Wonderful lectionary reading for Dec 22nd!
We're studying the man of few (or no) words, Joseph! A man of great conviction, who, scripture tells us is righteous! A man in the lineage of David, who follows the law and is considered a righteous man. So, we see the great tension that he lives with as he takes time to stop and reflect on the problem that he faces - he is legally engaged to Mary and she becomes pregnant. So, in his time of reflection, he considers his path forward - not the strict adherence to the law (Deut 22 type stuff of finding Mary guilty), but following the law of his heart - compassionately and quietly dismissing this and granting a divorce. It is in this time of "heart strings reflection" that God intervenes with the news as to how this occurred! God continues to be the primary actor, mover, shaker and maker. Joseph and Mary simply respond to God's great acts.
Let me make ONE GIANT leap........ How is God moving in your life today? How are you responding, reflecting, and considering life from your "heart?"
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Luke 19:1-10 Zachaeus and Jesus
This story of Zachaeus seeking to see Jesus and Jesus seeking to save the lost is fascinating! It is a unique story to Luke. It is the only time that the Greek word is used that means "chief tax collector." It follows right on the heals of Jesus healing the blind man as he approaches Jericho. And, interestingly enough, Jesus heals a man who wants to SEE and also brings healing to a man who wants to SEE JESUS!
Zachaeus is hated as a tax collector and considered a dreadful sinner. [pretty funny that his name actually means pure or righteous!] But, perhaps his parents set the stage for this ultimate healing, who knows?
Zachaeus humiliates himself by running ahead of the crowd and also by climbing a tree in a robe. No one of his rank or stature runs or climbs a tree. He must have been intent on SEEING Jesus.
When Jesus stops the parade, looks up and calls him by name, he must have been shocked! But, his response was appropriate. He came down immediately and welcomed Jesus into his home. Jesus said, "I must stay with you today!" The word for stay with really means - abide! I must abide with you! Isn't that what Jesus wants to do with you and with me? Just as it says in Rev 3:20, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." This brings up that famous image of the door with the door knob only on the inside. Jesus stands and knocks, but can't open the door without it being opened from the inside.
Then, when Jesus dines with Zachaeus, Zachaeus stands up and says, "Look Lord! Here and now, I give half my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will repay back four times the amount." Zachaeus went looking for Jesus, but found the Lord. He was converted by the experience of looking, finding, having Jesus abide in his home and responding with his wealth and treasures. Jesus said that Today Salvation has come to this house!
One more very interesting and dynamic point! Jesus called Zachaeus down from the tree, down from humility, down from a sinner's status to receive salvation. And, yet only 10 or 11 days later, Jesus is lifted up on a tree, humiliated, hated, considered a sinner, to die so that we would share the name of Zachaeus - righteous and pure! To God be all the glory, laud and honor! Thank-you Lord Jesus for trading places with us!
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Jesus sets us free
In Luke 13:10 - 17, Jesus is teaching in a synagogue. During his teaching, he sees a woman who is bent in half. He interrupts the teaching, calls her forward and completely heals her. He sets her free from the binding of Satan. In doing this, he calls her a daughter of Abraham. By calling her a daughter of Abraham, he is saying that she is living by faith. She is doing what Abraham did. Apparently, for 18 long, arduous years, this woman has been faithfully placing one foot in front of the other, practicing her faith, attending synagogue, praying and worshiping the Almighty God. So, in one way, even though bound physically, she is free spiritually. She is free spiritually to worship in spite of her physical ailments. Jesus makes her complete, by aligning her spiritual freedom with her physical freedom.
Now Jesus contrasts this physically bound woman with the hypocritical synagogue ruler who is bound by legalism. He is bound by a list of rules so that the job is easy. Just apply the rules to the situation and totally ignore the human touch, the human side of the equation. In fact, as Jesus points out, the rules are more in favor of animals than they are for humans on the Sabbath.
I have a simple question. If Jesus is all about setting us free (Sabbath or no Sabbath), did he also set the synagogue ruler free by humiliating him and calling him a hypocrite? In other words, does this strategy help to get to the heart of the matter and set two free? Or, are some of us so bound up by our legalism and rules that, even when the inconsistencies are pointed out, we still don't get it?
So, the P.S. is: Can we accept criticism from the Lord and then go and change our ways? I pray that as we see ourselves in the mirror of scripture, we can notice what needs changed and ask the Lord to work in our hearts and minds and change us for His glory!
