Author: Steve Vandop

Rooted in…

~ Steve Vandop ~ Leave a comment

Anyone living on the West Coast of BC who has attempted to dig a hole in the ground for a fence post or drainage line knows the irritations of digging around roots. These intricate networks of tenacious tentacles work their way into the pathway of most ground projects. As frustrating as they may be to us, they are the life-giving support that sustain the life and growth of the tree above. 

Recently in my studies I was given a question to reflect on and answer, “What is the root of the gospel?” Our mandate as Christ followers is to share the “good news” of the gospel with others; to invite them into the truths and the promises that come when we put our hope and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. The core that gives power to this good news is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But what is at the root of the core, the root of the gospel? 

Before we can answer that question, we need to know what the gospel is. The word gospel translated from “euangelion” means good news, it is the news or message of God’s salvation for his people. Salvation is the rescue from sin and death.Full of grace and mercy it is the reconciliation and restoration of a once beautiful and trusting relationship between God and his people. 

We all live in a world that has been affected by the power of sin. Sin is the “bad news” that tries to overshadow the message of the good news or gospel. For the good news to outshine the bad, its roots must be grounded deep into a life-giving source. So, what might this be? 

The root of the gospel, this good news is LOVE.

John 3:16 is probably one of the most well-known Bible verses that describes this incredible love that the gospel is rooted in. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

This verse captures the message of the gospel in a few short yet powerful words and presents love as the catalyst that ties the events of Jesus’ death (the core) to God’s incredible love (the roots) for the world He created. 

God’s love for us is incomprehensible on a human level. The world has defined love in so many ways that many have dismissed the power and truth of God’s love for them. God’s love for us needs to be the love we reflect to others so that they will see and know him. As stated previously our mandate as Christ followers is to share the gospel. As the gospel is rooted in God’s love, then we are to love others just as he loves us. Easy to say or write, hard to do sometimes.  

When the root (God’s love) of the gospel takes hold in our lives, when we accept that what Jesus did for us through the cross, our sins are forgiven and our relationship with God is made right. Our lives should reflect that change. How do we share the good news with love? 1 John 3:18 says “let us love not with words or speech but with actions and in truth”. 

We have all heard the term “actions speak louder than words” before. God proved his love to us through the action taken on the cross through Jesus. Knowing that the gospel is rooted in love what action(s) can you think of that will see those roots grow into the lives of others?

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Opposites

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People who have not been identified by name are considered anonymous. For almost every word in the English language there seems to be a way of expressing an opposite idea, these words or ideas are usually called antonyms. So, what is the antonym or opposite of anonymous? “Onymous”, this uncommonly used word means “bearing a name”. Seems obvious once you see them together yet not many people make the connection. 

Jude boldly lays out for us a definition for those he describes as “ungodly”. They are people “who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 4) The Greek word “asebēs” translated as ungodly in verse four describes someone who is impious (not showing respect or reverence, especially in context here to God), wicked, or ungodly. “Asebēs” underlines the idea of living without regard for religious belief or practice in one’s life. 

Remembering that Jude is writing this letter to the church, to his dear friends in Christ, we should take these words as a sort of warning. For Jude to use such powerful words there must have been visible signs of trouble within the church. He does not name names, but these people are not anonymous. As he explains, “they have slipped in among you”, they have inserted themselves into the life of the church, into the lives of the people who share in the gift of Christ, salvation. 

These onymous people in this verse do bear a name and it is “ungodly”. They are individuals whose hearts, minds and motives work against the will of the Lord, against the work of the Holy Spirit to further grow the kingdom of God. 

If we know from scripture what it means to be ungodly, we can then determine by opposite expressions what it means to be godly. Scripture is full instruction on how to live a life following God will, if we look at it in contrast to what Jude says in his letter, we have a sort of measure to compare. 

