It was 2am on Tuesday. I had just finished work and was still in the office. I was exhausted and was not keen to attend the wake of a friend's father. I wanted to just take the office transport home. But I recalled another friend smsing me earlier, saying that the cremation was on that very afternoon and asking me to go down to the wake if I could make it.
I decided to sms a friend to ask her if I should go. She advised me to sms my friend and check with him whether he was at the wake and whether it was okay for me to go during that time. So that's what I did. He replied to say that he was still around at the wake, and thanked me for coming. So I took a cab and reached the wake around 2.30am.
I seldom attend wakes, so I felt very awkward when I saw him. I greeted him and shook his hand. He thanked me for coming and brought me to a table where some of his friends were seated. To my relief, there was someone at the table whom I knew and I was very happy to see him.
After putting my bag down, my friend accompanied me to pay my respects to his dad. I couldn't light any joss-sticks. He was very understanding, and asked me to simply say a prayer for his dad. I thought my prayer was too brief, but I prayed with all my heart that God would have mercy on his dad's soul. After that, I followed my friend back to the table.
I think he was very touched that I had turned up because he kept saying that I look so tired and it was very nice of me to turn up after my long day at work. I asked him how he was coping and he said he had been sleeping for only 3 to 4 hours a day since the wake began.
His dad had died in Indonesia and so he and his brother had to fly over to make the arrangements for the body to be brought back to Singapore. He said his dad did something strange before he left for Indonesia with his step-mother to visit her relatives. His dad called his sister in Brunei and told her to take care of herself. The thing is that before this phone call, his dad had never called his sister in Brunei. So perhaps his dad had some inkling that this would be his last trip abroad.
When his dad died, his step-mother had called his home but no one picked up the phone. So she called a neighbour, who then rang his sister's home. One of his nephews picked up the phone and then calmly told his mother that something bad had happened to "Kung Kung". They then called him and that was how he knew of his father's death.
I asked him whether it was difficult arranging for his dad's body to be brought back to Singapore. He said it was pretty tough because of the language barrier. As well, he and his brother had to endure a five-hour bumpy car ride from the airport to the step-mother's home village to collect his dad's body. When my friend first saw his dad's body, he was relieved because his dad had a peaceful look on his face. That set my friend's mind at ease.
He and his brother also had to pay bribes of S$5 to S$20 for matters ranging from asking a nurse to translate hospital documents from Bahasa Indonesia to English to ensuring that the immigration process would be smooth. By the time his dad's body was flown back to Singapore, the family had already set up the wake at the void deck of the flat.
I asked my friend if he was sad. He replied that he had been so busy with the funeral arrangements that he had no time to let everything sink in yet. I then asked if I could see his dad because I wasn't sure earlier on whether I should step forward to see his dad when I was praying. He said, sure, and the other friend and I went forward to have a look at his dad. When I looked down at his dad's face, I felt sad because I was looking at a life which was past. His dad was 81.
We walked back to the table, where we carried on talking, eating peanuts and drinking mineral water. His sister and brother-in-law were also keeping watch at another table nearer the coffin. To stretch our legs after a while, we then got up to inspect the wreaths - some were from a hospital because his brother-in-law was a doctor, one was from an actor because my friend works for MediaCorp, one was from the Japanese Buddhist association and another was from the area's RC because my friend's dad was active in community matters.
I asked my friend whether he was close to his dad, and he said that he always scolded his dad and did a lot of naughty things that his dad didn't know about. But I could tell that he loved his dad a lot because he spoke with such affection.
Our conversation was pretty much one-sided, mostly him talking. I didn't say very much because I didn't know what to say. But in my heart, I felt privileged to be one of those who were able to hear another person talk tenderly and lovingly about his father, and in so doing, open a window into his dad's life for others to see.
He said that his dad had consulted a fortune-teller early on in his life who told him that he would have two sons and live like a king. My friend wryly commented that his dad liked visiting Indonesia because whenever he went to the step-mother's village, the children would call him reverently as "Pak", thus making his dad feel like a king.
Sometime in between, he suddenly stood up and ran over to his dad's coffin. I was shocked but then I discovered why he did that. A black cat had wandered near his dad's coffin, and he wanted to chase it away. After that, he slanted his chair for a better view of his dad, explaining to us that he wanted to be sure that the cat wouldn't get near the coffin again.
We went back to talking about ourselves and updating each other on how things have been. While we were talking, I remembered that he also knew my friend, who is now living in Germany. I smsed her on the spot and told her the bad news because I knew she would have attended the wake if she were here in Singapore. I didn't tell my friend that I had smsed our friend in Germany at that time.
Ever so often during our conversation, my friend would break off and thank me again for coming. This was what made me realise that to him, my coming to pay my last respects to his dad was a big thing for him. To be honest, this was the first time that I was acutely aware of the importance of attending a wake. In the past, I always thought that attending a wake was no big deal. During the time with my friend, I realised that for the people who had lost a loved one, the presence of friends at the wake was significant. My friend was happy and thankful because I had simply turned up.
I left the wake around 3.30am. He asked me where I stayed and on learning of my address, he again thanked me for coming because his place was quite a distance from my home. He and the other friend walked with me to the side of the road, where I hailed a cab and went home. While I was in the cab, my friend in Germany smsed her reply. I forwarded her reply to my friend. He smsed back, saying that it was very thoughtful of her to send her condolences. And he again thanked me for coming.
This experience added greatly to my understanding of Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Tears in heaven (April 16, 2007)
I went online to read reports of the tragic Virginia Tech shootings, and came across the New York Times' multimedia interactive feature profiling the 32 victims.
The descriptions of the victims as well as comments posted by people who knew them and people who didn't, made for tough reading for me. I cried.
NYT also carried links to the victims' myspace.com sites. It was heartbreaking to see some friends posting comments on the sites like "Hi, are you okay?" or "Hey, are you all right", followed afterwards by "Rest in peace, my friend" posted on the very same day that they were shot and killed. And family members and relatives posting: "Hey cuz, give us a call so we no you are all right, we're worried about you" and "call your parents asap".
One South Korean by the name of Yoojung Lee posted his condolences on almost every single victim's profile in the NYT website. Like him, I went through what NYT had reported about every single victim, and felt very sad for the lives that could have been.
May we all find comfort in Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are then called to His purpose.
I wanted to post a comment on every victim from the NYT coverage so that I can remember this day as the day the Lord brought many of his faithful home:
"Honesty and straightforwardness in strangers is a rarity. Treasure those who truly exemplify these traits -- because you may never again meet another who does."
- The quote that victim Ross Alameddine, 20, kept on his AOL Instant Messenger profile.
For Jamie's family
When you come to the edge of all that you know,
You must be sure of one of two things:
There will be earth upon which to stand,
Or you will be given wings.
My prayers are with you
- Posted by Kristy Bonner on victim Jamie Bishop, 35
Friend…i won’t never forget you, you’ll always be in my mind, i can hear the heaven calling you, so good for friend
- Posted by Sam Adams Ryan on victim Ryan Clark, 22
Austin I loved our time together here on earth and I will see you in heaven girlie. Your family basically adopted me while I was at Illinois and I will never forget all of our times together. I keep thinking of us at the Today Show in New York with the silly things on our head b/v we thought Matt Lauer would talk to us if we acted silly! You were so giving, loving, funny and such an amazing gal. We had years between us - but that didn’t matter - you were wise beyond your years. I love you sweet girl.
