Matthew 18. Jesus and the disciples are still in Capernaum as this chapter begins. Jesus has told the disciples twice now that he is going to die, but rather than being focused on trying to grasp the meaning of what they have been told, their focus is on which one of them will be the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. They are thinking man-thoughts. To stifle their query, and set them straight, Jesus brings a child before them, and tells them 'Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'
Children are totally transparent and have an uncanny knack for seeing things as they are...and blurting out their observations at the most inappropriate times on occasion! When my girls were little I had one of their little friends with us in a department store - where she saw a very large man - and she asked me in a very large voice, "Is he fluffy?" Obviously her mother, thinking that she might avert potential embarrassment someday, had taught her to say fluffy instead of fat. I don't think it worked. Her inquiry wasn't meant to be unkind. There was just no mask.
Jesus doesn't want us to have masks - with Him or with others. No pretense. Sometimes we even lie to ourselves - to our detriment. Jesus is real - and he wants us to be real. He wants our openness to Him to be as that of a little child. Children have a right view of authority. They know who the adults are to whom they are accountable - and that creates right relationships.
True humility is not denigrating. It is simply knowing God is God - and I'm not - and as long as I keep the right perspective, keeping Him in his rightful place - being obedient to His leading - I'll fare well. I can be absolutely humble and know I am good at something as a gifting from the Lord. Skill doesn't create pride. It creates responsibility, and an awareness of stewardship of His gifts. And - with any of the gifts God has given any of us, we don't have to look far to see someone who is 'even better.' Perhaps that helps keep us humble - though comparisons are not actually healthy. What is healthy is celebrating each others' gifts and being nurturing and supportive in affirming people's use of their gifts to honor the Lord - - and to give HIM the glory, honor, thanks and praise. There are many people I thank God for. I need to remember more often to thank them too!
Once children are on Jesus' mind, he spends a bit of time there. I especially love the reference to going after the lost sheep - totally in context of keeping kids connected to their faith.
Ahhhh! Jesus' teaching about how to treat a brother who sins is another tough one. It sounds good on paper - but in practice it doesn't always work out. Actually He even addresses that - but when I tried it a few years ago, thinking God was going to teach me how to handle conflict by handling it with someone who was a professing Christian, it didn't go well at all. I did everything I believed the Lord asked of me, and it turned out horribly. I'm still praying for a better final outcome on that one.
The last story in this chapter actually ties in quite nicely to the issue of unresolved issues. Peter comes to Jesus, thinking he's going to get kudos for his generosity in suggesting forgiving up to 7 times. After all, custom only demanded 3 times. Sort of the original 3 strikes and you're out. But, shockingly, Jesus doesn't applaud Peter - he expands the number to 77 times. Sometimes it is even translated 70 times 7 times, which would be 490 times. I think the point Jesus is making is that we aren't to keep track. And, like his model in the Lord's prayer, we are to forgive others; and by that same standard, we will be forgiven. It is no lightweight matter with the Lord. Still, for those truly tough issues I know I can only forgive from the heart - as he demands - with His help. I'm so grateful for the Holy Spirit's work in my life. He brings things to my attention at just the right time, then helps me work through whatever the 'thing' is. The older I get the more I realize how much God has done for me. His forgiveness is incredible....and I need to forgive just as wholly as He does. Those are big shoes to step into. I'm sure glad His feet fit in the shoes with mine. I've had a few difficult circumstances I've needed to forgive - but when I think of the really huge issues - like someone intentionally taking a child's life - or like the cruelty in the holocaust - or other war crimes since then - I quickly acknowledge I have not been asked to forgive nearly as much as many others. Talk about grace. Lord, that kind of gargantuan forgiveness can only come through you.
The messages in this chapter boil down to: 'loving God, loving people.' I am so grateful for the loving people I see and know who love God and love each other. What a model of what heaven will be like.
'Humor' for the day:
One four-year-old prayed the following prayer: "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."
That seemed appropriate for today....
This one is cute, too:
During the minister's prayer on Sunday morning there was a loud whistle from the back row. The Mom of the culprit gave him a quick pinch, followed by 'the look' to silence him - and after church she asked him what made him do such a thing.
"Well," her son replied, "Pastor told us that if we had any unspoken requests, we could ask God for them during his prayer - and I asked God to teach me to whistle - and He just did it right then."
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Day 14 leading to Easter
Day 12 was supposed to be 2 chapters according to my reading list. Why did I do that to myself? I presume I looked at 14 & 15 and thought they were short enough that I could manage two. But, I was going along systematically reading my prescribed one chapter a day - and didn't consult my reading list - so I'll play catch-up today. Today will be Matthew 16 & 17. (I spent one entire Saturday creating this reading list for leading to Easter, so if I don't get back on track now, I'll mess up the whole plan.) Sort of like life, huh? Some days are get back on track days!
With 2 chapters, I need to focus on some gems. I find there is so much more I want to say - but I am verbose and I am writing too much for a blog....
Jesus' time on earth is winding down. He knows he has to cement the disciples' faith so they will have touchstones to call back to memory after he is gone. In Chapter 16 he engages them in a conversation that will certainly be one of those memorable moments. I love his question. He doesn't initially ask who they say he is - but who the people say he is. They have their finger on the pulse of their society! They know what people are saying - and people obviously think Jesus is someone amazing - a reincarnated prophet, with those mentioned being John the Baptist (who hadn't been dead long enough for that to be true), Elijah, Jeremiah, or any of a sundry of other prophets...
Then Jesus asks them who they think he is, and my friend, the impetuous Peter, gives an immediate response, proclaiming, "You are Meshiach - the Messiah - (translation in Greek - the Christ) - the Son of the living God."
And Jesus tells him that on that proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, the One who was prophesied to come - he would build his church, and they would be given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is that key - through his atoning death and resurrection, he opened the door to direct access to God through the gift of the promised Holy Spirit. The God of creation came - incarnate - sacrificed Himself - made Himself man, bore our sorrows, bore our sin....oops! I'm getting ahead of the story....
