Succession: Generation Next

MANNA ISSUE 68 Succession: Generation Next

Passing and Receiving the Baton of Faith

Step by Step into the Family of God The Image of a Christian in the Digital Age The goal of Manna is to inspire MANNA believers“ to live an active faith through ISSUE 68 Vol 36 No. 4 mutual encouragement and the study of Publication date: December 2012 biblical truths.” Succession Commit to Faithful Men by Peter Shee EDITORIAL

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim 2:2)

The World Delegates Conference in 2011 aptly chose Succession as its theme, reflecting the increasing consciousness that the True Jesus Church has come of age and is fast approaching her centennial in 2017. Adopting the same theme in this issue, three articles examine the intricacies of “passing the baton” and a fourth presents a case study of passing on the faith in the context of a local church. Two veteran ministers share their views on succession. “Identify-Equip-Handover” outlines the approach of one writer. He highlights important traits of successors, emphasizes on training standards and finally notes that handing over is in itself an exercise in obedience. But succession is not just about passing on. As pointed by the second writer, it is about safeguarding the legacy of faith and ensuring the next generation are rooted in their beliefs and remain faithful to the truth. From the perspective of a younger minister, the exemplary conduct of his seniors must be matched with anchors in his generation, who like the biblical Isaac are obedient but not passive. The case study, replete with quotes from interviewees, opens to our view the uniting potential of faith in transcending generational and cultural barriers. Heart-warming and insightful at the same time, the study uncovers gaps and concludes that succession requires planning. Articles complementing this issue’s theme include the Bible Study on 2 Timothy as well as insights from a young man who has just entered the secular workforce and is starting to understand what it really means to serve God. Many forces work against proper succession. While inertia and indifference result in lack of successors in the spiritual workforce, unbridled ambition stands at the other end of the spectrum. “Thief of Hearts” offers a timely reminder to us as subjects of the Kingdom, that “God is the Ruler yet.” No one takes the place of God, no one should allow his allegiance to shift from the Divine to any human, and no one needs to lose heart. In the grand scheme of things, the heirs of God are those that are truly in Christ (Rom 8:17; Heb 6:17). No subversion will overthrow succession in the place where God reigns.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Anna Khoo MANAGING EDITOR: Tzu-Ann Chen REVIEW BOARD: Phillip Kong (Australia), K.C. Tsai (Canada), Joel Chong (Malaysia), Lemuel Leong, Jonah Yapp (Sabah) Peter Shee, Eng Guan Tay (Singapore), Michael Chan, Simon Hsu (UK), Shawn Chou, Stephen Ku, John Lin (US)

Manna (ISSN1528-8617) is published quarterly by the True Jesus Church, IA Department of Literary Ministry, 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA. Copyright © 2012 True Jesus Church. All rights reserved. U.S. Postmaster: send change-of-address forms to 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA.

3 6 9 Passing and Receiving Pass On the Mission Succession and Passing the the Baton of Faith Perpetuating the church’s great Baton Walk with God, set the example, commission. Passing on the ministry: TABLE OF by Derren Liang work together. importance and implementation. CONTENTS by Vuthy Nol-Mantia by Simon Chin

EXHORTATION BIBLE STUDY Four Families in the Apostolic 27 Church (Part III): Philip’s Family

REFLECTION An Admirable Faith 42 12 17 20 Generation to Generation The Christ in the Book of Thief of Hearts A case study on succession. Numbers: Part 6—A Star out Keeping our hearts with all by Audrey Chan diligence. of Jacob by Philip Shee Jesus, the shining star of salvation. by Shen Chuan Chen

Call for Articles 44 Articles of Faith 45 TESTIMONY

23 30 Fulfill Your Ministry—A Study Step by Step into the Family on 2 Timothy (I) of God Serving God with endurance, A heavenly choir, a vision, a trial. faithfulness and godliness. by Wooi Min Yong

COLUMNS

32 34 36 39 International Assembly Youths Workforce Love@Home

Current Developments in the Western The Image of a Christian in the Serve the Lord with Gladness The First Couple Hemisphere Missionary Work Digital Age Balancing our job with service Lessons learned from the first The harvest is plentiful, but the How do we behave online? to God. husband and wife. by Keoni Yang by Timothy Yeung laborers are few. by Charmian Chong by Derren Liang Succession

Manna 2 THEME SECTION and saidtohim, ‘Abraham!’ things thatGod testedAbraham, “Now itcametopassafter these WITH GOD BUILD A GOODRELATIONSHIP and hisrelationship withGod. actions Abraham’s from much learn can we faith, the in Isaac instructed Abraham how say explicitly not does Bible the Although Isaac. to faith his to theirdescendants? the people in the Bible pass their faith did How successfully? race this run we can how But faith. of baton the on pass to relay spiritual challenging relay isquiteademandingrace. a reason, this For person. next the to it pass to how think to had I hand, in would come from. baton However, with the baton the where worrying without running, start would I me, toward running person first the saw I When disqualified. get would or we zone certain a within baton the pass to had he because running was study exactly how fast the first person to had I such, As work. more meant receive and pass on the baton, which the to had usually who runner third was or second I because it like really relay.didn’t m I 4x400 the ran is also calledtheanchorperson. He fastest. the is runner last the and respectively, fastest fourth and third the runners third and second the fastest, second the is runner first the are default, By runners. there four usually relay, meter 4x400 a In Abraham successfully passed down a running is church the Today, often I school, high in was I When the Baton ofFaith Passing andReceiving Vuthy Nol-Mantia—Dallas, Texas, USA (Gen 22:2) Isaac, whomyoulove…” “Take now yourson,onlyson THE EXAMPLE OF LOVESET ae od eainhp wt one another. with relationships good good have also a will we have God, with we relationship Once God. to closer draw to ourselves cultivate to Him. with experiences personal in lacking and God often find ourselves weak with in faith and relationship a have good not do we because is That well. very along get not may church (Gen 22:7, cf.Gen22:1). God answered he way same him, “My father!” he answered him in addressedthe Isaac When Isaac. son his for ear open an had also he His teachings? obey and we practice Him, Do to voice? respond God’s Do to listen God? we with relationship good and obeyedtheLORD’s command. Him to responded spoke, He when that Abraham quietly listened to God (Isa God of 41:8; cf. Jas 2:23). Genesis 22 tells us friend the called was and LORD the of Him—Abraham good voice the heared a with had relationship Abraham because And he said, ‘Here I am.’” (Gen 22:1) hte yug r l, e need we old, or young Whether in old and young the Sometimes God, to listened only not Abraham a have we Do us? about What name by Abraham knew God Manna 3 THEME THEME