- Posted by Kelly (McGauvran) Webb on victim Austin Cloyd, 19
I was lucky enough to have had Professor Couture-Nowak as a teacher for a French course my freshman year at Tech. Her spirited enthusiasm for the language and for Canada was unforgettable. She was an amazing woman - a fantastic teacher and loving mother. She loved life. She will be missed.
- Posted by Joanna Carey on victim Jocelyne Couture-Nowak
The descriptions of the victims as well as comments posted by people who knew them and people who didn't, made for tough reading for me. I cried.
NYT also carried links to the victims' myspace.com sites. It was heartbreaking to see some friends posting comments on the sites like "Hi, are you okay?" or "Hey, are you all right", followed afterwards by "Rest in peace, my friend" posted on the very same day that they were shot and killed. And family members and relatives posting: "Hey cuz, give us a call so we no you are all right, we're worried about you" and "call your parents asap".
One South Korean by the name of Yoojung Lee posted his condolences on almost every single victim's profile in the NYT website. Like him, I went through what NYT had reported about every single victim, and felt very sad for the lives that could have been.
May we all find comfort in Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are then called to His purpose.
I wanted to post a comment on every victim from the NYT coverage so that I can remember this day as the day the Lord brought many of his faithful home:
"Honesty and straightforwardness in strangers is a rarity. Treasure those who truly exemplify these traits -- because you may never again meet another who does."
- The quote that victim Ross Alameddine, 20, kept on his AOL Instant Messenger profile.
For Jamie's family
When you come to the edge of all that you know,
You must be sure of one of two things:
There will be earth upon which to stand,
Or you will be given wings.
My prayers are with you
- Posted by Kristy Bonner on victim Jamie Bishop, 35
“When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure”.
“The memory of a good person
is a blessing”.
Proverb 10:7
- Posted by Melina on victim Brian Bluhm, 25
Friend…i won’t never forget you, you’ll always be in my mind, i can hear the heaven calling you, so good for friend
- Posted by Sam Adams Ryan on victim Ryan Clark, 22
Austin I loved our time together here on earth and I will see you in heaven girlie. Your family basically adopted me while I was at Illinois and I will never forget all of our times together. I keep thinking of us at the Today Show in New York with the silly things on our head b/v we thought Matt Lauer would talk to us if we acted silly! You were so giving, loving, funny and such an amazing gal. We had years between us - but that didn’t matter - you were wise beyond your years. I love you sweet girl.
- Posted by Kelly (McGauvran) Webb on victim Austin Cloyd, 19
I was lucky enough to have had Professor Couture-Nowak as a teacher for a French course my freshman year at Tech. Her spirited enthusiasm for the language and for Canada was unforgettable. She was an amazing woman - a fantastic teacher and loving mother. She loved life. She will be missed.
- Posted by Joanna Carey on victim Jocelyne Couture-Nowak
As a peruvian an a alumni of University of Washington, I understand why we leave our country in search of a better future. We are hard workers and our families are our priority. I bet his dreams and hopes were so big and he touched so many lives during his lifetime and right now he is with God watching for his family and friends.
God bless him and Virginia Tech students.
- Posted by Mary Osorio on victim Daniel Perez Cueva, 21
Delirious for God
Hang On To You
And I'll hang on to you
'Cos you're stronger and you keep me from falling
And you brighten the world with your beauty
Keep me closer I'm calling
Looking out like a little child
Holding tight when it all gets wild
And I'll hang on to you
Nothing in this world will see me through
Only you
And I'll hang on to you
Everyday I live, I give to You
And your love it is true
I feel stronger and I'm happy to know you
'Cos you shine like the sun and you're brighter
Than the darkness that's falling
Nothing in this world could ever take your place
Happiness is found in your holy face
In your warm embrace
(Written by Martin Smith ©2000 Curious? Music UK)
Just listened to this song by Delirious, one of my favourite Christian bands, and decided to post the lyrics here. I pray that I will live the wisdom of the words, that I will hang on to Christ because nothing in this world will see me through, only Him. And that every day I live, I give to Him.
Who's Delirious?
It's a British band which started out as The Cutting Edge Band, playing at a youth outreach event at its home church in Littlehampton and grew into one which is now selling millions of albums, reaching out to people with God's message of love and salvation. It wrote the songs "Do You Hear The Mountains Tremble?", "History Maker", "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever" and "Shout To The North". There are many more good songs on its albums, like the one I highlighted above. If possible, do try to get their "live" albums - fantastic worship.
The good news: Delirious will be praising the Lord at the Festival of Praise on Aug 3 to Aug 5 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Interview with Delirious' lead vocal Martin Smith
The official Delirious website
And I'll hang on to you
'Cos you're stronger and you keep me from falling
And you brighten the world with your beauty
Keep me closer I'm calling
Looking out like a little child
Holding tight when it all gets wild
And I'll hang on to you
Nothing in this world will see me through
Only you
And I'll hang on to you
Everyday I live, I give to You
And your love it is true
I feel stronger and I'm happy to know you
'Cos you shine like the sun and you're brighter
Than the darkness that's falling
Nothing in this world could ever take your place
Happiness is found in your holy face
In your warm embrace
(Written by Martin Smith ©2000 Curious? Music UK)
Just listened to this song by Delirious, one of my favourite Christian bands, and decided to post the lyrics here. I pray that I will live the wisdom of the words, that I will hang on to Christ because nothing in this world will see me through, only Him. And that every day I live, I give to Him.
Who's Delirious?
It's a British band which started out as The Cutting Edge Band, playing at a youth outreach event at its home church in Littlehampton and grew into one which is now selling millions of albums, reaching out to people with God's message of love and salvation. It wrote the songs "Do You Hear The Mountains Tremble?", "History Maker", "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever" and "Shout To The North". There are many more good songs on its albums, like the one I highlighted above. If possible, do try to get their "live" albums - fantastic worship.
The good news: Delirious will be praising the Lord at the Festival of Praise on Aug 3 to Aug 5 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Interview with Delirious' lead vocal Martin Smith
The official Delirious website
Malachi 3:2-3
2 “ But who can endure the day of His coming?
And who can stand when He appears?
For He is like a refiner’s fire
And like launderers’ soap.
3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;
He will purify the sons of Levi,
And purge them as gold and silver,
That they may offer to the LORD
An offering in righteousness. (NKJV)
When I read the verses above, the phrase that caught my eye was "a refiner's fire". The Lord, through Malachi, gives an extremely clear picture of the day of His coming - flames of fire. When the Lord comes, He will purify the sons of Levi.
It is interesting to note that He considered the current state of his chosen people so sinful that He would also seek to purify their religious leaders, that is, the priests from the tribe of Levi or the Levites, as well. This points to the depth of sinfulness that the entire nation has sunk into.
