A chance for school leavers

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

Check out this offer from the Biz-School: LR Biz School info form. If you know somebody, who would benefit from this – please hand it on. 

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He completes his work perfectly

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus Christ – is Lord and God – forever!

It is the ancient hope of God’s people that finally Israel – Abraham’s children and believers of the true faith in Jesus Christ – the heir’s of the godly promise and  covenant in this Lord and saviour – will reach the promised land to be restored to the Lord of all and his enduring grace. Hosea verbalizes this divine promise inspired by the Holy Spirit in the early days:  “Afterwards the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.” (Hos 3:5 NIV) This word has partially been fulfilled, while some of this divine prophecy and heavenly truth is still outstanding and yet in the making: Schon und noch nicht!  (Already and not yet!) 

Israel has returned many times – not necessarily yet to the Lord and God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. However in the last days that final return, the true home-coming and arrival at the intended destination will occur by the grace of God, because he is faithful and does, what he promises.

We don’t believe that there will be millennium of Christian reign as a fourth or fifth Reich in the political dimension of our space and time. No options like some Sharia version of Christian domination ready for us really – and you can thank God for that! However since the victorious resurrection of Christ from the Dead – he rules and reigns without fail “for us and our salvation” and that’s why we’re already in his realm of peaceful dominion “that passes all understanding” amidst all stress and chaos of this time. This godly and christological sovereignty means that he is continuously drawing his people closer and closer towards him until they are with him and his enduring grace – in peace and eternal bliss. That’s his ongoing mission. That’s his daily business. That’s why he’s not judging the world as yet. It’s still time and space for grace and forgiveness and repentance and conversion and not too late yet! Nothing and nobody is going to  stop him from doing this wonderful gracious work of his – no Russian pogroms, no Nazi holocaust, no Iranian nuclear attacks. In the end – in the last days – he will complete his work perfectly and everybody will see him coming gloriously to judge the living and the dead. That will be his day. The day of Judgement, but also fulfilment. It will be that day of trembling and trepidation and he will then carry us through and bring us to perfect completion and we will see, that his promises have all been fulfilled – much better and more magnificent and splendid than we could ever have imagined before. The joy will have no end. The rejoicing and praise will continue to his honour and glory as Lord and God – as creator, saviour and giver of eternal life.  That is why St. Paul can already assure and encourage us with this divine hope, writing in the efficacious power of the Holy Spirit, who knows all and reveals to us, all that is helpful and beneficial to us to keep the faith and trust in him and his salvation: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phi 1:6 NIV)

Therefore let us thank God and praise him for this hope and faith and may he bless and keep and strengthen us in this faith and hope by his enduring love and mercy +

 

 

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What makes you happy? (J. van Wyk in Landbouweekblad)

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

Well, we’re in stressful times. There’s a lot to think and ponder about – and not only about you’re identity and sense of belonging on the African continent. No – there are lots of more contemporary and pressing issues like the political turmoil, industrial strife and labour unrest, economic tumble downturn and the ongoing Eskom tariff leaps upward. Then I not even touched on personal security, adventurous crime levels and intolerable loss of life on the roads, farms and even in old age homes. Well, Johann van Wyk has another view – seems you only need a “tin of sardines” if you come to think of it. Just read what he writes while enjoying his retirement “op die Strand.”

’N BLIKKIE SARDIENS VIR GELUK

Wat maak jou gelukkig? Ek het daaroor gewonder toe Suid-Afrika, op grond van mense se persoonlike ervaringe, onlangs baie laag op die wêreld se Geluksindeks geëindig het.

Gegewe die tye waarin ons leef, was dit seker te wagte dat Suid-Afrika nie bo-aan die indeks vir gelukkige lande sou pryk nie. Maar ek gaan my nie uitlaat oor wat mense alles in Suid-Afrika ongelukkig maak nie. Die lys sal lank en neerdrukkend wees.

