We have all experienced the frustrations put upon us as we seek to achieve something
that involves permission. It is referred to as “Red Tape” and describes the often
annoying way that bureaucracy hinders things from getting done. It began in the early
1800’s, and originally referred to the common practice of binding official documents
with red ribbon. An outspoken Scottish historian, Thomas Carlyle, made a name for
himself by referring to ‘red tape’ each time the government delayed in fulfilling its
promises and frustrating all by the excuses and slow payments due to war veterans
who had returned from various fields of battle. He wrote that ‘red tape’ will become
legendary in the world as the public service expands. He noted in his observations
there appears that there will be only one place of authority that it will never take over
and that will be the Throne of God.
The Apostle Paul confirmed this in our text when he wrote of Jesus Christ, “by whom
also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” When our hearts are
broken or our lives are troubled, there is no red tape hindering our access to God
through Christ who has paved the way so we can have access at any time.
Hebrews 4: 15-16 “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the
feeling of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace to help in time of need.”
There is no red tape to cut through to present our needs to God. Through Christ, we
have full and immediate access.

We see therein a prophecy on how God would come within the world, how His word would come. It would not be in the might of the elements, as many believed, but it would be in a quiet still voice. We can only imagine the picture in our minds of a manger, that a baby who for the first time uttered sound within this world, a quiet still cry into the world, crying for the world. He knew that He would have to overcome and conquer, and so the Word of God came into the world in that quiet still voice. We read the gospels and we see how our Lord used that quiet voice at all times to teach us the way of God, to teach us His promises, to teach us how we should live our life. We should be as Elijah, as we once again in our mind’s eye picture this quiet still voice. We should put the mantle around ourselves, meaning we should acknowledge that we can achieve nothing without that quiet still voice leading us within our lives. We have already heard how grace came and how righteousness came, and we have heard that when our Lord was born into the world He brought Grace for Grace. Grace for Grace – Let us contemplate on that. He brought this grace so that more grace could continue within the world. How do we go about achieving and playing our part in having this grace dispensed, for without this grace in the world, especially the troubled world we see today, none of us would stand a chance. This was explained to us by the Apostle Paul in his writing to the Corinthians, and we find written in II Corinthians Chapter 4 verse 15: For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. One simple line, but we see therein the mystery unfolded of Grace for Grace. It is through the thanksgiving of many that this grace can abound and be sent out into the world, not only to us, but to all who are struggling. Let us on this Christmas day be sure that our thanksgiving unto the Almighty God is pure and genuine, that it recognizes that man was once again restored to have the opportunity to be sons and daughters of God, that grace came into the world, that righteousness has been dispensed, and that a new way stands before all mankind who will believe in this and give thanksgiving for this.

Let us meditate on the role of the shepherds or the first ministry that witnessed the birth of Christ, and we find written in Luke Chapter 2 verse 15 on as follows: “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary. and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen. As it was told unto them.” We hear there how at the first Christmas, at the birth of Christ, the shepherds were so moved that they spread the word abroad, that they told others of this wonderful event, and they returned and gave glory and praise unto God. We are in that same position; as disciples we can celebrate Christmas. We have witnessed again in our mind’s eye the birth of Christ. We can leave it at that. We can say – Yes we have witnessed that; but we should be moved to tell others, to spread this word abroad so that each and every one can feel this peace that came to earth on that day, and above all the shepherds returned to give honour and glory unto the Almighty God. A year stands before us. Let us be sure that we return many times unto the Lord to give praise, honour and glory, and thanksgiving for this wonderful blessing, so that grace for grace can continue to flow in the world.