The ungodly pervert the grace of God in this case by “accepting” this gift of grace with grave misunderstanding. In their own minds, no matter how they live, the fulness of grace gives them even greater opportunity to participate in immoral activity. Jude describes their lives in verse 12. “These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm – shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown about by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and are unrooted – twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.”

In contrast to or opposite to this life, we as redeemed sons and daughters of God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross become loving participants in the family of God. We have reserved for us a place in heaven with our Heavenly Father. We are stars that shine brightly to others so they may see the father of lights through us. Like the waves of the ocean, we share in the rhythms of life that bring praise, honor, and glory to God. Our attitudes and actions bear the fruits of the spirit that are firmly rooted and grounded in the love of our Father. 

We may wish to be anonymous in life, but as followers of Jesus we are all onymous. Our lives bear his name. It is my prayer that you and I live our lives people see the complete opposite of what is means to be ungodly.    

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Do Not Ignore This Call

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It’s dinner time, you are all seated around the table, the food is being served and just as you are ready to take the first mouthwatering bite of food, the phone rings. You put down your fork to answer the call and like many times before, silence. The line is dead, no one is on the other end. Or, on the flip side you are hit with a long verbal stream of words that leaves everyone around the table curious about what is being said. Either way, you hang up and continue with the task at hand. 

Judes short letter in the New Testament letter was addressed “To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:” If you investigate the Greek word “klētos” translated as “called”, you get a better understanding of its purpose in the text. “Klētos” implies a meaning of relationship and/or task. In Romans 1:1 Paul introduces himself as “a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.” In Matthew chapter 22:14 the word is also used as an invitation into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

 So, if Paul, who identifies as a servant of Jesus Christ and Jude who follows suit, have been “called” (like the recipients of the letters they have written), who is doing the calling? And what is the “call” all about? 

God is the one who is calling! 
Why? Since the fall of man, when sin became entangled in the fabric of human life, (causing separation between God and man) God has been calling his children back into a right relationship with him. 

What is this call all about and what does this have to do with us today?  The pinnacle of the creation story comes when God masterfully created and walked with and talked with man and woman. Unfortunately, their perfect relationship was severed by sin and shame. God, in his infinite love for humankind offered up a way for us to be in relationship with him. Through the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus on the cross we experience his incredible grace, mercy, forgiveness and promise of eternal life in relationship with him again. 

The message of the Gospel continues to be the “script” of the call that God has for all his people. “klētos” is a call to relationship, this bond we have with our Father in heaven is also a call to action or task.  As we grow in our relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we become image bearers of who he is. We become agents (disciples) of Jesus with the task of speaking the good news of the gospel to others. 

Jude accepted and understood God’s call in his life in a much different time than we live today. The message of the gospel is timeless. The call from God to his people (then and now) is the exact same. There is no time and place that I could imagine where God will not be on the other end of that call. He is always present, waiting and listening to begin a new and beautiful relationship with anyone who answers. 

Many have answered the call from God, finding peace and promise in his message.  Some have “hung up” on the caller and chosen to ignore this life-giving news. Others, for many reasons have not even received the call yet. It is our job as the “called” to be the extension for the “divine operator”. Who is your next call going to be to?

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“Hey Jude”.

~ Steve Vandop ~ 1 Comment

Written by Paul McCartney, the ballad “Hey Jude” was penned to comfort and encourage a young man as he experienced turbulence in his life. Julian (Jude), son of John Lennon, was working through the hard changes in life as his father left his marriage relationship to be with someone else. The song was a letter thoughtfully written by a friend to a friend in need, written with emotion, and care. 

Have you ever been in church and the pastor comes up to give the message and he says something like this, “this past week I worked on a message to give today but last night God laid it on my heart to share something different with you this morning.” 

