Comparing the Grief Recovery Method® to the Bible's Path to Emotional Healing

Since I received my initial training as a Grief Recovery Method® Specialist in 2017 (under the tutelage of the the dynamic coach and instructor Laura Jack ) I have often reflected upon the similarities between the steps we take people through in the Grief Recovery Method® and the path to emotional healing that I see in the christian Bible.

To be clear, the Grief Recovery Method® is intentionally not faith-based; it is not at all a religious program. Specialists are trained never to blend any aspects of any type of spiritual faith or any other healing modality into the Method® for several reasons: first, the Method® is evidence-based and proven to provide relief to grievers, provided it is delivered as intended and retains its integrity as originally taught; second, the desire to do no harm in helping as many grievers as possible in the shortest possible amount of time. In my experience working through grief recovery with hundreds of devoted believers in God and Jesus Christ and the Bible, I have found that many of these good people come to grief recovery having had Scriptures quoted to them out of context and inappropriately by well-meaning family and friends. Many also come with a somewhat skewed lens through which they have viewed God for many years. If we were to try to unpack all those things at the same time as we invite these grief recovery participants to embark on the very difficult task of facing emotional pain that many have prided themselves on avoiding and stuffing away, undoubtedly we would get sidetracked. We very likely would lose the ability we now cherish as Specialists: to confidently affirm to participants, “The action steps in this Method® actually work.” And, as should be obvious, we want the program to be perfectly accessible to people of diverse faiths and backgrounds, and to those with no religious inclinations as well.

My particular vocation as an ordained Christian women’s minister (three decades) and devoted student of the Bible (four decades) allows me to see great similarities between the action steps in the Grief Recovery Method® and the path we see in the Bible to connect to God’s healing. To me, the Method® is an excellent tool for spiritual formation. Believers in the Creator God can be assured that his spiritual laws and principles, though they remain perfectly invisible to the average non-religious grief recovery participant, are the power and wisdom that make this program work.

Following is my take on a comparison between the actions in the Grief Recovery Method® and the path to emotional healing I see in the Scriptures.

I outlined the Biblical path in a talk in Tallinn, Estonia, in September 2023, entitled Grief and Lament.

In the Grief Recovery Method®, we learn that the path to emotional healing involves a series of small and correct choices made by the griever, and that grief is the normal and natural response to any significant loss (James and Friedman, The Grief Recovery Handbook). Grief is by far not limited to bereavement. Events like moving house, career change, financial loss, loss of mobility, becoming an empty-nester, the breakup of a romantic relationship, infertility, miscarriage, loss of trust or loss of faith or loss of childhood — and so much more — are all grief events.

The “small and correct choices” or action steps in the Grief Recovery Method® involve, first of all, a commitment to honesty and truth, as participants take time alone to still themselves and dare to reflect upon the history of pain, disappointment, and regret in life to date. Then we zero in on one specific relationship. Again, in silence and personal reflection, we delve into a 360 degree look at that one relationship, reviewing and making notes on paper of all the fond memories, all the good, as well as all the sadness, regret and pain, from the beginning of that relationship up to the present day. After each of these exercises, participants give voice to their personal discoveries, leaving nothing out of what bubbled up out of their hearts during the private time they invested in their personal homework.

Then comes a deep and demanding exercise where participants take personal responsibility for their response and reactions to the events they wrote down on their paper. Again, this is a time of private reflection with direction to “complete” whatever feels incomplete emotionally. This is done by taking responsibility for what we can control — our responses to the pain — by identifying a need to apologise or a need to acknowledge pain caused by the other person, or a need to release resentment and forgive them. We take time to give voice to this exercise as well, which allows even more discoveries to surface. The final action is to synthesize all of this hard personal work into the Grief Recovery Method® Completion Letter®, which is trademarked in the USA in recognition of the fact that, though many other programs may recommend writing a letter or journalling to process painful emotions or trauma, the GRM Completion Letter® is unique, as it is irrevocably connected to the hugely difficult and significant body of personal work done in preparation, before participants engage in the writing of the letter. When participants have given voice to this final Completion Letter — which always ends with, “Goodbye” — we destroy the letter, essentially saying goodbye to all the unfinished business in that relationship, but not to the relationship itself, necessarily.

It is beyond the scope of this article to delve into the teaching we do along the way about feelings of guilt, honing our understanding of what it means to take responsibility for our own emotions, and dealing with all the many misconceptions of what forgiveness is. This is all a very important part of the grief recovery journey.

The path that I see in the Scriptures to connect to God’s healing seems remarkable similar, in my mind, to what we do with people in Grief Recovery. If I were to map it out, I would suggest first of all that it is self-evident that emotional healing doesn’t happen on its own or just as a function of time passing – although many of us have heard, I’m sure, that time is what heals. Time is necessary for healing, but without right action, on its own, time merely distances us from the source of the pain and actually reduces our ability to effectively deal with it.  

I would say that to heal emotionally, we must be willing to humbly embark on a path of discovery, seeking greater self-awareness. We see in the Bible that growing in self-awareness is a good thing:  Matthew 7:4-5; Proverbs 5:6; Ecclesiastes 3:4.

We say in grief recovery that fear is the greatest obstacle to people doing this hard and very necessary personal work. Quite often when my grief recovery clients are contemplating engaging in this process, I hear them express that they are afraid that they might drown in the waves of emotion and become overwhelmed and unable to function. I think of Isaiah 43,  especially verse two, where God promises at such times that he will be with us and will support us. I think of Psalm 139 which reassures us that there is no dark place we could ever go where God will not be present; to him, “darkness is as light…”

I hear sometimes a fear that going back into the past, digging up old hurts, might not be pleasing to God. I think of Deuteronomy 4:3; Joshua 22:17, Hosea 9:10 and Psalm 106:28 as proof that God intends for us to remember hard things and, I believe, harvest very important life lessons from these experiences. My own great fear which kept me from processing a lot of pain in my own life was the conviction that if I were to go back there into the past and attempt to face whatever might be left unfinished for me emotionally, I would come up empty and be worse off. I was certain I would find no answers there, no relief — and in fact, without a qualified spiritual coach for this particular journey or an educational tool like the Grief Recovery Method® I remained ignorant and somewhat emotionally impaired for decades. For this fear I think of Psalm 139:11-12.

We call people in Grief Recovery to a commitment to speaking truth. This is a Bible principle as seen in John 8:32, John 4:24, Psalm 44:21 and John 3:19-21.

The practice in Grief Recovery of discovering what we felt “then” or what we feel now with regard to painful events over the course of our lives, assigning emotion words to these events, and giving voice to them, we see in the Bible practices of lament and confession: Matt 26:38; Matt 23:37; Psalm 62:8, James 5:16. Some examples from the psalms are Psalm 4: 1-3; 5:1-3; 13:1-3, and there are many more.

Finally, in Grief Recovery, we “complete” whatever is unfinished in significant relationships and take responsibility for our responses and reactions in the final action of forgiveness: accepting forgiveness toward ourselves (which in Grief Recovery is categorized as an apology) and offering forgiveness to the other person. This has nothing to do with reconciliation, by the way. We speak of forgiveness merely as my letting go of my own resentment. It is not minimising or trivialising an offense. It is something I do, a step I take, an action and not a feeling. It does not depend whatsoever on the other person or their understanding or response. It is personal, for me, by me, and involves no one else. Reconciliation may or may not be desired or possible in certain relationships (Proverbs 22:3) and that concept is outside the framework of Grief Recovery. It is incredibly freeing and empowering to learn that no other human being can “make me” feel anything.

And finally –- the very clear expectation in Grief Recovery, as in the Bible, is that part of life is the expectation that we will have to keep on walking the path, as we see in Scriptures like Matthew 18:21-22 and Isaiah 30:15-21. We understand, as Jesus taught, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:32) Things that cause grief will always continue to be a normal and natural part of every human life. Once we have discovered and walked the path of taking the actions that lead to recovery, it’s important to understand that this is not a “one and done.” We will have to set out again and face some “emotional heavy lifting,” as Richard Rohr refers to it in his book, Falling Upward. Fortunately, we can trust that our efforts are not in vain. When we learn how to put ourselves on the path of healing as God intended, taking actions in harmony with the way we are created to function, the results are dramatic.

Please take a moment to “Like” my Grief Recovery Method® page on Facebook:

You may be interested in my YouTube playlist, “Grief Recovery for Christian Believers.” You can find short videos there that deal with some of the working principles of emotional healing in the Scriptures.

Bible Study: One Faith

This Bible study is one that my husband Andy developed while we were living in Stockholm at the end of the 1980’s. It was born of a need to be able to speak with atheists and agnostics as well as churched people about what we can learn from the Bible about what it means to believe in God. Over time I began to offer it to everyone — people in my church, new seekers, anyone who would be interested to sit and engage with the topic with an open Bible between us. It’s one of my favorite, most versatile tools; a great spiritual conversation-starter; basic, valuable knowledge for anyone interested in knowing more about God and the Bible.

I would recommend becoming familiar with these passages before sitting down and working through this study with someone else; at least read ahead of time Ephesians 4:1-4; Hebrews chapter 11 and Hebrews chapter 8; Genesis chapter 12, Deuteronomy chapter 7 and Isaiah chapter 1; Acts chapters 1-2.

 ONE FAITH

a wonderful, solitary outdoor coffee and quiet time on the street in Zagreb in late September 2020

Ephesians 4:4 What does faith mean to you?

One good definition of biblical faith is that faith is a response to God’s word.

Example:

Hebrews 11: 1-3; Hebrews 11:6 (we believe the world was created by God because that’s what we read in God’s word in Genesis 1. So, our belief in a Creator God is a response to God’s word. This is what the ancients were commended for. Faith is a right response to God’s word.) 

What about this apparent contradiction: Ephesians 2:8-10 and James 2:14-16 – is salvation by faith or by works?

John 3:16 is it enough just to belief that Jesus exists to have everlasting life?

If so, then how do we explain Matthew 7:21? These people believed Jesus exists. They called him “Lord” and even “cast out demons” in his name. Did they have faith in the way the Bible calls us to have faith? What does it really mean “to believe?” Who is a “believer” according to God?

Let’s explore how faith works in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. (A covenant or testament is a legally binding agreement. Both parties are bound; there are limitations and blessings on both sides, to define and protect the relationship. Marriage is an example of a covenant. Covenants can be broken. There are clear terms for both parties.)

Old Covenant Faith

Historical examples: Hebrews Chapter 11 (By faith, Abel OFFERED. By faith, Abraham WENT. By faith, Noah BUILT.  Why? …. They were responding to a word from God, which is the definition of faith. )

Note the pattern of promise(s)/condition(s) to fulfill. God works the same way and faith is the same in both covenants. Every time there is a promise in the Bible, look for the conditions. Why would God put conditions on his promises?

