My Heroine, Esther

Last week, I delivered a sermon for a Sunday service in Medan. The topic was taken out of my favorite heroine, Esther. I read Esther 4.10-17 and 5.1-8. Here are the five qualities of Esther that crowned her as one of the greatest women in the biblical history:

First, Esther started her fight with prayer and fasting. Though the personal and the generic name of God is absent from the book, Esther’s dependence on God was obvious. The heroes and heroines of God are distinct, exactly because the source of the power and authority come distinctively from God himself.

Second, Esther was not only an active commander; she also fought together with her people. She requested that all Jewish people in Susa to pray and fast for three days. Her command bound not only to all Jewish people in Susa, but also to herself and her close maids. Esther ran a prayer and fasting movement in the whole nation with her own prayer and fasting. Her character was certainly far from NATO (No Action, Talk Only).

Third, Esther was an extraordinarily valiant risk-taker. The law said (and all people knew) that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for Esther to come to him for more than a month. The king’s invitation, I believe, was not unrelated with his sexual favor (or perhaps flavor). In chapter two, Esther was given a special one year beauty treatment before she came to the king. The one year beauty treatment proved to be successful. The king loved her. But the situation was now different, for more than a month, the king has not had sexual appetite towards Esther. The one year beauty treatment is in the book of Esther contrasted against the three days fasting. The three days fasting should even be worse devastating Esther’s physical performance, and therefore ruining the king’s sexual appetite. Hence, Esther said, ‘If I must die, I am willing to die.’ Hero and Heroine are risk-takers. The greater risk one maturely, courageously and free-willingly takes determines his or her heroic quality. In my words, ‘we are what we risk.’

Fourth, Esther was not a self-centered person. Esther risked herself, neither for the sake of her own nor for her own family. She was the queen. She lived in a pleasant palace. She enjoyed comfort and security. No one knew she was a Jew. Why would she sacrifice herself by placing her in a very perilous position? The answer is: she risked herself because of his people, the Jews were facing extermination. Half of the kingdom was even available and offered for Esther, why would she do all these ‘stupid’ things? No hero or heroine lives for him or herself. Heroes and heroines live for the sake of others.

Fifth, Esther did not run away from her strategic position as a queen. She was responsible with her position. She knew that she was the (only) key person to transform the circumstances. She was the one (no others) to turn the situation around. While so many people run away from difficulties, hero or heroine will always be there to stand in front of the world realities; and Esther did it.

As I meditated on Esther, I remembered one of the most celebrated modern martyrs, Dr. Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was young, genius and brilliant. He was invited to the US by his colleagues, the Niebuhrs, to teach at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Bonhoeffer did sail to New York, but he preferred to return to Germany to die under the rezim of Hitler few months afterward. Bonhoeffer did not live long, but as Jesus, he did not live for himself. Bonhoeffer lived for God and for his nation as what Esther did for her God and her people.

Finally, the absence of God’s name in the book of Esther demonstrates that first, God worked behind the scene as he often does; yet second, the absence of God’s name explains the nature of God’s economy. God always works together with his chosen heroes and heroines. To be a hero or a heroine is not so much a matter of human capabilities, but keenness to be used by God, that is a willingness to risk oneself for those who are in need.

Sermon From The Most Reverend Spiderman

Jeffrey Kurniawan, a good friend of mine, delivered an interesting speech at the morning chapel yesterday. He looked at the 27th chapter of the book of Numbers, exposing all the possibilities of Moses’ sin.

Indeed, Jeffrey was not able to conclude what was the definite sin of Moses. Whatever the sin was, however, the punishment is clear. Moses was prevented from entering the promise land. In the speaker’s perspective, Moses was not deserved for such heavy punishment. Why God was so angry? Why did God grant Moses a devastating end, after a long journey and career as faithful servant of Yahweh, great leader of Israel, and bearer of the Torah? A period of 40 years in the wilderness was not a short and easy time to pass. Moses was both the true hero of Israel and of God. He freed the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. Beside his responsibility as God’s spokesman (as a prophet), Moses also acted as priest, offering intercessory prayers for the Israelites. God’s decision might have hurt Moses emotionally. God sent Moses ‘to die’ before reaching the promise land.

