A Night With Asin at Ang Grupong Pendong

Last April 20 a handful of people gathered at the First Filipino-American United Methodist Church of the San Gabriel Valley in Hacienda Heights to witness the musical stylings of Pinoy and folk rock group Asin at Ang Grupong Pendong led by Pendong Aban. The group that began in the Philippines, known for their use of indigenous instruments from the Southern Philippines and promoting social awareness among the people of the land, perfomed songs such as "Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran" (See the Environment), "Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan" (The Land Where I Was Born), "Pagbabalik" (Coming Back), and "Balita" (News) among others to promote the benefit concert scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at 6 pm at Wilshire United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. Tickets wil be $15 each. Proceeds of this concert will benefit the 2010 Philippine Mission of the Filipino Caucus of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Since 2000 the Filipino Caucus led five mission trips to the Philippines (La Torre, Nueva Vizcaya, Paco Bulacan, Naguilian, Isabella, Dipaculao, Aurora, and in Mindanao). The next Philippine mission is scheduled for February 2010 benefiting the United Methodist Church in Manaoag, Pangasinan. Monies are needed to better improve the sanctuary and the worshiping conditions of the aforementioned church. For ticket information and reservation you can contact Pastor Dante Simon (209-450-3031), Pastor Neil Platon (310-613-4273), or Pastor Jeremiah Castorillo (909-267-0204).

Ascension Sunday As Jesus' Season Finale

During this time of year a lot of the networks are busy with their season finales. Among the shows that people watched this week were Dancing With the Stars and American Idol.

On American Idol, Arkansas native Kris Allen defeated crowd favorite Adam Lambert. While on Dancing With the Stars, olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and her partner Mark Ballas inched out sexy actor Gilles Marini and partner Cheryl Burke to win the coveted trophy.

One of the big questions being asked today by a lot of people is "Did America got it right?" 

The reason for this question was that some people are saying that the winners of both shows were wrong choices. That there were more deserving persons other than the ones voted by the public. Unfortunately, this controversy will not die for now.

This weeks text is Luke 24:44-53. It was a passage that shows Jesus spending his final time with his disciples prior to his ascension. In a sense, this was his season finale with his closest of followers. During that moment Jesus did a recap on the events that have happened, and also opened their minds to enable them to understand the Scriptures.  After blessing them, he then gave them authority and power to become witnesses to the world.

The question now becomes did Jesus got it right? Was Jesus right in his decision to leave the disciples on their own?  

When I was living in the Philippines I used to be dependent on my parents. I used to rely on them for almost everything in life. Unfortunately, my folks passed away when I was still in my early twenties. Was Jesus right in taking away my parents, and for me to be left on my own? As this situation has forced me to grow a lot quicker. At first I was upset with God. Why did he took away my life. Why did he allowed my parents to die. As one of the song lyrics in the play Les Miserables once said "Now life has killed the dream I dream" (from the song I Dreamed a Dream). But now I understand that events such as this have to happen in life so that we can grow as persons and as Christians. I don't think I would have grown to what I am ( a family man and a pastor) today if my parents were still alive. I guess the same thing can be said about the disciples. I don't think they would have grown as evangelists and witnesses if Jesus didn't leave them on their own. 

Reflecting on the Final Moments of Jesus

Chapter 26 of William Barclays book The Mind of Jesus talks about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It starts out with the description of the place where he suffered and died the placed called Skull. Then Barclay described the details of how they situated and decorated Jesus. During their parade of Jesus, Barclay said, they made sure that the sign "This is Jesus, King of the Jews" was displayed in different languages, and that their prisoner was was also seen by a lot of people by going to the longest route possible to make clear that this is the fate that awaits those who are contemplating on doing any crime.

Jesus then began carrying part of the Cross. Afterwards a man named Simon of Cyrene took the weight of Jesus' shoulder by carrying the Cross for him.

It was at Golgotha where the journey of Jesus and the Cross ended. While hanging on the Cross, Jesus uttered seven words.

Among the words that made an impression on me were the words "It is finished" and "Father into your hands I commit my spirit."

It is finished. When Jesus said these words he never intended it to be a cry of pain or despair. Rather, he meant it to be a word of triumph. That he has done everything that his Father has asked him to do. That there is nothing more that he can add to it. It was done. It was finished. He was victorious As I think about this word I can't help but think about our work here on earth. How many of us can say the words it is finished? How many of us can say we have done everything that our God wanted us to do? Or are there still some things that we need to work on? Why is it hard for people (i.e. athletes) to say it is finished? Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Mario Lemieux, Brett Favre; they all had a hard time saying it is finished as they all came back from their respective retirement. Why? Is it because they feel they still haven't done everything that they needed to do, or that they simply missed being the center of everybody's attention?

