Parable of the Rich Young Ruler

This parable was taken from Luke 18. The parable starts off with the ruler asking Jesus for the checklist of eternal life. Jesus in reply recites to him the commandments. The ruler then claims to have kept all those commandments. Here comes the interesting bit, Jesus then asks him to sell all he has, give to the poor and follow him.

Was not keeping the commandments enough? Was not the ruler a “good and faithful” Christian by doing so? Those were tough commandments that we all struggle to keep and he has kept them. What does eternal life have to do with wealth? Does that mean if I am abundant in wealth, I will not have eternal life?

Carrying on, the ruler was sorrowful at Jesus’ command, for he was very rich. Why was he sorrowful? He knew what he wanted. He knew how to get there. He had direct instructions from Jesus.

Just to share one of my experiences, and I am quite sure many of you have heard this before, of people wanting a sign from God or to hear the voice of God. You know how they always say, “if I had a sign/hear (from) God, I will definitely change my ways or take my relationship with God more seriously. All I need is a sign”. Well, if only it were that simple.

This ruler heard from Jesus and even had really clear and specific instructions but still he was sorrowful. He knew he could not give up that which he loved, wealth, for Jesus.

Now moving to us, have you ever had or have something that you know you have to give up as it is coming between you and God? Maybe it is a habit, maybe it is a hobby, maybe it is a relationship, maybe it is a material wealth, maybe it is a social status, maybe it is your career?  You know how that idol is affecting your walk with God and you still cannot give it up. You sort of want to give it up and you genuinely try, but time after time you fail again and again. Well, be not defeated.

The parable ends with the disciples asking who then can be saved, which Jesus’ then states the purpose of His death. Jesus replies, “Things which are impossible with men and possible with God’.

Your struggle in getting rid of your idol may seem impossible in your own effort, but what is impossible with men is possible with God. Jesus died on the cross to redeem us. He has cloth us in his righteousness, making us holy and acceptable before God. The fact of the matter is that no matter how hard you try, you will fall back to your idol eventually unless you rely on God. Commit it to Him, take it a day at a time and walk with God. Take the necessary steps to avoid all temptations of falling back to your idol. He will carry you.

“If He carry the weight of the world upon His shoulders, I know my brother that He will carry you”

Don’t make the mistake of the rich young ruler, who was sorrowful, but instead of turning to God, he turned away

- Alex Tan

Images taken from:
http://jonathanmerritt.com/blogs/news/ifjesuswereheretoday.html
http://www.dontwasteyourhomemaking.com/2012/01/exposing-our-idols.html

Bubbled world

Mid of last month, I went for a personal retreat with a few like-minded individuals who are also seeking to hear God through the way of meditation. Please do not get me wrong as though we embarked on something to do with chanting or those similar to that of the new age movement or any other religion. Our meditation is basically reading, memorizing, reciting, reflecting on the Bible scripture that God has impressed upon our hearts.

The verse that I meditate during the retreat was 1 Cor 13:11, NKJV

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (The context of the verse is on “love” but God showed me this is the right verse for my current state at the moment, which is not quite related with “love”).

I have meditated on this verse for a few times and again meditated on the same verse during the personal retreat, and God has spoken much more this time. As I quieted down my heart and mind and allowed God to speak to me, I began to see much more incidences which I have not been able to carry myself well and the consequences that accompanied.

After some quick chat with the Bible study teacher, I realized that my issue of not being able to carry myself well is very much related to my laziness issue which I am still battling with.

Looking back my past, one of the reason that I was not being able to carry myself well was due to the many cartoons that I watched during my childhood. I realized that I have immersed myself so much into it and unable to break free from my “bubbled world”. Being “mama/papa/sister’s girl” does not help either.

Perhaps subconsciously I feel more secured to stay in my “bubbled world” and thus reluctant to face reality. I really thank God for breaking me from my laziness 2 years ago (you may refer to my sharing dated 7 Nov 2011 & 5 Dec 2011 for a glimpse of what it is all about), that my spiritual eye sight have gotten better (see highlight for the verse concerned).

Rev 3:14-21, NKJV

The Lukewarm Church

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:  “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”

During the “breaking” process and heightened during and after the personal retreat, my lost memory of my past flowed to my mind and it has served as a reminder to me to continue my fight against my laziness and weakness which I shares herein. When I match those childhood experiences and my current state, I burst out with praises with our good God who is so gentle and so longsuffering towards me, so that I may repent.

2 Peter 3:9, NKJV

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

I could recall how my sibling refused to go shopping or allow me to hang out with her friends as she felt ashamed. I could also recall how I was being despised and taken advantage of. I thank God for giving me a second chance to change and now the slight change that I have also caused a good change in my relationship with my family members in which my sibling also invite me for trip and makan :D

I also thank our God for bringing people to chide / rebuke /chasten me, though it is a painful experience.

Hebrews 12:5b-6, NKJV

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;For whom the LORD loves He chastens,And scourges every son whom He receives.”

