CULTIVATING A SHEPHERD’S HEART

Those who oversee the flock need to identify with the concerns of the Chief Shepherd. Let's learn from Him what it means to have a heart for the flock.

The Chief Shepherd speaks tenderly to us. He knows each of His sheep by name and is willing to lay down His life for the sheep when predators attack the flock:

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep. Hired workers are not like the shepherd. They don’t own the sheep, and when they see a wolf coming, they run off and leave the sheep. Then the wolf attacks and scatters the flock. Hired workers run away because they don’t care about the sheep” (John 10:10-13).

Can we identify with the Chief Shepherd’s feelings as the great multitude followed and thronged Him? ^“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

                                                                       

When shepherds fail to fulfill their responsibility, the sheep will be lost and scattered (Matthew 26:31).

That’s why apostle Peter reminds us:

“Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them” (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Similarly, apostle Paul enjoins us:

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:28-30).

The apostle John echoes Paul’s concern about the damaging effects of false teaching on the flock. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

                                                                   

It is imperative for leaders to confront false teaching during these perilous end times. If they can identify with Paul the seriousness of the task they have been entrusted with—to feed the flock with solid teaching from the whole of God’s Word (Acts 20:27) as well as to correct and rebuke heresy (2 Timothy 4:2)—then people will not be so easily led astray from the faith. http://bit.ly/1aFKueb

Footnotes:

• There must be good reasons why ‘sheep’ is being used as a metaphor for ‘believers’. One possible reason is that believers are weak, helpless and often directionless like sheep. Why believers are likened to sheep in the Bible: http://bit.ly/1dOjL2C
• Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. In John chapter 10, He is the good shepherd while the thief is satan.
• False prophets and teachers are likened to wolves.
• When shepherds play their proper role, the following passage does not apply to them: ^“You have never protected the weak ones or healed the sick ones or bandaged those that get hurt. You let them wander off and never look for those that get lost. You are cruel and mean to my sheep. They strayed in every direction, and because there was no shepherd to watch them, they were attacked and eaten by wild animals. My sheep have been attacked and eaten by wild animals, because you refused to watch them. You never went looking for the lost ones, and you fed yourselves without feeding my sheep” (Ezekiel 34: 4, 5, 7,8).

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PARTING WORDS

If you know it’s the last time you are going to see someone, you make sure you leave behind the most significant and precious words. What can we learn from Paul’s farewell message to the church?

http://bit.ly/1aFKueb

COMFORTING LIE, BITTER TRUTH

                  

Some people only want to hear things that are pleasant and soothing. They would rather listen to comforting lies than harsh truths. Why are so many afflicted by the itching ears syndrome?

                                                                       

One of the symptoms of fungal ear infection is itching, which is usually more marked than other types of ear infections such as those of bacterial origin.

But there’s a different kind of ‘itching ears’ mentioned by the apostle Paul: A time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound teaching. They will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4). *

Such people only want to hear things that are pleasant and soothing. Anything that's harsh and painful is rejected. They would rather listen to comforting lies than harsh truths. 

This syndrome of ‘itching ears’ is not only confined to the New Testament.

Since time immemorial, the strategy of satan has always been the same. Cunningly, he crafts what we want to hear whereas God and His servants tell us what we need to hear.

                                                                        

The prophet Jeremiah called upon King Zedekiah of Judah to surrender to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon if he and Judah wanted to live. But it was disgraceful for a king to surrender; he would be deemed a hero if he joined hands with other leaders and fought Nebuchadnezzar.

It was a most painful decision for Zedekiah to make—surrender rather than fight. A bitter pill to swallow. But that was the voice of God through a true prophet.

Jeremiah even fastened a yoke to his neck as an object lesson to Zedekiah that the latter was to submit to Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 27:2-8, 12-13). It seems strange that God used wicked Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument to punish unfaithful Judah. That, however, was His sovereign will.