God’s Covenant with Abraham (God and one person): Genesis 12: 1-4  (what were the blessings God offered Abraham? What were the conditions? Did Abraham receive the blessings God was offering? — Yes. — Why? — He fulfilled the conditions. “By faith, Abraham WENT.”)

 God’s Covenant with his people (God and a nation): Deut. 7:12-15 (What were the blessings God offered Israel? What were the conditions?)

Did Israel receive God’s promises? Isaiah Chapter 1

Why not? (This is the point that so many people do not understand: Why would a “good God” not bless his people? Why would he give them the law when he already knew they would fail to keep it,  and then punish them by turning away from them? Wouldn’t you expect a good parent to change the conditions of the covenant, so his children would succeed, and not fail so badly? — Why this doesn’t work with God is that 1) his word is TRUE; and 2) if he changed it, changed the conditions, blessed Israel even when they broke the covenant, then we would have nothing to trust in. If God’s word could be changed, we have no firm foundation to stand on. There would be no truth to trust. Jesus said in John 10:35 …”the scripture cannot be changed.” Psalm 138:2 in one English translation reads, “You have exalted above all things your Name and your Word; Jesus is the Living Word, John 1:1, and Matthew 28:18-20 says “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”)

New Covenant Faith


Hebrews 8:6-13
A Covenant Founded on Better Promises:
What are some of the “better promises?”
For example: Matthew 11:28-30. Acts 2:36-47. Name the promise(s)/condition(s) in each of those verses. (can you find some others of your own?)

         For example: In Matthew 11: 28-30, conditions are: IF I come to Jesus AND if I take his yoke upon me, AND if I learn from him, THEN I receive the promise of peace. If I fulfill only one of those three conditions, can I expect to receive the offered promise? If I fulfill two but not three? What might that look like? Do I know anyone like that? (The point is that God who created us, loves us, knows us, and wants us to succeed. Therefore we have this all spelled out for us, so that we can succeed; so that we can be certain of having received the spiritual promises, which are often invisible.)

         You can do the same with Acts 2:36-47. What are the promises and conditions?

                  God is offering the indwelling Holy Spirit and forgiveness of all sins, past, present and future. (That’s the promise.)

                  What are the conditions? (repent and be baptized.)

                  What if I fulfill one of those conditions but not both? Do I receive the promise? Why or why not?

Conclusion: 

1 Peter 1:3-9 My salvation is the most precious thing I possess. Which of God’s promises inspires me? What conditions do I need to fulfill to obtain it? 

What Day is This?

Sometime between February 24th and March 1, 2022

11:10pm. This is the fourth time today — or is it only the third? that Max, Britt, Zak, Andy and I are sitting in the basement of our cement block and brick apartment building. The Telegram channel alerts us and we grab our things and go. I packed a “refugee” backpack — the bare minimum of what I imagine I’d want with me in case we aren’t able to return to our apartment for some reason and have to run, be on the move…canned fish, dried fruit, water, flashlight, batteries, matches, basic toiletries, a change of underclothes and laptop.

The crowd is larger now than it’s been all day — feels like all our neighbors who didn’t flee the city or country are here. Only a few are missing. The younger couple, Anya and Bogdan, with whom we were chatting earlier today, aren’t here. Our next door neighbors, who’d said they’d follow us down, haven’t appeared. The radio news is far more staticky than it’s been all day.

March 1, 2022

What day is this…6 I think, of war. Yesterday was the hardest yet, because of emotional pain, the fear of (or already evidence of) misunderstanding and division in our relationships with our Russian friends and brothers and sisters.

I feel the need to want to share and connect and communicate on social media and yesterday I stopped feeling safe enough to do it. It was problematic anyway, time consuming and labor intensive, trying to choose words that are true, accurate, and offend no one. But this is war. It’s impossible. I am not willing to risk further damage to my relationships on both sides of this war. I believe with all my heart that we want the same thing. I don’t have faith that it’s possible to speak at the moment and not be misunderstood. 

That was part of a prayer I wrote down on March first. By then, we had been living together for several days in the corridor of our kids’ three-room apartment: my husband Andy and myself, our daughter Britain and her husband Max, and four-year-old Zak. After a few days of running up and down from our apartments (we have a two-room on the ninth floor, the top floor, in the same building) to the “bomb shelter” in the podval (or basement: a dirt floor crawlspace under the ground floor that runs the whole length of our building) and spending one entire night down there, we decided together that quality of life would be much better (especially for Zak) if we just stayed in the corridor of the Yakovlev’s apartment during air raid alerts. With two thick concrete block walls between us and the outside of the building, if a missile hit, we reasoned we’d have a decent chance there, nearly in the center of the house.

Remind me. How did we get here?

That’s one of the questions we voice out loud to one another fairly regularly in our new home-in-exile.

We are over a month into the war in Ukraine, now. On our third (and I think, final) apartment in Budapest. I ask myself, how am I doing?

• Am I “surviving?” I have a new respect for that state of being.

• Am I in the present moment?

• Am I on vacation somewhere, about to wake up and find out that all this has been a bad dream?

• Am I where I am supposed to be?

YES. Whew. That answer I am sure of; and as I remind myself of it, the tension and gripping that I’m not even aware of in my body begin to release and drain away.

In the limited range of desperate, compromised choices available to us in our current circumstances, I know it’s right to be where my daughter is, as long as she wants me here in her space. Separated from her husband and home, watching her friends literally scatter to the four winds as they flee Ukraine, creating a safe place for her young son as he is torn away from his daddy, his home, his extended family — she bears the heaviest burden of the four of us here.

What a blessing that she welcomes me in her life. What a gift that we can create “home” together still.

This was Moving Day Three in our three weeks in Budapest. We have now acquired far more jetsam than the backpacks we originally fled with — we now have bags of food, and a new suitcase each.

In a perfect demonstration of one of the many ways we have felt God caring for us and so many others, in the next moment after the photo on the sidewalk, above, was taken, Britain just took one step back toward the street, leaned into the open window of a yellow station-wagon taxicab which was paused in a short queue, waiting to turn at the end of our street.

“Excuse me, are you free? Could we possibly hire you?”

Seconds later all four of us and all our things were comfortably loaded, and not even ten minutes later we were deposited comfortably at our new temporary home. Easiest move in history.

Biblical Antidotes to Burnout

This was about an hour-long virtual lecture I did as a breakout class for the ICOC Teachers Service Team conference, The Art of Scripture Reading. I was grateful to be able to do this virtually as the conference coincided with plans for us to bring our family together in celebration of Andy’s and my 35th wedding anniversary. That was one of those things we almost didn’t do — rather self-indulgent, inconvenient, the timing is awkward, it’s expensive, etc. — and I am SO grateful that we did. That’s a story for another post, how it was a wonderful time and we returned home to Ukraine just in time for the declaration of martial law and the beginning of the war (from Ukraine’s perspective) on February 24th, 2022. That’s why the setting for my class is a hotel room in Colorado.

It was an honor to be included in this lineup of known scholars and my own heroes of faith. I was very grateful to have the chance to talk about the fresh discoveries I’ve been making in my personal Bible study, so relevant to the topic of “burnout.”

The Power of God's Word

I seem to keep coming back to this basic truth, over and over again.

The Bible is an incredibly powerful miracle.

I am amazed at the treasures of insight and wisdom buried there, in deepening layers. More than I will ever be able to mine in my own lifetime.

I have an old, Thompson Chain Reference Bible with a soft cover, and a couple of blank pages bound in the back. I started to write on those blank pages, verses where God talks about the power of his Word. It makes quite an impression on me whenever I read that list straight through. No wonder Jesus — himself Logos, the living Word — said such things like, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8) That’s powerful!

Psalm One — itself the gateway to the treasury of the Psalter, written by priests and kings, in just a few lines creates this unforgettable image for us of the universal aspirations, hopes, and desires of all humankind: who wouldn’t love to be like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf doesn’t ever wither, and who prospers, no matter what? Yes, please. And how to achieve this? — the secret is in knowing God’s word: “…on his law (word) he meditates day and night.” (1:2)

Jesus, himself both priest and king, would quote more from Psalms than any other Old Testament book and fulfill its many prophecies about him. Not only is he the Word made flesh (John 1:14) but also, he is (and so the Word is) the source of living water (John 4:13-14).

Psalm 19 makes some amazing claims about the power of God’s word: it’s perfect. It has the power to revive my soul. It has the power to change a simple person —in other words, a stupid fool. I’ve been one of those at times — into a wise one. It claims that God’s word is a source of joy. It describes God’s word as radiant; and as such, it helps me to see (to perceive and to understand) when I don’t see very well; either because it’s gotten dark outside of me or it’s gotten dark inside of me. Psalm 19 is like a mini-Psalm-119, the longest Psalm, which over and over again makes the same fantastic claims — and more — about the word of God.

1Peter 1:22-23 makes the statement that, for Christians, who believe that the Bible offers a plan of salvation — a Way to “cross over” (Jesus’ words, John 5:24) from death to life — the power of that miracle lies in the word of God.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:22-23, NIV)

The power that spoke creation into being; the power that raised Jesus from the dead; the power that cast out demons in the New Testament; the power that transforms lives, if we let it. If we believe it. If we live it, breathe it (there’s a beautiful little mystery about the content of our words in that idea of our breath). It is quite mysterious, how Jesus cryptically declares in John 6, “I am the bread of life…I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:35, 53-54 NIV) I can’t help but think about his words in Matthew 4:4: “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

It is mysterious, it is magical, and it is true. The word of God is able to do every single amazing thing it claims about itself.