Jeffrey was correct, I think, in clarifying that it is not the content of the sin that sent Moses ‘to die.’ It is who did such sin that matter most. Not the action, but the actor (not what, but who) that was more important in determining the nature of the punishment. Then he quote words from his favorite movie, Spiderman, saying, ‘With great power, comes great responsibility.’ Exactly same sin would not have resulted in same punishment, if it were not Moses who did it. It is a great irony, isn’t it? Moses successful career of leadership, not his sin, had been the cause of his unfortunate fate. Please do reflect on it! In my own words, ‘your success may become your own suicidal weapon.’

Allow me to put Peter Parker’s words in a larger context. Here is the fuller quotation:

‘Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: “With great power comes great responsibility.” This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I’m Spider-man.’

These words explain everything.

(1) We are not called to fear of building our own success or career. Even Spiderman, who may not be a born again Christian is not afraid of exercising the power within him. God grants us power according to his sovereign will. The only responsibility is to be responsible.

(2) We cannot protest to God for what he has invested in our lives. We are not what we wear. We are not what we have. We are not what we do. We are what God has designed and called us to be according to his wonderful grace. And your power is somehow a reflection of God’s calling. Therefore, be faithful to God’s glorious call! Do not be glad simply because of your great power! But do not be afraid of great responsibility! Both power and responsibility define who we are. We cannot separate one from the other.

(3) Power requires responsibility, subsequently, the greater power we exercise the greater responsibility we have to perform. Ironically and sadly, many people these days are seeking power without responsibility, which is absolutely equal to ‘faith without morality.’

To Jeffrey, I (and perhaps also others) thank you for delivering again an inspiring sermon. But Jeffrey and I would like to thank you the most Reverend Peter ‘Spiderman’ Parker for helping us breaking the mystery of ‘Moses’ code.’

Keiko 3 Years

I and Esther praise and thank God for Keiko reaching her third Birthday yesterday. She is healthy and smart; shinny and gorgeous; cute and energetic. We are blessed to have such a daughter like Keiko. And it is a true delighted privilege to ops for the opportunity in bringing her up by ourselves. We are learning positive, enjoyable and firm process in raising her up with God.

Since months ago, she has been always asking for Birthday cake and Birthday candles. Yesterday, she was asked to make a wish before blowing the candles. Keiko, as her parents always do, prayed her wish to go to school this year. Her uncle said a little very meaningful and purposeful prayer: ‘Lord, please provide all things that Keiko needs for her life, and please help Keiko to utilize and maximize all potentials that You have given in her life.’ I call it an ‘in and out prayer’ – a blessing that produces fruits to God, the ultimate source of blessing; a promise that brings glory to God alone, the promise keeper. Your prayers for her are truly appreciated and precious to us.

Keiko enjoyed some Birthday presents presented to her. She got little dinosaurs, camera toy and Pluto doll. Her mother bought her shoes, sandals, a rain coat and a beautiful swimsuit. We also treated her for a horse riding and a hot-water fun swimming at Sari Ater. And certainly a tiramisu Birthday cake was there especially for her. In the picture above, she looks very happy with her mom.

Few weeks ago, I and my family went to Puncak for a family weekend. The main purpose was to entertain Keiko with nature. We visited Taman Safari Indonesia and Taman Bunga Nusantara. At Taman Safari Indonesia, Keiko was happy to see her ‘friends’ around. She fed some antelopes, zebras and deer. She also rode a pony horse, a camel and an elephant. She watched a tiger show and enjoyed a ride on an artificial train. Her happiness was complete when she was able to touch and feel the rain.

At Taman Bunga Nusantara, we introduced Keiko to many different beautiful flowers and plants. She ran here and there. It was a nice sunny day. It was not surprising that Sun Flower became her favorite. Keiko spent more than an hour dancing near the fountain. She was all wet. I think, it was the dancing that is most memorable for her.

The trip was nice and refreshing for all of us. For me, it is a reminder that we, human beings, are not the only living creature in this world. God created trees and animals too. God created the world (Gen 1); He loves the world (Jn 3.16); and through Jesus he reconciled all creatures (Col 1.20). We then need to love and care for other living creatures and for the earth that God has created for us to live with and to live in.

This trip was made possible because one of our best friends provided us with luxury accommodation for free. The treat was offered in celebrating Keiko’s Birthday next week. And I want to thank him for being part of our family’s journey of faith.

Johan Imanuel 19.9.2005-1.3.2008

Good friends of God, Ageng and Hesti lost their only child, Johan Imanuel last Saturday. As I did for hours, God might also cry facing this uneasy situation. God loves both the parents and the son, but he decided to separate them for a while. God certainly knew the consequences of his somehow ultimate 'controversial' decision: He let the brokenhearted parents cry tearfully, and subsequently, he allowed his very own heart 'tortured,' in sharing the deep sadness of his good friends.

