Announcement

Hello, readers, the reflections are posted at http://feedourlambs.com with effect from Monday, 14 Jun 2010. God bless – XW.

Joy Through Repentence

Luke 15:3-7 NAB

Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes: “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbours and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” ”

Reflection

The Pharisees hated the tax collectors and sinners and would never associate with them. They considered them as outcast of society and could not accept Jesus being with them. Jesus knew the murmurings in their heart and told them two parables to illustrate God’s great and forgiving love. Firstly, the faithful love of the shepherd for his sheep. With consternation, he looked for that one lost sheep leaving the rest on dangerous terrain, vulnerable to wolves. Similarly, the woman who lost a coin, a day’s worth of hard-earned money, searched untiringly until it was found. Upon finding something dear to their hearts, both the shepherd and the woman were filled with relief and great joy. Likewise, the tax collectors and sinners were dear to God’s heart. He longed for these lost souls to return to Him. With great relief and joy, He would welcome them back into His loving arms.

Corporate Leadership

There are usually a few people that most staff and colleagues consider as “weird”. They may have bad social etiquette; they are demanding and rude or just plain quiet. Eventually, everyone learns to keep a distance from them. The Pharisees treated tax collectors similarly. The latter were considered traitors because they collected money from their own people, included a commission for themselves and sent the money to the Roman rulers. To associate with them was considered an endorsement of their way of life. However, Jesus saw them as God’s children and taught them nonetheless. They would be entitled to the share of the heavenly kingdom. Likewise, a good leader makes friends with such people. Social “outcasts” of the company are also employees who contribute to the overall productivity. Hence, a good leader is inclusive of such staffs in meetings, social outings such that they feel they belonged. – XW

Family Leadership

Like the Pharisees, parents may find one child more acceptable than the others. The intelligent, obedient and better looking child is favoured while the disobedient and slower child is tolerated. Through non-verbal cues and tone of voice, parents betray their favouritism and children know if they are liked or despised. Jesus teaches that God greatly loves all His children and is untiring in reaching out to those who seem lost and forsaken. Like the shepherd and the woman who untiringly gave much time to recover what was lost, parents have to realise that the children deemed less appealing will need more of their time to recover their lost esteem. Instead of concentrating on their pride and joy, parents can purposefully give more time and attention to the less favoured child. In return, they will find great relief and joy when that child begins to respond to their loving efforts. – XW

Reconcile with Your Brother

Matt 5:20-26 NAB

Jesus said to His disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” ”

Reflection

The Pharisees equated righteousness with the outward action of following the demands of the law. Jesus showed this practice to be flawed by pointing out the importance of the underlying condition of one’s heart instead of just following the law. The law trivialized anger but put a judgment on murder but Jesus warned that anger would be subjected to the same judgment as it was the motive behind murder. The word ‘Raqa’, an Aramaic word for “imbecile,” if uttered was a serious offence in the Jewish law. But Jesus warned that a simple word like “you fool’ could be subjected to the same judgment as well. Sin didn’t happen overnight but grew from a seed in one’s heart until it corrupted the whole body. Therefore, Jesus warned of the serious danger of forbidden anger and taught His disciples to resolve problem by seeking forgiveness and reconciliation peacefully.

Corporate Leadership

As teachers of the Law, the Pharisees had to show that they abided by the Laws they taught. However, Jesus was more concerned if they followed the Law in their hearts. Appearing not to have sinned in front of their disciples did not mean that they did not sin. In fact, the Pharisees could be harbouring anger against others without showing. Anger in the heart would lead to more sinister consequences. Likewise, a good leader knows that there will always be friction at work. When he senses that there is unspoken anger, allow that anger to be expressed through dialogue. Once unkind words are spoken, it can never be taken back. If anger can be diffused through conversation, colleagues can forgive each other easily. Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott, a life coach and motivational speaker, wrote, “Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were.” – XW