At some point, not wanting to ever misplace my list, I typed out my handwritten treasure trove of verses from the back of that old Bible. Here it is (all references are from the NIV unless otherwise indicated):

POWER OF THE WORD

 Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26

             God spoke; brought order out of chaos

Exodus 15:26

Listen carefully to the voice of the Lord and do what is right in his eyes

Leviticus 26:21

Not listening to God = hostility toward God

Deuteronomy 4:10

Assemble the people to hear my words, so they may learn to revere me

Deuteronomy 32:47

They are not just idle words for you; they are your life

1 Chronicles 10:13

            So Saul died…because of the word of the Lord, which he did not keep

2 Chronicles 15:8

            Asa heard God’s word >>> courage

Psalm 1:2-3

            Delight in the [word] of the Lord >> like a tree planted by streams of water…whatever you do prospers

Psalm 10:3 NASB

            The greedy man…spurns the Lord [implying: spurns God’s word]

Psalm 17:4

            By the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent

Psalm 17:13

            Rescue me from the wicked by your sword (Hebrew 4:12-13 God’s word = sharpest sword]

Psalm 19:7

            The [word] of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul…making wise the simple…giving joy to the heart…giving light to the eyes

Psalm 33:6, 9

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made…he spoke, and it came to be

Psalm 37:31

            The law of God is in his heart; his feet do not slip

Psalm 53:4

For the word of the Lord is right and true

Psalm 81:13

            If my people would listen to me…follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies

Psalm 107:11

            I rebelled against the word of God >> darkness, gloom and suffering

Psalm 107:20

            He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave

Psalm 107:25

            He spoke and stirred up a tempest

Psalm 119:9-11

            I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you

Psalm 119:35; 45; 89; 96

your word = delight; freedom; eternal; boundless

Psalm 119:130

            The unfolding of your word gives light…understanding to the simple

Psalm 119:152

            Long ago I learned from your [word] that you established [it] to last forever

Psalm 119:155

            Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees

Psalm 119:165

            Great peace have they who love your [word]; nothing can make them stumble

Psalm 138:2

            You have exalted above all things your name and your word

Psalm 147:15; 18

            His word runs swiftly; he sends his word and melts them

Psalm 148:5

            He commanded, and they were created

Proverbs 2:6

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding

Proverbs 8:29

            He gave the sea its boundary, so the waters would not overstep his command

Proverbs 29:5

every word of God is flawless

Proverbs 30: 5-6

every word of God is flawless; do not add to his words or he will rebuke you

Isaiah 30:9

            Rebellious, deceitful = unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction

Isaiah 31:2

            He does not take back his words

Isaiah 45:23

            My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked

Isaiah 50:4

            To know the word that sustains the weary

Jeremiah 1:12

I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled

Jeremiah 6:19

[disaster is coming to people], the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law.

Jeremiah 13:10

  …wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words

Jeremiah 15:16

            When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy

Jeremiah 23:9

            I am like a person overcome by wine,  because of the Lord and his holy words

Jeremiah 23:29

            Is not my word like fire…and like a hammer

Jeremiah 26:2

            Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word

Ezekiel 33:15

            The decrees that give life

Micah 2:7

my words do good to him whose ways are upright

Matthew 4:4

            Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word…from the mouth of God

Matthew 8:16

            He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick

Matthew 12:3, 5; 19:4; 21:42

            “have you never read…” ???

Matthew 24:35

            Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away

Luke 21:15

            I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will …resist or contradict

John 1:3

Through God’s word everything was created

John 1:14

            The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 6:63

            The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life

John 6:68

            You have the words of eternal life

John 8:51

            If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death

John 10:35

            The Scripture cannot be broken

John 12:47-50

            I know that his command leads to eternal life…the Word is our judge

John 15:3

  you are clean because of the word I have spoken to you

Romans 10:17

            Faith comes from hearing the message

Colossians 2:16-17

            By the Word all things were created, in God’s Word all things hold together

1 Thessalonians 2:13

The Word is at work in you

2 Timothy 2:9

God’s word is not chained

2 Timothy 3: 16-17

            All Scripture is God-breathed…useful…equips us perfectly

Hebrews 1:3

            Sustaining all things by his powerful word

Hebrews: 4:12-13

            God’s word is living and active; sharper than any double-edged sword…

1 Peter 1:23-25

            Born again, of unperishable seed…this is the word that was preached to you

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Sleep and Shame

The Wrong Kind of Shame

Last night I couldn’t sleep. 

I have no idea why. 

There’s no big crisis going on at the moment in my life.

 Well – except for the fact that in the last seven weeks or so the entire world has changed and most daily routines have been disrupted, due to COVID-19. I forgot about that for a minute. 

At nearly 60 years old, I’ve learned that my body has become sensitive and reacts in different ways to things I eat. Too many carbs last night at dinner? Am I fretting about work responsibilities? Shouldn’t be. Everything’s ok. 

As I sat down to spend time with God this morning, I knew that I was feeling shame (don’t laugh, please) one, because I failed to sleep well last night, and secondly, because I have no idea why. I have a sensitive immune system and sleep is important, particularly so now, when we’re all trying to be as healthy as possible in the face of this pandemic.  Last night I failed somehow to safeguard a basic aspect of my own self-care. And I don’t have a clue why. What’s wrong with me? 

There’s a perfect example of inappropriate shame. 

V. Lefler, K. Heinen and J. Lefler explain in their book, “Spiritual Discovery,” that there are two kinds of shame. 

1) Not meeting God’s standards: The shame we experience when we sin…..

2) Not meeting man’s standards: The shame we experience when we fail to meet our own standards, or the contempt people show when we don’t meet their standards….

Shame is an appropriate feeling if we have sinned.¹

It wasn’t me!

I know I need to come to God for an attitude adjustment. This is ridiculous. I don’t believe my restless sleep last night is due to deliberate sin on my part.  I am, I believe, still suffering from some of the unfortunate patterns that were reinforced – for lots of different reasons – in my childhood and youth. I am “naturally” inclined to be hyper-self-focused when something’s not quite right. Is it my fault? Did I mess up? When my kids were growing up at home, whenever a mishap occurred – someone lost keys, lost a phone, we discovered a broken glass, the printer refused to work – all heads turned toward me in unison, waiting,  because they knew Mom would immediately blurt out, “It wasn’t me!” Except when it came to losing keys or a new dent in the car – that usually was me.

18 While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. 

Matthew 9:18-22 New International Version (NIV)

Thank you, Jesus. You were on your way to save a life for an important, famous, wealthy man, with lots of other people involved in your plans. You turned, you stopped, you interrupted everything, to pay attention to, and take care of a sick, poor, unclean, unknown woman. 

I am reminded of Hagar, (Genesis 16:13), the suffering woman who called you “The One Who Sees Me.” You see me. Thank you! 

“Take heart, daughter.” – Jesus’s words to the woman he stopped for.

My heart sings!

“Your faith has healed you.”  

Uh-oh. Now I am worried that I don’t have faith enough. What if I don’t? What do I need to know or do that I don’t know or have failed to do? Will you now turn away and leave me to fend for myself? 

Deep breath.

I stop that line of thinking and choose to turn my thoughts to gratitude.

Thank you, God: all she had to do was to come up to you and touch the edge of your cloak.

That’s all.

That I can do.

That I will willingly, happily, rush to do. 

It feels too hard to talk to God

I’m reminded of a conversation I had with a woman friend of mine yesterday, who couldn’t do that at the moment. She is so disappointed by the circumstances of her life right now, overwhelmed by grief and losses that have accumulated, that she cannot reach out and pray. She was willing to listen as I prayed for us both. That’s a start. Father, please go to her and heal her heart. Please give her strength to reach out and touch the hem of your garment. Please go to her and heal her.

We had talked about Hebrews 4:15-16, that You, Lord Jesus -- Brother, Savior – are able to empathize with everything and anything we may ever feel. You have been tempted in every way, just as we are. She objected, saying that you didn’t grow up with alcoholic parents. You didn’t endure traumatic abuse in early childhood as she did, at the hands of her parents. 

I believe she’s right about that. And I believe your Word is still true. You are able to empathize with everything and anything she has ever felt and ever will feel. When God didn’t rescue you on the cross (Mark 15:34), didn’t answer your cry, gave no evidence of caring at that moment – I believe with all my heart he suffered with you, he was present with you, he stayed the course, as you did, in agony, and remained faithful – to you, to His own Word and His covenant, to His love for each and every one of us, and to you. 

There was no wrongdoing on Jesus’s part, no wrongdoing on God’s part, and yet there was agony, tragedy, unspeakable suffering. Jesus bore disgrace, and, like Job, did not accuse you of evil motives.  (Heb 13:13, Job 1:22). What an example for us. Thank you.  

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame…” 

Thank you, Father. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus. Thank you that HE is the author and perfecter of my faith. I need only to come to you and reach out.  I will trust and rely on the love you have for me (1 John 1:4:6) for the rest of the day. I will deliberately choose to look at Jesus and not at myself or my uneven performance for reassurance, direction and comfort –minute by minute, and hour by hour, if that’s what it takes. Thank you. I love you. AMEN.                    

---

1 V. Lefler, K. Heinen, J. Lefler, Spiritual Discovery, 7 Principles for Spiritual Growth, Second Edition (Silverday Press, n.d.) 58-59. 

Jesus and Loss

A LOOK AT JESUS AND LOSS

For some of us, loss and grief and death intrude into life very early. Others enjoy a happy childhood and are only shaken by tragedy as adults. As my own appreciation of how many and varied the experience of loss has grown and broadened, I started to look at Jesus a little bit differently. I started to see all kinds of losses in his life that I hadn't thought about before. As time goes on, I keep adding to this study, as more thoughts occur to me. I hope that it encourages you as it has me.

Jesus and Loss

The man, Jesus Christ, experienced a great deal of loss in his life. Isaiah describes him as “a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.”

All Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version of the Bible, NIV, and are simply reproduced here as they appear in the Bible. The italicized bullet points following each section of Scripture are my observations about the various types of loss that Jesus experienced during his time on earth. A lot of these were new ideas for me. The effect of my doing this Bible study has been that now, passages like Hebrew 4:15 seem much more personal and irrefutable.

Hebrews 4:15

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Philippians 2:5-8

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own

advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

• Jesus was with God in the beginning, the creation was accomplished with him and through him (John 1:1ff, Colossians 1: 15-20). He had been one with God, in God and of God, Divine. He gave up being almighty; omniscient; omnipresent; and, by definition, became a slave when he became a man. That’s a lot of loss and Jesus hasn’t even lived his first day as a human, and all this has already been lost: his place in heaven, his heavenly body, his proximity to God, wisdom, power, strength, freedom, mobility – can you think of anything else?

Luke 2:41-52

41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."

49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

• V. 50: Loss of relationship, trust, understanding between himself and his parents (most of us have experienced this in teen years!)

• V. 46, 49: Here, Jesus is sitting among the teachers in the temple, listening to them, learning from them, sharing with them. These were his role models at this time, the leaders, most learned and respected men of his faith. They were those entrusted with the care and service of his Father’s house.

Luke 4:14-30

14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners 
and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.

23Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.' "

24"I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian."28All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. 30But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

Matthew 13:53-58 (parallel passage to Luke 4:14-30)

53When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. 55"Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" 57And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

58And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

• Luke 4: 14-15 At this moment in Jesus’ ministry, “everyone was praising him” and news about him spread; but Luke 4: 24 he was rejected in his hometown. He was not accepted by those who were “his people,” his relatives, those who watched him grow up, neighbors, family friends, teachers, etc. Loss of belonging

• Luke 4: 28-29 Abuse, violence toward him from those he once “belonged to”

• Loss of idealism

• Shame, rejection

• Loss of relationship – those he once trusted, looked up to

  Mark 3:20-22

  20Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

  22And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."

• Loss of relationship with family – they don’t trust him, they don’t believe him, they think he’s crazy.

