Who is He?

Light causes a shadow to be cast when it shines from behind an object. The shadow is our clue to a greater reality. There are numerous shadows cast our way in the Old Testament which Jesus said pointed to Him. The New Testament letters further explain those shadows which we call types. The letter of Hebrews is masterly in its explanation things surrounding the Jewish Tabernacle.

Every aspect of that construction points to some feature relating to Jesus. We understand the Sacrificial system as the 'substance' of the cross. The furnishings inside the tent speak of certain aspects of Christ's ministry. Even the curtains which comprise the ceiling and roof point to Christ and how two groups of people perceive Him

The roof was comprised of skins from badgers (A.V.) or sea-cows (NIV), Exodus 36:19.On the inside however was another covering which only those who entered could see and appreciate. It was made of rams' skin and dyed red. Those who officiated within the tabernacle served in a beautiful and impressive setting. It comprised gold fittings and colourful and embroidered  curtains enhanced by candlelight and incense.

What does the roof and ceiling tell us about people's views of Jesus? The plain uninspiring roof of skin is how the World sees Jesus. There is little to excite their interest. The Gentile world sees Him and the cross as foolishness. The Jewish people find Him and His claims a stumbling block. However, when anyone puts their trust in Him as Saviour and Lord they look at Jesus with new appreciation. 1 Peter 2:7 explains it this way: 'He is precious.' 

When we live, worship, serve under Him we understand the significance of the rams' skin dyed red. We are under the crucified life of Jesus, covered by His poured out life, His blood. At the same time we are overwhelmed by the glory and fragrance of Him who has saved, transformed and kept us. 

So much more we could elaborate upon and bear testimony too. That must wait for another day.

Who is He?

Who is He in Bethlehem’s manger?

The one promised, no stranger!

Who is He who trod this earth?

The Nazarene! A man of worth.

Who is He whom they crucified

When under oath He testified

To being the Rock of Destiny

Foretold in Daniel’s prophecy?

Who is He who rose from the grave?

The Lord of Glory, with grace to save!

Who is He who broke Death’s reign?

The Saviour, Jesus is His name!

Who is He, we contemplate?

He is the Bible’s story!

He is the disciple’s glory.

His person vindicated.

His mission consummated.

His name is Jesus!

Who is He, please elaborate?

He is the Lord of hosts,

He is the king of glory!

His throne awaits,

His rule to dictate.

His name is Jesus!

Who is He we celebrate?

He is the Creator.

He is the Redeemer!

His kingdom awaits

His reign to initiate.

His name is Jesus!

©Ray Hawkins 2016.

Apostle Paul's Mission Mentality.

Did Paul do missionary work all by himself or just with one or two helpers? Of course not! As you read the book of Acts and his letters it is apparent there were many long-term and short-term co-labourers. Across a ministry covering approximately 32 years there are listed at least twenty eight fellow workers. There are also nine others who could conceivably be included in the list, plus the Philippian and Antioch churches.  Over the next few weeks I’d like to share some devotional thoughts around some of them. The first out of the list of faithful men and women is Aristarchus.

Aristarchus appears ‘out of the blue’ at a riot in Ephesus. He and Gaius were part of Paul’s team and were accused of defaming the local goddess, Artemis. The Gospel was having a serious affect upon the icon industry and Demetrius a silversmith planned the protest.

This could have been life threatening. Did it make Aristarchus rethink his faith, commitment or service with Paul? The other accounts mentioning this man indicate it made him more resolute to follow Jesus and assist the apostle Paul. We find him as a member bringing relief money from the Gentile churches to Christians in Judea. As such he and others preceded Paul to Troas, presumably to finalise arrangements in the city.

The next reference tells us he was travelling on the boat to Rome, with the team leader. Was Aristarchus a prisoner along with Paul, or a travelling assistant? The term used in Colossians implies the former. One thing is for certain, you never could foresee what may happen when you travel with a Paul in the Lord’s service. When the ship endured the storm and was run aground did he think “here we go again!”

Aristarchus, if a prisoner was set free before Paul we don’t know. He was however commissioned to travel with Tychicus and Onesimus to Colosse. He also was to bring Paul’s greetings to Philemon, and I would think, support Onesimus’s rehabilitation. When you consider the background of these men you appreciate the unifying power of the Lord Jesus. Aristarchus was from Thessalonica, Tychicus from Ephesus and Onesimus was a slave from Colosse. Others such as Timothy came from Lystra and of course the strong minded Jew, Paul. Then there was Silas and Dr. Luke the gentile from Troas. As Ephesians 2:13-14 puts it, ‘He (Christ) is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups [Jew and Gentile] into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.’

This man’s name means ‘good prince’ ‘best ruler’. Is there a sense of an aristocratic heritage in his family? If there was, how did they respond to his becoming a Christian? What did they think of his experiences? One thing we do know it didn’t deter him from obedience to Christ. He probably wore the title ‘prisoner of
Christ’ with a sense of honour. He is a fine example of a faithful person unconcerned by playing ‘second fiddle’ to the leadership of Paul. Aristarchus understood the reality undergirding team ministry and fulfilled that which he was called upon to do.