Johan Imanuel is only two and a half year old. He was born on September the 19, 2005. I, my wife and Keiko visited Hesti in the hospital only hours before she delivered Johan prematurely. Baby Johan was born with serious abnormality. He survived for more than two years after going through some major surgeries both in Indonesia and Singapore. His parents had done the best efforts to cure Johan. Johan and his parents visited us for lunch on the first day of 2007. He looked healthy and happy. That was the only chance for me and my family to see Johan alive.

Ageng and Hesti are good friends of mine too. I and my wife cried with them. We had gone through similar experience 10 months ago when we lost our daughter, Mora. What happened to Ageng and Hesti, I realize, seems to be far more difficult, yet we felt that their feeling and crying are not unknown to us.

This posting is another proof that human suffering can visit all kind of people: to the believers or to the unbelievers; to the faithful or to the faithless; to good people or to the evil ones. It is not to us to judge the fairness of God's economy. Whether there is purposes behind human suffering or not, only God knows the mystery. One is certain, in allowing his friends to experience suffering, God is allowing himself to suffer with them - and absolutely it is not an easy and simple decision to be executed.

Lessons in Logic

Few days ago, I received a worth-to-read e-mail from my friend. A set of Jokes, but an elegant one: The words contain wisdom that invites us to rethink about and reflect on our very life. Enjoy!

1. If your father is a poor man, it is your fate but, if your father-in-law is a poor man, it's your stupidity.
2. I was born intelligent - education ruined me.
3. Practice makes perfect..... But nobody's perfect..... . So why practice?
4. If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?
5. Since light travels faster than sound, people appear bright until you hear them speak.
6. How come 'abbreviated' is such a long word?
7. Money is not everything. There's Master card & Visa.
8. One should love animals. They are so tasty.
9. Behind every successful man, there is a woman. And behind every unsuccessful man, there are two.
10. Every man should marry. After all, happiness is not the only thing in life.
11. The wise never marry. And when they marry they become otherwise.
12. Success is a relative term. It brings so many relatives.
13. Never put off the work till tomorrow what you can put off today
14. 'Your future depends on your dreams.' So go to sleep
15. There should be a better way to start a day than waking up every morning
16. 'Hard work never killed anybody.' But why take the risk?
17. 'Work fascinates me' - I can look at it for hours
18. The more you learn, the more you know; The more you know, the more you forget; The more you forget, the less you know.; So.. why learn?
19. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.... What more can I say?

Profound Questions Lead to Sound Answers

Another fresh speech was delivered this morning by one of our pastors, Petrus Nawawi. The sermon is taken from a classic conversation between Jesus and the Pharisee in Mark 12.28-34. Unlike other speakers who normally focus on Jesus’ answer (the content of the law), Nawawi took The Pharisee’s question as the starting point of his message. The question on the most important law was interpreted by Nawawi as an inquiry towards priority in life. The reality says that seldom we ask question concerning what is the most important thing in our life.

I am learning that a sound answer always come out of a profound question. Our society and culture unfortunately teach people simply to find and memorize answers, without training them to pose deep inquiries and questions.

If we perceive religious answer as truth, the failure of formulating questions results in partial understanding of truth. Truth is divorced from both its original context and our contemporary context. This phenomena leads towards a new faith and community that is completely alien from Christian faith and Christian community: an individual faith that does not touch the reality of life; an ‘answer’ that does not really answer the problems of our contemporary world; a ‘truth’ that is theoretical.

I encourage you not to worry to walking through paths full of questions and uncertainty. Keep asking questions! And God will release you with touching and transforming answers

Fresh Interpretation on Joseph's Life

Yesterday, a good friend of mine (since my high school days) spoke in staff chapel meeting on the life of Joseph. He (Jeffrey Kurniawan) reminded us that life is not always smooth and bright. There are times when we have to go through dark and difficult moments. Often, we may not in authority to control our situation. Yet, he said, we are always in authority to make a right decision and positive responses towards those unwanted situations.

By exploring the life of Joseph, he even was able to convince that bad things are not simply ‘accessories’ to our lives. In the narrative of Joseph, the extremely undesired situations had been intentionally used by God to lead us into so many positive and great opportunities. I think – It is here that the biblical concept of success finds its root: the ultimate victory of Jesus over a long way of persecution and death. Folks, do not underestimate undesired things and situations! God may use them to bring you into a grand and bright future.

