April 21
Sermon by Dwayne Kruger
Good morning, everyone. For those who may not be familiar, I'm Dwayne Kruger, a farmer hailing from Saltcoats. It's been my privilege to be part of this church community since 2003, alongside my wife Lisa and our four grown daughters, who have blessed us with five grandchildren. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to share messages here and at other churches in our community, drawing from my passion for God's word, history, and economics, intertwined with insights gained through farming—a life that inherently teaches the cyclical nature of existence. As Ecclesiastes eloquently puts it in chapter 3:1-8, there's a rhythm to life, encompassing everything from birth to death, planting to uprooting, mourning to dancing. This understanding forms the backdrop of my reflections over the past decade, encapsulated in around twenty messages centered on "The Preparation of the Bride." Like the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, my approach emphasizes the pivotal choices presented to us by God. Deuteronomy 30:19 underscores this theme of choice: "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses." It's a solemn call to embrace life, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come. Today, I want to highlight this profound choice—between life and death, between obedience to God's will and the richness of being "blessed," as outlined in the Beatitudes. These concepts echo through the passages describing the "woman in labor" found throughout the Bible. She embodies the truth of Ephesians 2:10, recognizing herself as God's masterpiece, designed for good works prepared in advance. Furthermore, she echoes the sentiments of Galatians 2:20, declaring, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." It's a life lived by faith, rooted in the sacrificial love of the Son of God. I invite you to ponder this choice with me today—not just as an abstract concept, but as a lived reality that shapes our daily walk with God.
In the book of Revelation, a stark contrast is drawn between the imagery of the "woman in labor" depicted in Chapter 12 and the portrayal of the Prostitute in Chapters 17 and 18. While the former symbolizes the struggles and travails inherent in the human experience, the latter represents the dire consequences of succumbing to the deception and control of Satan. This female figure, deceived into believing she wields authority over the forces of evil, is ultimately deluded and finds herself facing a sudden and catastrophic downfall.
Much like the Prostitute, our contemporary society often mirrors this sense of entitlement and resistance to the notion of self-sacrifice advocated by Jesus. There's a prevailing attitude that prioritizes personal freedoms and material wealth, dismissing the call to spiritual transformation as absurd. Yet, as Ephesians 2:1-3 poignantly reminds us, we were all once ensnared in a state of spiritual death, slaves to our own desires and the influence of worldly powers.
However, the subsequent verses in Ephesians (2:1-10), titled "Alive in Christ," offer a beacon of hope amidst life's trials and tribulations. Recently, my family and I have traversed the painful journey of accompanying our loved ones through the end-of-life process. This experience has provided a profound framework for understanding what it truly means to be "alive in Christ"—to recognize the temporality of earthly existence and embrace the promise of eternal life.
To undergo this spiritual rebirth and truly be "alive in Christ," we must first confront the necessity of a symbolic death to our old selves. The storms and trials we face serve as crucibles, refining our character and deepening our spiritual understanding. Through this journey, we come to appreciate the wisdom of God's ways and the counter-cultural nature of true blessing, as exemplified in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12).
The Beatitudes offer a blueprint for discipleship, revealing the inner peace and joy that accompany righteousness. This blessed state transcends worldly circumstances, serving as a testament to the spiritual transformation that occurs when we align ourselves with God's will.
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. (Matthew 5:3-12, NLT)
In the past six months, I've dedicated time to delving into the Beatitudes, particularly the first three: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) Blessed are those who mourn, and 3) Blessed are the meek. This exploration has revealed that true blessing often emerges from challenging circumstances, requiring us to make difficult choices and persevere through adversity to reach the place God has prepared for us.
Reflecting on these teachings, I've come to understand that while storms, trials, and tribulations are inevitable, they need not define us. Instead, it's our response to these challenges that shapes our character. The passing of my parents has underscored the importance of vulnerability in the face of adversity, allowing God's refining work to unfold while finding hope and faith in the acts of love He calls us to undertake, one day at a time.
As I reminisce about the lives of the three matriarchs who shaped our family—the Three Mothers—I'm compelled to share glimpses of their foundational character, along with personal anecdotes that illustrate their resilience, faith, and grace. Though they may no longer be with us physically, their legacy of love and strength endures in the hearts and lives of all who knew them.