Now Jesus contrasts this physically bound woman with the hypocritical synagogue ruler who is bound by legalism. He is bound by a list of rules so that the job is easy. Just apply the rules to the situation and totally ignore the human touch, the human side of the equation. In fact, as Jesus points out, the rules are more in favor of animals than they are for humans on the Sabbath.
I have a simple question. If Jesus is all about setting us free (Sabbath or no Sabbath), did he also set the synagogue ruler free by humiliating him and calling him a hypocrite? In other words, does this strategy help to get to the heart of the matter and set two free? Or, are some of us so bound up by our legalism and rules that, even when the inconsistencies are pointed out, we still don't get it?
So, the P.S. is: Can we accept criticism from the Lord and then go and change our ways? I pray that as we see ourselves in the mirror of scripture, we can notice what needs changed and ask the Lord to work in our hearts and minds and change us for His glory!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Baggage for the Trip
As
I prepare for my summer vacation, I’m studying the scripture in Luke
10:1-11,16-20, where Jesus sends out seventy to all the towns he intended to
visit. They’re told to pray, to ask God
to send out workers for the harvest is great!
They’re also told to travel light, no purse, no bag, no sandals. This scripture captivates me for a number of
reasons. First, it carries that all
familiar “sending” theme of God. God
sent His Son, Jesus to us to give us life.
Jesus sends out his disciples, then sends out the seventy, and finally
in Matt 28, sends everyone out (by again sending the eleven) to baptize, to teach
others what he taught us and to make disciples of all nations. And, in this Matthew passage, we’re reminded
that we don’t go alone, but that Jesus goes with us, even unto the end of the
age. The second reason this scripture
captivates me is that we’re told to travel light. I don’t know about you, but I NEVER travel
light. Lisa and the TSA people at the
airport scanners marvel at my electronics bag.
I love to take all my gadgets and toys with me. And, I usually pack more clothes than I’ll
wear. But, these disciples are told to
go to other towns without even a purse, a bag or sandals. Amazing!
How did they do it? Actually, I
think I know. They were traveling with
the faith, the assurance, and the confidence that they were enough. The Spirit of the Living God lived inside
them, encouraged them, empowered them and went with them. They went with no “preconceived notions,” “prejudice,”
“emotional baggage,” “drama” or “judgmentalism.” They just went. And, the Lord of the cosmos, the God of all
creation, went with them and provided exactly what they needed. How freeing!
How liberating to just be ourselves.
To leave ALL the extra baggage of life behind. To become part of the marvelous creation of God
that simply relies on His grace, His mercy, His provisional love. And, if, as it says in Luke 12:11-12, “When
you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about
how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will
teach you at that time what you should say,” then don’t we trust that the words
will come in other situations, too?
Friday, June 14, 2013
A Tale of Two Sinners
Luke 7:36-50. This is a wonderful story of comparison. It involves a Pharisee (which means "the separated one) named Simon, who invited Jesus to a meal. In the gospels, only two Pharisees are mentioned that engage Jesus in such an intimate way. The other is Nicodemus who approached Jesus at night - not wishing to be seen with him. Simon, however, invites Jesus to a public meal.
The power of this story is the mind reading ability of Jesus and his condemnation of Simon or at least his "leveling the playing field" between Simon and this sinful woman. Simon, on par with his Pharisee-ship and being separated from the world - can't believe that Jesus lets a sinful woman touch him. Of course, Jesus came to the world to save, love, and forgive sinful people. The fascinating part of this is that Simon can't see his own sinfulness.
My prayer is that I would be able to see my own sinfulness, repent every time and lavish such love and devotion and worship on Jesus Christ that I would be much more like the sinful woman, who wept at Jesus' feet, wiped them with her hair and anointed his feet with precious oil.
Could you pray for the same "eye opening" experience? Could your eyes be open to your haughty, prideful, judgmental attitude and be humbled, loved and forgiven by Jesus Christ? That's my hope for you! When that happens, life is far more glorious and compelling!
The power of this story is the mind reading ability of Jesus and his condemnation of Simon or at least his "leveling the playing field" between Simon and this sinful woman. Simon, on par with his Pharisee-ship and being separated from the world - can't believe that Jesus lets a sinful woman touch him. Of course, Jesus came to the world to save, love, and forgive sinful people. The fascinating part of this is that Simon can't see his own sinfulness.
My prayer is that I would be able to see my own sinfulness, repent every time and lavish such love and devotion and worship on Jesus Christ that I would be much more like the sinful woman, who wept at Jesus' feet, wiped them with her hair and anointed his feet with precious oil.
