Healing Rays of Righteousness

In my Christian faith journey, I was well-taught from Sunday school thru seminary on how to prepare and do things for the Lord; how to serve God and others, how to be a biblically grounded preacher-minister, and how to be an effective pastor-chaplain.  But what I needed most was encouragement to desire, to seek after, to develop a passionate love for the person and presence of Jesus Christ. 

Wesley Duewel in his book, Ablaze for God, writes,  “It is not enough to be evangelical in faith and heart;  we must be utterly possessed by Christ, utterly impassioned by his love and grace.”  To this passionate love for relationship with God, I invite your attention.

One of the hazards of maturing in the Christian faith is that we tend to lose some of the wonder and awe that attracted us to Jesus Christ.  We begin to believe that we have arrived and that we have figured it all out.  The awesome mystery of our redemption gradually slips away and soon our enthusiastic and passionate love for Christ is diminished. 

Luke calls us back to that childlike wonder and love for Jesus as our Redeemer and sovereign Lord by telling us stories of persons who were busy doing things, rather than to just sit at Jesus’ feet.  In chapter 10, verses 38 to 42, he tells us the story of Martha and Mary’s differing relationship with Jesus.

As Jesus and his disciples were traveling through the village where Martha and Mary lived, Martha invited them into her home.  As the story unfolds, Jesus is conversing with his disciples and Martha gets busy preparing a meal for them.  While everyone else in the house is listening to Jesus, Martha is scurrying about to get food on the table. 

Distracted by all the meal preparation work, she becomes upset that her sister, Mary, is listening to Jesus rather than helping her.  Totally distressed and upset with her sister, Martha marches into the room where Jesus was.  I can imagine the look on Martha’s face as she gives Jesus a gentle rebuke:  “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!”  

We are attracted to this story because of the sympathy we feel for Martha.  We would argue that no matter what the attractions of the hour were, some routine tasks had to be done.  Someone had to prepare the meal.  And so, Martha’s irritation seems natural to us, and her outburst is understandable.

And I am certain that from Martha’s perspective, her complaint was entirely in order, and she fully expected Jesus to support her.

However, Jesus did not.  On the contrary, he used Martha’s complaint as an opportunity to help her better understand herself.  “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset (caring) about many things, but only one thing is needed.”

Jesus challenged Martha to make the better choice toward making him feel welcomed in her house.  The meal could wait.  But for now, the chance to be with Jesus, to learn from Him is the better choice.

Martha is so busy being gracious, polite, and a good host, serving the Lord, that she felt she had no time to be, like her sister, just sitting at His feet and listening to His teachings.  

In his book Experiencing God, Henry T. Blackaby writes, “God is far more interested in a love relationship with you then He is in what you can do for Him.”

There will always be many distractions to our sincere efforts to love and serve God, but “only one thing is needed.”  Like Martha, we will get pulled away from time with God by the urgent distractions within us and around us to serve God, but “only one thing is needed.”  We may say that all our time, life, and money is the Lord’s, but does He have our attention?  Or are we too busy doing good works?

The choices we make daily help shape the person we are, the person our friends and neighbors see.

Mary chose devotion to Jesus over distractions.   She chose intimacy with Jesus over the expectations of her culture and her family.  Mary had a passionate love for the Lord’s presence and that made all the difference in her life.

A regal lady of 19th century England, well known as a gracious host, was also a devout Christian.  She frequently spoke the name of the Lord Jesus in her conversations, to the dismay of some of her friends.  The story is told that on one occasion, a friend asked her who was the most distinguished guest she had ever entertained.  “Her majesty, Queen Victoria,”  she replied immediately.  “What about Jesus Christ?  You’re always talking about him,” chided her interrogator.  “Why didn’t you name him?”  “Oh, Christ is not a guest,” she said.  “He lives here!”

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – February 2, 2022

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Ray M. Geigley

Woefully, many Christians go through life with little spiritual interest or vitality.  Their days are consumed with secular pursuits.  For them “real life” is not life in the Spirit, but life in the flesh.  It is reaching here and there, doing this and that, and fitting in some Christian activity, mostly to meet their own social needs.  Bible reading and prayer are like a once-a-day “fast food” activity.  They may even close the night in prayer as a “spiritual glaze” over their real interests, but there is no serious heart-hunger for God. 

