Revelation 21:6-7; John 6:32-35; Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28; John 4:7-15; Exodus 17:1-7
I know! I know!!! Too many scriptures! And where is Matthew! As a neurotic pattern-lover myself, I sympathize with any concerns over my change from the Gospel of Matthew to something entirely different.As part of my seminary training, I have decided to switch over for a while to prayer and devotionals based on the lectionary (a series of scriptures and themes that rotate through the Christian calendar). Thus, scriptures will be appropriate to the current season and will hopefully flow with the theme of the week.
We have just finished the Sermon on the Mount, an excellent foundation to this devotional blog. From here, we enter the lectionary starting with the theme "Living Water". This week's readings and reflections will all revolve around that idea, and often here will be multiple readings per day. Hopefully this will not be overly burdensome, but rather life-giving. Feel free to read what you will (not like I am gonna force you to read everything).
Today, I catch up on three days absence from posting. Living water is a FANTASTIC theme (in my opinion) because it relates directly to one of my favorite bible stories: Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4). I love the idea of water as a living substance that gives life, I mean who would disagree with the necessity of water? The Bible returns to this image frequently: Moses bringing forth water from the rock (symbolic of living water from THE Rock: Jesus), the woman at the well, the Psalms, and references to life-giving rivers in Eden and the New Jerusalem (to name some really interesting ones). It is hard to explain the joy of life that comes from such water. Jesus promises eternal life welling from a spring in our hearts. May we accept this amazing gift and the image that has been so powerful for so many!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
No one does it better
Matthew 7:28-29
Jesus has just finished the Sermon on the Mount. The narrator of Matthew's Gospel then speaks to the audience a little description of what it was like. It says, "the crowds were amazed," "because he taught as one who had authority, and not as the teachers of the law." So many of Jesus' words in this Sermon are favorite quotes even today. He transformed religion and life as we know it by these words of wisdom straight from the mind of God. We have the Old Testament Law, but rarely (almost never) did Israel receive God's own commentary on the Law. Jesus (as fully God) reveals the truth about the First testament and explains it in such a way as to awaken the people (and US!) to the very real and relevant truth of it all!
Jesus spoke with authority because he WAS the authority. Like Moses brought the Law to Israel on Mt. Sinai, Christ brought a new interpretation of the Law to the world on this Mount in Galilee. The world would never be the same again...
None of us mortals, us teachers of the law, could ever match the truthfulness or the quality of Christ's Sermon. Let us all be amazed by the greatness of Christ, to which none are equals. Jesus is our teacher through the Holy Spirit. Not only the words of the Bible and the Gospels, but also in everyday life. In the still, quiet voice and in the spiritual slap that wakes us from our slumber. Jesus still teaches. What is he teaching us now...?
Jesus has just finished the Sermon on the Mount. The narrator of Matthew's Gospel then speaks to the audience a little description of what it was like. It says, "the crowds were amazed," "because he taught as one who had authority, and not as the teachers of the law." So many of Jesus' words in this Sermon are favorite quotes even today. He transformed religion and life as we know it by these words of wisdom straight from the mind of God. We have the Old Testament Law, but rarely (almost never) did Israel receive God's own commentary on the Law. Jesus (as fully God) reveals the truth about the First testament and explains it in such a way as to awaken the people (and US!) to the very real and relevant truth of it all!
Jesus spoke with authority because he WAS the authority. Like Moses brought the Law to Israel on Mt. Sinai, Christ brought a new interpretation of the Law to the world on this Mount in Galilee. The world would never be the same again...
None of us mortals, us teachers of the law, could ever match the truthfulness or the quality of Christ's Sermon. Let us all be amazed by the greatness of Christ, to which none are equals. Jesus is our teacher through the Holy Spirit. Not only the words of the Bible and the Gospels, but also in everyday life. In the still, quiet voice and in the spiritual slap that wakes us from our slumber. Jesus still teaches. What is he teaching us now...?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Built on Dwayne Johnson
Matthew 7:24-27
...or the Rock. Jesus has done some pretty awesome things for me today and the last few days despite some serious stresses. It makes me want to find good deeds to do because I genuinely WANT to do them! CrAzY! But if I build my house on the Rock of Christ, that's what's up!!!
...or the Rock. Jesus has done some pretty awesome things for me today and the last few days despite some serious stresses. It makes me want to find good deeds to do because I genuinely WANT to do them! CrAzY! But if I build my house on the Rock of Christ, that's what's up!!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Real Veggietales
Matthew 7:15-23
Sometimes Jesus don't make no sense. Other days he is all too clear... and it hurts. We will be known by our fruits. Recently I worshiped with the theme of the "true vine", wherein Jesus is the nourishing vine and we are his fruit-filled branches. And what do you know, I find this next set of verses... on bearing fruit. If Jesus is our vine, then we will bear good fruit. Following the metaphor, Jesus says that not all who cry out to him will be saved and enter the Kingdom of heaven. Some will appear holy, but bear no fruit and do nothing God commanded. Sometimes I feel like I fall into this category because of the lack of fruit sometimes... but then again, I know god's grace is amazing and I know that he has done great things. Perhaps I am too well-aware of my own inadequacy. I genuinely want to be able to cry our "Lord, Lord!" and it be true and pure and righteous.
Everyone pray that God will open doors of opportunity for you to do great things for Christ. Fervently ask him, and it will be done. Search for the seeds and when you find them, help them become fruit.
Sometimes Jesus don't make no sense. Other days he is all too clear... and it hurts. We will be known by our fruits. Recently I worshiped with the theme of the "true vine", wherein Jesus is the nourishing vine and we are his fruit-filled branches. And what do you know, I find this next set of verses... on bearing fruit. If Jesus is our vine, then we will bear good fruit. Following the metaphor, Jesus says that not all who cry out to him will be saved and enter the Kingdom of heaven. Some will appear holy, but bear no fruit and do nothing God commanded. Sometimes I feel like I fall into this category because of the lack of fruit sometimes... but then again, I know god's grace is amazing and I know that he has done great things. Perhaps I am too well-aware of my own inadequacy. I genuinely want to be able to cry our "Lord, Lord!" and it be true and pure and righteous.
Everyone pray that God will open doors of opportunity for you to do great things for Christ. Fervently ask him, and it will be done. Search for the seeds and when you find them, help them become fruit.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Back to school... don't go back to old habits
Matthew 7:13-14
Here's a reminder of the cost and challenge of following the Gospel. A fork in the read presents itself and we must choose. Appearances can be deceiving. Though the narrow way may seem dangerous and full of troubles, it leads through suffering and life to love everlasting. The alternative looks lovely, but don't trust it.