Could you pray for the same "eye opening" experience? Could your eyes be open to your haughty, prideful, judgmental attitude and be humbled, loved and forgiven by Jesus Christ? That's my hope for you! When that happens, life is far more glorious and compelling!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Two Things
I need two things very badly! I need slack in my schedule and I need an outward orientation. Said in a different way - I need to have open spaces in my calendar; areas of unscheduled time and with that, an openness to filling the time for someone else. Open space and openness to others.
As I ponder those two things, it seems that the second one is the nut to crack. It's the one Jesus calls me to. It's the one Jesus models in His life. As He traveled the road of ministry, healing, teaching, giving new life, He always had time for people. He had an outward orientation. It seems that He designed His time around serving others, rather than an agenda of "to dos." His whole orientation was outward, other-directed, life-giving, selfless service, rather than personal goals in a daytimer.
So, what would that look like in my life? I mean, in my iPhone, I use an app called GoTasks which stores all my to-dos (I have 19 for today) and it even links them to my gmail account, so they're always in front of me. What if I had only one for today that read, "Open your eyes and your ears to the needs around you. Open your senses to the cries of people you meet and then do something for them!" What if my calendar had large empty spaces in it, so that a response to people was possible? I think that would be a radical shift - a faithful shift - a "turn myself upside down" shift. And, I think that's what Christ's message is to us! So, what's the cry right in front of me? And, what do I do about it?
As I ponder those two things, it seems that the second one is the nut to crack. It's the one Jesus calls me to. It's the one Jesus models in His life. As He traveled the road of ministry, healing, teaching, giving new life, He always had time for people. He had an outward orientation. It seems that He designed His time around serving others, rather than an agenda of "to dos." His whole orientation was outward, other-directed, life-giving, selfless service, rather than personal goals in a daytimer.
So, what would that look like in my life? I mean, in my iPhone, I use an app called GoTasks which stores all my to-dos (I have 19 for today) and it even links them to my gmail account, so they're always in front of me. What if I had only one for today that read, "Open your eyes and your ears to the needs around you. Open your senses to the cries of people you meet and then do something for them!" What if my calendar had large empty spaces in it, so that a response to people was possible? I think that would be a radical shift - a faithful shift - a "turn myself upside down" shift. And, I think that's what Christ's message is to us! So, what's the cry right in front of me? And, what do I do about it?
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Luke 7:11 - 17
Jesus leaves Capernaum with his disciples and entourage and make the 25 mile walk to Nain. Just as they are getting there, they run smack into a funeral procession. So here's the scene: The Lord of life is leading a parade of joy and celebration that meets a funeral dirge, a death march with wailing and crying, led by a widow who just lost her only son.
Not many words are exchanged in this scene, but when they are, they are full of power. And, as a matter of fact, Jesus speaks commands (not suggestions). He tells this woman - Don't cry! (now, you and I can't even imagine her situation. She just lost a husband, the bread winner and her voice in the community and now lost her only son. She was destined to be destitute and on the fringe of society, if she lived at all. So we can't imagine this) Jesus says Don't cry. Then he tells the boy, "Young boy, I say to you, Get Up!" With that the boy sits up and starts talking.
So, the only Son of God, who is destined to die for us, has compassion on this woman and raises her dead son to life. He does it by his command, his direct statement to the dead person. In fact, he addresses the boy as if he were alive.
It's interesting that there is no mention of the widow's faith or belief or even asking for the Lord's help. Jesus has compassion on her. He stops the funeral procession in its tracks and gives the dead boy life and hands him back to his mom.
So, the question that must be faced is this: Which procession are we in? Are we in the death march, funeral procession? Have we lost hope, lost energy, given up? Are we shuffling off to the grave, wailing, crying, forlorn? Or, are we in line with the Lord of life? Are we dancing, praising, witnessing, and marveling at what the Lord is doing?
Notice this. That once the two processions meet, the Lord's parade trumps the death march. Jesus Christ stops the funeral and it completely disbands. The Lord of Life overcomes death. The Prince of Peace wins.
And finally, when all of this happens, what is the result? There are shouts of joy and amazement and a response of fear! I mean, it's not ordinary to watch a corpse sit up and start talking. Jesus always turns the ordinary to the extraordinary. He always turns the world upside down for us. And, he does this in a good, loving, positive way! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Not many words are exchanged in this scene, but when they are, they are full of power. And, as a matter of fact, Jesus speaks commands (not suggestions). He tells this woman - Don't cry! (now, you and I can't even imagine her situation. She just lost a husband, the bread winner and her voice in the community and now lost her only son. She was destined to be destitute and on the fringe of society, if she lived at all. So we can't imagine this) Jesus says Don't cry. Then he tells the boy, "Young boy, I say to you, Get Up!" With that the boy sits up and starts talking.