Does this describe your life?  This limited relationship with God may fit nicely into your busy schedule and presently satisfy you.  But I remind and assure you that this can change, sometimes sudden and dramatically, causing you to feel separated from God.  Serious illness or accident, death in family, loss of job, business or home, conflict in marriage or with children, may bring you to a crisis point of despair and desperation that frightens.  

But whatever the reason, these emotional earthquakes will break down our defenses and open us up to the Lord.  The feelings of helplessness, inner emptiness, and separation from God generates an intense longing for God.  You feel much like small children feel when they are separated from their parents; frightened, lonely, angry, depressed, and  intensely longing for your parent to return.

Psalm 63 is a prayer psalm of David written while hiding from Saul in the Desert of Judah.  It is a prayer of lament dominated by trust in God.  In spite of his dire circumstances, his psalm also becomes a song of confidence and thanksgiving.

In verses 1-2, David calls out in prayer, confessing his faith in God.  This God is his God.  He lives in a daily personal relationship with Him, a relationship that is the priority of his life.

For David to say “you are my God” means he is assured that God can be trusted, and that he is concerned about David’s situation.  It also means he is willing to stake his present and future on God and God alone.  Can we honestly say that?

In praying “earnestly I seek you” David puts his whole self into his spiritual search.  The Hebrew verb used here means “to seek with longing” and implies a passionate desire for relationship with God.

To pray “my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,” is no disembodied spirituality.  Rather, it expresses the deep passion of his whole being in seeking God’s presence of love and provision in his time of need.

Psalm 42:1–2 expresses a similar thought: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”

David’s thirst for God is set in the context of a “dry and weary land where there is no water.”  He thirsts for God as an exhausted wander needs water in a parched desert.  This is a classic metaphor for spiritual longing.  If you are feeling this way, read on.

Then David remembers where his spiritual thirst has been quenched in the past.  It was in the “sanctuary” that David felt the presence of God.  It was there that David sees God’s “power” and “glory.”  (Read Psalm 27:4-6).

The memory of seeing God in the sanctuary is so powerful that he says, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” (vv. 3-4).

David’s worship is based on God’s “love” which he says is a greater good than “life” itself.  And David’s response to God’s love is, “my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live.” 

And the result of this worship is that David’s “soul” is now “satisfied as with the richest of foods.”  The refreshing power of the nearness of God is compared to a rich feast.  And he responds in praising God “with singing lips.”

In verses 6-8, we hear that David also seeks God “on my bed” where he remembers and meditates on God.  Through the dark and dangerous night, David meditates on God’s help, protection, and authority.  Remembering that God has been his “help” in protecting him, David sings “in the shadow of (God’s) wings.”  And so, David “clings” to God and is upheld by God’s “right hand” of authority and power.

What is fascinating and most reassuring about these verses is that David’s situation has not changed at all.  He is still in the desert.  He is still a hunted man.  But, within that condition, David has learned the secret of spiritual richness. 

He has learned that when he fully puts his trust in God and longs for God as much as he longs for the cool refreshing stream of pure water, he finds God.  He finds a deep sense of peace and acceptance.  His longing is answered by God presence.

David’s longing for God is satisfied as he meditates, remembers, and worships.  As this becomes our spiritual lifestyle, we too will see God’s “power” and “glory” and our hunger for God will be satisfied.

David’s experience teaches us that God’s presence can be enjoyed right now.  Yes, right now!  In the midst of the pressures and debilitating forces that threaten to diminish and destroy us, God is there!

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – January 26, 2022

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Ray M. Geigley

In his Gospel account regarding Jesus, the disciple John, tells the story of John, the Baptizer, standing with two of his disciples when Jesus came walking by.  John said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (1:35-41).

Hearing this, the two disciples decided to follow this man and see for themselves if it was true what the Baptist was declaring about this man named Jesus.  Going only a short distance, Jesus turns around and seeing them following asks, “What do you want?” 

In asking these two men “What do you want?” Jesus was asking the most fundamental question in life.

A question we should be frequently asking of ourselves, especially at the beginning of a new year. What do I want to accomplish this year?  What are my goals?  What are my plans in seeking to achieve what I want from life?  Is the desire to know God better and be in a more intimate relationship with him a priority on my want list?”

The two disciples respectfully answered with their own question, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”  In other words, “Where are you making your home in the world?”