As well, Malachi explains why even the priests had to undergo purification - the Lord accepts only offerings in righteousness. This applies to us even now, which is why we need to come before God daily in confession of our sins and in repentance so that what we offer him (our prayers, our worship, our adoration and our works) is an offering in righteousness. And knowing that He is able to accept us because of the blood that Christ shed on Calvary, not of our own works or abilities. As Matthew Henry says in his commentary: "Till we ourselves be refined and purified by the grace of God, we cannot do anything that will redound to the glory of God."
This brings to my mind the words of Psalm 24:3-6
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah (NKJV)
I also came across this wonderful story which really added a lot to my understanding of why God used that phrase "a refiner's fire" in Malachi.
There was a group of women who got together each week for a Bible study - and eventually reached the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three they came across verse three which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work, and he agreed to answer any questions that may satisfy her curiosity. As she watched the silversmith, he held a chunk of concentrated silver ore over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman imagined God allowing each of us to be held in such a hot situation - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if he could leave it heating on its own or if he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he also had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For as impurities worked their way to the surface, they needed to be removed immediately as dross. Not only that, he explained, but if the silver was left even a little too long in the flames or allowed to become too hot, it would oxidize and become unworkable, causing it to require a whole other process to restore its condition and purity and reclaim its value.
Finally she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part - when I see my image reflected in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that once you accept Christ and give your life to Him, you are one of God's children. He then has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you until He sees His image reflected in you.
-Anonymous
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Commentary of the Bible
2. John Calvin's Commentary of the Bible
And who can stand when He appears?
For He is like a refiner’s fire
And like launderers’ soap.
3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;
He will purify the sons of Levi,
And purge them as gold and silver,
That they may offer to the LORD
An offering in righteousness. (NKJV)
When I read the verses above, the phrase that caught my eye was "a refiner's fire". The Lord, through Malachi, gives an extremely clear picture of the day of His coming - flames of fire. When the Lord comes, He will purify the sons of Levi.
It is interesting to note that He considered the current state of his chosen people so sinful that He would also seek to purify their religious leaders, that is, the priests from the tribe of Levi or the Levites, as well. This points to the depth of sinfulness that the entire nation has sunk into.
As well, Malachi explains why even the priests had to undergo purification - the Lord accepts only offerings in righteousness. This applies to us even now, which is why we need to come before God daily in confession of our sins and in repentance so that what we offer him (our prayers, our worship, our adoration and our works) is an offering in righteousness. And knowing that He is able to accept us because of the blood that Christ shed on Calvary, not of our own works or abilities. As Matthew Henry says in his commentary: "Till we ourselves be refined and purified by the grace of God, we cannot do anything that will redound to the glory of God."
This brings to my mind the words of Psalm 24:3-6
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah (NKJV)
I also came across this wonderful story which really added a lot to my understanding of why God used that phrase "a refiner's fire" in Malachi.
There was a group of women who got together each week for a Bible study - and eventually reached the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three they came across verse three which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work, and he agreed to answer any questions that may satisfy her curiosity. As she watched the silversmith, he held a chunk of concentrated silver ore over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman imagined God allowing each of us to be held in such a hot situation - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if he could leave it heating on its own or if he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he also had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For as impurities worked their way to the surface, they needed to be removed immediately as dross. Not only that, he explained, but if the silver was left even a little too long in the flames or allowed to become too hot, it would oxidize and become unworkable, causing it to require a whole other process to restore its condition and purity and reclaim its value.
Finally she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part - when I see my image reflected in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that once you accept Christ and give your life to Him, you are one of God's children. He then has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you until He sees His image reflected in you.
-Anonymous
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Commentary of the Bible
2. John Calvin's Commentary of the Bible
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Seeing is believing
When life threatens to just drown us in all its huge waves of worries, troubles and tribulations, we sometimes need only to simply hold our breath, plunge in and let the waters wash over us, carry us some distance, till we resurface again to feel the radiant warmth of the beautiful sun. We look around, re-adjust our bearings and swim on from where we left off. Time is of no consequence because we will get to a place where we want to be eventually. But only if we wanted to be there in the first place.
Jose Saramago wrote about a place in his new book, Seeing. This place could have been anywhere in the world and its people anybody in the world. It was a place with a democratic government that seemed to have ruled it forever, a place with a people that seemed to have been content living under such a democratic government forever.
Something strange happened over not one day, but two days in two weeks. On the first election day, 70 per cent of the votes cast were blank. And on the second election day, held after the government declared the first election to be null and void, 83 per cent of the votes turned out blank.
Faced with such a frightening and unfamiliar scenario, the government first declared a state of emergency, indefinitely detained 500 voters selected through counter-espionage measures, put the city under a state of siege and finally produced its master stroke, withdrawing from the city and leaving it to its own devices, confident that chaos and disorder would erupt, and that the people would soon come before them, crawling on their knees and begging for forgiveness.
Life in the city, though, went on as it had done in the past, leading the government to turn increasingly ruthless in its measures to root out the source of this insurgence, and causing some in the cabinet to compare the plague of the blank votes to the plague of blindness that had struck the city four years ago.
A letter from someone in the city gave the government a lead and a breakthrough, the letter claiming that the current plague of blank votes was linked to the plague of blindness, and that both were caused by one person, a murderer. The subsequent infiltration of an investigation team into the city results in a devastating outcome.
Does such a place in Saramago's book exist today, a totalitarian government operating under the guise of democracy, backed by a subservient security and judicial structure, a government which has lost touch with its voters, a government which serves increasingly only its own interests, a government whose existence and purpose is eventually questioned, a compliant populace who were content with the status quo, an unquestioning people who never bothered about their rights, an unthinking people who atrophied into inaction and became mindless puppets, a disillusioned people who finally came to their senses.
Truth sometimes can be stranger than fiction.
Jose Saramago wrote about a place in his new book, Seeing. This place could have been anywhere in the world and its people anybody in the world. It was a place with a democratic government that seemed to have ruled it forever, a place with a people that seemed to have been content living under such a democratic government forever.
Something strange happened over not one day, but two days in two weeks. On the first election day, 70 per cent of the votes cast were blank. And on the second election day, held after the government declared the first election to be null and void, 83 per cent of the votes turned out blank.
Faced with such a frightening and unfamiliar scenario, the government first declared a state of emergency, indefinitely detained 500 voters selected through counter-espionage measures, put the city under a state of siege and finally produced its master stroke, withdrawing from the city and leaving it to its own devices, confident that chaos and disorder would erupt, and that the people would soon come before them, crawling on their knees and begging for forgiveness.
Life in the city, though, went on as it had done in the past, leading the government to turn increasingly ruthless in its measures to root out the source of this insurgence, and causing some in the cabinet to compare the plague of the blank votes to the plague of blindness that had struck the city four years ago.
A letter from someone in the city gave the government a lead and a breakthrough, the letter claiming that the current plague of blank votes was linked to the plague of blindness, and that both were caused by one person, a murderer. The subsequent infiltration of an investigation team into the city results in a devastating outcome.
Does such a place in Saramago's book exist today, a totalitarian government operating under the guise of democracy, backed by a subservient security and judicial structure, a government which has lost touch with its voters, a government which serves increasingly only its own interests, a government whose existence and purpose is eventually questioned, a compliant populace who were content with the status quo, an unquestioning people who never bothered about their rights, an unthinking people who atrophied into inaction and became mindless puppets, a disillusioned people who finally came to their senses.
