Perspectives with Rev. Clarence Witten

July 10, 2013 Editor Opinion

 

Trouble and Tragedy

It seems that we’ve seen a lot of trouble and tragedy lately. Terrible floods in Alberta, this horrendous disaster in Lac Magentic, plane crashes. 

Across the world it’s the same: ongoing violence in Syria and now again in Egypt. What to make of it? How do we understand all these awful things?

Some would say that all these awful things that happen are just random. There’s no rhyme of reason to them. There’s no god or creator overseeing things. The world just evolved and now things continue to just happen.

If there’s anyone to affect what happens it’s us. We’re it. As for the purpose or end result of this world, they’d say, that there isn’t any. We live, we die, that’s it. This way of looking at things seems mighty meaningless to me. Why live, why be good, why anything. 

A world like this would also be a pretty scary place. Imagine there not being anyone in control. Kind of like racing down the highway without anyone at the wheel.

Another way people look at trouble and tragedy is to see it in terms of karma. People reap what they sow. People get what they deserve. If you’re good, good things will happen to you. If you’re bad, it’ll be the other way around. Somehow the universe is able to pay you back what you have coming to you. I hear more people talk like this is a cool way to look at life.

But is it? Are we then to think that those people in Alberta got what they had coming to them? Or beautiful Lac Magentic deserved the awful destruction brought on by the explosion and fire of that runaway train? Yuk. This seems awfully cruel to me. It adds insult to injury.

How then should we see trouble and tragedy? There may not be simple answers, but the Bible sure gives us some helpful insight as it avoids both of the unhelpful approaches mentioned so far. 

First it makes it clear that this world is not out of control. There is a god overseeing everything, a god who made all things well. Trouble and tragedy entered the world thanks to us (read Genesis 3 for the details.) 

The Bible also steers clear of saying that people get what they deserve in this life (read John 9:3 and Luke 13:1-5).

The Bible makes it clear that in the perfect world God created there was no trouble, no tragedy. Best of all, the day is coming when God will once again perfect his creation. That’s why he sent his son Jesus. 

Christ came to pay the world’s debt on the cross. Those who accept that payment personally will one day live in God’s new heaven and new earth. A place where trouble and tragedy are banished forever.

One last thing. Jesus said that even though there’s nothing good about trouble and tragedy in themselves, they can serve a good purpose. They can turn us to himself (see Luke 13:3). They can help us see our need of him. 

As we consider all the bad things happening lately, first, let’s pray for all those affected. May we also see that there are answers in God as to what’s happening. And there are long term (as in eternal) solutions. They’re found in faith in Christ.

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian 

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

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Perspectives with Rev. Duncan Perry

June 4, 2014 Editor Opinion

 

Life Changes, God Doesn't

I have been sitting on my deck the past few days enjoying the beautiful scenery, the warm breezes and the glorious sunshine.  Today as I once again sit here seeing green grass, luscious leafy trees, and the spectacular St. Lawrence River, my mind wanders back to a few months ago when the area was knee deep in snow and nothing seemed to be alive here.  

I remember when talking to people about the past winter, the refrain was almost always the same.  Winter came early and just kept on coming and coming and coming.  Some wondered if it would ever end.

Life is like that sometimes as well.  We go through seasons of struggle.  Maybe a time of sickness or a strained relationship, and we wonder if things will ever be good again.  

I thought of a song that was sung by Waylon Jennings years ago.  The lyrics were written by David M. Potter.  Storms never last do they baby?  Bad times will pass with the winds. Your hand in mine steals the thunder.  You make the sun want to shine.

I hope that none of you will be offended because I am going to draw a  Biblical truth from a Country and Western song. 

God’s truth can come to us in various forms.  You see, we all have trouble in this life.  In fact, one of the last things that Jesus spoke to His disciples, just before he was crucified, is about this very thing.  

John’s Gospel Ch 16 verse 33 tells us the word of Jesus.  Here is what He said, “In the world you have tribulation,” that is trouble, turmoil, persecution, hurt, etc, “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

In other words He says to us, don’t let the trouble that you will experience in this world overcome you.  I am in charge, I will be with you.  In fact, at least four places in the Bible, Deut. 31:6, 8, Joshua 1:5, and Hebrews 13:5, God tells us “He will never leave or forsake,” those who are His.  

I think David Potter had something when he penned the words, “your hand in mine steals the thunder, you make the sun want to shine.”  

That’s what it means to trust in God.  This doesn’t mean that we won’t experience some troublesome times. Jesus tells us differently.  When we know that He is with us, He is holding our hand, He is leading the way, we no longer have to fear what man or sickness can do to us.  

Even if sickness kills ours bodies, it cannot destroy our souls if our hope and trust is in Him who created us and loved us so much that He died to redeem us from our sinful state.

If you are reading this and you are experiencing trouble of any kind, small or great, why not call out to Jesus. He will not force Himself on you but He waits to hear your cry and He will  be there to help, if you will only trust Him.  

An old hymn has the words, “Hold to God’s unchanging Hand, build your hope on things eternal, Hold to God’s unhanging Hand”. 

Why not call out to Him today and trust Him with your life and experience Him in your trouble.  Blessings on you.

[…]

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Perspectives by Rev. Norine Gullons

April 23, 2014 Editor Opinion

 

New life, new joy, new possibilities

Easter – the most important day in the Christian calendar starts with  lots of activity.

Christians celebrate Christ’s resurrection in countless colorful ways. We gather with family and friends for meals. We really appreciate the sunshine and head out doors to enjoy a hike, bike or walk with the youth. Springtime flowers and Easter lilies decorate our homes and churches. We gather for worship maybe once or maybe every day during the week between Palm Sunday and  Easter Sunday.   

The best way to celebrate Easter is to do what Jesus did and that was to forgive someone.

Each of us stands level with each other at the foot of the cross having been forgiven ourselves. 

We all have someone in our lives that we need to forgive; a neighbor, a family member, a brother or  sister or someone at work. Now is the time to do that. 

What are those  sayings? Yesterday was history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Just do it !

As an Easter people we are aware that the power of the Resurrection of Christ has forever changed who we are. It has given us the courage to boldly proclaim a living faith.

This spring celebrate new life, new joy and new possibilities in your life.

Go in peace, and share this good news! Thanks be to God! 

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