This suggests they were curious and wanted to know more about this “Lamb of God.”  And possibly were hoping for some “alone time” with him so they could ask questions and see for themselves what the Baptist was seeing in this man named Jesus.  They wanted to know for themselves whether or not he was truly “the Lamb of God?”

But maybe they, like many of us, did not know what they wanted or what they were looking for.  Maybe they were afraid or ashamed to state what they really were hoping for, that is, a comfortable lifestyle, good health, much happiness along the way, and financial security in our elderly years.

Whatever thought these two men may have had that prompted their question, Jesus simply replied, “Come, and you will see” and took them to where he was staying. John, the disciple who wrote this gospel account, finishes the story with “So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him.”  And, as it turned out, they stayed with him for the rest of their lives.

Don’t you, like me, wish that John would have recorded their conversation?  What subjects did they talk about?  What were their conclusions?  We do not know, but we do know that John and Andrew’s life was forever changed that day, for they met and were convinced that he was indeed Jesus, the “Lamb of God” – the “Son of God” – the “Messiah (Christ).”

And so, the first thing Andrew did in the morning was to find his brother, and with great excitement tell him, “We have found the Messiah. And he brought him to Jesus.”

This story introduces us to the larger story of Jesus’ ministry while on this earth.  That bigger story teaches us that authentic disciples of Jesus are persons who want to stay with Jesus, wherever that stay may be and wherever it may take them.

Discovering who God is and experiencing the presence of Christ in your life is rarely experienced as a sudden blinding light or a burning bush. Enlarging your knowledge and soul, filling your spirit with the right spiritual nutrients of Godly wisdom, understanding, and purpose is a lifelong process of staying with Jesus.

It is more than just interesting to note that the Gospel accounts of Jesus portray him as a traveling man, always going somewhere.  It underscores an important truth that staying with Jesus means daily traveling with Him to wherever He chooses to go.  Where might he travel?  Only He knows.

We know it will be to the temple to worship and to the mountain to pray, but He also will travel to painful places of human need and desolate places destruction, demons, and death.  These places may be a natural disaster, a demonstration, or mission trip into unfriendly territory. Will we stay with Him there?  He also may travel to a classroom, a workplace, a neighbor’s house, or a hospital.  Will we stay with Him there?

The truth we need to consider is this;  Jesus is always on the go, traveling to all and every living person and to every place and situation on earth.  Are we prepared to stay with Him anywhere at any time?  Can we join William O. Cushing in his commitment to “Follow On” as he penned it in 1878? 

Down in the valley with my Savior I would  go,  Where the flowers are blooming and the sweet waters flow.  Everywhere He leads me I would follow, follow on,  Walking in His footsteps till the crown be won.

                (Chorus)   Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus.  Anywhere, everywhere, I will follow on.

                                    Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus.  Everywhere He leads me I will follow on.

Down in the valley with my Savior I would go,  Where the storms are sweeping and the dark waters

flow.  With His hand to lead me I will never, never fear;  Danger cannot fright me if my Lord is near.

       Down in the valley or upon the mountain steep,  Close beside my Savior would my soul ever keep. 

       He will lead me safely in the path that He has trod,  Up to where they gather on the hills of God.

So, where will you be staying tonight?

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – January 12, 2022

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Ray M. Geigley

A new year has begun.  A new chapter in our book of life is waiting to be written.  It is a new beginning and chance to live with new resolve, aspirations, and behaviors.  Some say the year ahead provides exciting anticipation, while others view it as dismal and threatening.  What do you see as you peer into your future?  What do you dare to imagine happening in your world of experiences?  What and who will anchor your faith, trust, and decision-making?

There have been times in my life when I was breathless with wonder and awe.  It has happened when someone gave me a gift I never expected.  At other times it happened when seeing something incredible, such as a “breathtaking view” of God’s creation. 

I remember the day when I, with eager anticipation, walked from the parking lot to the edge of the Grand Canyon.  When I got there and looked down into that expansive space I was awestruck and speechless.  I was not prepared for the overwhelming emotions that filled and silenced me.  All the pictures that I had seen beforehand did not fully prepare me for the awesome breath-taking view.

There are also times when I feel that way spiritually.  Consider with me John’s opening introduction of Jesus to us in his Gospel account.  As you slowly read the first two verses and verse fourteen of chapter 1, I invite you to open your spiritual eyes and imagine the awesome grandeur and beauty of this reality.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made.”  … “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  (NIV).

