Monday Message

As I write this, I’m watching ‘The X Factor NZ’ and it occurs to me that what I’m watching on TV falls in well with my message for this Monday. On ‘The X Factor’ contestants are given a huge audience, close coaching and guidance, staging and performance help and the assurance that, should they win, they’re guaranteed anumber 1 hit for their first single. But what happens after that? And what happens for those who don’t win? Some of the contestants have great skill at what they do and they will go far. Take a look at the difference between last year’s winner, Jackie Thomas, and third place, Benny Tipene. Jackie had a hit and then I heard nothing from her until she had a guest performance on the current series. Benny, on the other hand, has had a string of popular songs including one used in a Coca Cola ad. So why am I harping on about a show that many see as contrived and too coddling of the contestants? Because I want to look at what it’s like to take the next step out fro

When we hear the words, “he gave up the ghost,” we often understand it to be a statement of defeat. I’ve used it when a car, computer or phone stops working. It’s usually a trigger to throw it out and move on. Should it be so defeatist? John 19: 28-30 Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill scripture He said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to His lips. When Jesus had tasted it, He said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and released His spirit. The King James version uses the phrase “ He gave up the ghost .” Jesus had a mission to fulfill on earth; The ultimate completion of God’s plan to redeem mankind. He persevered through humiliation, slander, betrayal, denial, whipping, beatings, scourging and having His beard torn out! He kept going as the nails were put through His hands and feet and he was hoisted on a cross for all to see. Even 

Today, in acknowledgement of Jesus sacrifice, I present a poem I wrote about the crucifixion. The echoes of the hammer have fallen away Now just heard are the moans of those hung from the trees Three have a view over the crowd And one, the innocent His view is of eternity seen through a veil Of blood and pain From a body battered and torn Thorn crown on his head mocks His station before the crowd And His gaze settles on each one Both then and now Not eyes that accuse, condemn or show vengeance Only love and forgiveness are shown those who dare return His look To man and woman shows pity and sorrow From a face no longer known Broken and torn Three to die discuss their fate In the face of death half denied, half known How much greater the knowledge of those Soon to depart the mortal realm? Fall of night at top of day And anguish descends “It is finished” comes the cry Victory always, defeated never A cloth immemorial torn asund