Ek wil eerder stilstaan by wat mense wél gelukkig maak. Oftewel: Wat mý gelukkig maak. En daar is baie.

Die gelukkigste oomblik van my daagliks bestaan is egter wanneer ek soggens, hoewel soms met pyn, uit die skyndood van die slaap ontwaak en besef dat ek léwe. Dis elke môre ’n ontdekking wat my met vreugde en dankbaarheid vul as ek die gordyne ooptrek en die nuwe dag sien breek.

Om te verhinder dat my gevoel van behaaglike geluksaligheid onmiddellik tot ’n einde kom, vermy ek die slegte vroegoggendnuus oor die radio en beperk my tot die spotprent in die koerant. Dit laat my meestal glimlag.

Die spreekwoord lui mos: Lag, en die wêreld lag saam met jou.

Sedert 1994 het ek ook die gewoonte aangeleer om soggens, saam met my Weetbix, na ou Louis Armstrong se liedjie, What a wonderful world;, te luister. Dit versterk my gevoel dat die wêreld, hoe gebroke ook al, tóg ’n wonderlike plek bly. Ek wissel dit af met Bob Marley se Don’t worry, be happy. Nóg iets wat my persoonlike gelukindeks soggens die hoogte laat inskiet, is wanneer ek, een keer per week ná my Weetbix, ’n hele blikkie sardiens op roosterbrood alleen opeet. Let wel: Nié Suid-Afrikaanse of Portugese sardyne (“pilchards”) nie, maar die ware Jakob – duur, ingevoerde Noorweegse “silt sardines”.

Wanneer ek die blikkie aan ’n ringetjie ooptrek en die ou dae onthou toe jy dit, soos Bully beef, met ’n sleuteltjie oopgedraai het, styg my geluksindeks nóg ’n paar kerwe terwyl ek my verstom aan die wonderwerk om piepklein, goue vissies in perfekte simmetriese orde in ’n toe blik te kry. Dit beïndruk my meer as my selfoon, i-Pad en skootrekenaar.

Dit wek ook aangename herinneringe – wat my geluksindeks verder opstoot – aan die dae toe die sardientjie-effek op Stellenbosch nageaap is deur te kyk hoeveel studente in ’n ronde, outydse telefoonhokkie ingepak kan word. As ek reg onthou, was die rekord iets soos vyf. (In ’n Volkswagenkewer was dit 11.)

Dit herinner my ook aan die keer toe ons, op pad terug van die Kaap af Calvinia toe, by Gansfontein in die Ceres-Karoo moes oornag. Daar het my pa ’n blikkie sardiens by die Jood se winkel gaan koop. Teen sononder het ons dit saam met ’n halwe waatlemoen, oorskiet-braaivleis en koffie geëet. Eintlik het my pa dit geëet. Ek het net enetjie gekry …

Toe ons op ’n seiltjie langs die kar gaan lê, het ’n sekelmaan oor die stil, nagtelike hemel geskuif. Die volgende oggend het die son se eerste strale op die leë blikkie met sy opgerolde dekseltjie weerkaats.

Dis meer as 50 jaar gelede, maar ek onthou steeds die smaak van daardie sardiens … en hoe gelukkig dit my gemaak het.

Johan van Wyk, ’n boorling van Calvinia, is ’n deurwinterde, afgetrede joernalis wat in die Strand woon.

 

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Dies Geheimnis ist groß… (Epheser 5:32)

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

“Was Gott zusammengefuegt hat, das soll der Mensch nicht scheiden.”

