The term ‘sea’ in the bible holds a symbolic meaning. It is used as a picture of godlessness, the restless opposition to God’s moral order. The powerful sea monster, Leviathan (Job 41), agitates against God before it is finally slain by the Lord (Is. 27:1). The Beast in the book of Revelation (Rev 13:1) comes out of the sea to yield his chaotic power and the alluring Prostitute Babylon is seated on the waters (17:1). It is no wonder then that when God comes in glory to establish his kingdom there will no longer be any sea (Rev 21:1). All opposition is crushed and his moral order prevails.

Two contrasting legal cases generated much discussion recently. The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer agreed to pay a settlement fee of $2.3 billion for improperly and illegally marketing its painkiller Bextra, which has been withdrawn. This was the largest health care fraud settlement and the largest criminal fine of any kind ever. The second judgment was in the J.S. Tissainayagam trial where the accused was sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment under the dreaded Prevention of Terrorism Act. Many feel that the award winning journalist was unjustly accused while others have questioned the severity of the sentence.

The two cases show to what lengths the powerful go to to cover up their actions. The perceived security in their power and connections however are only temporary just like the raging waves of the sea meekly tapering off when it reaches the coastline. One day everyone whether individuals, organizations or governments, will have their actions revealed and called into account. As we wait for this reality we need to ask ourselves whether we are sensitive to the injustices committed around us whether in our governments, communities, workplaces or homes. Similarly are we willing to stand with the victims of injustice and oppression even if it costs us our security? It is easy to get discouraged and helpless when the cry for justice seemingly falls on deaf ears. The assured hope that one day Jesus will put right the miscarriages of justice should encourage us. The sea will be rolled back. Amen, come Lord Jesus, come.

Paul writing to the Colossians portrays Jesus Christ as the source and goal of all things in creation (Col. 1:16). He goes on to add that in Jesus “all things are held together” (Col 1:17). Because Christ is the integrating centre of the universe, he is also the integrating centre of our lives. Therefore to be converted to Christ is not to change a religion or some belief system. It is to begin a process of transformation whereby every aspect of our lives is gradually redirected towards the worship of Jesus. It is a gospel of integrity. Therefore Paul can confidently assert that “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Jesus also embodied this in his earthly life. His lifestyle was consistent with his teaching. His relationships, attitudes and values bore witness to the kingdom that he ushered. He stands as the supreme example of an integrated life.

A divided life inevitably leads to depression and hopelessness. Friedrich Nietzsche, the 20th century philosopher, writes “I am howling… inside of me, howling for my lost integrity, sundered from God, Man and myself, shattered in body, mind and spirit, yearning for two clasped hands to usher in the great miracle – the unity of my being”. Thank God that in Christ our lives no longer need to be divided. We don’t need to add different hats depending on where we are or who we are with. We are made whole and free to be what we were created to be. The pizza wedges are finally integrated.

[1] F. Nietzsche, My Sister and I. (Bridgehead, 1951), p. 233.

Readers of the Daily Mirror newspaper last month (18^th August) woke up to the headline news that Sri Lanka had topped the list among Asians (93%) “most satisfied with their lives”. At first glance this appears to be reason to celebrate, however, the irony of the situation was exemplified when comparing this story with the other headlines that day. Some of the headlines on the front page included the ‘leaking’ of the A/Level biology paper, the inaction of the police to arrest a senior officer alleged to have aided in an assault case, the pathetic conditions in the IDP camps after the recent rains and the alleged attempt by a government minister to monopolize a lucrative bus route.

Matthew summarizes the message of Jesus at the start of his public ministry, stating “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Mt. 4:17). The Kingdom of God is an inclusive community of peoples from all nations living in harmony with God and each other under the Lordship of Jesus. He goes on to record a sermon outlining the kind of society that reflects God’s kingly rule in a fallen world. God’s approval lies on those who are mourning against their own sin and the effects of sin in society (5:4). He calls on his disciples to stand up for justice, to be merciful and be peacemakers in conflict situations. This counter cultural lifestyle leads them to be salt of the earth and light of the world, he added. He encourages them to love the unlovable, even their enemies to show the character of God’s kingdom.