On the other hand, the false prophet Hananiah proclaimed that God will remove the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar from the necks of the people of Judah (Jeremiah 28:2). And within two years, the temple treasures that Nebuchadnezzar carried off to Babylon would be returned to Jerusalem (Jeremiah 28:3). What a great comforting message!

Now which prophecy would the people of Judah believe and accept?

Hananiah’s comforting lie seemed more acceptable than the bitter truth spoken by prophet Jeremiah.

With the passage of time, the words of Jeremiah, the true prophet, came to pass. 

• As a sign of God’s judgment for speaking lies, Hananiah died. This event was foretold by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 28:15-16). 

• The people of God, held captive in Babylon, remained there for seventy years, disproving the false prophecy of Hananiah (Jeremiah 29:10). They were told by Jeremiah to settle down, raise families and work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon (Jeremiah 29:5-7).

In the long run, truth—in this case, true prophecy—vindicates itself. No matter how unpopular, painful and harsh it may be. http://bit.ly/19tAJX7

If we embrace the truth, we will see the light at the end of the tunnel—just as  God’s people finally received these really comforting words from Jeremiah:

This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

(Jeremiah 29:10-14).

Which would you choose?  The convenient and comforting lie or the harsh and painful truth?

It isn’t surprising that human nature is such that it prefers comforting lies with short-term benefits to unpalatable truths with long-term blessings. http://bit.ly/18jlBsg

                                                                       
Sound doctrine may be harsh and painful. But by embracing it, we reap tremendous rewards.

Satan lulls us into a false sense of security through comforting lies which finally leads to death (Matthew 4:6).

                                                                     

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). Don’t be a victim of the devil’s deception.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 16:25).

By equipping ourselves with a sound knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, taking into consideration the whole counsel of God, we will not be easily deceived by false teachings. http://bit.ly/1gJ7nmW

It is imperative for leaders to confront false teachings during these perilous end times. If they can identify with Paul the seriousness of the task they have been entrusted with—to feed the flock with solid teaching from the whole of God’s Word (Acts 20:27) as well as to correct and rebuke heresy (2 Timothy 4:2)—then people will not be so easily led astray from the faith. http://bit.ly/1aFKueb

                                                                               

                                                                         

"Faith is good only when it engages truth; when it is made to rest upon falsehood it can and often does lead to eternal tragedy."  – A. W. Tozer, theologian

“There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” – Soren Kierkegaard, philosopher

Caveat: Not all truths are painful. Some are comforting.

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Please check out whether the following premises are true. Or are they merely comforting lies?

Once we are saved, we will remain saved (eternal security). 

http://bit.ly/GM5Srz

All our future sins are forgiven at conversion. 

http://bit.ly/18wc9Rb

There is no need to confess sin as we merely need to rest in the imputed      righteousness of Christ.  

http://bit.ly/19yBzuD

We can afford to banish sin consciousness from our lives as the sin issue is a thing of the past, being settled once and for all when we believed in Jesus. 

http://bit.ly/GDv4QL

Repentance is merely changing our way of thinking. 

http://bit.ly/15qK4KI

Footnotes:

 *    Earlier, Paul charged young Timothy to continue to preach sound doctrine as well as patiently correct and rebuke (2 Timothy 4:2). This the latter should earnestly pursue as a time will come when people with ‘itching ears’ will only listen to what suits their preferences. 

SHOULD I EMIGRATE?

How to make the correct decision—stay put or emigrate?                 
               
A biblical perspective of emigration

                                                                         

                                                    Grass is greener over the fence?

Migration is as old as the hills. Hard times had driven our forefathers from distant shores to our nation. Many landed here with just their clothing on their backs. And we are grateful to them that we can find a place under the Malaysian sun.

Today the migratory wave continues, albeit for different reasons. Various push and pull factors have caused Christians to contemplate emigration. Some are unhappy with the way our country is being run while others bemoan the declining standard in schools.