SET THE EXAMPLE OF FAITH Just as Abraham loved his son Isaac, we too need to show love towards our younger generation. Just as Isaac was precious to Abraham because he was born of promise, our next generation should be precious to us because And Abraham said to his young they are the ones who will receive the baton of faith. men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” Just as Abraham loved his son they have to drive far to get home. (Gen 22:5) Isaac, we too need to show love But sometimes, after service, I towards our younger generation. Just would find a bag of cookies in front After a three-day journey, during as Isaac was precious to Abraham of my door. I knew that the brethren which Abraham had time to think because he was born of promise, our had put it there. Although they did things through, they finally arrived next generation should be precious not have much time to talk to me, at Mount Moriah. Abraham had to us because they are the ones who this seemingly small gesture showed probably thought much about will receive the baton of faith. So, we their love towards me. God’s will and, by faith, had finally need to show our love and care for When I served in Hawaii, there concluded that God would be able them. was an elderly sister who knew that to raise Isaac from the dead (Heb Our youths need our love so that I love fish head soup. When I visited 11:19). they can grow in faith and glorify her, she cooked the biggest fish head So Abraham told his servants, “the God’s name. Some youths do not I have ever seen (bigger than my lad and I will go yonder to worship, receive love at home. Their hearts head)—that’s how big her heart is! and we will come back to you,” are empty and they pursue after the showing his great faith in God. things of the world. If they come to SET THE EXAMPLE OF DILIGENT Today, as the older generation, we church and do not receive love either, SERVICE TO GOD need to have Abraham’s faith. How they will easily drift farther away else can we expect the younger ones from God and may even become So Abraham rose early in the to have faith? lost. However, when we love and morning and saddled his donkey, Once I went to Ghana with a care for them, they can personally and took two of his young men with senior minister. During the first three experience the love of Christ and be him, and Isaac his son; and he split days after our arrival, we didn’t have strengthened in their faith. the wood for the burnt offering, any water because the whole city’s Sometimes we may find it difficult and arose and went to the place of water supply had been cut off. In to show love towards the younger which God had told him. the middle of the first night, a fire generation. Yet consider Abraham: (Gen 22:3) suddenly broke out, and we could although he loved Isaac, he loved not escape through the front door God even more. With the love of Although Abraham loved Isaac, he because there was too much smoke. God in him, Abraham knew how to loved God even more. He arose early The only way of escape was through love his son, for God Himself is love. to do the will of God and sacrifice the window. When we love God, we will know Isaac. However, instead of breaking the how to love others because His love Today, we too must be diligent in window, the senior minister started to will overflow to everyone around us. serving God. We need to set a good disassemble it piece by piece, because Ever since I stepped into the True example because our actions speak he did not want the brethren to incur Jesus Church, I have received much louder than a thousand words. additional expenses. In the midst of love from brothers and sisters, While I was in theological training, life-threatening circumstances, he especially from the older brethren. I attended a ministers’ workshop. was still thinking of others! This love has touched me deeply There was an elder who was in his By God’s grace, the water in the and sustained me whenever I felt nineties, yet he would take notes city was suddenly turned on for discouraged. during every sermon, even when about thirty minutes that night— When I was still a trainee preacher, theological students were speaking. I spent some time at Pacifica church Moreover, he would kneel down in the United States. I often felt lonely with us to pray for one hour every at that time because I was by myself morning, although his knees would and there was nobody to talk to. stiffen and we would have to help We too must be diligent in serving God. We need to set Members there generally live quite him get up after the prayers. far away from church, so seldom a good example because our Just like Abraham, we must be actions speak louder than a would anyone stop by outside of diligent to do the will of God. In this thousand words. worship services. After service, way, the younger generation will see brethren usually leave early because our diligence and follow our example.

Manna 4 THEME just enough time for our brethren we will pass the baton on to them. knew that Moses would be praying to extinguish the fire and to bring a for him. So just like Joshua and Isaac, ladder, so that we could climb out of Abraham Carried the Fire and a let us do our part. the window. Through this incident, I Knife Being the younger generation, learned a great lesson of faith from When Abraham went up to Mount we are the “anchor” of this spiritual the older minister. Moriah, he prepared everything that relay as the end-time draws nearer. Just like Abraham, we too need to he needed to sacrifice Isaac. Apart This means that we need to do set an example of faith to show our from wood, he also brought fire and greater things. We must prepare younger generation that the God we a knife. Today, we too need to equip ourselves: be humble, open-minded worship is a true and living God. ourselves with the spiritual fire and and teachable. Let us equip ourselves knife. We need to be prayerful and with the fire of the Holy Spirit and ABRAHAM AND ISAAC WALKED ask the Lord to fill us with His Spirit. the sword of God’s word, just as the TOGETHER We also need to sharpen our spiritual older generation has set the example eyesight through God’s word. Only for us. Then we will finish the race of So Abraham took the wood of the then can we fearlessly face the faith, save more souls and pass the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac challenge of passing on the baton. baton of faith to our next generation. his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of n the end-time, the church them went together. Today our youths may be inex- I But Isaac spoke to Abraham his perienced, but we still have to must continue to be glorified. This father and said, “My father!” And involve them in the holy work. will only be possible if we continue he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then We should not be afraid to let passing down the baton of faith and he said, “Look, the fire and the the young ones work with us; the baton of God’s work. Therefore, wood, but where is the lamb for rather we should train and young and old alike must strive for a burnt offering?” And Abraham guide them, as eventually we a better relationship with God and said, “My son, God will provide will pass the baton on to them. work together in unity, walking side for Himself the lamb for a burnt by side to fulfill the will of God. Only offering.” So the two of them went then will this mountain become the together. highest mountain and this church the (Gen 22:6-8) Isaac—Obedient, but Not Passive most glorious church. Isaac was quiet along the way to Abraham not only passed down his Mount Moriah, yet he was not faith to Isaac, he also involved him in inactive. He carried the wood that his work for God. As Abraham and his father gave to him and obediently Isaac went up the mountain, they followed Abraham. Along the journey, each carried some of the materials Isaac did not say anything other than and utensils. The Bible records that asking one question, “Where is the they “went together.” In other lamb?” This shows his attentiveness. words, they worked together in When his father told him that God unity. So how did Abraham and Isaac would provide the lamb, Isaac simply walk together? accepted the answer. Later, Isaac did not resist or try to Abraham Laid the Wood on Isaac run away. Instead, he allowed his Just as Abraham asked Isaac to father to bind him and place him on carry the wood, we should give the the altar (Gen 22:9). Sometimes we younger generation a chance to serve say too much, do very little, and are in church. Although Isaac did not not obedient enough to the older know exactly what was happening, generation. However, have we ever Abraham was able to involve him considered that the older generation in the work, which was to offer him has to give an account to God? Have according to God’s command. we considered that they must have Today our youths may be thought things through? For this inexperienced, but we still have to reason, we should be obedient to involve them in the holy work. We them in the Lord (cf. Eph 6:1). should not be afraid to let the young Joshua too was obedient when ones work with us; rather we should Moses sent him to fight against the train and guide them, as eventually Amalekites. He went to fight without bargaining with Moses because he

Manna 5 THEME

Pass on the Mission Derren Liang—Irvine, California, USA

THE IMPORTANCE OF seamless transition between John the goal for the church. To achieve SUCCESSION Baptist and the Lord Jesus. this goal, the current generation of As the revived apostolic church, the Look around your church today. leaders must identify the precious true church has her great commission Alarm bells ought to ring if we see heirlooms that they have to clearly set out by her Lord. First, she youths sitting around with nothing safeguard, so that the mission of the is to love the souls of men, anxiously to do whilst older members carry church can be passed on to the next preaching the gospel because she is out all the work. We need to entrust generation of leaders. What exactly unwilling for any to perish. Second, specific tasks to the younger ones, should we pass on to ensure that the she is to love the Lord’s sheep, while we continue to do what they great commission continues to be tending them faithfully so that there cannot yet do. This is “passing the carried out? The Scriptures point to is true transformation in their lives. baton.” The younger generation the following: The power and might of God must be concerned over the church, abides with us when we do His work step up to serve with their God-given Continuity of Life and fulfill His commission. However, potential and be nurtured as they An important part of life consists on our parts, we need three critical serve. Once they have reached the of growing up, getting married and conditions to be in place. First is required maturity, they can serve as establishing a family. But for God’s clarity of purpose—we must know council members, and subsequently people, there is more. The Bible what we need to do. Second are can be ordained as ministers in the instructs us to be fruitful, multiply competencies—we have to equip church. and seek godly offspring in both the ourselves to do what needs to be Many large successful multinational physical as well as the spiritual sense, done. Third is continuity—we should companies take succession planning which is to lead others to Christ strive to ensure that God’s work will very seriously. They know that the (cf. 1 Cor 4:14–15). These, and perpetuate. founder’s or first brilliant CEO’s efforts especially the latter, are what make John the Baptist is an excellent will all be in vain if they cannot find our lives really meaningful and will example. He clearly understood his a good successor. Similarly, we must continuously bring new life into the mission—to pave the way for the place great emphasis on succession in church. Lord Jesus. During his ministry, he church. A church with a pool of well- worked tirelessly for God. But once equipped, zealous and God-fearing Continuity of the Faith he had done his part, he knew that youths has a bright future. In Exodus 3:6, God introduced he ought to wind down his service: Himself to Moses as “the God of “He must increase, I must decrease” PRECIOUS HEIRLOOMS Abraham, the God of Isaac, and (Jn 3:30). Subsequently, we see a Continuity is indeed an important the God of Jacob.” These were