Father into you hands I commit my spirit. Here is the final word of Jesus. A word that show confidence in God. That everything is going to be okay. Despite everything that has happened to him: betrayal by one of his disciples; abandonment by his closest friends; his arrest and trial; and his crucifixion; and the mere absence of his Heavenly Father Jesus is saying to all the world that yes everything may seem chaotic and bleak but, God is still in control. Everything is going to be alright. How many of us can say these words. The world may seem hopeless and bleak, but God is still in control and that everything is going to be okay?

It was after he said these words that he bowed his head and breathe his last breath. 

Less is More

Today I had second thoughts about last Sunday's passage John 15:1-8. As I have said at church, this passage in John makes it clear that God wants to see growth in each of his children. "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit..." (Jn. 15:8).

But how can we grow? First and foremost, we grow by abiding in God. Abiding is a word that means going with or following something or someone. For example, if you follow the laws of a particular land or country, then you are called a law-abiding person. The same thing can be said about us Christians. If we say that we have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then we can be called God abiding people.

Growth happens when we abide to the great Vine (God). Apart from him we can do nothing. So what happens then when we don't grow? John says we will be like those branches that will eventually wither and be thrown into the fire to be burned. 

Are you abiding in God? Are you relying in God or in other things?

Second, we grow by pruning (reduction). John says, "...while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (vs.2b) What is interesting about this concept is that such thought goes against one of the main values of this culture---to have more.

For the most parts, Americans measure growth (success) by how much stuff or property a person owns. Life in the West has always been about who has the most toys. The more you own the more successful you are. However, the more you own the more things that can go between you and God.

What things in your life are getting in the way of your relationship with God? What things in your life that are in need of pruning (or reducing)? The problem with this culture is that, most of the time,  people are not willing to downsize or downgrade. We always want to super-size. We always want to upgrade. We always want more...more...and more in life. Unfortunately, these things have a way of affecting our relationship with God.

The question now becomes what is more important to us: to have more of the stuff here in earth and be spiritually poor; or do we want to down-size a bit and still have a super-sized spirituality? As the gospel of Mark once said: "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (8:36).

 

The Trial of Jesus

If we think of famous trials, we can’t help but think about those of Winona Ryder, Michael Jackson, the Menendez Brothers, Scott Peterson, and of course, OJ Simpson. All of which have been known for its high profile nature and high public attention. What about the trial of Jesus Christ? Can this compete with these popular trials of our time?

Chapter 25 of William Barclay’s book The Mind of Jesus goes inside into the trial of the Son of Man. Barclay starts out by describing the composition of the court  (Sanhedrin) which is seventy. The group was led by the High Priest and their goals is to ‘conserve the interest of the man on trial’ and to ‘exercise mercy in judgment.’

It’s interesting to note that not all people can participate in such trials in terms of being a witness for these proceedings. It was said that dice players, pigeon fliers, those who traded with the Sabbatic growth, loan sharks, robbers, herdsmen, and extortioners were not allowed. Witnesses who do qualify are compelled to attend not just the beginning, but also the end of these trial for they will be asked to cast the first stone at the accused once the trial is over.

The court usually meet at the precincts of the Temple at the so-called Hall of Hewn Stone. Its members sit in a semi-circle position so that the people can see each other and by all.

The trial of Jesus can be summed up into six parts:

1.    Jesus being brought to Annas after his arrest (Jn 18:13-14)

2.    Jesus being brought to house of Caiaphas for examination (Mt. 26:57-68, Mk. 14:53-65, Lk. 22:54, 63-65, & Jn. 18:19-24).

3.    The meeting of the Sanhedrin to carry out the official trial and to arrive at the official condemnation (Mt. 27:1f, Mk. 15:1, Lk. 22:66-71).

4.    The trial before Pilate, the Roman procurator (Mt. 27:2-26, Mk. 15:2-15, Lk. 23:1-5, 13-25).

5.    The trial before Herod (Lk. 23:6-12)

6.    Completion of the trial before Pilate and final condemnation. 

The trial began with the search for witnesses. It’s interesting to note many false witnesses were being prepared to testify against Jesus. However, according to Mark’s account, no two witnesses could agree.

The only charge that they could master up was with regards to Jesus’ statement that he would “destroy the Temple and that he would replace it within three days with a Temple not made with hands” (Mt. 26:61f; Mk. 14:58).