Faith Anomaly

The hierarchy of faith as normally perceived by worldwide community of believers is:

• First, the lowest grade is those who do not know about, believe in and experience God’s power and miraculous deeds. We may call them as unbelievers.

• Second, next to that lowest grade is for those who intellectually know about the miraculous deeds of God, but do not believe in and experience that mighty power. Some may point this characteristic to the agnostics and the atheisms.

• Third, higher than that is for those who know about and believe in the power of God. Unfortunately their belief and knowledge are limited to the level of theory. They never see or first handedly experience God’s miraculous power. The Pentecostals and the Charismatics tend to accuse scholars and the academy as the common representative of this category.

• Fourth, the final level is for those who know about, believe in, see and experience God’s mighty power.

Against the traditional view, and from a different angle, I offer a modified of the third model as the highest in faith hierarchy. What if someone who never see or experience God’s miraculous power persists and faithful to believe in God? He or she does not yet see and does not yet taste God’s power, but decides to keep his/her faith in God boldly. This sounds stupid and crazy, yet this is truly a faith that is unconditional, bold and at the same time genuine. A faith that is completely free to believe in God no matter what happen around and to us. A faith that is not blind, but founded on the ground of conscious and mature decision. This kind of faith has its ultimate subject and ultimate ground in the true knowledge of God, rather than simply in His power or miracles.

Beatitude in Psalm 1

Joy or happy or blessed are those who do not follow…, who do not stand around…, and who do not join in… The state of our blessedness is determined by at least three factors: (1) our orientation, (2) our position, and (3) our community. If our orientation is to listen to the advice of the wicked, then we will not enjoy the fullness of God’s blessing. The same devastating result will happen if we invite and allow ourselves to continually live around the sinners. And still, God’s blessing is far away for those who enjoy the fellowship with scoffers. Now let us review our lives! What is the direction of our life? In what kind of place do we enjoy to live our life? And with whom do we enjoy to live our life?

Happiness, joyfulness and blessedness are to be found in listening and obeying the will of God stated through His words in all times (lit: the Torah). Happiness, joyfulness and blessedness are according to verse 3: a sufficient life (v. 3a), an effective life (v. 3b), an efficient life (v. 3c), and a successful and prosperous life (v. 3d). A tree planted along the riverbank will sufficiently live forever. A tree that bears fruit each season is an effective tree. A tree with leaves that never wither is an efficient tree in using the water and solar energy around. And finally whatever the righteous does, it will result in success.

On the contrary, for those who do not listen and obey God’s word, happiness, joyfulness and blessedness should not even be their dream. They are worthless and nothing (worth of nothing) (v. 4); they will be judged, condemned, punished and placed separately from the righteous (the happy, the joyful and the blessed) (v. 5).

The true power however lies not on human decision but on Yahweh’s. The Lord watches, guides and protects the path of the righteous. All happiness, joyfulness and blessedness come from the Lord. The path of the wicked, on the other hand, leads to destruction, partly because without listening and obeying God’s word we are lost from blessing, and partly because without listening and obeying His word, come the judgment of God.

Examine Yourself: A Short Reflection

Yesterday, I have learnt something very important in life. And I thank God for His wisdom. Listen to these words: ‘the outcome of exposing the weaknesses of others is the exposure of your very own weaknesses; The more you speak about and spread (or publish) other people’s weaknesses, the more your weaknesses will be known and opened to others; When you protest against or complain on others (because of their weaknesses), even more people will soon protest against or complain on you (because of your weaknesses.’ Therefore, keep our heart pure and humble. Do not point to others’ weaknesses - before you examine your very inner life! God himself is the one who is without weaknesses, and to Him alone all the glory.

Rev. Dr. Jacob Tomatala

Yesterday, I and my colleagues were asked to accompany Rev. Dr. Jacob Tomatala for lunch. He is teaching a graduate program in our institute this week. He is one of the leading figures in the subject of Christian leadership in Indonesia. Dr. Tomatala got his doctorate from Fuller where he studied Christian leadership under Professor Clinton. He has been leading a philosophy and leadership institute in Jakarta for years. Dr. Tomatala’s passion for Christian leadership is undoubted.