So, the only Son of God, who is destined to die for us, has compassion on this woman and raises her dead son to life. He does it by his command, his direct statement to the dead person. In fact, he addresses the boy as if he were alive.
It's interesting that there is no mention of the widow's faith or belief or even asking for the Lord's help. Jesus has compassion on her. He stops the funeral procession in its tracks and gives the dead boy life and hands him back to his mom.
So, the question that must be faced is this: Which procession are we in? Are we in the death march, funeral procession? Have we lost hope, lost energy, given up? Are we shuffling off to the grave, wailing, crying, forlorn? Or, are we in line with the Lord of life? Are we dancing, praising, witnessing, and marveling at what the Lord is doing?
Notice this. That once the two processions meet, the Lord's parade trumps the death march. Jesus Christ stops the funeral and it completely disbands. The Lord of Life overcomes death. The Prince of Peace wins.
And finally, when all of this happens, what is the result? There are shouts of joy and amazement and a response of fear! I mean, it's not ordinary to watch a corpse sit up and start talking. Jesus always turns the ordinary to the extraordinary. He always turns the world upside down for us. And, he does this in a good, loving, positive way! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Faith of the Centurion - Luke 7:1-10
I'm studying the Luke 7 passage that is often titled, The Faith of the Centurion. This occurs immediately after the "Sermon on the Plain." What is so fascinating about this passage is trying to discover the root of this faith. Apparently there is a much larger back story to this than meets the eye. For example, this soldier must have had a large compassionate heart for the Jews. He built them a synagogue in Capernaum and apparently could "say the word" and have Jewish Elders go get Jesus.
But, here's what interests me. In verse 3 it says, "The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him," So, in those few words, "heard of Jesus," lies the rest of the story. What did he hear about Jesus that led him to ask for just some healing words for his servant? What did he hear about this great healer? Did the centurion hear that he was God and man? Did he hear that he could simple speak the word of healing and it would be done?
And, just I wonder "what he heard about Jesus," I also wonder who he heard it from. I asked this question of a life-long missionary, Sue Howard, and she gave me an interesting insight. She said, he probably had many people who were preparing his heart for this sudden burst of faith. In other words, it wasn't just someone explaining the power of Jesus or sharing a testimony, but it was a number of stories, witnesses, events, experiences, and buzz that the centurion heard. The evidence must have piled up and tilted his heart toward a profound faith. This profound faith caused Jesus to be amazed! In fact, according to scholars, Jesus was only amazed twice in the gospels. Once in Mark 6:6, when he was amazed at the lack of faith in Nazareth and this time in Luke 7:9, when he was amazed at the faith of this gentile centurion.
So, saying all that, it won't be surprising if my sermon touches on our witness, sharing, story telling and sharing what Jesus Christ has done in our lives. We have no responsibility at all for converting people or "saving" people, only God does that. But, we truly do have responsibility for telling others what Jesus has done in our lives.
Another interesting issue in this text is the Jewish elders' spin on why the centurion deserves Jesus to come. They say he deserves it because he loves the people and built the synagogue. It's the work righteousness piece. The centurion himself says that he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his house. He had a humble heart and a respect for the culture that says a Jew would be defiled entering a gentile's house.
Anyway, I'm simply going to pray for the faith of this centurion! Come Lord Jesus! Speak your Word and change the world! (just like when God spoke the word and created the world in Genesis)
But, here's what interests me. In verse 3 it says, "The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him," So, in those few words, "heard of Jesus," lies the rest of the story. What did he hear about Jesus that led him to ask for just some healing words for his servant? What did he hear about this great healer? Did the centurion hear that he was God and man? Did he hear that he could simple speak the word of healing and it would be done?
And, just I wonder "what he heard about Jesus," I also wonder who he heard it from. I asked this question of a life-long missionary, Sue Howard, and she gave me an interesting insight. She said, he probably had many people who were preparing his heart for this sudden burst of faith. In other words, it wasn't just someone explaining the power of Jesus or sharing a testimony, but it was a number of stories, witnesses, events, experiences, and buzz that the centurion heard. The evidence must have piled up and tilted his heart toward a profound faith. This profound faith caused Jesus to be amazed! In fact, according to scholars, Jesus was only amazed twice in the gospels. Once in Mark 6:6, when he was amazed at the lack of faith in Nazareth and this time in Luke 7:9, when he was amazed at the faith of this gentile centurion.