And now slowly read verse sixteen for the awesome view of our relationship with this Word (Jesus). “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”  Or, as the New Living Translation says it, “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.”    Wow!  What breath-taking, soul-stirring beauty.  It is utterly amazing grace.

The story is told of a poor, elderly lady who sometimes visited a church in her town.  The elders of the church were always embarrassed when she did because she often would get excited in the service and shout “Praise the Lord!  Hallelujah!”  And that was more than the dignified members of this traditional congregation could endure.

One Sunday morning the church elders greeted her at the door and made an agreement with her.  They promised her a new, heavy blanket for the cold, winter months if she would not shout during the service.  She agreed and took a seat near the front of the sanctuary.

She held her silence at first, but as the pastor got into his message, he got more wound up, really preaching from the heart, and his words about the grace of God in Jesus gripped that elderly woman’s heart and soul, until she almost exploded with excitement.  Finally, she stood up and shouted, “Blanket or no blanket, Hallelujah, Amen!”

Maybe the year 2022 has that kind of awesome spiritual surprise awaiting you.  Are you eager for such an experience?  If not, why not?  Imagine what would happen in your church and community if you got so excited about Jesus that you could not restrain yourself from telling the next person you meet just how much Jesus Christ means to you?

That is what happened to Andrew.  He listened to what John the Baptist had to say about Jesus and then he listened to what Jesus had to say, and he got so excited that he went and found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!”

Are you seeing Jesus and the glory of God’s amazing grace ?  Are you receiving one gracious blessing after another?  Then, “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!  Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.”

Are you eager to see Jesus in 2022 and be awestruck with his amazing grace and glory?  I pray it will be so for both you and me.

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – January 5, 2022

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Ray M. Geigley

The Christmas carols have been sung, the Christmas drama presented, the Christmas dinner consumed, and the gifts all opened. The exciting Christmas spirit of anticipation, hopes, and celebrations now deflated.   Now what?

When we were young, we would ask, “Why can’t it be Christmas every day?”  Of course, we were thinking mostly about the presents we would get.  Today, I still ask why does celebrating the angel’s good news of joy and peace for all people end so quickly?  Why are we so quick to hush and file away for another year the joyous music and message of God’s gift to the world.     

The biblical scriptures clearly indicate that God desires for us to continue enjoying his salvation gifts of joy, peace, and goodwill every day and for always.  This is his one grand and glorious purpose for coming into our world.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

During the Advent-Christmas season we joyously and thankfully remember and celebrate what God has done in sending us the Messiah, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Living in a shadowy world of evil, violence, and diminishing hope, a “Savior” is the greatest of all gifts we could ever receive.  A “Savior” brings us rescue, redemption, renewed life, hope, and a future.

Accompanying God’s salvation gifts of joy and peace is the gift of his loving presence with us.  In Jesus, God comes into our world and participates in the sufferings of his people, whom we are.  As “Emmanuel” God brings to us mercy, compassion, unfailing love, redemption and rescue.  What a gift!  What amazing love and grace is wrapped in his gift of presence with us.  

“Emmanuel” – God with us.  But I hear Paul saying there is even greater and more amazing “good news.”  The Almighty, all-knowing, ever-loving God, through Jesus, comes to live in us.  Yes, we human beings are the intended recipients of his coming. 

In the first chapter of his letter to the Colossian church, Paul writes in verses 26-27, that “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations” has now been revealed.  The New Living Translation reads  “This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people.  For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too.  And this is the secret: Christ lives in you.  This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” 

There is no greater gift than this.  Christ dwells in us.  This is confirmed in John’s record of Jesus’ proclamation to the church in Laodicea, “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20).

The essence of the whole Christian experience and the crown jewel of the gospel, is that Jesus Christ, by whom and through whom all things were created, who is before all things and in all things, in whom God was pleased for all His fullness to dwell, – this Christ who has primacy over all things, in whom all things hold together, who is the head of the church, – this Christ, who will stand at the end of time and be the final judge and triumphal Lord, lives in us by the Holy Spirit.

In one of the boldest prayers ever prayed, Paul interceded for us, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  …that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16,17,19).