Manna 6 THEME three people from three separate your children.” (Deut 6:6–9) of the True Jesus Church and to allow generations, each with their distinct We must diligently teach our the Holy Spirit to lead us, so we can relationships with God, but they children the word of God. discern the truth. In order to leave a shared a common achievement— legacy of unadulterated truth to the they successfully bequeathed their If we have done all that is listed next generation, we must cultivate faith to the next generation. in this passage and have constantly ourselves to hold fast the “pattern of What is the most important bequest prayed for our children, we shall be sound words which you have heard that we can give our children? Good able to bequest to our children this from [the apostles], in faith and love physical health? A good education? legacy of faith through the guidance which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim Or good faith? While the first two of God. We must thus resolve to 1:13). are important, faith is clearly the most create a unique environment of faith Moreover, we need to learn indispensable, for God is our eternal and reverence at home so that our from Moses who took Joshua up inheritance. The Israelites lacked children will have the opportunity to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten nothing in the wilderness, all because grow up in the word of God. Commandments (Ex 24:12–13). God was with them. If we understand To ascend the mountain means to that God is our inheritance, we will receive the word of God. This is a not worry over any lack, even if our requirement to become a person of lives are harsh. So we must focus on God. So when Moses died, Joshua ensuring that our God becomes the followed the path that Moses set. He God of our offspring. But how? did not alter it. If we want to ensure that our Today, we are in the True Jesus faith is effectively bequeathed to Church because we know the our children, we must place heavy doctrines of this church, and we emphasis on Religious Education (RE) know that salvation can be found at home. We must not regard RE as here. The Holy Spirit gives us this the sole responsibility of the church, clarity, which allows us to lead the blaming the church if our children church in the right direction. As the turn out to have poor faith. Church older generation, we must take the RE classes are very important, but younger generation up the mountain it is only a supplement; it cannot so they can be rooted in the doctrines; replace religious education at home. as the younger generation, let us be Deuteronomy 6:4–9 reminds all Continuity of the Truth faithful to the truth, upholding what parents of their duty to secure their The truth is the doctrine of salvation has been entrusted to us. children’s faith: that we teach. In his ministry, Paul preached the gospel and, particularly Continuity of the Gospel “Hear, O Israel. The LORD our in the latter part of his life, defended When we preach to a person, and he God…” (Deut 6:4) the truth. So today we must preach or she comes to believe in Christ, this We must first be very sure of our Jesus to those who do not believe same person must also reach out to own identity—“I am one of God’s in God, and for those who already another. Imagine how the church will chosen people.” This is a precious believe in God, we preach the truth prosper if everyone can reach out to status that will not change with time. as captured in the True Jesus Church’s just one more person. In reality, many Our lifestyle choices must then reflect ten articles of faith and five essential of us only receive the gospel and stop God’s will and Christ’s image. doctrines. there. So we have to instill in our We must bequeath this God- new believers that they should strive “You shall love the Lord your God inspired truth that has been given to to bring another soul to God. Only with all your heart, with all your us from the beginning. Hence, it is when a seed dies, will a new fruit soul, and with all your strength.” crucial for us to have the correct view or plant grow from it. Preaching the (Deut 6:5) The most basic work of family religious education is teaching by example. In everything we do, do Today, we are in the True Jesus Church because we know the doctrines it out of love for God. Then our of this church, and we know that salvation can be found here. The Holy children will learn indirectly to give Spirit gives us this clarity, which allows us to lead the church in the right God priority in everything. direction. As the older generation, we must take the younger generation up the mountain so they can be rooted in the doctrines; as the younger “…these words which I command generation, let us be faithful to the truth, upholding what has been en- you today shall be in your heart. trusted to us. You shall teach them diligently to

Manna 7 THEME

gospel is a sacrifice indeed; but those experience God for themselves. who sow in tears shall reap in joy! The battle at Rephidim was a good opportunity for Joshua to experience Continuity of Service to the Lord God while serving Him. As he fought Another key legacy to bequeath to in the battlefield, Moses prayed the future generation is the need for on the hilltop. Joshua learned that continuity of service to God. Jesus his victory was not the result of his prayed and found twelve disciples fighting prowess. Each time Moses at the beginning of His ministry on raised his hands in prayer, victory earth. Likewise Moses identified was with the army of Israel. But Joshua as his successor soon after each time Moses was tired, and he he stood up to lead the Israelites. So let down his hands, the enemies won in the church, we must identify and (Ex 17:8–13). As we serve God, we cultivate successors and give them must rely on Him through prayer. If the opportunity to serve. we do so, we will serve God joyfully, Moreover, we need to cultivate as His presence will be amongst us. our next generation’s zeal to work for God. Society’s focus on material CONCLUSION well-being has resulted in a decline in For many people, succession our zeal to serve God. Consequently, planning is understood as identifying our spiritual life has been relegated successors, briefing them and letting to second place. So even during the them observe us for a period of time busiest times in our lives, we must set before they take over completely. the example and continue to serve Our focus tends to be more on God zealously. Only then can we be handing over the work. While this is considered faithful servants of the necessary, it is not enough. We must Lord. also help prepare our successors by equipping them with the faith to Passing Down Spiritual Experiences resist the tide of the world and by Many of us can draw from a rich nurturing their zeal to serve God. portfolio of spiritual experiences after This is no easy matter for it is a battle many years of serving God. These for the souls of men. experiences have taught us how to have faith and rely on God. Today we For we do not wrestle against flesh must pass down these experiences, and blood, but against principalities, so that the younger ones amongst against powers, against the rulers us know how the older generation of the darkness of this age, against came to Christ and relied on God spiritual hosts of wickedness in the throughout their lives. heavenly places. As we share these experiences with (Eph 6:12) them, the focus should be on God’s almightiness, not on the person Therefore, before handing the who received God’s grace. More work over to the next generation, importantly, our experiences should we must first guide them in their stir up the next generation to rely spiritual growth. In this manner, on God in their own service to the the commission of the church will Lord. It is easy to impart knowledge continue to prosper until the Lord and skills to the next generation comes again. of workers, but they also need to

Many of us can draw from a rich portfolio of spiritual experiences after many years of serving God. These experiences have taught us how to have faith and rely on God. Today we must pass down these experiences ... More importantly, our experiences should stir up the next generation to rely on God in their own service to the Lord.

