NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]
When I was a child, as the Scriptures say, “I thought like a child.” When hearing and / or reading Christ’s Parable of the “Laborers in the Vineyard,” [Matthew 20:1-16] I had the mistaken idea that the prime emphasis of this parable were that souls could repent and come into God’s Kingdom [Heaven] at the last minute of their lives and that it did not make any difference to the Good Lord, whether they had been a believing Christian all their lives. What mattered most was that they were able to “squeak into heaven’s gate” and nevertheless be equally welcomed by Father, God.
As I have grown older, I have come to realize that this parable of Christ is not as it may seem. Its message significance is not about sinners about to crash on a jumbo jet only to have less than 30 seconds to make their peace with God. And, as a child, I thought (as a child) and was convinced that the imminence of certain death would bring sinful [unforgiven] sinners “around” so that within their last breathful moments they would be most apt and motivated to repent and believe the Gospel.
Upon hearing a description of the late Dr. James D. Kennedy about the massive Canary Islands airliner crash, I gave up on that childish belief. The plane’s black box recorder revealed that many passengers, upon impact, wailed in cursing and despair. Far from making their peace with God, most of these passengers entered an eternity afterlife, in the same way they had lived their unbelieving existence.
[Associated Press -- History's worst aviation accident turned on twists of fate – 3/27/02]
…….The collision, described in an Associated Press dispatch from March 30, 1977 as "a hellstorm of fire and death," killed all 248 people on the Dutch plane and 335 on the Pan Am flight, putting the number 583 into the world's almanacs and Guinness compilations under "world's worst." ….. [Associated Press -- History's worst aviation accident turned on twists of fate – 3/27/02]
The Main Character in the Parable is the Owner of the Vineyard:
The Parable of the "Workers in the Vineyard" opens with Christ stating: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard…..”
The Parable ends with the words of the Vineyard Owner:
But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” [Matthew 20:13-16]
I believe that most Biblical scholars would agree that the meaning behind the “Owner” is that of the heavenly Father [God]. God seeks of His own to do His work. And when that work is completed, He rewards His laborers, accordingly. I say, “Accordingly,” – in respect to His gracious and sovereign wishes.
Other characters in the Parable: The workers:
Regarding the workers in the vineyard who had labored all day, [Matthew 20:8-12] when one of them stood in line behind a worker who had labored less, there was the expectation to be paid more [proportionately] since he had spent more time working in the vineyard. However, notice, again, the main character in this parable – [Matthew 20:8-16] The owner instructed his servants to reward those who had been hired last. It was the Owner’s own personal sovereign call. And, it was his choosing to pay those workers who labored less -- to give them the same amount that the other workers agreed to work for, when they started out in the vineyard early in the morning.
The difference of attitude and motive of the workers in the vineyard:
Two types of character [workers] labored in the vineyard. First, those who had made a binding agreement to work for so much money. Secondly, there were those who heard the vineyard owner’s call for more labor, and joined in the work – not expecting anything, but what would be the owner’s good will, to pay. It is assumed by some Biblical scholars that these workers could “represent” those Christians who live and work for the Lord with a pure motive and right spirit – whereas, those laborers who have been “along for the ride” from the “gitgo,” exhibit the "jealous brother syndrome" as personified in Christ’s parable of the “The Prodigal Son.”
What shines through this parable is the difference of attitude and motive of the two types of vineyard workers. One type worked for “hire.” The other type; out of willing spirit, free from personal gain or earthly ambition.