If you have read the short letter of Jude in the New Testament you will experience this exact notion. Verse three reads, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

Jude wanted to write about the incredible promise of salvation that each follower of Jesus shares in as a brother or sisters in his name. He introduces himself to us in this letter by identifying himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. Tasked with the responsibility of sharing the good news of salvation given to them through the death and resurrection of Jesus, he also felt the burden of speaking to the dangers that threatened to break apart their faith. 

In the NIV translation much of Jude’s letter follows the heading, “The Sin and Doom of Ungodly People”. There were persistent, observable, and not so obvious problems (I will explore some of these in future blogs following this one) creeping up in the life of the church. The truth of the gospel message was slowly being twisted by false teachings; people (posing as friends) were purposely leading others into denying that Jesus was the anointed one, the sovereign Lord over their lives. 

Jude was a friend, writing to friends in need. The Greek word translated “dear friend” (agapētos) can also mean beloved. There was a sense of deep connection, tenderness, care and love that Jude held for those in the church. The salvation they shared together served as a type of bond, both through their relationship with Jesus and then with one another as brothers and sisters. A true friend in Christ will always point you in the direction of Christ. 

I am reminded of another song, “What a friend we have in Jesus”. Originally written as a poem by a pastor to comfort his mother while he was away, the song reminds me that we also have friends in Jesus. The church is like a home for people, a place where they seek comfort, safety and encouragement, a place where friends and family can come together because of their common faith and salvation. 

Jude thoughtfully wrote this letter to urge his friends to contend for their faith, to stand up for what they believe in. When was the last time you encouraged a friend to stand firm in their faith or shared an encouraging word? 

You don’t have to write a letter but don’t be afraid to try. With so many digital platforms that keep our lives connected, think about sharing an encouraging word with a friend today. Who will you say “Hey” to today? 

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Being Called by your Full Name

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Have you as an adult ever been called by your full name? Maybe by a grandparent, parent, or spouse? If you have experienced this sometimes-startling call, you know the power it has to stop you in your tracks and grab your attention. It has not happened often, but I cannot tell a lie, it has happened to me.

Over the many years of listening to sermons, lectures or simply reading scripture, my attention is peaked when the speaker or author refers to Jesus as our “Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”. For me, there is a sense of having to stop and pay attention to what is being said and who it is being said to.

Three times in Peter’s second letter to the church he speaks of our “Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (1:11; 2:20; 3:18) The context of these words in time and place of writing would likely have had more impact on the hearts and minds of the people than they do today. In our abundantly different contexts of our Western culture, many “Christians” have distanced themselves from the reality of Christ as Lord in their lives, the need for a Saviour, and for some, even turning a blind eye to the name of Jesus Christ all together.

Peter communicates through his words that Jesus was so much more than just an extraordinary human being, He was the incarnate Son of God, coequal to and coeternal with God the Father. Understanding the triune nature of Father, Son and Holy Spirit has been an ongoing quest of humankind since the day Christ entered this our world as an infant. For you and me, understanding who Jesus is through reading scripture strengthens and grows the relationship we have with him. 

When I hear the name of Jesus in this context, I am reminded that He is the Lord of my life, that I need to live in obedience to his will and calling, to carry on his mission through the work and power of the Holy Spirit in my life. I am forever reminded that as my Saviour, Jesus paid the price for all my sins, that only through him may I have a relationship with our Father in heaven.  

While Peter speaks to many different powerful themes in his letter (the authority, truthfulness, and inspiration of the word; salvation, judgment, and the final days to come) the foundation on which our faith is built is the relationship we have with Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. 

In chapter 3:1 Peter states his purpose for writing this letter along with his first. They are written “as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.” The written words of Peter are reminders for the people of the church to “stir up” or “wake up” the truths (the foundations) of their faith that had been taught to them. “I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.” (2 Peter 3:2)

Words like “Lord” and “Saviour” certainly stimulate my mind when I hear or read them. How do you feel when the name of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is spoken in word or read in scripture? Are you reminded of the truth of the gospel message that has the power to forgive, save, and promise eternal life?  Stop, listen, and reflect on the gift we have in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Allow the words of scripture to stir within you, to inspire, comfort and challenge you, then share those thoughts with those around you.