May you be encouraged to meditate on the verses which God wants you to know and thus grow in Him, for it is indeed good to have the practice of meditating on His Word.

Philippians 4:8, NKJV

Meditate on These ThingsFinally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 

In Him, Yit Mun aka IP Man

Images taken from:

http://my.salvos.org.au/events/2012/11/12/semi-silent-spiritual-retreat/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/oct/18/tv-toddlers-educational-tv
http://hokkaidokudasai.blogspot.com/2012/02/eating-with-chopsticks-ohashi.html

Discipleship Orientation?

For those who has already entered their colleges and universities or for those who just made their entrance recently, the word "orientation" would bring certain thoughts and memories to mind. Oh yes, and for those who might find this word rather foreign, it basically means "an introduction, as to guide one in adjusting to new surroundings, employment, activity, or the like." (Quoted from dictionary.com)

I recalled my experience back in college. It felt more like fun than having a serious tone that you're gonna suffer for the next 2 years upon completion of the diploma. But perhaps, it was a course of mass communication (studying about television, film, radio, newspaper, internet and so on) and hence, for a person like myself who enjoy making new friends would be quite an enjoyable time going through their ice-breaking activities!

Yet, I also come to know many who purposely skip their orientation because they're told it doesn't mean much and the time spent can be used better else where.

After going my series of quiet time on Luke, God spoke to me on how we often forget or even worse, overlooked the "orientation' that Jesus had for His disciples when He first picked them after a whole night of prayer. Take note starting from Luke 6:12 onward, where He selects the twelve disciples,

"And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.." Luke 6:13

And IMMEDIATELY after selecting them and letting them know that now they're His disciples, it was interesting to see how He wanted to show them what it means to be His followers by showing actions instead of just mere words. It was like as if, He's telling them: "Orientation begins right now!"

"And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed." Luke 6:17-18 

It's like imagining for myself, the moment I was called to Him and embraced Him as my Lord and Saviour, I could witness the beauty and joy of serving others and meeting their needs with the love of Christ..instead of just sitting back and relax, while having a "Christian" membership card in my wallet. Not to mention, these were people with diseases and unclean spirits, not people who were rich, wealthy and influential.. dressed in beautiful garments and feasting in a large mansion.

And to proceed on to the next part of the "orientation", Jesus then lifted up His eyes toward His disciples and preached about the Beatitudes. He set the tone and the foundation for His disciples to know what it meant to be His followers and promising rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven..instead of focusing on the immediate rewards on earth. Notice the first line He said when He preached the Beatitudes,

"..Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.." Luke 6:20b

Can you imagine what was on the disciples mind? They were most probably expecting to be delivered from their oppression and sufferings from the authorities, seeking to be rewarded with great riches as this person proclaims to be their Saviour! But instead, He tells them to set their hearts on the things above and be prepared for sufferings to come, in the path of following Him.

"Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you,And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,For the Son of Man's sake.Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!For indeed your reward is great in heaven,For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets." Luke 6:22-23

And mind you, they're very clear what happened to the prophets of the past and how their fathers treated them. (Feeling a little blur about this? Time to read up some Old Testament books! =P )

After the 12 disciples went through all that took place above, Jesus went to address their minds to turn away  from how the earthly rules and what it means to have the "Rules of Kingdom Life". For He says,

"But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." Luke 6:32

It was as if Jesus was spelling out the practical ways of living out as His disciples, as the Beatitudes may seem rather profound and difficult for the disciples to grasp. Notice how He further mentioned:

"But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High." Luke 6:35 

Probably by now, you might be scrolling down and be thinking (TLDR WOI! Too Long Didn't Read) But if I were to persuade you to really ponder about it, the 12 disciples would be in a position of wondering, "What else to expect next in being His disciples?" Because, Jesus was far from being done with His first day of "orientation".

He went on to speak 2 more parables before concluding His "orientation", where He starts off with the first parable - Parable of the Blind leading the Blind.

"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?" Luke 6:40-41

Jesus sees the hearts of His disciples and knows the serious problems most followers would struggle with even among our churches today. He tells us how our pride and arrogance of thinking "I know better" and to turn away from listening what God has to teach us as well as hypocrisy that makes divisions and conflicts among members today. We're always so quick to condemn others and try to teach them on how to fix their "problems" while we ourselves purposefully ignore of our own!

And to knock it off, Jesus further speaks about the heart of the heart:

"For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.." Luke 6:43-44a

He's telling them that if they truly follow Him and deny themselves, people will know if they have grown to be a good tree or.. a bad tree. Whether we became His disciple to seek His kingdom first, or ourselves first!

And finally, He shares with them about the Parable of the Two Foundations.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." Luke 6:46-48

So... I was thinking to myself, how would I personally respond if I were to journey through this "orientation" if Jesus was showing me what it means to follow Him on the same day I "signed up" literally? How would you have responded?


- daryl 's u n d a e' heng

Images taken from:
http://w3.xs.edu.ph/?p=3765
http://foodhistorjottings.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html
http://adams-jonathan.blogspot.com/2011/03/hypocrites.html

Love thy neighbour!

