"You're Going, Going, GONE"

Woke up to the knowledge of MJ's demise. On my drive to work, heard the news over the radio. Was listening to callers' shocks, tribute MJ songs etc. But there was one tune playing in my head. It was one of Switchfoot's best-loved tunes. Incidentally, the CD was in the player. I played the song over and over....

GONE

She told him she'd rather fix her makeup

Than try and fix what's going on

But the problem keeps on calling

Even with the cell phone gone

She told him that she believes in living

Bigger than she's living now

But her world keeps spinning backwards

And upside down

Don't say so long in the cellphone

Don't spend today away

'Cause today will soon be

Gone

Like yesterday is

Gone

Like history is

Gone

Just try and prove me wrong and

Pretend like you're immortal

You're immortal

She said, he said, live like no tomorrow

Everyday we borrow, brings us

One step closer to the edge

Infinity

Where's your treasure, where's your hope

If you get the world and lose your soul?

She pretends like she pretends like she's immortal

Don't say so long, you're not that far gone

This could be your big chance to make-up

Today will soon be

Gone

Like yesterday is

Gone

Like history is

Gone

The world keeps spinning on

You're going, going

Gone

Like summer break is

Gone

Like Saturday is

Gone

Just try and prove me wrong

You pretend like you're immortal

We are not infinite

We are not permanent

Nothing is immediate

We're so confident

In our accomplishments

Look at our decadence

Gone

Like Frank Sinatra

Like Elvis and his mom

Like Al Pacino's cash

Nothing lasts in this life

My High School dreams are

Gone

My childhood sweets are

Gone

Life is a day that doesn't last for long

Life is more than money

Time was never money

Time was never cash

Life is still more than girls

Life is more than hundred dollar bills

And roto-tom fills

Life is more than fame and rock and roll and thrills

All the riches of the kings end up in wills

We've got information in the information age

But do we know what life is outside of our convenient Lexus cages?

She said, he said live like no tomorrow

Every moment that we borrow brings us

Closer to the God

Who's not short of cash

Hey Bono, I'm glad you asked

Life is still worth living

Life is still worth living...

The Dead Ones (Part 3) - Those Who've Gone and the Power of Modeling

I was amazed few days ago when my one-year-old nephew lift up both his hands high in the air when my brother asked him "How do you Praise the Lord?" So cute!

Infants learn by doing what they see their parents are doing. How else do they learn new skills? In time, they'll also imitate their expressions, mannerisms and even habits. I've long suspected that many people have their so-called "inherited" diseases are not because of genes....but that's for a future time when I'll have my chance to prove a point or two....

That's what Jesus do when he was a man on earth. He did everything what he saw his Father was doing (John 5:19). Not that he couldn't do anything on his own, but he was teaching us the power of prayer, and specifically modeling. Son following father.

Elisha inherited a double portion from Elijah. Many people these days have no idea what it means by a double portion. A double portion is normally only given to the firstborn son. Or it could be a chosen heir or successor. Like Joshua succeeded and replaced Moses. Earlier Elisha called Elijah "master", but later "father". This double portion thing is both a great privilege and a terrible responsibility. That's why Elijah said to Elisha "You've asked a difficult thing". Difficult not for Elijah to give, but for Elisha to bear. My dad is the firstborn son in his family, so I know what terrible responsibility it is! And to my understanding, only one can inherit the double portion. So I really do not understand when the whole church is asking for a double portion from men of God these days! Especially those they hardly even know. I always cringe when I hear those prayers.

Paul addressed Timothy as "my true son in the faith". Obviously many of his own betrayed him. But that did not stop him instructing young Tim to set an example for others to follow. And though he was at the end of his life (just as Elijah was leaving Elisha), he wrote to young Tim "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching.....Guard the good deposit entrusted to you...." (2 Timothy 1:13,14). He was instructing young Tim to model after him.

There are a few people who'd passed and impacted my life. And sometimes I do model what they'd say, what they'd do, what they'd think in many situations and scenarios in life, as if they've never left me. I can only do this with the people I've known, and they've known me. I've gotta observe and listen to them closely while they're with me. I did this with my former chess and squash captain. I observed how they battled, how they handled pressure, how they responded to defeats, and how they managed their team which included me! I remember the things they said both in the training ground and battlefields. I'd sometimes imitate them while fighting, a bit like how Patroclus imitated Achilles. We all have models in different areas of our lives, whether we're conscious of them or not.

And I do have a few spiritual models. Yesterday I wrote that I remembered many teachings from my former youth pastor. But that's not just it. Not long ago, I was instructed by certain people not to have anything further to do or consult men such as him who's no longer part of the same church. If only they understand the power of modeling! Many times and in different places, I'd consult my memories of people like him, to find what I should do or say at times. I'd normally catch up with them after years, to re-engage, "re-evaluate" and "callibate" my models (unknowing to them of course). Because they're still living, they do change and progress in life. Their views and stances do change. It's often because of the refreshing grace of God "abounding" in their lives. But the things I like in them (not necessary the things I'd agree) never change. Otherwise they would not be my models. Physical or non-physical, natural or unnatural boundaries are of no consequence.

