Theology of glory vs Theology of the Cross

This post by tullian tchividjian. 

Any version of Christianity that makes the focus of the Christian faith the life of the Christian is what Martin Luther called a “theology of glory”—not God’s glory, but ours.

A theology of glory is all about us and what we do. It’s about me and my performance, my obedience, my faithfulness, my potential, my strength, my improvement, and so on. Its main message is our need to do more, try harder, get better, and climb higher.

A theology of glory has no room for Christian failure and weakness. It may give lip service to Jesus hanging on a cross for us, but its emphasis is you and me climbing a ladder for Him. 

The opposite of a theology of glory is what Luther called a “theology of the cross.” A theology of the cross readily acknowledges that we are weak and weary, bad and broken. We admit that while our love for Jesus will continue to fall short, Jesus' love for us will never fall short. A theology of the cross embraces the beautiful truth that because of what Jesus has accomplished for us, there is nothing we can do—or fail to do—that will ever tempt God to leave us or forsake us. Because of Jesus, God’s love for us, approval of us, and commitment to us does not ride on our resolve for Jesus but rather on Jesus’ resolve for us. It is, after all, His faithfulness that is great, not ours.

Jesus’ words from the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) mean we are set free from the impossible burden of having to work our way into God’s love and acceptance. This liberates us to admit our faults and failures, our sins and struggles, without fear of rejection. The good news of Christianity rings true when we finally disclose that we are weak and we need help, that we fail, that we’re not as put-together as we want people to think we are. That’s when the rushing wind of God’s amazing grace blows through and reminds us…

Because Jesus was strong for us, we’re free to be weak;

Because Jesus was extraordinary, we’re free to be ordinary;

Because Jesus succeeded for us, we’re free to fail;

Because Jesus won for us, we’re free to lose.

- Tullian Tchividjian

The Octopus story

I made some new friends when I was in Langkawi. At the beach bar, they were telling me ( with some level of enthusiasm) about a movie called "My Octopus Teacher". I didn't think further about it till one evening, bored with the monotony of the mco, I searched it out on Netflix.

It was a documentary.

A remarkable tale of a filmmaker who lost his mojo, finding solace in the sea, ends up making 'friends' w an octopus in the underwater world. Everyday, he would keep diving into the kelp ocean just to keep familiarity with this sea creature. 
Soon he begins to draw  life lessons in his observations and  relationship with it. The octopus at first suspicious of this 'alien' man, slowly begins to warm to his presence and even responds in curiosity.

After awhile, it became an obsession.

So it must have been horrifying that he would witness a shark attack on his octopus friend.
The ending was a surprise (which I shall not spoil it for you).

The most astounding scene in my mind was that one scene of the octopus resting in his chest, in total  relaxation and trust. (almost like a house pet this wild sea creature).

To me the documentary "Octopus My Teacher is an allegory of the gospel. Many thousands years ago (2021!), God dived into our world, to begin a relationship to humans that was as unlikely and as unthinkable as a man making friends w a sea octopus. (both of different worlds)

Just as the man kept diving into the sea to keep looking for his 'friend', God also keeps  looking for us.

The scars of life ( it lost one tentacle result of the shark attack), are all too familiar. We suffer trauma, loss, pain, disappointments,  etc etc, but we too will survive and be restored to wholeness.

Our human experience is not too different from the octopus.

In the end, the enduring image of a wild sea creature resting ( in total trust) at the chest of an 'alien' man, it depicts where God wants us to be.

Resting in total trust of a God who will be there for us.

If you ever do watch this remarkable documentary, the 'continuity of life' is what the Creator of life had in mind.

We have hope, a reason to believe and the courage to continue.

Because we have a loving God. 

Langkawi 2020

When my sons floated the idea of a trip  (for me and wifey) to Langkawi, I was thrilled at the idea of some fishing at sea . Their local  buddies would take care of us. Besides, their friends have also become ours so we really not among strangers.

But sometime before the  last week of the planned trip, I found myself in the midst of a price negotiation over a  property. The timing couldn't have been worse. Any holiday trip was out of the question; I couldn't leave town.