Truth sometimes can be stranger than fiction.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Selfish Giant (Oscar Wilde)
EVERY afternoon, as they were coming from school, the children used to go and play in the Giant's garden.
It was a large lovely garden, with soft green grass. Here and there over the grass stood beautiful flowers like stars, and there were twelve peach-trees that in the spring-time broke out into delicate blossoms of pink and pearl, and in the autumn bore rich fruit. The birds sat on the trees and sang so sweetly that the children used to stop their games in order to listen to them. "How happy we are here!" they cried to each other.
One day the Giant came back. He had been to visit his friend the Cornish ogre, and had stayed with him for seven years. After the seven years were over he had said all that he had to say, for his conversation was limited, and he determined to return to his own castle. When he arrived he saw the children playing in the garden.
"What are you doing here?" he cried in a very gruff voice, and the children ran away.
"My own garden is my own garden," said the Giant; "any one can understand that, and I will allow nobody to play in it but myself." So he built a high wall all round it, and put up a notice-board.
TRESPASSERS
WILL BE
PROSECUTED
He was a very selfish Giant.
The poor children had now nowhere to play. They tried to play on the road, but the road was very dusty and full of hard stones, and they did not like it. They used to wander round the high wall when their lessons were over, and talk about the beautiful garden inside. "How happy we were there," they said to each other.
Then the Spring came, and all over the country there were little blossoms and little birds. Only in the garden of the Selfish Giant it was still winter. The birds did not care to sing in it as there were no children, and the trees forgot to blossom. Once a beautiful flower put its head out from the grass, but when it saw the notice-board it was so sorry for the children that it slipped back into the ground again, and went off to sleep. The only people who were pleased were the Snow and the Frost. "Spring has forgotten this garden," they cried, "so we will live here all the year round." The Snow covered up the grass with her great white cloak, and the Frost painted all the trees silver. Then they invited the North Wind to stay with them, and he came. He was wrapped in furs, and he roared all day about the garden, and blew the chimney-pots down. "This is a delightful spot," he said, "we must ask the Hail on a visit." So the Hail came. Every day for three hours he rattled on the roof of the castle till he broke most of the slates, and then he ran round and round the garden as fast as he could go. He was dressed in grey, and his breath was like ice.
"I cannot understand why the Spring is so late in coming," said the Selfish Giant, as he sat at the window and looked out at his cold white garden; "I hope there will be a change in the weather."
But the Spring never came, nor the Summer. The Autumn gave golden fruit to every garden, but to the Giant's garden she gave none. "He is too selfish," she said. So it was always Winter there, and the North Wind, and the Hail, and the Frost, and the Snow danced about through the trees.
One morning the Giant was lying awake in bed when he heard some lovely music. It sounded so sweet to his ears that he thought it must be the King's musicians passing by. It was really only a little linnet singing outside his window, but it was so long since he had heard a bird sing in his garden that it seemed to him to be the most beautiful music in the world. Then the Hail stopped dancing over his head, and the North Wind ceased roaring, and a delicious perfume came to him through the open casement. "I believe the Spring has come at last," said the Giant; and he jumped out of bed and looked out.
What did he see?
He saw a most wonderful sight. Through a little hole in the wall the children had crept in, and they were sitting in the branches of the trees. In every tree that he could see there was a little child. And the trees were so glad to have the children back again that they had covered themselves with blossoms, and were waving their arms gently above the children's heads. The birds were flying about and twittering with delight, and the flowers were looking up through the green grass and laughing. It was a lovely scene, only in one corner it was still winter. It was the farthest corner of the garden, and in it was standing a little boy. He was so small that he could not reach up to the branches of the tree, and he was wandering all round it, crying bitterly. The poor tree was still quite covered with frost and snow, and the North Wind was blowing and roaring above it. "Climb up! little boy," said the Tree, and it bent its branches down as low as it could; but the boy was too tiny.
And the Giant's heart melted as he looked out. "How selfish I have been!" he said; "now I know why the Spring would not come here. I will put that poor little boy on the top of the tree, and then I will knock down the wall, and my garden shall be the children's playground for ever and ever." He was really very sorry for what he had done.
So he crept downstairs and opened the front door quite softly, and went out into the garden. But when the children saw him they were so frightened that they all ran away, and the garden became winter again. Only the little boy did not run, for his eyes were so full of tears that he did not see the Giant coming. And the Giant stole up behind him and took him gently in his hand, and put him up into the tree. And the tree broke at once into blossom, and the birds came and sang on it, and the little boy stretched out his two arms and flung them round the Giant's neck, and kissed him. And the other children, when they saw that the Giant was not wicked any longer, came running back, and with them came the Spring. "It is your garden now, little children," said the Giant, and he took a great axe and knocked down the wall. And when the people were going to market at twelve o'clock they found the Giant playing with the children in the most beautiful garden they had ever seen.
All day long they played, and in the evening they came to the Giant to bid him good-bye.
"But where is your little companion?" he said: "the boy I put into the tree." The Giant loved him the best because he had kissed him.
"We don't know," answered the children; "he has gone away."
"You must tell him to be sure and come here tomorrow," said the Giant. But the children said that they did not know where he lived, and had never seen him before; and the Giant felt very sad.
Every afternoon, when school was over, the children came and played with the Giant. But the little boy whom the Giant loved was never seen again. The Giant was very kind to all the children, yet he longed for his first little friend, and often spoke of him. "How I would like to see him!" he used to say.
Years went over, and the Giant grew very old and feeble. He could not play about any more, so he sat in a huge armchair, and watched the children at their games, and admired his garden. "I have many beautiful flowers," he said; "but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all."
One winter morning he looked out of his window as he was dressing. He did not hate the Winter now, for he knew that it was merely the Spring asleep, and that the flowers were resting.
Suddenly he rubbed his eyes in wonder, and looked and looked. It certainly was a marvellous sight. In the farthest corner of the garden was a tree quite covered with lovely white blossoms. Its branches were all golden, and silver fruit hung down from them, and underneath it stood the little boy he had loved.
Downstairs ran the Giant in great joy, and out into the garden. He hastened across the grass, and came near to the child. And when he came quite close his face grew red with anger, and he said, "Who hath dared to wound thee?" For on the palms of the child's hands were the prints of two nails, and the prints of two nails were on the little feet.
"Who hath dared to wound thee?" cried the Giant; "tell me, that I may take my big sword and slay him."
"Nay!" answered the child; "but these are the wounds of Love."
"Who art thou?" said the Giant, and a strange awe fell on him, and he knelt before the little child.
And the child smiled on the Giant, and said to him, "You let me play once in your garden, today you shall come with me to my garden, which is Paradise."
And when the children ran in that afternoon, they found the Giant lying dead under the tree, all covered with white blossoms.
The Oscar Wilde Collection
PS: I popped into the Popular bookstore at Thomson Plaza on Monday, when I was having dinner with my boss and my colleagues. The bookstore carried this collection of Penguin Popular Classics, with the books having a lime-green cover. I looked at the titles, and chose to buy three - The Happy Prince And Other Stories (Oscar Wilde), Tender Is The Night (F.Scott Fitzgerald) and Dubliners (James Joyce). The collection was being sold under the children's section, and each book cost only S$4.73.