• No mention of Jesus’ father here, at a time of family crisis (Mark 3:31-34; see also Matt 12:46-49; and John 19:26-27), or anywhere after the incident when Jesus’ parents lost him for 3 days on the way home from Jerusalem. Implies that his father must have passed away sometime between then and now, so Jesus has dealt with the loss of his father, possibly as a teenager, though maybe as late as when he was 30 –33. Joseph was a righteous, godly man (Matthew 1:19);

therefore, Jesus would have grieved the loss of that relationship and missed his

father .• Look at Luke 11:39-54 and John 2:14-16 to see the dramatic change in Jesus’

relationship with the religious leaders and teachers in the temple. Compare this with Luke 2 when he was sitting and discussing with them as a boy – what kinds of loss must he have experienced in these relationships from this change in attitude?

Luke 9:44

While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44"Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.

• Jesus knew betrayal, and even had to bear the weight of knowing ahead of time that betrayal was coming, even from his closest friends (yet none of the twelve disciples knew that Judas would be the one to betray Jesus, though they all spent a lot of time together – Jesus never treated Judas any differently than any of the others. What kind of loss and pain might Jesus have felt in his relationship with Judas?)

• Jesus watched all of his closest friends and followers run away and leave him, at a time when he was probably at the lowest point of his life, emotionally (Matthew 26:38, 56b.)

  Luke 9:58
  58Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests,

  but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

• Jesus had to deal with the loss of a “normal” life. No nice home. No dream career. No usual achievements. No marriage. No children. By the age of 30 most of his childhood friends would have had these things. No material wealth.

• Loss of a sense of belonging to any “place;” homelessness

  Matthew 14:1-12
  1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2and

he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him."

3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 4for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.

6On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." 9The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

• Bereavement: Jesus lost his father, and here we see he lost his cousin, John the Baptist, to a violent, senseless death, at the whim of a selfish, cowardly king, by beheading. John was the one, as stated in Old Testament prophecies, who would “prepare the way” for Jesus. Not only was he a like-minded person (“soulmate”?) for Jesus, with whom he shared much in common; but also, his death signified that Jesus’ ministry was beginning and surely signaled to Jesus, as well, the inevitability of his own demise and martyrdom

Matthew 14:13

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.

• Jesus was not allowed time to grieve the death of his cousin. See v. 14-21 – he then compassionately fed 5000 people

Matthew 16:21-23

21From that time on, Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never Lord!” he said, “This shall never happen to you!”

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are

a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

• Loss of victory, loss of hope for success: Jesus had just had evidence in Peter’s confession (Matt 16:16, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” that he was succeeding in carrying out his Father’s mission for his life. Now, immediately on the heels of that, we have failure – Jesus might have felt like they were all back at square one.

Isaiah 49: 1-4

Listen to me, you islands;
hear this, you distant nations:

Before I was born the Lord called me;
from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.

He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me;

he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.

He said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”

But I said, “I have labored in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing at all.

Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.”

• Jesus knows what it is to feel like a failure: “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing at all.” Through this prophecy we gain insight into a feeling Jesus would have at some point during his ministry – it’s possible that he spoke these words in prayer to God, repeated them to his closest brothers, heard them in his head on the cross. They are attributed to Jesus here, in any case. The biblical commentator Matthew Henry, in his chapter on Isaiah 49, regarding these verses, wrote, “...

have laboured in vain

Isaiah 49: 7

here it seems to point at the obstinacy of the Jews,

among whom Christ went in person preaching the gospel of the kingdom,

laboured and spent his strength, and yet the rulers and the body of the

nation rejected him and his doctrine; so very few were brought in, when

one would think none should have stood out, that he might well say, “I

, preached so many sermons, wrought so many

miracles, in vain.” (https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-

henry/Isa.49.1-Isa.49.6, accessed March 27, 2018)

This is what the Lord says—
the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—

to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers...

Isaiah 53:2-5

2b He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted.

• The Bible says that Jesus understands what it is to mourn, grieve.

• He understands rejection; social isolation.

• He was not physically attractive.

• He was deeply hurt by the behavior of other people.

• He was not respected; not valued; not accepted as he was; considered unsuccessful, a failure, by other people, to the extent that they assumed even God was actively opposing him. He was completely misjudged and misunderstood by most people (since he was in fact, the Son of God and had God’s favor -- see Matthew 3:17, John 6:66, Matthew 27:12, Acts 1:15. After three years of focused ministry which reached thousands of people, only 120 believers remained after his death).

  Isaiah 52:13-53:12

  Isaiah 52: 13

  See, my servant will act wisely;he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.

  14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him;
  his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness—

  15 so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. 
For what they were not told, they will see, 
and what they have not heard, they will understand.

• Loss of human rights: Physical Abuse.

Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the

LORD been revealed?

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. 
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, 
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, 
 he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, 
 and by his wounds we are healed.

• The Bible says that Jesus understands what it is to mourn, grieve.

• He understands rejection; social isolation.

• He was not physically attractive.

• He was deeply hurt by the behavior of other people.

• He was not respected; not valued; not accepted as he was; considered unsuccessful, a failure, by other people, to the extent that they assumed even God was actively opposing him. He was completely misjudged and misunderstood by most people (since he was in fact, the Son of God and had God’s favor -- see Matthew 3:17, John 6:66, Matthew 27:12, Acts 1:15. After three years of focused ministry which reached thousands of people, only 120 believers remained after his death).

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; 
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, 
 and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, 
 and he will bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

• Loss of dreams, possibilities, ambitions, plans, expectations, future. What might the human-bound imagination of the Almighty Creator God in the form of Jesus have dreamed about doing/experiencing as a 40-year-old? Jesus knew in advance about the horrible circumstances of his death, which were prophesied in Scripture.

• His appearance would be disfigured beyond that of any man; his form marred beyond human likeness; pain; disability; He understood what it was like to lose one’s health

• Some adjectives that describe what happened to Jesus: Pierced, crushed, oppressed, afflicted, stricken, smitten, despised

Psalm 69 (68 in Russian)
For the director of music. To the tune of "Lilies." Of David.

1 Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.

2 I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.

3 I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, 
 looking for my God.

4 Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. 
I am forced to restore 
what I did not steal.

5 You know my folly, O God; 
my guilt is not hidden from you.

6 May those who hope in you 
not be disgraced because of me, 
 O Lord, the LORD Almighty; 
may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.

7 For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face.8 I am a stranger to my brothers, 
an alien to my own mother's sons; 9 for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who

insult you fall on me.10 When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;11 when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.12 Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the

drunkards.13 But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great

love, O God, 
answer me with your sure salvation.14 Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from

those who hate me, from the deep waters.15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me 
or the depths swallow me

up 
or the pit close its mouth over me.16 Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your

great mercy turn to me.17 Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I

am in trouble.18 Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes. 19 You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my

enemies are before you.20 Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for

sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.

21 They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

22 May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and a trap.

23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.

24 Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them

25 May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.

26 For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt.

27 Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation.

28 May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

29 I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. 30 I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. 31 This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with

its horns and hoofs.32 The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your

hearts live!33 The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive

people.34 Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in

them,35 for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people

will settle there and possess it;36 the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his

name will dwell there.

This psalm, written approximately 1000 years before the birth of Jesus, provides an intimate look into David’s suffering. It contains prophecies about Jesus (see v. 4, and John 15:25)

• Could this be what Jesus actually prayed in the garden of Gethsemane? (V. 9. See John 2:17)

• Jesus was scorned, disgraced, ashamed, brokenhearted, helpless, alone

• Victim of ‘bullying’ (v. 11) (v 12 in Russian)

• Loss of control over his own life, destiny – he willingly agreed to go along with

  the Father’s plan

• Loss of dignity

• 69:4 ((68:5 in Russian) describes what many people feel who have experienced

  cyber-bullying. The Psalmist is clearly aware and hurt by what other people think of him, he is entirely misjudged

John 11:35-36
35Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

• Jesus wept openly. (Why is it, in many cultures, that we are ashamed to let people see us cry?) Bereavement: loss of a dear friend and brother to death. Loss of his sense of personal peace and comfort, because he chose to empathize with Mary and share her pain.

John 13:21-30

21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”

22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant.23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”

25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

Mark 14:30-52

30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[a] you yourself will disown me three times.”

31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[b] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.

51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

• All his friends deserted him on the eve of his martyrdom.

• Jesus knew this would happen before it took place. What kind of emotional

  trauma would that have produced, in the hours leading up to his torture, and death by crucifixion?

  Mark 14:66-72

  66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.

  “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he

  said, and went out into the entryway.[a]69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around,

  “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it.
  After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of

  them, for you are a Galilean.”

  71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”

  72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[b] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice[c] you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

• Loss of relationship with Judas and loss of relationship, at this point, with Peter

Deleted: Despair, as he was

Matthew 27:46

46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[a] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

Mark 15:34

34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

• No doubt, Jesus was dealing with tremendous loss as he hung on the cross. I used to think, because of verses like Isaiah 59:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:24, that when Jesus quoted Psalm 22 and cried out, “God, why have you forsaken me?” God had, at that moment, turned his back on Jesus, because Jesus somehow had become sinful (because of all of our sins) and so God, in his holiness, couldn’t be present with him any longer and still retain his perfect holiness. I no longer believe that. Jesus was God, and one with God, and yet was willing to give up equality with God and come live in a human body and suffer right along with all of us sinners. He willingly lived among and loved all kinds of sinners for 33 years. He told the crowds that he was accused of being a friend of sinners. I now believe that the only way in which God “forsook” Jesus on the cross was in his silence, in the fact that he did not rescue his son; but I believe that God was totally present with him, as any loving human Father would surely be, while watching his heroic offspring be so obedient and faithful! Some scriptures I believe that support this notion are Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 43:1-7; John 16:32; John 17:21-22; Colossians 1:9; 1 John 4:15-17.

• Loss of his sense of well-being; loss of hope in the possibility of rescue or protection from the cross

• In summary: Jesus experienced a great deal of loss. No marriage, no children, no attainment of many typical human achievements; loss of health, family relationships, loss of idealism and trust in authority figures (especially spiritual mentors), loss of his earthly father, cousin, friend; loss of hopes and dreams.

  Thank you for reading.

Иисус и Его Потери

 Тэмми Флеминг

переведено Славой Наумовым

Взгляд на утраты и лишения, 

через которые Он проходил 

в Своей земной жизни.

г Киев

2017 г

Предисловие

Для некоторых из нас потери и лишения, скорби и смерть вторгаются в нашу жизнь без приглашения очень рано. Другие же наслаждаются счастливым детством и содрогаются от трагедий только уже будучи взрослыми. 

По мере того как собственное понимание моего опыта многих и различных потерь росло и расширялось, я начала смотреть на Иисуса немного по-другому. Я начала смотреть на все виды потерь, утрат и лишений в Его жизни, о которых до этого не задумывалась.