Jesus makes it clear that there are essentially two paths in life: the difficult Christ-path, and the "easy" road to sin and death. I'd like to say otherwise, but here it is: from the mouth of Christ, "Enter through the narrow gate."
Here's a reminder of the cost and challenge of following the Gospel. A fork in the read presents itself and we must choose. Appearances can be deceiving. Though the narrow way may seem dangerous and full of troubles, it leads through suffering and life to love everlasting. The alternative looks lovely, but don't trust it.
Jesus makes it clear that there are essentially two paths in life: the difficult Christ-path, and the "easy" road to sin and death. I'd like to say otherwise, but here it is: from the mouth of Christ, "Enter through the narrow gate."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Strange words...
Matthew 7:12
Few phrases are more famous and appreciated worldwide than "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Sounds like a great proverb on interpersonal relationships and even world-care. It has been criticized by some (Freud, Nietzsche) as hindering human progress and defying natural laws of evolution. Nonetheless, great and small religious groups, political entities, and non-profits have praised this bit of advice for a long time.
And yet, it is a curious verse. Simply based on the wording, it is different form most other biblical commands because it is subjective. God does not tell us how to behave or what is right. Rather, we become the determiner of morality. It is assumed that because we would want others to treat us well, then we would treat others well. Is this always so? Do we always want to be treated well? What if other people have needs we do not? What if I am filled with self-hate?
Further, the verse begins with the word "So," a conjunctive transition term connecting the Golden Rule with "how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask of him?" ...not an obvious connection... I spent a while mulling over this weirdness this morning and something struck me. If we ask/seek/knock God, then God will seek us in return. The Golden Rule could apply to God as well. The more time we devote to seeking Christ, the more he will respond by seeking us. We do to God as we would have God to us. Hmmm...
One more interesting tidbit. Jesus says the Golden Rule "sums up the Law and the Prophets." Really??? It would seem like this phrase is all about subjective treatment of others, and yet the First Testament (containing Law and Prophets) is full of divine commands, and directives on worshiping GOD. Perhaps this rule fulfills the "Love your neighbor" half, but what of the "Love the Lord your God" half. Only if what I wrote above about seeking God works do I see this summing up the Tanakh. Thoughts?
Few phrases are more famous and appreciated worldwide than "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Sounds like a great proverb on interpersonal relationships and even world-care. It has been criticized by some (Freud, Nietzsche) as hindering human progress and defying natural laws of evolution. Nonetheless, great and small religious groups, political entities, and non-profits have praised this bit of advice for a long time.
And yet, it is a curious verse. Simply based on the wording, it is different form most other biblical commands because it is subjective. God does not tell us how to behave or what is right. Rather, we become the determiner of morality. It is assumed that because we would want others to treat us well, then we would treat others well. Is this always so? Do we always want to be treated well? What if other people have needs we do not? What if I am filled with self-hate?
Further, the verse begins with the word "So," a conjunctive transition term connecting the Golden Rule with "how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask of him?" ...not an obvious connection... I spent a while mulling over this weirdness this morning and something struck me. If we ask/seek/knock God, then God will seek us in return. The Golden Rule could apply to God as well. The more time we devote to seeking Christ, the more he will respond by seeking us. We do to God as we would have God to us. Hmmm...
One more interesting tidbit. Jesus says the Golden Rule "sums up the Law and the Prophets." Really??? It would seem like this phrase is all about subjective treatment of others, and yet the First Testament (containing Law and Prophets) is full of divine commands, and directives on worshiping GOD. Perhaps this rule fulfills the "Love your neighbor" half, but what of the "Love the Lord your God" half. Only if what I wrote above about seeking God works do I see this summing up the Tanakh. Thoughts?
Monday, August 23, 2010
3 difficult concepts
Matthew 7:1-11
Ok, so I wrote this post once, and lost it... blech! So, in short, take a look at these verses... they are CRAZY. So complicated... I'll briefly overview:
#1: Judgment.
What is judging? Sometimes the Bible say we should judge what is riht and wrong and hold our brothers and sisters accountable in love. Here it says to be careful when judging others because we will be judged just as harshly. So, how do you judge?
#2: Vulnerbaility?
Jesus calls people dogs and pigs... what!? He really messes with us by saying we should NOT give sacred stuff to certain people. How do you interpret this? Can people change from being dogs? Is this about love, or the Gospel, or service, or (as I see it) vulnerability?
#3: Easy answers.
Jesus says just ask, and we'll get it. Sounds SO easy! But there it is! Let this sink in. All we have to do is ask, seek the truth, and knock on Jesus' door, and all of his good blessings will be there for us. Easy in print, but we humans tend to over-complicate even the simplest truths.
Ok, so I wrote this post once, and lost it... blech! So, in short, take a look at these verses... they are CRAZY. So complicated... I'll briefly overview:
#1: Judgment.
What is judging? Sometimes the Bible say we should judge what is riht and wrong and hold our brothers and sisters accountable in love. Here it says to be careful when judging others because we will be judged just as harshly. So, how do you judge?
#2: Vulnerbaility?
Jesus calls people dogs and pigs... what!? He really messes with us by saying we should NOT give sacred stuff to certain people. How do you interpret this? Can people change from being dogs? Is this about love, or the Gospel, or service, or (as I see it) vulnerability?
#3: Easy answers.
Jesus says just ask, and we'll get it. Sounds SO easy! But there it is! Let this sink in. All we have to do is ask, seek the truth, and knock on Jesus' door, and all of his good blessings will be there for us. Easy in print, but we humans tend to over-complicate even the simplest truths.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
"He's got the whole world..."
Matthew 6:25-34
What a relaxing notion: Do not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough troubles of its own. As many of prepare for the school season to start up again, we are worried, if not at least mildly preoccupied wih th coming days and weeks and months (and years?). But Jesus makes it clear, that our primary concern at all times is the work and will of God. "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness." When we direct our attention there first, God will provide everything else we need. This sounds pretty ridiculous, am I right?! Trusting God to give us exactly what we need? Food, clothes, shelter?...money, work, security?... friends, love, happiness?... entertainment? luxury? rest?... How can we know what God thinks we need? The thing is, we can't know. All we can do is trust. Trust that God is there. Trust that God is watching. Trust that God cares. Trust that God is love. Trust that God knows what is best. And also, trust that we are not God, and so are not in the best place of determining what is best for us. That's the tricky one, I suppose. Letting go and letting God work for us and through us. Let go and trust God.
