LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES FOR KID

A year ago, Keiko's teacher reported to her parents that among her peers, she has been very strong in leadership. Hours after the report, I committed to myself in assisting her to shape her strength. I then shared with her week after week five leadership principles. Things that are easy for her to remember. They are: 1. Good leaders show good examples - Great leaders show great examples 2. Good leaders always tell the truth - honesty 3. Good leaders obey God and listen to others - open minded but obedient 4. Good leaders are humble 5. Good leaders have God as their first priority (Matthew 6.33) May these principles help us in being good, better and great leaders.

KEIKO, JESUS AND THE POOR

I invite you to listen to my most recent conversation with Keiko as we were walking together few days ago:

Dad: Do you think Jesus has a lot of money?

Keiko: No way dad! No way!

Dad: Are you sure?

Keiko: Yes! Jesus does not have a lot of money, because He shared all of his money to the poor!

Dad: I am proud of you my little princess, because you know that Jesus loves the poor.

Keiko: I do love the poor too dad!

Honestly, I have never literally taught her about this very sound Christian value. The only thing I and Esther did has been to help her to see and to interact with the poor as much as possible.

THE DISCREPANCIES

The fact that we are putting on some soap and wiping the dishes does not say that we are making them clean, even if we use the best and most expensive detergent, and even if we use our best energy. Good resources and big efforts alone do not lead us to our destination. We need to stay focus on our goals in every single action we do. Remember to live out our life on glorious purposes! 

The fact that we are helping the poor does not say that we love them. Only God and we know exactly what is inside our heart. Our good actions alone may only be valuable to others. Do those actions please God? The answer to that question requires a thorough investigation on the motive behind the actions. Remember to live out our life with sincere motivation! 

The fact that we are watching and playing soccer does not say that we love soccer. Love requires high commitment and practice. To love someone is to committ ourselves to him or her with right and excellent deeds. We never give second quality presents to the one we love. Remember to live out our life with high commitment and great actions! 

The fact that we are doing spiritual businesses does not say that we are spiritual. Subsequently, we are not righteous because of saying the truths alone. We are righteous by presenting a righteous life before God and others. Remember to live out our life with character and integrity!

BOOK REVIEW: STORIES WITH INTENT

My Review of STORIES WITH INTENT: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus (Klyne R. Snodgrass). W. B. Eerdmans (Grand Rapids, 2008). 846pp.

Reading Klyne Snodgrass’ Stories with Intent brought wonderful memories of sitting some 13 years ago in an awesome evening lecture called ‘The Parable of Jesus’ given by the author at North Park Theological Seminary. It was announced then that Professor Snodgrass had been given a grant by the Pew Evangelical Scholars to undertake the writing of a book on the parables of Jesus. A look at Snodgrass' long career in the area of biblical studies will reveal that this project is not something new or unfamiliar to him. Snodgrass’ interest in the parables of Jesus is apparent when he first wrote his doctoral dissertation[1] under the supervision of Professor Matthew Black of St. Andrew. It can be claimed that this present work represents Professor Snodgrass’ magnus opus in the area of biblical studies. His love of the parables of Jesus can be read in the preface to his book: ‘This is unapologetically and quite consciously a selfishly motivated book.’

Snodgrass’ claim that his book is a ‘Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus’ is shown by the massive amount of information found in the book. With 31 pages of introduction and approximately another 30 pages of discussion on the parables from the ancient world, the work is unrivalled. The commentary on the parables alone takes up more than 500 pages. Snodgrass’ interpretation of the parables is written and presented in a consistent style. There are almost 200 pages of notes with more than 40 pages of bibliography on primary and secondary literature. The book also includes appendices and indexes which substantiates the book’s claim to be truly comprehensive.

Snodgrass makes the point that the parables did not exclusively belong to Jesus or to Christianity. Some of the materials in Jesus’ parables may not have originated from him. Jesus could have possibly taken the material from traditions which were widely used by local communities in first century Judaism or hundred years earlier as testified in the Old Testament. Snodgrass is right to say that as a story teller, Jesus took full control of his stories. He made the conscious choice to teach in the form of parables. Although we may not know where the stories come from, the parables of Jesus are still relevant today transcending cultures, localities, genders, and languages. However, the author’s claim that the parables of Jesus are the most influential stories in the world (p. 1) requires some caution. In some parts of the world where Christianity is not the main religion, Jesus and his teachings are not influential as claimed. Nevertheless, Snodgrass' assertion about the effectiveness of the use of story telling by Jesus to impart teaching is correct.