С течением времени, я продолжаю добавлять новое в это исследование по мере того как больше мыслей посещают меня. 

Я надеюсь, что это изучение Библии поддержит и ободрит вас, как это происходит со мной.

Tammy Taxter Fleming

Примечание переводчика

Оригинально английское слово «LOSS», которое в этой брошюре чаще всего используется автором и переводится как «ПОТЕРЯ», достаточно многогранно и имеет в русском языке много различных переводов, которые зависят от контекста. Вот некоторые из них:

·      Потеря

·      Лишение

·      Утрата

·      Негативный эффект

·      Гибель 

·      Ущерб

·      Убыток

·      Выход из строя

·      Проигрыш

·      Урон

·      Исчезание

·      Повреждение

·      Пропажа

·      Износ

·      Поражение

Возможно, это позволит Вам посмотреть на опыт и чувства Иисуса с разных сторон, которые исследует автор.

Вступление

Евреям 4:15

15 Ибо наш Первосвященник может понять нашу слабость: ведь когда Он жил на земле, то был искушаем так же, как и мы, но не согрешил. 16 Имея такого Первосвященника, мы вольны приблизиться к Божьему престолу благодатному, дабы получить благодать и обрести милосердие, которые помогут нам во времена испытаний. 

Человек, Иисус Христос, получил опыт большого количества потерь в своей жизни. Исаия описал Его как «человека печалей (скорбей) и хорошо знакомого со страданиями.»

Все отрывки Писания цитируются из Современного перевода, и просто воспроизведены здесь так, как они представлены в Библии. 

Места, помеченные наклонным курсивом и расположенные после каждого блока с отрывками из Писания, являются моими размышлениями и результатом изучения о различных видах потерь, которые пережил Иисус во время своей земной жизни. 

Многое из этого было новыми идеями для меня. 

Результатом моего прохождения этого изучения Библии стало то, что сейчас перед вами, а отрывки, такие как Евреям 4:15, кажутся теперь намного более личными и неопровержимыми.

Спасибо за прочтение!

---

Божественная природа и сущность

Филиппийцам 2:5-8

5 Пусть мысли и чувства ваши друг к другу будут у вас, как у Христа Иисуса: 6 Он, по природе Бог, не держался за равенство с Богом, 7 но добровольно лишился всего, приняв природу раба и человеком родившись. Он был во всем человеку подобен, 8 но еще больше себя умалил и так был послушен, что принял и смерть саму — смерть на кресте.

·               Иисус был с Богом с самого начала, Создание было выполнено с Ним и через Него (от Иоанна 1:1, Колоссянам 1:15-20). Он был одним целым с Богом, в Боге и от Бога, Божество. Он отдал способность быть всемогущим, всезнающим, вездесущим; и по факту, стал рабом в тот момент, когда стал человеком. 

·               Это очень большой список потерь и Иисус даже не прожил (в том смысле, который имела Его жизнь до этого) свой первый день в качестве человека, все это было уже потеряно: Его место на Небесах, Его небесное тело, Его близость с Богом, мудрость, мощь и власть, сила, свобода, способность перемещаться – можете ли вообразить что-нибудь еще подобное?

Родители и наставники в вере

от Луки 2:41-52

41 Каждый год на праздник Пасхи родители Иисуса отправлялись в Иерусалим. 42 В тот год, когда Иисусу исполнилось двенадцать лет, Его родители, как обычно, отправились на праздник. 43 После того, как праздник кончился, они направились домой, Иисус же остался в Иерусалиме, хотя родители Его не знали об этом. 44 Иосиф и Мария были в пути целый день, думая, что Иисус идёт вместе с ними. Когда же стали искать Его среди родственников и друзей, 45 то не нашли Его среди них. Тогда Иосиф с Марией вернулись в Иерусалим, надеясь найти Его там. 46 Они нашли Его через три дня. Иисус сидел среди учителей в храме, слушая их и задавая им вопросы. 47 Все слушали Его и удивлялись тому, как Он всё понимает и какие разумные даёт ответы. 48 Увидев Иисуса, родители удивились, и Мать спросила Его: „Что это Ты сделал с нами, Сын? Мы с отцом очень тревожились и повсюду Тебя искали". 49 Тогда Иисус сказал им: „Зачем вы искали Меня? Разве не знаете, что Я должен участвовать в трудах Отца Моего?" 50 Но они не поняли, что Иисус хотел этим сказать. 51 Иисус вернулся с ними в Назарет и во всём слушался Своих родителей. Мать же Его долго охраняла всё это в своём сердце. 52 Иисус продолжал постигать всё новые премудрости. Он становился выше ростом. Людям нравился Иисус, и Бог возлюбил Его.

·               Стих 50. Потеря отношений, доверия, понимание между Ним и его родителями (большинство из нас прошли через это будучи 10-ти летними подростками!)

·               Стихи 46,49. Здесь Иисус сидит среди учителей Храма, слушает их, учится у них, делится с ними.

·               Это были его примеры для подражания, лидеры, самые обученные и уважаемые люди его веры. Это были те, кому поручили присмотр и служение Дому его Отца.

Семья, отец Иосиф, наставники в вере

От Луки 4:14-30

14 Иисус же возвратился в Галилею, исполненный силы Святого Духа, и молва о Нём пошла по всей стране. 15 И стал Он учить в синагогах, и все прославляли Его. 16 И пришёл Он в Назарет, в город, где вырос. В субботний день пошёл Он по Своему обыкновению в синагогу и встал, чтобы читать писания перед присутствующими. 17 И дали Ему книгу пророка Исайи, и, открыв книгу, нашёл Он место, где было написано:18 „Дух Господний во Мне. Бог призвал Меня, чтобы благовествовать нищим. Он послал Меня объявить свободу пленным, возвратить зрение слепым, отпустить измученных на свободу, 19 и возвестить время милости Господней". 20 Потом Он закрыл книгу и отдал её служителю. Он сел, и глаза всех в синагоге были устремлены на Него. 21 И Он начал говорить им: „Сегодня сказанное в Писании свершилось пред вами". 22 И Он снискал всеобщее одобрение, и все были поражены Его красноречием и спрашивали: „Не сын ли это Иосифа?" 23 И сказал Он: „Конечно, вы скажете Мне, как гласит пословица: "Врач, исцели Самого Себя". Вы хотите сказать: "Мы слышали о том, что произошло в Капернауме. Сотвори же здесь, в Твоём родном городе, то же самое"". 24 И сказал Он: „Воистину, не принимают пророка в родном городе. 25 Истинно говорю вам: множество вдов было в Израиле в дни Илии, когда не было дождя три с половиной года, и великий голод царил в стране. 26 И ни к кому из них не был послан Илия, кроме одной вдовы из Сарепты, в Сидоне. 27 И было множество прокажённых в Израиле во времена пророка Елисея, но никто из них не очистился от язв, кроме Неемана-сирийца". 28 И все, кто присутствовал в синагоге и слышал эти слова, преисполнились ярости 29 и поднялись, и изгнали Его из города. Приведя Его на склон горы, на которой стоял их город, они хотели сбросить Его с утёса. 30 Но Иисус прошёл сквозь толпу и отправился Своей дорогой. 

От Марка 3:20 – 22

20 Затем Он вошёл в дом, и опять собралась толпа, так что Иисус и Его ученики не могли даже поесть. 21 И когда Его ближние услышали об этом, они пришли, чтобы увести Его, потому что люди говорили: „Он не в Своём уме!" 22 А законоучители, пришедшие из Иерусалима, говорили: „В Него вселился веельзевул! Он изгоняет бесов властью князя бесовского!"

·               Потеря отношений с семьей – они не доверяют Ему, они не верят в Него, они думают, что Он сумасшедший.

·               Здесь нет упоминания об отце Иисуса, во время семейного кризиса (Марка 3:31-34, также смотрите Матфея 12:46-49; и Иоанна 19:26-27) или где-либо в Писании после инцидента, когда родители Иисуса потеряли Его на 3-и дня по пути домой из Иерусалима. Подразумевается то что Его отец должно быть скончался где-то между тем и описанным событиями, и значит Иисус имел дело с утратой отца, возможно, когда Он был подростком, хотя может быть и позже, когда Ему было 30 – 33. Иосиф был праведным и благочестивым человеком (Матф 1:19), следовательно, Иисус должно был быть опечален утратой отношений и скучал за своим отцом.

·               Посмотрите в Луки 11:39-54 и Иоанна 2:14-16 чтобы увидеть драматическое изменение в отношениях Иисуса с религиозными лидерами и учителями в Храме. Сравните это с Лукой 2 главой, где он сидел и общался с ними будучи мальчиком – какие потери и негативный эффект Он должен был испытать в этих взаимоотношениях из-за изменений в восприятия и отношения к Нему? 

3-и года Его жизни с учениками

Луки 9:44

Пока народ дивился делам Иисуса, Он сказал ученикам: 44 „Со вниманием отнеситесь к тому, что сейчас скажу вам: Сын Человеческий вскоре будет предан в руки человеческие".

·               Иисус знал о предательстве, и даже должен был заранее переносить и терпеть груз знания того что время предательства приближалось, даже от Его самых близких друзей.

·               Однако ни один из 12 учеников не знал, что Иуда будет тем, кто предаёт Иисуса, хотя все они проводят много времени вместе – Иисус никогда не обращается с Иудой как-то иначе чем с остальными. Какие потерю\износ и боль должно быть Иисус чувствовал в своих отношениях с Иудой?

·               Иисус наблюдал как все его близкие друзья и последователи разбежались и оставили Его, в то время, когда Он возможно эмоционально был в самой нижней точке свое жизни (Матф 26:38, 56) 

«Нормальная» жизнь

Луки 9:58

58 Иисус ответил ему: „У лис есть норы, у птиц небесных есть гнёзда, а Сыну Человеческому негде даже головы приклонить".

·               Иисус имел дело с потерей «нормальной» жизни. Бед хорошего дома. Без мечты о карьере. Без общепринятых достижений. Без брака. Без детей. По достижению 30-и лет большинство Его друзей детства должно быть уже имели эти вещи. Без материального достатка и благополучия.

·               Потеря чувства принадлежности к какому-то «месту», бездомность и отсутствие постоянного места жительства

Двоюродный брат Иоанн Креститель

Матфея 14:1-12

1Тогдашний правитель Галилеи, Ирод, прослышал об Иисусе и 2 сказал своим прислужникам: „Этот человек на самом деле-Иоанн Креститель. Он воскрес из мёртвых и потому способен творить все эти чудеса". 3 Задолго до этого Ирод схватил Иоанна, заковал его в цепи и бросил в темницу. Он сделал это из-за Иродиады, жены своего брата Филиппа. 4 Иоанн говорил ему: „Тебе не подобает с ней сожительствовать". 5 Ирод хотел убить его, но боялся народа, ибо люди считали Иоанна пророком. 6 Когда наступил день рождения Ирода, дочь Иродиады танцевала перед Иродом и его гостями и так угодила Ироду, 7 что он клятвенно пообещал дать ей всё, что она ни попросит. 8 По наущению матери она сказала: „Принеси мне на блюде голову Иоанна Крестителя". 9 И хотя царь был опечален, но из-за клятвы своей и из-за гостей, восседавших вместе с ним, приказал исполнить эту просьбу 10 и послал людей обезглавить Иоанна в тюрьме. 11 Они принесли голову Иоанна на блюде и отдали девушке, а та отнесла её матери. 12 После этого пришли ученики Иоанна, взяли его тело и погребли его, а затем пошли и рассказали Иисусу, что произошло.