What a relaxing notion: Do not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough troubles of its own. As many of prepare for the school season to start up again, we are worried, if not at least mildly preoccupied wih th coming days and weeks and months (and years?). But Jesus makes it clear, that our primary concern at all times is the work and will of God. "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness." When we direct our attention there first, God will provide everything else we need. This sounds pretty ridiculous, am I right?! Trusting God to give us exactly what we need? Food, clothes, shelter?...money, work, security?... friends, love, happiness?... entertainment? luxury? rest?... How can we know what God thinks we need? The thing is, we can't know. All we can do is trust. Trust that God is there. Trust that God is watching. Trust that God cares. Trust that God is love. Trust that God knows what is best. And also, trust that we are not God, and so are not in the best place of determining what is best for us. That's the tricky one, I suppose. Letting go and letting God work for us and through us. Let go and trust God.
Friday, August 20, 2010
"It's all about the choices you make"
Matthew 6:24
What a fantastic verse. Straight to the point. We cannot serve two masters. Whatever it is that competes with God for our attention and praise must be discarded or uplifted. We often believe we can live in the balanced tension between our bad habits, addictions, and broken behaviors; but Jesus says no! "It's them or me!" "Choose this day whom you will serve!" There is no way to live comfortably with God and continuing in our known weaknesses. They cannot be balanced. Our relationship with God WILL weaken until it dissoves.
I know I have a choice to make, an action to udnertake, and a vision to uphold as a result of reaidng this verse. I pray with every beat of my heart that Christ my be glorified in it and that the sin may be crushed. If you read this: say a little prayer for me. Let me know of your struggles, and I will support you! Nobody can serve two masters!
What a fantastic verse. Straight to the point. We cannot serve two masters. Whatever it is that competes with God for our attention and praise must be discarded or uplifted. We often believe we can live in the balanced tension between our bad habits, addictions, and broken behaviors; but Jesus says no! "It's them or me!" "Choose this day whom you will serve!" There is no way to live comfortably with God and continuing in our known weaknesses. They cannot be balanced. Our relationship with God WILL weaken until it dissoves.
I know I have a choice to make, an action to udnertake, and a vision to uphold as a result of reaidng this verse. I pray with every beat of my heart that Christ my be glorified in it and that the sin may be crushed. If you read this: say a little prayer for me. Let me know of your struggles, and I will support you! Nobody can serve two masters!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
God alone is my judge. Not me.
Matthew 6:5-23
First, some personal thoughts: I feel oddly refreshed and and yet unsteady. I am home from a few days at the beach and preparing to head off to school at good old Bethinary (Bethany Theological Seminary). ;) While the time away was good, my family is waiting for sad news and it is a time of strange emotions, living each day one at a time, and transitioning to the fall schedule. In the midst of this, I have kept up my reading. However, instead of reading the verses whenever I had time, I felt compelled to take up starting the day with reading my daily verses. My Bible has been by my bed all night so that as soon as I awake, I can grab the book and read some WORDage. It has been good. Normally I start my day with a shower because I am NOT a morning person! The shower serves as a good way to awake my mind and soul the right way, with words of life swimming freshly around my brain, causing me to meditate on them and prepare for the day ahead.
It was a bit of a struggle connecting this week with many things floating around my brain, which caused me to get frustrated with my inability to "be spiritual" and flood guilt into my system. It seems that at such times it may help to review what God has recently done or said to us. Hindsight is helpful for those of us with short term memories so we had best use it.
I looked back at the words the Spirit has flung at me and I see ridiculous expectations about praying, and forgiving, and fasting, and ultimately storing up heavenly treasures rather than waste down here. For some reason I was unable to see the beauty of this when I first read them. Caedmon's Call helped me awake to the message in front of my nose.
Every spiritual act we do is for God alone. It is not for us to feel good, safe, or secure. It is not for attention, or pride, or fame, or comfort. It is for God alone. God alone judges our authenticity. Nobody else. No family member, or friend, or competitor, or follower, or stranger. Not even our self. We are in no place to judge our self and yet we do so quite frequently. We are to store up treasures in heaven by living for Jesus' glory alone. If our acts of obedient service and contrition and worship and discipline are not heavenly treasures, but earthly wastes, its time to wake up!
Our eyes are the lamps of our souls. Everywhere we look, we should see such that our vision bears witness to the love of God! For God's true beauty is ever before my eyes though I place things in front of it that demand my attention and service. They are mistaken and so are we when we do not immediately laugh at them and with our eyes, shine the lamp of truth upon them. Doing so, we expose them for what they are, temporary things, a mist fading before our eyes in the light of the majesty behind them.
Wherever you are reading this, STOP... Look around. God;s glory is practically smacking you in the face, so push the grubby earthly demand out of your way, and see Jesus. Then see him everywhere you go...
First, some personal thoughts: I feel oddly refreshed and and yet unsteady. I am home from a few days at the beach and preparing to head off to school at good old Bethinary (Bethany Theological Seminary). ;) While the time away was good, my family is waiting for sad news and it is a time of strange emotions, living each day one at a time, and transitioning to the fall schedule. In the midst of this, I have kept up my reading. However, instead of reading the verses whenever I had time, I felt compelled to take up starting the day with reading my daily verses. My Bible has been by my bed all night so that as soon as I awake, I can grab the book and read some WORDage. It has been good. Normally I start my day with a shower because I am NOT a morning person! The shower serves as a good way to awake my mind and soul the right way, with words of life swimming freshly around my brain, causing me to meditate on them and prepare for the day ahead.
It was a bit of a struggle connecting this week with many things floating around my brain, which caused me to get frustrated with my inability to "be spiritual" and flood guilt into my system. It seems that at such times it may help to review what God has recently done or said to us. Hindsight is helpful for those of us with short term memories so we had best use it.
I looked back at the words the Spirit has flung at me and I see ridiculous expectations about praying, and forgiving, and fasting, and ultimately storing up heavenly treasures rather than waste down here. For some reason I was unable to see the beauty of this when I first read them. Caedmon's Call helped me awake to the message in front of my nose.
Every spiritual act we do is for God alone. It is not for us to feel good, safe, or secure. It is not for attention, or pride, or fame, or comfort. It is for God alone. God alone judges our authenticity. Nobody else. No family member, or friend, or competitor, or follower, or stranger. Not even our self. We are in no place to judge our self and yet we do so quite frequently. We are to store up treasures in heaven by living for Jesus' glory alone. If our acts of obedient service and contrition and worship and discipline are not heavenly treasures, but earthly wastes, its time to wake up!
Our eyes are the lamps of our souls. Everywhere we look, we should see such that our vision bears witness to the love of God! For God's true beauty is ever before my eyes though I place things in front of it that demand my attention and service. They are mistaken and so are we when we do not immediately laugh at them and with our eyes, shine the lamp of truth upon them. Doing so, we expose them for what they are, temporary things, a mist fading before our eyes in the light of the majesty behind them.