Manna 8 THEME

Succession and Passing the Baton Simon Chin—Singapore

The preacher Solomon in the Book of church may affect the faith of the useful to him for the ministry.6 Ecclesiastes wrote, “One generation congregation. In short, if we do Joshua, Timothy and Mark were passes away, and another generation not undertake succession or do it identified for their spiritual qualities comes but the earth abides forever.”1 inadequately, we are unfaithful to the which later enabled them to become He was speaking of the vanity of Master Jesus Christ. exemplary leaders and faithful things done by man in his life on earth. stewards in the house of God. Every man will die and disappear. The HOW SHOULD SUCCESSION BE Joshua feared the LORD and was a human life span is short in contrast DONE? man of truth who hated covetousness. with the earth’s existence, which He was faithful, waiting for Moses to seems to abide forever. Identify potential successors while descend from Mount Sinai even after Realizing the mortality of man and serving in the ministry forty days and nights. He did not the cyclical nature of each passing Moses identified Joshua as a potential depart from the tabernacle to return generation, it is important for the successor to the work of leading to the camp of the Israelites.7 present workers of God to give the Israelite nation. He took Joshua Timothy shared Apostle Paul’s thought to the matter of succession under his wing to serve the LORD.2 sincere concern for the state of the and passing the baton. This ensures Apostle Paul brought Timothy into brethren. Unlike others who sought continuity and enables church work the ministry at Lystra during his their own, Timothy sought the to prosper when the next generation second missionary journey, after he things of Christ Jesus. With a proven takes over the helm to drive the saw that Timothy had faith, being character, he served with Paul in the ministry. taught the word from childhood by gospel as a son with his father.8 Passing the baton of the ministry at his grandmother Lois and mother Although Mark left Paul and the right time with godly reverence Eunice, and was well spoken of by Barnabas in Perga, Pamphylia is a duty of faithful workers of God. the brethren at Lystra and Iconium.3 during the first missionary journey This should be done with the fear Apostle Peter considered Mark and returned to Jerusalem, he later of the Lord and love for the church, his son4, and he shared with Mark traveled with Barnabas to Cyprus to undertaken out of concern for both the experience of his three–year minister the word. Paul subsequently the successors and future progress of discipleship under the Lord Jesus found him to be a useful worker in the ministry of the truth. If the passing Christ: the miracles of Jesus he had the ministry. He had the quality of of the baton is done reluctantly and witnessed and the teachings he had persistence, and his earlier failure did poorly, the church’s future ministry heard. Mark subsequently recorded not discourage him but strengthened will be impeded. Succeeding workers these in the second Gospel.5 Mark his determination to serve the Lord.9 who are ill-equipped to serve the was also deemed by Apostle Paul as Hence, effective succession

Manna 9 THEME

Moses escaped to the wilderness in Midian. Though safe, he led a life Passing the baton of the ministry at the right time with godly reverence is of self-denial and indignity, for he a duty of faithful workers of God. This should be done with the fear of was known as the Egyptian who had the Lord and love for the church, undertaken out of concern for both the fled from his land and the refugee successors and future progress of the ministry of the truth. married to Zipporah. The flock he was tending belonged to his father- in-law, and his sons were known as planning requires preachers, elders, After his conversion, Paul went the sons of Zipporah.24 Consequently, deacons and workers to keep a to the desert in Arabia17 where the at the age of eighty, the LORD called lookout for believers with the Holy Spirit taught him the mystery him and commanded him to return potential to serve the Lord. They of Christ and the word.18 He then to Egypt to bring His people, the need to identify those with spiritual returned to Damascus where he children of Israel, out of Egypt. Moses qualities of faith, good reputation, confounded the Jews proving that said, “Who am I that I should go to holiness, spiritual wisdom, patience Jesus is the Christ.19 He exhorted Pharaoh, and that I should bring the and endurance, and who are filled Timothy to fight the good fight of children of Israel out of Egypt.”25 Still, with the Holy Spirit, fear the Lord the faith and guard what had been Moses went. In the last forty years and hate covetousness.10 committed to his trust; he urged of his life, he served the LORD as a Timothy to avoid profane and idle faithful servant in His house. 26 Moses Equip potential successors babblings and contradictions of what underwent eighty years of training with knowledge of the faith, was falsely called knowledge.20 spiritual character, to serve for only forty years. At the skills of administering church work point of his death, he was 120 years and the ability to serve the Lord old, but his eyes were not dimmed 27 with humility nor his natural vigor diminished. In the same way, successors ought Purity of faith in the word of God, to be trained in the knowledge of obedience to the commandments the word and in spiritual character, and submissiveness to the church nurtured in the spirit to love the of the Lord are essential qualities Lord and His church with a pure for every church worker. Besides heart. They have to be molded into being filled with the Holy Spirit, faithful servants of God who are able these successors must be pure in to endure sufferings and hardships, their devotion to Jesus Christ and filled with humility to serve Him. They to the word of truth according to must imitate Christ who came to the teachings of the Bible.11 They serve, not to be served. The length of ought to hold fast to the pattern of such training should not be too short, the sound words, which they have so that when these successors take heard from their predecessors.12 They Moses was trained in the wisdom over the work, they are spiritually ought to be humble and ready to be of Egypt until the age of forty21; equipped to serve. taught,13 willing to endure hardships, this was followed by forty years of and determined to imitate those molding in the wilderness of Midian Implement succession who live as examples for them14. by the hardship of life as a shepherd with reverence Moreover, they have to undergo looking after the flock of his father- for the sovereignty of God training, formally through seminars in-law, before God used him.22 In and absolute loyalty and informally by observing workers fact, Moses’ training started from to the Lord Jesus Christ. in the field. Such training must be childhood when his mother Jochebed Although Moses had identified given over a period of many years nursed him and taught him the Joshua as his potential successor, before the baton can be passed to faith in the LORD. At forty, he fled when the time to hand over the baton them. from the fleeting pleasures of sin in had come, Moses acknowledged the Such a training approach can be Egypt.23 After killing an Egyptian, seen in the Bible. Timothy followed Paul to foreign lands, enduring hardship and suffering when the apostle ministered the word of truth Successors ought to be trained in the knowledge of the word and in spiri- to the Jews and the Gentiles in tual character, nurtured in the spirit to love the Lord and His church with Macedonia, Achaia and Asia.15 He a pure heart. They have to be molded into faithful servants of God who are heard the sound words from Paul and able to endure sufferings and hardships, filled with humility to serve Him. was nourished in the word.16

Manna 10 THEME sovereignty of God and spoke to the justice. They did not continue to be Lord, saying, “Let the LORD, the judges over the people.31 The LORD God of the spirits of all flesh, set a permitted the Israelites to choose a man over the congregation, who may king for themselves instead. 1 Eccl 1:4 2 Ex 17:9–13; 24:13; 32:17; 33:11; Num 27:18–23 go out before them and go in before Nepotism in appointing potential 3 Acts 16:1–3; 1 Tim 1:5; 3:15 them, who may lead them out and workers and successors to church 4 1 Pet 5:13 5 Peter was Mark’s primary informant when the bring them in, that the congregation leadership, with little consideration latter wrote the Gospel of Mark. Most scholars agree of the LORD may not be like sheep given to their spirituality, faith that Mark wrote his gospel in Rome under Peter’s 28 and character, is tantamount to supervision, for Mark was with Peter in Rome around which have no shepherd.” AD 60-62 and may have returned around AD 65 at And the LORD said to Moses, dishonoring God and defying His Paul’s request. “Take Joshua the son of Nun with sovereignty. Such an approach will 6 2 Tim 4:11 7 Ex 18:21; 32:17; 33:11 you, a man in whom is the Spirit, impede the spiritual growth of the 8 Phil 2:19–22 and lay your hand on him, set him church and greatly disrupt the work 9 Acts 13:4–5, 13; 15:37–40; 2 Tim 4:11 10 Ex 18:21; Acts 6:3, 5; 1 Cor 4:2; 2 Tim 2:22 before Eleazar the priest and before of the ministry. It may even weaken 11 2 Cor 6:4–6; 1 Tim 1:5 the congregation, and inaugurate the faith of the church.32 12 2 Tim 1:13 13 Isa 50:4 him in their sight. And you shall give In conclusion, for continuity in 14 2 Tim 1:8–9; 2: 3; 3:10–12 some of your authority to him that spreading the gospel of salvation 15 Acts 16:4–12; 17:1; 18:5, 22–23; 20; 5–6, 13–16; and tending the sheep of the 21:1–8,17 all the congregation of the children 16 1 Tim 4:6, 12, 15–16; 2 Tim 1:13 of Israel may be obedient. He shall Lord, succession and passing the 17 Gal 1:17 stand before Eleazar the priest who baton ought to be given priority. 18 1 Cor 11:23; Eph 3:2-6, 8-11 19 Acts 9:18–22 shall inquire before the LORD for Critically, succession planning and 20 1 Tim 6:12, 20 him by the judgment of the Urim. implementation must be undertaken 21 Acts 7:22 22 Acts 7:29–30; Num 12:3 At his word they shall go out, and at with fear of God, love for the church 23 Heb 11:24–26 his word they shall come in, he and and consideration for the faith of the 24 Ex 2:19–22; 3:1; 18:2 25 Ex 3:11 all the children of Israel with him--all brethren. 26 Heb 3:3, 5 the congregation.” Moses obeyed, 27 Deut 34:7 28 Num 27:15–17 as the LORD commanded him. He 29 Num 27:18–21 took Joshua and set him before 30 Lev 10:1–2 Eleazar the priest and before all the 31 1 Sam 8:1–5 32 1 Sam 8:1–5 congregation. And he laid hands on him and inaugurated him, just as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.29 From the inauguration of Joshua, the man who succeeded Moses to lead the Israelites across the Jordan and take possession of the promised land of Canaan, we learn that succession and passing the baton is carried out in full submission to the sovereignty of God. There should be no nepotism or favoritism when identifying potential workers and appointing successors. Spiritual conditions and factors of faith as well as suitability of the persons according to God’s will should be the only considerations when successors are appointed, trained and inaugurated. Nadab and Abihu, the two sons of Aaron, were consumed in fire when they offered profane fire.30 They did not succeed their father in the priesthood. Joel and Abijah, the sons of Samuel, were judges in Beersheba, but they did not walk in their father’s way. They sought after dishonest gain, took bribes and perverted