·               Тяжёлая утрата: Иисус потерял своего отца, и здесь мы видим, что Он теряет своего двоюродного брата, Иоанна Крестителя, жестокой и бессмысленной смертью, по прихоти эгоистичного и трусливого царя, через обезглавливание. 

·               Иоанн был тот, как указано в Ветхозаветных пророчествах, кто будет «готовить путь» для Иисуса. Будучи не только единомышленником («родственной душой»?) для Иисуса, с которым Он разделил много общего, но также, его смерть означала что служение Иисуса было начато, и также определенно и несомненно просигнализировала Иисусу неминуемость Его собственной кончины и мученичества.

Право на личное время и пространство

Матфея 14:13

13 Услышав о том, что случилось, Иисус сел в лодку и отправился в уединенное место, чтобы побыть в одиночестве. Но когда люди узнали об этом, они пришли из своих городов и пошли за Ним.

·               Иисусу не дали времени скорбеть о смерти двоюродного брата.

·               Стихи 14-21 - Он затем сострадательно накормил 5 000 человек.

Надежда на успех

Матфея 16:21-23

21 С того времени Иисус стал говорить Своим ученикам, что Он должен пойти в Иерусалим и претерпеть многие страдания от рук старейшин, первосвященников и законоучителей. Он также объяснил им, что должен быть убит, а на третий день после этого должен воскреснуть из мёртвых. 22 Пётр отвёл Его в сторону и стал Ему прекословить, говоря: „Господи, не дай Бог! Не должно с Тобой ничего подобного случиться!" 23 Тогда Он повернулся к Петру и сказал ему: „Уйди прочь, сатана! Ты только препятствуешь Мне, ибо думаешь не о Божьем, а о человеческом".

·               Потеря победы, утрата надежды на успех. Иисус только что получил доказательство в исповеди Петра. (Матф 16:16 «Ты Христос, Сын живого Бога») того, что Он преуспел в выполнении миссии от Отца для Его жизни. 

·               И вот, сразу же после этого, у нас провал – Иисус должно быть чувствовал, как будто они вернулись назад в точку отсчета, в самое начало.

Физическая неприкосновенность

Исаия 52: 13-15

13 „Взгляни на слугу Моего - он будет успешен во всём и станет важным, будет в почёте и уважении. 14 И как многие поразились, увидев слугу Моего, ибо он был так обезображен, что в нём с трудом узнавали человека, 15 так удивятся и многие народы, и даже цари от изумления не смогут сказать ни слова. Ибо эти люди не слышали эту историю - они видели, как это случилось! Они не слышали эту историю, но всё поняли".

·               Потеря прав человека: физическое насилие.

Признание и уважение

Исаия 53:2-5        

2 Он вырос перед Господом, как маленький росток, как корень, растущий в сырой земле, и в Нём не было ничего необычного. При взгляде на Него мы не находили ничего, что бы особенно привлекло нас к Нему. 3 Люди над Ним насмехались, друзья покинули Его, Ему была хорошо знакома боль и болезни. Люди презирали Его и отказывались замечать Его, как тех, от кого мы отводим взгляд. 4 Но Он принял на себя наши страдания и взял нашу боль, а мы думали, что Бог наказывает Его и бьёт за то, что Он сделал Сам. 5 Но боль и страдания были Ему даны за наши грехи, Он был наказан по нашей вине, и долг, который должны были мы отплатить, приняв наказание, лёг на Него. Мы были исцелены, благодаря Ему.

·               Библия говорит, что Иисус понимает, что такое печалиться и скорбеть

·               Он понимает отвержение, социальную изоляцию

·               Он был физически не привлекательным

·               Он был глубоко оскорблен поведением других людей

·               Ему не было оказано уважение; не оценен; не был принят тем, кем он был; считался неуспешным и неуспешным другими людьми, до такой степени что они допускали будто даже Бог активно Ему противостоит.

·               Он был полностью неверно оценен и неверно понят большинством людей, хотя Он был фактически Сыном Бога и Божьим благоволением – смотрите Матф 3:17, Иоанн 6:66, Матф 27:12, Деяния 1:15. После 3-х лет сосредоточенного и посвященного служения, которое достигло тысяч людей, только 120 верующих осталось верными после Его смерти.

Мечты и счастливая жизнь

Исаия 53:6-12

6 Но даже после этого мы все разбрелись, как овцы, каждый пошёл своим путём, даже после того, как Господь возложил всю нашу вину на Него. 7 Он перенёс боль и наказание, но никогда не протестовал и был безгласен, как овца, которую ведут на заклание. Он был покорнее ягнёнка, с которого состригают шерсть, и не сказал ни слова в Свою защиту. 8 Люди взяли Его силой, и суд над Ним не был справедливым. Никто не может сказать о будущей Его семье, ибо Он был разлучён с живою землёй и наказан за грехи Моего народа. 9 Он умер и был погребён с богатыми, был погребён со злодеями. Он не лгал, не сделал ничего неправедного, но всё равно с ним это случилось. 10 Господь решил послать Ему страдания, и слуга Его отдал себя на смерть. Но у Него будет новая, долгая жизнь, и Он долго ещё будет видеть Своё потомство, и закончит то, что предначертал Ему Господь. 11 Много будет страдать Его душа, но Он увидит добро, которое последует, и обрадуется, узнав об этом. Мой добрый Слуга освободит многих от их вины и возьмёт на Себя их грехи. 12 Поэтому Я сделаю Его великим среди людей, Он с сильными разделит всё, что они имеют, ибо Он отдал Свою жизнь за людей. Люди считали его преступником, но Он понёс на Себе грех многих и теперь молит за преступников.

·               Потери мечтаний, возможностей, амбиций, планов, ожиданий, будущего. О чем могло бы воображение Всемогущего Бога Создателя, заключенное в тело Иисуса мечтать о том, что Он будет делать и испытывать в возрасте 40-ка лет? 

·               Иисус знал заранее об ужасных обстоятельствах Своей смерти, которые были предсказаны в Писании.

·               Его внешности предстояло быть обезображенной и изуродованной превыше чем у какого-либо человека. Его внешность повредили настолько что было потеряно сходство с человеком. Боль, потеря здоровья и инвалидность. Он понимал, что это будет как потеря Своего здоровья.

·               Вот несколько глаголов которые описывают что произошло с Иисусом: пронзили, раздробили, поразили, ранили, пораженный \разбитый, оплевали\ненавидели.

Эмоциональное счастье, свобода, достоинство

Псалом 68

1 Дирижёру хора. На мелодию „Лилии". Одна из песен Давида. 2 Спаси меня, о Боже, вода достигла шеи. 3 Я погружаюсь в грязные глубины, где опереться не на что ноге, меня водоворотом в глубину затягивает беспощадно. 4 Зову на помощь, и от крика пересыхает горло, и болят глаза, отыскивая Бога. 5 Тех, кто меня без причин ненавидит, гораздо больше, чем волос на голове. И строят они планы, как жизнь мою разрушить, заставляют платить за то, чем не владею я. 6 Тебе, Господь, мое известно безрассудство, свою вину не прячу от Тебя. 7 О мой Владыка, Всемогущий Господи, не допусти, чтоб те, кто верует в Тебя, из-за меня позором были все покрыты. 8 Из-за Тебя сношу позор, из-за Тебя лицо моё бесчестием покрыто. 9 Я среди братьев стал чужим, единокровным - посторонний. 10 Меня съедает страсть по дому Твоему, и ранит зло обидчиков Твоих. 11 Молюсь ли я, иль соблюдаю пост, меня за это тоже укоряют, 12 и становлюсь посмешищем, когда одежды скорби надеваю. 13 Толкуют обо мне все те, кто важен, 14 но я молюсь Тебе в положенное время. С любовью превеликой, Боже, спасением ответь моей молитве. 15 Спаси от грязи, утонуть не дай, и от глубоких вод спаси, как и от ненавидящих меня. 16 Не дай меня потопу унести, глубинам поглотить, сомкнуться могильной пасти надо мной. 17 Ответь мне, Господи, Твоей любовью доброй, и милосердие ко мне обороти. 18 Не прячь лица от Своего раба, ответь скорее, времена несчастий уже пришли. 19 Приди и мою душу упаси от неотступного врага. 20 Тебе известно как я презираем, как бесчещен я и опозорен. Господь, Ты знаешь всех моих врагов. 21 Презрение сокрушает моё сердце и делает беспомощным меня. Искал я сострадания - не нашёл, искал кого-нибудь, кто успокоит, но никого вокруг не видел я. 22 Враги в еду мне подложили желчь и уксусом меня поили в жажде. 23 Пусть стол их станет им ловушкой, пусть и друзьям их станет он ловушкой. 24 Пускай погаснут их глаза и никогда не будут видеть, пускай их спины сгорбятся навек. 25 Пролей на них Свой гнев, пусть он обнимет их. 26 Да станет их земля пустыней, и опустеют все шатры. 27 Поскольку тех, кого Ты ранил, они преследуют и здесь, о боли тех, кого Ты ранил, говорят. 28 Взыщи за все их  преступленья, не дай спасенья Своего. 29 Их имена да будут стерты из книги жизни навсегда. 30 Мне горе причиняет боль, дай мне Твоё, Господь, спасенье. 31 Имя Божье восхвалять я буду в песнях благодарных, 32 и это Господа обрадует намного более, чем вол иль бык. 33 От этого воспрянут бедные, и сердце, ищущее Бога, оживёт. 34 Господь нуждающихся слышит, и узников не презирает. 35 Пусть небеса, земля и море, и всё, что в море, Его хвалят. 36 Ведь только Бог спасёт Сион и восстановит Иудеи города. 37 Унаследуют все дети Его рабов, и те, кто Его любит, будут жить в них.

·               Этот псалом, написанный приблизительно за 1 000 лет до рождения Иисуса, позволяют заглянуть в личные душевные страдания Давида. Он содержит пророчества об Иисусе (смотрите стихи 4 псалма и Иоанна 15:25).

·               Может ли это быть тем, о чем Иисус на самом деле молился в Гефсиманском саду? (ст. 9, смотрите Иоанн 2:17).