Dies Geheimnis ist groß… (Epheser 5:32)

Paulus spricht Mann zu Mann: „Ein jeder habe lieb seine Frau wie sich selbst.“ Er vertieft die Forderung theologisch:  Es soll bei euch sein wie bei Christus und der Gemeinde. So wie jener diese geliebt hat, so sollt ihr die euch angetrauten Frauen lieben – mit Hingabe und bis zuletzt. Wie er die armselige Gemeinde als herrliche Braut angenommen, geschmückt und verherrlicht hat, damit sie als von ihm getaufte Gemeinschaft der Heiligen ohne Flecken und Runzel der Welt präsentierbar wird, so soll der Mann ebenfalls seine Frau als schönste und beste Kreatur von Gott dankbar annehmen, schmücken und verehren. Er soll sie im Herzen, Zuhause und in der Öffentlichkeit nicht beschämen, sondern sie hoch und wert halten, sie pflegen und ernähren in guten wie in bösen Tagen, ihr gerne helfen, sie nicht verlassen, sondern treu und liebevoll zu ihr stehen. Damit wird nichts Außergewöhnliches gefordert. Wer sich um seine Frau kümmert und sich für sie stark macht, der tut das eh für sich selbst, meint der Apostel. Beide sind zutiefst vereint, ja eins. Das ist gute Ordnung Gottes. Daran sollen wir uns halten.

Der Apostel fragt rhetorisch: Wer hasst sich schon selbst? Normal wäre die Antwort: Keiner. Doch diese ehemalige Klarheit ist uns abhanden gekommen, dass selbst grundsätzliche Ordnungen Gottes problematisiert, disqualifiziert oder gar ins Gegenteil verkehrt werden.

Das Rezept einer gelungenen Ehe ist denkbar einfach: „Ein jeder habe lieb seine Frau wie sich selbst.“ Dennoch bleibt die Verwirklichung ein großes Geheimnis. Nicht zuletzt wegen unserer harten Herzen. In seiner unergründlichen Güte lässt der himmlische Vater doch hier und dort solch paradiesisches Glück aufleuchten. Da loben und preisen wir ihn für solch unverdiente Barmherzigkeit, die uns in der gefallenen Welt an seine Vatergüte erinnert. Damit wir seine herrlichen Gaben nicht leichtfertig verscherzen, flehen wir ihn an:

„Was dir gefällt, das lass auch mir, o meiner Seelen Sonn und Zier, gefallen und belieben; was dir zuwider, lass mich nicht in Werk und Tat verüben.“ Amen.

Geschrieben fuer den Feste Burg-Kalender: 24.10.2012

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So gebt nun jedem, was ihr schuldig seid (Römer 13,7a)

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

So gebt nun jedem, was ihr schuldig seid (Römer 13,7a)

Politik ist kein rechtsfreier Raum losgelöst aus Gottes Interessen- und Herrschaftsgebiet. Globale Größen unterstehen ihm wie jeder Scheriff im Dorf. Er will, dass Gerechtigkeit und Frieden herrsche und jeder mit Danksagung empfange sein täglich Brot. Darum hat er Obrigkeit als Schutz- und Ordnungsmacht eingesetzt. Sie soll vor allem Armen und Rechtlosen beistehen.

Der Apostel schreibt solchen, die zwar unter heidnischer Tyrannei leben, aber noch von ihrem Schutz profitieren. Noch steht die Verfolgungssituation, die später von dort über die Kirche einbricht, nicht zur Debatte.  Bedacht wird nicht christliche Verantwortung angesichts diabolischer Entartung der Obrigkeit. Gehorsamsverweigerung und gewaltsamer Widerstand gegen legale Unrechtssysteme probiert die Kirche erst später aus. Martyrium bleibt ihr nicht erspart. Gott Lob, wenn sich schlechte Regierung friedlich abwählen lässt und es bessere Alternativen gibt! Er sei auch den Menschen gnädig und barmherzig, denen das verwehrt bleibt.

Der Apostel wehrt sich hier gegen das Missverständnis, Christen seien vom zivilen Gehorsam dispensiert. Noch sind sie nicht im himmlischen Jerusalem wie Schwärmer weltfremd fantasieren. Die Forderung Zoll und Steuern zu zahlen behält Gültigkeit, obwohl die Opposition regiert, auch wenn das Fernsehprogramm viel zu wünschen übrig lässt und trotz zu vieler Schlaglöcher auf den Straßen. Noch gelten Zwang und Zucht. Zu viele trachten nach eigenem Interesse auf Kosten anderer. Da muss rechtlich Schutz und Riegel vor.