I met Dr. Tomatala several times. Let me highlight some of those meetings. In February 2003, Compassion Indonesia invited me to facilitate a discussion on ‘Church, Children and Mission.’ Dr. Tomatala and Dr. Dan Brewster (also a Fuller graduate) were the main speakers in that event. He was very friendly and warm to such a younger ‘scholar’ like me. He treated me like his old friend, though he actually is 21 years older than me. He encouraged me to develop myself in every aspect so that my ministry would be more effective. He shared me his life and invited me to follow his steps. Though His advice was rather general, it was interesting that he figured himself and acted like a father who is motivating his own son to always move forward in life.

In 2005, I was with him again. This time, I had a private lunch with him. I remember picking him up from a small hotel in Sukajadi, and then bringing him into a Sundanese restaurant in Jalan Riau. There again, he served me with a very gentle shepherding unending ‘sermon.’ The meals seemed to be no longer important. The conversation however, was so valuable. Dr. Tomatala again shared his life and motivated me to sharpen my vision in the ministry of the Kingdom. This time, knowing that I got married, he also gave some tips for a happy family.

In our meeting yesterday, Dr. Tomatala did what he usually does. He was friendly and warm. He kept motivating us to develop ourselves. He spoke like a father to his sons. His motivation words sounded familiar. He shared what he had achieved: publishing books, delivering lectures, leading institutions and others. He kept asking, 'What have all of you achieved?' He encouraged us to start now for a change and growth in our ministry and life.

I was amazed though that he remembered my name. The first question he asked me was: ‘Any progress pa Ery?’ I was to be honest not quite sure with his question. Progress? In what area? I mentioned to him that I had completed my degree in the UK, and now I am applying what I have studied in the church and the institute where I am working with. I also shared my desire, my effort and my strategy to pursue a doctorate somewhere sometimes. He seemed to be happy knowing that ‘progress.’

For me personally, it is always good to have someone who rigorously motivates me to move forward in fulfilling God’s calling in me. Dr. Tomatala always shares his own life to the younger generation he meets. He does that passionately, enthusiastically and energetically. His sharing and motivation are eternal investment to those who are listening to him and make positive responses. He said: ‘You are what you perceive (your response) of what someone else says about you.’

This time, Dr. Tomatala said something significant for me. I perceived his words as a message from God. A vision of a leader, he said, has to be: (1) Glorifying God; (2) Benefiting others; (3) Fulfilling our most inner being. His message renews my vision about my family, my ministry and my own self in relationship with God. His words have helped me to boldly and optimistically continue my life in fulfilling the precious call of God.

At the end of our conversation, Dr. Tomatala shared about the unexpected death of his son. After lunch, he asked me personally, ‘How many children do you have, pa Ery?’ I said two, but one died earlier this year. His mimic changed; He stopped his step and said, ‘We experienced the same lost pa Ery: the same sadness of loosing our loved ones.’ I said to him and to myself, ‘Yes, but God is always faithful to us; His plan is wonderful and beyond our expectation.’ May these words be a blessing and motivation for both of us!

This post pays respect to Dr. Tomatala, a true motivator and father to many younger scholars. His friendship and warmness to everybody he meets are always available. To me personally, he is also truly a friend and a brother who have been going through similar difficult experiences.

Grounds for Effective Leaders

Two days ago, I taught Christian Leadership for about 50 child social workers. This lecture was part of Holistic Child Development (HCD) program sponsored by Compassion Indonesia and Pelayanan Desa Terpadu (PESAT). This actually was not my first to deliver lecture on Christian Leadership for HCD program. This time, however, I shared new material developed few weeks ago by myself and my wife. Let us say: The Prasadjas on Effective Leadership. In my conversation with my wife on effective leadership, we posed a question: What are the true grounds that create an effective leader.

We found four foundations. First, effective leaders know the true meaning and value of life they live. Paul said, ‘Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ’ (Phil 1.22a). The primary task of Christian living, the very existence of our life, is to bear fruit in good works, so that others are able to taste the goodness of God. Effective leaders, I think, are not called to live in self-centered spirit; effective leaders are the channel of God’s blessing. Without this spirit, we may be trapped in pursuing positions for our own benefit. Effective leaders live in a very strong conviction of their calling, and their understanding of the meaning and value of life

Second, effective leaders are men and women with consistent spirit of excellence. The very dream of effective leaders is to complete what have been assigned to him or her, not in second best quality, but in the best quality possible. Hard work and discipline are then required. For me, people cannot pursue success. Success comes and goes; we do not know when it comes and when it goes. Those who are ready to take success in life are those who discipline themselves to work hard.

Third, integrity stands as one of the most significant foundations for effective leaders. I mentioned five most important lifestyles related to integrity:

• Live what you believe and live what you say. Faith and action are not to be separated: be consistent!