Manna 11 THEME

From Generation to Generation Audrey Chan—Leicester, United Kingdom

Editor’s note: The following article is a case study, which aims to help readers reflect on succession in their own church. Although each church has different backgrounds and needs, we hope that the article can encourage and inspire.

INTRODUCTION Sometimes during our annual in Hong Kong called Ap Chau. It was The year 2011 was a turning point Religious Education (RE) Day in here that they and the generations for the church in Leicester, UK. After Leicester, an elderly deacon is before them eked out a subsistence more than fifteen years of searching called upon to deliver words of from fishing. After the gospel reached for new premises with varying encouragement. Last year, as in the island, the islanders experienced disappointments along the way, previous years, he fixed his gaze upon the power of God and their faith we finally purchased a large four- the youngsters sitting in the front became strong. Church attendance story building in a prime location at pews and asked them in Chinese, and service to God became central the city center. It has been beyond “What did your family use to do?” to their lives. Even though they our expectations—all due to God’s The children smiled broadly at this were poor materially, they were rich wonderful timing and arrangement. familiar question and gave their spiritually. With this blessing in mind, we reply. This well-rehearsed dialogue Aside from the Ap Chau islanders, reflect on God’s grace by looking then continued with the deacon re- there are also members in Leicester back over the journey that has led to affirming their answer in broken who come from other parts of Hong this point, taking stock of our current English, “Fish-a-man,” to rapturous Kong, mainland China, Taiwan and situation and thinking ahead to the laughter from the congregation. Malaysia. There are also second future. The move to the new building The point of the deacon’s question? and third generation members who is significant because it prompts us to Well, it was obvious that he did not have been born in the UK. For some consider how we can serve God more want the children to forget their families in Leicester, three and even and how to ensure that the next humble roots. Also, he did not want four generations come together to generation is fully on board. them to forget God’s grace: how He worship in church each week. has been unceasingly shepherding us Thank God, the church in PAST JOURNEY from past years to this day. Leicester is a harmonious one. It is predominantly made up of family Not Forgetting Our Roots Profile of the Congregation units, a few individual believers, and The profile of the congregation in a small number of overseas students. “One generation shall praise Your Leicester, as in many parts of the UK, The young and the old come together works to another, and shall declare is an interesting one. The majority of for services, and attendance has been Your mighty acts.” (Ps 145:4) the members hark back to a tiny island consistently high over the years. This

Manna 12 THEME is indeed a blessing at a time when phase of God’s work. a similar age group quite naturally many churches in the wider Christian gravitate towards each other, and community are bemoaning an CURRENT SITUATION this can give the impression or lead absence of young people, or are even In this section, we will look at how well to a sense of physical segregation. closing their doors due to dwindling the older and younger generations membership. relate to each other, focusing on You can see at tea time—the youngsters issues such as communication, sit on one side, the old people sit on the Lost and Found working relationships and the other. Many of the first generation Leicester generation gap. Local members were Retired Brother members came to the UK in the 1960s asked to contribute their views. and 70s. When they first arrived, they I don’t think the younger people speak had nothing more than a suitcase, a Communication to the older people. At tea time, you see few pounds in their pockets, and little the younger lot standing up, the middle- or no grasp of the English language. Be of the same mind toward one aged sitting with the middle aged… Yet, they had a great desire for a another. Do not set your mind on Intermediate Youth Class Student better life and a strong work ethic. high things, but associate with the As such, they were willing to toil long humble. Do not be wise in your It may seem like segregation, but it’s not hours in the tough and demanding own opinion. intentional…more of habit. environment of the catering industry. (Rom 12:16) Not only did they manage to make RE Teacher a living, they also raised families and The congregation in Leicester established their own businesses. reflects all age groups, and there Some members also mentioned a In the early days, the members is a slow but steady increase in the language barrier. worked hard, but neglected to number of young families with gather for services. Many also recall babies. Most of the members are You have to speak in a way that they bad habits: smoking, drinking and related in one way or another, and understand. There’s a language barrier. gambling. The turning point was the younger ones generally greet Senior Youth Class Student a pastoral visit by a deacon from their older relatives when they come Scotland in 1975. His words of to church. The old people talk in their Ap Chau encouragement spurred the members language and the grandchildren speak to start holding Sabbath services. We say, “Hello”, or “good morning.” English. They each have their own They gathered first in a member’s If you’re related to them, you’ll talk homes and don’t spend much time shop in the city centre, and then, as more…If you know they’ve been on together. They can’t really talk at a deep the congregation grew, in a rented holiday, you’ll ask, “When did you level, to say what’s on their mind. In hall in a local Anglican Church. come back, did you have fun?” the past, the older generation shared In 1983, the church purchased Intermediate Youth, Senior Youth & Teacher testimonies about God’s grace. If they its current place of worship on Training Class [i.e. the different generations] have lived Humberstone Road, a Victorian together, the relationship is different. building that was formerly a However, not everyone has family Deaconess Methodist chapel. Finally, the members in the church, and for one members had a permanent place of or two people, there is a different Inter-Generational Working worship. perception. Relationships In hindsight, we see how God used the first generation members The young people don’t notice the old Be kindly affectionate to one another to lay the foundation for His church people…no one does. They need to with brotherly love, in honor giving in Leicester. Many of these members respect the older people. preference to one another; not are still active in the church today, Retired Sister lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, working alongside a new generation serving the Lord. of workers to undertake the next An issue may be that members of (Rom 12:10–11)

In Leicester, the opportunities The new and the old generation have different cultural backgrounds, but it for joint-working between the is not a problem ... In church, it does not really matter whether you come generations include things like from a western or eastern culture, there should not be any distinction. You leafleting, choir, cleaning, cooking should have a new culture, which is Christ’s culture—the teachings of the and preparing for special events Bible. such as convocations and weddings. Most recently, the different age

