple with the question: “How much is enough?” I know of someone who did not get the pay increment she was looking for. She felt miserable. It affected her work quality. She became disillusioned. It affected her relationships. Her dissatisfaction dominated her conversations. It affected her attitude toward her boss and her work. Even though she had signed a contract to work for her stated salary, and the pay increment is at the sole discretion of management, she refused to accept the increment she deemed ‘miniscule.’ As a result, the mood of the whole office became very negative.

Tom has been married for more than 10 years. He meets many clients, often at dinners and after office hours. His very own success is a magnet for many of his clients. Some of his clients happen to be young and attractive single ladies. Soon, his roving eyes around his attractive clients start to overwhelm his mindfulness of his faithful and loving wife back home. The journey from innocence to adultery is complete, facilitated by the lubricant of discontent. Like leeches that never say enough, Tom gets sucked in from one affair to another. At the same time, his discontent with his wife grows larger.

Discontent has many faces. It can also be technology. Launched in April 2010, the Apple iPad tablet device has garnered a cult following, and started a whole new revolution in portable computing. A million was sold within a few weeks. Last week, less than a year later, Apple released a new version called ‘iPad 2.’ Many early adopters ditched their first version for the newest and the greatest. While ‘discontent’ can be a harsh word for those who love technology, and upgrading their gadgets, I feel that it parallels the human heart for an endless need for satisfaction. For instance, why must people upgrade so quickly? Those with a PC want a newer PC. Those with a Blackberry Bold series want the latest Storm 3 devices. Those with a fast car want a faster car. If Olivia Newton John is to release an updated version of her hit single, 'Hopelessly Devoted to You,' she will probably call it: “Hopelessly Devoted to Upgrading.”

B) Journey to Contentment

The first step toward contentment is to learn to establish limits. Stop. Halt our tendency for more. Those who complain about their pay and benefits need to remember their obligations, and their commitment to do their best for their paid work. Those who lust must realize that ‘lust’ leads to things that does not last. Those who upgrade unquestioningly must understand that obsolescence is only a matter of time. Discontent breeds more discontentment. Dissatisfaction leads to a life of unhappiness. Dissatisfaction blinds us two-ways. One blinds us with glittering images of what we do not have. The other blinds us to what we already have.

One with a greedy heart may have a million dollars and yet remains dissatisfied. Another may have only a few dollars in the bank, and can still be grateful for the little he has. Ironically, the one who is rich is not based on how many things he has, but how little things he need.

The Amish community in Pennsylvania has a habit of refusing to dabble with technology. They shun car ownership. They avoid the use of electricity. They even refuse to install a telephone inside their main house. In fact, emergency phones are only installed in a shack outside their homes. The Amish feels that technology is a threat to their community living. They feel that technology has a sinister way of enslaving them to technological-speed rather than human speed. By placing limits to their use of technology, they refuse to let technology master them.

Some of us may find it hard to understand the Amish’s disdain for technology. It is important to see that they are not against technology, but simply against the ‘negative’ aspect of technology on their relationships.

“They do not consider technology evil in itself, but they believe that technology, if left untamed, will undermine worthy traditions and accelerate assimilation into the surrounding society.” (Donald Kraybill, et al, Amish Grace, CA: John Wiley, 2007, 209-10)

For those of us skeptical about Amish attitudes toward technology, just look at what they have achieved. Without government help, the Amish takes care of their elderly, disabled, women and children. They have no drug abuse problem. There are no homeless people. There is a high level of literacy and humaneness in their relationships to one another. Divorce is rare. Even in businesses, compared to modern American small businesses where 50% fail within 5 years, more than 95% of Amish small businesses survives beyond 5 years! More importantly, the Amish level of close community and relationships are legendary. They don't even buy insurance!

The road to contentment lies in establishing limits voluntarily. It begins by learning to set self-limits. Satisfaction is not more-and-more-and-more. It is simply one word called ‘enough.’

C) Being Satisfied

I like to suggest 3 attitudes we can adopt to increase our satisfaction level.

Firstly, reach out to the needy and less fortunate. When we are constantly looking at the elite, at the bunch of rich and prosperous people, we begin to lament about what we do not have. We have all heard about the world’s rich becoming richer, and the poor getting poorer. Why make ourselves more miserable by comparing ourselves with the haves?

Secondly, be grateful for what we have. Cherish our existing relationships. Ask ourselves. We have 86400 seconds every day. How many of them have we used to say "Thank You O LORD?"