I started on the Oscar Wilde book just, and when I came to The Selfish Giant, I remembered that I had read it before but this second reading was still as fresh and as moving to me as the first, and it prompted me to get out of my bed to post the story here. Hope that you will enjoy this beautiful garden of love as much as I did.
It was a large lovely garden, with soft green grass. Here and there over the grass stood beautiful flowers like stars, and there were twelve peach-trees that in the spring-time broke out into delicate blossoms of pink and pearl, and in the autumn bore rich fruit. The birds sat on the trees and sang so sweetly that the children used to stop their games in order to listen to them. "How happy we are here!" they cried to each other.
One day the Giant came back. He had been to visit his friend the Cornish ogre, and had stayed with him for seven years. After the seven years were over he had said all that he had to say, for his conversation was limited, and he determined to return to his own castle. When he arrived he saw the children playing in the garden.
"What are you doing here?" he cried in a very gruff voice, and the children ran away.
"My own garden is my own garden," said the Giant; "any one can understand that, and I will allow nobody to play in it but myself." So he built a high wall all round it, and put up a notice-board.
TRESPASSERS
WILL BE
PROSECUTED
He was a very selfish Giant.
The poor children had now nowhere to play. They tried to play on the road, but the road was very dusty and full of hard stones, and they did not like it. They used to wander round the high wall when their lessons were over, and talk about the beautiful garden inside. "How happy we were there," they said to each other.
Then the Spring came, and all over the country there were little blossoms and little birds. Only in the garden of the Selfish Giant it was still winter. The birds did not care to sing in it as there were no children, and the trees forgot to blossom. Once a beautiful flower put its head out from the grass, but when it saw the notice-board it was so sorry for the children that it slipped back into the ground again, and went off to sleep. The only people who were pleased were the Snow and the Frost. "Spring has forgotten this garden," they cried, "so we will live here all the year round." The Snow covered up the grass with her great white cloak, and the Frost painted all the trees silver. Then they invited the North Wind to stay with them, and he came. He was wrapped in furs, and he roared all day about the garden, and blew the chimney-pots down. "This is a delightful spot," he said, "we must ask the Hail on a visit." So the Hail came. Every day for three hours he rattled on the roof of the castle till he broke most of the slates, and then he ran round and round the garden as fast as he could go. He was dressed in grey, and his breath was like ice.
"I cannot understand why the Spring is so late in coming," said the Selfish Giant, as he sat at the window and looked out at his cold white garden; "I hope there will be a change in the weather."
But the Spring never came, nor the Summer. The Autumn gave golden fruit to every garden, but to the Giant's garden she gave none. "He is too selfish," she said. So it was always Winter there, and the North Wind, and the Hail, and the Frost, and the Snow danced about through the trees.
One morning the Giant was lying awake in bed when he heard some lovely music. It sounded so sweet to his ears that he thought it must be the King's musicians passing by. It was really only a little linnet singing outside his window, but it was so long since he had heard a bird sing in his garden that it seemed to him to be the most beautiful music in the world. Then the Hail stopped dancing over his head, and the North Wind ceased roaring, and a delicious perfume came to him through the open casement. "I believe the Spring has come at last," said the Giant; and he jumped out of bed and looked out.
What did he see?
He saw a most wonderful sight. Through a little hole in the wall the children had crept in, and they were sitting in the branches of the trees. In every tree that he could see there was a little child. And the trees were so glad to have the children back again that they had covered themselves with blossoms, and were waving their arms gently above the children's heads. The birds were flying about and twittering with delight, and the flowers were looking up through the green grass and laughing. It was a lovely scene, only in one corner it was still winter. It was the farthest corner of the garden, and in it was standing a little boy. He was so small that he could not reach up to the branches of the tree, and he was wandering all round it, crying bitterly. The poor tree was still quite covered with frost and snow, and the North Wind was blowing and roaring above it. "Climb up! little boy," said the Tree, and it bent its branches down as low as it could; but the boy was too tiny.
And the Giant's heart melted as he looked out. "How selfish I have been!" he said; "now I know why the Spring would not come here. I will put that poor little boy on the top of the tree, and then I will knock down the wall, and my garden shall be the children's playground for ever and ever." He was really very sorry for what he had done.
So he crept downstairs and opened the front door quite softly, and went out into the garden. But when the children saw him they were so frightened that they all ran away, and the garden became winter again. Only the little boy did not run, for his eyes were so full of tears that he did not see the Giant coming. And the Giant stole up behind him and took him gently in his hand, and put him up into the tree. And the tree broke at once into blossom, and the birds came and sang on it, and the little boy stretched out his two arms and flung them round the Giant's neck, and kissed him. And the other children, when they saw that the Giant was not wicked any longer, came running back, and with them came the Spring. "It is your garden now, little children," said the Giant, and he took a great axe and knocked down the wall. And when the people were going to market at twelve o'clock they found the Giant playing with the children in the most beautiful garden they had ever seen.
All day long they played, and in the evening they came to the Giant to bid him good-bye.
"But where is your little companion?" he said: "the boy I put into the tree." The Giant loved him the best because he had kissed him.
"We don't know," answered the children; "he has gone away."
"You must tell him to be sure and come here tomorrow," said the Giant. But the children said that they did not know where he lived, and had never seen him before; and the Giant felt very sad.
Every afternoon, when school was over, the children came and played with the Giant. But the little boy whom the Giant loved was never seen again. The Giant was very kind to all the children, yet he longed for his first little friend, and often spoke of him. "How I would like to see him!" he used to say.
Years went over, and the Giant grew very old and feeble. He could not play about any more, so he sat in a huge armchair, and watched the children at their games, and admired his garden. "I have many beautiful flowers," he said; "but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all."
One winter morning he looked out of his window as he was dressing. He did not hate the Winter now, for he knew that it was merely the Spring asleep, and that the flowers were resting.
Suddenly he rubbed his eyes in wonder, and looked and looked. It certainly was a marvellous sight. In the farthest corner of the garden was a tree quite covered with lovely white blossoms. Its branches were all golden, and silver fruit hung down from them, and underneath it stood the little boy he had loved.
Downstairs ran the Giant in great joy, and out into the garden. He hastened across the grass, and came near to the child. And when he came quite close his face grew red with anger, and he said, "Who hath dared to wound thee?" For on the palms of the child's hands were the prints of two nails, and the prints of two nails were on the little feet.
"Who hath dared to wound thee?" cried the Giant; "tell me, that I may take my big sword and slay him."
"Nay!" answered the child; "but these are the wounds of Love."
"Who art thou?" said the Giant, and a strange awe fell on him, and he knelt before the little child.
And the child smiled on the Giant, and said to him, "You let me play once in your garden, today you shall come with me to my garden, which is Paradise."
And when the children ran in that afternoon, they found the Giant lying dead under the tree, all covered with white blossoms.
The Oscar Wilde Collection
PS: I popped into the Popular bookstore at Thomson Plaza on Monday, when I was having dinner with my boss and my colleagues. The bookstore carried this collection of Penguin Popular Classics, with the books having a lime-green cover. I looked at the titles, and chose to buy three - The Happy Prince And Other Stories (Oscar Wilde), Tender Is The Night (F.Scott Fitzgerald) and Dubliners (James Joyce). The collection was being sold under the children's section, and each book cost only S$4.73.