But the negotiation suddenly became furious  as  there was now another offer on the table (from another real estate agent), only 50k below the the vendor's final price. 

Now  I had to convince my buyer that this was a genuine bona fide offer, and if he  didn't move to up on his offer by 100k, he will lose the house. (his current offer was 100k below seller final price)

The previous night I had gone to bed with a heavy heart. Earlier that day, he made an offer 200k below sellers price but I suggested if he moved up his price by 100k, I could convince the owner to do the same (reduce by 100k). And we could make a deal. He agreed. But when  I reverted to him the owner was agreeable, he didn't commit with a deposit; instead he was now  asking for the seller to reduce further still . ( by a further  50k.) 

"Come now, I will give you the check" he said. 

I was furious  .. . (my visions of sea fishing beginning to evaporate). The buyer shamelessly backed out from his earlier offer. 

The negotiation now has turned complicated, and  most likely a long drawn affair.

Then asudden call from the owner changed escalated the situatio. They had received an earnest deposit cheque (from another competing agent) to entice him to sign/accept  the letter of offer (the offer still 50k below owner's final price)

When I heard of it, I threw down the gauntlet  to my buyer. "If you don't act now like  how you agreed yesterday, you will lose the house (and you'll be back to square one house hunting)". I warned him trying to sound .. as calm (and respectful) as possible.

Yet he refused, saying he can move up his offer to  match the other agent. I wanted to yell, it didn't matter that you are willing, the owner was NOT and furthermore the other buyer could well UP his offer to match the owner's final price, and you'll end with nothing, but a bad argument.

But suddenly, just when I knew NOT what else to say or do. He blurted out, " okay okay.. come and take the cheque.

Just like that (the events turned to my favor).

I rushed to collect the 2% earnest deposit, all the while hoping the competing agent would not upp his offer to match /go above the final price. 

It was a stressful few hours, but 'Praise the Lord Jesus!'

I got it done.   I closed the deal.

Woweee!!! .

On my way home, I called my wife to tell her to book flights to Langkawi. Yay!

Langkawi here we come!

On our second day in Langkawi, we went for the much awaited fishing trip /island hopping.

But one of the boats (among three), couldn't start ( the outboard motor). For at least 15 mins, Tano, prob the most experienced sea man here pull-start continuously the outboard motor, but it  just refused to start.
I was beginning to  wonder if our boat  trip would be cancelled as a result. Then Joy Shav (it was her boat) took over yanking at the cord till she too looked pretty exhausted, so I offered to take over pulling at the cord.

I kid you not, after only ONE PULL, the motor miraculously sputtered to life.

After 20-25 mins of continuous non stop trying. I was incredulous that my one pull, it cough to life. ( I didn't even have a chance to  warmed up.😎)

Just like that! 

coincidence?  Maybe .. or perhaps not.)

We went to an uninhabited  island to chill, and frolic in the beach and ate our pre-pack lunch.

Frankly, It was  paradise  on earth.

Next, two boats headed back, while we (third boat) headed out to their favorite fishing spot. We hauled in 5-6 fishes decent eating size ones.

Then there was a long lull,  as the fish stopped biting.

And we waited... and waited.

What happened next was rather surreal.  About 150m away, there appeared what looked like a fish in distress as it flopped about on the water surface. From that distance if  it was a fish, it was a BIG one; we could scoop it into the boat on the way home. 

Since it was about time to leave, we hauled up anchor, cranked up the engine and  headed towards this strange thing. Nearer, we could see it was indeed a big fish, looking distressed  it's tail flopping on the surface.
Daniel stood at the bow in front of boat with a gaff which is a pole w hook ( he looked like Capt Ahab ready to spear Moby Dick). And just at the right time, Tano cut the motor and we waited for the  boat to glide within striking range. As we came over it he took a stab into the water, but incredibly.. he missed! I could see his shock, but he recovers quickly to passed the gaff to Tano at the back (astern) waiting for  the boat continue to glide over  the fish. Tano readies himself,  takes a stab at the moving target and hooks it(!), but incredibly (omg!), he loses his grip on the gaff (.. and fish). 

And I watched the fish flip flopping away, now with a gaff sticking in its side.

Stunned at this development, I saw the fish unexpectedly began to drift over to my side (portside ) and without  moving from my position, I reached over grabbed the gaff,  and pulled it in.

Just like that! 

(the epiphany of the moment didn't escape me, like how earlier my real estate 'deal' with several competing offers, suddenly  falls on my lap; I only became too aware how God works! )

The biggest fish of the day .. I landed (unconventional as it may be!). But what an unlikely story! 

Perhaps you might say  I am  connecting imaginary dots in my head to presume on this supernatural favor of God. Actually, I'm rather quite a skeptic when it comes to these kind of things.

But I feel it, not over thinking, but a 'knowing' these happenstance are not just coincidences, but the designs  of our loving Father wanting to pour his pleasure over his children.

He is a Father like no other. 

Tq PAPA. For a great stress free holiday, and for your eternal love for your children.

Btw, regarding the sale of this house. I've had this particular property in my listing page for over 18 months . This was the first and ONLY  'viewing'  I've ever done on it.
In  truth, my listing has been on my iproperty page for quite a while, so on any online search it would not  have appeared on the first page.
Incredible the buyer's son who called me even found my listing in first place.

Secondly, two weeks prior, this same buyer's other son (he has two sons) actually made an appointment with  another agent to view this SAME house (the owner later revealed to me ), but  somehow got cancelled at the last minute because their father was too busy.

I was stunned (to hear it).

Oh God, indeed you go before (and after!) us.

I know it's a long post, if you've reached this far please recognize that  this favor of our Father is neither exclusive (only to some ppl) nor exhaustive  in his blessings.

You will be next!  In Jesus name I pray His blessing over you. Amen!

Oh and btw, I goggled the type of fish I hauled in, its called "Ikan Pecah Periuk" 

It a breakthrough fish!!! Hahaha 

Democracy

I don't think western democracy is perfect by any stretch. We hv seen all its failings, even more so now. But if you pit a US democratic system vs the communist rule of CCP. I would choose the lesser of two evils.

Western style democracy is a product of western civilization with deep seated Judeo-Christian ethics /values as its moral foundation . Its the belief that man is valuable because he is created in the image of God. Therefore in the eyes of God, every life has value and is precious, and we are taught to value life as God sees it (how much more a human life). 
By same token, every man is equal before God, and therefore he has an equal say (one vote) in the election of his ruler in a democracy .

Contrast that w a communist-capitalistic system, no matter how impressive its economic miracle, at the heart of it is a godless ideology. And 'man' is only valuable as long as he has utility (use). Otherwise the system will see you as unnecessary baggage. In other words, you are quite expendable. In a communistic  societies, the state becomes god, "cares" for you, makes decisions for you.. they become your god. If you become a problem to them ( ie. a dissident), there is no reason to think they will not 'disappear' you ( favorite term used by Chinese).

Already in this world life is cheap, but under the ccp, it  even cheaper.
In the recent altercation w India along the Galwan (Ladakh) valley, Indian military suffered 20 dead soldiers. India went on to  give their dead a full  military honour and proper burial send off. It made the national news. The country mourned and honored its dead soldiers. 

China didn't even acknowledge they had dead soldiers on their side. They didn't bother. (like disposable pawns in a chess game)  It was almost as if it was a non event. 

Any keen observer will see orphanages in China are filled with children who born with handicaps, deformities parents dump to the State. It's NOT a burden the natural parents want to carry. I don't blame these people; they are but a by-product of decades of a godless communistic mindset/ philosophy. 

Ironically, you will see many of these orphans are adopted by Western (American) couples, some of them childless wanting to adopt , others already with their own families, but wanting to adopt and bless these unfortunate children with a better life. They are able see every life as a gift from God. 
(I know a few 'adopting families personally) 

Below is a story of the tragic death of a young toddler (WANG YUE) which was so astounding it even shocked the national consciousness of the Chinese, and raised questions how this could have happened. 

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlu9ov 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Wang_Yue

Sure, there are many things wrong in America, but there are also many things right. ( it is a result of free society) People choose to do good or to do wrong.  In a an open free society, you 'll see the extremes of good and bad.  But, if the  moral foundations of its judeo-christian values breaks down, the society becomes undone. 

Sadly, this also seems to be true. (as seen in the agenda of the Liberal left) 

I'm not putting down the Chinese people  they are, but captive to the  humanistic teaching which, at it core denies a creator God.( and is inherently evil).  When there is no consciousness of the Creator, ALL things are on the table. Communism in its short history has killed more people (without batting an eye) than we care to estimate

This callous treatment of the Chinese people by the CCP are well documented, but totally scrubbed from Chinese history books ie. Tianamen Square Massacre , the abuses of the civil war 1927- 1949, the Great Leap forward (1958)  the Cultural Revolution 1966-1976 , and the recent  Hong Kong debacle. 

Ironically, the civil war which spawned the CCP, killed an estimated 30-40m Chinese ( a conservative estimate). 

Please think about that for a moment. 

Many of your forefathers, relatives may have been killed by this same party you now show such support and admiration. 

*mass killings by communist regimes 

https://rickkelo.liberty.me/socialism-mass-murder/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_killings_under_communist_regimes 

Today's CCP may take on a more sophisticated form, pioneering scientific fields of research, space ventures, Artificial Intelligence, advance systems etc. 

But the underlying ideology remains the same. 

Only the packaging is different. 

CCP will not stop its expansionist ambitions. Their tentacles-like influence spreading far and wide. A state govt that has no conscience,  will utilise all its resources to crush opposition, often using barbaric methods of  

silencing overseas dissidents by persecuting their relatives and loved ones who  remain in China. 

If you are reading this, and you feel 'entitled' to have a contrary opinion (and you not afraid to express it ) then you are the beneficiary of a democratic system that values an individual's right ie. right to 'life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness'. (I know that sounds awfully American) 
Life under dictatorial regimes are brutal for those who disagree and dare  to voice their  dissent. 

It is said, all it takes for evil to advance is for good men to do nothing.

Much as we disagree with the US, they are they only ones able and willing (under Trump) to stand against the CCP..

I believe the world and its citizens has an obligation to check China with eyes wide open. 

A graffiti inside Hong Kong's Polytechnic University
where students were barricaded for two weeks by the police sends out a dire warning to the world.

Before I end, here are some notable quotes below :-

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."

"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

Thank for reading. 

The zen of shoe polishing

There is the old maxim if you want to know what a man is like, just look at his shoes. (probably not a red Indian maxim). I must have created some 'impressions' with my tired looking pair of Rockports (which I tout the lightest most comfortable shoes ever! ), and since I heard the company has recently wound up (sob), i decided to make this pair to last as long as possible.

So I bought some brown shoe polish.

It's not as if I've never polished shoes before. There was a time in my life, I had to polish my shoes almost everyday. During my 15 month stint at the Philippines Airlines flight academy in Manila, I found myself enrolled into a uninformed para military flight school runned by ex-military aviators. ( Thanks a lot SIA! )  Yes, they were a tough outfit and we endured some questionable treatment by our senior upper classmen (ragging) not to mention those endless morning marching drills etc . Our military standard shoes had to be polished to the point we could see a mirror reflection of our teeth (and our bald shaven heads), I kid not.

So today, while working on my old Rockports, i had some time to reflect.. while refreshing a skill honed thru many nights massaging my shoe till my face 'appeared'.

The process is uncomplicated ..

First, apply the wax generously. Then with a lil water on the cotton cloth, rub gently in circles. Repeat and repeat and repeat er, yes and repeat... till the shine finally appear.

The wax acts like a filler to the leather. Thru repeated applications and friction (from the cloth), it works its way into the leather. After some while, heat from constant polishing causes the leather absorb and then create the shine.

While looking to check if my 'teeth' would appear (it didn't), but I did see the remarkable parallels to the Christian life.

When one receives His grace, we believe in the One who has saved us. At first, outwardly there may not be any perceived change but when our lives become infused with the "Zoe life" of our Savior, we begin to reflect 'who' we really are inside. 

Sometimes, the nix(es), micro tears, or the jaded condition of the leather shows up a journey that's just been off the beaten path  ; but all it needs is some extra 'attention' to bring out the shine, and eventually it does.

It always does.

As i look on proudly to the old Rockports which has served me so well, revived by some expert treatment, I'm just glad the One who walks with me doesn't discard the unlovely. He looks beyond the dirt, grime, and ugliness suffered. And He patiently waits knowing its just a matter of time. And I have utmost faith in Him, the One who ransomed me, will bring about the shine and all that is lovely in our lives. 

The real 'red indian' maxim says "don't not judge a man till you've walked a mile in his shoes" (mocassins). 

Well, Jesus has more than walked a mile in our shoes. 

And I trust completely His judgement. 

May 13th, 1969

Today marks a day when pandemonium broke out in k .

Mco Day#47

So this morning I had a dilemma in my hands (literally!). The magpies were unusually excited flying all about in front of the house. I had suspected there was probably a nest somewhere nearby. When I went out, my immediate neighbour to the right discovered the nest in his TNB meter box and decided to remove it (for whatever the reason!!). In it was a baby magpie (possibly 2-3 weeks old), one small (blue coloured streaks) unhatched egg and one shiny screw. He had put them all in a ubiquitous round plastic container, and asked if I would like keep it (since we seem to be kind to stray animals.. he pushed his suggestion  ), otherwise he was going to leave it at the guardhouse.  Becos our language differences and possibly I wasn't quite fully awake, I took it from them.

Foolishly I thought I could feed/care for it. But now, as I held that shivering bird, I realise there was no way that bird was going to eat (or drink) anything from my hand; I did try my best.

As I held it in my palm, I was literally praying that it would somehow survive!

We reconstructed its nest best we could in that round plastic box and proceeded to put it out in the palm tree ( up at the safest spot I could find, yes with a ladder and all). I was hoping the parents would see it and perhaps continue to care for it.

Aware that the cat was always around I kept a eye on it from afar. But what I didn't expect was a black crow showing up, hung onto the palm branch and peering into direction of the nest. I went ballistic and shoooed it away. (In my mind I had visions of it flying off with a baby-meal in its mouth).

Linda then suggested we put the nest in a hanging potted plant and leave it under our porch.

Did you see the screw? Apparently magpies like shiny objects in their nest. 

But after observing a long while, we became convinced the parent magpies are not able to detect its whereabouts under our porch, so i placed the entire pot on the gate pillar (temporarily) hoping to attract the parents attention. (Perhaps if they noticed its whereabouts in the pot it would come feed it under my porch).

But again, the menacing crow comes around (I wished I had a bb gun then).

So I had no choice, but to bring the pot back under my porch again. The fledgling 'baby magpie (pie-let??) couldnt make even a slightest sound, so what are the chances it will be found?

Linda shoots up a prayer and we waited..

This is what it looked like, the parent is perched up on the opp roof peak, possibly sizing up if it was safe to come check the pot hanging so close under the house. 

Then it happens, watch the video.

The moment it catches sight of its baby.

We were elated. But this is only the first day. Its future still unknown, but at least for today this lil fella has a decent chance.  

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they. Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 

Matthew 6:26-27







Epilogue

On the second night I had to bring in the pot into the house as I found lil fella on the ground ; it must have attempted to fly but was unsuccessful (twice! ). Don't know how long he was there but I didn't want the neighbourhood cat to chance on it. 
Before dawn I put the pot back outside hoping the parent wouldn't notice, but it was already watching from nearby. (i imagine  got pretty upset at the 'missing pot' ) 
Soon after I came in, it swung past once, before it landed to check on the lil fella. I went to fix my morning  coffee. After a while I noticed there was an uncanny silence (of activity). I didn't think it could have flown, but I did go out to check. True enough the lil fella was no longer there  After checking the ground a bit I realised  it must have flown off (with the mother!). That lil extra self belief only a mother could imparted.
Overall, I'm rather pleased with myself. Happy and sad.

I guess must be that empty nest feelin..