VISIONARY

Imagine there's no heaven,

it's easy if you try.

No hell below us, above us only sky.

Imagine no possessions,

I wonder if you can,

No need for greed or hunger,

a brotherhood of man.

Imagine all the people sharing all the world.

John Lennon

What a fall out that song caused amongst evangelical christians in the American bible belt.   John was describing, in part, a future where Christ will reign.  Along with his statement that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus he was accused of blasphemy.   He was speaking the truth.   Perhaps the zealots didn't even consider that Beatle mania was indicative of the poor state of christianity which today is worse than the seventies.  

It speaks volumes about the zealot mindset,  ignorance and immature judgmental attitudes, they actually knock God off the throne of Judgement and condemn anyone outside their interpretation to hell.   In reality they are more likely to arrive at that abode.  How Jesus hated the zealots.

In early 2002 I watched as a small group of children using the church frontage for their skate board activities were drawn into the foyer of the church.    We had an excellent worship team and brilliant musicians.   The kids didn't even know who Jesus was.   They were attracted by the music and that is how God works.   He uses the gifting of artists, writers and musicians.

Someone recently discovered an interview with John Lennon some 30 years ago.   John said "It was just an expression, the Beatles seemed to me to have more influence over youth than Christ.  He was correct in that assumption.  

He continued "Now I wasn't saying that was a good idea, cos I'm one of Christ's biggest fans and if I can turn the focus off the Beatles on to Christ's message then that's what we're here to do.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE - how many of us sang that song, how many of us actually show the love of Christ to others.  The old video news report of frenetic zealots stamping on Beatle records in America reminds us little has changed.   They are completely unaware that their behaviour does not encourage the unbeliever to their ranks.

Many years ago a young national service conscript returned home from Berlin.  During his last posting before returning to civilian life he had been to a performance by the Beatles in Germany.     He was excited about the music of four young men from Liverpool and said "these lads are going somewhere"    He certainly didn't consider there was anything sinister or dark about the fresh faced youths with their exuberant sense of humour.   He became a life long fan.    For most normal people that consisted of buying their records, reading about their next performance, appreciating their music.   

Apparently many people watching the movie Jesus of Nazareth and the brilliant acting by Robert Powell suddenly found themselves asking questions and some Jews actually became christians realising this was a story they had never been told.  They found the Messiah they had missed.

The Passion of Christ also left many people in tears at the brutal treatment of an innocent Jewish rabbi.   He was a threat to the establishment, they needed him gone.   Some walked out of the cinema.   Many felt convicted that they were not worthy of such a sacrifice.  They were right.    The film left its impact on people and whilst it was creatively enhanced in parts, it literally banged the message home with every nail.

Religion for centuries has been all about hate, division and bloody mayhem.   Not surprising a gifted young man might suggest there is a better way and that perhaps "ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE"   It's a common theory among the atheists and free thinkers that if religion were removed from the equation there would be no need for wars and we would live in peace.    This will not happen until we remove the ugly face of greed and self and care about the misery of others.   Until every child is fed, clothed and sheltered that is not going to happen because children born into poverty and deprivation are the target of the extremists and easily radicalized.  

Perhaps Lennon's imagination that "the world will live as one" would usher in a perfect world" which of course is the end result of the bible.   The Prince of Peace returns His Kingdom come.

Sometimes God uses men of talent and vision to hint or even speak a truth which others in His service certainly don't manage to get across.    But they must never expect to be popular.  Prophets were considered hostile elements. 

There was absolutely nothing offensive about the lads from Liverpool.     I doubt Americans even appreciated or understood their dry wit and sardonic humour.   They were the "great" in Britain and the  country sang along to their catchy tunes.   It was a better time and I for one thank God for my place in time.

Others followed.

Phil Collins and his brilliant 'LAND OF CONFUSION'  and the darkness continues.

Phil Collins "JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE" did Jo public get the message.  Do they listen to the lyrics - how greedy and selfish we were and still are.

Police - EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE - yes this was obviously about a man watching infidelity at work but often these lyrics take on a very different significance to the christian.

Yes God is watching every breath, every step, every move we make.   And likewise the world watches our witness.  Ever ready to point the finger.   The press highlighted the fact that the man who murdered Lennon was a born again christian, ex. drug addict etc. etc.    A christian who was truly born again would question the origin of such an evil thought. 

