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Year Of The Rooster (2017)
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Admiral Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty in China was supposed to have introduced the Asiatic chickens to South America in his extensive maritime exploits of the 1420’s.1 Unlike the European rooster whose morning wakeup call is ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’, the Asiatic version is ‘kik-kiri-kee’. Apart from rousing one from sleep, the call of the rooster can awaken one’s conscience. Let me tell you an incident.
A rooster once crowed. A man quietly went out into the night and wept bitterly. His name was Simon Peter. Why did an adult, a rough fisherman by profession, the recognised leader among a closely knit band of disciples of Jesus Christ, weep? There were at least three reasons.
Firstly, Simon had not believed the words of his Teacher, Jesus Christ. His Teacher had told him that before the rooster crowed, he would have denied Him three times. The holy book of the Jews, which is the same as the Old Testament of the Bible, foretold the coming of a Saviour who would save His people by offering up a perfect sacrifice on their behalf. Jesus Christ claimed that He was that promised Saviour, and that He would soon lay down His life to save many. If Simon believed such great truths, He should have believed the lesser truth that he would soon deny his Teacher.
Secondly, Simon realised that he was not as strong and capable as he thought himself to be. When Jesus Christ was arrested he was one of the first to flee. And when challenged, he had denied his Master three times. Jesus Christ had known of Simon’s weakness. He had known of the weakness of the human race. All of us are weak in our bodies, our character, and our nature. Even the most successful man is full of failures and weaknesses. We have actually inherited a sinful nature, with all the adverse effects of sin, from the first couple on earth – namely, from Adam and Eve.3
Thirdly, Simon had disappointed a unique Person who should have been loved and trusted completely. Jesus Christ was actually the Son of God who had taken on perfect human nature. He had announced that soon He would die for the sin of His people. Simon had trusted Him, although he had not understood everything. Now, Simon had disappointed this unique Person by denying Him. Happily, Jesus Christ appeared to Simon after His death and resurrection. Simon’s faith was restored. He was one of those for whom Christ died to save.4
The rooster crowed, and Simon Peter wept. We should be weeping, too. We have not wanted to hear the truth. We have thought ourselves so strong and capable, but many of us have faced severe setbacks and are unhappy. As the years roll by, we realise that life is so frail and fragile. We will soon pass away and face the judgement of God. But there is hope for us – in Jesus Christ alone. He is to be loved and trusted completely. He has said, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”5
1. “1421: The year China Discovered the World”, by Gavin Menzies, 2003 (Bantam Books).
2. Matt. 26:69-75. 3. Rom. 5:14-15; 4. John 21:15-19; 5. Matt. 11:28-30.
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Year Of The Dog (2018)
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The year of the dog is upon us again. The dog is the eleventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, which influences East Asian cultures. While dogs are loved by many in the East, a “running dog” is a pejorative term referring to a lackey, or an unprincipled person. The Bible refers to dogs more than 30 times, comparing bad human behaviour to that of wild or stray dogs. In only one case is tame dogs referred to, in a favourable light.1
Human beings are the highest creation of God, having the ability to reason and to understand the concept of worshipping the Creator. The first man and the first woman, Adam and Eve, went against God’s command not to eat from the tree of of the knowledge of good and evil.2 Since Adam was the representative head of the human race, all mankind sinned in him.3 Since the human race descended from Adam and Eve, we are all born with a sinful nature. We sin against God in our thoughts, words, and deeds. We have two big problems which we are unable to overcome — our offence against God which must be punished with eternal damnation in hell, and our unclean hearts which cannot be cleansed by human effort.
The merciful God sent His only begotten Son to the world to take upon Himself perfect human nature, and to die on the cross for the sins of His chosen people. Jesus Christ’s death was no accident, but planned by God to make atonement (payment and reconciliation) for their sins. His blood cleanses the hearts of those who belong to Him, who turn from their sins and trust in Him for forgiveness with God.4
This new year can be a new beginning for you to know the true God, through faith in the risen Christ. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Matt. 15:26-27; Mark 7:27-28; Gen. 3; 3. Rom. 5:12-19; 4. Rom. 5:6-11.
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Year Of The Pig (2019)
Before the coming of Jesus Christ to the world, the Jews regarded the pig as one of the ceremonially unclean animals. This was to teach the truth that there is such a thing as right and wrong, righteousness and immorality, purity and sin. The holy and just God can accept only those who are spiritually clean. But alas, none of us is spiritually clean for we break His law in our thoughts, words, and deeds.1
We are descended from Adam and Eve, the first man and woman created by God. Under Satan’s instigation, they both ate from the forbidden tree. God punished them with death – both physical death, which is the separation of the soul from the body, and spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God. We have inherited the sinful nature of Adam and Eve.2
When Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross He was actually bearing the punishment of believers for their sins against God. His blood was shed for the cleansing of their sins. The animal sacrifices offered up in the temple of Jerusalem in the past pointed to the coming of Jesus Christ who is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”3 On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. He was then taken into heaven, promising to return to judge the world.