Peter was also named 'rock' so there is an opportunity for a little confusion here - - but Peter's role was as a witness to the One who is the Rock....he was not the rock on which Jesus would build his church - but the truth of his statement was.
He clarified His purpose: to build a church - - that's us, folks! We are the result of God's holy purpose! Then - after revealing this clearly to them, he told them not to tell. It wasn't time yet - but the time would come when they were to tell - it's just not yet. God is a God of timing. I get impatient for His timing. I want to act as an advisor sometimes instead of waiting patiently for Him to be the One calling the shots.
In Chapter 16, from the time he confirmed to them so clearly that He is the Messiah, he began to explain what that was going to mean - that he must be killed, but on the third day he would rise again. Peter, who had just been affirmed as a rock - a solid follower - only hears the part about death - and that didn't fit in the rough draft of the script he had in mind. Wait a minute, Yeshua, you are supposed to be the 'deliverer' who comes in on his white horse, vanquishes the foes, and sets the world right. What is this about death? No way! Peter was so caught off guard that he didn't even hear the part about 'resurrection' - that on the third day Jesus would be raised to life. All those of the Jewish nation who were looking forward to a Messiah though he was going to set the world aright - that he was going to be a religious and political force - and once they dared believe he was that promised Messiah, their thoughts turned immediately to an earthly kingdom where the detested Roman domination and all of the political unfairness would be ended....they were 'littlefaiths' - they had faith in the wrong thing - and Jesus called Peter out on that point when he looked directly into Peter's eyes and stated clearly, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Wow! That had to pierce. One moment Jesus' praise; the next a severe rebuke. But Jesus couldn't softsoap that point - nor could he sidestep what He came to do. And then Jesus tells them the cost of being part of his kingdom: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life (soul) will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?...."
The answer is nothing.
Jesus ends that teachable moment telling them that some of them will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom - and then six days later he invites Peter, and brothers James and John to go with him on a day hike up to a high mountain. He was transfigured before them - and the much recently talked about Elijah - and Moses - appear there, talking with Jesus. Talk about 'kingdom living. Peter was all over it. "Lord, this is good - - and I mean really, really good. If you wish, I'll build thee shelters - one for you, one for Moses - one for Elijah - and we can just camp out up here. That would be really....." And while he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from a cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
Tears spring to my eyes and my heart is too full for words to adequately convey what I feel. The disciples response was appropriate. When God shows up in that kind of majesty, we should be on our faces before him. It was so conspicuous that Peter still didn't get the whole picture. Neither do we. But do you notice Jesus response? Instead of reveling in that glorious moment where his divinity was so clearly affirmed - again - with the everlasting omnipotent G-D Almighty affirming God in human form once again - just as He had at Yeshua's baptism - with the words, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Well pleased because Jesus had overcome the temptations common to man - from the time of his testing in the desert by Satan 3 years earlier, and more recently, the temptation from his stumbling-block friend, Peter, not to stay the course. GOD knew the difficult times still to come - and He took this wonderful moment to affirm Jesus - and to provide another touchstone to three key disciples: Peter, who would one day stand faithfully proclaiming Jesus, and ultimately die for him; John who would write the gospel of John; 1, 2, & 3 John and Revelation - and James, John's brother.
Jesus' own brother, James was not there. He didn't believe yet. Other very important members of the early church were not there. Paul was still Saul - a young man who was just getting steamed up for his role of persecuting those who were soon to be designated as 'Christ-ones,' or Christians as we are now known. Jesus chose just 3 of his disciples to witness what happened on that mountain. Interestingly, John, even though an eye witness, doesn't even record it in his gospel.
Anyway - - Jesus' response is notable. He touched them and told them not to be afraid. And from that day forward, he has been touching people and affirming that message to our hearts: 'Be not afraid. I am with you.'
We like mountain-top experiences - but we can't stay there. Neither could they.
Matthew 17:14-22 records a section we are frequently challenged by. A man comes to Jesus with a problem the disciples couldn't help with. His son has a demon that is so strong that it throws his seizure-tormented son into the fire and into the water. In this account it makes it sound like it is peoples' fault that the boy was not healed - and indeed, in Nazareth Jesus didn't do many miracles because of their lack of faith. But I've seen faith rise up and claim healing when it didn't happen - and I struggle with that line between our faith and God's will - just being honest.... I know God can - but I don't always know his will. I recognize that God uses all kinds of circumstances to grow us, including some real growth pains. I know there are people who are healed - and people who for some reason aren't. I recognize that faithfulness in the face of challenge - and even death - is a wonderful testimony to Christian commitment - that none of us get our of this life alive - that death is only the door to an eternity with the Lord for those who know Him - - but I want the miracles. I have several people on my prayer list right now for whom I want the miracles....and Jesus' response here is 'if you only had faith as small as a grain of mustard seed. Lord, teach me what I'm missing here.
Sandwiched between that miracle and the end of the chapter is a brief recitation that Jesus warned them a second time that he was going to be killed and raised again on the third day. Again, all they heard was 'death' and they were filled with grief.
The end of Chapter 17 brings us back to Jesus' chosen home base - Capernaum. I've been there...stood in the remains of the synagogue he taught in.... It was a wonderful moment of actually getting to feel like I was walking where Jesus walked. Jesus lived in the real world. He had to pay taxes just like the rest of us. The due date must have been upon them - and Peter was the one challenged with the question. This was his town, too. His response that Jesus pays the tax was likely based on prior times of that payment being made. However it could have just been defensive. We aren't provided that information - but what we do know is Jesus wasn't present to hear the conversation but he already knew about it, for when Peter came into the house, Jesus brought up the topic...and then he sent the fisherman out to fish - for a fish and a coin, but he let Peter know that the provision was miraculous, even though it would appear to be from natural circumstances - and in the process he gave Peter something to think about: that the sons of the king are exempt - and he truly was that Son - and King.