Christ’s Parables were [and, are] meant to be earthly stories that teach a spiritual [and, often, a heavenly] meaning:
One of Christ’s best know parables is "The Pharisee and the Publican." Again, as a child, I would confuse the title, and think of it as the “Pharisee and the Republican.” However, such is not the case by any means as the parable is [in more modern times & with more recent Bible translations] known as the "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" Due to time constraints, perhaps, I can afford some separate topical sermon space to this popular parable. But suffice to say, those of you who wish to draw near to God and those of you who wish to be counted in heaven’s glory – you must come by way of Creator God, and His Christ. [John 3:14-21 ; Matthew 7:13-29]
You, whose sins vex and bother you – rejoice. That means that your conscience is not seared and is still alive. Your conscience bears witness to your better knowledge that your sins against God and your fellow man are grievous. A conscience full of vitality will not be content to ignore your sinful life and particular lifestyle, but will gravitate to mercy and forgiveness. Only in the Christ of history whose birth, life, suffering, death and resurrection will you find present complete relief and a life hereafter relief from your sins.
If your sins don’t bother you, you are most certainly in the worst of condition. You are like a blind, deaf and dumb man standing on a railroad track as the train approaches. Only the gracious disposition and sovereign will of God can make you aware of your hopeless condition so that you can become like that publican [tax collector] and cry out to the Triune God: “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” [Luke 18:9-14]
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament:
Exodus 33 – God’s favor resting upon his servant, Moses
1 Kings 3 – The Lord graciously rewards Solomon wisdom and adds to his humble request, earthly material abundance
New Testament:
Matthew 20:1-16 – Christ’s Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Luke 18:9-14 – Christ’s Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican
Romans 9:15-24 – The loving actions of the gracious and sovereign Triune God
Note for further reference and understanding:
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
_______________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
_______________________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Most Difficult Step of the “Grieving Process” (2/8/09)
NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]
Shakespeare stated: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” How true. There is no doubt whatsoever, that all people who live upon this earth; have lived, and will live, upon this earth, fit this Shakespearean description. [Romans 3:23 ; 5:12]
All people by nature are sinners. [Psalm 51:5 ; Romans 5:12] And without exception, all people err by wrongdoing. These “Transgressions” are against God and one’s fellow mankind; and they are either sins of commission and / or sins of omission. A thief sins, sins of commission; while, a person who allows a thief to steal, by turning a blind eye, sins the sin of omission.
There is the one exception, to those who have sinned, and that is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born into our world and was sinless. [Hebrews 7:26 ; 1 Peter 2:22] His primary purpose in coming into our world was to be born, live a perfect life; suffer; be sacrificed for our sin; and rise from the dead, in order to defeat sin and death and pave the way for Divine forgiveness before a holy and just God, who must mete out divine justice and eternal punishment on account of human sin. [Matthew 25:31-46]
Christ came as the perfect, sinless “Lamb of God,” [John 1:29] to be slaughtered for our benefit – that those who believe and put their trust in Him, and His sacrifice for them, might be saved from the wrath of God and afforded life eternal, rather than death eternal. [John 3:14-21 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:10 ; John 3:36]
The tragedy that has taken place in our town of Bay City continues to have many reeling with anger and rage:
When a tragedy of this magnitude takes place -- there is immediate shock. All types of questions and voiced reactions arise. “How can this be? Why did this happen? This need not have happened. I hope those responsible are called to account.” One web comment expressed an angry and vengeful desire that those who were responsible are forced to share the same fate and demise as did the 93 year old WWII Vet. [“Autopsy: Bay City man froze inside his home”]
Most people can identify with the sad and pitiful end of one of our senior citizen residents. And, to be sure, it was pathetic. Some people who responded in nation wide online news report comment, made reference to their older family members, and how they could not imagine having them share the same fate of an old man who obviously did not realize that his electricity and furnace had shut off and that hypothermia was taking its toll upon his frail and aged body.
Common grief symptoms have been the experience of many who have heard or read about Marvin’s death:
I simplify and condense the “Grieving Process” into 4 words: (1) Shock (2) Anger (3) Denial (4) Acceptance. As one who attempts to help those who experience this common human grieving experience, I have learned not only from personal grieving experiences, but by practical experience and academic learning, that there are no tidy shortcuts to the grieving process. There are no time limitations. Everyone is different in his grieving experience. And, for those aging and disabled, these people may go for many years experiencing the various phases of shock; anger; denial and finally some semblance of acceptance.