Christians do not regard any food as ceremonially clean or unclean. It is far better to be spiritually clean before God. Spiritual cleansing comes by God’s grace, through faith, in Jesus Christ alone.4 The Holy Spirit then comes to dwell in those who believe, transforming their nature and giving them the ability to obey God’s word. May this new year bring you peace with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
1. Rom. 3:10; 2. Rom. 5:18-19; 3. John 1:29; 4. Eph. 2:8-9.
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Year Of The RAT (2020)
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The rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac. Today, urban living is described as a rat race. In the rat race everyone strives to earn more money, to be more successful, and to climb higher up the social ladder. You will be mercilessly sucked into the rat race unless you take stock of your life. What do you live for? Will it be worthwhile in the end? What happens next? The answers to these questions might lie in an ancient incident connected with the rat.
The bubonic plague is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria carried by rats. The Bible records a plague that swept through the land of the Philistines in about 1000 BC. The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant from the nation of Israel. The Ark was the sacred gold-plated box symbolising the presence of God among His people. The statue of the Philistine god fell down on its face before the Ark. It fell again, breaking its head and hands. Then, the plague swept from one city to another, killing so many people. This was no ordinary plague, for we are told that “the hand of God was very heavy there”.1 The plague was to humble the Philistines so that they would acknowledge the God of Israel as the one, true, God.
When the Ark was in the tabernacle of worship, God’s presence was shown by the shining cloud above the cover. Within the Ark were the two tablets of stone on which were written the Law of God. Once a year, the High Priest had to sprinkle the blood of animal sacrifices on the cover to show that the blood of a suitable sacrifice must come between God and those who have broken His Law.2 All of us have broken God’s Law in thoughts, words, and deeds. We are all under God’s wrath and deserving of eternal damnation for our sins. The Son of God has come in the person of Jesus Christ to die as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”.3
Life begins to make sense only when we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. The answers to the questions about life are found in Jesus Christ alone. We do not want to wait till stricken by a tragedy before humbling ourselves to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
1. 1 Sam. 5:11; 2. Lev. 16:14; Heb. 9:27-28; 3. John 1:29
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Year Of The OX (2021)
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In the Bible, the ox is known for its strength, its usefulness on the farm, and its value as property. Together with the sheep, the goat, the pigeon, and the dove, it was used as sacrifice in the burnt offering to God.1 This ancient system of worship was instituted by God when the first pair of human beings — Adam and Eve — sinned against Him.2 As it passed down the human race, the sacrifice became distorted. Many cultures in the world practise the offering of animal sacrifices to appease the spirits or deities, and fail to worship the one, true, God in the right way.3
What did the original burnt offering indicate? First, it showed that we have sinned against God and, therefore, need a way to pay for our sins.4 We sin in our thoughts, words, and deeds. We have failed to do what God requires from us — e.g. to act justly, to show mercy, to worship the true God alone, etc. We have also failed to avoid what God forbids us to do, e.g. not to lie, not to hate, not to steal, not to worship idols, etc. These sinful actions flow from a sinful nature which we have inherited from our parents. We have the twin problems of a sinful nature which we cannot change, and the debt of sins which we cannot pay.
Second, the burnt offering showed that only a perfect sacrifice could make up for our sins. The animal had to be a male that was without blemish.5 It was killed and the blood was sprinkled on the altar while the body was burnt to God. This pointed to the coming of the Son of God who took for Himself sinless human nature. He is Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”.6 When Jesus Christ died on the cross, His blood was shed for the cleansing of our sin. His life was laid down as the perfect payment of our sins.
The ox is still the measure of prosperity in some agrarian communities. In the cities, people seek prosperity through betting on a bullish market. Others pursue prosperity in other ways while neglecting the welfare of their souls. Are you one of those? “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”7 Seek peace with God today, through faith in Jesus Christ!
1 Lev. 1:2, 14, 15; 2 Gen. 3:21; 4:3-4; 3 Acts 17:26-27; 4 Rom. 1:18-23; 5 Lev. 22:18-20; 6 John 1:29; 7 Matt.16:26
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Year Of The TIGER (2022)
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The tiger is regarded as ‘the king of the jungle’, while the lion is ‘the king of animals’. Both belong to the cat family. It is academic to decide which is the more powerful. The Bible not only describes Jesus Christ as “the Lamb of God”1, but also as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”2. This is for at least three reasons.