So, saying all that, it won't be surprising if my sermon touches on our witness, sharing, story telling and sharing what Jesus Christ has done in our lives. We have no responsibility at all for converting people or "saving" people, only God does that. But, we truly do have responsibility for telling others what Jesus has done in our lives.
Another interesting issue in this text is the Jewish elders' spin on why the centurion deserves Jesus to come. They say he deserves it because he loves the people and built the synagogue. It's the work righteousness piece. The centurion himself says that he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his house. He had a humble heart and a respect for the culture that says a Jew would be defiled entering a gentile's house.
Anyway, I'm simply going to pray for the faith of this centurion! Come Lord Jesus! Speak your Word and change the world! (just like when God spoke the word and created the world in Genesis)
Friday, May 10, 2013
Jesus' High Priestly Prayer - John 17
On Mothers' Day 2013 - May 12th, we're studying John 17:20-26. It is the final section of Jesus' high priestly prayer. What a powerful way to end his teaching time on earth. Jesus has just finished the last supper with his disciples. He modeled servant leadership by washing their feet and he is now praying for himself, his disciples and for all those who will be touched by their teaching. In fact, Jesus is modeling his prayerful life as he begins the transition back to glory with his Father and he is continuing to pray for all of us even right now. [do you feel it?]
Jesus is praying repeatedly that we would be one, just as he and the Father are one. And, I believe that as we strive to be more and more like Jesus, we move closer to being one. I love the fact that Jesus is praying for those whom the Father gives him. Even Jesus does not choose who will follow, but only the Father. For me, that makes sense, as I have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God. (See Romans 9 for a look at this)
I wrestle with our responsibility as a result of this prayer. Is our task to strive harder or just believe harder that Jesus did the work and as long as we believe it, we're moving closer to God?
Maybe our work is two fold. Believe is the first piece and then respond in love to one another is the second piece. And, then in that response, others will know that God is real and that He sent His one and only Son to draw us to Him!
I'm also struck by the fact that as Jesus prays for all those who are touched by "his disciples'' teaching, that this includes each generation of parents and teachers. We all have a role in teaching others what we've learned in terms of God's love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
So, Lord Jesus, pray for us that we "get it," that we are bold enough to pass along our hope and faith that was instilled in us by our moms, dads, and relatives.
Jesus is praying repeatedly that we would be one, just as he and the Father are one. And, I believe that as we strive to be more and more like Jesus, we move closer to being one. I love the fact that Jesus is praying for those whom the Father gives him. Even Jesus does not choose who will follow, but only the Father. For me, that makes sense, as I have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God. (See Romans 9 for a look at this)
I wrestle with our responsibility as a result of this prayer. Is our task to strive harder or just believe harder that Jesus did the work and as long as we believe it, we're moving closer to God?
Maybe our work is two fold. Believe is the first piece and then respond in love to one another is the second piece. And, then in that response, others will know that God is real and that He sent His one and only Son to draw us to Him!
I'm also struck by the fact that as Jesus prays for all those who are touched by "his disciples'' teaching, that this includes each generation of parents and teachers. We all have a role in teaching others what we've learned in terms of God's love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
So, Lord Jesus, pray for us that we "get it," that we are bold enough to pass along our hope and faith that was instilled in us by our moms, dads, and relatives.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
John 5:1 - 9 The Healing at the Pool
This week, we're reflecting on the passage in John 5, the first 9 verses. This healing of the sick man by the pool called Bethesda is the sign (or miracle) that follows the water turned to wine at Cana and the absentee healing of the royal's son in Capernaum. It's fascinating, that this second visit to Jerusalem by Jesus, has Jesus turning the "mat laying" man upside down. The command to "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk," has this man scampering up on his feet after a mere 38 years! Also, I love the fact that this occurs near the Sheep Gate, which is the precise gate that Jesus exits Jerusalem on his way to the cross.
It also struck us this week, that Jesus generally chooses the worst cases, the severe down-and-out folks to heal and change. When God does a miracle, He usually stacks the odds against himself. He does the seemingly impossible. So, someone who has been an invalid for 38 years is one who has lost not only friends and family, but his dignity, perhaps his mind and probably his will to do something different. It's quite fascinating that this command, this word of God has the "snap him out of it" response that it does. But, then again, we know that the Word of God does not come back void. When God speaks, things happen! No different here.
The question that we wrestled with in Bible study is: How are we stuck in routines, in "we've always done it this way before" mentalities, or even in "we have a good rationale why we can't do something."
We noted that the unnamed man did not answer Jesus' direct question, "Do you want to get well?" He skirted the issue with an excuse for why he couldn't do it. He was paralyzed in his imagination of other avenues or possibilities.