• Be honest! Remember that politic is good only when it is used to pursue good purposes for all!

• Do not make any promise that you are not able to fulfill!

• Do not sacrifice your idealism for money!

• Keep your spirit of excellence in all situations and in all time! (Phil 2.12-18)

Fourth, effective leaders are leaders who are continue to develop themselves and their skills as leaders. Self development and skill development are two most important areas to be developed. Learning is an unending process. Learning is not limited by age, degrees, money or even positions. Effective leaders know that live to learn and learn to live go together hand in hand. When the rich say that they are rich enough, and therefore feel that working is no longer necessary, then they are falling into poverty. And when scholars say that they are smart enough, and therefore feel that studying is no longer necessary, then they are falling into a brainless lifestyle. Similarly, when leaders say that they are good and effective enough, and therefore feel that learning is no longer necessary, then they are going away from true effective leadership.

This posting goes with our prayer that readers will make a step forward towards effective leaders.

The 7th Congress and Symposium of PASTI (Nov 19-21, 2007)

I was in Surabaya for a congress and symposium of The Fellowship of Evangelical Colleges and Seminaries in Indonesia (PASTI). There, I met many scholars and leaders from about 45 evangelical institutions. I was glad to meet colleagues from different institutions: some of them were my former students, others were old friends, and of course some other were new to me. Bethany Theological College hosted the meeting.

I was asked to deliver a sermon in the first evening. I tell you what! Preaching (or let me use another friendlier word: sharing the word of God) to (evangelical) scholars was to be honest a new excited and challenging experience for me. Many of them are with doctorates and most of them hold masters degree from various prestigious institutions. I was a bit intimidated. God however was so gracious: it went well.

I was trying to stick and be faithful to the passage I chose (Hebrews 4.14-5.10). I had no personal interest and ambition, but to share the word and to touch the lives of the audience. My aim was to amplify the theme of the meeting: 'The Finality of Christ and its Implication to the Evangelical Mission.' Second to that, it was necessary for me to share a sermon that helped the forum to elect the new PASTI committee members. The election itself was one of the most important agendas of the congress.

The greatest experience however is to meeting different people from different institution. I humbled myself to learn the diversity of churches, seminaries, institutions and individuals. Talking about someone is completely different from talking with someone. Talking about one church is totally different from talking with someone represents that church. Similarly, talking about one college, seminary or institution is a far different experience from talking with someone who is representing those institutions. I asked God for his forgiveness, because we (or I) often do premature and unfair judgment towards people or institution without any effort to listen and understand them first.

This congress somehow opened my eyes and my heart not to be self-righteous. In our strengths, we know that we are to help others. And in our weaknesses, we know that others are available to help. We are not to boast our own strengths, and ignore others; and at the same time, we are not to walk in our weaknesses alone. The congress was such a wonderful time, where we, scholars (from different theological perspective), were able to sit and to worshipping God together.

Some people may say that a congress like this is full of political interests. That opinion may not be wrong, but I decided to view this occasion differently. I came to this congress to sharing life with others and to enjoy the process of learning from others. It is that decision that helped me to stay in that meeting with such of enjoyment and thanksgiving. Hallelujah!

Major Commentaries on Romans

Paul’s letter to the Romans is perhaps one of the most influential documents in the Bible. F. F. Bruce mentioned in the preface of his commentary that St. Augustine, Martin Luther and John Wesley are among the giants of faith whose journey of life had been significantly enlightened by the verses of Romans. It is not surprising that commentaries and studies on Romans are flourishing. Popular opinion says that the accomplishment of a New Testament scholar is not complete without publishing a commentary on Romans.

Below is the list of major commentaries on this amazing document available in English:

• Paul J. ACHTEMEIER. Romans (Interpretation). Atlanta: John Knox (1985)

• Charles Kingsley BARRETT. The Epistle to the Romans (BNTC). London: A&C Black (1957)/Peabody: Hendrickson (1991)

• Karl BARTH. The Epistle to the Romans. Oxford: OUP (1968)

• Matthew BLACK. Romans (NCBC). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (1986)

• F. F. BRUCE. Romans (TNTC). London: Tyndale (1963)/Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (1990)

• Charles. E. B. CRANFIELD. Romans 3 Volumes (ICC). Edinburgh: T&T Clark (1976)

• James D. G. DUNN. Romans 2 Volumes (WBC). Waco: Word (1988)

• Robert K. JEWETT. Romans (Hermeneia). Philadelphia: Fortress (2006)