I started on the Oscar Wilde book just, and when I came to The Selfish Giant, I remembered that I had read it before but this second reading was still as fresh and as moving to me as the first, and it prompted me to get out of my bed to post the story here. Hope that you will enjoy this beautiful garden of love as much as I did.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Reflections on Malachi 3:1
1 “Behold, I send My messenger,
And he will prepare the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight.
Behold, He is coming,”
Says the LORD of hosts. (NKJV)
This verse got me extremely excited because I never knew Malachi had prophesied the coming of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
I was overjoyed to read this verse because this was written 400 years before Christ, and it was fulfilled.
The title of "My Messenger" deserves special notice because there were so many people stamped with this mark - Malachi, the one who wrote the book, John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for the Lord, and finally Jesus Christ, the one who would bring the covenant of God.
John the Baptist would be the messenger who will pave the way for the Lord. From reading Mark 1:1-5, John's arrival fulfils both Malachi 3:1 as well as Isaiah 40:3. John came baptising in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And he also preached that there would come One after him, who would be mightier than him, and One who would baptise with the Holy Spirit - foretelling the arrival of Christ.
Isaiah 40:3-5 (NKJV)
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“ Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make straight in the desert[a]
A highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be exalted
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough places smooth;
5 The glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
And all flesh shall see it together;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Jesus Christ would be the one bringing the covenant of God, one that would be confirmed and sealed in not only his preaching, but also his blood and his crucifixion and thereafter his resurrection.
Christ himself declared that He was the fulfillment of scripture about the coming Messiah in Luke 4:17-21, when he returned to his hometown of Nazareth.
Luke 4:17-21 (NKJV)
The scripture that Christ was citing in the above verses was Isaiah 61:1.
What a beautiful description of the ministry of Christ:
- To preach good tidings to the poor (telling them of the good news of an abundant eternal kingdom that is theirs to possess);
- To heal the brokenhearted (promising them the Lamb who will shepherd them and guide them to living waters and wipe away every tear from their eyes);
- To proclaim liberty to the captives (washing away all their sins by His blood and setting them free from the power of sin and the wages of sin in death and from all condemnation);
- To proclaim recovery of sight to the blind (bringing them from darkness into His marvellous light);
- To set at liberty those who are oppressed (freeing them from the bondages of spiritual entrapment and sin); and
- To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (heralding the day of vengeance of the Lord, His second coming which will result in judgment).
What a wonderful hope we have in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by repenting of our sins and turning to Him!
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Commentary of the Bible
2. John Calvin's Commentary of the Bible
And he will prepare the way before Me.
And the Lord, whom you seek,
Will suddenly come to His temple,
Even the Messenger of the covenant,
In whom you delight.
Behold, He is coming,”
Says the LORD of hosts. (NKJV)
This verse got me extremely excited because I never knew Malachi had prophesied the coming of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
I was overjoyed to read this verse because this was written 400 years before Christ, and it was fulfilled.
The title of "My Messenger" deserves special notice because there were so many people stamped with this mark - Malachi, the one who wrote the book, John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for the Lord, and finally Jesus Christ, the one who would bring the covenant of God.
John the Baptist would be the messenger who will pave the way for the Lord. From reading Mark 1:1-5, John's arrival fulfils both Malachi 3:1 as well as Isaiah 40:3. John came baptising in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And he also preached that there would come One after him, who would be mightier than him, and One who would baptise with the Holy Spirit - foretelling the arrival of Christ.
Isaiah 40:3-5 (NKJV)
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“ Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make straight in the desert[a]
A highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be exalted
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough places smooth;
5 The glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
And all flesh shall see it together;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Jesus Christ would be the one bringing the covenant of God, one that would be confirmed and sealed in not only his preaching, but also his blood and his crucifixion and thereafter his resurrection.
Christ himself declared that He was the fulfillment of scripture about the coming Messiah in Luke 4:17-21, when he returned to his hometown of Nazareth.
Luke 4:17-21 (NKJV)
17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,[a]
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”[b]
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The scripture that Christ was citing in the above verses was Isaiah 61:1.
What a beautiful description of the ministry of Christ:
- To preach good tidings to the poor (telling them of the good news of an abundant eternal kingdom that is theirs to possess);
- To heal the brokenhearted (promising them the Lamb who will shepherd them and guide them to living waters and wipe away every tear from their eyes);
- To proclaim liberty to the captives (washing away all their sins by His blood and setting them free from the power of sin and the wages of sin in death and from all condemnation);
- To proclaim recovery of sight to the blind (bringing them from darkness into His marvellous light);
- To set at liberty those who are oppressed (freeing them from the bondages of spiritual entrapment and sin); and
- To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (heralding the day of vengeance of the Lord, His second coming which will result in judgment).
What a wonderful hope we have in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by repenting of our sins and turning to Him!
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Commentary of the Bible
2. John Calvin's Commentary of the Bible
Monday, April 2, 2007
Rise up my love, my fair one, come away
Love
Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey’d Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d anything.
"A guest," I answer’d "worthy to be here";
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I, the unkind, the ungrateful? ah, my dear,
I cannot look on thee."
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"
Lord, but I have marr'd them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love "who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love "and taste my meat."
So I did sit and eat.
- George Herbert (17th Century Anglican poet)
I came across this poem when I was searching online for some readings on the character of God. How beautifully the words tell of God's love and grace, and His service in His crucifixion.
I was curious about George Herbert so I did an online search on him. Bartleby.com has a detailed account of his life at http://www.bartleby.com/15/2/21.html
I haven't finished reading the 28 A4-sized pages of his life but will update in this post once I get a grip of what he's like and how he defined his relationship with God.
Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey’d Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack’d anything.
"A guest," I answer’d "worthy to be here";
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I, the unkind, the ungrateful? ah, my dear,
I cannot look on thee."
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"
Lord, but I have marr'd them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love "who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love "and taste my meat."
So I did sit and eat.
- George Herbert (17th Century Anglican poet)
I came across this poem when I was searching online for some readings on the character of God. How beautifully the words tell of God's love and grace, and His service in His crucifixion.
I was curious about George Herbert so I did an online search on him. Bartleby.com has a detailed account of his life at http://www.bartleby.com/15/2/21.html
I haven't finished reading the 28 A4-sized pages of his life but will update in this post once I get a grip of what he's like and how he defined his relationship with God.
What is God like?
After going through Malachi 2:17, I wanted to look up some verses that would reaffirm God's character and His attributes. I went online and came to this "What is God like?" bible study by William C. Nichols. There are so many verses in the Bible that tell of God's character and I thought I would list down those highlighted by Nichols as a start. His list is not an exhaustive one.
1. God is our powerful majestic sovereign creator
Colossians 1:15-18
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Isaiah 40:12-26
12 Who has measured the waters[a] in the hollow of His hand,
Measured heaven with a span
And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?
Weighed the mountains in scales
And the hills in a balance?
13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD,
Or as His counselor has taught Him?
14 With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him,
And taught Him in the path of justice?
Who taught Him knowledge,
And showed Him the way of understanding?