The description of the Church as the Body of Christ is very appropriate. It means we are all an essential part and need to be in good health and a sound relationship with other members of the Body. 1 Corinthians 10-14 goes into great detail on this matter. The eyes of the children and the ears of their parents, guardians and friends will be focused on how well we act as a team. They will also judge the Body of Christ by our service to Him and our care to each other.

Acts 19:29. 20:4. 27:2. Philemon 24.  Colossians 4:10. – Aristarchus  the Un-phased.

©Ray Hawkins August 28^th 2016.

Will the real minister step forward

Apart from me (Jesus said) you can do nothing. John 15:5.

In my third year of college an Anglican Church was holding an evangelistic mission near the college. Many of the students went to support it. No one from the community or church membership turned up one evening so the speaker changed his message. He spoke without notes from John 15 to us as students. For me it was the defining moment for my future ministry. The preacher who in my young eyes seemed very old said that without Jesus Christ in our lives we had nothing and nowhere to go. He emphasised that in ministry we could actually do nothing which was of value to God and eternity. Until that time I had the impression that it was up to me. I did the work but called upon God to bless it. Now I sensed the reality that God was the one who did the work. His call to me was to co-operate with Him.

1 Corinthians 3:6 underscores the fact of God as the worker. We might be seed carriers or water spreaders but results depend upon Him. Paul’s letter to the Philippians 1:13: ‘it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good pleasure.’ Why does the Lord do it this way? He knows our sinful nature would twist the smallest indication of our importance into a grand parade in our honour. Our only boast is the grace of our Saviour who has called us unto Himself. From that relationship He appointed us into His ministry.

What Jesus said in John 15:5, goes against our human nature’s grain. Church or non-Church conferences on Leadership by successful entrepreneurs will give you formulas for reaching the top. The interesting fact is it works. However from the Biblical perspective the success is a sandcastle built on the low tide mark. Over the years seemingly successful ministries collapsed when the power and cunning of ‘the flesh’ failed or the leader moved on. Constantly you will read in the New Testament the greatest threat to a God honouring ministry and spiritual life is the ‘flesh nature.’ In 1 Corinthians 3:3 the NIV defines it as being worldly. In Galatians 5:16–18 the ‘flesh’ is in constant warfare against the spiritual life of a born again man or woman. Perhaps a most significant comment on self reliance comes from Romans 8:8, ‘Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.’

We are told that everyone’s work will be tested by fire 1 Corinthians 3:13. Only the ‘gold, silver and precious gems’ will stand the heat. Each of those aspects can be related to the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only that which is of and from His nature will endure the fiery testing of His presence.  Hebrews 12:29 reminds us, ‘God is a consuming fire.’ Wood, hay and stubble don’t last long in the furnace. The precious gems and the silver and gold are featured in the Tabernacle and the High Priest’s breastplate. The Christian ministry must portray the spiritual equivalent. What could that be? Possibly gold for Christ’s glory, silver expresses His redemption and the gems highlight His heart for His people.

The Lord desires to bless us in the ministry. This will be known in time. He longs to reward us when our ministry is concluded. This will be when we appear before Him to give an account. It isn’t how much we have done for Him that will carry any weight. Rather it will be to what extent has He, through the Holy Spirit within us, been able to accomplish His heart’s delight?  It is a cliché yet undeniably true. Our Master will not be concerned with our success rating in the eyes of the World. He will look to see how faithful we have been to His Word, His calling and His person!

2 Timothy 4:8:‘There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.’ However, if in the great mercy of God we should receive a crown would we be compelled to follow the example of Revelation 4:10, ‘. . .the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”’

Reflection: From which source is the motivation and power of my ministry flowing?

Request: Lord I desire my efforts to be ‘fire resistant.’ May I be a person in which you can fashion ‘Gold, silver and precious gems’ so as to adorn your Name. Amen!

RayHawkins August 21 2016.

Dynamic aging



Mary's Mum, our son and three of his children.

Being a member of the grey-haired brigade I began reflecting on what God has in mind for us. Our energy levels are lower, aches and pains more frequent. What Jesus said to His disciples, much younger than us reveals our state of endurance: 'The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak'.

So into the Scriptures I jumped. God has a lot of time for the older people. He has definite areas of service and caring for us to undertake. Even a quick look at the people the Lord called upon to work with Him shows a liking for senior citizens. They come from difference backgrounds, go through various testing times and prove their commitment and dependence upon their Lord.

Out of my rummaging through the scriptures it hit me: Dynamic aging is Christ Jesus' desire for us. Such aging doesn't always mean good health easy circumstances or no list of failures. What it offers us is a sense of ongoing purpose, special areas for service and time to get properly dressed to enter His presence.

This motivated me to begin another book in the 31 Day Series of Biblical Devotional Meditations. The working title 'Dynamic Aging' . Hopefully it will be accepted before I'm too much older.

Ray (being recharged) Hawkins