Wherever you are reading this, STOP... Look around. God;s glory is practically smacking you in the face, so push the grubby earthly demand out of your way, and see Jesus. Then see him everywhere you go...
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Haven't I done enough?
Matthew 5:43-6:4
How many times I have heard that phrase: "I just spent (amount of time) with Jesus, I think I deserve some me time." Ticks me off to no end...! As if God just wants a certain level of commitment, not our entire hearts!
Today's verses combine a section on loving our enemies (the natural counterpart to the last post) and giving to the poor in secret. Strange combination it may seem, but it occurred to me while reading that these topics both address the fact that it is never "enough" when we serve and love God. We are called to be better than those around us (loving our enemies) and to serve so that those around us have no idea we are doing it (helping the needy). Its not about giving in to our desire to hate, but to increase love everywhere. Its not about doing good for attention and praise, but about increasing love everywhere. We are called to go above all other expectations when it comes to God. Its never enough because its never about fulfilling obligations and always about a true life of love. When people fall in love they frequently say they want to spend ALL their time with their loved one. Well, why not Jesus?
How many times I have heard that phrase: "I just spent (amount of time) with Jesus, I think I deserve some me time." Ticks me off to no end...! As if God just wants a certain level of commitment, not our entire hearts!
Today's verses combine a section on loving our enemies (the natural counterpart to the last post) and giving to the poor in secret. Strange combination it may seem, but it occurred to me while reading that these topics both address the fact that it is never "enough" when we serve and love God. We are called to be better than those around us (loving our enemies) and to serve so that those around us have no idea we are doing it (helping the needy). Its not about giving in to our desire to hate, but to increase love everywhere. Its not about doing good for attention and praise, but about increasing love everywhere. We are called to go above all other expectations when it comes to God. Its never enough because its never about fulfilling obligations and always about a true life of love. When people fall in love they frequently say they want to spend ALL their time with their loved one. Well, why not Jesus?
Friday, August 13, 2010
Treating people like you've already forgiven them
Matthew 5:38-42
There is so much I could say about these verses. They're only, like, some of the most popular among peace-loving Christians. It occurs to me as I read this in the context of my life right now that peace among peoples is just one dimension of the words. In relation to the verses afterward, these verses are more interpersonal than international. I also am thinking about things to do in our last days, as the end approaches.
What comes out to me is the need for forgiveness and closure. Justice rules much of our thoughts in life: what's fair, what's even, what's balanced. We constantly work for a well-balanced life in who we love, how we spend our time, our work, our play, or time with God. If we give ourselves to one thing, we must make up for that time in other ways: "Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth." This is justice, but as death approaches, justice doesn't seem that important anymore. I think we begin to realize that true, perfect justice is not a possibility for our time on earth. We think about grace and mercy and love in life, but its not until the end looms that we see those virtues in a new light (I am not dying, in case any of you was getting concerned).
To love and forgive; that is the nature of God's relationship with us and how we were meant to live. Jesus expands an "Eye for eye" mentality to a "go the extra mile" attitude. We don't go the extra mile because we are sticking it to the proverbial "man" or because we diminish our self-worth to that of slaves.
We do it out of love. Some people just need to see love in life, love in action, love in another random person. When we let go of striving for our own well-being and live only to see the good in our enemy, then we become Christ. When we extend the simplest kind of grace and stop playing the conflict game, we become Christ. When we forgive people in our hearts before they've even offended us, we become Christ. At the end of life, it is not justice we seek, it is peace: peace with others, with God, and especially with ourselves. The hardest thing, is to forgive ourselves; to let go of self-hatred or the need for punishment and justice, and just to surrender to the mercy that no guilt can corrupt.
Put things in perspective, choose to live forgiveness in the heart and in action. Choose also to help others see the need for a forgiven, forgiving grace. Such is Christ.
There is so much I could say about these verses. They're only, like, some of the most popular among peace-loving Christians. It occurs to me as I read this in the context of my life right now that peace among peoples is just one dimension of the words. In relation to the verses afterward, these verses are more interpersonal than international. I also am thinking about things to do in our last days, as the end approaches.
What comes out to me is the need for forgiveness and closure. Justice rules much of our thoughts in life: what's fair, what's even, what's balanced. We constantly work for a well-balanced life in who we love, how we spend our time, our work, our play, or time with God. If we give ourselves to one thing, we must make up for that time in other ways: "Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth." This is justice, but as death approaches, justice doesn't seem that important anymore. I think we begin to realize that true, perfect justice is not a possibility for our time on earth. We think about grace and mercy and love in life, but its not until the end looms that we see those virtues in a new light (I am not dying, in case any of you was getting concerned).
To love and forgive; that is the nature of God's relationship with us and how we were meant to live. Jesus expands an "Eye for eye" mentality to a "go the extra mile" attitude. We don't go the extra mile because we are sticking it to the proverbial "man" or because we diminish our self-worth to that of slaves.
We do it out of love. Some people just need to see love in life, love in action, love in another random person. When we let go of striving for our own well-being and live only to see the good in our enemy, then we become Christ. When we extend the simplest kind of grace and stop playing the conflict game, we become Christ. When we forgive people in our hearts before they've even offended us, we become Christ. At the end of life, it is not justice we seek, it is peace: peace with others, with God, and especially with ourselves. The hardest thing, is to forgive ourselves; to let go of self-hatred or the need for punishment and justice, and just to surrender to the mercy that no guilt can corrupt.
Put things in perspective, choose to live forgiveness in the heart and in action. Choose also to help others see the need for a forgiven, forgiving grace. Such is Christ.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Who are we trying to convince?
Matthew 5:33-37
"Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and 'No,' 'No'." Apparently everything else comes from the Devil. Oaths have always been a weird thing for me. I understand that they were quite controversial in brethren history, tied to putting national pride above God (loyalty), tied to taking the Lord's name in mockery ("I swear to God"), and other belittlings of God or pretenses for lying and manipulating others. However, I do not swear by anything and rarely make promises (knowing full well that all commitments are breakable and beyond my control, except for Love and intention).
Here Jesus urges us to speak the plain truth at all times. We are not to embellish the truth or mislead by speaking half-truths. Yes is yes and no is no. But honestly, there is no way I can do this. I believe Jesus strikes again with his universal sin labeling so none may boast of being sinless. Everyone misuses the way they speak for their own advantage, to avoid conflict, or to arrange a certain perception.
