Bolden Oldies
Introduction
I used to like reading bulky history books, in his multi-volumed, A History of Christianity, K. S. Latourette, argues that the missionary expansion of the Church across the ages is followed by subsequent retractions. However, each successive expansion is always greater than the previous ones. If we accept Latourette’s reading of the kingdom of God as biblical in proportions, with the ongoing futile reactions of Satan, it is reasonable to believe that the coming wave of growth will be global and, perhaps, final. The probing question becomes, “What will be be the spiritual characteristics of the emerging Church which would cause the End to be reached and to come “soon” (Rev 22:20)?” Whilst we live in an age of aggressive and competitive territorial ambitions, geographically, economically, religiously, ethically and technologically, the coming kingdom of God is of a totally different order than any competing worldly empires (Dan 2;44-25; 7:33). China, America, Russia, India, Brazil, Indonesia etc. are all shrimps in the light of “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge” (Eph 3:18-19). The kingdom characteristics of the end-time Church are radically counterintuitive!
Signs of the Kingdom
Whilst the miraculous signs and wonders of the New Testament are vital pointers of the inbreaking kingdom of God (Matt 12:28), we must see beyond these to people as new creations (2 Cor 5:17) accompanying the impending End (1 Cor 7:29-31) as transparent signs of Christ. In my 75th year I may reminisce. As a new Christian within the Jesus Movement, we were very public about our faith .This was a clear sign of the power of the triumph of the Gospel in our lives; “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Rom 1:16). We engaged in placard street marches through the Adelaide CBD, e.g. Jesus Was Born To Die was carried at the head of the march protesting about the trivialisation of Christmas, we wore homemade Tie-dye Jesus T shirts, had “Jesus houses”, one way Jesus signs, business cards and so on. Whereas most of the remnants of my generation have been pacified by age, materialism, liberal theology or “common-sense”, the arising movement in the Spirit will be no less visible, even if it’s public proclamations will be electronic. Social media exists for….Jesus (Col 1:16). The reason for all future Christian activity, if it is be abiding, must be ongoing Gospel Renewal.
Growing Old Fearlessly
Here is a strategic life-verse: “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:17-18) We are all growing old and facing death. How we face aging is foundational to future faith. I recall acutely by mother bleating, “It’s a terrible thing to grow old!”, and my oldest daughter, working in aged care facility, relates problem after problem amongst residents. Every pastor must prepare their members for “dying a good death”. Paralysis and avoidance about this in the Church is a sign of the apparent triumph of Western obsessions with looking young and well over the Gospel. The Lord however going to leaven his Bride with ageless beauty, “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” (Matt 13:33). I envision a coming day when our aged care facilities will be vibrating with those filled with ever-hopeful resurrection joy (Luke 24:41). “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;” (1 Pet 2:9). This is powerful beyond imagination (Eph 3:20) and essential to the prophetic testimony of Jesus in thew Church (Rev 19:10) when so many are sovereignly graced to die old under ongoing medical care. Creation was permitted to continue to exist after the Fall is to bear witness to the triumph of the Gospel.
Triumph of the Gospel
Paul’s concise expression, “I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (1 Cor 15:31), powerfully combines confrontation with death and the certainty of resurrection hope. As someone who embodied in his own life the power of “being made holy, cleansed by the washing with water through the word, 27 to be presented to Jesus himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Eph 5:26-27), he was a living icon of the absolute triumph of Christ over the finality of the fear of death. Let me attempt to unpack this truth in a Christ-centred way. Whilst as sinless Jesus could not endure the fear of death in an ordinary way, Luther remarked of the terrors of Gethsemane, “Never do we see a man fear death like this man!” (Matt 26:39). “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” (Heb 5:7). The absolute holiness of the Son’s terror before the holy justice of God on sinners, borne in our place, merits by grace resurrection life for us all. Whereas the age-old Adamic memory of death as a righteous judgement, ““I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”” (Gen 3:10), sustained the human sense of time as awaiting final unavoidable verdict of condemnation (Rom 5:12-14), “in Christ” death has “lost its string and the grave has lost its victory” (1 Cor 15:55). E.g. in the triumph of the Gospel heralded by the first witness for Jesus, “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”” (Acts 7:59-60), he shares in the triumphant cry of the Lord, ““Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”” (Luke 23:46). As surely as each of us must face death, through natural means or otherwise, we can embrace the prophetic testimony, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants… ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’” (Ps 116:15; Matt 25:23)
Conclusion
As the Church is being prepared (Rev 19:7) in these “last days” (Acts 2:17; Heb 1:2 etc.) to descend from heaven and fill all things with the glory and majesty of Christ (Rev 21:1ff.), we must anticipate a return to her first days. That is, days of signs, wonders and unparalleled suffering for her beloved Lord and Master. Western believers particularly need to be prepared as disciples to live Extreme Lives For Extreme Times Living For Jesus (Bob Chapman,); this applies particularly to mature-aged generations living as models for those yet to come (1 Cor 11:1). Only Christ-centred Gospel-oriented living will equip us for the coming immeasurable extension of Church. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord (Jesus), as the waters cover the sea… Jesus Christ, is Lord of all.” (Hab 2:14; Acts 10:36).