Finally, it was pointed out that this story like the whole story of the Bible is about Jesus Christ, His power, His authority, His life-giving Spirit! Again and again, we note that when Jesus comes to give us hope, faith, freedom and love, we receive it and about in His grace and truth. It is not about our faith, our will our might or anything about us. It is all about the matchless, saving, wonderful grace of Jesus! May that be true for you today!
It also struck us this week, that Jesus generally chooses the worst cases, the severe down-and-out folks to heal and change. When God does a miracle, He usually stacks the odds against himself. He does the seemingly impossible. So, someone who has been an invalid for 38 years is one who has lost not only friends and family, but his dignity, perhaps his mind and probably his will to do something different. It's quite fascinating that this command, this word of God has the "snap him out of it" response that it does. But, then again, we know that the Word of God does not come back void. When God speaks, things happen! No different here.
The question that we wrestled with in Bible study is: How are we stuck in routines, in "we've always done it this way before" mentalities, or even in "we have a good rationale why we can't do something."
We noted that the unnamed man did not answer Jesus' direct question, "Do you want to get well?" He skirted the issue with an excuse for why he couldn't do it. He was paralyzed in his imagination of other avenues or possibilities.
Finally, it was pointed out that this story like the whole story of the Bible is about Jesus Christ, His power, His authority, His life-giving Spirit! Again and again, we note that when Jesus comes to give us hope, faith, freedom and love, we receive it and about in His grace and truth. It is not about our faith, our will our might or anything about us. It is all about the matchless, saving, wonderful grace of Jesus! May that be true for you today!
Monday, April 22, 2013
John 13:31 - 35 - Light in the midst of darkness
John chapter 13 is a very interesting chapter. Jesus is hosting the last supper with his friends. He uses this time to make a dramatic and moving demonstration of "servant leadership," by taking on the role of the lowest slave and washing their feet. After doing this, he tells them directly, "Now that I your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
What I love about this example is that Jesus doesn't just 'hope' that they get it. He doesn't model this humble act and then move on. He is very direct and lets them know. You do this, too!
At the end of the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal and even names the person by handing Judas a piece of bread. Then it says, "As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night."
Notice how this scene ends - in verse 27, it says, "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him." Then after this, he went out and it was night. So the scene ends with Satan in Judas and it was dark.
Now, our text for today. In verse 31, "When he (Judas) was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once." Jesus uses the word glorify FIVE times. WOW - Is this a throw back to him being the light that overcomes the darkness or WHAT? Just when evil is on the scene and it is all dark and dreary looking, God in Jesus Christ brings light and glory to the scene. In John 1:5, The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." Can we find hope and comfort in that fact? Can we hold out hope that even in our darkest hours, Jesus is present and bringing light and life to bear?
Don't know about you, but I find great comfort and hope in this brief observation. If I have time, I will also dive into the "new command" topic that is in this passage as well. Until then, have a great week.
What I love about this example is that Jesus doesn't just 'hope' that they get it. He doesn't model this humble act and then move on. He is very direct and lets them know. You do this, too!
At the end of the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal and even names the person by handing Judas a piece of bread. Then it says, "As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night."
Notice how this scene ends - in verse 27, it says, "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him." Then after this, he went out and it was night. So the scene ends with Satan in Judas and it was dark.
Now, our text for today. In verse 31, "When he (Judas) was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once." Jesus uses the word glorify FIVE times. WOW - Is this a throw back to him being the light that overcomes the darkness or WHAT? Just when evil is on the scene and it is all dark and dreary looking, God in Jesus Christ brings light and glory to the scene. In John 1:5, The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." Can we find hope and comfort in that fact? Can we hold out hope that even in our darkest hours, Jesus is present and bringing light and life to bear?
Don't know about you, but I find great comfort and hope in this brief observation. If I have time, I will also dive into the "new command" topic that is in this passage as well. Until then, have a great week.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Romans 5:1-5
Doing some reflecting on Romans 5 for Bible study and for preparation of the Memorial Day message.
First some overall observations:
This short passage has a trinitarian language embeded in it as it mentions, God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit all in this very condensed passage.
It also has the time trinity embeded within as it looks at the past - "we have been justified," the present - "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," and the future - "we boast in the hope of the glory of God."
And finally, this short pericope covers hope whether we are doing fine or suffering. Either way, it leads to hope. The suffering route seems to meander a bit as it produces perseverance, character and then hope, but at least it gets there.
Another note about the word "boast" or "rejoice" Some versions of the Bible use rejoice instead of boast as boast, for us, has a negative connotation.