The author tells us that he is aiming to uncover the intent of Jesus (p. 3) while approaching and interpreting the parables. Snodgrass does not want to be trapped by subjective interpretations, which follow the intent (or the interest) of the church, the psychologist, the sociologist, the feminist, etc. Snodgrass shows that he is aware of the dangers of allowing presuppositions to dominate one’s work. In this respect, he brings the true spirit of biblical studies into his work. He repeatedly makes this claim in the first chapter of the book. At the same time, he gives a sound suggestion in approaching Jesus’ parables: ‘the parables needs to be allowed to speak for themselves – there is no need for the parables to be theologized, domesticated,…’ This suggestion unfortunately has often been ignored by many who approach and interpret the Bible for the sake of their own self interests.

Stories with Intent is significantly helpful in providing readers with a history of interpretation of the parables, through which the readers are encouraged to learn from past scholars. This particular section helps the readers to avoid making the same mistakes of previous interpreters and to utilize sound principles while interpreting the parables of Jesus. The book also presents a detail explanation of the parables from the view of the Old Testament, Early and Later Jewish periods, and Greco-Roman and Early Church setting (pp. 37-60). This information is invaluable as other works on the parables of Jesus seldom touch on the area. Other sections that are important in this work are the discussion on the definition of the parable (pp. 7-9), the classification of the parables of Jesus (pp. 9-15), and the discussion on allegory and allegorizing, from St. Augustine to Adolf Julicher to recent modern scholarship (pp. 15-17).

The author provides a detail description of the parables of Jesus (pp. 17-22). Snodgrass suggests that there are 11 characteristics of the parables, for example, the first characteristic is that most of the parables of Jesus are brief while the second characteristic is that most of Jesus' teachings in parables are made up of simple stories. Paradoxically, these simple and brief stories require substantial elaboration in numerous publications such as Stories with Intent.

In pages 31-35, Snodgrass asserts the superiority of the teachings of Jesus (especially in his parables) above the local contexts of the individual gospel, though he sensitively does not ignore the role of those contexts in shaping the final form of the parables. By agreeing with James D. G. Dunn,[2] the author accords validity to the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the gospels (p. 35). This position is important for evangelical readers, although some readers express doubt about the author’s theological position.[3]

In his lengthy interpretation of the parables, Snodgrass is surprisingly consistent. He diligently questions each parable. Key issues like the type of parable, subject matter requiring further attention, primary source material, comparison of the accounts, notable textual features, cultural information, explanation, adaptation, and a list of significant references are discussed and analyzed. Snodgrass helps his readers to understand the meaning of each parable and also to provide guidelines for them to make independent and satisfactory interpretation of the parables. Snodgrass intends to provide the adequate tools for those who seriously want to dig and uncover Jesus’ parables.

As the most comprehensive text-book on the parables of Jesus, Stories with Intent is specially written by a seasoned lecturer and expert for pastors and students. Seminary students will certainly benefit from the book’s comprehensiveness. Readers will also be able to search for topics related to the parables of Jesus from a single text-book. The usefulness of the book will be long lasting.

As most pastors will not have the time to read though the details of the book, they can still appreciate the ‘explanation’ and ‘adaptation’ sections of the parables’ interpretation. In these two sections, the author is appreciated for providing vivid and relevant examples and illustrations, for example, the story of Albert Schweitzer (p. 433) in responding to Luke 16.19-31 is an interesting case. The choice of Schweitzer shows how the author brilliantly brings the real testimony of a great Christian into the context of Jesus’ parable. It shows that the parables are relevant for all ages. It also shows the depth of the author’s thinking and reflection, not only in the area of biblical studies, but also in the area of the history of Christian mission.

In the final part of this preview, let me speak as someone whose background and setting are different from Professor Snodgrass. Because of the thickness and density of the book, I believe very few students and pastors in Indonesia will ever read Stories with Intent. As a lecturer in the area of biblical studies for the last ten years, I foresee that less than five percent of seminary students in Indonesia will read (or enjoy reading) Stories with Intent. Firstly, there is the language barrier as most of the Indonesians have difficulties in reading English. Secondly, there is the financial barrier as the book is beyond the means of the ordinary reader or theological student. Thirdly, there is the mindset barrier as many students and pastors may feel that the book is not an important resource to help them in the areas of teaching and preaching. These comments do not impinge on the qualities of the author and the book. They imply that the book (in its original form) may not find a rousing welcome as it should. It is sad especially when the author declares that the parables of Jesus are the most influential stories on earth.

I make two suggestions. Firstly, because the book is intended to be a comprehensive work, the thickness of the book is unavoidable. However, the presentation style of the book can be improved as it is presently rather dense. The book seems to be written to benefit mostly the academia rather than the practitioners. The use of footnotes is preferred for the reading comfort of the students, pastors, and lecturers (at least in the Third World). This will relegate lesser important material to the margin while keeping the more important stuff in the main body.

Secondly, because of the lower level of comprehension, most theological students and pastors will not be able to digest all information provided by the book. While they can certainly attempt to read the whole book, most of them will be continuously challenged by the constraints of time, study, and work. Professor Snodgrass may be interested to publish a condensed version of Stories with Intent which will certainly allow his work to impact more readers in this part of the world.

I am very positive about the far-reaching contributions of Stories with Intent. I offer my deepest respect to Professor Klyne Snodgrass for being my favorite teacher and a very good friend. I owe him a great debt for bringing me to see the beauty and riches of biblical studies. More than anybody else, he is responsible in leading and guiding me to love the Bible and especially the parables of Jesus.

[1] Published as The Parable of the Wicked Tenants. 1983. WUNT 27. Tubingen: J. C. B. Mohr. [2] ‘The only Jesus accessible to us is the remembered Jesus, Jesus as he impacted the disciples…’ James D. G. Dunn. Jesus Remembered - Christianity in the Making. Vol 1. 2003. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. [3] The conversations and discussions in blogs and e-mails indicate that not all American readers know Snodgrass’ theological position. For some readers, this issue seems to be very critical.

WHAT IS YOUR FOOTPRINTS?

Yesterday evening, I met a person who is now facing a very difficult situation. Because of some delicate issues, he is forced to leave his present job in the next few months. And you know what, he started to work for this company only six months ago. He loves his job, his co workers, the challenges, the leadership, the mission of the company and everything related with his job. 'Though problems are everywhere and everytime, I feel that I am in the ideal place right now,' he commented on his present job. He has not yet discovered what to do for the next stage of his life. His future is undecided. He knows already that his time is very short to find a new job. He is responsible not only to himself, but also for his family. He understands that the global crisis may prevent him to get a job he likes to do. In short, he is stress and feeling under heavy pressure. My prompt guess: He must be worrying about his uncertain future.

As a ‘half-pastor,’ I asked him to share what has been the cause of his stress, with the hope that I may be a little help to him. He said that his awareness of time is now escalating. ‘Oh, my time is short,’ he sighed. My mouth automatically opens bombing him with sermon. I cut his sentence by encouraging and suggesting him to apply for jobs as many as possible. ‘God will open doors or at least one door for you,’ I said. ‘No, No, No!’ he replied immediately. ‘Yes, I am worrying about my unknown future, but that is not the real disturbing issue,’ he continued ‘What I am truly worrying is the fact that my left time to work with this company is becoming shorter and shorter – and I am feeling with a great fear of leaving this company without leaving any positive footprints.’

‘You know Ery,’ he said, ‘Finding a new job in the crisis situation is absolutely not easy, but being forced to leave something that you fall in love with and you feel that God has called you to do is a big horror.’ He continued, ‘My main and first focus is now not to find a new job, but to express my love dedicatedly to my present job in this company as part of my accountability to God in the left short available time.’ ‘I want to make sure that my presence in this company whatever short it is contributes something significant and positive whatever small it is,’ he gently said. ‘Have I? Am I? Will I? Can I?’ he asked, begging a possible possibility.

I went home without peace in mind, questioning myself if there is any good I left to my family, my friends, my place of work, and to this world. As I approaching 40, my sense of time is escalating: my left available time to live in this world is becoming shorter and shorter – and I am accountable to God for the life He grants me to live.

Inspiring Words from Rudyard Kipling

Few days ago, I was with LDP (Leadership Development Program) students, having fellowship with them in their annual retreat. One of the speakers cited inspiring words from Rudyard Kipling, saying:

'If you don’t get what you want, it’s a sign either that you did not seriously want it, or that you tried to bargain over the price.’

At one point, these words seem to place all responsibilities on us. We are responsible to decide what desire we desire. We are also responsible to test whether the desire we desire is truly a desire of us. Lastly, any desire we true have is not free, and we are fully responsible to pay the price. Only by fulfilling those three responsibilities, we will transform our true desire into reality. God seems to work only behind the scene.

At the other point, however, these words convey the truth and the reality of most of us. Often what we perceive as our desire springs only from our lips - not from our heart. Desire that comes merely from lips gives birth to a frustration. On the contrary, desire that comes from our heart gives (or should give) birth to a deep commitment at whatever cost it will take.

May this saying transform and challenge the way we live this precious life God has given us.

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was an English author and poet. He was awarded Nobel Prize in literature in 1907.

A. J. Cronin on God's Perfect Ways

Upon my arrival from Germany in 2001, my father asked me to read a beautiful poem by A. J. Cronin. This poem is truly a wonderful treasure to me. In a line with that poem, few weeks ago, a friend of mine shared in the office chapel her reflection on what she called as 'trusting God.' Both the poem and the reflection confirm and uncover what God has been recently showing me through dreams. They teach me that in all situation whether it is good or bad, it is always appropriate to say, 'It is up to you God. Lead me according to your perfect way, though it may sound silly according to my own judgment.' Do enjoy Cronin's poem below:

Life is no straight and easy corridor

along which we travel

free and unhampered,

but a maze of passages,

through which we must seek our way,

at times, lost and confused,

now and again checked in a blind alley.

But always, if we have faith,

a door will open for us,

not perhaps one that we ourselves

would ever have thought of,

but one that will ultimately

prove good for us

Love: A Borderless Christian Vision

Few weeks ago, I got an opportunity to visit the United States. It was for the purpose of attending the Global Leadership Forum of Compassion International. About eleven years ago I left the country after completing my first degree in theology. Then, I lived in Chicago for three years. I felt somehow that my recent visit was different. I experienced my second culture shock to the American culture (and people so to speak).

September 11, 2001 has changed the world map and situation, especially the United States. The brutal terrorist attack on WTC and the Pentagon created deep trauma for the Americans and the rest of the world. This attack, in my perspective found its ground in hatred. As a result of that traumatic event, entering the United States has been becoming more and more difficult, especially for those who come from Islamic countries or countries with huge number of Muslim population, like Indonesia – which in addition to that situation is unfortunately famous as the home for some of the most wanted terrorists. In some European countries, I know by my own experience, the time for visa processing for countries associated with terrorism is longer compared with other countries. A friend of mine told me few weeks before my departure to the United States that obtaining a US-Visa is considered more difficult than approaching the gate of heaven (read: salvation). In fact, my first application for US-Visa was refused. Praise God, I got the US-visa on my second coming to the embassy. A friend of mine had to apply for three times before he got the US-visa. The list of so many sad stories of visa refusal is to be frank endless.

Somehow, I felt uncomfortable with my recent trip to the United States. I felt a little bit intimidated. It was uneasy for me to face the immigration officer at the Los Angeles International Airport. My good fellow told me how he previously was randomly selected for further investigation in the Airport, and it took three hours before he was finally ‘released.’ Thank to God for making my way to enter the United States smooth - people do support me in prayer, and God answered!.

There I met friends, brother and sisters in Christ who warmly welcomed me. This truly was a comfort to me, knowing that friendship and brotherhood in Christ is not limited and bordered by nationality and passport issuing countries. The world’s perspective on the United States and the United States’ perspective on the world may be dramatically changed because of the horror and hatred of 9/11, but friendship and brotherhood in Christ have a different stronger foundation: it is love, a vision given by our Lord himself to rule all of the world’s elements to live in harmony. Love is not only a feeling nor an action, but a vision that should drive the life of the believers and all creatures. It is love that overcame my second culture shock upon visiting the United States of America.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORA (May 26, 2008)

We visited the burial site of our beloved daughter and sister, Moravidelita El Nytia last Monday, May the 26^th. Then was exactly one year after she was delivered from her mother’s womb. Keiko enthusiastically led us all singing ‘Happy Birthday to Mora.’ We sang that song three times. The situation was heartrending. Esther once again deeply cried expressing her apology. Keiko commented, ‘Mommy is sad!’ – ‘Keiko is also sad!’ I kept my mouth shut, though I still felt the pain inside.

We also visited the tomb of Mora’s ‘friends in heaven’: Johan Imanuel and Jaqueline Kana. Both died when they were very young in age. As I walked along the graveyard, my eyes became extremely sensitive and insightful towards kids mausoleum: I sensed strongly the solidarity and camaraderie with parents who lost their babies and young children – and many of us pose identical unreturned question: WHY? God knows the answer, and only God is able to validate the rationale. In most cases however, God does not make the answer and the justification available. Whatever genius the elucidation is, we will not consent with it anyway. Most of grieving parents do not need words. Our ability to comprehend the mind of God is worthless - and I exceedingly doubt the accuracy of our inadequate emotional comprehension. What God offers us and in chorus searching for from us is neither clarification nor comfort, but true friendship and companionship (Heb 4.15): things that we need most!

The Story of Jonah: 'Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God'

One of the most genius prophets in the Old Testament Books is Jonah. Jonah had the capability to detect the mind of God, even three or four steps ahead. The reason of why Jonah did not willing to go to Nineveh is stated in Jonah 4.2. He knew already that God could easily cancel His plan to destroy the Ninevehs. Jonah’s knowledge of God was so precise and exactly proven.

In contrast, God seemed to be lack of knowledge about Jonah. He seemed to send wrong person to accomplish His mission. As a leader, one will choose someone trustable, loyal, capable, and qualified to sit as his or her assistant – or in this context, as God’s ambassador, apostle or prophet. God chose Jonah, but Jonah went to the opposite direction (1.3). Jonah completely and intentionally disobeyed God.

Jonah knew God well, but God did not know Jonah well enough.

Jonah refused to go to Nineveh because of some likely motives. First, Jonah might be afraid of the Ninevehs. They were famous of their iniquity. They were evildoers. They did not know their right hands from their left. In New Living Translation’s words, ‘the Ninevehs lived in spiritual darkness.’ Entering the city of Nineveh was a suicidal action. Second, Jonah might be reluctant to preach God’s message to the Ninevehs (the evil non-Jews) because of his narrow Jewish exclusive nationalistic spirit. As a member of the covenant community (the chosen nation), Jonah did not want the evil Ninevehs to be saved. Jonah was a true genuine Jewish prophet. These two reasons had unfortunately created an extremely selfish prophet of God. Jonah loved his national identity, his religion and himself more than he loved God who indeed sent him.

The book of Jonah therefore shows the contrast between the infinite love of God and the coldness of Jonah. Jonah preferred to sink and died in the deep of the sea instead of to preaching the Lord’s judgment to the Ninevehs. But God sent a big fish to save Jonah. This rescue was not for the sake of his Jewish prophet Jonah, but because of his unlimited love to the evil non-Jewish Ninevehs. The end of the book strengthens this argument (4.10-11). Though according to the author, God’s knowledge about Jonah was bare minimum, His love was unfailing. On the contrary, though Jonah’s knowledge about God was accurate, he was an egotistic and selfish prophet. The hero in this narrative is brilliantly pictured as God’s compassion and abundant love – not human super knowledge.

As I am writing this reflection, my memory goes to dazzling inspiring words of one of modern prophets to the poor, Bob Pierce. He said, ‘Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.’ Pierce is the founder of World Vision International. The words have been since then the motto of the organization. World Vision has been used by God for years to bless millions of unfortunate people.

The Ninevehs were unfortunate. They were evildoers and doomed to death, but Jonah, the prophet of God was not keen to see them transformed and saved. God’s heart was broken for the Ninevehs, Jonah’s was not.

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.