The “Acceptance” part of the grieving experience is the most difficult:
It is very easy to be shocked. It is even easier to become angered. And, it is a natural human reaction to be in denial. That denial, often expressed, is: “Why me? This shouldn’t happen to me! It only happens to the other person!”
Several Sunday’s ago I posted an online “Words in Season” message that hammered home the message of “Forgiveness.” That message contained a short chapter of a book that dealt with, loving one’s enemy. This true story is a prime example of what Shakespeare meant, when he said: “……..to forgive, divine.”
The present necessity of forgiveness and its priceless implication (1/11/09)
It is my prayer that those in this town and those who have grieved in some way over Mr. Schur’s death, that we all could remind ourselves of the priceless need to reach that “acceptance stage.” And, an integral part of acceptance is the forgiveness aspect.
Those who read that topical "Words in Season" message several weeks ago – please read it again. And those not having done so, and are reading this – please read, ponder and reference the following Scriptures. Remember, Acceptance by way of forgiveness is for your personal ongoing benefit. It is, by far the best way to successfully grieve. Amen.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament:
Psalm 51:1-17 -- Our sinfulness [deserving of divine punishment] before a holy and just God and His ready and available forgiveness – Note: Verse, 7
Psalm 130:1-5 -- There is forgiveness with Creator God
New Testament:
Matthew 18:21-35 -- Peter's question about forgiveness & Christ’s Parable of the “Unmerciful Servant” and His teaching of the utter necessity of forgiveness. Note Verses, 34-35
Luke 11:1-13 -- Christ teaches His disciples the “Lord’s Prayer.” Particularly note, Verse, 11:4a
Matthew 6:1-15 -- Christ’s teaching on the humble giving of charity; prayer and also the teaching of forgiveness. Note: Verses, 14-15
___________________________________________________
Note for further reference and understanding:
PART 1: – The Christian Faith – What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?” (10/12/08)
PART 2: The Christian Faith -- How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place (10/19/08)
PART 3: The Christian Faith -- What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? (10/26/08)
___________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
___________________________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]
Shakespeare stated: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” How true. There is no doubt whatsoever, that all people who live upon this earth; have lived, and will live, upon this earth, fit this Shakespearean description. [Romans 3:23 ; 5:12]
All people by nature are sinners. [Psalm 51:5 ; Romans 5:12] And without exception, all people err by wrongdoing. These “Transgressions” are against God and one’s fellow mankind; and they are either sins of commission and / or sins of omission. A thief sins, sins of commission; while, a person who allows a thief to steal, by turning a blind eye, sins the sin of omission.
There is the one exception, to those who have sinned, and that is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born into our world and was sinless. [Hebrews 7:26 ; 1 Peter 2:22] His primary purpose in coming into our world was to be born, live a perfect life; suffer; be sacrificed for our sin; and rise from the dead, in order to defeat sin and death and pave the way for Divine forgiveness before a holy and just God, who must mete out divine justice and eternal punishment on account of human sin. [Matthew 25:31-46]
Christ came as the perfect, sinless “Lamb of God,” [John 1:29] to be slaughtered for our benefit – that those who believe and put their trust in Him, and His sacrifice for them, might be saved from the wrath of God and afforded life eternal, rather than death eternal. [John 3:14-21 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:10 ; John 3:36]
The tragedy that has taken place in our town of Bay City continues to have many reeling with anger and rage:
When a tragedy of this magnitude takes place -- there is immediate shock. All types of questions and voiced reactions arise. “How can this be? Why did this happen? This need not have happened. I hope those responsible are called to account.” One web comment expressed an angry and vengeful desire that those who were responsible are forced to share the same fate and demise as did the 93 year old WWII Vet. [“Autopsy: Bay City man froze inside his home”]
Most people can identify with the sad and pitiful end of one of our senior citizen residents. And, to be sure, it was pathetic. Some people who responded in nation wide online news report comment, made reference to their older family members, and how they could not imagine having them share the same fate of an old man who obviously did not realize that his electricity and furnace had shut off and that hypothermia was taking its toll upon his frail and aged body.