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“Here’s Looking at You…”

~ Steve Vandop ~ 2 Comments

Some people might say that certain forms of modern-day technology are always watching, listening, gathering, and storing information about us. Some, they say, are tracking our every move. Can it or “they” really know when you wake up in the morning, what route you take to work, what you purchase at the grocery store or what you order for dinner? 

I am not a conspiracy theorist, yet I am not completely naive to the fact that many of these things are true. The question I often ask myself is: what is the motivation that fuels this kind of action? 

Genesis chapter 16 records the story of Hagar, an Egyptian slave that served Sarai, the wife of Abram. When the events of her life became more than she could bear, she ran and hid from all that was going on. Without any hope or promise of what the future held she encountered an angel of the Lord and discovered an incredible truth about who God is. 

The place where Hagar met the Lord was named “Beer Lahai Roi” which when translated means “well of the living one who sees me”. “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”” (Gen 16:13)

Hagar’s life changed in that moment. With a new hope she returned to Sarai and lived out the life that God had called her into, albeit with a new perspective. Knowing that God had a plan for her life and that he was watching over her, she became a significant part of the promise God gave to Abram and his people. 

Psalm 139 describes in very specific detail the incredible depths to which the Lord’s knowledge and understanding of who we are is, a deepness that no advanced technology or AI could ever know us.

“You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar… Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely… If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there… for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps 139:2,4,8,13) 

As I read these words, as I reflect on the depth of God’s power, knowledge and understanding I once again find myself asking the question, what is the motivation that fuels this kind of action? 

Despite what most of the world thinks, “God is love.” (1 Jn 4:16) He knows us completely because he loves us completely. Even greater than that he loves us unconditionally. His actions, thoughts, and plans for us are all motivated by love. 

We may hold onto a certain amount of fear (in small amounts this is healthy) when it comes to a worldly kind of “knowing and understanding” as our lives are “seen” through the lens of technology and human interpretation. When it comes to God’s love we should not hold onto any fear, perfect love from our Father in heaven drives out any fear (1 John 4:18).

The same God who saw Hagar in her time of need, who comforted David as his enemies tried to destroy him is the same God of love that is looking over you and I today. It is my prayer that you have experienced God’s unconditional love in your life. May His love be the motivation for your life. 

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Bread… so, so Good.

~ Steve Vandop ~ 1 Comment

Sourdough is one of my favourite types of bread especially when it is toasted, slathered with butter, and topped by a generous layer of Hagelslag (milk chocolate sprinkles). I have recently discovered that sourdough bread has a very short ingredient list. Basically, all you need is flour, water and if you like, a pinch of salt. Beyond these simple ingredients there comes a process to shape them into an edible loaf of bread. 

In the context of scripture what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear or think about the word “bread”? Do you think about the provision of mana God sent from heaven to feed his people? (Ex.16). Maybe your thoughts go to the account of the last supper where Jesus broke bread with his disciples (Luke 22). Maybe like me, you think about the five small barley loaves that fed 5000 people in John Chapter 6.

John chapter 6:35 is where Jesus declares “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” After Jesus meets the physical needs (hunger) of the people through this incredible display of his power, he draws them into a spiritual conversation using the words, “I am the bread of life”. 

The group of people Jesus is talking to in this verse seem to be missing the message intended for them, so he breaks it down into relatable terms that they can understand (using a metaphor). He is referring to himself in this verse both as “I am”, the God of their forefathers, and the “bread”, the source of life; the promised one sent by God as their Saviour and Messiah. The words that follow are two “simple ingredients” that speak to their spiritual needs, to their life in him.