• Ernst KASEMANN. Commentary on Romans. London: SCM (1980)/Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (1994)

• Douglas MOO. The Epistle to the Romans (NICNT). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (1996)

• Douglas MOO. Romans (NIV-AC). Grand Rapids: Zondervan (2000)

• Leon MORRIS. Epistle to the Romans (PNTC). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (1988)

• Grant OSBORNE. Romans (IVP-NTC). Downers Grove: IVP (2003)

• Thomas R. SCHREINER. Romans (BECNT). Grand Rapids: Baker (1998)

• John R. W. STOTT. The Message of Romans (The Bible Speak Today). Leicester: IVP (2001)

• Peter STUHLMACHER. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Edinburgh: T&T Clark (1994)

• Ben WITHERINGTON III. Paul’s Letter to the Romans: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (2004)

Cranfield, Dunn and Jewett’s are I think the first choices for those who want to dig this letter seriously (from the academic side). Greek and basic New Testament knowledge are required to read those three commentaries above. Barth, Kasemann, Stuhlmacher (all German), and Achtemeier’s offer so many fresh unthinkable insights from this epistle. An interesting social exegetical approach is to be found mostly in Witherington’s commentary. Moo (NICNT) and Morris’ are very theological and friendly to the evangelicals. Moo (NIV-AC), Osborne and Stott’s are the most useful commentaries for pastors and lay ministers.

Relationship and Acceptance

In our staff’s meeting this morning, Pastor Bambang Widjaja, our senior pastor and the president of the institution, shared us an interesting topic on parameter for healthy Christian living. He reflected on Mark 12.28-31. If I understand correctly, he shared his belief that righteous Christian living equals to (means/results in) healthy relationships. If I were allowed to amplify his message, ‘Christianity is all about relationship.’

He mentioned three dimensions of relationship. Relationship with God signifies our spiritual fitness. Relationship with our own self signifies emotional fitness. Lastly, relationship with others signifies social fitness.

Pastor Widjaja also mentioned another catch word: ‘Acceptance.’ If we fully understand that through his love, God has accepted us, then we should have less (no) problem in accepting our own self. Subsequently, if we are able to accept our own self, we should have less (no) problem in accepting other people.

For me, relationship and acceptance are two very strong interrelated words. Pastor Widjaja concluded that our relationship with God is inseparable from our daily life. Prayer may be one indicator of healthy spiritual life, but it is not all. Yet, our relationship with God is determinative to the other two relationships. If our relationship with God is inharmonious, we could not expect healthy relationship with our own self and others.

I am so blessed with Pastor Widjaja’s message this morning. It reminds me on, and confirms my own favorite wisdom: ‘True Christian spirituality should be manifested (effective) in social realities.’

The Gift of Tongue

In my New Testament Theology class this morning, I and my students were involved in a very interesting dialogue on the gift of tongue (glossolalia). Among the gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are the gift of tongue (speaking in unknown language) and the gift to interpret those unknown languages.

Few years ago, there was controversial story about one charismatic church: The church stressed that the gift of tongue is a must for all believers. That understanding led the church to offer a training school in order that the believers can learn how to speak in tongue (let say: “Tongue Training School”). I am not sure if the story is true, but it sounds natural in the charismatic circle. Speaking in tongue is in the charismatic churches considered as the most important or powerful among the gifts of the Spirit. Therefore all believers should possess and practice this phenomenal gift.

In our class this morning, we discussed the last gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12: the gift to interpret that unknown language (the gift of tongue). We have so many people (more than a thousand, I think) speaking in tongue during the Sunday services in our local church. And we may have some people who believe that they are able to interpret that unknown language.

I encouraged my students to do a field research. Recording people who speak in tongue individually, using the best tools (recorder and other electronic devices), and then ask those who believe to possess the gift of interpretation to translate those unknown languages.

The first task of the research is to discover the validity of the interpretation and/or translation. Will different people results in different interpretation/translation. If yes, can it be justified? The following task is to propose a dictionary of Tongue.

This posting sounds crazy doesn’t it? I myself am afraid of being too challenging towards God and the Holy Spirit. Yet, I feel that the idea is very natural, especially because we live in the era when technology might be called as the greatest miracle. And I think (seriously) that if the gift of tongue really is to build others (the congregation), which I strongly believe, then the dictionary should be a very helpful tool in nurturing the faith of the believers.

Let God and the power of the Holy Spirit prevail!