·               Иисус был презираем, опозорен, обесчестен, пристыжен, беспомощен, несчастен, одинок.

·               Жертва организованной травли (ст. 12).

·               Потеря контроля над Свой собственной жизнью, его предназначение и участь – добровольно принять следование плану Отца.

·               Потеря достоинства, почестей, высокого происхождения.

·               Стих 5 описывает то, что многие люди чувствуют которые прошли психологическое насилие. Псалмопевец ясно осведомлен и изранен болью от того, что думают люди о нем, он совершенно неверно оценен.

Друг Лазарь

Иоанн 11:35-36

35 Иисус прослезился. 36 Тогда иудеи стали говорить: „Смотрите, как Он любил Лазаря".

·               Иисус открыто плакал. (почему это так что во многих культурах мы не позволяем людям видеть нас плачущими?). 

·               Тяжелая утрата: потеря дорого друга и брата из-за смерти. Потеря чувства личного покоя и комфорта, потому что Он выбрал глубоко проникнуться чувствами Марии и разделить ее боль.

Верность и поддержка друзей 

Иоанн 13:21-30

21 Сказав это, Иисус взволнованно засвидетельствовал и сказал прямо: „Истинно говорю вам, один из вас предаст Меня". 22 Его ученики стали переглядываться, не понимая, о ком Он говорит. 23 Один из учеников, которого Иисус особенно любил, сидел за столом рядом с Иисусом. 24 Симон Пётр сделал ему знак, чтобы тот спросил, о ком же это Иисус говорит. 25 Тот, склонившись к самой груди Иисуса, спросил Его: „Господи, кто же это?"  26 Иисус ответил: „Тот, для кого Я обмакну кусок хлеба в миску с едой и передам ему". И, обмакнув кусок хлеба в миску, передал его Иуде, сыну Симона Искариота. 27 Как только Иуда взял этот кусок хлеба, сатана тотчас вошёл в него. И сказал Иисус: „Сделай скорее то, что собираешься сделать". 28 Но никто из тех, кто возлежал рядом с Иисусом, не понял, к чему Он это сказал ему. 29 А так как у Иуды был их общий ящик с пожертвованиями, некоторые подумали, что Иисус говорит ему: „Купи всё, что нам нужно для празднества", - или велит раздать милостыню бедным. 30 Иуда же взял кусок хлеба и тут же вышел. Была ночь.

Марка 14:30-52

30 Тогда Иисус ему ответил: „Истинно говорю, что сегодня, этой самой ночью, прежде чем дважды пропоёт петух, ты трижды отречёшься от Меня". 31 Но Пётр повторял ещё настойчивее: „Даже если я должен умереть с Тобой, я не отрекусь от Тебя". И другие говорили то же самое. 32 После этого они пошли в селение, называемое Гефсиманией, и Иисус сказал Своим ученикам: „Посидите здесь, пока Я помолюсь". 33 Он взял с собой Петра, Иакова и Иоанна. Он стал горевать и тревожиться, 34 говоря им: „Моя душа скорбит смертельно. Побудьте здесь и бодрствуйте". 35 Отойдя немного в сторону, Он упал на землю и молился, чтобы, если возможно, тот час миновал Его. 36 Он сказал: „Авва! Отец Мой! Для Тебя всё возможно. Сделай же так, чтобы чаша эта миновала Меня. Но делай не то, что Я хочу, а то, что Ты хочешь". 37 Затем Он вернулся к ним и, найдя их спящими, сказал Петру: „Симон, ты спишь? Разве не мог ты бодрствовать один час? 38 Бодрствуйте и молитесь, чтобы не впасть в искушение. Дух силён, а плоть слаба". 39 Он снова отошёл и молился, говоря то же самое. 40 Затем Он вернулся к ним и опять нашёл их спящими, так как веки их отяжелели. И они не знали, что Ему сказать. 41 Он подошёл к ним в третий раз и сказал: „Вы всё ещё спите и отдыхаете? Довольно. Час настал. Сына Человеческого предают в руки грешников. 42 Вставайте и пойдёмте: вот предающий Меня". 43 И сразу же, пока Иисус ещё говорил, появился Иуда, один из двенадцати, и с ним толпа, вооружённая мечами и кольями, которую прислали первосвященники, законоучители и старейшины. 44 Предающий дал им знак: „Тот, кого я поцелую, и есть Иисус. Хватайте Его и берите под стражу". 45 И тотчас, подойдя к Иисусу, сказал: „Учитель!" и поцеловал Его. 46 И Иисуса схватили и взяли под стражу. 47 Но один из стоявших рядом учеников выхватил меч, ударил слугу первосвященника и отсёк ему ухо. 48 Тогда Иисус сказал им: „Вы вышли на Меня с мечами и кольями, как будто Я - преступник. 49 Каждый день Я был с вами, уча в храме, и вы не схватили Меня. Но то, что сказано в Писаниях, должно исполниться". 50 И все ученики покинули Его и убежали прочь. 51 Среди последователей Иисуса был один юноша, у которого на теле не было ничего, кроме льняного покрывала, и они схватили и его также. 52 Но он оставил покрывало у них в руках и убежал нагой.

·               Все Его друзья изменили и бросили Его накануне мученической смерти

·               Иисус знал это до того, как это должно было случиться. Какая эмоциональная травма могла быть этим Им получена в часы, предшествующие Его пыткам и смерти от распятия на кресте?

Отношения с Петром

Марка 14:66-72

66 Когда Пётр находился во дворе, пришла одна из служанок первосвященника 67 и, увидев греющегося у огня Петра, внимательно посмотрела на него и сказала: „Ты тоже был с тем Назаретянином, Иисусом". 68 Но он стал отрицать это, говоря: „Не знаю и не понимаю, что ты говоришь". Он вышел на передний двор, и запел петух. 69 А служанка опять стала говорить стоявшим рядом: „Этот человек один из них". 70 Но Пётр снова отрёкся, а спустя немного времени стоявшие там сказали Петру: „Ты точно один из них, потому что ты тоже галилеянин". 71 И он начал клясться и божиться: „Я не знаю Человека, о Котором вы говорите". 72 И тотчас петух пропел во второй раз. И, вспомнив обращённые к нему слова Иисуса: „Прежде чем петух пропоёт дважды, ты трижды отречёшься от Меня", Пётр разрыдался.

·               Потеря отношений Иудой и потеря отношений, в этот момент, с Петром

Связь с Богом Отцом

Матфея 27:46

46 А около трёх часов Иисус воскликнул громким голосом: „Эли, эли, лама савахфани?", что означает: „Боже Мой, Боже Мой, для чего Ты покинул Меня?"

Марка 15:34

34 А в три часа пополудни Иисус закричал громким голосом: „Эли, эли, лама савахфани?", что значит: „Боже Мой, Боже Мой! Почему Ты покинул Меня?"

·      Нет сомнений что Иисус имел дело с чудовищной по размеру потерей, когда Он висел на кресте.

Ранее я думала, на основании таких стихов как Исаия 59:1-2 и 1-е Петра 2:24, что когда Иисус цитировал Псалом 21 и вскрикнул «Бог, почему Ты покинул Меня?» Бог на самом деле повернулся к Иисусу спиной, потому что Иисус так или иначе стал греховным (из-за всех наших грехов) и вот Бог в своей святости не мог больше присутствовать с Ним, и в тоже время продолжать оставаться Святым.

Я больше не верю в это. 

Иисус был Богом и одним целым с Богом, и все еще был готов отказаться от равенства с Богом и прийти жить в человеческом теле и страдать прямо вместе со всеми нами грешниками. (К Филиппийцам 2:6-8) Он жил среди нас грешников в течение 33 лет.

Теперь я верю, что единственный способ, которым Бог «оставил» Иисуса на кресте, заключался в том, что Он молчал и не спас, не освободил. Но я верю, что Бог полностью присутствовал с Ним, как любой любящий человеческий Отец несомненно сделал бы, наблюдая, как его героический сын будет таким послушным и верным! Некоторые места Писания, которые, как мне кажется, поддерживают это мнение, это Псалом 22:4; Исаия 43:1-7; Иоанна 16:32; Иоанна 17:21-22; Колоссянам 1:9; 1 Иоанна 4:15-17.

Потеря Им чувства благополучия, надежды на возможность спасения от той ужасной пытки, боли и смерти.

Итоги

·      Иисус испытал большое число потерь.

·      Без брака, без детей, без достижения многих обычных человеческих побед и радостей; потеря здоровья, отношений с семьей, идеализма и доверия к авторитетным деятелям (особенно духовным наставникам), потеря Его земного отца, двоюродного брата и друга, даже отделение от Бога, с Которым Он всю свою жизнь наслаждался близкими отношениями (от Иоанна 17:20-23).

Евреям 4:15-16

Ибо наш Первосвященник может понять нашу слабость: ведь когда Он жил на земле, то был искушаем так же, как и мы, но не согрешил. 16 Имея такого Первосвященника, мы вольны приблизиться к Божьему престолу благодатному, дабы получить благодать и обрести милосердие, которые помогут нам во времена испытаний.

Спасибо за прочтение!

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Эмоциональное Исцеление

Flemings in Eurasia - 2017 Annual Report

Strengthening Partnerships

25th Anniversary Service of the St. Petersburg church of Christ, May 2017

2016 and 2017 have been unusual milestone years for us. After over thirty years together in the full-time ministry, we took a self-funded sabbatical year as we came to the end of our commitment to the UK churches in Birmingham (summer 2016). In addition to our main goal of insuring our son’s successful spiritual transition out of the family home and into university, we made a temporary home in the Seattle church (near our son’s university) and devoted a year to writing, archiving and research projects that we have longed to do, and to building and strengthening our network of relationships for the next chapter of our lives. We made two visits in 2017 to the Dallas church, primarily to spend time with Todd and Patty Asaad, Derik and Leigh Anne Vett, and connect with Eurasian missions supporters in the church there. As members of the ICOC Teachers Service Team, we took part in the ICOC Spring Leadership Meetings.

The Novosibirsk Mission Team in 1992 -- mostly made up of one-year old Christians or younger

Adding to the Toolbox : Grief Recovery and an MDiv

One of Tammy’s goals for our sabbatical year in the US was to research the handful of recommended programs available in various churches for people dealing with grief, and determine which, if any, could be translated into Russian. The Russian- speaking churches continue to lag behind their English-speaking counterparts in available resources for spiritual strengthening and shepherding. We have long felt the need for programs like Chemical Recovery, Grief Recovery, and other courses to more effectively minister to those who are hurt and discouraged. After researching several programs (Journey to Hope, GriefShare, the Grief Recovery Method, Grief Journey by Dr. Timothy Sumerlin ) Tammy completed her Grief Recovery Specialist® Training in May with the Grief Recovery Institute (www.griefrecoverymethod.org). Since then, she has brought over 70 people through the program in Russian, in Kiev and in Moscow, and is working hard on overseeing the translation of the Grief Recovery Handbook and training materials into Russian.