Absolute Rechtsfreiheit bleibt diesseitig Utopia. Darum sind weiterhin Ehre und Furcht, Strafe oder Schutz denen zu erweisen, denen sie geschuldet werden. Nicht egalitär, sondern je nach Verdienst und Würdigkeit. Die rangmäßige Schuldigkeits- und Vergeltungsordnung bleibt zur linken Hand Gottes. Einer komme dem anderen mit Liebe zuvor und bleibe niemandem etwas schuldig als diese – um Christi willen.

Herr Jesus Christus: Treib unseren Willen, dein Wort zu erfüllen; hilf uns gehorsam wirken deine Werke; und wo wir schwach sind, da gib du uns Stärke. Amen

Geschrieben fuer den Feste Burg Kalender: 23.10. 2012

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It’s God’s business: “… bringing back the strays”

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

Today’s Herrenhuter readings (Losung & Lehrtext) are from Ezekiel 34:16 and John 6:39. It is the Lord himself, who says: “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays.”  (Eze 34:16 NIV).

That is the good news for all busy in Church and its mission. So often we just see people leaving the communion of Saints, turning their backs on the Church and its message, forgetting that it’s the place, where the Holy Spirit gathers, enlightens and keeps us in the true faith by his most precious means of grace – his word and sacrament: Forgiving our sins and healing all our diseases (Ps.103)

However its also for us, who know how easy and quick it is to go astray, get disorientated, just plain getting lost. Well, that’s the worst that can happen to us. Losing sight of Jesus Christ – the Lord and savior, forgetting about his gracious presence and living as if there is no God! It’s what holy Scripture calls: “spiritually dead and in sin!”

Well, the good news of God’s message for today is, that he himself will seek out the lost and bring back the stray. It’s what the triune God does – that’s his mission all along – since he first went out and called: “Adam – where are you!” He did not stop since then seeking, finding, bringing back: “Cain – what have you done? Where is your brother?” and in this very personal way he cares for you and your sister, your son and your grandchild – as his own. He’s still going out today to the ends of the earth seeking out the lost, finding the strays, bringing back into the folds of the family: “Rejoice – this your brother was lost – dead as a matter of fact! – and behold, he’s found again – back with the living!” And now you too should be happy and rejoicing, because that’s God’s doing bringing people back from the dead and into the congregation of the living again. Don’t you know that it is his grace and mercy that calls you to repentance and conversion to return from the long and winding back roads and head straight back home. He does that through his call to repentance (Wake up! Turn around!), the wonderful and most gracious forgiveness (Your sins are forgiven! Go in peace!), the surest commitment (See: I am with you all the days!)

Now – look here and don’t you worry: The Lord will seek you out, he will find you, he will bless and keep you in the true faith + for his names sake. That’s his  business and mission, that’s his  doing and also his pride and honor to seek and find and bring back the lost.

And you hear – our Lord Jesus Christ – the only begotten son of the heavenly Father – he, who’s one with the Father and lives by doing the will of the Father faithfully and has fulfilled this divine perfectly and continues to live, reigns and rules to carry out this divine will on earth as in heaven – his will, work and mission is identical with that of the Father. He does this seeking, finding and bringing back home the stray too, but he also does more as we read in the 2nd reading from St. John’s gospel: “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” (Joh 6:39 NIV) Those that he has gathered home and sanctified by his holy word of forgiveness, whom he heals with words of blessing, grace, love and peace and thus feeds and takes care of most kindly and caringly in his holy congregation and Christian Church – these he also keeps and preserves in the one holy and saving faith. He does this without fail – in the Church and through the office of the ministry – giving just as we need it and doing his work of sanctification day in, day out through word and sacrament. He takes care that everything works for our best and that is for our salvation. That’s his honour, that’s his pride that he loses none of those, whom the Father has entrusted to him – and remember, not even the most ugly death can separate us from the tender love of God in Jesus Christ, because finally he will raise us again from the dead and let us see, what we here have believed already: That he overcomes everything for us +  Then finally we will be home and with him eternally. Until then take courage, because his promise is true and his commitment unfailing. He will surely see it through, what he has set out to do. Nothing and nobody is going to stop him from getting you there, where he wants you. All authority and power in heaven and on earth has been given to him and we are sure he will do it.