Humor for the day:
A preacher's five-year-old daughter noticed that her daddy always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day she asked him why. "Well, honey, he replied, proud that his daughter was so observant at such a young age, "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon." "How come He doesn't do it, then?" she asked.
With 2 chapters, I need to focus on some gems. I find there is so much more I want to say - but I am verbose and I am writing too much for a blog....
Jesus' time on earth is winding down. He knows he has to cement the disciples' faith so they will have touchstones to call back to memory after he is gone. In Chapter 16 he engages them in a conversation that will certainly be one of those memorable moments. I love his question. He doesn't initially ask who they say he is - but who the people say he is. They have their finger on the pulse of their society! They know what people are saying - and people obviously think Jesus is someone amazing - a reincarnated prophet, with those mentioned being John the Baptist (who hadn't been dead long enough for that to be true), Elijah, Jeremiah, or any of a sundry of other prophets...
Then Jesus asks them who they think he is, and my friend, the impetuous Peter, gives an immediate response, proclaiming, "You are Meshiach - the Messiah - (translation in Greek - the Christ) - the Son of the living God."
And Jesus tells him that on that proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, the One who was prophesied to come - he would build his church, and they would be given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is that key - through his atoning death and resurrection, he opened the door to direct access to God through the gift of the promised Holy Spirit. The God of creation came - incarnate - sacrificed Himself - made Himself man, bore our sorrows, bore our sin....oops! I'm getting ahead of the story....
Peter was also named 'rock' so there is an opportunity for a little confusion here - - but Peter's role was as a witness to the One who is the Rock....he was not the rock on which Jesus would build his church - but the truth of his statement was.
He clarified His purpose: to build a church - - that's us, folks! We are the result of God's holy purpose! Then - after revealing this clearly to them, he told them not to tell. It wasn't time yet - but the time would come when they were to tell - it's just not yet. God is a God of timing. I get impatient for His timing. I want to act as an advisor sometimes instead of waiting patiently for Him to be the One calling the shots.
In Chapter 16, from the time he confirmed to them so clearly that He is the Messiah, he began to explain what that was going to mean - that he must be killed, but on the third day he would rise again. Peter, who had just been affirmed as a rock - a solid follower - only hears the part about death - and that didn't fit in the rough draft of the script he had in mind. Wait a minute, Yeshua, you are supposed to be the 'deliverer' who comes in on his white horse, vanquishes the foes, and sets the world right. What is this about death? No way! Peter was so caught off guard that he didn't even hear the part about 'resurrection' - that on the third day Jesus would be raised to life. All those of the Jewish nation who were looking forward to a Messiah though he was going to set the world aright - that he was going to be a religious and political force - and once they dared believe he was that promised Messiah, their thoughts turned immediately to an earthly kingdom where the detested Roman domination and all of the political unfairness would be ended....they were 'littlefaiths' - they had faith in the wrong thing - and Jesus called Peter out on that point when he looked directly into Peter's eyes and stated clearly, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Wow! That had to pierce. One moment Jesus' praise; the next a severe rebuke. But Jesus couldn't softsoap that point - nor could he sidestep what He came to do. And then Jesus tells them the cost of being part of his kingdom: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life (soul) will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?...."
The answer is nothing.
Jesus ends that teachable moment telling them that some of them will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom - and then six days later he invites Peter, and brothers James and John to go with him on a day hike up to a high mountain. He was transfigured before them - and the much recently talked about Elijah - and Moses - appear there, talking with Jesus. Talk about 'kingdom living. Peter was all over it. "Lord, this is good - - and I mean really, really good. If you wish, I'll build thee shelters - one for you, one for Moses - one for Elijah - and we can just camp out up here. That would be really....." And while he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from a cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
Tears spring to my eyes and my heart is too full for words to adequately convey what I feel. The disciples response was appropriate. When God shows up in that kind of majesty, we should be on our faces before him. It was so conspicuous that Peter still didn't get the whole picture. Neither do we. But do you notice Jesus response? Instead of reveling in that glorious moment where his divinity was so clearly affirmed - again - with the everlasting omnipotent G-D Almighty affirming God in human form once again - just as He had at Yeshua's baptism - with the words, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Well pleased because Jesus had overcome the temptations common to man - from the time of his testing in the desert by Satan 3 years earlier, and more recently, the temptation from his stumbling-block friend, Peter, not to stay the course. GOD knew the difficult times still to come - and He took this wonderful moment to affirm Jesus - and to provide another touchstone to three key disciples: Peter, who would one day stand faithfully proclaiming Jesus, and ultimately die for him; John who would write the gospel of John; 1, 2, & 3 John and Revelation - and James, John's brother.
Jesus' own brother, James was not there. He didn't believe yet. Other very important members of the early church were not there. Paul was still Saul - a young man who was just getting steamed up for his role of persecuting those who were soon to be designated as 'Christ-ones,' or Christians as we are now known. Jesus chose just 3 of his disciples to witness what happened on that mountain. Interestingly, John, even though an eye witness, doesn't even record it in his gospel.
Anyway - - Jesus' response is notable. He touched them and told them not to be afraid. And from that day forward, he has been touching people and affirming that message to our hearts: 'Be not afraid. I am with you.'
We like mountain-top experiences - but we can't stay there. Neither could they.
Matthew 17:14-22 records a section we are frequently challenged by. A man comes to Jesus with a problem the disciples couldn't help with. His son has a demon that is so strong that it throws his seizure-tormented son into the fire and into the water. In this account it makes it sound like it is peoples' fault that the boy was not healed - and indeed, in Nazareth Jesus didn't do many miracles because of their lack of faith. But I've seen faith rise up and claim healing when it didn't happen - and I struggle with that line between our faith and God's will - just being honest.... I know God can - but I don't always know his will. I recognize that God uses all kinds of circumstances to grow us, including some real growth pains. I know there are people who are healed - and people who for some reason aren't. I recognize that faithfulness in the face of challenge - and even death - is a wonderful testimony to Christian commitment - that none of us get our of this life alive - that death is only the door to an eternity with the Lord for those who know Him - - but I want the miracles. I have several people on my prayer list right now for whom I want the miracles....and Jesus' response here is 'if you only had faith as small as a grain of mustard seed. Lord, teach me what I'm missing here.