On March 23rd this year, the famous Elizabeth Taylor passed away at the age of 79. At her prime, every look at her astonishing beauty can instantly launch a thousand wall pin-ups. Yet, she struggled through 8 marriages. At the age of 79, I wonder how many men will put a poster of a 79-year old Taylor? Be real. Our looks are never stagnant. Everyone grows old eventually.

Thirdly, seek the true Source of satisfaction. The person of Christ. He has promised us living waters. He has guaranteed that when we drink from the well of Jesus, our thirst will be quenched. The Great Augustine reminds us over and over again.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” (Augustine's Confessions)

We are not leeches that never say enough. We are humans who need God to say to us: “Enough! Be thankful for what I have given you. Rest in God. Rest fully in Me.”

THOUGHT: Let your satisfaction grow 3-ways: "Count your blessings. Share your blessings. Be a blessing."

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Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries.

On Prayer Requests

TITLE: On Prayer Requests (Part 3 of 3)
Written by Conrade Yap
Date: 22 March 2011


This is the final installment of a 3-part Lenten series on praying. In Part III, we look at the nature of prayer requests.


MAIN POINT: In many Christian circles, people ask for prayer requests all the time. The kind of prayers that we ask for reflect the state of our Christian health. Are we requesting for things to survive materially, or are we asking for things that help us to thrive spiritually? Our prayer requests can often divulge whether we are worldly-focused, or God-centered.


As I reflect upon prayer, I wonder about the kinds of prayers Christians ask for. What do I want to pray for when I look up to God? Among Christians, prayer requests are commonly asked of one another as a sign of brotherly and sisterly concern. For the sick, the prayer request will be for quick recovery. Before major examinations, people ask for help not to panic during the paper. In modern busy societies, the most popular request is for time management. The rationale is simple. For working professionals with heavy responsibilities in the office, and endless obligations at home, just keeping everything in check is a challenge in itself. What if the same person constantly mentions the same prayer request over and over again? 


What about a prayer request for life?


As a kid, we are asked: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” If you are living in a prosperous country, with a stable economy with jobs and plenty of opportunities, you’ll probably be rattling off some of the popular professions like accountant, doctor, lawyer, teacher, engineer, and so on. If you live in a rural area, chances are, you have to either help make ends meet by working on the farm or shop, running various errands, flip hot dogs or distribute newspapers. In some poorer places, parents may even need to sell their children away, in order to survive. In some parts of Asia and Africa, families are so poor, that fathers are known to give up their kids to work in manufacturing firms or plantations that use cheap human labour. Unfortunately, many of our prayer requests are often filled with requests on how to survive materially. Very few ask on how to THRIVE spiritually.

Of Disasters, Deaths, and Devastation

TITLE: Of Disasters, Deaths and Devastation (Part 2 of 3)
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 14 March 2011

This is the second part of a 3-part Lenten series on prayer. Part One touches on cultivating patience in waiting through four benefits of patience. Part Two deals with how to pray in the light of disasters, deaths and devastation.

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pangs.” (Matthew 24:6-8)

MAIN POINT: In times of natural disasters, the last thing we ever need is finger-pointing or name blaming. The first thing we must do is to pray, and to ask God for wisdom and boldness to help.

For the past week, I have been getting sad news one after another. A member of my study group has died. Some friends are seriously ill. Others are plain anxious, even fearful of the unknown future. With the depressing sight of devastation in North-East Japan after a deadly tsunami, I can understand anyone who is feeling downright distressed and dumbfounded right now.

{If you have not seen the devastation caused by the March 12th tsunami, check below.

• Waves engulfing Sendai [link]
• Terrifying Waves [link]
• Unforgiving Tsunamic [link]}

The threat of a huge nuclear disaster on top of the tsunami aftermath makes me sick. When will it all end? When will the bad news stop coming? How long must we wait for God to intervene and take away the pain and suffering? So many questions. No answer.

A) Foolish Theologizing
A Japanese friend of mine has been getting nasty comments about her home nation. Phrases such as ‘Japan deserves it;’ and ‘God is punishing Japan.....’ are some of the most foolish and insensitive comments received. I am appalled at such words, even from people who claim to be ‘Christian.’

What is wrong with those people? Don't they have a heart at all? If anyone wants to philosophize about why such suffering is happening to Japan, do it later, and not now. Who gives anybody the right to say horrible things like these, and to pronounce judgments as if one is God? No one is immune from natural disasters. The Bible tells us to expect disasters and natural calamity. Interestingly, it does not tell us when or any reason why. They are simply signs of the end times. If one laughs at the unfortunate now, it will be counted against that person when that person suffers a similar fate in future.