Therefore we laud and praise his holy name now and forever: The good shepherd, who seeks and finds the lost and brings back home the stray and wayward. He is our Lord and Savior + Amen.

 

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High time we learnt a lesson from Zimbabwe

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

It’s troublesome, but read it anyway. Mosibudi Mangena concludes his article in today’s “Pretoria News”:

“Although worrying, the South African political space is still open to allow citizens to mobilize one another in order to move the country in the right direction, away from the path to ruin. A failed state or one in turmoil is no joke; ask Zimbabweans or Somalis, if you want to know.”

South Africa – a failed state? Troubling prospects indeed, even if it’s becoming more and more a common perception.  And who can blame those that share this view. There are more people dependent on state support than people earning their own living. More than 25% unemployment and that’s being conservative – and Mangena adds even more reasons. Read more about his view and why he thinks it’s “High time we learnt a lesson from Zimbabwe – Pretoria News | Opinion“.

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Losung und Lehrtext für Dienstag, den 23. Oktober 2012

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

Losung und Lehrtext für Dienstag, den 23. Oktober 2012

Then the LORD said: “See … You are to say everything I command you.” (Exo 7:1-2 NIV) [“Der HERR sprach zu Mose: Du sollst alles reden, was ich dir gebieten werde.” (2.Mose 7,1.2)] That’s a clear command and mandate from the Lord. Everybody should consider that before opening his/her mouth. That’s the rule and standard by which we are going to be measured at the coming Judgement before Jesus Christ the Lord and final judge of all. That holds true especially for pastors, teachers and bishops, who speak “in the name of the Lord”: Demands, admonitions, warnings, critique, consolations, promises of forgiveness, grace and peace. Careful not to ask more or less than what the Lord God himself has required. Anxious not to promise more than the Lord himself has given us sure reason to hope for. Who would want to declare war, when God has set his eyes on peace? Who would pronounce peace, where God is preparing for war? That is why we who follow Jesus as Lord and God, should sharpen our ears: “Speak o Lord, for your servant is hearing, listening and obeying!” All ears for what the Lord says in his holy word and pleading: “Grant us your holy Spirit – O Lord – so that he may lead and guide us in all truth. Your word is the truth!”

That is all the more important as many look and listen, what we, who belong to the Lord and to his Church, stand for in thought, word and deed. They are  so eager to hear from Christians, what we promote and what we hope for – even if they look bored and by no means interested. Don’t let that averted look fool you: They are looking and listening intently, because lastly they want to know, who sent us and by what authority we think, say and do that. You might consider that irrelevant, but your Lord has called you to be his witness in word and deeds. He has granted you his Holy Spirit again and again – sometimes even with the laying on of hands: “Receive the Holy Spirit!” That’s the Spirit that leads in divine truth and reminds us of everything Jesus Christ himself taught his Church since the very beginning and through his most holy apostles and prophets of old.  God the Father himself declared: “This is my beloved son – listen to him!” And Jesus Christ sent his disciples and friends to the ends of the earth with the comforting authorization: “As the Father sent me, I send you!”. Therefore remember the high and powerful encouragement to not be afraid of men, lords and kings, but to confess the will and promise of our God boldly and don’t waver or hesitate to bring his most gracious consolation to the poor and needy sinners both high and low, because our Lord wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. Therefore don’t worry, don’t be afraid, don’t put your light under the bushel, but rather speak up for the truth of God, sing to the Lord and praise his name, for he alone is holy and powerful to save those, that need it most: “For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mat 10:20 NIV) [Denn nicht ihr seid es, die da reden, sondern eures Vaters Geist ist es, der durch euch redet. (Matthäus 10,20)]