What feelings does this thought of “Christ dwelling in you” arouse?  Hopefully, this glorious truth leads you toward an answer to my “Now what” question.  The answer I hear is messaged in this Christmas carol.

“Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!  Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.”

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – December 29, 2021

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Ray M. Geigley

“Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!  As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!” (Isaiah 64:1-2).

Things were not going well for God’s people in Isaiah’s day, and many had become despondent and hopeless.  In these verses we hear Isaiah crying out for God to intervene, to come down and break into the sufferings and injustices they were experiencing and set things right.

 “For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.  Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:3-4).

Today we are living in terribly similar times of darkness and despair, and many are filled with a longing to see God coming to act on our behalf.  Isaiah gives voice to our longings for God to show up in our world as He did in the past. 

Do we hunger for the transforming presence of God in our world, church, and families?  Do we feel threatened by the evils of wars, violence, and  injustices?  Do we feel powerless against corrupted authorities and selfish leadership, politically touting their lies and conspiracies theories? 

Sadly, many of us are weeping in anguish, thinking the Christian church is also being swept away with disputes, divisions, and disregard for God and neighbors.  We secretly and publicly cry out for God to come down to save and heal us?

To all of you and myself, I retell the story of the grandpa who found his grandson jumping up and down in his playpen, crying at the top of his voice.  When Johnny saw Grandpa, he reached out his chubby little hands and said, “Out, Grandpa, out.”

Filled with love, Grandpa reached down to lift his grandson out of his predicament, but as he did, Johnny’s mom came into the room and said, “No, Johnny, you are being punished; you have to stay in your playpen.”

With undeterred love Grandpa’s heart and mind searched for a way to satisfy the child’s cry.  His grandson’s tears reached deep into his heart.  But mom’s firmness could not be taken lightly.  It was then that love found a way.  Grandpa could not take his grandson out of the playpen, so instead, he climbed into the playpen with the little boy.

For me, that story vividly illustrates the true essence of the Christmas story.  From His eternal glorious heavens God looked down upon us and heard our crying for help and hope.  And because God so greatly loved us, He left the glories of heaven and came down to earth, climbing into our world with us. Taking on human flesh, becoming fully one with us, God in Jesus, was born into our world to live in our midst.

The eternal significance of this love-event was so amazing that God rolled back the heavens to make space for the angelic choir to burst forth in song announcing the birth of Jesus, our Savior, Messiah, Lord.  The good gifts he brought to earth with himself were love, joy, peace, and hope.  The grand good news was that these gifts were for all the people of the world.  Yes, God came down in Jesus, and now lives and walks among us. 

When we, in our sin, could not come to God, He came to us in the flesh. He came in the person of Jesus. And what Isaiah and the other prophets could only hope for based on God’s word, we look back on as the hope that has already come!  The world still trembles in awe and wonder at the miracle of that birth.  God came down and, through the infant Jesus said to each one of us, “I dearly love you.”  

Yes, the world is full of hardship and suffering and brokenness, but Jesus has come and walks besides us to share our pain and encourage our healing.  Yes, there is much sorrow, grief and fear, but Jesus has come and weeps with us.

Yes, there are horrors, devastations, and tragedies playing out all over the world, but Jesus has come and moves among us to comfort and restore hope.  Yes, there is much painful struggle and despair, but Jesus has come and walks besides us to strengthen and encourage!  

Yes, there are wars, and rumors of wars, earthquakes and tsunamis, but Jesus has come and moves among us to heal and establish peace.  Yes, there is loss, death, and overwhelming grief, but Jesus has come and embraces us with His amazing love and eternal reassurance that He will never leave nor forsake us!  Amen!

May God’s Christmas gifts be forever enjoyed in your life and mine!

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – December 22, 2021

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Ray M. Geigley

A person would need to be both blind and deaf to believe that all is well in our world today.  Every day brings more tragic news that makes our world an even darker and more dangerous place to live.  Sadly, many are trapped in despair and declare that there is no hope for our nation and world.  To speak of the hope, peace, and joy of Christmas, seems to these people to be just a lot of whistling in the dark and wishful thinking.  And so, it was also in the ancient days of Israel’s prophets.

Living during a time when God’s people were experiencing much deep darkness and despair, the prophet Isaiah is filled with revealed hope from God and prophetically described the time when this hope would become a reality.  It seemed an impossible dream for many people then and remains so for many today.