In our Bible study, we spent some time on looking at some passages that bolster the concept of faith being a gift from God that is freely given. We looked at Ephes 2:8-9 and Acts 16:14 and finally Philippians 1:29. These are the verses listed in Wikipedia's paragraph about justification.
Personally, I love this passage as a way of reminding me to live boldly and confidently because of what the Lord Jesus Christ did for me to give me peace, faith, justification and hope. It is a wonderful combination that gives me energy for the future.
Romans 5:1-5 - New International Version (NIV) (thanks Biblegateway.com)
First some overall observations:
This short passage has a trinitarian language embeded in it as it mentions, God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit all in this very condensed passage.
It also has the time trinity embeded within as it looks at the past - "we have been justified," the present - "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," and the future - "we boast in the hope of the glory of God."
And finally, this short pericope covers hope whether we are doing fine or suffering. Either way, it leads to hope. The suffering route seems to meander a bit as it produces perseverance, character and then hope, but at least it gets there.
Another note about the word "boast" or "rejoice" Some versions of the Bible use rejoice instead of boast as boast, for us, has a negative connotation.
In our Bible study, we spent some time on looking at some passages that bolster the concept of faith being a gift from God that is freely given. We looked at Ephes 2:8-9 and Acts 16:14 and finally Philippians 1:29. These are the verses listed in Wikipedia's paragraph about justification.
Personally, I love this passage as a way of reminding me to live boldly and confidently because of what the Lord Jesus Christ did for me to give me peace, faith, justification and hope. It is a wonderful combination that gives me energy for the future.
Romans 5:1-5 - New International Version (NIV) (thanks Biblegateway.com)
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Walking away from disappointment
Today, I'm looking at Luke 24:13-35 - The Road to Emmaus. The story is extremely rich in imagery, mystery and meat for reflection. One of the comments by Frrederick Buechner about this passage asks the excellent question - "Where is our Emmaus?" Where do we go to escape? Do we go to the movies, the bar, the park, the beach, to work? When life deals us a major blow. When life doesn't come out like we expected it, what do we do and where do we go?
This passage perhaps asks us to reexamine our travel narrative, our going along the road of life. Who is going with us and what can we learn about the trip, ourselves and others in our journey?
The other thing to think about from this passage is this. What would life be like if we treated everyone we meet and journey with, as if they were the Christ? What would that look like in our own lives? How would we be different?
The next thing to ponder is when we get a brief glimpse of the Holy, when we smile, giggle, feel that strange and wonderful warming of our heart, how do we tell others? Is it even possible? When beautiful mysterious grace happens to us, can we find the words to share it?
Finally, and I know I'm being pretty curious and laying a heavy "reflective" burden on you, but look at the role of hospitality in this reading. The two who journeyed with Jesus invited him to stay with them and enjoy a meal. It almost seems natural or obligatory based on how much he was teaching them and blessing them along the way, but anyway, they asked Jesus to dine with them. In this gesture of hospitality, Jesus blesses and breaks bread with them AND THEN their eyes are opened to who they were eating with! This is a powerful reminder that in hosting strangers, we could be hosting our Lord. But, here's the little caution in this. It seems to me that they were only repaying the value he was giving them in opening them to the scriptures about him. He was an outstanding teacher, so naturally, they would owe him at least a meal. Can we take this to the next level? Can we offer hospitality to those who are not teaching us, blessing us and giving themselves to us? Some tough questions from a very powerful narrative.
Lastly, notice the rapid response of those at dinner when their eyes were opened! They immediately had to go share the news! They probably got indigestion on the rapid trip back to Jerusalem!
Have a phenomenal week reflecting on this passage.
This passage perhaps asks us to reexamine our travel narrative, our going along the road of life. Who is going with us and what can we learn about the trip, ourselves and others in our journey?
The other thing to think about from this passage is this. What would life be like if we treated everyone we meet and journey with, as if they were the Christ? What would that look like in our own lives? How would we be different?
The next thing to ponder is when we get a brief glimpse of the Holy, when we smile, giggle, feel that strange and wonderful warming of our heart, how do we tell others? Is it even possible? When beautiful mysterious grace happens to us, can we find the words to share it?
Finally, and I know I'm being pretty curious and laying a heavy "reflective" burden on you, but look at the role of hospitality in this reading. The two who journeyed with Jesus invited him to stay with them and enjoy a meal. It almost seems natural or obligatory based on how much he was teaching them and blessing them along the way, but anyway, they asked Jesus to dine with them. In this gesture of hospitality, Jesus blesses and breaks bread with them AND THEN their eyes are opened to who they were eating with! This is a powerful reminder that in hosting strangers, we could be hosting our Lord. But, here's the little caution in this. It seems to me that they were only repaying the value he was giving them in opening them to the scriptures about him. He was an outstanding teacher, so naturally, they would owe him at least a meal. Can we take this to the next level? Can we offer hospitality to those who are not teaching us, blessing us and giving themselves to us? Some tough questions from a very powerful narrative.