15 Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket,
And are counted as the small dust on the scales;
Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.
16 And
Nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering.
17 All nations before Him are as nothing,
And they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.
18 To whom then will you liken God?
Or what likeness will you compare to Him?
19 The workman molds an image,
The goldsmith overspreads it with gold,
And the silversmith casts silver chains.
20 Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution
Chooses a tree that will not rot;
He seeks for himself a skillful workman
To prepare a carved image that will not totter.
21 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
23 He brings the princes to nothing;
He makes the judges of the earth useless.
24 Scarcely shall they be planted,
Scarcely shall they be sown,
Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth,
When He will also blow on them,
And they will wither,
And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.
25 “ To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high,
And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number;
He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might
And the strength of His power;
Not one is missing.
2. God is loving
1 John 4:8
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Psalm 36:5-7
5 Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains;
Your judgments are a great deep;
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
Lamentations 3:21-23
21 This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
3. God is compassionate and patient
Deuteronomy 7:9-10
9 “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; 10 and He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face.
2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,[a] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
4. God is perfectly righteous and just
Deuteronomy 32:4
4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect;
For all His ways are justice,
A God of truth and without injustice;
Righteous and upright is He.
Psalm 45:6-7
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.
Exodus 34:7
7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”
Psalm 7:9-11
9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
But establish the just;
For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.
10 My defense is of God,
Who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a just judge,
And God is angry with the wicked every day.
5. God is holy and pure
Isaiah 6:1-3
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said:
“ Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!”
Psalm 99:5
5 Exalt the LORD our God,
And worship at His footstool—
He is holy.
Psalm 5:5-6
5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
Isaiah 57:15
15 For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“ I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
6. God is a God of great wrath because He is holy
Romans 1:18-20
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
Nahum 1:2-7
2 God is jealous, and the LORD avenges;
The LORD avenges and is furious.
The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries,
And He reserves wrath for His enemies;
3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,
And will not at all acquit the wicked.
The LORD has His way
In the whirlwind and in the storm,
And the clouds are the dust of His feet.
4 He rebukes the sea and makes it dry,
And dries up all the rivers.
Bashan and
And the flower of
5 The mountains quake before Him,
The hills melt,
And the earth heaves[a] at His presence,
Yes, the world and all who dwell in it.
6 Who can stand before His indignation?
And who can endure the fierceness of His anger?
His fury is poured out like fire,
And the rocks are thrown down by Him.
7 The LORD is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-9
6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
Hebrews 10:26-31
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”[a] says the Lord.[b]“The LORD will judge His people.”[c] And again, 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Matthew 10:28
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Reference:
http://www.intoutreach.org/God.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
My son was recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. When I heard that one of the shooting victims had been a leading researcher in CP, I felt a personal loss.
I am grateful for all of Professor Granata’s work in this field. I am also grateful for the many, many people who have been inspired by Dr. Granata to work towards a life without limits for people with CP. Please keep up his work. May God led the family, friends, and colleagues of Professor Granata to a place of peace and acceptance.
— Posted by Jenn Tobin, mother of a child with CP, on victim Kevin Granata
Matt was such an amazing person. I had him for a GTA for my engineering class this semester and saw him the morning before he died because he always sits in on my 8am Engineering lecture but leaves early because he has an 9am class in Norris Hall. He was an amazing teacher, always asking questions that made you think and always answering questions to anything you didn’t understand. I will always remember his smile. God bless him, his family and close friends.
— Posted by Christine on victim Matthew Gwaltney
Caitlin was a dear friend of my daughter.The kindest of friends.She was also my student-and friend.She was the kind of student that teachers dream of-a fellow artist to work and share with. When I think of her one word comes to mind-GOOD.I will always remember the beautiful and strong bond that she shared with her mom,Marion and the great relationship that she built with her Dad,Chris.I want to tell everyone about Caitlin.I am sorry for all those who did not get to know her.Rest in peace.
— Posted by Adrienne Butvinik on victim Caitlin Hammaren, 18
truly, it seems that the very best of us die young - i don’t understand because it is us who needs them - i do believe in the power of praying hard to God to ask for outrageous consolation - johnette benkovic has talked movingly and intimately about how the pain was so great when her son died, she could only pray the rosary - and that God’s grace has been “sufficient” - i believe it is possible for those closest to him to feel comfort from jeremy in a sense of presence, in a dream - and i pray for him, for his family, and for all of us - the shooter was a boy in such pain, it must have been unendurable - and now so many share than unbearable pain - God Bless us all -
— Posted by carrie sheridan, on victim Jeremy Herbstritt, 27
"God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain."
- In her yearbook after graduating from Grove Avenue Christian School, victim
Rachel Elizabeth Hill, 18, chose a quote from C.S. Lewis to accompany her photo, and those who knew her say it was a prophetic line that may have brought her comfort in her final moments at Virginia Tech on Monday.
I knew Emily from a few years ago when I used to ride horses at a local stable. We went on long trail rides as a group, her mother would often be there. I remembering being impressed, because I was only a novice rider, when her trainer told Emily to shorten up the reigns as Emily took off on a full gallop around a pasture where we were riding. This might not see too impressive but riding English horses (no saddle horn) in the mountains is a dangerous activity–going fast downhill feels like flying. Anyway Emily was getting ready for a pony race at the Virginia Gold Cup. I did not see her much after I quit riding at the stables and then 6 months ago I saw her at the stables again. She was no longer this skinny 13 year old but a young woman on her way to Virginia Tech to study about horses—so her hobby would become her vocation.
— Posted by Walker Elliott Rowe on victim Emily Hilscher, 19
My wife Anne and I had the honor of living, teaching, and coaching in the small community of Narrows for 13 Years. I had Jarrett in Classes from grdes k-7, My wife Anne Was his third grade teacher. Jarrett was a great kid in school, as were his 2 sisters. His Mom and Grandmother are good people and hard workers, Jarrett learned these values and that contributed to the type of young man that he was. I was attending the Va. Tech coaches clinic this past weekend, one of the coaches that rode with me wanted to stop at the Tech Bookstore so he could get something for his 2 boys. While I was in the bookstore, someone called out ” Mr. Mabry”, I turned and I did not recognize him at first ( It had been 8 years since I last saw him) He stuck out his hand , and he said “Jarrett Lane”. He was with his mother and we had about a 25 Minute conversation at the Bookstore…..He was telling me of his Grad. School choices, we talked of the town of Narrows, Football, he asked about my children and where I was coaching . It was a great conversation. I went home and told Anne about our conversation and she began telling our three girls about him. You could see her beaming with pride, she always thought the world of Jarrett and she wanted our 3 girls to share in that pride. I cant help but feel That there was a reason that he picked me out of a crowd to talk to me 36 hours before this tragedy, I will do my best to figure it out, but I do know that the Mabry family was extremely fortunate to know Jarrett and his Family and we will treasure that last conversation always.
David Mabry from Altavista, Virginia
— Posted by David Mabry on victim Jarrett Lane, 22
"You've been relentless and persistent, putting your all into me. I love you. And Dad, I hope that I've become a man in your eyes, and that whatever I do in life, you are proud of me."
- In his oration before graduating from Carson Long Military Institute, victim Matthew La Porte, 20, spoke of them -- his mother, father, and sister Priscilla.