Charles Francis Digby Moule

We have lost another giant in New Testament Studies, the Reverend Professor C. F. D. Moule. He died on the 30th of September 2007 at the age of 98. Moule had 'produced' the finest scholars in New Testament field through doctoral supervision he provided while serving as professor at the university of Cambridge. James D. G. Dunn (Lightfoot Professor Emeritus at Durham), Nicholas T. Wright (Bishop of Durham) and Robert Morgan (New Testament Professor at Oxford) are among others who benefited Moule's insight, wisdom and friendship.

Times (Oct 5, 2007) writes: 'With the death of Professor C. F. D. Moule the academic world has lost a fastidious scholar who combined a passion for exact truth about the New Testament with modesty and a capacity for friendship with people of very different types and ages.'

Guardian (Oct 24th, 2007) writes: 'In the faculty, his wisdom usually prevailed, showing gentleness and humility are not to be confused with weakness.'

Daily Telegraph (Oct 2th, 2007) writes: 'An attractive personality allied to great erudition and exceptional gifts as a teacher made him a popular Cambridge figure for more than 40 years, and his influence in the field of NT studies was considerable.'

Moule was to spend most of his life in Cambridge, first as tutor and vice-principal of Ridley Hall, 1936-44; then as Dean of Clare, 1944-51; then as Lady Margaret’s Professor of Divinity (one of the most prestigious chairs in the United Kingdom) until 1976, when he moved back to Ridley Hall. From 1955 to 1976 he was also canon theologian (non-residentiary) of Leicester Cathedral. He became an honorary Doctor of Divinity of St Andrews in 1958 and of Cambridge in 1988. He was a Fellow of the British Academy, 1966, and president of the International Society for New Testament Studies, 1967.

For the last four years of his life he lived in a residential home in Dorset. Moule was unmarried.

Psalm 120 and 1 Timothy

This week, I was asked to deliver two different sermons for two different occasions, and I could not refuse those requests. First, one of my dear friends in the church, Retty, who was scheduled to preach on Tuesday morning staff chapel, physically was not well enough to lead the service. For that morning chapel, I read Psalm 120 pointing out David as an extraordinary example of how one should be honest and open to God. Our God is great enough to understand and to embrace us all. There is no need for us to live in a spirit of denial.

Yesterday, I was asked to deliver a sermon in celebrating the 64^th birthday of Rev. Gunawan Tijono (one of our senior pastors). I did not dare enough to refuse to preach in such a special occasion. For that birthday dinner, I read Paul’s first letter to Timothy, arguing that Christian faith and life should be based on the purity of heart and conscience. This sermon challenges the natural interpretation of 1 Tim 3.1. Unlike the traditional approaches, I showed that 1 Tim 3.2-7 is far more important than 1 Tim 3.1. The very task of Timothy was to attack those who wished to exercise authority, yet neglecting the very key point of conscience (1 Tim 1.18-20). My approach and interpretation also boldly tackle the difficulties of understanding the relationship of men and women in this epistle (1 Tim 2.8-15) and other polemical issues in the Pastoral Epistles. It is a reminder that legal position or authority is deceiving without the active presence of sincere conscience.

I presented the sermon as a kind of festschrift to Mr. Tijono. It was fresh from the oven. This sermon was also a result of a relatively long struggle (6 years) in finding the answer of a simple question posed by Dr. Bambang Widjaja. In 2001, after dinner, he asked me, ‘Ry, what do you think about 1 Tim 3.1?’ I do not remember what my answer was, but I had not been satisfied until the light touched my heart while reading this most controversial Pauline epistle, yet it is truly my favorite. Eureka!

A Detailed Introduction

Last Saturday, my senior pastor introduced me to someone. He said to this man, "Ery is a believer (lit: child of God); He is a husband of one wife; He is a father of one daughter; He serves as Dean of Students (and also in Research and Development) for INTI; and finally, He is the younger brother of Bambang Budijanto."

• It is certainly more than a mere introduction. To each category he (my senior pastor) mentioned, I have certain responsibilities (moral and/or legal).

• The order shows that God is first, family is second, job is third, and relation to others is the last one. This order seems to be very evangelical. Yet the order also shows how my pastor carefully and consistently tries to hide the name of Bambang Budijanto (my 'famous' older brother) until the end of his introduction.

• To that detailed introduction, I praise God. I am blessed to be His child. I am happy with my family. I am committed to my work. And I am very proud to have a very godly and productive brother. No doubt, I am so grateful to God who is so gracious in granting me a meaningful life to live with.