This is what I taught myself to do over the years, across places. If it's natural for babes, it should be for me. I've learnt which parts of the mountain to dig for pure gold, which parts of the desert to find my oasis.

Still, it's a terrible thing....to inherit something as heavy as a double portion from a "father". I've not really inherited a double portion from someone. In fact there were times I declined such responsibilities. I've disappointed my past bosses and captains. I'm still just a distant modeller. For now.

The Dead Ones (Part 2) - We're Copycats

Umpteen years ago, it was my youth pastor who mentioned something really odd in the middle of his message: about dead Christian authors who made more impact/sense than the living ones. Just an unrelated passing remark which knocked me still.

Now, don't underestimate the power of very young minds. Though I didn't have a clue what he meant because he didn't explain his statement, but I caught and hid it in my memory bank...intuitively understood that someday it'll make sense and be significant to me. There were many similar gems, but maybe for other times...

So what did he mean? I'll never know for sure unless I had asked him then.

Could he have meant one or more of the following:

1) Christians of old are more diligent in studying and seeking the truths because of their uncluttered lifestyles, less modern day distractions and temptations?

2) Because of (1), they could dig out more "first-hand" revelations than current Christians who are more spoon-fed?

3) Because they're gone, and if their works are still being read, it means they've stood the test of time whereas the living ones have yet to pass through that test?

4) Because their lives are complete, they can be "judged" by many. And if approved, their legacy will stand. For the living ones, their lives and works can only be judged and approved at their completion. And then finally their true motives and intentions are uncovered and laid bare?

5) Based on (3) and (4), maybe that's why many great names were only greatly honoured and recognized AFTER their passing. And their influence and teachings continue to spread, crossing borders of time, place and culture.

I once read this wonderful quote in Amazon.com (review section) from someone replying to a cynical critic of Augustine's "Confessions":

There's an old story about a man going in (museum) to see the Mona Lisa (painting). He stood in front of it for awhile and frowned and looked thoughtful. Then uttered "I don't like it. Nope. It's just not very good." The guard could not help but respond, "Sir, the paintings in this room are no longer being evaluated. These are the paints by which viewers are evaluated." The Confessions is such a book. You have not judged it, you have displayed a judgment of yourself.

Similarly, the lives and works of past champions have passed through tests of all sorts. I don't have to be wary, guess and double-guess their intentions and motives. They're history. THAT'S WHY I can find more encouragement from them than the living ones.

The scripture verse I intended to cite in my last post was (correctly guessed :) ) Ecclesiates 7:2 "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart."

You'll know more of a person in his funeral than his birthday parties! That's what it says. Funerals will make us think and learn about life, but birthday parties will not.

John Piper in his message "The Swan is Not Silent", said that he didn't really have anyone to pastor/mentor him. He said he had to go to "these guys". He meant Augustine, Jonathon Edwards, Luther, Wesley, Calvin etc. Carefully chosen champions of old. He would immerse himself in their biographies and writings, live and walk through their journals and diaries. They're his unseen mastermind group of advisors and counsellors.

I guess at the end of the day, we must realise and decide for ourselves the differences and the limits of what the living and the dead can and cannot do for us. Who we can model after. Not taking our eyes off the ultimate Model, who lived and died for us, the Champion of all champions.

We are all but copycats, imitators. Might as well choose well and do it well!

The Dead Ones

After reading through what was posted earlier, I have to pen my comments on what I meant when I said "I find more encouragement from those who are long gone and dead, than the living ones..."

What advantage do the dead ones hold over the living ones? You're probably thinking I got it backwards! Maybe.

I also found out this morning that, it's actually scriptural. I happened to read Ecclesiastes...

Though tempted, I won't write further. You've to stop. And THINK.

Do you know what is it? Feel free to write in your comments.

The Swan is Not Silent

What sermons and messages have you been listening to? What books and devotional materials have you been devouring? What wells have you been digging for your dry cracked soul?

Sometimes I find more encouragement from those who are long gone and dead, than the living ones. Though they're physically dead, but their voices and messages echo on, into our dark, hollow voids.

I remember writing a little of what I read of Augustine in a post last year. A couple of days ago, I found an audio preaching on the life of Augustine by Pastor John Piper. I strongly urge you to download (it's free) and spend about an hour and the half listening to it closely.

Allow Pastor John Piper's passion for sovereign joy challenge, stir and even provoke you. The life message of St. Augustine is still very much relevant today, in our churches and our very own cluttered lives.

The swan is not silent, still.