Andy has resumed his graduate studies with Abilene Christian University and is pursuing a Masters of Divinity, which he should complete in the middle of 2019. He has been working on an analytical article about the ICOC growth history pre-2003, which should be published this month (January 2018).

Three 25th Anniversaries:

St. Petersburg’s 25th and the first Eurasian Youth and Family Conference

We were thoroughly impressed and so proud of the standard of excellence of every aspect of St. Petersburg’s Youth and Family Conference, leading up to their 25th anniversary celebration weekend. Vitali and Vera Logunov opened the Y&F Conference by introducing all their family members who are disciples (photo, left), including Vera’s mother, who was still damp from her baptism, just the day before! Guest speakers from the US like the Vetts — deeply beloved and respected as church founders — and Gowers, brought tremendous depth and maturity. Moscow guest speakers Sasha Kotz and the Zhuravlyov family and newest-evangelist-on-the-block Nikolai Morozov were enlightening, educational, convicting and inspiring. The culmination of the Sunday worship service was jubilant, with prominent involvement of the children and youth of the church, as they concluded the Youth and Family Conference with their 25th anniversary celebration. We hope to be able to spend some time with the church in Minsk, Belorussia in 2018, and were glad to be able to get reacquainted with the Sinitsins who are leading there. We spent time with the Sokolkins and their family, the interns, staff and some small group leaders. 

Kiev’s 25th Anniversary and Ukrainian Residence Permits

Hanging out in front of our apartment building in Kiev, with Misha & Eka Matitaishvili and their son, Luke, from Tblisi, Georgia; Lynne Green from Berlin/Seattle; and our then-pregnant daughter and our grand puppy

Now that we are officially financially retired, our hope was to be able to apply for some type of long-term residence permit in Russia. Unfortunately, this door has not opened easily. We face increasingly Cold-War-like conditions as we apply for Russian visas. Tougher sanctions now require Canadian citizens, like Andy, who plan to stay longer than two weeks in Russia, to register and pay for every night of their stay in a hotel (see this Radio Free Europe article from October 2017 on the Magnitsky Act for more information). Given that we have a daughter and son-in-law in the ministry in Kiev, we investigated and learned that it was very easy for us to gain long-term residency in the Ukraine. We bought a one-bedroom apartment in the same building as our kids, and planted ourselves in Kiev for the five weeks required to secure our residence permits. The beginning of our five-week stay coincided with the Kiev 25th anniversary conference, Hope Singles Corps, Eurasian Council meeting, and Kiev 25th anniversary celebrations, which were a total joy. We both taught on the conference program.

Kiev 25th Anniversary Church Service

This matryoshka displays a photo of the theater where the first church service in Novosibirsk was held in 1992

Novosibirsk’s 25th Anniversary and the birth of a grandchild

From August 20th to 30th, Andy spent ten days in Novosibirsk with Ron and Cheryl Hammer, Todd Asaad, Tim and Wendy Sherrill and others, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Novosibirsk church planting. The Novosibirsk church has enjoyed positive growth for nine out of the last ten years. During those ten days, Andy participated in a Eurasian Council Meeting, and an Eastern Russian Churches (Siberian Churches) Leadership Conference. Rostov-na-Donu leadership came to the conference as well.

Tammy remained in Kiev and did her first Grief Recovery Pilot program in Russian with a group of 20 members of the Kiev church, and was able to support our daughter during the birth of our first grandchild, Zahar Yakovlev.

Chicago Delegates and Service Team Meetings

Tammy began to take on the task of blog posting on the newly-created Eurasian Missions website — huge thanks to Christian Ray Flores in Austin, who designed the site to inform and unify the US supporters of Eurasian churches. Tammy is working on growing the database of subscribers to Eurasian good news updates and prayer requests (it is about 90 subscribers currently), which are sent now approximately every two weeks. We know of one family in California, not normally connected with Eurasian churches, who read the blog post on the church in Azerbaijan and was moved to make a special missions contribution particularly for that church. www.eurasianmissions.org

One result of the Chicago meetings was that Andy joined a subcommittee of the ICOC 3.0 Structure Task Force (the ICOC 2.1 variant).

The Month of November in Moscow

Andy, teaching Eurasian Mission School, Nov '17

We spent almost the entire month of November with the Moscow church. This is the first time we've been able to spend such a substantial chunk of time in Russia since we moved away, eighteen long years ago!

We managed to get a substantial discount at a hotel at Paveletskaya, practically the center of the city and less than five minutes from the Metro.
That convenient location made it easy to spend lots of time with lots of people. Not counting Andy's three-day retreat with the staff brothers pod-Moscoviye, we were able to invest a total of 305 volunteer work-hours into the Moscow church community (about 45 hours a week, conservatively). Lest anyone fret that we might not have been taking care of ourselves, or might not be sensitive to the very real concern of burnout among, particularly, the women on the church staff, rest assured that we slept well, worked out, took days off, enjoyed long prayer walks, soaked up culture at a jazz concert, and thoroughly enjoyed the holiday sights, even as Andy labored a bit over his MDiv midterm. The blessings of being empty-nesters!

55 young student in the Moscow Ministry Training Academy, Nov 2017

We loved every minute of reacquainting with the church at a deeper level. We began the month with Andy teaching a group of 55 young people (ministry interns, students), in the second session of the Eurasian Ministry Training Academy. He taught New Testament overview and then lessons from the book of Acts at student midweeks the rest of the month. He taught the church a Saturday Bible School on Maturing the Church. Tammy took two groups through the Grief Recovery Program during the month of November. We spent time with old friends and veteran disciples, people who have wandered away from the church, older people, younger people, shepherds, small group leaders, average disciples who have no leadership responsibility, and staff. We felt like it was the most useful time we have spent in Moscow since we moved away.

It was encouraging to note that the recently passed laws against non-Russian-Orthodox religion has not really changed the atmosphere in the city much. We ourselves had visitors at two church services and heard from the disciples that the laws have not caused much difficulty at all.

Holy Spirit Weekend in Tallinn

Newly restored Aivars Terauds and Petriina (one of original Tallinn Mission Team members from Finland, who still resides in Tallinn)

We spent December 8th to 12th with the church in Tallinn. Andy taught a Saturday Bible school on the Holy Spirit and miraculous gifts and met with several disciples who had questions about charismatic gifts in the Bible and in the New Testament church. It is great to see the children of the early converts now dreaming about the ministry and serving as interns. We met with the small group leaders and some disciples who had moved to Tallinn from the Moscow church and some who had moved from Zurich. A high point was our reunion with Aivars Terauds, the heroic Latvian athlete who had come on the Moscow mission team as a six- week-old Christian. After helping several notable disciples become Christians and planting the church in his home town of Riga, Aivars’ marriage had fallen apart and he had left the church for about a decade. In October he was restored, and he traveled to Tallinn to spend the weekend with us and the Tallinn church, who welcomed him warmly.

We look very much forward to serving to the best of our ability in cooperation with the Eurasian Council and US church leaders, whose counsel, help, and support in these churches continues to be invaluable. Thank you so much for your invaluable, continued support!

In His Service,
Andy and Tammy Fleming January 4, 2018 

The Power of Closed Doors: Retirement Plans Gone Awry

Vivaldi Plaza near Paveletskaya Metro, Moscow. Nov 2017

90’s in Moscow

We had the great pleasure of living in Moscow from 1991 to 1999, during an amazing moment in history. Perestroika, the Wild West, it was called at times, so many profound changes took place at breakneck speed. We moved to the U.S.S.R., the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or the Soviet Union, and a month later it all fell apart. The night President Boris Yeltsin made his historic speech on top of a tank in the center of the city, I happened to be there, needing to cross that same square to meet Andy, who was waiting for me with a young couple in one of the Western hotels, where the wife was about to be baptised. I'll never forget the feeling, cutting through that crowd — one of many unforgettable moments.

It was a time of unprecedented freedom. I knew God had done a miracle with the timing of our arrival and the unfolding of significant historical and political events — the Berlin Wall had come down only about a year and a half earlier. By 1994, Andy wisely read the signs of the times and stopped doing any public speaking for the church in Moscow. God had already brought the men and women who would become the foundational building blocks for this community of believers into God’s household (Ephesians 4:19-22); this development only served as another good opportunity for their growth and development and Christ-formation.

Impossible Plans

Now, when I look back and see all this in the rear view mirror, my appreciation for the miraculous timing of God in sending us in 1991 simply skyrockets. I was one of those naive people, living in Kyiv in 2022, reading the news reports about the threat of impending invasion into Ukraine, unwilling and unable to believe that our neighbour nation would actually fall upon their close brothers and sisters so violently. Surely we would have learned something from our parents, who lived through World War II? I have been sobered and chastened for my naïveté, as Christ-formation in me and all the rest of us continues, with more suffering than I expected or imagined.

Since we left Russia in 1999, despite our frequent visits back nearly every year, when the Yarovaya law passed in 2016, I still didn’t appreciate the extent of the propaganda and tightening control our friends and spiritual family in Russia were experiencing. Truly, I cannot imagine what life is like for them now. We actually thought we were going to spend the first phase of our empty-nester years living in Russia somewhere, and helping out in whatever way seemed appropriate to our friends, the current leaders of the Eurasian churches there and to the Greater Eurasian Mission Society who for so many years have been supportive of our continued involvement in the work we began in the 90’s. We had no idea how impossible that noble ambition would prove to be. We spent two years knocking hard on that door, living like nomads out of our suitcases. One month in St. Petersburg, then out to process another expensive visa. Then another month in St. Pete. Then out to redo the visa. Then to Yekaterinburg. Out for a month. Vladivostok. Out for a month. Bishkek, Kazakhstan. And so on. Then, on the eve of the discovery of COVID-19, Andy was told that Canadians could have only two weeks without having to submit an itinerary of every meeting, every destination, every person visited during their stay in the country. Bam! — the sound of the slamming door.

We fell in love with the Russian people as individuals and with their rich language, history and culture. We learned so much about community from them. We came at a time when people sat around their tables at night and drank endless cups of tea and talked for hours. We have lifelong friends there, despite the strain the current political situation puts on these relationships.

We will survive this awful time.

Recalibrating.

It was a great pleasure to walk the streets of Moscow with so much hope and vision in November 2017, thinking we were going to be “coming home to Russia” for a while. We have now mourned the loss of these hopes and dreams and have recalibrated ourselves, prayerfully, to adjust to the new reality in which we find ourselves.

As our dear friend Lynne Green often has to remind me: “…we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling… “ (2 Corinthians 5:1-2) “Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20)

 Originally posted Nov 2017, edited and updated April 2023.