Sandwiched between that miracle and the end of the chapter is a brief recitation that Jesus warned them a second time that he was going to be killed and raised again on the third day. Again, all they heard was 'death' and they were filled with grief.
The end of Chapter 17 brings us back to Jesus' chosen home base - Capernaum. I've been there...stood in the remains of the synagogue he taught in.... It was a wonderful moment of actually getting to feel like I was walking where Jesus walked. Jesus lived in the real world. He had to pay taxes just like the rest of us. The due date must have been upon them - and Peter was the one challenged with the question. This was his town, too. His response that Jesus pays the tax was likely based on prior times of that payment being made. However it could have just been defensive. We aren't provided that information - but what we do know is Jesus wasn't present to hear the conversation but he already knew about it, for when Peter came into the house, Jesus brought up the topic...and then he sent the fisherman out to fish - for a fish and a coin, but he let Peter know that the provision was miraculous, even though it would appear to be from natural circumstances - and in the process he gave Peter something to think about: that the sons of the king are exempt - and he truly was that Son - and King.
Humor for the day:
A preacher's five-year-old daughter noticed that her daddy always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day she asked him why. "Well, honey, he replied, proud that his daughter was so observant at such a young age, "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon." "How come He doesn't do it, then?" she asked.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 13 leading to Easter
Chapter 15 of Matthew is today's chapter.
It scares me a bit to think that I might have been a Pharisee. Of course, I know that was a male designation because it identifies the religious leaders of the sect - and in their day, they were all men. But the point is, I understand how easy it is to be governed by rules. Rules provide safe boundaries - and some rules are necessary. In fact, I am rather fond of rules. I'm reminded of a couple that are a bit humorous in retrospect. May 11, 1985, Al's nephew moved in with us. It was the end of his Freshman year of High School and he lived with us until he was 18. Soon after he moved in, I came into the kitchen one morning and he was eating ice cream. I said, "You can't do that here." He wondered why not. I explained that at our house we don't eat ice cream until after noon - usually as an afternoon treat on hot summer days, or as dessert after dinner. He still pressed with another why not? So I had to determine why it was. I used to hate it when my Dad said "Because I say so." Consequently, I haven't used that precise line on my kids. So, I explained that with 4 kids in the house we'd run out of ice cream very fast if they all started eating it for breakfast. It was just a rule of the house - an unwritten, unspoken rule that my kids just understood without it ever being addressed. In their habit, they had only had ice cream in the afternoon or evening. No one had ever contested that before.
Then there was the time when we were working on our property, and the 'rule' for burning piles said that the pile could not be left unattended, so I insisted that my husband follow the letter of the law. I would not leave with a fire still burning - and he had to sleep on a piece of cardboard out by the fire to satisfy my need to follow the rules. He is more a 'spirit of the law' guy. It is just one of our many differences! I think of 'what if's.' He thinks in likelihoods.
The Pharisees come to Jesus at the beginning of this chapter and ask him why he and his disciples break the traditions of the elders, specifically citing not washing their hands before they eat. I can appreciate that rule. I pick my grandkids up from school often - and the first thing they must do upon entering the house is run wash their hands 'to wash the world off.' They are exposed to all sorts of things that I would rather not invite in - and handwashing is a wonderful deterrent. Jesus uses this opportunity to get to the heart of the matter. They were looking on the outward appearance - but he looks on the heart - and they had lost theirs. In the process of decrying their practice of committing large sums of money to the temple that would customarily have gone to care of their aging parents, he provides a clear model of caring financially for our elders, and makes it absolutely clear that being pious and religious without being invested in the most nurturing of relationships in which we have responsibility is hypocritical. He knew they were giving for show - for recognition from man. Their motivation was wrong.
The lines quoted from Isaiah pierce my soul:
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."
It's all too easy to become creatures of habit - and go through a form of worship that isn't truly worship, and no matter what denomination the church is, each has habits it follows. We get in a rut all too easily. True worship has to come from the heart. When I leave my place of worship, does God feel worshipped? I want Him to! I know it is a matter of the heart - and He sees my heart. I know He deserves my praise and worship no matter what my circumstances. I know it isn't about 'feeling' but about intention. I now that He inhabits the praises of His people, and I know that pure, heart-felt praise elevating Him lifts my spirit.
Still, habit creeps into my devotional time as well: getting it done because it is a commitment, rather than being fully invested at the level of the heart. If I placed a sign above the door that states, 'Did God feel worshipped?' would it keep me more in touch. Hmmm. Probably not. I just need to maintain a discipline of praise!
I know several people who follow eating 'rules' for religious reasons. I respect that - but I do pay attention to what Jesus says here about that issue: food does not make a person unclean - but what he says does, and he elaborates on the nature of things that come from the heart....
I am a 'see a need, fill a need' person. The Faith Assembly WOW night last night was absolutely wonderful. I absolutely loved being in the moment - singing harmony with the worship team, seeing 143 women come together on a Thursday evening to just be together, connect to God and each other. It was really nice - but you know what...I awoke this morning kicking myself. I saw that there weren't enough tables - and just jumped into the role of finding them. I'm relatively new to this church, so had to find someone who knew. Luckily our head pastor was present at that moment. There was no reason for him to be there - but he was, and so he was drafted to help. In the process I saw women heading for the door to leave because they didn't see a place to sit - - and I hollered after them to wait, that we'd set up more tables - - while being one of the movers carrying the table they would need. They came back. Anita ran for tablecloths and table settings; Pastor Dan got another man to help him get more chairs. The task was cared for - - but what I regret was that in the process I was bossy. I was giving directions to my pastor. He handled it with humor: he saluted me. We both laughed in the moment - and since he is my friend - and only more recently my pastor, I think we'll both survive. What I want is to be perfect all the time. My heart leads - and what I do comes from a good place - but how I do it matters. I failed in that part of the task. Hopefully it will be an instructive learning experience and I'll do better the next time. O K - - a definite bunny trail there....