Speaking the truth without a divine condition (swearing oaths) may be ideal, but it is hard for others to swallow, especially if I have a bad reputation. Perfecting our deceptive tongues may be impossible, but we can work on it, and it is a process to tame our lips of deceit and manipulation. We cannot snap our fingers and go to blessed purity. Its a messy struggle that will end up hurting us and others. May we have the fortitude to press on and speak the truth simply, without selfishness. Thoughts would be loved...
"Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and 'No,' 'No'." Apparently everything else comes from the Devil. Oaths have always been a weird thing for me. I understand that they were quite controversial in brethren history, tied to putting national pride above God (loyalty), tied to taking the Lord's name in mockery ("I swear to God"), and other belittlings of God or pretenses for lying and manipulating others. However, I do not swear by anything and rarely make promises (knowing full well that all commitments are breakable and beyond my control, except for Love and intention).
Here Jesus urges us to speak the plain truth at all times. We are not to embellish the truth or mislead by speaking half-truths. Yes is yes and no is no. But honestly, there is no way I can do this. I believe Jesus strikes again with his universal sin labeling so none may boast of being sinless. Everyone misuses the way they speak for their own advantage, to avoid conflict, or to arrange a certain perception.
Speaking the truth without a divine condition (swearing oaths) may be ideal, but it is hard for others to swallow, especially if I have a bad reputation. Perfecting our deceptive tongues may be impossible, but we can work on it, and it is a process to tame our lips of deceit and manipulation. We cannot snap our fingers and go to blessed purity. Its a messy struggle that will end up hurting us and others. May we have the fortitude to press on and speak the truth simply, without selfishness. Thoughts would be loved...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
When I'd like the Bible to say things slightly differently... :/
Matthew 5:31-32
Divorce is always tricky from a biblical viewpoint. Its always ugly, I think most people would agree about that. And clearly its acceptable in cases of "unfaithfulness," which I would say includes any breaking of vows, covering abuse and infidelity. Nonetheless, Jesus' words are still tough, making those who remarry adulterers too! Alright what do you all think? I'm stumped. I would say the best message I can learn is to chose your spouse CAREFULLY!!! Seems obvious but too many of my generation and beyond do NOT take it seriously. Thoughts?
Divorce is always tricky from a biblical viewpoint. Its always ugly, I think most people would agree about that. And clearly its acceptable in cases of "unfaithfulness," which I would say includes any breaking of vows, covering abuse and infidelity. Nonetheless, Jesus' words are still tough, making those who remarry adulterers too! Alright what do you all think? I'm stumped. I would say the best message I can learn is to chose your spouse CAREFULLY!!! Seems obvious but too many of my generation and beyond do NOT take it seriously. Thoughts?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Losing Limbs
Matthew 5:27-30
And so Jesus continues on his rant where anybody and everybody is a horrible person... or at least it seems that way. Instead of anger as the root of violence, Jesus now tackles lust as the root of sexual immorality. Its always dangerous when someone writes or talks about sexuality, someone is bound to be offended, either because the subject is deemed altogether immoral to discuss (which is biblically wrong: sex is blessed by God), or because so many of us have been touched by sexuality gone wrong that we live with pervasive guilt. However, it is important to notice that while sexuality gone wild (ya know, like "Girls Gone Wild") is deemed sinful here, it is no more sinful than anger or broken relationships. Certainly its still serious as all sins are, but we tend to over-emphasize the sexual because our society can't move beyond it.
Still, it would be better to live in constant pain and inhibit the ease of your life than live in lust. Its not just the unfaithfulness to partners that is wrong here, it is the root cause, lust, even infatuation and blind idolatry that places another being above all others, blinds you to right and wrong, or puts satisfaction above righteousness. Many of us would be sure to label some kind of sexual activity and thought wrong, but we are not united, and that is dangerous, because sex is by nature, relational. It is also hard to enforce. We say something is wrong, but do we ever take Jesus seriously about preventing sin in the first place. Are we willing to make our lives harder in order to prevent evil thoughts and actions? Are we more concerned about comfort and ease, or righteous living and loving minds? Jesus words cover all of us. The next move is ours. Stop the spread of sin. Its worth it.
And so Jesus continues on his rant where anybody and everybody is a horrible person... or at least it seems that way. Instead of anger as the root of violence, Jesus now tackles lust as the root of sexual immorality. Its always dangerous when someone writes or talks about sexuality, someone is bound to be offended, either because the subject is deemed altogether immoral to discuss (which is biblically wrong: sex is blessed by God), or because so many of us have been touched by sexuality gone wrong that we live with pervasive guilt. However, it is important to notice that while sexuality gone wild (ya know, like "Girls Gone Wild") is deemed sinful here, it is no more sinful than anger or broken relationships. Certainly its still serious as all sins are, but we tend to over-emphasize the sexual because our society can't move beyond it.
Still, it would be better to live in constant pain and inhibit the ease of your life than live in lust. Its not just the unfaithfulness to partners that is wrong here, it is the root cause, lust, even infatuation and blind idolatry that places another being above all others, blinds you to right and wrong, or puts satisfaction above righteousness. Many of us would be sure to label some kind of sexual activity and thought wrong, but we are not united, and that is dangerous, because sex is by nature, relational. It is also hard to enforce. We say something is wrong, but do we ever take Jesus seriously about preventing sin in the first place. Are we willing to make our lives harder in order to prevent evil thoughts and actions? Are we more concerned about comfort and ease, or righteous living and loving minds? Jesus words cover all of us. The next move is ours. Stop the spread of sin. Its worth it.
Monday, August 9, 2010
"Don't let the sun go down on me"
Matthew 5:23-26
Sorry I missed a day. Get used to it. :) I will miss some from time to time because I cannot get to my computer. I will still be reading Matthew and will simply incorporate missed days into the next post!
Today, I am very aware of the need for reconciliation in the life of God's people. Too many barriers divide us caused by our own miscommunication, emotional reactions, impatience, and grudges. While some of this is inevitable, we are called by Jesus to be better than this! Christians SHOULD be an example to the world of how people should interact, not the example of how horribly religious people treat each other. In this text, Jesus first warns us to reconcile ourselves to those we may have broken relationships with BEFORE coming to the Lord's house in worship. Then, he cautions us to reconcile those relationships before they grow out of control.
These warnings teach me to things (at least):
1. Our broken relationships with each other affect our relationship with God.
2. Broken relationships have drastic consequences.
It takes courage to confront one's we've hurt or who've hurt us. Scary as that may be, the alternative may be even worse. Let us not allow the spiral to continue, be reconciled to each other so that we all may be reconciled to our Father in heaven.
Sorry I missed a day. Get used to it. :) I will miss some from time to time because I cannot get to my computer. I will still be reading Matthew and will simply incorporate missed days into the next post!