In the light of this we must ask ourselves whether we can and should be satisfied and optimistic in Sri Lanka these days. Maybe it is precisely because we are so satisfied with our lives that dishonesty, perversion of justice and simple inconsideration for those who are suffering eludes us. Is it only when we are direct victims of injustice and suffering that we long to see a different Sri Lanka? If we want to build a society free from dishonesty, injustice and oppression, then isn’t it time that we stop treating these as necessary evils but be uncomfortable regardless of who the victims are. The illusion of comfort and satisfaction in this context serves only to allow the status quo to continue. Maybe most Sri Lankans are satisfied and optimistic but I hope that those wishing for God’s rule to be present in this earth join me in taking our stand with the 7% of discontents in Sri Lanka.

]]> http://blogs.focus.lk/blog/2009/09/01/the-slavery-of-contentment/feed/ 0 http://blogs.focus.lk/blog/2009/08/25/focus-agm-2009/ http://blogs.focus.lk/blog/2009/08/25/focus-agm-2009/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:55:34 +0000 admin http://www.focus.lk/?p=154 Dear all,

“Celebrating Diversity in Fellowship & Mission”

Come and celebrate God’s faithfulness to University and Graduate ministry in Sri Lanka through FOCUS

Re-kindle long lost friendship, get encouraged in your ministries, stretch your understanding of the Christian life, loads of fun and games

In short there’s something for everyone!!!

Dates: 6th February evening – 9th February lunch

Venue: NICD, Polgolla

Sessions

Expositions on 3 complete Biblical books – Luke, Obadiah and Ephesians

Workshops on

• Making Right Compromises at Work
• Handling Issues in the Family
• Relating Jesus in our Conversations

Presentation on the

Needs and Responsibilities in World Mission

A Special 2 hour session of Prayer and Worship

Real Stories of Students and Graduates

Investment

A transport allowance will be paid for those traveling long distances.

Example:

For a family with a Toddler (under 5 yrs) and a Younger child (5-12 yrs) the total cost for camp is = Rs. 6,000 + free + 1,500 = Rs. 7,500

(As always please don’t let finances be a barrier in your participation)

If by some chance you find it absolutely impossible to make it on camp please consider sponsoring the camp fee of a participant.

Christmas the time to be jolly,

But what a folly,

Cos no one knows,

What it was,

An oppressive tyrant,

A concerned parent,

A poor barn,

and that was no fun,

God came cos He saw,

But what He saw,

Now do we fail to see

Cos of all the glee,

Mebbe if things were bad,

We might see what is to be had,

Like the poor and oppressed,

At that time in the land,

Think a moment,

Cos thats what we need,

At a time of speed,

Where we have little time to think.

———————————–

This Christmas Jesus is in the Wanni,

In the IDP camp where Santa can’t visit,

With the lonely soldier on watch,

Waiting for the angel of hope,

The wise-men then, saw a star,

And followed it from afar,

Where are the wise men now?

The wise men do the wise thing now,

They stay safe buying presents now,

Waiting for Santa to find out now,

Who’s been naughty or nice now,

Why are we wise,

When we should be other-wise…

The Student fellowship in Peradeniya had its (combined) Christmas Carol service in the month of November, preceeding the exams that were to take place in December. There had been a considerable turn out at this event.

SCFUM Christmas programme (10th December 2008)

The Student Christians Fellowship in University of Moratuwa, performed a Skit during the Carol Service which was organised by the Catholic Students Union. Both societies worked together this year as well to come up with a succesful programme, where a turn out of over 100 students were seen filling the entire auditorium to capacity.

UCCF Christmas Programme (17th December 2008)

The University of Colombo Christian Fellowship will be performing a street drama on the 17th. Performed at 2 locations, many of the on-lookers stopped to have a look at it.