And so these bright professionals, businessmen and entrepreneurs leave the country, thinking that a more comfortable lifestyle and other benefits—social security, better jobs, educational opportunities and healthcare—await them in a foreign land.

Many feel that God has called them to settle in more advanced countries such as Australia, UK and the USA. Why? Is God less compassionate towards poor countries such as Laos or Myanmar?

Though we can serve God anywhere, there must be a reason why God destined us to be born in Malaysia (Acts 17:26). We should be grateful that we live in a multiracial society with a rich culture. Our beaches, hill resorts and delectable array of food draw tourists from all over the world. Seldom hit by major natural disasters and endowed with abundant natural resources, our country is indeed blessed.

Let’s allow scripture to percolate through our minds as we consider the issue of migration.

WHY PEOPLE MIGRATE

Migration is a recurring theme in the Bible. Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a land of promise. By faith, he left home, unsure where he was going. Jacob and his family moved to Egypt because of famine. Joseph fled for safety to Egypt with Mary and the child Jesus, being warned by an angel of Herod’s evil intentions. When Jerusalem fell, Daniel was taken captive to serve the king in Babylon. Persecution caused believers in the early church to be scattered, thus advancing the cause of the Gospel.

Unless relocation is a response to a definite call of God as in Abraham’s case or it has been forced upon us due to famine, persecution or other extreme factors, we really need to think hard before uprooting ourselves.

Are we facing famine like in North Korea? Is our economy in shambles like that of Greece’s? Are we anywhere close to a banana republic or war-torn Syria?

In my opinion, we should maintain the status quo—stay back—until God calls us or extreme factors push us. The question “Should we stay put or emigrate?” should be replaced by something more fundamental: “Do we sense God’s definite calling to relocate?”

KINGDOM VALUES

Turning to the Lord’s Prayer, we find that “Thy kingdom come” precedes “Give us this day our daily bread”. Let’s seek to advance His kingdom first. Let’s commit our fears and anxieties to God for He knows our needs and promises to meet all of them (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:5-6). Why be so anxious about our future?

Isn’t making life choices about honouring God? We have to let God lead. We are no longer in the driver’s seat: “LORD, I know that people's lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

Some believers even advise their children not to return after completing their studies overseas, thinking they have a brighter future there.

When we allow various push (such as crime) and pull (such as educational opportunities) factors to cloud our thinking, we are starting out on the wrong footing. Neither a knee-jerk response to adverse factors nor a desire for greater comfort and security should drive us to emigrate.

IS BLESSING EVERYTHING?

Though obedience often comes with blessings, the path He would have us tread is not necessarily one marked by blessings. The ultimate determining factor is not blessings but God’s will (Luke 9:23, Luke 12:15).

When Lot surveyed the land, his physical senses told him he should move to a well-watered, productive area (Genesis 13:10). But what seems appealing to the eyes may not reflect the Spirit’s leading. And those led by the Holy Spirit are the sons of God (Romans 8:14, Acts 16: 6-9).

Moses cherished God’s presence—even more than blessings—in all his endeavours. If God’s presence did not go with him, he would not advance towards the Promised Land (Exodus 33:15).

PROS AND CONS

It is wise to discuss the pros and cons of emigration with those who have relocated or returned home after a stint overseas. If possible, spend a month abroad to experience what it means to live in a foreign land where we would have to make new friends and adapt to differences in culture, climate and cuisine.

Problems at home might be replaced by other challenges in the new environment. Do you have any qualms about letting your children watch adult content on TV? Can you live with laws against child abuse which forbid spanking your children? Think you have been unfairly treated at home? Be prepared for discrimination of a different kind. A financial controller in Malaysia had to become a bookkeeper overseas. Are you used to having maids and gardeners at home? Be more self-reliant when you move.  

WHERE THE NEED IS GREATER

Besides calling, need is another important consideration whenever the issue of relocation crops up. Though a need does not necessarily constitute a call, we should honestly ask ourselves whether the needs are greater at home or the place we intend to relocate.