Common grief symptoms have been the experience of many who have heard or read about Marvin’s death:
I simplify and condense the “Grieving Process” into 4 words: (1) Shock (2) Anger (3) Denial (4) Acceptance. As one who attempts to help those who experience this common human grieving experience, I have learned not only from personal grieving experiences, but by practical experience and academic learning, that there are no tidy shortcuts to the grieving process. There are no time limitations. Everyone is different in his grieving experience. And, for those aging and disabled, these people may go for many years experiencing the various phases of shock; anger; denial and finally some semblance of acceptance.
The “Acceptance” part of the grieving experience is the most difficult:
It is very easy to be shocked. It is even easier to become angered. And, it is a natural human reaction to be in denial. That denial, often expressed, is: “Why me? This shouldn’t happen to me! It only happens to the other person!”
Several Sunday’s ago I posted an online “Words in Season” message that hammered home the message of “Forgiveness.” That message contained a short chapter of a book that dealt with, loving one’s enemy. This true story is a prime example of what Shakespeare meant, when he said: “……..to forgive, divine.”
The present necessity of forgiveness and its priceless implication (1/11/09)
It is my prayer that those in this town and those who have grieved in some way over Mr. Schur’s death, that we all could remind ourselves of the priceless need to reach that “acceptance stage.” And, an integral part of acceptance is the forgiveness aspect.
Those who read that topical "Words in Season" message several weeks ago – please read it again. And those not having done so, and are reading this – please read, ponder and reference the following Scriptures. Remember, Acceptance by way of forgiveness is for your personal ongoing benefit. It is, by far the best way to successfully grieve. Amen.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament:
Psalm 51:1-17 -- Our sinfulness [deserving of divine punishment] before a holy and just God and His ready and available forgiveness – Note: Verse, 7
Psalm 130:1-5 -- There is forgiveness with Creator God
New Testament:
Matthew 18:21-35 -- Peter's question about forgiveness & Christ’s Parable of the “Unmerciful Servant” and His teaching of the utter necessity of forgiveness. Note Verses, 34-35
Luke 11:1-13 -- Christ teaches His disciples the “Lord’s Prayer.” Particularly note, Verse, 11:4a
Matthew 6:1-15 -- Christ’s teaching on the humble giving of charity; prayer and also the teaching of forgiveness. Note: Verses, 14-15
___________________________________________________
Note for further reference and understanding:
PART 1: – The Christian Faith – What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?” (10/12/08)
PART 2: The Christian Faith -- How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place (10/19/08)
PART 3: The Christian Faith -- What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? (10/26/08)
___________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
___________________________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
Who is my neighbor? -- With special reference to the (now) former Bay City resident (Marvin Schur) and his tragic death (2/1/09)
NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]
The recent course of sad events have thrust this local small town community into a state of shock, bewilderment, frustration and anger over the needless and preventable death of one of our own senior citizens, whose 93 year old WWII Vet body, essentially “froze” to death because of a flawed and / or, [obviously] failed City Hall policy.
The news of Marvin Schur’s untimely and horrible death did not hit the national news circuit until at least a week after his actual hypothermia induced death, as was determined by a Michigan coroner.
Note: Please reference the following local commentary the same day of the first comprehensive public news of Mavin Schur’s death:
Bay City “Manager” fails to own up to his responsibility – blames others for WWII senior citizen’s untimely and horrible death (1/26/09)
City Hall damage control was quick to follow once some facts were divulged about Marvin’s death:
Bay City’s City Manager, Robert Belleman was quoted in the local Bay City Time’s newspaper as pointing the political finger at Chilson St. residents for not being neighborly enough to prevent Mr. Schur’s terrible death. As the knowledge of this WWII Vet’s health and circumstances began to unravel – and the [intended punitive] use of a local [city controlled] electric gismo type “Limiter,” became known, City Hall damage control quickly scrabbled to remove such other limiters from other city residents’ dwellings. One news report stated that [anonymous] “city officials” were going to review the present certain city policy so that a tragedy of this magnitude would never happen again.