The first ingredient, “come to me” is an obvious, point-blank call to faith given to the people. Jesus, the Messiah was right there in front of them and just having performed an incredible miracle they did not believe in him. “You have seen me and still you do not believe” (John 6:36). Second, “whoever believes in me” is another call to action (ingredient) much like the first. There is a decision or choice to be made. 

One commentary on this verse summed it up beautifully, “Christ shows that he is the true Bread; he is to the soul what bread is to the body, nourishes and supports the spiritual life. He is the Bread of God. Bread which the Father gives, which he has made to be the food of our souls.”

The bread metaphor used in this verse was rich with meaning in its original context because it was a staple of life. Today, especially in western culture this may not be the case. But the message is still the same. Jesus is still the source of life, both spiritually and physically. The call still stands, “come to me… believe in me”. Have you answered this call, is Jesus the bread of your life?

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The Gardener

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When it comes to pruning there is a right way to do it and a wrong way. One independent review of my pruning technique leans heavily towards the wrong way of doing things. In my defense, it was a big tree. I figured big tree, big tool, a chainsaw. In the end the tree survived, as I did when my reviewer returned from work that day (just barely). 

The opening words of John chapter 15 record the words of Jesus as he shares one of his last “I am” statements, giving us a glimpse of not only who he is but his Father in heaven. 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful… I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”. (John 15:1-2,5)

Much can be said about these words regarding the relationship between the Father (the gardener, or farmer), the vine (Jesus), and the branches (you and I as disciples of Christ). These relationships are foundational to understanding our place and purpose within the kingdom of God. 

As I seek to know God better through the names given to him in scripture, I could not help but focus on the role of God as the gardener or more definitively translated “farmer”. A true gardener or vinedresser has the necessary skills to tend to a vine in a way that yields the most fruit possible. For me, to hear and think about God from this perspective draws me into understanding how much he cares for his people. 

The illustration of the vine used in these verses from John has a long history and connection with the people of God. Throughout the Old Testament the vine and gardener illustrations depict God’s commitment and care for the people of Israel (at that time, the vine). 

Isaiah writes the words of a song about the deliverance of Israel in chapter 27 that speak to the characteristics of his love and care for his people.  “Sing about a fruitful vineyard: I, the Lord, watch over it; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it… In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.” (Is 27:1,6)

Under the new covenant (New Testament) Jesus becomes the life-giving vine that connects us to our Father in heaven.  As the gardener of our lives, I am thankful that God in his grace and mercy “prunes” and cares for us in a caring and loving way. Unlike my ill-fated chainsaw approach to pruning, God has an incredible plan for our lives.

With great care and purpose, even before our branch began to grow on the vine God knew what was to come, he knows what kind of fruit will be produced and continually works to prune or shape the lives of his people today. 

God’s word to us proves that he cares. John 3:16 says he cares (loves) us so much that he gave his one and only Son for us, Philippians 4:9 states that God will supply our every need. What an incredible loving and caring God we serve. 

It is my hope and prayer that the fruit we produce through the vine (Christ), and the loving care of our Heavenly Father will inspire and bear witness to others the goodness of God.  

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Green with Jealousy

~ Steve Vandop ~ 1 Comment

What is your favorite colour? How does it make you feel? On one side of the spectrum, the colour green has a longstanding history of being associated with feelings of sickness, greed, jealousy, and envy. On the other end of the spectrum green can be a colour that represent abundance, growth, and renewal. Our definition depends largely on context. 

I was reading in Exodus chapter 34 the other day and I had to stop to better understand the words found in verse fourteen. The chapter recounts the time when Moses goes before the Lord to receive for a second time the ten commandments. The verse reads, “do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God”. 

The primary dictionary definition of jealous is a “feeling or showing envy of someone of their achievements and advantages”. If this is true, how do we deal with the understanding that our God, who is perfect, be a jealous God? What is he jealous of? 

Human jealousy is most often tainted or spoiled by the influence of sin that clouds our thoughts. Human jealousy is often seeded with feelings of envy, a “painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.” 