This is the chapter that relates Jesus' seeming insensitivity to a gentile, with his stating that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. It's a good thing we know this is not the end of the story - - that we, too, are grafted in! And the woman's persistence is a wonderful model to us. She didn't take offense at all at his statement. She was willing to take the crumbs - and knew they'd be enough.
Speaking of crumbs, in Chapter 14 we witnessed the report that 5000 men, plus women and children were fed and 12 baskets full of 'crumbs' were picked up. Now, in this chapter we read of another massive picnic. What stymies me is why the disciples asked where they could get enough bread in that region to feed the crowd. Hello? Didn't Jesus just do an even greater miracle when he fed 5000+, and this time the estimate is at least a thousand less at 4000+? But - they had already checked out the available supplies - and this time they knew there were seven loaves and a few small fish....and this time they picked up seven baskets full of 'crumbs.' Even the crumbs had been blessed by him.
The disciples were concerned earlier about the Pharisees being offended. I find it hard not to be offended by Jesus' response to the Canaanite woman. I know that even though I don't intend to, I offend. I can tell today is going to be a grappling day!
Lord, somehow help me see others' hearts as I pray they will see mine. Too often I judge myself by my intentions, and others by their actions. When I judge myself the same way, I don't always like what I see.
Humor for the day:
Each Friday night after work, Bubba would fire up his outdoor grill and cook venison steaks, but all of Bubba's neighbors were Catholic, and since it was Lent, they were forbidden to eat meat on Fridays.
The delicious aroma from the venison steaks was causing such a problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to their priest. The priest went to visit Bubba and suggested that he become Catholic. After several classes and prescribed study, Bubba attended Mass, and as the priest sprinkled holy water over him, he said, "You were born a Baptist and raised a Baptist, but now you are a Catholic."
Bubba's neighbors were greatly relieved - until Friday night arrived and the wonderful aroma of grilled venison filled the neighborhood. The priest was called immediately, and as he rushed into Bubba's yard prepared to scold him, he stopped and watched in amazement. There stood Bubba, clutching a small bottle of holy water which he was carefully sprinkling over the grilling meat, as he declared, "You was born a deer, and you was raised a deer, but now you a catfish."
It scares me a bit to think that I might have been a Pharisee. Of course, I know that was a male designation because it identifies the religious leaders of the sect - and in their day, they were all men. But the point is, I understand how easy it is to be governed by rules. Rules provide safe boundaries - and some rules are necessary. In fact, I am rather fond of rules. I'm reminded of a couple that are a bit humorous in retrospect. May 11, 1985, Al's nephew moved in with us. It was the end of his Freshman year of High School and he lived with us until he was 18. Soon after he moved in, I came into the kitchen one morning and he was eating ice cream. I said, "You can't do that here." He wondered why not. I explained that at our house we don't eat ice cream until after noon - usually as an afternoon treat on hot summer days, or as dessert after dinner. He still pressed with another why not? So I had to determine why it was. I used to hate it when my Dad said "Because I say so." Consequently, I haven't used that precise line on my kids. So, I explained that with 4 kids in the house we'd run out of ice cream very fast if they all started eating it for breakfast. It was just a rule of the house - an unwritten, unspoken rule that my kids just understood without it ever being addressed. In their habit, they had only had ice cream in the afternoon or evening. No one had ever contested that before.
Then there was the time when we were working on our property, and the 'rule' for burning piles said that the pile could not be left unattended, so I insisted that my husband follow the letter of the law. I would not leave with a fire still burning - and he had to sleep on a piece of cardboard out by the fire to satisfy my need to follow the rules. He is more a 'spirit of the law' guy. It is just one of our many differences! I think of 'what if's.' He thinks in likelihoods.
The Pharisees come to Jesus at the beginning of this chapter and ask him why he and his disciples break the traditions of the elders, specifically citing not washing their hands before they eat. I can appreciate that rule. I pick my grandkids up from school often - and the first thing they must do upon entering the house is run wash their hands 'to wash the world off.' They are exposed to all sorts of things that I would rather not invite in - and handwashing is a wonderful deterrent. Jesus uses this opportunity to get to the heart of the matter. They were looking on the outward appearance - but he looks on the heart - and they had lost theirs. In the process of decrying their practice of committing large sums of money to the temple that would customarily have gone to care of their aging parents, he provides a clear model of caring financially for our elders, and makes it absolutely clear that being pious and religious without being invested in the most nurturing of relationships in which we have responsibility is hypocritical. He knew they were giving for show - for recognition from man. Their motivation was wrong.
The lines quoted from Isaiah pierce my soul:
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."
It's all too easy to become creatures of habit - and go through a form of worship that isn't truly worship, and no matter what denomination the church is, each has habits it follows. We get in a rut all too easily. True worship has to come from the heart. When I leave my place of worship, does God feel worshipped? I want Him to! I know it is a matter of the heart - and He sees my heart. I know He deserves my praise and worship no matter what my circumstances. I know it isn't about 'feeling' but about intention. I now that He inhabits the praises of His people, and I know that pure, heart-felt praise elevating Him lifts my spirit.
Still, habit creeps into my devotional time as well: getting it done because it is a commitment, rather than being fully invested at the level of the heart. If I placed a sign above the door that states, 'Did God feel worshipped?' would it keep me more in touch. Hmmm. Probably not. I just need to maintain a discipline of praise!
I know several people who follow eating 'rules' for religious reasons. I respect that - but I do pay attention to what Jesus says here about that issue: food does not make a person unclean - but what he says does, and he elaborates on the nature of things that come from the heart....