Lastly, notice the rapid response of those at dinner when their eyes were opened! They immediately had to go share the news! They probably got indigestion on the rapid trip back to Jerusalem!
Have a phenomenal week reflecting on this passage.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Easter Sunday 2013
This blog will be used to dialogue with, wrestle with, and discuss the lectionary and preaching texts for West Grove Presbyterian Church. It will be used in concert with our Tuesday morning Bible study where we dig into the nuances of the text for the coming Sunday. I hope to be able to add some additional thoughts and questions in this format and perhaps invite others into the discussion.
This has been percolating for a while with me, but being a student of the Theory of Constraints, I realize how constrained I am with time in front of the keyboard. Even though I am an accomplished typist, I get frustrated trying to dump my ideas onto a screen through fingers on a keyboard.
My text for Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 is Luke 24:1-12. Mary Magdalene, the one from whom Jesus cast seven demons, leads the charge or is with the other women who go to the tomb early on Sunday morning. It's always the women who are the first to witness the resurrection.
They are frightened by two men in brilliantly white clothing. Not frightened enough to run away, but to hit the ground, prostrate themselves and worship whatever this is. They are asked why they are seeking the living among the dead. What a great starting question! What a great volley to get their attention! What? I can hear them thinking, "We're just trying to honor this great man and do our duty" But, isn't it just like God to wack us up along side the head and change our attention?
In my thinking, most of us need to stop searching for life in dead places. For instance, why do we search for meaning and good feelings in money, power, sex, drugs, alcohol, etc? These are things that are lies and tricks. They distract us from loving, caring, compassionate relationships. They distract us from being real, vulnerable, authentic and transparent.
The other thing I love about this text is the reminder that the brilliant boys give to the girls. They say, "Remember how he told you...." Then they remembered! Oh, yea, we did hear him say that! All of us need constant reminders of love. Too often we go through life in cold calculating callous ways and forget to do the little things that remind others of our feelings and our affections. It's the simple touch, the hugs, the kisses, the "I love yous," that make all the difference in the world.
Holy One, thanks for reminding me how much you love me! Thanks for reminding me that you took on my guilt, my sins, my brokenness. Thanks for reminding me that you took it to the cross, to the grave and through the grave that I might have a path for eternal life. Thanks, too, for making me realize that I need weekly reminders of this love and monthly reminders in the form of communion with the risen Christ!
This has been percolating for a while with me, but being a student of the Theory of Constraints, I realize how constrained I am with time in front of the keyboard. Even though I am an accomplished typist, I get frustrated trying to dump my ideas onto a screen through fingers on a keyboard.
My text for Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 is Luke 24:1-12. Mary Magdalene, the one from whom Jesus cast seven demons, leads the charge or is with the other women who go to the tomb early on Sunday morning. It's always the women who are the first to witness the resurrection.
They are frightened by two men in brilliantly white clothing. Not frightened enough to run away, but to hit the ground, prostrate themselves and worship whatever this is. They are asked why they are seeking the living among the dead. What a great starting question! What a great volley to get their attention! What? I can hear them thinking, "We're just trying to honor this great man and do our duty" But, isn't it just like God to wack us up along side the head and change our attention?
In my thinking, most of us need to stop searching for life in dead places. For instance, why do we search for meaning and good feelings in money, power, sex, drugs, alcohol, etc? These are things that are lies and tricks. They distract us from loving, caring, compassionate relationships. They distract us from being real, vulnerable, authentic and transparent.
The other thing I love about this text is the reminder that the brilliant boys give to the girls. They say, "Remember how he told you...." Then they remembered! Oh, yea, we did hear him say that! All of us need constant reminders of love. Too often we go through life in cold calculating callous ways and forget to do the little things that remind others of our feelings and our affections. It's the simple touch, the hugs, the kisses, the "I love yous," that make all the difference in the world.
Holy One, thanks for reminding me how much you love me! Thanks for reminding me that you took on my guilt, my sins, my brokenness. Thanks for reminding me that you took it to the cross, to the grave and through the grave that I might have a path for eternal life. Thanks, too, for making me realize that I need weekly reminders of this love and monthly reminders in the form of communion with the risen Christ!
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