Mankind has always bewailed death and stood weeping at the deathbed of their loved ones; or the news of death, especially when unexpected, causes deep shock and great suffering. Death is usually regarded as an enemy, even though for the aged and the terminally ill death is seen as a release. Suicides cannot come to terms with the problem of life and feel that death is the only solution.
Life and death are two sides of the same coin. Death is an integral part of the biological cycle in which all living things are involved. There is a constant process of growing and dying so that a natural balance is maintained. All those who grieve must reluctantly accept that “Death is an inviolable law of nature.”
We are comprised of body and soul, the mortal and immortal, furthermore we, as opposed to the rest of creation, are intelligent enough to think about death and involuntarily reject it as the enemy of life. We seek comfort when faced with death. The bitter tears of a mother over her dead child, the sobs of a wife over her husband killed in war, the heartfelt cries and sighs of people in similar situations, all this is an expression of innate longing for immortality.
In the Garden of Eden, death, and the sorrows it brings, did not exist. These came through sin and disobedience. (Genesis 3:19 & Romans 6:23). Subsequently sickness, death and sorrow became our lot. The enemy of our soul had led the first people astray and brought them great misery.
Have we been sentenced to death from which there is no repeal? Is death our end then? Is the cemetery our terminus? Will the power of death be triumphant always and eternally?
Thank God that the answer to this is a comforting “No”. God in His mercy and forgiving love has promised us through the Bible that death will have no hold on us and will have no power over our soul. The same was also testified in the Old Testament, when the Prophet Elijah revived the son of the widow Zarephath (1 Kings 17: 22), and through the vision of the Prophet Ezekiel who saw skeletons given a new life (Ezek. 37:10).
The final victory over death was on the cross at Golgotha. On Easter morning the sorrow of death was wiped away from the three grieving women at Jesus tomb, when two divine messengers consoled them “Why seek ye the living among the dead?” (Luke 24: 5-6). A Little while later they together all saw what was beyond human comprehension, their risen Lord in their midst.
The birth of Christ was the start of a new order. Jesus was the first witness to it and in it there will be no death with all its sorrows. This is why Christians who mourn should be comforted with the words “Death is swallowed up in victory!” (1 Cor. 15:54). God will wipe away all tears of mourning from your eyes and give you and your loved ones a completely new life with totally different standards in eternity. The eye has not seen nor the ear heard, nor can anyone, even in his wildest dreams, even imagine what God has prepared for those whom He loves (1 Cor. 2:9). We are subject to death till the Lord comes again. The resurrection of our Lord made death powerless, therefore a faithful Christian has no reason whatsoever to fear death. Through rebirth by water and the spirit and by constant prayer and attending Divine Services a new life with the Lord begins, developing the indestructible divine part of our being. Unwaveringly believe the good news which the Bible tells us: “0 death where is thy sting? 0 grave where is thy victory? (1 Cor. 15: 55).

Apostle Paul, in Romans 10, reveals God’s heart and plan for both Israel and the Gentile nations. His desire is not only for the Gentiles to receive the gift of salvation through Christ, but also for the people of Israel to come to faith. Paul declares that salvation is available to all – there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile. He highlights the divine calling to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person. As a servant and apostle sent by God, Paul sees it as his sacred duty to preach the gospel of peace and bring the glad tidings of Christ to all humanity. Apostle Paul quoted the Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” to remind the people about the purpose of the messenger of God.

Similarly, we are all servants in the sense that we are called by God to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone. When God looks at His servants, He sees something beautiful – not because of appearance, talent, or eloquence, but because of obedience. Scripture tells us that the feet of those who carry the Gospel are beautiful. Why feet? Because they represent movement, mission, and willingness to go wherever God sends. Our value to God is seen not in staying still, but in stepping forward. In Isaiah’s time, messengers sprinted across mountains to deliver news. Their feet would be dirty, cracked, sore – yet God said those feet were “beautiful.” What made them beautiful? The message they carried.

Today, every believer is called to bring good news: hope to the discouraged, peace to the anxious, salvation to the lost, and the grace and love of Christ to every heart.

Our steps matter.

Where we go, Christ goes.

Where we walk, the Gospel walks.

Paul reminds us: “How shall they preach, except they be sent?” We are not just wandering through life – we are sent by God into our workplace, our family, our community, even our ordinary daily tasks. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ. Every conversation is a chance to shine His light. We are part of the movement of the Body of Christ – its feet. Feet cannot walk in darkness. Even beautiful feet need guidance. That’s why the Psalmist declares: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. Psalm 119:105. God’s Word does not always show the entire journey, but it always shows the next step.

When we read the Bible, the Lord lights our path:

• He keeps us from stumbling.

• He directs us away from sin.

• He strengthens us when the road is long.

• He leads us to people who need Him.

The messenger must stay in the light to carry the message of Light.

When God’s Word lights the path and we walk in obedience, every step becomes a message of hope, peace and joy. As the hymn says, “Onward, Christian soldiers!”

In these few words that God gave to us, we all stand either to be resisted by God for eternal life, or to be blessed by God for eternal life. It is very important for us therefore to understand that it is only through the Grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that we can receive this eternal life, for none of us can achieve without this grace to be reconciled to God, and to be His sons and daughters. Therefore, it is the key element on our way to this promise and this hope. Now, if it is the key element or the driving force, or the fuel, or however we like in our own minds eye to look at this journey, if grace is the key thing, then we have to make ourselves a receptacle to be able to have that within us. According to the Word of God it can only be granted unto those who are humble, for God resisteth the proud, but He giveth grace unto the humble.