It has also been said that Marvin may have suffered from some degree of dementia, and was hearing challenged. Someone stated that Marvin had recently suffered the loss of his wife who took care of paying the couple's bills. Added to these neighborly known realities, was that Marvin was not lacking the financial resources to make the back payments, as cash was supposed to have been found along side city bills, within his home.
This Christian pastor was greatly distressed and sickened by a death that need not have happened in the time and manner in which it did:
Upon looking at the mlive.com Bay City Times news report of 1/26/09 and reading how our [top paid] city manager was essentially laying the responsibility for Marvin’s death upon his neighbors, I pounded out the following local commentary. I then sent emails to the City Manager, Robert Belleman; nine Commission members; and, our Mayor, Charles, Brunner. My email was very short, as I included a link to the commentary [below] and strongly suggested that they take responsibility:
Local Commentary -- Bay City “Manager” fails to own up to his responsibility – blames others for WWII senior citizen’s untimely and horrible death (1/26/09)
“Who is my [our] neighbor?
The mlive.com town talk forum has [in part] been a place for city residents and others to vent their frustrations and anger over Mr. Schur’s death. One forum participant pointed out that our city manager on the one hand was blaming Chilson St. neighbors for Marvin’s preventable untimely and tragic death while not realizing that he was, also, [in a certain sense] Marvin’s neighbor. This person’s comment made not only common sense, but also, reflected Scriptural realities.
“…….The City Manager states that neighbors should have looked out for Mr. Schur. If this is a small community as is reported, then Mr. Belleman, you are a neighbor……” [Paraphrase]
I then chimed in with my forum response:
I hear you and share your sentiments. I remember in one of my sermons explaining the term: “Neighbor.” I went on to explain Christ summing up the Ten Commandments by saying: (1) ”Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind;” (2) “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [Paraphrase -- Gospel of Matthew 22:36-40]
I continued to say that our neighbor was that person who was within our grasp to help. Everyone can relate to Christ’s parable of the Good Samaritan. [Luke 10:25-37] And, as you so aptly remarked, our city manager was also Marvin’s neighbor. And, I would say, even more so than others, in that he is the “Manager” of the city -- he had even more opportunity to be this man’s “neighbor.” In his top notch highly paid, office, he had the time to see to it that an apparent out-dated and inhumane policy did not allow for particular extenuating [human] circumstances, such as sadly resulted in this WWII senior’s untimely, horrible and tragic death.
The poor man was 93 years of age. Someone said on this forum that his wife recently died and she took care of the bills. Someone also intimated on one of the news piece mlive.com Bay City Times’ articles that he could have been hard of hearing. Obviously he was homebound and didn’t spend the money that he was supposed to have had. And, he would not go out in the freezing cold to reset an electric type gismo.
The (often) failure of local [state & federal] “government” to not only reflect, but to effect genuine love for one’s neighbor:
I dare say that most politicians have no idea of Webster’s original meaning of “politics” because they have been so roily influenced by manipulation, money and lobbying, originating from special interest entities. Often the masses and disadvantaged are left out of government ethical consideration because certain influential personalities have learned to be adept and highly masterful in pulling politicians’ personal pandering strings. [Note: "Political Extortion" -- 2/19/07]
Also note: “Compassionless government is appalling government – And, what then, can be said of some Bay City government politicians & special interest personalities who fail to consider the poor?” (2/24/08)
In my lifetime I have witnessed a convoluted mixture of negative politics, -- so much so, that the following original Webster definition appears almost strange and Neanderthal. But nevertheless, this definition in my estimation is the (standard) route that current and future politicians should follow, if they have any intention of being honest and forthright in their quest to be genuine public servants:
POL'ITICS, n. The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals. Politics, as a science or an art, is a subject of vast extent and importance. [Webster’s original dictionary]
Notice that I highlighted the parts of Webster’s definition that has to do with government’s responsibility for the safety and preservation [care] of its citizens. Our Bay City WWII Vet resident wasn’t afforded that! A taxpayer all his life, and Marvin came out on the short end of the exercise of local politics’ unethical practice of its designated responsible task to preserve and protect his very existence!
