It is written...

Simon didn’t start off with all theology bombarding about the bible which you kinda expect from a theologian or scholar, but with his own story and history of Oxford to describe the invented word ‘crusher’ (I think he just couldn’t be bordered to talk about theology all day so went off topic for the section, which was nice from my respective!).

‘Crusher’ is the word that he described as some intimidating spiritual pressure which makes you feel useless, rubbish, stupid, discouraging, lonely etc. negative thinking. I am actually glad he talked about it because the day before I could feel this ‘crusher’ saying how inadequate I was especially when I came back from Warwick and subconsciously compare what I did and I am doing right now; and I don’t feel like I am using my gifts while serving here. I kinda know that it was a lie but wasn’t aware that it was the ‘side effect’ of living in Oxford – spiritual battle right in Oxford throughout history. Revival started from Oxford, lots of godly and influential Christian authors based in Oxford like Lewis and Tolkie. Oxford was and still is the religious centre but at the same time we have matrtys like Latimer, Ridley and Cranmerwhich, they were burnt to death in Oxford. New-atheism started in Oxford. Hitler wanted to make Oxford as the capital, moved from Berlin to this tiny city of Oxford! Devil loves this place because of the power and influential which Oxford provides. You can just simply feel the tension between those two different powers and we are, rightly say, right in the middle of it! Of course Christ has won the battle already (Amen) but this doesn’t cover the fact the demonic power behind Oxford wanted to do whatever to fight back, even though they knew they are losing anyway.

I believe the reason Simon started with off-topic is to emphasis the power of the Word of God, which directly links to the Bible with no surprise. Simon told us lots of stories that all the persecution that Christians have had throughout centuries involved the destruction of God’s Word, and the reason for that is they know the Bible has power over them. They are smart enough to try to destroy something which is a threat to them. This is a huge comfort for us because we have already had the most powerful weapon in the world, the power of God’s Word. I believe this is the reason why Paul used sword to describe God’s Word, simply because it is powerful.

How can a young man keep his way pure?

  By guarding it according to your word.

With my whole heart I seek you;

 let me not wander from your commandments!

I have stored up your word in my heart,

 that I might not sin against you.

Blessed are you, O Lord;

 teach me your statutes!

With my lips I declare

  all the rules[c] of your mouth.

In the way of your testimonies I delight

  as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts

  and fix my eyes on your ways.

I will delight in your statutes;

  I will not forget your word.

Psalm 119:9-16

“I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:16)

We know the Word of God is powerful, unfortunately God’s Word has been neglected, not just in Israel during OT time, but also nowadays. The technology we have right now can bring us to access to God’s Word easier than ever before, but that doesn’t mean we actually do read it! The greatest command that Jesus said is “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37). Loving God and obey God go hand-in-hand with each other, and obey God means love God’s Word – “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

In our lives we will be tempted in every way, like Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Every time Satan tempted Jesus, Jesus said,” it is written….” I love the way Simon said at the end – If you can’t say “it is written”, you will be beaten! It’s the Word that has power.

01.10.2012

Oxford