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place.
But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will.
And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over.
And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you.
But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the Promised Land.”

A few hours later, he was assassinated by a gunman while he stood on the balcony of his motel room.

King’s words echo the thoughts of Moses as he looked from the top of Mount Pisgah into the land that God had promised to the Israelites. Moses himself was not allowed to go in but he knew that God was faithful to take His people into the land ‘flowing with milk and honey’. It was Joshua who would take up the mantle to lead the people into the Promised Land.

The ‘Promised Land’ that Martin Luther King Jr. foresaw was a nation of equality. A place where ‘whites’, ‘blacks’ and ‘coloureds’ could work together to build a nation and not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. He dreamt of a time when the sons of former slaves and former slave owners could sit together as brothers. A place where there was freedom for all and racial injustice was a thing of the past.

The election of Barack Obama to the highest position in the USA is seen by many as the result of the long hard journey begun years earlier by the American Civil Rights Movement. His message of change has resonated with all the peoples that make up the USA today as well as those around the world. Many, including CNN Senior Political Analyst David Gergen, see this generation as the ‘Joshua Generation,’ i.e. the generation that would lead the American nation to the fulfillment of King’s dream. They see in Obama the hope and opportunity to take the USA to a place of respected leadership in the world. A symbol of how life should be for millions around the world suffering from discrimination, violence, injustice, poverty, disease and hopelessness. If you believe the voices of the majority around the world you would see that this is a time for optimism that change is around the corner. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. however, saw that symbolism alone was not enough. He said

It’s alright to talk about ‘long white robes over yonder,’ in all of its symbolism.
But ultimately people want some suits and dresses and shoes to wear down here.
It’s alright to talk about “streets flowing with milk and honey,”
but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here,
and his children who can’t eat three square meals a day.
It’s alright to talk about the New Jerusalem,
but one day, God’s preacher must talk about the New York,
the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia,
the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee.
This is what we have to do.”

The ‘Obama mania’ that has swept through the world will be fleeting if not backed with serious work on the ground. We are in a time of great economic turmoil where insecurity and injustice abound. As Obama takes office our prayer is that he will ‘walk the talk’ and convert the symbolic hope of his nation to one of reality to the whole world.

However, there is another lesson that we need to learn from the original Joshua generation. The Lord led Joshua and the Israelites as they took control and settled in the land. Joshua divided the land among the tribes of Israel as God had instructed him to. The people followed God’s covenant faithfully until the death of Joshua and his fellow leaders. However this hope was short lived. The next book in the Bible, the book of Judges, shows how quickly the Israelites descended into a period of religious and socio-political decline as they rejected God’s covenant. The changes that were put in place were not deep-seated. It lasted only for one generation.

As Obama takes office on January 20th 2009 his challenge will be two-fold. Not only has he to live up to the hype that he and the media has created, he has to ensure that the change that he brings in is permanent and entrenched. To do this he cannot ignore the effects of his policies on the rest of the world. America cannot go it alone in this world. He needs to earn the respect and the trust of all nations by honest diplomacy and courageous decision making. Bribing and threatening the world by economic or military might, will only bring about negative reactions. The hope for change is one that is shared by all nations. It is only when we band together that true change will come to all peoples of the earth. It would be good if Obama heads the words of his hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on that famous night in Tennessee

“We’ve got to give ourselves to this struggle until the end.
Nothing would be more tragic than to stop at this point, in Memphis.
We’ve got to see it through.
And when we have our march, you need to be there.
Be concerned about your brother.
You may not be on strike. But either we go up together, or we go down together.”

This 29th November 2008, FOCUS will have a Thanksgiving service to commemorate its 25th Anniversary. This will be followed by a Symposium on “Poverty”.

The venue will be S. Pauls Church Milagiriya. Staring at 8.30 am and going on till 12 pm.

Come join us in giving thanks to Our Lord.