Family Leadership

The fast paced society of today put a lot of stress and undue pressure on the individuals. In such a condition, it doesn’t take much to trigger one to full-blown anger like many incidents of road rage, domestic violence and child abuse. Anger doesn’t happen overnight, it starts as a seed and grow out of control. Jesus warns of the danger of anger and the wise parents should take note of this warning be it in themselves or their children. Should parents have problems handling anger in themselves or their children, they should resolve this quickly with anger management techniques or seek professional counselling. Otherwise, their unresolved anger triggers off aggressiveness, withdrawal or inflicts trauma in children. In times like this, the family should come together to discuss and tackle the problem together with forgiveness and reconciliation. – XW

Fulfil the Law

Matt 5:17-19 NAB

Jesus said to His disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” ”

Reflection

Jesus showed absolute reverence for God’s law and warned anyone against breaking them or taught others to do the same. It summed up the great prayer of Psalm 119: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” God gave these laws to teach His people to live righteous and abundant lives. There were the ten commandments and the Pentateuch, the five Books of Moses, making clear the commandments and the ordinances of God for His people. The scribes and the Pharisees have added their own interpretation on God’s laws but were condemned by Jesus for placing unnecessary burden on the people. Jesus made it clear He was here to fulfill the law of reverence for God, reverence for one’s parents, oneself, reverence for others’ lives, properties and their good names. Living the law produces the fruits of righteousness, love, peace and joy.

Corporate Leadership

The Old Testament patriarchs and prophets spoke the truth about God consistently since the beginning. However, throughout history, Israel has been conquered and ruled by different kings and emperors. With the change in rulers, new laws were imposed. This is no different in the corporate world. New management brings new changes. The middle management changes their way of thinking and working cascade to the working level. A good leader can change with the new ways of doing things, but he has to differentiate between what can change and what can’t change. Methods, forms and structure, techniques and so on can change for improvement and competitiveness. Principles of dealing with people, like integrity, honesty, must not change. Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Britain during World War II, said, “Truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it and ignorance may deride it, but, in the end, there it is.” – XW

Family Leadership

In today’s world especially in an affluent society, children are given a lot of freedom to express what they like or don’t like. As a result, there are children who totally detest any rules or regulations that will inhibit their freedom of expression. At home, some parents may allow their children to argue and talk back to cultivate independent thinking. The children are also allowed to do as they will. However, just as God set laws for His people, every organization, society and home also need rules and regulations. If children are not taught to obey and show reverence for their parents’ rules, chances are that they too will not show reverence for other rules. This will get them into trouble with the law sooner or later. Parents have to be firm when teaching their children to show reverence for rules either at home or elsewhere and to put them above freedom of expression. – XW

Salt of The Earth

Matt 5:13-16 NAB

Jesus said to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” ”

Reflection

Following the beatitudes, He imprinted His teachings in the minds of His listeners with the images of salt and light. Both of these were used widely in those days. First, salt was used as a means of trade because of its value in the daily lives of the people. It provided flavouring for the food and it was also used as a preservative. Second, light was used to illuminate darkness. It was also essential as people moved about after sunset. Both of these have their God-given functions. If they no longer served their intended purpose, they were of no use. Salt had to give flavour and preservation and light to illuminate. Likewise, the disciples had to give meaning to the lives of others and illuminate their minds on the ways of God. That was their mission without which their lives would be without purpose and would lose their usefulness.