Then they asked Jesus whether he is the Messiah to which he said he was (Mt. 26:63; Mk. 14:61; Lk. 22:67). The real charge then came, and the events which led up to a blasphemy charge against him. This charge was considered treason against God; and Jesus must die because of this.

If there is one word that can describe the trial of Jesus it’s the word conspiracy. Jesus was doomed even at the onset of his trial. Barclay said that he was asked to answer questions in which he was bound to incriminate himself.  The group was also accused of producing false witnesses. Also, the group was suppose to meet at the Hall of Hewn Stone.  Instead, they gathered at the house of Caiaphas at the night of the Passover.

Normally, such proceedings would conserve the rights of the accused. Instead, the process end up destroying all of them as they handed out an illegal verdict against Jesus.

As Jesus was brought to Pilate, Pilate had the opportunity to save the day. As governor, he had the power to release someone at Passover.  At that time there was a man in custody named Barabbas. Pilate then gave them a choice on whom to release—Jesus or Barabbas? The people then made their choice as they shouted the name of Barabbas.

As much as Pilate wanted to liberate Jesus, he could not stop the great hatred of the Jews towards the Son of Man, and their determination to see Jesus die a horrible death…death on the Cross.

Interestingly enough, Barclay contends that all throughout Jesus never thought of himself as a victim. That amidst his impending doom, Jesus still saw the guiding hand of God. That he was not a victim of men. In a situation that has gone array. Instead, he sees himself as a chosen instrument and Servant of God whose outcome were in the hands of God. 

Unitil the Warranty Expires

If there is one thing you say about John, it is the fact that you can find a lot of these “I AM” statements by Jesus in this gospel. “I Am the Bread of Life.” “I Am the Light of the World.” “I Am the Door.” Today we are going to look at “I AM the Good Shepherd.” The image of Jesus being the Good Shepherd has brought encouragement to millions. This metaphor of Jesus has its roots in the Old Testament. Isaiah would say this about God in Isaiah 40:11. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 In Ezekiel: As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. Ez. 34: 12When He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9: 36The picture of a shepherd tending sheep is so foreign to us, yet somehow still invokes images of comfort, courage, and concern.

We often feel the need for the Good Shepherd at funerals, but He wants to guide us, protect us, and give us life for this life! Jesus stepped into that first century to make His bold claim...I AM the Good Shepherd. It is my prayer as we prepare for Sunday worship that those who are scattered, helpless, or hopeless, will give their life to the Good Shepherd.

We can trust the Shepherd because…1. Our Shepherd is Good (v. 11a, 12-14a). John 10:11 (NIV) "I am the good shepherd. There is much comfort in knowing that our Shepherd is good. Most folks find comfort at funerals in the 23rd Psalm, even if they don’t follow Him in their daily life. They want to be reminded that our shepherd is good. Some in this room might struggle with this concept. When things are going good, we say that God is good. When things are going bad, we wonder where God is…but as it is often said: “God is good! All the time!!”The OT describes bad shepherds. Ezekiel 34:2 (NIV) "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ’This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? A bad shepherd is one that looks out just for himself or herself and doesn’t take care of the sheep in their care.I can’t help but think about businesses in this country. They are only good to you if your warranty is still good. Once your warranty expires you are on your own.

Ezekiel 34:5-6 (NIV) So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. Ezekiel is saying that without a shepherd for the sheep, the sheep become scattered…and a bad shepherd doesn’t even look for them.Jesus says in John 10:12-13 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away.

Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. In other words, bad shepherds don’t care for the sheep. Like Ezekiel’s words, we are told that a bad shepherd is only in it for them-selves and doesn’t care for the sheep. When bad stuff happens, bad shepherds leave.But Jesus says in John 10:14 (NIV) "I am the good shepherd”We can trust the shepherd because He is good, and because…

2. Our Shepherd Defends Us (v. 11b, 17-18) The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. This was the mark of a good shepherd…one who would give his life for the sheep. Did you know that the Jewish law required an accounting of shepherds: Exodus 22:13 (NIV) If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, he shall bring in the remains as evidence and he will not be required to pay for the torn animal. The idea being that the shepherd had to bring proof that the sheep had died and that he had done everything in his power to save the sheep.To give the sermon some grit, I’ll share from Amos 3:12 (NIV) This is what the Lord says: "As a shepherd saves from the lion’s mouth only two leg bones or a piece of an ear, so will the Israelites be saved…" Shepherds fought lions, bears, wolves, and robbers. It was part of the job description for bring a shepherd! It was bloody for a shepherd to defend sheep. Even to the last leg bone…a shepherd would fight the attacker of the sheep. A good shepherd defended the flock.John 10:17-18 (NIV) “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." Notice that Jesus makes the claim that no one took His life, but that He willingly gave His life on the cross. This pleased the Father…and the Father loved the Son for His obedience and sacrifice. The Shepherd had the authority from heaven to give His life in death, but He also had the authority from heaven to come back to life.I love what Ezekiel 34:11-12 (NIV) says: ’For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.

