Dear COA Family,
“’Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.’
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem”
Isaiah 2:3.
This passage was written by the prophet Isaiah describing the state of the world in the
new age of Jesus’ reign on earth. The mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest mountain on earth – a symbol of Jesus’ authority. Nations will be at
peace with one another as our Lord adjudicates between all conflicts.
Yet one enduring feature of the new earth is that our Lord continues to teach us His
Word. Instruction and wisdom come from Him alone. The law will still go out from Zion.
If that is the case for the new heavens and earth, how much more ought our lives be
governed by the Word of the Lord in this world of conflicts and confusion?
As I continue pastoring people ranging from young to old, I have noticed that the one
constant denominator to all the struggles, sorrows and pain experienced by many is the
departure from God’s Word and going to self-deluded thinking and ambitions. Many
have turned aside from God’s plain instructions in Scripture and individualised “rational”
thinking. They have therefore “pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10).
One practice common among the Christian youths I have spoken with would be the
openness to entering into “unequally-yoked” relationships or dating someone who is
not of the Christian faith. Yet they know very well that the Scriptures call for marriages
with both “belonging to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39). To circumvent this, they exert
pressure on the other party to convert before marriage or hope for conversion later in
marriage. This is an unhealthy and unwise behaviour that can lead to much hurt and
even resentment. It would be better for the Christian to adhere to God’s Word from the
beginning.
For the older people, the attraction to accumulate wealth and put their trust in their
riches is prevalent, even among Christians. This is especially so in affluent Singapore.
Many couples I know spend long hours at work to the detriment of family and
devotional life. Yet the teaching of God’s Word is clear: Keep yourselves free from the
love of money and be content with what you have for the Lord will care and provide for
you (Hebrews 13:5).
And why does God teach these? It is because He knows what is best for us. His words
guide us towards a blessed life: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my
commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace
and prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1-2).
Beloved, let us immerse ourselves in His word and daily and live according to them, for it
is in His commands and teachings that we find life.
God bless,
Revd Ian