Today, I am very aware of the need for reconciliation in the life of God's people. Too many barriers divide us caused by our own miscommunication, emotional reactions, impatience, and grudges. While some of this is inevitable, we are called by Jesus to be better than this! Christians SHOULD be an example to the world of how people should interact, not the example of how horribly religious people treat each other. In this text, Jesus first warns us to reconcile ourselves to those we may have broken relationships with BEFORE coming to the Lord's house in worship. Then, he cautions us to reconcile those relationships before they grow out of control.
These warnings teach me to things (at least):
1. Our broken relationships with each other affect our relationship with God.
2. Broken relationships have drastic consequences.
It takes courage to confront one's we've hurt or who've hurt us. Scary as that may be, the alternative may be even worse. Let us not allow the spiral to continue, be reconciled to each other so that we all may be reconciled to our Father in heaven.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
I pity the Raca who calls people "Fool"!
Matthew 5:21-22
Here is an example of when Jesus takes a commonly held law and makes it impossible for ANYONE to be able to follow it, WITHOUT denying the goodness of it. "You have heard that it was said...'Do not murder,' but tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Later he clarifies that judgment. its not just a slap on the wrists or being arrested, its the fire of Hell...! Shoot dawg! That's crazy! I get mad everyday!
This is where the character of Jesus becomes much "more than meets the eye." No simplistic understanding really captures all that Jesus is. He is all about granting mercy and grace and unconditional love, yet he knows what is right and wrong and labels sin as sin when he sees it. He cares so much about justice (naming what is wrong/sinful/bad) that he expands our understanding of crimes and sins beyond only atrocities (murder). Jesus looks at the root of the problem: anger. Uncontrollable anger toward another person is the problem, murder is just the consequence of letting it go unchecked. Jesus judges every single individual by saying this. "No one is righteous," by would later say. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," Jesus would later say. We all sinful! Luckily, God's grace is bigger than our sin and we can be forgiven when we repent. That's the Gospel: the Good News!
Now, just because we know we can never fulfill this command of Jesus, does that mean its only value is to make us guilty and lead us to grace? While this is centrally important, I say no. The impossible commands of Jesus are also glimpses into what kind of people we should strive to be. We are not simply perpetually repentant sinners with no ethical code. We fail, yes. We sin, yes. But we also strive to be better as an act of worship!
Anger is dangerous. It is sinful, a consequence of our fallen, broken nature. I need to learn when I am angry and name it, confess it, so that I can move on and work to correct my feelings and discover why I am angry. Jesus emphasizes the way we talk to others and the names we call them. "Raca" means "fool". We are not to call anyone foolish (and I am certain there are other words nowadays that are more offensive). I pray God will help all of us treat each other with love and kindness instead of anger.
Perhaps there is also righteous anger, but its very hard for us humans to control such things in ourselves. That's why I know I need other people to hold me accountable when I think I may use such anger. AND may it always be directed toward sin and not other people, brothers, or sisters. I believe Martin Luther King, Jr. had that down pretty nicely, not to mention JC.
Here is an example of when Jesus takes a commonly held law and makes it impossible for ANYONE to be able to follow it, WITHOUT denying the goodness of it. "You have heard that it was said...'Do not murder,' but tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Later he clarifies that judgment. its not just a slap on the wrists or being arrested, its the fire of Hell...! Shoot dawg! That's crazy! I get mad everyday!
This is where the character of Jesus becomes much "more than meets the eye." No simplistic understanding really captures all that Jesus is. He is all about granting mercy and grace and unconditional love, yet he knows what is right and wrong and labels sin as sin when he sees it. He cares so much about justice (naming what is wrong/sinful/bad) that he expands our understanding of crimes and sins beyond only atrocities (murder). Jesus looks at the root of the problem: anger. Uncontrollable anger toward another person is the problem, murder is just the consequence of letting it go unchecked. Jesus judges every single individual by saying this. "No one is righteous," by would later say. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone," Jesus would later say. We all sinful! Luckily, God's grace is bigger than our sin and we can be forgiven when we repent. That's the Gospel: the Good News!
Now, just because we know we can never fulfill this command of Jesus, does that mean its only value is to make us guilty and lead us to grace? While this is centrally important, I say no. The impossible commands of Jesus are also glimpses into what kind of people we should strive to be. We are not simply perpetually repentant sinners with no ethical code. We fail, yes. We sin, yes. But we also strive to be better as an act of worship!
Anger is dangerous. It is sinful, a consequence of our fallen, broken nature. I need to learn when I am angry and name it, confess it, so that I can move on and work to correct my feelings and discover why I am angry. Jesus emphasizes the way we talk to others and the names we call them. "Raca" means "fool". We are not to call anyone foolish (and I am certain there are other words nowadays that are more offensive). I pray God will help all of us treat each other with love and kindness instead of anger.
Perhaps there is also righteous anger, but its very hard for us humans to control such things in ourselves. That's why I know I need other people to hold me accountable when I think I may use such anger. AND may it always be directed toward sin and not other people, brothers, or sisters. I believe Martin Luther King, Jr. had that down pretty nicely, not to mention JC.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Marcion lives!
Matthew 5:17-20
Marcion was an early Christian thinker who's ideas were declared heresy (false teachings) by the Church. He held that the loving, merciful God of the New Testament, personified in Jesus, could not possibly be the same as the wrathful, angry God of the Old Testament. His followers formed a movement that was persecuted because it defied the Church's canon of scripture (the set and voted on books to be included in the formal Bible).
Now I am no Marcion; I have been accused of holding the Hebrew Scriptures too highly, in fact. I see God portrayed consistently in both Testaments, though his motives and the character of his Gospel evolves as the biblical story progresses. One Testament cannot be comprehended without the other, though the New Testament is where Jesus appears, so that holds a bit more authority. Nonetheless, God in the Hebrew Bible is still loving and merciful, just as God (and Jesus) in the Christian Bible is angry and judgmental at times.
But I do understand the reasoning behind the heresy that is very much alive in the church still. It says, "Throw away the Old and embrace the New." However, in these verses, Jesus pretty much smashes that idea. Right from the Messiah's mouth, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." There you have it. BOTH halves are necessary and we are not to "break one of the least of these commandments" or "teach others to do the same." And yet, much of what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount (chs. 5-7) involve altering the Law found in the Jewish Tanakh (Old Testament). What are we to make of this? Way to throw a massive wrench into an already messy theological conundrum!