Manna 13 THEME

groups have come together to do and by God’s grace, a future of life. It’s like the Israelites, when they the planning and the practical work endless possibilities. Therefore, to say left Egypt, they had to leave behind relating to the refurbishment of the there are no generational differences the culture. And when they entered new church building. would be untrue. However, what is Canaan, they had to be careful not to be By and large, the different groups striking is that there is no discernible affected by that new culture. They had work harmoniously together. impact. In other words, there is no to be holy and separated out to God. Sometimes, there are differences of unbreachable gap. This observation Deacon opinion, but these occur within and is supported by the following views: between the age groups; it does not The situation in Leicester is very appear to be an inter-generational Thank God, in Leicester, the old and blessed, but we must be careful not to issue. Moreover, thank God, these the young get on together. take it for granted. All of us need to differences do not lead to conflicts. Retired Sister be diligent in our spiritual cultivation, The church board is also quite to learn from the gentleness and harmonious. It comprises members At home, I get on very well with my lowliness of Christ (Mt 11:29); to in their thirties, forties, fifties and grandchildren. respect and to forbear (Phil 2:3; Col above, and three out of the nine Retired Brother 3:12–13) one another; and most board members are sisters. The good important of all, to be filled by the working relationship is evident during Holy Spirit so that we bear the fruit of meetings: there are constructive the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23). In this way, discussions, dialogue is respectful, there will not be any dissensions, and the meetings are generally and everyone can enjoy an quick and efficient. The more environment that reveals the experienced members are culture of Christ. happy to help the new ones fit into their roles. NEXT GENERATION SUCCESSION: WORK You don’t hear any big IN PROGRESS arguments. Those who can take part [in the And the Lord, He is the church work] take part. one who goes before Others don’t have many you. He will be with you, opinions. He will not leave you nor Deaconess forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Is There a Generation Gap? (Deut 31:8)

Behold, how good and how In Leicester, we could probably pleasant it is for brethren to dwell benefit from a proper strategy for together in unity! It is like the succession planning. Nevertheless, precious oil upon the head, running The new and the old generation have we can see progress in a couple of down on the beard, the beard of different cultural backgrounds, but it areas. Aaron, running down on the edge is not a problem. The older generation of his garments. It is like the dew is open-minded—it’s not like they Training for Service of Hermon, descending upon the don’t accept new things (they do). The In Leicester, the weekly RE classes, mountains of Zion; for there the younger generation is also good. They Youth Fellowship and Campus Lord commanded the blessing—Life understand why the older people think Fellowship provide most of the forevermore. like they do. In church, it does not training opportunities for the young (Ps 133:1–3) really matter whether you come from a members. It is there that they develop western or eastern culture, there should the skills and confidence to serve The backgrounds of the older not be any distinction. You should God: leading hymnals, playing piano, and younger generation could not have a new culture, which is Christ’s training sessions in interpretation, be more different: one has had culture—the teachings of the Bible. We leading activities, and leading Bible limited educational opportunities, should have that culture. So, if there studies. These forums also act as experienced poverty, and toiled for is something in the western culture spring boards, enabling the young to most of their working lives; the other that does not fit with the Bible, we can get involved in other areas of church has grown up with a comfortable reject it; likewise for the eastern culture. work, such as choir and leafleting. standard of living, a good education, In that way, we can live a Christ-like

Manna 14 THEME

The believers are being trained from fellowship, in the breaking of bread, they enlist the help of other members young in RE. So, if they attend services, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) of the congregation, but again, the the church can train them to serve and majority of the volunteers, apart give them opportunities to do so. It Another opportunity for members from the speakers, are youths. This is takes time. of all ages to serve God is in the Family particularly evident during leafleting Bible Service groups. In Leicester, sessions. Deacon members are allocated to one of a The EPG is very active, and the number of groups, depending on members do their work faithfully and Sermonizing where they live. Once a month, consistently. It is a good example of

members gather in each other’s succession in practice, for the youths Having then gifts differing according houses or in the church to study the have really taken ownership of this to the grace that is given to us, Bible. Those who are willing and able work. If anything, the rest of the let us use them: if prophecy, let lead the sessions in rotation. The congregation—and specifically the us prophesy in proportion to our younger members are often called older members—need to get more faith; or ministry, let us use it in to lead the pre-service hymnals and involved to complement their efforts. our ministering; he who teaches, in to play the piano. The Family Bible After all, evangelism is everyone’s teaching. Services have been going on for responsibility. (Rom 12:6–7) a number of years now and have proved to be a good opportunity for Due to a dwindling number of LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: members of different age groups— middle-aged members who remain WHAT COULD WE DO BETTER? from children to grannies and active sermon speakers, the church granddads—to worship together in board has, in recent years, been Do not rebuke an older man, but informal settings, have fellowship, looking to the working-age youths exhort him as a father, the younger practice hospitality and learn the to take up this area of work. With men as brothers, the older women word of God. Over time, we have the help of preachers, a number of as mothers, the younger as sisters, witnessed the members growing youths have been trained to deliver will all purity. together: in their knowledge of God, sermons. We thank God that this (1 Tim 5:1–2) in their confidence to serve Him, and is making good progress, which in mutual understanding. means that the church now has more Improve Communication workers to help in this area. By God’s grace, Leicester has a lot of Evangelism Planning The church board has also been positive points. However, there are assigning brothers and sisters to lead also some areas for improvement. “Go into all the world and preach the first Sabbath service—putting One area is communication between the gospel to every creature.” (Mk them in at the deep end, as it were, the generations—to go beyond 16:15) since these are their first attempts the polite greetings to have more at pulpit ministry. Some have been meaningful dialogue, for example, For over ten years, Leicester has had responsible for conducting hymnal on how to progress the church work an Evangelical Planning Group (EPG). sessions, while others lead Bible and on God’s grace in our lives. The It plans and organizes the bulk of studies and talks. We thank God for sharing of testimonies in particular the church’s evangelistic activities— their added input and the application will serve as a lasting legacy for the publicity, leafleting, programs for of their gifts that benefit the church. new generations. evangelistic services, and follow- We also need to show special up. Although the membership has Family Bible Services regard for those members with changed over time, the group has few or no family ties in the church, always comprised a small core group “And they continued steadfastly irrespective of their age. In this way, of working youths. As necessary, in the apostles’ doctrine and every member can experience the joy and comfort that comes from being one spiritual family in Christ as we gather each week (1 Cor 12:12; 1 Pet In Leicester, the weekly RE classes, Youth Fellowship and Campus 2:5). To achieve this, we need to be Fellowship provide most of the training opportunities for the young willing to break out of our comfort members. It is there that they develop the skills and confidence zones. to serve God: leading hymnals, playing piano, taster sessions in interpretation, leading activities, and leading Bible studies. These Develop a Succession Strategy forums also act as spring boards, enabling the young people to During one group discussion, I asked get involved in other areas of church work, such as choir and leafleting. a group of RE students, “Do you think the next generation is being

Manna 15 THEME

experienced workers. and train the next generation. In The EPG is very active, and the A couple of the older members this way, young members will have members do their work faith- who were interviewed happen to a better opportunity of growing up fully and consistently. It is a good be regular cooks in the church. They with a sense of commission and be example of succession in practice, said that they were more than happy equipped to take on the mantle of for the youths have really taken to share their skills and wanted to service and leadership in the future. ownership of this work. see more young members getting involved in this area of the church May God guide all the churches to work. make this a reality. adequately prepared to take up the It’s good for the young people to help church work?” One of the Senior and to learn from the cooks. The most Youth Class students asked, “Who’s important thing is that they are humble the next generation?” She wondered enough to learn and accept, and also if I meant people like her RE not to be lazy. The work should be teacher—those in their late twenties passed from one generation to the next. and thirties. This anecdote perhaps You can’t expect those in their eighties highlights a need for the church to do the cooking. I hope that the workers to let all the RE students young people will cook for me in the know they are the next generation. future. If they don’t know what to do, Also, the church may not be doing they can ask. enough to get RE students involved in the church work early on, or at Retired Brother least not in the areas that they are interested in. In terms of succession planning, we have a good example in Jesus Christ, I’ve heard from other churches that they who at the start of His ministry, start quite young, doing evangelistic chose twelve disciples and trained planning work, whereas in Leicester them to minister in God’s kingdom they start quite old. and to succeed His work. Jesus not only imparted spiritual knowledge, Senior Youth Class Student He also allowed the disciples to gain experience by sending them out to Sometimes, you don’t know who preach the gospel, heal the sick and to approach about evangelistic cast out demons (Mt 10:1, 5–8)—a planning work and other things, like true apprenticeship in today’s terms. interpretation. Senior Youth Class Student PASS ON ELIJAH’S MANTLE