I am a 'see a need, fill a need' person. The Faith Assembly WOW night last night was absolutely wonderful. I absolutely loved being in the moment - singing harmony with the worship team, seeing 143 women come together on a Thursday evening to just be together, connect to God and each other. It was really nice - but you know what...I awoke this morning kicking myself. I saw that there weren't enough tables - and just jumped into the role of finding them. I'm relatively new to this church, so had to find someone who knew. Luckily our head pastor was present at that moment. There was no reason for him to be there - but he was, and so he was drafted to help. In the process I saw women heading for the door to leave because they didn't see a place to sit - - and I hollered after them to wait, that we'd set up more tables - - while being one of the movers carrying the table they would need. They came back. Anita ran for tablecloths and table settings; Pastor Dan got another man to help him get more chairs. The task was cared for - - but what I regret was that in the process I was bossy. I was giving directions to my pastor. He handled it with humor: he saluted me. We both laughed in the moment - and since he is my friend - and only more recently my pastor, I think we'll both survive. What I want is to be perfect all the time. My heart leads - and what I do comes from a good place - but how I do it matters. I failed in that part of the task. Hopefully it will be an instructive learning experience and I'll do better the next time. O K - - a definite bunny trail there....
This is the chapter that relates Jesus' seeming insensitivity to a gentile, with his stating that he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. It's a good thing we know this is not the end of the story - - that we, too, are grafted in! And the woman's persistence is a wonderful model to us. She didn't take offense at all at his statement. She was willing to take the crumbs - and knew they'd be enough.
Speaking of crumbs, in Chapter 14 we witnessed the report that 5000 men, plus women and children were fed and 12 baskets full of 'crumbs' were picked up. Now, in this chapter we read of another massive picnic. What stymies me is why the disciples asked where they could get enough bread in that region to feed the crowd. Hello? Didn't Jesus just do an even greater miracle when he fed 5000+, and this time the estimate is at least a thousand less at 4000+? But - they had already checked out the available supplies - and this time they knew there were seven loaves and a few small fish....and this time they picked up seven baskets full of 'crumbs.' Even the crumbs had been blessed by him.
The disciples were concerned earlier about the Pharisees being offended. I find it hard not to be offended by Jesus' response to the Canaanite woman. I know that even though I don't intend to, I offend. I can tell today is going to be a grappling day!
Lord, somehow help me see others' hearts as I pray they will see mine. Too often I judge myself by my intentions, and others by their actions. When I judge myself the same way, I don't always like what I see.
Humor for the day:
Each Friday night after work, Bubba would fire up his outdoor grill and cook venison steaks, but all of Bubba's neighbors were Catholic, and since it was Lent, they were forbidden to eat meat on Fridays.
The delicious aroma from the venison steaks was causing such a problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to their priest. The priest went to visit Bubba and suggested that he become Catholic. After several classes and prescribed study, Bubba attended Mass, and as the priest sprinkled holy water over him, he said, "You were born a Baptist and raised a Baptist, but now you are a Catholic."
Bubba's neighbors were greatly relieved - until Friday night arrived and the wonderful aroma of grilled venison filled the neighborhood. The priest was called immediately, and as he rushed into Bubba's yard prepared to scold him, he stopped and watched in amazement. There stood Bubba, clutching a small bottle of holy water which he was carefully sprinkling over the grilling meat, as he declared, "You was born a deer, and you was raised a deer, but now you a catfish."
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Day 12 leading to Easter
Chapter 14 of Matthew for today! I read it a couple of hours ago - but then got diverted to others' needs woven into my time. I had to run pick up a granddaughter from school, bring her home, then drop off 'decorations' of old laundry paraphernalia at church for the WOW Night - Women of Worship - at Faith Assembly tonight @ 6:30. I am really looking forward to that. The Lord's presence in our worship music practice last week was so powerful that I am eager to be with Him again with a roomful of other women whose intention is to be there to worship; to sing together; to share time together; to laugh, eat, and learn.
So - I read the chapter - ran off to my diversions - and now am back to look at it again! I had forgotten that Herod the tetrarch thought Jesus was John the Baptist.... We just learned in Chapter 11 that John was in prison - and doubting - and we heard Jesus' affirmation of John. And now we hear the story of how 'the greatest ever born of a woman' (as Jesus called him) died...a horrible, unfair death.
A myriad of emotions well up in me while considering John the Baptist: grief over how he died; honor for how he lived; joy for what & whom he proclaimed; agony that he was a victim of a horrible crime - and they 'got away with it;' vulnerability for feeling somehow at risk myself - for the reality of the unresolved that still needs clarity in far more minor situations of being called to speak truth, including speaking God's truth - and feeling the message is rejected - and sometimes the messenger as well.... Been there. Done that. Yet I know that all I am called to do is be faithful. Still, I want the fairy tale ending. I want grateful appreciation and understanding, justice served, wrongs to be righted, God's vindication to occur when appropriate. I want the prince on the white horse to gallop in at just the right moment and vanquish all foes. I've obviously watched Cinderella and Snow White at least one too many times.
In the real world, even when we are absolutely certain God has directed us to do something specific, the outcome is not always what we anticipated. My job is to be obedient, just like John the Baptist was - and if I have doubts, to go directly to the One who can quell them. To be faithful, and let all the rest be His responsibility to take care of. And to stay close to Him. Close through His Word, close through prayer, close in worship and Christian Fellowship. Like the fully human side of Jesus, I sometimes want to run off by myself to grapple with my pain.
What Jesus wanted after John the Baptist died was some time to be alone. What he got was a huge crowd to minister to - to heal their sick and at the end of the day - to feed them. He didn't get what he wanted - but I think He got what He actually needed. He needed to minister. It was the 'occupy until I come' kind of model that we need for our lives.
The crowd included 5,000 men - then women and children were on top of that. When we hear about the 'feeding of the 5,000' in reality it was a much larger group - and at the end of the day, after their other needs had been met, they were hungry. Jesus told the disciples the people didn't need to go away to the town to get food - that they were to feed them. So they went looking for resources, and they found one kid with a sack lunch - 5 little rolls and 2 small fish. Out of all of those people, only one little kid came with a lunch. (I can hear his mother: Yes, you can go - but don't you leave this house without some food. You never know how long you will be gone - so better be prepared. Do you hear me? Grab some bread and fish before you walk out that door!)