Henh,
We have all lost a great and true friend. I spoke with you briefly before your death but our short conversation will remain in my heart forever. There is so much to say about you that it would most likely exceed the maximum word count for this article. So…I’ll just leave you what I left on your Facebook. I love you.
“Although you’re not here to read this, I know that you’re in a better place watching us cry our tears. You were a light to each and every one of us and I was so lucky to have spent five truly memorable years with you. You were one of my closest friends and I will never forget the moments that you graced me with your infectious presence. Even though your physical life on this earth is over, you will always live in the hearts of all those you touched. I love you.”
Always in my heart,
Sam
— Posted by Samantha Smith on victim Henry Lee, 20
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
— Posted by Barak on victim Liviu Librescu, 75
Dr. Loganathan was a very gifted teacher. Never shying a
way from tough homework assignments, he was always available during office hours with a considerable desire to share his knowledge with others. His lessons and assignments helped shape my work ethic to what it is today. A winner of many teaching awards, the Civil Engineering community truly lost one of its finest. My prayers go out to his family.
— Posted by David A. Avery on victim G.V. Loganathan, 51
The Jakarta Post reported today that Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan, known as Mora, was a 34 year- old civil engineering doctoral student in his third year. According to his father, Lt. Col (ret.) Tohom Lumbantoruan, Mora was a good son, who regularly preached at church. He was scheduled to finish his doctorate next May.
— Posted by VT on victim Partahi Lumbantoruan, 34
I’m free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I’ve found peace at close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, yes, these things too, I will miss.
Be not burdened with time of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times,
A loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with so much grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me know; He set me free.
— Posted by A friend on victim Lauren Ashley MaCain, 20
I met Dan while attending Lafayette College in Easton, PA. He was quite the guitarist, often accompanying his good friend, Amanda, at open mics and cafe nights. Senior year, Dan was always up in his room jammin’ out covers to the cheesiest pop songs. It was rare to come into the apartment and not hear an acoustic collaboration of Backstreet Boys upstairs.
Intense in his interests and loyal to his friends, Dan was a prominent figure among Lafayette’s art and theater community. His social circles connected to other groups as well so he was often seen around campus. In the words of another friend, “Dan was just always around. Knowing he won’t around anymore with a smile or quick hello is what I’ll miss the most; that sense of understated constancy”.
Dan decided to attend graduate school for engineering at Virginia Tech this past August. We were excited and happy for him.
— Posted by Jesslyn Roebuck on victim Daniel Patrick O'Neil, 22
I grieve for all of the deaths and, as a Puerto Rican, particularly for Juan Carlos. I wanto to share with all the words of John Donne, valid today as in the 16th. century when written.
John Donne (1573–1631)
Meditation XVII of Devotions Upon
Emergent Occasions (Fragment)
‘No man is an island, entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were,
as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were.
Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind;
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.’
— Posted by JOSE M. GARCIA-CASTRO on victim Juan Ortiz, 26
I know Minal’s family very well. This is unbelievable. To come on terms with a feeling of loss might be possible with passage of time but how can we console ourselves when our beloved dies just because some XYZ person got angry?? Minal was so happy and had great dreams.. a life came to an end before it could acatually take off…May god bless her soul and give Kavita and Aunty the strength to bear this.
— Posted by Her sister Kavita's friend - Purvi -on victim Minal Panchal, 26
Erin and I played on the same basketball team last summer…she was our big sister on the team, the one that was always willing to lend a hand whenever we needed it. She was always there to make us laugh with her huge personality and she will be forever missed. We love you erin and our hearts and prayers are with you.
— Posted by Rebecca Grimes on victim Erin Peterson, 18
My older brother was Mike’s guard on Hunterdon Central’s football team. To hear my brother too distraught to go to class and my father almost brought to tears over the news, I can only imagine the astronomical effect Mike had on those around him. I did not know Mike personally, but both my brother and father are people of sound judgement and solid character who deliver their loyalty and love to those who greatly deserve it. I’m certain that Mike deserved it. I’m sorry for the irreplacable things we lose in this world and my heart and prayers go to his family.
— Posted by Nicole Garibaldi on victim Michael Steven Pohle Jr
The loss of Julia is hard for me to even put in words. She had a passion for life and celebrated it everyday through creating beautiful jewelery, widdling wood, playing guitar until her fingers bleed, hiking, traveling, and striving for a greener world. She was a beautiful woman on the inside and out, that brought a sense of peace whenever she was around. I will miss seeing her bright face pass me along the huckleberry trail on my way to class and hearing her freestyle around the campfire. Through all of the sadness I hope to find a way to bring her passion into my life, and continue to strive for the dreams that she instilled in me.
— Posted by Amber Ellis on victim Julia Pryde, 23
I remember when Mary first came to Annandale high school…I met her the month before school started as part of the marching band, and immediately you could tell that she was a good person. She never spoke ill of anyone, and was always so willing to help another person out. We miss you, a lot, Mary, and we’ll never forget. Your heart made life so bright for so many people, and it will continue to do so. Love you kiddo.
— Posted by Luke on Mary Karen Read, 19
Reema you were the one who helped me through all my tough times… you made all my days brighter and fun filled… u made me smile every time we chatted online…u made me laugh when i needed to laugh…i miss you my lebani sandwich and i will always remember the jokes and disses we had toward each other….i love you habibti and i will always keep you in my heart as well as your family. You were my best pal in NAMY and you are now my best pal in my heart i hope your praying for everyone here and hopefully looking down at us. your in a better place now and i hope to join you when i get there love you.
— Posted by Lawrence Dababneh on victim Reema Samaha, 18
Waleed was a gentle and kind person, very peaceful and comforting to be around. The last time most of the community saw him was at the International Street Fair, sticking close to the muslims around and making jokes and having fun.
May God give him a high place in Heaven, may God make it easy on his family and may we all remember that death is very close.
— Posted by A Blacksburg Sister on victim Waleed Shaalan
I knew Leslie in high school. She was in many of my classes and I remember her kindness to all. She never disliked anyone. All the teachers loved her, especially her History teachers. She loved history. She also loved running; I believe she was on the cross-country team at West Springfield. I worked with her on certain assignments and she was always dedicated to getting the work done in any way she could. Her trademark was always putting a smile on everyone’s face. I just cannot believe this happened to her; I cannot think of any reason why anyone would do this to her. I feel deeply sorry for her family and am praying for them. I hope she is in a better place now, cheering up everyone there with her sense of humor.
— Posted by DB on victim Leslie Sherman, 20
Maxine, just looking at your picture, you are so beautiful! I wish I could turn back the hands of time and pull you from that burning building. When I think of this senseless tragedy, your face will always come to mind. The next time I visit my parents in Fairfax I will come by your gravesite to say hi.
— Posted by Kevin Richmond, VA on Maxine Turner, 22
1: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty,
2: will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
3: For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence;
4: he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5: You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6: nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7: A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.
8: You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
9: Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your habitation,
10: no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
11: For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.
12: On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13: You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14: Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15: When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him.
16: With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.
Families & friends, you are all in my daily prayers.
— Posted by Juliana, from Colombia on Nicole Regina White, 20