This omission needs to be So he departed from there, and addressed, as there is potentially a found Elisha the son of Shaphat, pool of willing members that the who was plowing with twelve yoke church is not mobilizing. Moreover, if of oxen before him, and he was the RE students are not involved in with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed the church work from an early age, an by him and threw his mantle on opportunity may be lost in fostering him. a deep sense of commission, and it (1 Kgs 19:19) may also be harder to motivate them later on—especially as other priorities Succession planning is vital for come along. the future of the church. The One solution is to develop a church workers today have a strategy for succession, so that the responsibility to create the right church is clear on what types of conditions for succession, which, workers are needed in the medium at a basic level, entails promoting to longer-term, and how we should good communication and positive provide the necessary training. Part relationships across all age groups. of that strategy might look at options They should also plan more such as shadowing and mentoring by systematically in order to nurture

Manna 16 DOCTRINAL & BIBLE STUDIES cainly uih te were they punish, to had occasionally God whom group unruly king. the meet God’sto off set Balaam warning, Despite enemy. formidable this wanted curse to powers his Balak use to him Euphrates. Pethor the of by land the from prophet renowned the Balaam, messengers summon to sent he Israelites, defeating decided of the hope no had having he that Therefore, 35). 21:21– (Num Bashan and Amorites had defeated the mighty kings of the they that fact the fearful also but prospect, a nation this sheer of 22:3). the magnitude was only (Num not Balak, Israel” For of children the of because dread with sick was people Moab many,and were they because the of afraid “exceedingly the land of Moab, King Balak became surrounding nations, inciting great fear (Josh 5:1). the reached the Israelites of events earth-shaking these of news wilderness, the forty-year in journey their during place took that miracles and signs the to Egypt, from Israelites the of departure the heralded that plagues ten the From lhuh h Ireie wr an were Israelites the Although approached army Israelite the As hl cm ot f ao; Sceptre a Jacob; of out come Star shall “…A Messiah: the of symbol of a as unique is Star 24 Numbers in Jacob the However, 1:20). 15:41; Cor Rev 1 14:12; Isa 38:7; Job 37:9; Gen (e.g. saints and angels for The Bible often uses stars as a symbol PREFIGURATION OFCHRIST would manifest intheflesh(Num24:17). who Christ, Jesus Messiah, the namely Jacob, prophesy of Star the and about blessing a give him made instead, and, curse a uttering story of how God prevented him from amazing an behind left However,he was killed by the sword (Josh 13:22). nations (Num23:8–10). alone, not reckoning itself among the were a chosen race, a people dwelling they he status: special cursed, their proclaimed be not could Israelites shall riseoutofIsrael”(Num24:17). Sceptre A Jacob, of out come shall Star “A prophecy the came blessing this With blessing. instead a give him and made curse a uttering Balaam from stopped He them: to willing protect nonetheless. was He reason, people this For chosen His n h ed te oeos Balaam covetous the end, the In the that realized Balaam When Chuan Chen Book ofNumbers” by Shen Christinthe based on“The A Bible Study Series of Jacob Star out Part 6: A — Numbers Book of in the Christ The BIBLE STUDY Manna 17

BIBLE STUDY

We are thus part of a great nation, with Jesus Christ as our king. We The church is to serve as a bright light in the darkness, bringing the Lord’s can look forward to our spiritual salvation to humankind and providing access to the living fountain for the inheritance in the heavenly kingdom. forgiveness of sin (Zech 13:1). The Wise Men Who Followed the Star from the East shall rise out of Israel” (Num 24:17). His salvation plan and signaled the This particular prophecy depicts how coming of the Messiah from the Now after Jesus was born in Jesus Christ would appear to the house of Jacob (cf. Gen 28:3–4, Bethlehem of Judea in the days of world: as a Star out of Jacob, coming 14). Hence, Luke notes, “Now Jesus Herod the king, behold, wise men in the flesh to bring salvation to Himself began His ministry at about from the East came to Jerusalem, mankind (Mt 2:2; Lk 1:78–79), and thirty years of age, being (as was saying, “Where is He who has been as a Sceptre—denoting authority supposed) the son of Joseph, the son born King of the Jews? For we have and sovereignty—rising out of Israel of Heli…the son of Jacob, the son seen His star in the East and have to judge humanity (Mt 24:29–31; 1 of Isaac, the son of Abraham…” (Lk come to worship Him.” Thess 4:15–18). 3:23, 34). (Mt 2:1–2) The prophecy concerning the A STAR SHALL COME OUT OF Star of Jacob was proclaimed some On discovering the star in the JACOB 1000 years before the birth of Jesus east, the wise men embarked on a Two thousand years ago, God Christ. In the eyes of man, Jesus journey to Palestine to find the King heralded the birth of Jesus Christ was the son of Joseph the carpenter, of the Jews. Arriving with hearts of with a bright star (Mt 2:1–2). His the descendant of Jacob, Judah and reverence, they paid their respects incarnation became a testimony that Abraham; in the eyes of God, He was to the baby Jesus and offered Him enabled the world to see the great the Savior promised since the time their best gifts (Mt 2:1–12). This plan and work of God. of creation—the fulfillment of the demonstrated their true wisdom— divine plan. one that was duly rewarded; for The Prophecy In the apostolic era, many Gentiles having followed the star, they found Balaam, the son of Beor, was an converted to Christianity, and so, the door to salvation. evil prophet who “loved the wages when Paul wrote to the church in Within the story of the wise men is of unrighteousness” (2 Pet 2:15) Galatia, he pointed out, a lesson for Christians, which is the and walked on the erroneous path importance of pursuing both wisdom for profit (Jude 11). However, God For as many of you as were baptized and the truth. Without truth, a “wise obstructed his plan to curse the into Christ have put on Christ. There man” is devoid of real wisdom. Israelites and made him speak four is neither Jew nor Greek, there Hence, Paul makes this observation: beautiful oracles. In the first oracle, is neither slave nor free, there is he proclaimed the Israelites to be a neither male nor female; for you are Where is the wise? Where is the consecrated nation (Num 23:7–10); all one in Christ Jesus. And if you scribe? Where is the disputer of this in the second, that they had the are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s age? Has not God made foolish the abidance of God (Num 23:20–24); seed, and heirs according to the wisdom of this world? For since, in the third, that they possessed the promise. in the wisdom of God, the world fountain of life (Num 24:4–9); in (Gal 3:27–29) through wisdom did not know the fourth, that Christ would come God, it pleased God through the forth from the line of Jacob (Num From Paul’s words, we appreciate foolishness of the message preached 24:16–19). that, as Christians, we have received to save those who believe. Concerning the fourth oracle, we special grace: we have been baptized (1 Cor 1:20–21) know that Jacob was the grandson into Christ and put on Christ. of Abraham, the son of Isaac and Therefore, not only do we belong The wise king Solomon also the progenitor of the twelve tribes of to Him, we also have a right to the taught, “The fear of the LORD Israel (Gen 30). Indeed, up until the promise that God made to Abraham. time of the prophets, the name Jacob was synonymous with the nation of Israel (cf. Isa 27:9; 58:14; Ezek 20:5; Obad 17). Jesus Christ does not only shine as a guiding light of salvation; He will shine right into the hearts of men through the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit When God chose Abraham, He appears, He will illumine darkened hearts, enabling them to understand revealed seven great promises (Gen the truth. 12:1–3), which were at the core of