I love that kid. He was God's kid in God's place at God's time. Can you imagine how he might have felt when the disciples approached him and said, Hey, son, you're the only one here with food. Could you come with us to Yeshua (Jesus)? He told us we have to feed all these people, and - well, it sounds a little crazy, but we were there when he turned water into wine at a wedding banquet, so just maybe...would you be willing to come with us to see if He can use what you have to feed all of these people? And the little boy went. Bless his heart. I want to meet that child in heaven and thank him for being faithful in that moment.
John the Baptist had just died. Jesus knew He was in the last months of his time on earth. He was fully human as well as fully divine. He was grieving. He was healing. He was multi-tasking! What a wonderful reminder that we must minister to others along the journey - wherever we are on that journey - even when we, ourselves are in pain. And out of the abundance of the heart are not only words, but actions that prove His residency in us, with us, through us, among us.
At the north end of the Sea of Galilee there is a natural amphitheater where thousands could sit, and still hear every word Jesus said. When I stood there I visualized this scene. Hordes of hungry people - hungry for truth and literally hungry - having one of the biggest picnics imaginable - all from this one child's lunch. And in the end, twelve baskets full of leftovers were gathered.
O K - I am taking a 'human' moment here! In the Bible it says basketfuls, but I think it has to be basketsful to be correct. It is the only typo I believe I have ever found in standard versions of the Bible - but I can't help it, it just leaps out at me. I remember a teacher very clearly explaining to our class that it is spoonsful, not spoonfuls - - and the same rule would apply....
Now we come to one of my absolute favorite stories in the Bible. Peter is really why I am a Christian. You see, when I doubted God existed, and promised to recommit my life to Him if he would save my baby that I was pregnant with the fall of 1970, He 'gave me' Peter as my example. Impetuous Peter. Some people rank on Peter for taking his eyes off of Jesus and sinking - but most people would never have gotten out of the boat. This same Peter who walked on water, later faltered....but that's a story for another day when we get there.... Anyway - - Peter is very special to me. More to come....
The Lord also says to me, "Take courage! Don't be afraid." Lord, may it be so....
Humor for the day:
This is a true story from my own life: Years ago, when I was worship leader one Sunday morning at Montesano Presbyterian Church, in Montesano, Washington, I was reading the prescribed portion of scripture during worship, and the passage included a statement about Jesus Christ. As soon as those words 'Jesus Christ' were spoken, a little boy in the back row said in a loud whisper to the lady who had brought him as a guest that day, "Can she say that in church?"
It was a very real moment - and obviously a teaching opportunity for the woman who brought the child to visit. It also served as a reminder that we get used to our church lingo - and that we need to be aware that not everyone who comes in understands what the words mean. In fact, many years later I was at a Women's Spiritual retreat, and at our table we were talking about the topic of righteousness, and one lady said frankly, "I've been around church for a long time, and I've never known what that word means." I told her that the easiest way to think of it is 'right living by God's standard' not our own - - that we have an idea of what living right would involve, but that God calls our righteousness 'filthy rags' - and that we have to learn how He wants us to live from His Word. She thanked me profusely - said she could understand that, and that no one had ever explained it before.... Of course, after that, I also clearly learned that righteousness is imputed to us by God because He sees us through the filter of His Son - - but I couldn't go back and add that very important message, as my opportunity for the teachable moment' with her had passed....
So - I read the chapter - ran off to my diversions - and now am back to look at it again! I had forgotten that Herod the tetrarch thought Jesus was John the Baptist.... We just learned in Chapter 11 that John was in prison - and doubting - and we heard Jesus' affirmation of John. And now we hear the story of how 'the greatest ever born of a woman' (as Jesus called him) died...a horrible, unfair death.
A myriad of emotions well up in me while considering John the Baptist: grief over how he died; honor for how he lived; joy for what & whom he proclaimed; agony that he was a victim of a horrible crime - and they 'got away with it;' vulnerability for feeling somehow at risk myself - for the reality of the unresolved that still needs clarity in far more minor situations of being called to speak truth, including speaking God's truth - and feeling the message is rejected - and sometimes the messenger as well.... Been there. Done that. Yet I know that all I am called to do is be faithful. Still, I want the fairy tale ending. I want grateful appreciation and understanding, justice served, wrongs to be righted, God's vindication to occur when appropriate. I want the prince on the white horse to gallop in at just the right moment and vanquish all foes. I've obviously watched Cinderella and Snow White at least one too many times.
In the real world, even when we are absolutely certain God has directed us to do something specific, the outcome is not always what we anticipated. My job is to be obedient, just like John the Baptist was - and if I have doubts, to go directly to the One who can quell them. To be faithful, and let all the rest be His responsibility to take care of. And to stay close to Him. Close through His Word, close through prayer, close in worship and Christian Fellowship. Like the fully human side of Jesus, I sometimes want to run off by myself to grapple with my pain.
What Jesus wanted after John the Baptist died was some time to be alone. What he got was a huge crowd to minister to - to heal their sick and at the end of the day - to feed them. He didn't get what he wanted - but I think He got what He actually needed. He needed to minister. It was the 'occupy until I come' kind of model that we need for our lives.
The crowd included 5,000 men - then women and children were on top of that. When we hear about the 'feeding of the 5,000' in reality it was a much larger group - and at the end of the day, after their other needs had been met, they were hungry. Jesus told the disciples the people didn't need to go away to the town to get food - that they were to feed them. So they went looking for resources, and they found one kid with a sack lunch - 5 little rolls and 2 small fish. Out of all of those people, only one little kid came with a lunch. (I can hear his mother: Yes, you can go - but don't you leave this house without some food. You never know how long you will be gone - so better be prepared. Do you hear me? Grab some bread and fish before you walk out that door!)