If we perceive our nation is going downhill, shouldn’t we be part of the solution instead of running away? As agents of change, we can slow down or halt the slide. It’s encouraging to note that many believers have joined NGOs, activist groups and political parties to make a difference in this nation.

Believers who emigrate often hold key leadership positions in church, universities, politics and government. As such, our country will not only be facing a brain drain but a shortfall of leaders. If the dearth of leaders in urban areas is bad, the shortage in rural areas is even more acute.

However, this doesn’t necessarily imply that believers aren’t called to relocate to more advanced countries. A nuclear physicist interested in research may have to emigrate because of lack of career opportunities at home. A missionary might be burdened to share the Good News in developed but spiritually dark nations.

FLOURISH WHERE PLANTED

The grass often seems greener on the other side of the fence. Truth be told, the grass is greener wherever we choose to water it.

“If it is to be, it is up to me.” We can make it good in life wherever we are. Just take root and flourish wherever we are planted. Remember the Malaysian CEO whose catchy company tagline is “Now everyone can fly”?

                                                                              

But then again, if we believe we are strangers and exiles on this earth, we are not just thinking how we can be high fliers. Our thoughts are primarily focused on a heavenly city—rather than a far flung man-made city where life is perceived to more secure and comfortable (Colossians 3:1-2, Hebrews 11:13-16). 

The above article was first published in Asian Beacon magazine, December 2013, issue 45.6

                                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------

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We are apt to think that the path God would have us take must be marked by blessing. Is this biblical?

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TREADING THE LESS WELL-BEATEN PATH

Why mention dying to self, taking up the cross, counting the cost of discipleship? 

We’re more comfortable with topics touching on success, blessings, fulfillment, health and wealth. Isn’t it more about living out my dreams and vision?

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SHOULD CHRISTIANS EMIGRATE?

By Bishop Rev. Dr Hwa Yung.

http://www.necf.org.my/newsmaster.cfm?&menuid=2&action=view&retrieveid=822

                                    ---------------------------------------------------

QUOTES RELATED TO MIGRATION

"Firstly we have to realise that our security in this life can only come from God."

"The second thing to realise is that life’s final fulfillment is not found in material comfort."

"The third and most important thing to grasp is the question of God’s will in our lives."

Rev Dr Hwa Yung,

Former Bishop of the Methodist Church, Malaysia.

                                               --------------------------------------------------

"Migration is symptomatic

of lack of trust in God who has

placed us in this country for good

and not for evil. Barring a sovereign

word, every migration speaks of our

unhappiness with our lot in life in

the country God has placed us in.

We worship our happiness rather

than obey the will of God."

Rev Eu Hong Seng,

Chairman, NECF Malaysia.

                                     -----------------------------------------------------

“The most important thing to consider is not having the best quality of life on earth but to fulfill God’s desire.”

Dr Choong Yee Fong, consultant ophthalmic surgeon who gave up a flourishing career in UK to return to Malaysia.

                                     -----------------------------------------------------

“If I leave Malaysia, it will not be because of worsened circumstances or for money. I will only leave if I sense a bigger calling such as impacting lives at an international level.”

Yeo Bee Yin

State assemblywoman for Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya.

                                      ------------------------------------------------------

Unless relocation is a response to a definite call of God (as in Abraham’s case) or it has been forced upon us due to famine, persecution or other extreme factors, we really need to think hard before uprooting ourselves. 

The question “Should we stay put or emigrate?” should be replaced by something more fundamental: “Do we sense God’s definite calling to relocate?” Neither a knee-jerk response to adverse factors nor a desire for greater comfort and security should drive us to emigrate.

However, this doesn’t necessarily imply that believers aren’t called to relocate to more advanced countries. A nuclear physicist interested in research may have to emigrate because of lack of career opportunities at home. A missionary might be burdened to share the Good News in developed but spiritually dark nations.

Dr Lim Poh Ann

Former editor, Asian Beacon magazine