Firstly, Jesus Christ is the promised Saviour of the world. The prophets had foretold the coming of a Saviour. One prophecy was that He would be a king who descended from the tribe of Judah in Israel3. When Jesus Christ was born, wise men came from the east to worship Him4. Jesus Christ came to establish the rule of God5. Those who believe in Jesus Christ crown Him as King in their hearts6.
Secondly, Jesus Christ is able to save all, and the worst of, sinners7. When wicked men nailed Him to death on the cross, they did not realise that it fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. By His death, Jesus Christ bore the punishment of sin for His people8. He rose from death on the third day, showing that His death has successfully paid for the sins of His people.
Thirdly, Jesus Christ will judge the world. When He returns, everyone will be resurrected to face the final judgement9. Those who have not trusted in Jesus Christ will have to bear the punishment of their own sins, which is everlasting damnation in hell. Those who have trusted in Jesus Christ will be taken to dwell on the new earth, in the new heavens, in which righteousness dwells10.
In this year of the tiger, will you find peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ? He is truly “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”!
1 Jn. 1:29; 2 Rev. 5:5; 3 Gen. 49:8-10; 4 Mt. 2:2, 6; 5 Mk. 1:14; 6 Lk. 17:21; 7 Heb. 7:25; 8 2 Cor. 5:21; 9 Mt. 24:31-46; 10 2 Pet. 3:10
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YEAR OF THE RABBIT (2023)
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The rabbit is a gentle and cuddly pet. Its tender and delicious meat is relished by some. It is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac. The Bible declares the rabbit an unclean animal that was not to be eaten by the Old Testament people of God.1 What appears lovable and harmless to man is judged ceremonially unclean by God!
The ceremonial law of the Old Testament was intended to teach us that there are such values as right and wrong, good and bad, and clean and unclean. In other words, the holy God is teaching us that there are moral and spiritual values in His sight. With time, it became clear that man is regarded as unclean in the sight of God. “There is none righteous, no, not one.”2 The actions and behaviour of man are unclean because his heart is unclean.3
The true purpose of the ceremonial law was perverted by the religious people in the days of Jesus Christ. These religious people tried to find fault with others for not keeping to certain traditions. They were very meticulous in washing their hands in a certain way before they ate. They put on such a show of fasting and prayer. Jesus Christ warned His disciples not to follow them.4
Today, many people continue to make much of external religion while failing to see their own inner corruption. They think that their religious rituals and good deeds will win them merit to heaven, but how mistaken they are!5 To enter heaven, we need a perfect righteousness that is found only in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He came to die on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for sinners. Whoever repents and believes in Him will be declared no more guilty by God. Instead, he will be treated as righteous because the perfect righteousness of Christ is now considered his.6
Come, trust in Jesus Christ! He alone gives eternal life!
1. Lev. 11:6; Deut. 14:7 2. Rom. 3:10 3. Mark 7:21-23 4. Matt. 6:16, 5-6 5. Isaiah 64:6 6. Rom. 5:8; 3:21-22
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YEAR OF THE DRAGON (2024)
The dragons of the East must be distinguished from those of the West. Western dragons look like dinosaurs and are associated with fire, destruction and evil. Eastern dragons look like scaly snakes and are associated with water, strength and benevolence. People from nations with chopstick culture – China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan – look upon the dragon as auspicious.
The Bible, which transcends East and West, has its own story of the dragon, which failed to devour the Son born by the Woman.1 The Son, who was to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, was taken up to God and His throne. The dragon pursued the Woman in rage but failed to destroy her. The dragon turned his fury against the children of the Woman, who keep the commandments of God and proclaim the message about Jesus Christ.
The first man, Adam was the representative head of the human race. When he listened to his wife, Eve, and ate from the forbidden tree, he brought guilt and sin upon their descendants. God, in His mercy, promised the coming of a Saviour, but Satan attempted to prevent that from happening. The Woman is not the virgin, Mary, who gave birth to Jesus Christ. Rather, the Woman represents the Church, which is the people of God considered collectively. Satan is always using three agents to attack God’s people – persecuting governments, false teachings, and the allurements of the world. When Jesus Christ was born, Herod the Great unsuccessfully tried to kill Him. As Jesus Christ taught in Israel, He was rejected by the Jews and finally crucified by the Romans. On the third day, Jesus rose from death, and was seen by over 500 of His followers on different occasions, before being taken up to heaven.2 Again, Satan failed to destroy the God-appointed Saviour!
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, came to take upon Himself perfect human nature. As God and Man in one Person, He offered Himself to die on the cross as the perfect substitute for His people. Chinese people take pride in being ‘descendants of the dragon’, not realizing that we are all ‘descendants of fallen Adam’3. We may become the children of God, through faith in Jesus Christ. Come to Jesus Christ!
1. Rev. 12; 2. 1 Cor. 15:5; 3. Rom. 5:19.