We see the importance of the text word in understanding what this humbleness and meekness means to us. According to the Scriptures and according to God’s teachings on the matter, humbleness and meekness mean that it is an inward and spiritual feeling that we have to come to grips with, where we acknowledge that we are dependent on a spiritual being greater than us. Now Satan also understands that this is the way to salvation. He goes around and he tries to have us all exalt ourselves so that we do not link ourselves or believe in the spiritual sense we are dependent on a higher power, and that we are only equal with one another. Each of us have within ourselves that spiritual being that was granted unto mankind when God created man from the dust of the earth, but Satan is cunning and most of us, if we are alert, and if we allow this spirit to lead us, we can see the difference between being proud and humble. Satan is cunning and he undermines this humbleness in a different way, and we see that happening in the world. We see that he enters into the minds of people, and he has them believe that they are not as good as their fellow man. He has them put down. We have often heard how this putting down then turns to depression and people lose heart, and people see themselves as not being created in the image of God.

We see in the world today the results of that. People turning to alternate ways to drop out. People turning to suicide because they feel that they are not equal. Now that is the downside of what Satan is trying to do, and we must be very careful that we do not allow ourselves to misinterpret the word humbleness. Christ showed very clearly while He was on this earth, that He acknowledged that there was a greater power that He was answerable to, but He did not downgrade Himself. He left Himself at the level of all Men where God had created them. He was able to stand with the poorest of poor, and He was able to give them comfort and uplift them. He was able to stand in the presence of governors and kings, and He was able to maintain and show them through His actions of what His purpose on earth was.

We have to understand this humbleness and this meekness, so that we can receive this grace. We have to acknowledge that at all times we are dependent on a mightier power, that we are but sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, and as our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ displayed His whole life in humbleness and meekness, we too must do the same if we are to receive the blessings of God.

We can do that each and every day of our lives as we begin the day by praying – Heavenly Father, Almighty God. Those few words show us that we are dependent on a mightier power than we, and it sets for the day those things on how we can lead our lives and suppress this proudness that will always come and try and be placed in our way. This knowledge should lead us to taking that next step in our lives from Faith to Trust; Proverbs 28:25-26. “He that is of a proud heart stireth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

In these few words that God gave to us, we all stand either to be resisted by God for eternal life, or to be blessed by God for eternal life. It is very important for us therefore to understand that it is only through the Grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that we can receive this eternal life, for none of us can achieve without this grace to be reconciled to God, and to be His sons and daughters. Therefore, it is the key element on our way to this promise and this hope. Now, if it is the key element or the driving force, or the fuel, or however we like in our own minds eye to look at this journey, if grace is the key thing, then we have to make ourselves a receptacle to be able to have that within us. According to the Word of God it can only be granted unto those who are humble, for God resisteth the proud, but He giveth grace unto the humble.

We see the importance of the text word in understanding what this humbleness and meekness means to us. According to the Scriptures and according to God’s teachings on the matter, humbleness and meekness mean that it is an inward and spiritual feeling that we have to come to grips with, where we acknowledge that we are dependent on a spiritual being greater than us. Now Satan also understands that this is the way to salvation. He goes around and he tries to have us all exalt ourselves so that we do not link ourselves or believe in the spiritual sense we are dependent on a higher power, and that we are only equal with one another. Each of us have within ourselves that spiritual being that was granted unto mankind when God created man from the dust of the earth, but Satan is cunning and most of us, if we are alert, and if we allow this spirit to lead us, we can see the difference between being proud and humble. Satan is cunning and he undermines this humbleness in a different way, and we see that happening in the world. We see that he enters into the minds of people, and he has them believe that they are not as good as their fellow man. He has them put down. We have often heard how this putting down then turns to depression and people lose heart, and people see themselves as not being created in the image of God.

We see in the world today the results of that. People turning to alternate ways to drop out. People turning to suicide because they feel that they are not equal. Now that is the downside of what Satan is trying to do, and we must be very careful that we do not allow ourselves to misinterpret the word humbleness. Christ showed very clearly while He was on this earth, that He acknowledged that there was a greater power that He was answerable to, but He did not downgrade Himself. He left Himself at the level of all Men where God had created them. He was able to stand with the poorest of poor, and He was able to give them comfort and uplift them. He was able to stand in the presence of governors and kings, and He was able to maintain and show them through His actions of what His purpose on earth was.

We have to understand this humbleness and this meekness, so that we can receive this grace. We have to acknowledge that at all times we are dependent on a mightier power, that we are but sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, and as our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ displayed His whole life in humbleness and meekness, we too must do the same if we are to receive the blessings of God.

We can do that each and every day of our lives as we begin the day by praying – Heavenly Father, Almighty God. Those few words show us that we are dependent on a mightier power than we, and it sets for the day those things on how we can lead our lives and suppress this proudness that will always come and try and be placed in our way. This knowledge should lead us to taking that next step in our lives from Faith to Trust; Proverbs 28:25-26. “He that is of a proud heart stireth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

How sure and true is this statement. Can we fully agree on that without argument? Have we no difficulty to hear GOD’S WORD, or better said, to be able to hear it out of the maze of all the voices in us and around us? Does our way not often lay in darkness and we can still see no light? The Psalmist also knows only too well of such times in his life (Psalm 119:67) “Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now have I kept thy word”. Through God’s mercy and goodness, he came to realize the greatness of the Word of God. His eyes were opened. He could see the light! Out of the new and wonderful sight originated this glorious Psalm. With his whole heart he loves the Word of God, His Commandments! Therefore, does he keep them! I think that this is the key to understand the ways of God: The Love for Him.
Now, to mention further meditations:

1. At first, God’s Light is hidden to man. Since the exclusion from Eden, man is separated from God. He cannot recognize Him by himself (Matt. 11:25) The light of God’s Word as well as His closeness are not recognizable to the estranged man. As the clouds hide the Sun, which renders all life here on earth, so is God hidden from the sinful man. Through Jesus Christ it became possible to see God. God was brought near to man. Only as a Newborn Creature can we have fellowship with God and recognize His light. This however is a growing process. How often does God take us simply by the hand, because He loves us, and leads us like the blind?

2. My own “I” stands in the foreground. When our “I” stands in the foreground we see only darkness. This darkness is our own shadow. It is not God who hides Himself from us, but we stand in front of His light. Exactly the same, when we want to push our works in front of others “into the right light”. May we be humble. God sees into our hearts! Only those who have a clean heart, will see God. (Matthew 5:8)
3. We are the ones seeking after this way, which God laid down for us. How is it, when one in total darkness seeks the way with just a torch? Even a well-known way, through a forest, can turn out wrong by night. Repeatedly, we want finished recipes from God, an exact description of the different stations, which may lay ahead. But He often only says: “Don’t be afraid, I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10) Set out on this way in full trust. Live according to My instructions, My Word!” This is the precious promise of God: “If you seek Me with all your heart, so will I be found of you”. (Jeremiah 29:13-14) The Psalmist speaks, in our Word of “The lamp for the feet”. Often, only a short distance appears for the next steps, may be, only a word of comfort given for this day.
4. There is only one Way (one Goal) God gives us. In today’s time a decisive Christendom is asked for! If we, following Christ, make compromises, there are many ways. When we want to live after God’s Law, there is only One Way. We see Christianity going in all directions, trying to please all. We should enjoy life. But a traveller experiences nature more intensive than a driver racing through the countryside. “Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but on the seventh day then you shall do no work”. (Exodus. 20:9-10)
5. Taking other people with us on this Way. All the people you meet, try and bring to light God’s image (Light) before them, (to be Light bearers!) How quick is one influenced by the darkness of the other? God’s light in you, shall point others also on the right way.

We see Jesus Christ confirming that it is only by faith that we can be blessed. Faith is a small word with such a profound meaning, especially in our period of time in which we live. The word faith, except on two occasions, is only found in the New Testament which shows clearly it is for our time. Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrews to explain to them what this should mean to us. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Although the word is not used in the Old Testament, we can read of so many acts of faith displayed by the believers of those times. Many are listed in Hebrews chapter 12 and give us inspiration today as we read of them.

The faith that our Lord spoke to Thomas about was the faith in Him that He was the Christ, born into the world, lived His life sinless, fulfilled the law, died for our sins, arose from the grave, ascended to become our High Priest for ever, as all power, both, in heaven and on earth is given to Him.  In short, the only way we can have access to God and His blessings both in this life and after in this period of time, is to accept Him and worship in spirit and in truth. Because we do not see Him, this requires the faith that He spoke to Thomas. “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

It is always much easier to worship something that can be seen. One of our brothers who recently visited rural China, told of an experience that shows God’s wisdom. China of course, has opened its doors to the world and is being campaigned by all the various faiths of the world. Those who can place something before the people to see, of course make it easier for them to follow. Our brother was approached by a young boy who asked him the question – “Are you a Christian”? – “Yes” replied our brother “Are you”? The boy replied he was and then went on to explain that many of his friends made fun of him for believing in something he could not see and were always asking him to show them his God. He then told our brother that he explains to them – None of us can see the air around us, but that does not mean we should stop breathing and likewise, just because we cannot see God around us at all times, that does not mean we should stop believing”. What a wonderful modern-day explanation of faith!

We know that we begin with faith and the bible teaches us that we then add to it, all our other aspirations, hope, charity, works, patience, virtue, godliness, love, steadfastness, gentleness, strength etc., and above all, we must move on from faith to absolute Trust in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul taught further to the Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”