Manna 18 BIBLE STUDY is the beginning of wisdom, and Christians still do not realize the need that they may walk in My statutes the knowledge of the Holy One is to consecrate themselves, and to and keep My judgments and do understanding” (Prov 9:10). watch and pray (1 Pet 4:7). As such, them; and they shall be My people, The world is full of so-called wise there is a danger that some will be and I will be their God. men: intellectuals and scholars who swallowed up by the darkness. (Ezek 11:19–20) pursue knowledge. But what are they However, since we know that really striving for? Fame and status, Christ is the Bright and Morning Star I will give you a new heart and put a perhaps? Yet if they cannot emulate that brings salvation, and that the new spirit within you; I will take the the wise men from the east to search true church is the light in this world, heart of stone out of your flesh and for salvation in the Lord, their learning we should resolve to rid ourselves of give you a heart of flesh. I will put is in vain. No amount of academic sin and fleshly desires and submit to My Spirit within you and cause you study can bring about solutions for the will of God, so that we can lead to walk in My statutes, and you will man’s uncertain future. The prophet godly lives. The church as a whole keep My judgments and do them. Isaiah says, “…For the wisdom of should endeavor to remain upon the (Ezek 36:26–27) their wise men shall perish, and the foundation of the apostles and the understanding of their prudent men prophets and to have Jesus Christ Here, the “stony heart” refers to a shall be hidden” (Isa 29:14). Only as her cornerstone (Eph 2:20). She heart that is hard, cold and callous, wisdom that is based on God’s truth should uphold the truth, promote while the “heart of flesh” is a heart is everlasting. righteousness, and strive after peace. that is gentle, warm and humane. Today, many people have stony hearts. However, when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, even these will be transformed into hearts of flesh. This means that man will submit to the law of God and the darkness of their hearts will be replaced by light. Paul says:

Now we have received, not the The Bright and Morning Star The Star in the Hearts of the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Before daybreak, there is usually a Believers who is from God, that we might profound darkness over the earth. It know the things that have been lasts until the morning star appears in We also have the prophetic word freely given to us by God. These the sky, shining brightly to herald the made more sure, which you do well things we also speak, not in words arrival of dawn. The Lord Jesus is not to heed as a light that shines in a which man’s wisdom teaches but only the Star out of Jacob, He is also dark place, until the day dawns and which the Holy Spirit teaches, the Bright and Morning Star (Rev the morning star rises in your hearts. comparing spiritual things with 22:16), providing humankind with a (2 Pet 1:19) spiritual. guiding light that breaks the darkness (1 Cor 2:12–13) (Isa 60: 2, 3). For it is the God who commanded In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul light to shine out of darkness, who When the Morning Star shines into teaches that the church is the body of has shone in our hearts to give the the hearts of men, the people of the Christ, “the fullness of Him who fills light of the knowledge of the glory world will be able to understand even all in all” (Eph 1:23). The church is to of God in the face of Jesus Christ. the spiritual matters of God. serve as a bright light in the darkness, (2 Cor 4:6) bringing the Lord’s salvation to CONCLUSION humankind and providing access to Jesus Christ does not only shine In the Book of Numbers, we find the the living fountain for the forgiveness as a guiding light of salvation; He earliest biblical reference to the star of sin (Zech 13:1). will shine right into the hearts of from the east. It records a prophecy This present age is one of darkness, men through the Holy Spirit. When spoken by the prophet Balaam where sin is prevalent. Cruelty, the Spirit appears, He will illumine concerning the Star of Jacob, pointing violence, deceit, love of money darkened hearts, enabling them to to the birth and salvation work of the and sexual immorality abound. understand the truth. Messiah. Jesus would emerge from The level of wickedness in this Ezekiel already prophesied: the house of Jacob, coming to the generation surpasses that of previous Then I will give them one heart, and world as the Bright and Morning Star, generations. It is a clear sign that I will put a new spirit within them, shining His light upon the world and the end of the world is imminent. and take the stony heart out of their illumining darkened hearts through But what is worrying is that many flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, the power of the Holy Spirit.

Manna 19 BIBLE STUDY

Thief of Hearts Philip Shee—Dubai, UAE

“So Absalom stole the hearts of the lawsuits or grievances to the king of the people by extending a more men of Israel.” (2 Sam 15:6) for judgment (2 Sam 15:2). Making personal and intimate touch to the the special effort to rise early, he was relationship. For anyone that came This tragic turn of events in the willing to make a personal sacrifice, to him, he would not only gave his history of Israel is a sober reminder to be inconvenienced in order to judgment, he would also offer his that one of the biggest threats to the achieve his aim. Such sacrificial hand and kiss the person (2 Sam church and our own faith could come spirit would be well received by 15:5). from within the church, rather than people who had no reason to look By this time, the people had been from outside. By the special grace of beyond the surface at his underlying completely deceived and as described his father, King David, Absalom was intention. by David’s messenger, “the hearts of allowed to return to Jerusalem from Second, Absalom listened to the the men of Israel are with Absalom” exile. He even received the king’s people’s grievances and opined (2 Sam 15:13). pardon despite murdering his brother, that their “case is good and right; Amnon (2 Sam 14:33). Yet this kind but there is no deputy of the king STAGING THE REBELLION gesture was unappreciated. Instead, to hear you” (2 Sam 15:3). This As the number of people defecting Absalom reciprocated by hatching a was a subtle but very effective way to him increased (2 Sam 15:12), treacherous plot to usurp his father’s to take a bigger stride into their Absalom sent spies throughout the throne, even to the extent of seeking hearts. People with grievances long tribes of Israel and instructed them to his life. But how did Absalom manage for someone to be on their side. declare Absalom as king as soon as to steal the hearts of the Israelites Absalom knew what they wanted the trumpet sounded (2 Sam 15:10). and turn them against David, the to hear and he made sure he told Absalom’s operation was both king who was ordained by God? them! Such empathy naturally won deliberate yet covert. As a result, in him their favor. Jerusalem, David remained in the GOING THE EXTRA MILE TO Having gained a foothold in the dark and unable to stand up against GAIN PERSONAL POPULARITY hearts of the people, Absalom then this assault. Soon, David was forced Absalom’s evil plot started with promoted himself more directly, to withdraw from Jerusalem, knowing his special effort to gain personal indicating his desire to serve them, as he did the ruthlessness of Absalom popularity. promising to give them justice if he and wanting to avoid bloodshed in First, Absalom rose early and were made judge in the land (2 Sam Jerusalem. David recognized that positioned himself beside the way to 15:4). Absalom would have no qualms in the gate so that he could intercept Then, Absalom took the final striking the city with the sword (2 and meet people who were bringing step and appealed to the emotions Sam 15:14).

Manna 20 BIBLE STUDY

land of Egypt. He even took pains align themselves to individuals, with to set one in Bethel and one in Dan, some claiming to be of Paul, some of build shrines on high places, establish Apollos, and some of Cephas (1 Cor a system of priests from every class of 1:12; 3:1-4). It is natural and healthy people who were not of the sons of that we have relationships within the Levi, ordain a feast like that in Judah, church and we will also inevitably be and offer sacrifices in Bethel (1 Kgs closer to some workers or believers. 12:28–33). On the surface, unlike However, it is important that we do the harsh Rehoboam, Jeroboam was not allow this relationship to develop the ideal leader who understood the into animosity with oth