Human error and irresponsibility often is cited as “the” cause for accidents and death – But “what” is the ultimate “cause” for accidents, disease and death?
The ultimate cause of sin and death, disease and accidents is human sin. [Romans 5:12] That cause is well established and recorded in the pages of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. So often we flawed and sinful humans become so focused on direct “causes” that we fail to see the forest [ultimate] cause though the blame game trees. “Blame,” “responsibility” and root (ultimate) “cause” are, various descriptions and distinctions. And then, we could talk for hours upon hours, about the difference between the “Perfect” will of God and, the “Permissive” will of God.
We know from Scripture mankind’s fall into sin [Genesis 3] and that human sin separates us from the present and eternal love of God. [Romans 3:23] We also know that sin, as a highly infectious disease, has spread to all of humanity. [Romans 5:12] But thanks be to Creator God that he sent His only begotten Son to be the Savior for human sin. [John 3:14-21] Thank God that Christ came to be born a human being, and that by his birth, life, suffering, death and resurrection from the dead, He makes possible the forgiveness of sins before a holy, just and punishing God. [1 Corinthians 15 ; Acts 26:18 ; Colossians 1:14] May those of humble and repentant heart have ears to hear. [Matthew 7:13-29 ; Luke 15 ; Luke 18:9-14]
Finally:
Time has cut short this message about “Who is our neighbor,” and our responsibilities to our neighbor. In view of that and this last sad week, in Bay City’s history, I am thankful that our City Manager, Robert Belleman, Mayor, Charles Brunner and others at City Hall have instituted a safety net program via post office letter carriers, to keep watchful eyes over designated residences of those who need our neighborly and loving care.
To be sure, our City Manager is correct in assuming that neighbors should assist their [needy] neighbors in caring for themselves. However, I am sure that I am not alone as I would like to witness our City Manager taking some portion of moral personal responsibility for the sad and tragic death of one of our senior citizens.
Our City Manager may avoid personal responsibility by skillfully saying that “the ‘city’ takes responsibility.” He may try all he may, to hide behind a State Police investigative report and a city employee liability insurance plan. But that reclusive action, I am convinced, will not bode well (with city residents) for a continued city manager’s future here in Bay City. He should either step up to the plate, and at least take on some personal responsibility, or step down from his office and, resign.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 6:5 – The command to love God
Leviticus 19:18 – The command to love one’s neighbor
New Testament:
Mark 12:28-34 – Christ’s answer about priorities
Luke 10:25-37 – Christ answers the question: “And who is my
neighbor?”
James 1:27 – Some caring principles of pure religion -- Also Note: Proverbs 31:8
___________________________________________________
Note for further reference and understanding:
PART 1: The Christian Faith – What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?” (10/12/08)
PART 2: The Christian Faith -- How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place (10/19/08)
PART 3: The Christian Faith -- What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? (10/26/08)___________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
__________________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]
The recent course of sad events have thrust this local small town community into a state of shock, bewilderment, frustration and anger over the needless and preventable death of one of our own senior citizens, whose 93 year old WWII Vet body, essentially “froze” to death because of a flawed and / or, [obviously] failed City Hall policy.
The news of Marvin Schur’s untimely and horrible death did not hit the national news circuit until at least a week after his actual hypothermia induced death, as was determined by a Michigan coroner.