In times of natural disasters inflicted upon our fellow human beings, the last thing we need is to start finger pointing or name blaming. We need to stop any foolish theologizing, and start praying and thinking about how to help.

B) Four Ways to Help
I suppose you must be thinking how you can be of help. This is only natural. It is part of our make-up as people made in the image of God. As much as we detest seeing such devastation, deaths and disasters, we know that we are called to be a part of the solution instead of the problem. Let me suggest 4 things that we can do.

First, pray for yourself. This may seem surprising. Let me explain. I find that some Christians in the Church have a tendency of using ‘praying for you’ as a convenient catch-all phrase to say something nice quickly, so that they can hurry along to do their own thing. For example, when Jennifer shares about the death of her mother, her church friend Geraldine quickly says:

“Oh dear. I’m sorry. Don’t worry. I’ll pray for you.”

Geraldine then walks out, glad that these magical four words gives her a convenient exit from an otherwise depressing conversation. In the midst of her busyness with her other scheduled activities, soon Geraldine forgets about the grieving Jennifer.

What happened to the “I’ll pray for you?”

When we commit ourselves to intercede for someone, make sure the promise is kept. We must pray to God for ourselves first not to be hypocrites in the first place. We ask God to help us to pray, as we do not know all the details of the person’s grief. We ask God to guide us to learn when to stay silent, and when to speak up. We remind ourselves that God is Sovereign. By asking other people to trust God, are we trusting God ourselves? Thus, pray to God that we be reminded we are helpless without God.

Second, pray for personal boldness. It is easy to simply utter words of intercession. It is easy to say flowery prayers. What matters is the condition of our heart. How about praying:

“Father God. Empower me to help. Enable me to be part of the solution, and not part of the problem. Help me to give generously. Guide me to pray constantly. Grant me boldness to volunteer fearlessly. Oh God, show me how to help Japan right now. For we ask in the name of Jesus.”

When it comes to doing good works, boldness is needed.

Third, pray for corporate togetherness. Whether you are a Church, a cell group, a community gathering, or simply a small group of friends, you can come together to help. Go on a prayer vigil to remind one another we need God to intervene. Organize fund raising activities to show people we can still care despite the distance. Together, come to God boldly as a group. The Book of Hebrews exhort us as a body to:

“Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

How fitting. We remind ourselves that God is ever ready to receive us. He wants to share of His love to all mankind.

Fourth, pray for wisdom for the long haul. Many responses to natural disasters tend to be more knee-jerk that do not last. When all the world’s media is showering attention on the event, people rush to help. Some go out of pure compassion. Some are there simply because it is their job. Others simply want to snap up a piece of publicity, or to lace up one’s resume for self-gain. True compassion is not short-sighted or short-term. It endures.

C) Help is a Long-Term Commitment; Not a Short-Term Comment
In early 2010, Dr David Horn of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary led a team of students on a humanitarian mission to New Orleans. In his report, he made some pointed observations. Immediately after the New Orleans disaster in 2005, the media were full of praise for people offering to help. Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt even went to build new houses for the homeless then. Political leaders score high approval ratings simply by being there, in the midst of suffering.

Now, more than five years later, where are the news crews? Where are the Hollywood stars? Where are the famous politicians? Horn observes that the people he sees are staff and volunteers representing many Churches, Christian organizations. Here are the words of Horn.

“One of the unsung songs in the national media, now that the television cameras are gone after five years, is that it is almost solely faith-based organizations—churches, Christian schools, and other religious organizations-- that are still packing their bags and heading down to New Orleans to patch the city back together again. Where did everyone else go? But why should the national media care? They already have their story. And the story is that apparently the church is full of hypocrites who think about little else but heaven.” (David Horn, Where is Brad Pitt Now?, GCTS website)

To those who constantly smirks, “Where is God in the midst of suffering?” I challenge them:

“Where are YOU in the midst of suffering?”

Perhaps, when we spend our limited time, addressing the ‘log’ in our own eyes, we will have lesser time worrying about the ‘speck’ in another person’s eye. We will have more time to think of solutions, and less time to look for people to blame. There will always be people ready to point an accusing finger at the Church being ‘full of hypocrites.’ Let them point. Let them accuse. Christians have better things to do. Our job is to serve God faithfully by being part of the solution. Quietly but surely. Pray, and then move.


Thought: Be part of the solution, and not part of the problem. Be part of the long-term commitment, not the short-term knee-jerk offering of help.


sabbathwalk

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