Some understandings of the Law are changed by Jesus and later Paul. Others have evolved away over time, hopefully saving the great truth behind the original rule. It is difficult to say anymore which rules we ought to take literally and which are meant to make us think, to drive us to deeper levels of understanding the will and mystery of God. And yet it is clear that we are not EVER to throw away the Law and the Prophets, for something in their words rings true and essential for we who call ourselves follows of Christ, "Christians".
So read Leviticus. Read Song of Solomon. Read Genesis, Joshua, and Habakkuk, too! Struggle with them. Pray with and for them. God is behind them. Christ blessed them. Whatever decisions we make in the future, may we be able to defend them against the Old Testament as Jesus did and commanded us, even if the results convict us to change our beliefs and ways...
Marcion was an early Christian thinker who's ideas were declared heresy (false teachings) by the Church. He held that the loving, merciful God of the New Testament, personified in Jesus, could not possibly be the same as the wrathful, angry God of the Old Testament. His followers formed a movement that was persecuted because it defied the Church's canon of scripture (the set and voted on books to be included in the formal Bible).
Now I am no Marcion; I have been accused of holding the Hebrew Scriptures too highly, in fact. I see God portrayed consistently in both Testaments, though his motives and the character of his Gospel evolves as the biblical story progresses. One Testament cannot be comprehended without the other, though the New Testament is where Jesus appears, so that holds a bit more authority. Nonetheless, God in the Hebrew Bible is still loving and merciful, just as God (and Jesus) in the Christian Bible is angry and judgmental at times.
But I do understand the reasoning behind the heresy that is very much alive in the church still. It says, "Throw away the Old and embrace the New." However, in these verses, Jesus pretty much smashes that idea. Right from the Messiah's mouth, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." There you have it. BOTH halves are necessary and we are not to "break one of the least of these commandments" or "teach others to do the same." And yet, much of what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount (chs. 5-7) involve altering the Law found in the Jewish Tanakh (Old Testament). What are we to make of this? Way to throw a massive wrench into an already messy theological conundrum!
Some understandings of the Law are changed by Jesus and later Paul. Others have evolved away over time, hopefully saving the great truth behind the original rule. It is difficult to say anymore which rules we ought to take literally and which are meant to make us think, to drive us to deeper levels of understanding the will and mystery of God. And yet it is clear that we are not EVER to throw away the Law and the Prophets, for something in their words rings true and essential for we who call ourselves follows of Christ, "Christians".
So read Leviticus. Read Song of Solomon. Read Genesis, Joshua, and Habakkuk, too! Struggle with them. Pray with and for them. God is behind them. Christ blessed them. Whatever decisions we make in the future, may we be able to defend them against the Old Testament as Jesus did and commanded us, even if the results convict us to change our beliefs and ways...
Thursday, August 5, 2010
"You are the light of the world!"
Matthew 5:13-16
Anyone who saw the Sunday evening worship at National Youth Conference a few weeks ago will remember well the army of 3,000 glowsticks waving in Moby Arena to a jazzed-up "This Little Light of Mine." It was one of the highlights of NYC for me: such a breathtaking sight. Preacher Jim Myer exhorted everyone there to address each other with the pronouncement "You are the light of the world!" whenever we passed. I remember liking the idea, though also feeling awkward around people who weren't at Conference. It would be like they were looking in on an inside joke beyond their comprehension.
Nonetheless, what if the people of God actually embraced their light-giving identity? I found myself uneasy with these verses as I read them, both the metaphor of being salt and being light. I felt that my light was not shining as it could and my saltiness was not being tasted (sounds like a weird thing to want, "saltiness"). It seems Jesus point is that the blessings and Spirit-power God has given us should be shared with the world; the life we have been blessed with should expand through us into all the world. Yet, as today progressed, I came across some verses from the following chapter in good-old Matthew (6:1-15) that seemed to say something different. They are all about doing good deeds in secret and praying openly and honestly in private, rather than before others seeking attention.
So... we are supposed to let our lights shine... but in private??? That don't make no sense... Yet, I realize that these verses are meant to challenge different people at different times. Each of us becomes those different types of people at different points in our life/week/day so that all of scripture does apply to us eventually. Some people have been hiding their lights for too long for several reasons:
1. Their own fault: laziness, selfishness, stubbornness (all personal sins)
2. Other peoples' fault: low self-esteem, living in the shadow of others, feeling inferior, incompetent, or insufficient because of the abuse of others (all sinful acts of injustice)
3. General confusion: maybe no one told them they were special, maybe they experienced failure or rejection when their light shone (all consequences of sin in the world)
Whatever the reason, we have all failed to let our lights shine as they should. Luckily, God's grace is so amazing... ;) ...that with his help, we can shine like the stars we truly are. Most Christians focus on grace (the UNDESERVED love of God) as that which forgives us of sin, gives us a clean slate, and makes us acceptable to God's holiness. While this is AWESOME!!!... its not all that grace does. Grace also gives us the undeserved power to be better than our sinful selves expect us to be, better than society around believes we can be, and ultimately better than anyone thought possible. ...Not perfect... ...but with Christ living in us, we can do some pretty incredible things!
As for the tension between letting our lights shine and doing good deeds in secret? I think its all about balance. So many things are about balance between extremes. The danger of shining brightly is that we begin to love the spotlight more than the service of shining for Jesus' sake. The danger of doing all good things in secret is that we don't reach as many people as we might otherwise, and we have little accountability to others.
But for today, friends, let your light shine... You are the light of the world!
Anyone who saw the Sunday evening worship at National Youth Conference a few weeks ago will remember well the army of 3,000 glowsticks waving in Moby Arena to a jazzed-up "This Little Light of Mine." It was one of the highlights of NYC for me: such a breathtaking sight. Preacher Jim Myer exhorted everyone there to address each other with the pronouncement "You are the light of the world!" whenever we passed. I remember liking the idea, though also feeling awkward around people who weren't at Conference. It would be like they were looking in on an inside joke beyond their comprehension.
Nonetheless, what if the people of God actually embraced their light-giving identity? I found myself uneasy with these verses as I read them, both the metaphor of being salt and being light. I felt that my light was not shining as it could and my saltiness was not being tasted (sounds like a weird thing to want, "saltiness"). It seems Jesus point is that the blessings and Spirit-power God has given us should be shared with the world; the life we have been blessed with should expand through us into all the world. Yet, as today progressed, I came across some verses from the following chapter in good-old Matthew (6:1-15) that seemed to say something different. They are all about doing good deeds in secret and praying openly and honestly in private, rather than before others seeking attention.
So... we are supposed to let our lights shine... but in private??? That don't make no sense... Yet, I realize that these verses are meant to challenge different people at different times. Each of us becomes those different types of people at different points in our life/week/day so that all of scripture does apply to us eventually. Some people have been hiding their lights for too long for several reasons:
1. Their own fault: laziness, selfishness, stubbornness (all personal sins)
2. Other peoples' fault: low self-esteem, living in the shadow of others, feeling inferior, incompetent, or insufficient because of the abuse of others (all sinful acts of injustice)
3. General confusion: maybe no one told them they were special, maybe they experienced failure or rejection when their light shone (all consequences of sin in the world)
Whatever the reason, we have all failed to let our lights shine as they should. Luckily, God's grace is so amazing... ;) ...that with his help, we can shine like the stars we truly are. Most Christians focus on grace (the UNDESERVED love of God) as that which forgives us of sin, gives us a clean slate, and makes us acceptable to God's holiness. While this is AWESOME!!!... its not all that grace does. Grace also gives us the undeserved power to be better than our sinful selves expect us to be, better than society around believes we can be, and ultimately better than anyone thought possible. ...Not perfect... ...but with Christ living in us, we can do some pretty incredible things!
As for the tension between letting our lights shine and doing good deeds in secret? I think its all about balance. So many things are about balance between extremes. The danger of shining brightly is that we begin to love the spotlight more than the service of shining for Jesus' sake. The danger of doing all good things in secret is that we don't reach as many people as we might otherwise, and we have little accountability to others.
But for today, friends, let your light shine... You are the light of the world!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
No Better Way to Start Than with Suffering!
Matthew 5:11-12
Welcome to "Agape and Veritas"; love and truth are always a good combination! I have been reading through the Gospel of Matthew daily for the past few weeks, just bits at a time, as a devotional practice, having been about daily disciplines for a while. One reason I was attracted to this blogging idea (more so than private journaling) is that there is a certain public accountability present that cannot be found by simply jotting down my thoughts and feelings in a personal format. I have tried journaling, but it never really stuck. I am hoping and praying that this outlet may become a more fulfilling way of recording some of my faith exploration, as well as a chance to engage other readers in conversation! Whatcha think!? (Beware of random pop culture references and inside jokes. Hopefully they won't distract you too much...) ;)
Now, I know a good many of you may be put off or confused by my skipping 4 chapters and 10 verses of Matthew... I would be! I hate starting something in the middle! Like missing the opening prologue and initial conflict in a movie or book. You miss the whole point and lose interest quickly. That's why I challenge you to refresh your memory if you think you know what those chapters hold, OR read them for the first time (its not like its long...). Feel free to check back in here whenever you'd like! Eventually, I will finish Matthew and move on to something else. Perhaps Mark. Perhaps some Psalmage (Pslams; I like adding "-age" after things). Perhaps something completely different. I will advertise around various places when I change the current study I am using, like on Facebook, email, AIM, face-to-face, AND in the little box on the top right under the title that says "current study."
Now I know I have written a lot of background and maybe this is going on way too much, but I have ever done this before...so... there ya have it! Here are a few tidbits on Matthew 5:11-12.
So Jesus has been borned, tempted, baptized, and begun preaching around Galilee at this point, having just started the famous "Sermon on the Mount" beginning with the Beattitudes. These stories have illuminated the confusing parts of my life recently and set me on track. Jesus continues after the "Blessed are's" with a blessing on those who are persecuted "because of me." He then encourages, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."
Now, I know there has been much conversation lately in theological circles about suffering and its relationship to atonement, injustice, and the Christian life; but I would rather not tackle that nest of gundarks right now, especially not in the very first (and increasingly lengthy...) blog post of my life. Suffice to say, I suffer a lot. Or at least I do in my head. But rarely is it "because of" Christ. Whether or not suffering should be looked for, it opens up the oft-ignored fact that I do not take many risks for Jesus. Being a Christian requires that I be vulnerable for his sake, take a leap of faith, step out of my comfort zone. But I'd rather not... (shame-faced :( ). So if anyone out there finds they fit that same bill, don't get all glum and guilty, but don't ignore it either. If people are going to insult you or otherwise harass you, make sure that it is because of your belonging to Christ and his way, not because you actually deserved it. : /
Welcome to "Agape and Veritas"; love and truth are always a good combination! I have been reading through the Gospel of Matthew daily for the past few weeks, just bits at a time, as a devotional practice, having been about daily disciplines for a while. One reason I was attracted to this blogging idea (more so than private journaling) is that there is a certain public accountability present that cannot be found by simply jotting down my thoughts and feelings in a personal format. I have tried journaling, but it never really stuck. I am hoping and praying that this outlet may become a more fulfilling way of recording some of my faith exploration, as well as a chance to engage other readers in conversation! Whatcha think!? (Beware of random pop culture references and inside jokes. Hopefully they won't distract you too much...) ;)
Now, I know a good many of you may be put off or confused by my skipping 4 chapters and 10 verses of Matthew... I would be! I hate starting something in the middle! Like missing the opening prologue and initial conflict in a movie or book. You miss the whole point and lose interest quickly. That's why I challenge you to refresh your memory if you think you know what those chapters hold, OR read them for the first time (its not like its long...). Feel free to check back in here whenever you'd like! Eventually, I will finish Matthew and move on to something else. Perhaps Mark. Perhaps some Psalmage (Pslams; I like adding "-age" after things). Perhaps something completely different. I will advertise around various places when I change the current study I am using, like on Facebook, email, AIM, face-to-face, AND in the little box on the top right under the title that says "current study."
Now I know I have written a lot of background and maybe this is going on way too much, but I have ever done this before...so... there ya have it! Here are a few tidbits on Matthew 5:11-12.
So Jesus has been borned, tempted, baptized, and begun preaching around Galilee at this point, having just started the famous "Sermon on the Mount" beginning with the Beattitudes. These stories have illuminated the confusing parts of my life recently and set me on track. Jesus continues after the "Blessed are's" with a blessing on those who are persecuted "because of me." He then encourages, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."
Now, I know there has been much conversation lately in theological circles about suffering and its relationship to atonement, injustice, and the Christian life; but I would rather not tackle that nest of gundarks right now, especially not in the very first (and increasingly lengthy...) blog post of my life. Suffice to say, I suffer a lot. Or at least I do in my head. But rarely is it "because of" Christ. Whether or not suffering should be looked for, it opens up the oft-ignored fact that I do not take many risks for Jesus. Being a Christian requires that I be vulnerable for his sake, take a leap of faith, step out of my comfort zone. But I'd rather not... (shame-faced :( ). So if anyone out there finds they fit that same bill, don't get all glum and guilty, but don't ignore it either. If people are going to insult you or otherwise harass you, make sure that it is because of your belonging to Christ and his way, not because you actually deserved it. : /
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