As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. He not only defends us, but He looks for us when we are in trouble. He rescues us from all the places they were scattered on the day of clouds and darkness.There are people in this room today who have had their emotions scattered and shattered on the day of clouds and darkness. Do you remember when the cloud came over you and you became vulnerable to the wolves of this world? Do you know that your shepherd wants to defend you? He wants to shepherd your heart and your life. We can trust the shepherd because He is good, because He defends us, and because…

3. Our Shepherd Knows Us (v. 14b-16) Notice that He knows us, and we know Him. There is a relationship between the Shepherd and the sheep. I know my sheep and my sheep know me—John 10:15-16 (NIV) just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

This knowing is not just simply a knowledge about one another or merely just an acquaintance…it’s an intimacy that is love. This oneness…this unity is based on His death, as He laid down His life for us. It’s significant to note that Jesus was not content for knowing the Jews, but His death made a way for the Gentiles as well. He was going to take both Jew and Gentile and make one flock: the church. Ephes. 2:14-16 (NIV) For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. I love what Ezekiel says in Ezekiel 34:11 (NIV) ’For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.’ The good shepherd does an all out search for the sheep and initiates a relationship with the sheep. Luke 15:4-7 (NIV) Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.

Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ’Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Ezekiel 34:29-31 (NIV) I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’ We know the shepherd because He is our God and we are His people!

Some in this church has had their emotions scattered by the cares of this world and you are vulnerable to the wolves that want to devour your soul. You feel scattered, helpless and hopeless…Let Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guide your hearts and your life. We can trust the shepherd because: He is good. He defends us. He knows us.

Point of No Return

Have you evern been in a point of no return. That time in your life where you cannot go back. That moment when the point of return for you has passed. That only thing that you can do is to move forward.

Such was the situation of Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane following his last meal with his disciples. His mind is made up. He will definitely follow the will of his Father. At this point Jesus heads to the garden with three of his disciples and begins to commune with his Heavenly Father.

The story of the garden brings out the following point: the loneliness of Jesus; the mental agony of Jesus; the spiritual agony of Jesus; and Jesus accepting the will of God.

In the garden we witness the Loneliness of Jesus. Here Jesus brings Peter, James, and John to be with him to share his vigil; but they were so tired that all they can do is sleep. Jesus had to go about his decision alone. This is like our Christian life and salvation. There are certain things which are between us and God. No one can do those things for us.

In the garden we also see the Mental Agony of Jesus. It must have been hard for a human being to discover that the end of the road for him has arrived at age thirty-three. No one ever wishes to die at thirty-three. For most people being thirty-three still means a lot to look forward to in terms of life. But for the Son of Man it meant the end. From the outside it looked as though Jesus' enemies were winning and his mission is looking like a big failure.

There is also the Spiritual Agony of Jesus. Of Jesus accepting something--his Father's will--that which he did not fully understand. Why it had to be the Cross? This is what it means to be a human being. To not fully know. To only know in part as the Apostle Paul once said in his first letter to the Corinthians. For the most part we always ask for knowledge before we can follow. Will we follow if what is out there is completely an unknown to us? But, like Jesus, we must go further than this. But how? In his book, Prayer of Jabez, Bruce Wilkinson puts it this way, we move further by 'jumping' into the river...by letting the loving currents of God's grace and power carry you along" and letting "God's great plan (for you) surround you and sweep you forward into the profoundly important and satisfying life He has waiting" (Bruce Wilkinson, Prayer of Jabez, p.17).

Finally, in the garden, we see Jesus Accepting the Will of God. Barclay contends that the most important thing in this moment was the way Jesus accepted God's will for his life. Here we find the essence of Gethsemane. The moment Jesus said the words, "Thy Will Be Done." Such words were spoken by our Lord perhaps in total surrender, in weary resignation, with no further resistance, with bitter resentment, and maybe in utter love and trust. But, more importantly, he said these words not needing to understand in order for him to submit. That he can take like and leave it in God's hands and be content.

In Gethsemane, our Lord passed the point of no return, and passed it in perfect submission and trust in God. The challenge for us is to do the same. For us to be in perfect submission to the perfect will of the Heavenly Father.

As the hymn Blessed Assurance tells us: "Perfect submission, all is at rest I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love."