Amor e Morte? - February 2010

Years ago, wandering round woodlands in central Portugal, we came across an old building, rotting away, half-hidden under the trees. A passing graffiti artist had drawn a dramatic picture in a Gothic style of a gaunt, haunted-looking Jesus and underneath had scribbled, “Amor e Morte” – Love and Death. For some that seems to sum up the message of Christianity. There may be love but there is much about death – to the world, in self-denial and as punishment. But is death really the focus?

The words of God given to Ezekiel are challenging and refreshing. God says that he looked at the fragile kicking baby of the nascent nation of Israel and says, “I saw you…as you lay there…I said to you, “Live!”” At the core of this book all about the severe and cleansing judgment of God there is a clear message that God’s desire is to bring life to people. As people whose perception is clouded by sin, we are tempted to see judgment as God’s delight. In fact nothing could be further from the truth. God says, “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone…repent and live!” To know God is to know the source of all that is most worthwhile and pleasurable about life. We are made in His image to think rationally, choose morally, create beauty and to love God and one another.

This declaration that God’s desire for us is life has been especially poignant this past week of Chinese New Year. Singapore opened the doors of its first “integrated resort” – a euphemism for what is the most expensive casino in the world, built in the face of opposition from the people of Singapore. Seventy-five thousand people poured in on opening day, despite the minimum $100.00 charge for Singaporeans just to get through the door. Now it is possible to gamble here 24 hours a day. Adverts calling for responsible gaming and a soap opera series where actors suffer from gambling addictions seem feeble. The risks being run include rises in problem gambling, loan sharking, money laundering and organized crime. In the face of all that life has to offer, this is courting a kind of death.

In contrast, OMF colleagues in Taiwan, David and Ruth Ullstrom have been watching their 17 year old son rapidly deteriorate. Ian died this morning of a rare cancer. David wrote, “Our beloved Ian stopped breathing at about 1am Sunday morning. The whole family was together with him. Thank God for the hope of one day laughing again with him…” In the face of death, trust is affirmed in the God of life who can make dry bones live.