One such matriarch, Barb, Lisa's stepmother, departed from us in July after a brief battle with recurrent lung cancer. Throughout her illness, she exhibited remarkable poise, resilience, and dignity. Here, I'd like to share some heartfelt words penned by my daughter Tess in honor of her grandmother:
"I've only known a portion of your life, but your impact has been immense. The lessons I've learned from you are woven into the fabric of my daily life, shaping the way I approach love, work, and dedication. Your meticulous attention to detail and unwavering determination inspire me to infuse love into everything I do, just as you did with your garden, your work, and your culinary creations.
Your commitment to upholding traditions, such as our cherished Christmas Eve gatherings, continues to resonate within our family, creating lasting memories that endure across generations. Your 'work hard and be rewarded' ethos has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, reminding me always of the love and care you showered upon us.
Your influence extends far beyond our family circle, touching the lives of countless others with your boundless love and generosity. Though you may no longer be with us, your legacy lives on, a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others."
In these heartfelt words, Tess beautifully encapsulates the enduring legacy of love and wisdom left behind by her grandmother, echoing the sentiments of gratitude and admiration felt by all who were touched by Barb's presence.
Last August, we bid farewell to Lisa’s Mom, a truly wonderful woman whose presence graced our lives for the past decade in Yorkton. She was not only a loving mother but also a devoted supporter, quick to shower her family with affection and slow to anger, embodying grace and kindness in every aspect of her life.
Over half a century ago, Donna faced a devastating diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. The prognosis seemed bleak, yet she defied the odds, embarking on a journey marked by resilience, faith, and humor. Despite enduring rounds of radiation and setbacks like a broken kneecap and shoulder, Donna maintained her laughter and spirit, demonstrating an extraordinary tolerance for pain. Her life was a testament to the depth of character forged through adversity—qualities like resilience, endurance, and unwavering faith.
Donna's ability to embrace vulnerability and turn her struggles into a ministry of empathy and encouragement left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her quiet strength and growing faith were evident in her interactions with friends in Yorkton, where she found solace and support in her community.
The passing of my mother, Mary Kruger, earlier this year after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s, brought to mind her steadfast commitment to order and stewardship. As a farmer, she revered the natural world as a manifestation of God's creation, instilling in us the values of diligence, structure, and intentionality.
In reflecting on the lives of these remarkable women, I'm reminded that while storms may come, they need not define us. Instead, it's our response to adversity that shapes our character and strengthens our faith. Both Donna and Mary exemplified the courage to embrace vulnerability, trusting in God's refining work and finding hope in acts of love and service each day. Their legacies of resilience and faith continue to inspire us to live with purpose and compassion, embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.
- I remember the way she cut the lawn at home. Diagonally one way, then at right angles the
other way.
- Her garden: It was large. She would summer fallow half, seed oats and then cultivate it
under so it would be fertile and have good tilth for the next year. Her greenhouse required
constant attention. Her flowers, fruit trees, all of these things had a lot of hours of planning,
intention, structure and order that needed to be maintained and repeated year after year.
She saw this as normal and required in order for God’s creation to truly be beautiful and in
that way glorify God. It spoke volumes to each of us in what being a good steward in this life
requires- a lot of selfless effort, but the results were real, tangible and meaningful.
Allow me to share a glimpse into my mother's life. In 2021, amidst my father's hospitalization, Mom and I took a leisurely stroll along the beach, ending up at an ice cream parlor—a cherished indulgence of hers. It was during this idyllic moment that she shared with me a pivotal year in her life: 1961.
At the tender age of completing grade 11, Mom, despite her academic prowess, faced a heartbreaking reality. Her father, battling cancer, passed away, leaving their family—modest farmers—with profound grief and financial strain. Yet, amidst the turmoil, her father's foresight secured her a job at the bank, ensuring she could contribute to their livelihood. It was a year marked by profound loss and newfound responsibilities.
However, amidst the trials, a flicker of hope emerged. In the latter part of 1961, she crossed paths with my father—a serendipitous encounter that would blossom into a lifelong partnership. His unwavering support and the embrace of his family provided her solace and strength, guiding her through the darkest of times.
In the crucible of adversity, Mom gleaned invaluable life lessons. Through hardship, she discovered resilience, faith, and the transformative power of love. Her journey epitomizes the way God molds and shapes us through life's trials, turning pain into purpose and sorrow into joy.
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? (Hebrews 12:7, NLT)
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (Hebrews 12:10-11, NLT)
Even Jesus was taught in this way.
Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8, NLT)
I feel Mom had learned these difficult things and it was preparing her for her last years
as she became aware of her condition of Parkinson’s and how she was able to process
her last years, knowing full well what was ahead. The pathway to obedience can be
difficult and perhaps it is best described as a birthing process.
Let me open up this metaphor by describing a story I have read about two babies in
the womb.
In a mother’s womb were two babies.
One asked the other: “Do you believe in life after delivery?”
The other replies, “Why, of course. There has to be something after delivery. Maybe we
are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.”
“Nonsense,” says the other. “There is no life after delivery. What would that life be?”
“I don’t know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs
and eat from our mouths.”
The other says, “This is absurd! Walking is impossible. And eat with our mouths?
Ridiculous. The umbilical cord supplies nutrition. Life after delivery is to be excluded.
The umbilical cord is too short.”
“I think there is something and maybe it’s different than it is here.”
The other replies, “No one has ever come back from there. Delivery is the end of life,
and in the after-delivery it is nothing but darkness and anxiety and it takes us nowhere.”
“Well, I don’t know,” says the other, “but certainly we will see mother and she will take
care of us.”
“Mother?!” You believe in mother? Where is she now?”
“She is all around us. It is in her that we live. Without her there would not be this
world.”
“I don’t see her, so it’s only logical that she doesn’t exist.”
To which the other replied, “sometimes when you’re silent you can hear her, you can
sense her. I believe there is a reality after delivery and we’re here to prepare ourselves
for that reality.”
Matthew Warner says:Trying to grasp at life after death is just like this. Our modern snobbishness and worship
of our own intellect has trapped us in a self-imposed prison of reason. Never have our
egos been so big and imaginations so small. If we could but have the faith and humility
to leap free of our own heads for a moment, we’d see quite plainly that we were made for
so much more.
I would like to use this conversation in the womb as well as the pains of birth to give
depth into how God is preparing us for a delivery and a new reality.
1)The birthing process fits the End Of the Age prophecies. We will know the season but
not the day or the hour. (Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s around 12 years ago.
She knew the trajectory her life would take, but she also knew that this life was
temporary and preparing her for something much better. I remember there being tears
but also an important resilience and determination to push through this difficulty with
faith, intention, hard work, structure that God, and loved ones would provide.
2)The birth pains will become more frequent and more intense as we get closer to the
actual delivery. As the end became nearer the difficulties became more difficult. She
began to lose her ability to swallow easily, she broke one hip and then a year later the
other as she became increasingly fragile. Each time she was walking again as soon as
possible and determined to do all she could.
3)Begin with the end in mind
Mothers are to anticipate and look forward to the new life that is coming rather than the
pain of childbirth. We too, should look forward to the “delivery” rather than the pain. I
believe Mom always clung to this hope. Romans 8
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth
until the present time. 23Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our
bodies. (Compare to twins)24For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is
no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? 25But if we hope for what we
do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.
She knew this was temporary, she looked forward to the eternal.
John 16:20-21 “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will
rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is
giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the
baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born
into the world.”One commentary on the Beatitudes explains that to be blessed, is like saying
“congratulations, you get this, you really understand.” It is to give real depth to the
concept that it is only as we come to the end of ourselves that we can legitimately be
born again.
It is in this way that we truly appreciate the woman in labor, and her distress but what is
really being delivered is people who come to know what is really important and to fully
recognize their calling in Christ. The woman in labor understands that our
greatest hope for our children is not their first birth but their second. Galatians 4:9 “My children,
with who I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.”
The Harlot of Revelations 17/18 shares the same reluctance to convert as is shown in Hosea.
Hosea 13:13 “Pain has come to the people like the pain of childbirth, but they are like a child
who resists being born. The moment of birth has arrived, but they stay in the womb”
In Revelations 18:3, all believers are asked to “Come out of her My People.” If you look at the
context, the world described there is full of greed, selfishness, denial and defiance about the
things of God. The worldly society is described as a Prostitute and sits in stark contrast to the
other woman described in Revelations- the woman in labor who is the one that is blessed.
I believe God is calling each of us as the Prepared Bride to “Come out of Her My People”, to live
as the true Church, the ekklesia, the called out ones, inviting all to enter into this “blessed” life of
being “Alive in Christ.”
Thank you so much for allowing me to share.
God Bless!