            The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.  …  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  (Isa. 9:2,6-7).

And so, it was many years later, in our own nation’s time of darkness and despair during the Civil War that Henry Longfellow penned a song of hope that remains as relevant today as it was then. 

              I heard the bells on Christmas day  Their old familiar carols play,  And wild and sweet the            words repeat  Of peace on earth, good-will to man.   

                And in despair I bowed my head. “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong, and    mocks the song  Of peace on earth, good-will to men.”  

                Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;  The wrong        shall fail, the right prevail,  With peace on earth, good-will to men.” 

This is the Christmas message we need to joyously sing loudly and often, for our God is a God of hope, and being Christian we are to be messengers of that hope, singing “To us a Child of hope is born, to us a Son is giv’n.  Him shall the tribes of earth obey, him all the hosts of heav’n.”

You and I are very blessed to be living in that hoped for “God with us” reality that the ancient prophets foresaw and proclaimed to their people as encouragement.  Being Christian, our Christmas season activities and worship should be all about proclaiming the hope that Jesus gifted to us; proclaiming that God is in our midst now, giving us hope for every tomorrow and a hope that sees a future beyond the grave.

Christ’s gift of hope is a vision of possibility that encourages and moves us out of where we are.  In times of trouble and despair, this hope provides a sense of a “way out” and sees a destiny that goes somewhere.  This hope is like a magnet that draws and empowers us to a new way, to see things differently, and to see a future.  This hope is the basic energy that gets us out of bed in the morning and shapes our activity for the day.  It also helps us to sleep well at night.

Most importantly, in the same way that God is love, so is He hope.  For God is the only provider of any authentic, endurable hope, because God is the single author of a lively hope.  And Christmas is the annual proclamation that this God of hope is now in our midst.  It is an annual “good news” proclamation to all people, and particularly to those living in darkness and despair.

The “good news” is that this hope for a Savior as expressed by the ancient and more recent prophets has become a reality.  God has come to save us and give us hope.  God became human and came down from heaven as Jesus into our world.  At Christmas we thankfully celebrate His coming and joyously worship his Kingship in our midst.

Yes, we still live in a very dark and dangerous “Satan-controlled” world of evil, but thankfully the light and truth of Christ shines into the darkness as we let Him be born in us and his light shine through us in both words and deeds. 

So go, singing and showing to all that Jesus is here, that hope is alive and real.  “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.  Let earth receive her King;  let every heart prepare him  room, and heav’n and nature sing.”

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – December 15, 2021

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Ray M. Geigley

In his Gospel account of Jesus’ birth, Luke will have an angel suddenly appear on three separate occasions bringing a special message from God.  To  Zechariah, a priest “gripped with fear,” the angel says, “Do not be afraid; Zechariah, your prayer has been heard.” (1:13). 

To Mary, a young virgin “greatly troubled,” the angel says, “Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you. … “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (1:28-30).

And to “terrified” shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night in fields near Bethlehem, an angel appears in glorious light and says, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (2:10-11). 

In all three occasions, the angel’s sudden and unexpected appearance caused great anxiety and fear.  And in all three occasions, the angel reassured the recipients of God’s special message with the words, “Do not be afraid.” 

I believe that same “angelic” message is being spoken to all of us who are greatly troubled, confused, and fearful today.  I urge you to listen again and listen carefully to the Christmas carols, hymns, and messages being sung and spoken during these weeks of Advent.  They speak of God’s love, joy, and peace, coming to you and me in Jesus’ birth as a human baby. 

Listen to the angel say to you personally, “Your prayer has been heard.”  Be reassured that God hears and is listening to the deep groanings and cries of your heart and soul.  He hears and answers your prayers

Listen to the angel say to you personally, “Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you.”  Yes, you are highly favored and loved.  That is why God, in Jesus, came into our world and experienced life with us as a human being.

Christmas is about God coming to us in the person of Jesus to be “Emmanuel,” God with us, taking away all our fears.  “The Lord is with you.  Do not be afraid.”  And Christmas is about God coming to us in the person of Jesus to be our “Saviour,” giving us peace, joy, love, and eternal life. 

Listen to the angel say to you personally, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  The message is for you.  Accept his gift of forgiveness and amazing grace, cling to the freedom, joy, and peace of the gift; and then with glorious praise, join the shepherds in telling others the angel’s good news.