Note: Please reference the following local commentary the same day of the first comprehensive public news of Mavin Schur’s death:
Bay City “Manager” fails to own up to his responsibility – blames others for WWII senior citizen’s untimely and horrible death (1/26/09)
City Hall damage control was quick to follow once some facts were divulged about Marvin’s death:
Bay City’s City Manager, Robert Belleman was quoted in the local Bay City Time’s newspaper as pointing the political finger at Chilson St. residents for not being neighborly enough to prevent Mr. Schur’s terrible death. As the knowledge of this WWII Vet’s health and circumstances began to unravel – and the [intended punitive] use of a local [city controlled] electric gismo type “Limiter,” became known, City Hall damage control quickly scrabbled to remove such other limiters from other city residents’ dwellings. One news report stated that [anonymous] “city officials” were going to review the present certain city policy so that a tragedy of this magnitude would never happen again.
It has also been said that Marvin may have suffered from some degree of dementia, and was hearing challenged. Someone stated that Marvin had recently suffered the loss of his wife who took care of paying the couple's bills. Added to these neighborly known realities, was that Marvin was not lacking the financial resources to make the back payments, as cash was supposed to have been found along side city bills, within his home.
This Christian pastor was greatly distressed and sickened by a death that need not have happened in the time and manner in which it did:
Upon looking at the mlive.com Bay City Times news report of 1/26/09 and reading how our [top paid] city manager was essentially laying the responsibility for Marvin’s death upon his neighbors, I pounded out the following local commentary. I then sent emails to the City Manager, Robert Belleman; nine Commission members; and, our Mayor, Charles, Brunner. My email was very short, as I included a link to the commentary [below] and strongly suggested that they take responsibility:
Local Commentary -- Bay City “Manager” fails to own up to his responsibility – blames others for WWII senior citizen’s untimely and horrible death (1/26/09)
“Who is my [our] neighbor?
The mlive.com town talk forum has [in part] been a place for city residents and others to vent their frustrations and anger over Mr. Schur’s death. One forum participant pointed out that our city manager on the one hand was blaming Chilson St. neighbors for Marvin’s preventable untimely and tragic death while not realizing that he was, also, [in a certain sense] Marvin’s neighbor. This person’s comment made not only common sense, but also, reflected Scriptural realities.
“…….The City Manager states that neighbors should have looked out for Mr. Schur. If this is a small community as is reported, then Mr. Belleman, you are a neighbor……” [Paraphrase]
I then chimed in with my forum response:
I hear you and share your sentiments. I remember in one of my sermons explaining the term: “Neighbor.” I went on to explain Christ summing up the Ten Commandments by saying: (1) ”Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind;” (2) “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [Paraphrase -- Gospel of Matthew 22:36-40]
I continued to say that our neighbor was that person who was within our grasp to help. Everyone can relate to Christ’s parable of the Good Samaritan. [Luke 10:25-37] And, as you so aptly remarked, our city manager was also Marvin’s neighbor. And, I would say, even more so than others, in that he is the “Manager” of the city -- he had even more opportunity to be this man’s “neighbor.” In his top notch highly paid, office, he had the time to see to it that an apparent out-dated and inhumane policy did not allow for particular extenuating [human] circumstances, such as sadly resulted in this WWII senior’s untimely, horrible and tragic death.
The poor man was 93 years of age. Someone said on this forum that his wife recently died and she took care of the bills. Someone also intimated on one of the news piece mlive.com Bay City Times’ articles that he could have been hard of hearing. Obviously he was homebound and didn’t spend the money that he was supposed to have had. And, he would not go out in the freezing cold to reset an electric type gismo.
The (often) failure of local [state & federal] “government” to not only reflect, but to effect genuine love for one’s neighbor:
I dare say that most politicians have no idea of Webster’s original meaning of “politics” because they have been so roily influenced by manipulation, money and lobbying, originating from special interest entities. Often the masses and disadvantaged are left out of government ethical consideration because certain influential personalities have learned to be adept and highly masterful in pulling politicians’ personal pandering strings. [Note: "Political Extortion" -- 2/19/07]
Also note: “Compassionless government is appalling government – And, what then, can be said of some Bay City government politicians & special interest personalities who fail to consider the poor?” (2/24/08)
In my lifetime I have witnessed a convoluted mixture of negative politics, -- so much so, that the following original Webster definition appears almost strange and Neanderthal. But nevertheless, this definition in my estimation is the (standard) route that current and future politicians should follow, if they have any intention of being honest and forthright in their quest to be genuine public servants:
POL'ITICS, n. The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals. Politics, as a science or an art, is a subject of vast extent and importance. [Webster’s original dictionary]
Notice that I highlighted the parts of Webster’s definition that has to do with government’s responsibility for the safety and preservation [care] of its citizens. Our Bay City WWII Vet resident wasn’t afforded that! A taxpayer all his life, and Marvin came out on the short end of the exercise of local politics’ unethical practice of its designated responsible task to preserve and protect his very existence!
Human error and irresponsibility often is cited as “the” cause for accidents and death – But “what” is the ultimate “cause” for accidents, disease and death?
The ultimate cause of sin and death, disease and accidents is human sin. [Romans 5:12] That cause is well established and recorded in the pages of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. So often we flawed and sinful humans become so focused on direct “causes” that we fail to see the forest [ultimate] cause though the blame game trees. “Blame,” “responsibility” and root (ultimate) “cause” are, various descriptions and distinctions. And then, we could talk for hours upon hours, about the difference between the “Perfect” will of God and, the “Permissive” will of God.
We know from Scripture mankind’s fall into sin [Genesis 3] and that human sin separates us from the present and eternal love of God. [Romans 3:23] We also know that sin, as a highly infectious disease, has spread to all of humanity. [Romans 5:12] But thanks be to Creator God that he sent His only begotten Son to be the Savior for human sin. [John 3:14-21] Thank God that Christ came to be born a human being, and that by his birth, life, suffering, death and resurrection from the dead, He makes possible the forgiveness of sins before a holy, just and punishing God. [1 Corinthians 15 ; Acts 26:18 ; Colossians 1:14] May those of humble and repentant heart have ears to hear. [Matthew 7:13-29 ; Luke 15 ; Luke 18:9-14]
Finally:
Time has cut short this message about “Who is our neighbor,” and our responsibilities to our neighbor. In view of that and this last sad week, in Bay City’s history, I am thankful that our City Manager, Robert Belleman, Mayor, Charles Brunner and others at City Hall have instituted a safety net program via post office letter carriers, to keep watchful eyes over designated residences of those who need our neighborly and loving care.
To be sure, our City Manager is correct in assuming that neighbors should assist their [needy] neighbors in caring for themselves. However, I am sure that I am not alone as I would like to witness our City Manager taking some portion of moral personal responsibility for the sad and tragic death of one of our senior citizens.
Our City Manager may avoid personal responsibility by skillfully saying that “the ‘city’ takes responsibility.” He may try all he may, to hide behind a State Police investigative report and a city employee liability insurance plan. But that reclusive action, I am convinced, will not bode well (with city residents) for a continued city manager’s future here in Bay City. He should either step up to the plate, and at least take on some personal responsibility, or step down from his office and, resign.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 6:5 – The command to love God
Leviticus 19:18 – The command to love one’s neighbor
New Testament:
Mark 12:28-34 – Christ’s answer about priorities
Luke 10:25-37 – Christ answers the question: “And who is my
neighbor?”
James 1:27 – Some caring principles of pure religion -- Also Note: Proverbs 31:8
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Note for further reference and understanding:
PART 1: The Christian Faith – What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?” (10/12/08)
PART 2: The Christian Faith -- How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place (10/19/08)
PART 3: The Christian Faith -- What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? (10/26/08)___________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
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Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
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