Hey guys it’s me again!!

So… Twas a crazy month I had this October, mainly because of the onslaught of a few new work that I have recently taken up, mostly volunteering.

Hence, today I would like to share with you guys some of my experience volunteering in various places.
But first let me quote from the Bible,

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” JOHN 13:34

It was truly a random encounter that brought me into teaching in an orphanage, I was searching for a place in which I could contribute, and as God would have it, my college had a program in which the special scholarship students will form 4 teams and each team will be affiliated with one orphanage, and before I knew it, I was affiliated with Ti Ratana, A Buddhist Orphanage. In hindsight, I realized that I was not ready at all the moment I chose to volunteer to teach the children there.

I remembered the first day I spent in the orphanage. I was nervous, pacing around, trying to make conversations with the people there, with the children, praying desperately that I would not do anything inappropriate. After all, this would mark the first time that I would have to be in close contact with a child for a long period of time. But thank God, the children quickly warmed up to me and my friends and we were soon comfortable around them.

In the beginning, half of the team members took care of the older children, guiding them with their homework, while the other half took care of the babies and toddlers, playing and having fun with them.  Everybody was happy with the arrangement, the children too.

However, it did not take long before problems began to surface up, one after the other (I would not go into the details or it will be TL;DR). Soon, it began to demotivate the team members and I stood and watched with my team leader as the numbers of our volunteers begin to dwindle down. Before we knew it, the volunteers dropped from 20 over to a mere 5. Dark times indeed._.

Before we knew it, our time was up. Our 4 month arrangement with the orphanage ended, and we left feeling defeated, unmotivated with a slight sense of guilt and regret for we could not live up to our promises and also we did not actually help the children at all.

And 2011 passed, and in come 2012.

After my midterms were over, I decided to start anew in another establishment, but this time alone. However God had already set his plans in motion. The week I was about to choose a new establishment, my ex-team leader decided to return back to the orphanage and do it right this time round. I was hesitant at first, REALLLLY HESITANT, as the previous experience had already imprinted a bad memory within me and I simply just do not want to re-live that experience all over again - it was a nightmare.

But I remember one Sunday in which I and John were having dinner with Uncle Chong Sheng and Auntie Lai Kiam in a restaurant, and I ask them whether I should continue to serve in Ti Ratana or to move on elsewhere. Now, I do not remember exactly what they have said to me, but I remember that auntie Lai Kiam encouraged me to go on with it, telling me to reach out beyond where I am to others, and that as Christians we should show love to others.

And so, we went back, but not before having meeting after meeting to identify what went wrong previously and also to find a solution to our problems. I remember that there were a few critical issues that we had to deal with if this was to work, and if we could not iron it out, we will have to really give it up. This problems were far beyond our own capabilities and resources to handle, but as I said before, God has already set his plans in to motion.

Everything fell in place. Everything.

We were quite pleasantly surprised the 2nd time we went back. Much have changed in the orphanage, it felt as though God was preparing the stage just for us to come back. And we did.

Though the 2nd time we went back, we only had five of us, yet we finally were able to make a positive contribution to the children there and also form real bonds with them. Ultimately, we managed to prepare a new system in which the next batch of students from HELP could easily adopt, sparing them unnecessary trouble and heartache.

And here I am now, more than a year has passed since I first began to volunteer there. I’m currently serving there for the third time, but our time there is also about to end. Next week will be my final teaching session (though we have 2 more weeks with them to just play with them). As I sit here typing this out, I really Thank God that he has so gracefully allowed me to complete my work here, without any regrets.

But perhaps the one thing that really spoke out to me throughout this entire experience was how tough and challenging it was. I cannot even begin to count the many days in which our patience were pushed to the limit by the children, to have our work trampled upon (literally). And also the many hours in which we have to sacrifice to prepare the materials for the children. Many silent tears were shed, and I remember coming home every night on a Thursday feeling completely exhausted, worn out.

There were times, I felt like just giving up or to just lose my temper and shout and scream at the children, or worse, to simply not care at all for them.

At times like this, the three words “LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR” just keeps playing in my head. And I open my eyes to see beyond myself and look at the child in front of me, my team members, and also to God himself. And it keeps me going.

This chapter in my life is about to end, and I am looking forward to the plans that God has for me, currently I am volunteering in the National Stroke Association and occasionally in Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, and what strikes me is that there are so much good that needs to be done, surely I alone can’t do much, but just because I can’t do everything for them, it does not mean I should not try to do something for them. God is a super efficient God, nothing is really ever wasted, not your efforts, not your time.

So…. I guess that concludes this post. I thank you all for taking your time to read this. UNTIL THEN!! [GLORIOUS ENDING SEQUENCE]

- Derrick Khor Zhong Wei


http://dribbble.com/shots/555271-Love-Thy-Neighbor
http://mrfreakinbrightside.blogspot.com/2011/08/poet-in-me-died-repost.html
http://www.highperformanceatc.com/trainingprograms.html