Yes, this wonderful story about Jesus’ birth into our world, is in danger of being simply a beautiful, non-threatening story about what God did many centuries ago.  Yes, it is that, but it is so much more about what God is presently doing today in our world for our good, because of His amazing, sacrificial, unending love for us.

I also know that you may be finding it difficult to feel any Christmas happiness or reason to celebrate right now.  The love, joy, peace, and hope of Christmas seems far removed from what you are presently experiencing. 

Life has been difficult for many of us during the past year.  There were bumps in the road, twists and turns that we did not expect.  There were disappointments and detours in our journeys that we did not plan, leaving us feeling much pain and confusion as a result. 

Nevertheless, I encourage you to hear the invitation of the Christmas carol, “And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, Whose forms are bending low, Who toil along the climbing way  With painful step and slow, Look up! For glad and golden hours  Come swiftly on the wing.  O rest beside the weary road  And hear the angels sing.” 

Personally feel the heartbeat of God’s love for you in “Joy to the world!  the Lord is come;  Let earth receive her King.  Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,  And heaven and nature sing. 

Christmas is God’s answer to our brokenness and sin.  Christmas is the good news that God wants to do something about our failures and fears.  Christmas is about God coming to us, to forgive, heal, and restore us to a wholeness of love, peace, and joy; a wholeness of body, mind, and spirit; all because He so dearly loves us and desires a relationship with us.

Listen to the angel’s good news;  Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you.  Do not be afraid.  Your prayer is heard.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today … a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Let us pray.    

“O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend on us, we pray.  Cast our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.  We hear the Christmas angels  The great glad tidings tell.  O come to us;  abide with us, Our Lord, Emmanuel.”

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – December 8, 2021

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

Advent 2021 opened its journey this past Sunday with the prophet Jeremiah declaring God’s promise of restoration of righteousness and justice after a time of barrenness and defeat.    “The days are coming … when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.  In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.” (Jeremiah 33:14-15).   

The apostle Paul encourages the confused, doubting, and discouraged believers of his day by reminding them of Isaiah’s prophecy.  “And again, Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.’  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:12-13).      

Advent gives voice to our deep longing for God to show up in our midst as He did in the past.  Our Advent journey begins as we light the candle of HOPE.  The lighting of HOPE rekindles our remembrance of God’s great and gracious promise to humankind of presence and salvation.  The lighting of HOPE also reassures us that God always keeps His promises. 

Like God’s people in Jeremiah day, we too are filled with longing; we too hunger for the transforming presence of God in our midst.  In our times of deepest darkness and despair, it is easy to allow negativity and despair to overwhelm us. 

In both church and non-church conversations I hear a lot of despair and hopelessness.  I agree that the daily news is more tragic than treasure, and the future looks increasingly violent and dangerous.  It is simply unrealistic to believe that all is well in our world today.  It is not! 

Unfortunately,  many people have given in to despair, and being trapped in negativity have little hope for any possibility of good changes happening.  To speak and sing of “hope” seems to these people to be just a lot of wishful thinking, of whistling in the dark.

And so, it was also in the prophet Jeremiah’s day.  And so, it was in Henry Longfellow’s day of the American Civil War when he wrote:

            I heard the bells on Christmas day  Their old familiar carols play, 

                        And wild and sweet the words repeat  Of peace on earth, good-will to man. 

            And in despair I bowed my head. “There is no peace on earth,” I said,

                        “For hate is strong, and mocks the song  Of peace on earth, good-will to men.”

            Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;                                     The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,  With peace on earth, good-will to men.” 

The message of Hope that Jeremiah offered was not based on his confidence in the strength or merit of the people of Judah.  Instead, his Hope-filled message was based on his faith in God. 

Jeremiah believed God and was confident that God was both sovereign and faithful in keeping his promise.  He also had learned that God works in and through every event, even those that seem catastrophic, to make things right and to restore a right relationship with his children.

It was almost six hundred years later when God’s gracious promise to his people was fulfilled.  The promise happened in the birth of Jesus Christ.  He came as God’s Messiah, Redeemer, Savior to all his people, both Jew and Gentile. 

The angels announced his birth as “good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  Jeremiah’s hope has become a reality.  The King of Glory has come.