Remove the influence of sin, the human condition from jealousy and mix it with the pure and unconditional love of God and his jealous nature becomes righteous and holy. 

In the context of Exodus 34 and other places in scripture God’s warnings of jealousy is a response to the idolatry of his chosen people. The second presentation of the ten commandments was in a sense a renewal of the covenant God made with his people to bring them out of slavery into the promise land. 

The word qannoʾ translated as jealous is used only to describe God. Behind the word is a sense of intensity and qualifies the actions and unique jealousy or zeal the Lord has for his people. Our God, our creator, cares deeply for and protects his people, those who have chosen to follow him. The motivation of his jealousy is filled with a pure and fervent love that reaches beyond anything we as finite humans can comprehend. 

God does not change. He continues to be a jealous God. It is only by his grace and mercy that we can be in good standing before him. The same love and protection that brought his people to the promise land continues to lead and guide us to the promise of life with him after death. He still desires our full attention to his will for our lives, to live a life that shines his love and light in the world. 

The idols of this world, the sin in our lives, constantly pull at our faithfulness to living God’s will for our lives. We are called to love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and mind. (Matt 22:37) Knowing that he is a Jealous God, that his love for us is pure and has our best interests at heart should be the motivation to inspire our faith, hope and trust in him. 

I am thankful that my God is a jealous God. This often-overlooked part of his character fits together with the whole of who he is. It is my hope and prayer that as we continue to grow in our knowledge of who our God is we learn how to reflect his character in our own lives so others can see him. 

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A Safe Place

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A “safe place” has been defined as “a place that provides a physically and emotionally safe environment for a person or group of people, especially a place where people can freely express themselves without fear of prejudice, negative judgment, etc.”. The communities we all live in have been challenged to meet the demands of strong cultural influences that in themselves have created the need for more diverse safe spaces. 

As I read through scripture, I am reminded in various ways that “safe places” are not a new thing, especially if you read through the book of Psalms. Often described as a place of refuge or hiding place, the writers describe more than just a physical space, they were pointing to their relationship with God as their place of refuge. 

Psalm 46:1-3 says that “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 91:2 describes God as “My refuge and strength” while Psalm 46:1 echo’s these words. Psalm 32:7 says, “You are my hiding place”. 

Scripture also draws for us some thought-provoking word pictures that describe God as a place of refuge. He is called a “Fortress” (Ps 46:7); A rock, a fortress, and a deliverer. (2 Sa 22:2-3); A shelter or shade (Ps 91:1); Sheltering wings (Ps 57:1); A shield (Ge 15:1), and a tower (Pr. 18:10). All these word pictures share in the meaning of how God is our place of refuge, a safe place to abide in.

As a follower of Christ, where is your place of refuge? What do you do or where do you go to feel safe? Where can you go to freely express yourself as a child of God?

I have had the privilege of being raised in the church since the day I was born. Over the many years of life that I have lived the church has been a safe place for me. Within the “four walls” of the church is a place where I can freely express myself without fear of prejudice and negative judgement. 

In addition to the definition already given here, a place of refuge can also be described as a “stronghold from which to launch a counterattack”. While this may sound a little extreme, I do believe that this is true. A church committed to extending the mission of Christ becomes the training grounds or center for equipping people to live out their faith in a world resistant to knowing and accepting the good news of the gospel. 

Christ is the head of the church. Colossians chapter 1:15-18 states “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation… He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

Knowing that Christ is the head of the church, we can take refuge in him. He becomes the rock our salvation is built on, he is the shelter, the shade where we can find rest, he becomes our shield of defense, a fortress where we can find safety and peace from the trails and temptations of the world constantly places in front of us. This has been my experience with the church, I know that this is not everyone’s experience. There are those who have been hurt by others in the church, it is my hope and prayer that these hurts/hearts can be healed, and the church can be the safe place it was designed to be. 

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