We pray: “Lord, open my lips that my mouth will declare your praise!“

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Losung und Lehrtext für Montag, den 22. Oktober 2012

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

Losung und Lehrtext für Montag, den 22. Oktober 2012: Nicht hat euch der HERR angenommen und euch erwählt, weil ihr größer wäret als alle Völker – denn du bist das kleinste unter allen Völkern -, sondern weil er euch geliebt hat. (5.Mose 7,7-8)

“The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers … ” (Deu 7:7-8a NIV) That’s good news for all of us little ones – those smaller, poorer,  not as smart, well-off, healthy, prosperous and flourishing as others! It’s really good news for the poor, lowly and despised. It’s encouraging even for those, who are afflicted and troubled because of the shocking state of statistics and numbers and income and status and merit on their own part, but also of the size and impact and worthiness of their congregation and church and denomination and even of that of the “one, holy Christian Church” – because God’s love doesn’t depend on “size” – at least not in the sense it does with us and in our evaluation of things and people and even of holy and divine things and matters. Rather surprisingly the triune God turns this human yardstick, this benchmark of natural law, this universal standard of ours upside down. His dealings with Israel go a long way to prove this point. God chose Israel as the smallest and most insignificant of nations so that the gracious nature of his election would be obvious – not due to own strength, merit or other qualifications on its part. And just think of Jesus Christ – deserted, suffering and so despised and discriminated on the Cross. That’s the beloved Son of God – in his final and all surpassing glorification on the Cross.  That’s the decisive message of the triune God in this regard.

His gracious truth of the gospel all boils down to his compensating and reconciling and healing love and mercy and forgiveness – and that’s enough for everyone. With this he covers up, forgives and heals our lack, our loss and our shortcomings with his divine surplus and creativity. For truly, who would not acknowledge that on a realistic scale according to our evaluations and taken just as we are – we’re all more at the bottom end of the scale – stuck helpless in misery, quite unable to save and sanctify ourselves. Thanks be to God that he has loved us from eternity and drawn, saved and redeemed us out of this misery and hopelessness to himself so that we’re not left to our own devices, but rather safe and sound in his care and goodness – right there in the promised land of his godly presence and divine salvation. That’s the divine grace and mercy that creates all goodness out of nothing. Taste and see, how good your Lord is! The Apostle Saint Paul has got it spot-on: “God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”(1Co 1:28-29 NIV) Das Geringe vor der Welt und das Verachtete hat Gott erwählt, das, was nichts ist, damit er zunichte mache, was etwas ist. (1.Korinther 1,28)

So – take comfort – that means that you too in all your lowliness are not forgotten or outcast, but rather close and dear to God’s own heart. So much so, that the Father gave his only Son Jesus Christ for you – that you are his beloved son and daughter now and forever. He sanctified you and the entire Christian Church – so that now you – like her – are his most precious bride, soul mate,  spouse: spotless, perfect and oh just so pretty and lovely in his sight – because of what he has done and is doing and is going to do for you and her.

The Holy Spirit enlighten, strengthen and keep you in this true and saving faith + as he lives and rules together with the Father and the Son for you and your salvation now and forever + Amen.

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Losung und Lehrtext für Sonntag, den 21. Oktober 2012

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Wilhelm Weber

Losung und Lehrtext für Sonntag, den 21. Oktober 2012

Mose trat in das Tor des Lagers und rief: Her zu mir, wer dem HERRN angehört! (2.Mose 32,26)

Erforscht euch selbst, ob ihr im Glauben steht; prüft euch selbst! (2.Korinther 13,5)

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