Corporate Leadership

The beatitudes were taught after Jesus healed many people. They followed Him probably because they saw the many miracles He performed. However, Jesus had a greater purpose in mind for them. They must not just receive blessings but bless others also through spreading the Word of God. Likewise, a good leader first sets the example of helping others. Colleagues and staffs will naturally be attracted to him and help him in return. However, if he is praised and well liked because he is helpful, he has not achieved much. The greater purpose in helping others is to influence them to help others so that the goodness of those who have been helped can be passed on. John Ruskin, Bristish author and poet wrote, “Every great man is always being helped by everybody; for his gift is to get good out of all things and all persons.” - XW

Family Leadership

Like in Jesus’ time, the present world is merciless with people having prejudices and hostile to people different from them. Sometimes children are faced with difficult questions posed by their own friends and peers regarding their beliefs or value system. Should they stand firm in their belief, they fear being ridiculed or ostracized. To protect themselves, they either stay neutral or go along with the majority. When these things happen parents may be disappointed with their children for not standing by the values they have been taught. Parents can prepare their children in advance about such situations and coach them on how to answer questions pertaining to their personal beliefs and value systems. However, should they encounter disinterested friends who are out to create mischief, teach them to just walk away like Jesus from such fruitless discussion. – XW

The Beatitudes

Matt 5:1-12 NAB

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain, and after He had sat down, His disciples came to Him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Reflection

In the first sermon of five Jesus gave during His ministry, He taught the ten basic principles of true happiness called the Beatitude or Blessedness. Each person possessed the natural desire for happiness that God placed in each heart. Without Him, there would be an emptiness that people sought to fill with worldly distractions yet feel dissatisfied. The basic truth; supreme happiness, satisfaction, comfort, joy and purpose can only be found in God and God alone. God sought the highest good for all and allowed suffering to purify the soul. The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the righteous, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted, the slandered and those with joyful hope would, through their sufferings, pursue God and be completely dependent on Him. Jesus promised the joys of heaven would compensate and elevate them to the status of the persecuted prophets before them.

Corporate Leadership

Is it better to have wisdom or wealth? Many people see wealth and power as success. Such outward displays are sometimes taken as “signs” that God has blessed them. So, it is with difficulty that, at the working level, the janitors, the clerical staff, the deliverymen and so on feel that God blessed them. Jesus pointed out that the “little people” were blessed spiritually, especially if they looked to God for their comfort and claim their reward in heaven. Likewise, a good leader knows that being rich and powerful are merely outward signs. It does not mean that such people are happy and peaceful. In fact, in the pursuit of wealth and power, happiness and peace are lost. It is wiser to be righteous, honest and peace loving so that it brings harmony to the work place. Sophocles, the most-awarded ancient Greek playwright says, “Wisdom outweighs any wealth.” – XW

Family Leadership

God allows suffering for the highest good of mankind. Through suffering, one develops character qualities like tolerance, patience and understanding. These very qualities help one to persevere and discover one’s inner resolve to happiness. Unlike God, parents can be overly protective. Some of them can not bear to see their children suffer. This caused them to bail the children out of punishment or shield them from their responsibilities. Due to such indulgence, children do not learn their duties and roles in life. They whine, complain, grumble and bargain at every discomfort. Such children will not have the inner resolve to pursue true happiness but seek false comforts of the world. Every parent possesses the natural desire God has placed in their hearts for their children’s happiness. However, due to their misplaced protectiveness, they rob the children of their character development and their true source of happiness. – XW

David Acknowledges Christ As His Lord

Mark 12:35-37 NAB

As Jesus was teaching in the temple area He said, “How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I place Your enemies under Your feet.’ David himself calls Him ‘lord’; so how is He his son?” The great crowd heard this with delight.

Reflection

Jesus was having a series of conversation with the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees and scribes. All of them were knowledgeable about Judaism. The scribes, for example, were teachers of the Jewish law and tradition around 5 BC – 1 AD. They transcribed and edited teachings of the Old Testament prophets. The Jews were expecting a messiah from the line of King David and they expected this messiah to as great as David who grew from a being shepherd to a great ruler. Hopefully this messiah could overthrow the Romans occupying their land. However, Jesus had just told them about the first great commandment of loving God with all their hearts, and with all their souls, and with all their minds, and with all their strength. The Saviour, from the line of David, would not be equal but greater than David. He would conquer His enemies not through war but through love.

Corporate Leadership

It is always easier to speak from a position of authority. If a person is long enough in a company, he tends to hold a more senior position and his staff and colleagues would tend listen to him. However, it is not always that respect is given even if a person is more knowledgeable or more senior. Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He did not use His authority to challenge the authority of the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees and scribes. On the contrary, He spoke about the love of God and the love in return to Him. Likewise, a good leader may be in a position of authority but he does not abuse this position. If he does, he knows that the respect is lost. On the other hand, his concern and care wins over his colleagues and even those that may disagree with him. – XW

Family Leadership

Some families may employ maids to do housework. Some families may know of janitors near where they live. There could also be people to do the menial work at eating places. Whoever they are, they should still be respected. Teenagers and children may know that such people are viewed as lowly-paid employees and look down upon them. Parents have to caution their children against this behaviour. For Jesus, He never abused His position as the Son of God. On the contrary, He spoke frequently about the love of God. Likewise, parents can point out that they are privileged. Being privileged, they are also obliged to reach out to others first rather than despise them. Even though they may find menial work demeaning, they can still smile at their maids, greet them cheerfully, say a “Thank you” to janitors and be considerate of cleaners while they perform their jobs – XW

The Greatest Commandment

Mark 12:28-34 NAB

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked Him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to Him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than He. And to love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, He said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask Him any more questions.

Reflection

Impressed with the answer Jesus gave the Sadducees on the resurrection, a scribe came forward with a genuine question, unlike those that were put to test Him. There were altogether 613 precepts in the Old Testament law, differentiated into the great and the minor commandments. The teachers of the laws studied and made fulfilling the law their life-long mission but were clueless of the essence require by God. Jesus understood and summarized all these laws into two inseparable commandments – Loving God and loving your neighbour as yourself. In order to love perfectly and completely, they had to use their hearts, soul, minds, and strength. This was new to the Scribe as he and the others knew the law only with their minds! He finally understood the higher intent of God’s laws by answering correctly that these two commandments took precedents over all the others, including burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Corporate Leadership

In a company, there are many rules and regulations to follow. There are rules for finance, operations, human resource, administrative and so on. These rules are probably in place to govern the work place. However, there are many other rules that cannot be written down – good manners, good etiquette and common sense in dealing with one’s friends. There were many rules that the Jews pride themselves in knowing so that they can worship God in a “proper” way. However, Jesus pointed out what mattered most was loving God and loving their neighbour as they would love themselves. This rule was so fundamental that the Jews knew intuitively to be right yet it was not written down. Likewise, a good leader knows that the most important rule in the company is never all the rules listed but the ones unlisted – showing care and concern to one another. – XW

Family Leadership

Jesus shows love in the right sequence – heart, soul, mind and strength. Parents often reverse the order and become perplexed with the result. For example, many parents start with strength by giving the best food and physical comfort. Then they enrich their children’s minds through the pursuit of academic excellence. However, they tend to neglect the nourishment of the soul and the heart-to-heart communication. Children grow up intelligent but lack the spirit of love. The successful parents start the sequence right, developing well-adjusted children. They begin loving-acceptance with their heart; I love you regardless of. Secondly, with their soul in commitment, I am always there for you. Thirdly, with their mind in understanding, tell me your dreams. Finally, their strength in seeing through their commitment, let’s work on your dreams together. Henry W Beecher, American congressional preacher said, “I never knew how to worship until I know how to love.” – XW

God of The Living

Mark 12:18-27 NAB

Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and put this question to Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants. So the second brother married her and died, leaving no descendants, and the third likewise. And the seven left no descendants. Last of all the woman also died. At the resurrection when they arise whose wife will she be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.”

Reflection

The Sadducees were an aristocratic group of high priests who were influenced by Greek philosophy and tried to rationalize beliefs handed down from Moses. In doing so, they did not believe in the teaching of the resurrection of the dead. Jesus knew their thinking was flawed. First, He made it clear to everyone who was listening, that the Sadducees were misled by stating it in the beginning and end of His reply to them. Second, He pointed out that they did not understand heaven. The Sadducees created an earthly image of heaven by the question they asked. The “marriage” they spoke of did not apply to beings in heaven. Third, the Sadducees did not understand God. They saw God only as part of their ancient history and not as a living God. Not surprising, the Sadducees ceased to exist around 70 AD after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Corporate Leadership

The Sadducees disbelieve in the resurrection led to an indulgence of life in the present. Being aristocratic and removed from the other Jews, their teachings became irrelevant and they eventually ceased to exist. Likewise, a good leader learns not to have such thinking. Resurrection is not about the dead but about the living. God promises life after death, meaning that life continues on and relationship continues to be built. Often, when a staff leaves a company, the relationship with him stops. However, a good leader can still maintain friendship and invites him back should there be a company special occasion. The employment may end but the friendship remains. This practice gives a favourable feeling to the other staffs as well. By inviting an ex-employee and an old friend, they see a leader who values them as people rather than treating them as a mechanical worker. – XW

Family Leadership

Is marriage just a legal permission to live together? When a marriage falls apart, is it about settlement of property and children and payment of alimony? The Sadducees’ thought that there was no life after death. Hence, they lived only for the present and indulged themselves. Similarly, if a couple thinks only of the present, their views are similar – enjoy the present and end it if things don’t work out. Jesus reminded the Sadducees that they worshipped God of the Living and mentioned the patriarchs who went through great testing. Couples coming together in marriage have to discuss their feelings about having children and their roles as parents. Marriage does not mean just a relationship between a man and a woman but the creation of a family nucleus that lives on in succeeding generations. It is as great a commitment as God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. – XW

Question of The Taxes

Mark 12:13-17 NAB

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare Him in His speech. They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are a truthful man and that You are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy He said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” They brought one to Him and He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to Him, “Caesar’s.” So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at Him.

Reflection

The Jews resented their Roman occupiers and despised paying taxes to Caesar. The Pharisees and the Herodians, a pro-Herod (Roman) Jewish party, sought to trap Jesus in a religious-state dispute over the issue of taxes. If Jesus answered “Yes” to paying taxes to a pagan ruler, He would lose support from the Jews and be branded as a traitor. If He answered “No “, the Pharisees could report Him to the Roman authorities and had Him arrested. Jesus knew their intentions by confronting them back with a question of His own instead. Paul the Apostle reminded the Jews that they must give what was due (Romans 13:6-8). Since the Jews used the Roman currency, Jesus pointed out that what belonged to Caesar must be given to Caesar and what belonged to God must be given back to God in terms of fundamental obligation towards Him and towards others.

Corporate Leadership

Some of the Pharisees were concerned with material wealth. They could not reconcile their lives of abundance with their role as spiritual teachers. Since they could not have an answer to this contradiction in their lives, they thought it was impossible for Jesus to answer this question. Hence, they posed this question in the hope of trapping Him. There are many such people today. Their concern is to gain favour with their superiors at the expense of their colleagues. A good leader, however, sees his superiors and his colleagues as God’s people. What is due to his superiors, he does. What is to be done to help his colleagues, he does. If there is work to be done in the office, he does. When it is time to go back home, he leaves his office because he knows it is just as important to have family time. – XW

Family Leadership

Many people today tend to mind their own business in today’s busy and self-centred world. Children are brought up to concentrate on their own development and excellence without worrying too much for those around them. Jesus pointed this fundamental truth and that is, whichever society we belong to, we have an obligation towards building that society too. Parents can encourage their children to have a sense of responsibility and obligation to contribute whatever they can in wherever they are to make a difference. Should it be in school, church or club, encourage them to excel in whatever activities they are in so that they can help to build a good name and reputation for that organisation. By contributing what they have been given, they gain so much more for themselves, in terms of good character, development of responsibility, honour, respect and a good name for themselves. – XW