Christmas is the proclamation that this God of Hope is in our midst now.  Christmas is the proclamation of Hope to a people in darkness and despair.  We are God’s messengers of Hope, proclaiming the good news that “To Us a Child of Hope is Born.”

            To us a child of hope is born, to us a Son is giv’n.

                        him shall the tribes of earth obey, him all the hosts of heav’n

                        him shall the tribes of earth obey, him all the hosts of heavens.

            His name shall be the Prince of peace, for-ev-er-more adored,

                        the Wonderful, the Counselor, the great and mighty Lord,

                        the Wonderful, the Counselor, the great and mighty Lord.

            His pow’r, increasing, still shall spread, his reign no end shall know.

                        Justice shall guard his throne above, and peace abound below,

                        justice shall guard his throne above, and peace abound below.

“Come, Lord Jesus” is a prayer that points both backwards and forward – backward to Jesus, the baby in the manger, but also forward to Jesus, the Lord, still entering into our world.

Let us prepare ourselves to be surprised, amazed, and unsettled by the unexpected ways our God appears and acts in our behalf, upending evil and bringing us His peace and joy.

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            “Healing Rays of Righteousness” – December 1, 2021

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

The 1987 movie, “Babette’s Feast” is the story of a great French chef named Babette.  She lives anonymously among a sternly pious congregation in a Danish coastal village.  When Babette wins the French lottery, she decides to spend it all creating a magnificent meal for the villagers.

The French woman’s generosity and the guest’s acceptance of her invitation bring many surprises.  There is a dazzling array of exotic food and drink that displays Babette’s culinary art.  More importantly, the feast itself becomes the occasion for a restoration of relationships.  There is healing of broken dreams and forgiveness of old sins.  Human warmth and the abundance of rich, elegantly prepared food starts to melt the cold and barren stoicism of God-fearing people who are strangers to God’s hope and joy, and to one another.

The speaker in Isaiah 55:1-2 announces an invitation to a banquet feast much like Babette’s generosity, only much more so.  The prophetic word goes out to the despondent Jewish people living in exile in Babylon; “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk without  money and without cost.  Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?  Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”

The psalmist had this in his mind and heart as a possible present reality when he wrote Psalm 23:5-6  – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of Lord forever.”

In Matthew 11:28, we hear an echo of these words in Jesus’ invitation – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

In each of these invitations, the call is universal, what is offered is free, and the result is of cravings being satisfied.  As Jesus promised in his sermon on the mount, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt. 5:6).

God’ love for us and His desire to be in relationship of love with us is so deep and so awesome that it is utterly amazing grace that is being offered us.  Why then are we so reluctant to come close to Him and enjoy the bountiful relationship He offers to all who hunger and thirst for a meaningful relationship.

We already know that in order to grow in our relationship with God, we cannot pursue our own interests seven days a week, 365 days a year.  We must take some significant time each week, each day, to deepen our love for God and to pursue his interests.

Unfortunately, many Christians have catered to a drop-in spirituality style of relating to God, which gives a heartless nod to God for a few quick devotional minutes and then are on their way, living and doing business as usual.  Oh, how God’s heart must ache when we, who claim to be His children, are so easily satisfied with just a little taste of upbeat worship here, a sip of Bible reading there, and nothing too deep and nothing that challenges our thinking, planning, or imagination. 

This “drop-in” habit may provide a momentary feeling of satisfaction, but if that is all we ever have time for in our lives with God, then it soon becomes a habit that will keep us from going deeper with God and drinking deeply from the well of life.  It is a habit that will freeze us in spiritual infancy, perpetually clutching our spiritual sippy cups.

I say God’s heart must ache and bleed for us, because He has a relationship in mind for us, His children, which is so much different.  He desires to have us come close to Him and experience a life that is far deeper, richer and more fulfilling and satisfying than what any quick fix could give us.  The Divine offer is made without price.  The only requirement is hunger and thirst, and a willingness to seek God.  The invitation is ours to accept or decline.

The challenge is placed directly before us in verse 2 – “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?”  Indeed, Isaiah’s question should be hung as a banner over the entrance to our malls and our places of work.

The season of ADVENT is a time to reexamine our relationship with God and prepare to joyously celebrate His coming to us in Jesus.  It is a time to gather our thoughts, quiet our hearts, and renew our love affair with God.  May God help us to do so.

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – November 24, 2021

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley