Astride the Causeway

I had this surreal experience being caught astride the causeway between Johor Bahru (Malaysia) and Singapore recently. It was 10:30 at night when the traffic was supposed to be less heavy. But we were caught in a jam because a bus broke down and that closed down one lane heading towards Singapore. For 30 minutes I was literally standing in the bus astride the causeway at the boundary of Malaysia-Singapore separated by the narrow Johor Straits. Perhaps at that moment, my feet were planted on both Malaysia and Singapore land/waters. I looked back - it was the southern Malaysian State, Johor and when I looked ahead - it was Singapore.

Between the Seas

People say that I am at a cross-road. But in reality I am between the seas. I dwell at two places separated by the seas, the South China Seas. I have two sets of almost everything, basic essentials. One in Sabah, the other in Singapore. I don't know where my fixed abode is.

Caiaphas' Prophecy

One of the most intriguing passages in John's Gospel is Caiaphas' prophecy about Jesus. Caiaphas prophesied that it was better for one man to die than the whole nation perished under the Romans. Further he prophesied that Jesus would die and as a result God would gather all the children of God. John's penchant for irony comes to the forefront here as Caiaphas seems to predict or know Jesus' destiny more than Jesus' closest disciples. Though Caiaphas had only murderous intent against Jesus but ironically he has spoken the truth about Jesus' mission and ultimate death. Caiaphas unwittingly became God's mouthpiece though he had no intention whatsoever to benefit Jesus with his pronouncement.

Charisma & Character

I have no time yet to reflect on the church camp but the 5 sessions have turned into 6 when the pastor asked me last minute whether I could do a wrap-up. I took some 20 minutes to sum up the salient points of the 5 sessions and the best line surely would be in the 3rd session on David's travails when I said of David, "charisma and character is a potent combination." God allowed David to go through hardships for more than 10 years as an outlaw in order to shape his character until he could really become a man after God's heart. I am glad that several young people came forward for prayers and not just the seniors, 40 years old and above. I thank the Lord that some of youths were moved by God's Spirit throughout the Camp and I trust in the Lord that their lives will never be the same again.

Few Friends & Family

David had his 3 mighty men and another 30 mighty men beside. I have my family and friends. A few friends have proven to be true friends not just words but deeds. Among the excellent ones is one kind soul who offered me free accommodation in his vacant flat and even offered to move my stuff when I am ready. I am ready, Lord. Where You go, I will go. Where You stay I will stay, I will follow You (How timely was the Church Camp's theme song). Others have called, written and texted how they could be of help. They are the mighty men of David. In Sabah I have a few friends that I know I could call on any time without being afraid that I might impose on them. One or two of these friends are willing to do all they can for me to help me fulfil God's purpose.

The Occasional Sweet Psalmist

I am touched by one prayer among 7 or 8 prayers offered by the leaders of the church at the closing session of the Church Camp this morning. He thanked God that I was able to be "the occasional sweet psalmist" during the Camp, having spoken on King David for 6 sessions (extra morning session today with laying of hands and time for ministry) and I sang 4 of my songs, thus fulfilling my promise to sing a few songs during the Church Camp and also that David as the singer of Israel and composer of many songs is often a neglected theme in the study of the life of David:

Church Camp Melaka

I have just preached 5 long sessions in a Malacca Church Camp. Great turn out for a smallish church. 140 adults in all and the hall was packed. Great worship led by the youths. The theme was "will you be a woman/man after God's heart?" I preached on "God looks at the heart.", "David's exploits", "David's travails" and "David's leadership." There were three discussions after the two mornings and last night's sessions. We enjoyed late night fellowship poolside with tasty Melaka satays. Tonight we are having Peranakan dinner and I had durians for afternoon tea.

Choosing a Place to Go

"If anyone serves me, let him follow Me; and where I am there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, him my Father will honour," says Jesus in John 12:26. The key question here is the "where" of Jesus for each and everyone of us as his followers. Even in his closing address to his disciples in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus promises his presence with us, "I am with you" until the end of the age, but that promise seems to be predicated upon his followers doing his commission - "Go, make disciple of all nations, baptising them and teaching them all that I have commanded you..." If we are not doing the great commission, it is hard to claim Jesus' presence though hypothetically, Christ will be present with every believer every where in every situation but his presence or the Commission's presence is only available to those who do His great commission.

"I will go about the City"

It is one of those mornings that I could not get back to sleep after awakened at 4am. So after a short devotion, I left home at 5.30am and took a bus to tour the city of Singapore. It is still dark as I write but the dawn is just upon us. In the Song of Songs, the beloved rises in the night and goes about the city to find her lover until she finds him and brings him back to her mother's chambers. LORD, You are a God who hides yourself. I will seek you until I find you, even in the city where I live. The Lord hides himself betimes lest we take his presence for granted. He will arouse his desire in us to seek him afresh. "Do not arouse my beloved until he pleases" another line from the Song of Songs.

A Psalm for Every Situation of Life

There is a Psalm for every situation, for every circumstance of life. Today after I experienced great disappointment with those I thought would behave better, I opened my Bible and came upon this Psalm:

Convergence of Civilizations

Robert Kaplan in his book, Asia's Cauldron describes Malaysia as a "convergence of civilizations", a melting pot of three major cultures, Indian, Chinese and Malay. Not many people know that the Malay language is spoken by 300 million people in South East Asia making it the 5th most widely spoken language in the world. Nusantara or the Malay archipelago spans from the northern tip of Sumatra, Aceh to Timor Timor (East Timor) covering a vast expanse of 20,000 islands and 3 time zones. Listen to me, you isles the Lord has called me in his righteousness (Isa 49,1). Malaysia is truly a convergence of civilizations together with the indigenous cultures of Borneo, East Malaysia which makes the country the envy of the world in terms of its rich multi-culturalism.