We have prophetic writers and those who write fantasy novels.   THE GREAT DIVORCE by  C.S. Lewis.  Referring to his book Lewis wrote "but the transmortal conditions are solely an imaginative supposal, they are not even a guess or speculation at what may actually await us.   The last thing I wish is to arouse factual curiosity about the details of the after world.

There it is again that word - imagine (ative)

Perhaps if we all had more imagination regarding the consequences of our every actions we might just work towards that end instead of shooting the messenger. 

In the Great Divorce people exist in a place with more than a hint of a dismal day in the depressing terraces of an average town.    Have they missed the direct flight to heaven?  Their miserable lives continue in dank drizzle and permanent twilight.  The usual bright lights and smells of a shopping mall, cinemas, fish and chips, burgers, booze are all there.   Fights at the bus stop.   Perhaps any city today on a Friday/Saturday night except the focus is on a queue at the bus stop.

This brilliant book is a vivid description of those who are in the last chance saloon.  Perhaps very catholic, but kinder than purgatory - just the mind blowing humdrum existence of the average man.   Surprising considering Lewis was an Anglican and layman in the Church of England.   The reader notes with a sense of humour the different characters, ghosts, who are actually being offered a chance to recognise their failings even at this late date and go off in a right direction towards the Kingdom.

They queue for the bus that will take them out of hell to the edge of heaven and a meeting with their  appointed spirit guide who assures them they have to change to continue towards His Kingdom but they still have a choice.   Of course one character actually prefers Hell and probably can't imagine a life without fish chips and booze and gets back on the bus for the return journey to Grey Town.

This truly great writer takes fantasy and punctuates it with gentle prods.  You realise your own imperfections and how unworthy we are to even receive a last minute correction.   I am sure many will have found it offensive in parts.   The Bishop accused of being an apostate.    The ghost who considered he was a "decent chap" only to be advised by his spirit guide "you weren't a decent man, you didn't do your best.  We none of us were and none of us did"    

Perhaps instead of pinning people up against the wall and threatening them with eternal damnation, the ever present zealots might just consider the biblical teaching on JOHN 6 - 43 - 44

JESUS therefore answered and said to them

"Do not murmer amongst yourselves.

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;

and I will raise him up on the last day.

GOD CHOOSES WHEN, WHERE AND HOW.

   

It's our christian life that should attract others to want what we have.   Anything else and the media circus has a field day.

An insignificant little article tucked away in the corner of a daily broadsheet suggested that gossip is good for our egos.   Gossiping is considered vital to our self-esteem because it allows us to compare ourselves with others the study claims.  Supposedly according to research at the University of Groningen it boosts self reflection and self-evaluation.    REALLY.   How many people will take that on board.

Gossip can hurt, crush and even cause a sensitive young person to self harm or even commit suicide so where are these supposed academics coming from? from whence the inspiration.    Gossip can be bland or bullying and downright malicious, often inaccurate and should not be encouraged.   Perhaps they should read a bible and repent.

Matthew 5 - 37

Jesus said "But let your Yes be Yes and your No be No

For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Are christians even taught that the evil one exists in today's twisted interpretation of scripture.   The man responsible for the death of Lennon was surely a twisted individual listening to a dark Lord.

Zealots of both today and yesteryear need to remember the Lord's instruction:

  Matthew 7 - 1 - 2

Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.  

The Beatles were right.  All we need is Love.   And just perhaps Lennon had a sneak preview of God's kingdom to come.  As for the cowardly killer who shot him in the back.   Just another manic religious zealot.   One of many who are increasing at a dangerous pace.

Revelation 21 - 1 & 4

(1) Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth,

for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.

Also there was no more sea.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;

there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.

There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

*************

But what you ask, of earth?

Earth, I think, will not be found by anyone to be in the end a very distinct place.

I think earth, if chosen instead of Heaven, will turn out to have been all along, only a region in Hell:

and earth if put second to heaven, to have been from the beginning a part of Heaven itself.

Preface to The Great Divorce.

C.S. Lewis

April, 1945

Romans: 11 - Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

We are not alone, there are brothers and sisters scattered around the globe who are hearing the Word of the Lord, keeping it close to their hearts and living holy lives.    

In a world where darkness is increasing they trust in their Lord, keep His precepts and patiently wait for His return and His promise.

SHALOM