I love that kid. He was God's kid in God's place at God's time. Can you imagine how he might have felt when the disciples approached him and said, Hey, son, you're the only one here with food. Could you come with us to Yeshua (Jesus)? He told us we have to feed all these people, and - well, it sounds a little crazy, but we were there when he turned water into wine at a wedding banquet, so just maybe...would you be willing to come with us to see if He can use what you have to feed all of these people? And the little boy went. Bless his heart. I want to meet that child in heaven and thank him for being faithful in that moment.
John the Baptist had just died. Jesus knew He was in the last months of his time on earth. He was fully human as well as fully divine. He was grieving. He was healing. He was multi-tasking! What a wonderful reminder that we must minister to others along the journey - wherever we are on that journey - even when we, ourselves are in pain. And out of the abundance of the heart are not only words, but actions that prove His residency in us, with us, through us, among us.
At the north end of the Sea of Galilee there is a natural amphitheater where thousands could sit, and still hear every word Jesus said. When I stood there I visualized this scene. Hordes of hungry people - hungry for truth and literally hungry - having one of the biggest picnics imaginable - all from this one child's lunch. And in the end, twelve baskets full of leftovers were gathered.
O K - I am taking a 'human' moment here! In the Bible it says basketfuls, but I think it has to be basketsful to be correct. It is the only typo I believe I have ever found in standard versions of the Bible - but I can't help it, it just leaps out at me. I remember a teacher very clearly explaining to our class that it is spoonsful, not spoonfuls - - and the same rule would apply....
Now we come to one of my absolute favorite stories in the Bible. Peter is really why I am a Christian. You see, when I doubted God existed, and promised to recommit my life to Him if he would save my baby that I was pregnant with the fall of 1970, He 'gave me' Peter as my example. Impetuous Peter. Some people rank on Peter for taking his eyes off of Jesus and sinking - but most people would never have gotten out of the boat. This same Peter who walked on water, later faltered....but that's a story for another day when we get there.... Anyway - - Peter is very special to me. More to come....
The Lord also says to me, "Take courage! Don't be afraid." Lord, may it be so....
Humor for the day:
This is a true story from my own life: Years ago, when I was worship leader one Sunday morning at Montesano Presbyterian Church, in Montesano, Washington, I was reading the prescribed portion of scripture during worship, and the passage included a statement about Jesus Christ. As soon as those words 'Jesus Christ' were spoken, a little boy in the back row said in a loud whisper to the lady who had brought him as a guest that day, "Can she say that in church?"
It was a very real moment - and obviously a teaching opportunity for the woman who brought the child to visit. It also served as a reminder that we get used to our church lingo - and that we need to be aware that not everyone who comes in understands what the words mean. In fact, many years later I was at a Women's Spiritual retreat, and at our table we were talking about the topic of righteousness, and one lady said frankly, "I've been around church for a long time, and I've never known what that word means." I told her that the easiest way to think of it is 'right living by God's standard' not our own - - that we have an idea of what living right would involve, but that God calls our righteousness 'filthy rags' - and that we have to learn how He wants us to live from His Word. She thanked me profusely - said she could understand that, and that no one had ever explained it before.... Of course, after that, I also clearly learned that righteousness is imputed to us by God because He sees us through the filter of His Son - - but I couldn't go back and add that very important message, as my opportunity for the teachable moment' with her had passed....
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Day 11 leading to Easter
I want to have a chat with whomever divided up the chapters in Matthew. There is just too much in Chapter 13. It does not lend itself at all to cursory reading and brief observations. I have a list of things I have to get to, so I cannot camp long at each parable!
I do understand the 'big picture' of this lesson of the soils - and it concerns me, particularly in huge services where many people come to the Lord - but are not provided the follow-up of 'another waters' - where they are nurtured, discipled and assisted in their new commitment. I am more concerned about how many become part of a church, rather than how many came forward in a huge, emotion-filled meeting, and that filters down to the local level as well - but I'm not 'going there' though it would be all too easy to do that. Today I am going to take each soil to heart... personally.
Yesterday was diverted for me by one of my 'blessings' - and today the blessing of having a home and maintaining it through necessary chores looms ahead of me. What a day to read this chapter. It brings startling clarity to the parable of the soils! Depending on the day, I can be each of those soils. Oh, I know I am blessed because God opens my eyes to see and my ears to hear...but I also know that some days I am guilty of not being a receptive soil. Verse 22 leaps out to me - and it is one I must pay attention to as a reminder. It is so easy to be consumed by the worries of this life, to be immersed in the comparatively inconsequential and miss the truly important - what I have heard called and now also call 'the tyranny of the urgent.'
When I think about the worries of this life, health leaps out in the forefront - and the reminder of how quickly life can change from seeming secure, to absolute devastation is all too apparent. I am reminded of a lady in our church who just learned last August that she has cancer - and the battle for her life that has been waged ever since. And just yesterday I received an e-mail from a far-away friend telling me her family has been hit hard by sudden tragedy and alarm. One son-in-law's father (a pastor) collapsed Sunday in his pulpit while preaching - and died of a massive heart attack. Her other son-in-law has just been diagnosed with a malignant tumor growing in his jaw. Sometimes life is just too much! And it seems that one person gets more than their share.
I've been there - and sometimes even when things are going well, I have a sense of 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' because life is tenuous. (Yet, no matter how fragile it is on the individual level, reminders of the devastation of war and of the recent earthquakes and natural disasters take tenuous to another sphere and demand I attempt to develop a more expansive perspective.)
As for money, the deceit of wealth is a huge risk in our society. The deceit lies in a sense of self-sufficiency with the security of what money can do/buy/influence. But, as we have seen in the recent and on-going economic downturn, wealth is not where we need to have our security. Our only security is in the Lord God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and earth. It is He who made us. In Him we live and move and breathe and have our being. We are not our own - we are bought with a price.
This one simple verse brings it all into focus: the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth are the briars that choke the plant as it tries to grow, and keep it from being fruitful. I suppose everyone who has grown things in the Pacific Northwest has a clear picture of briars. We have more than our share of varieties of wild, thorny blackberries. They do choke out everything else - - but at least they are good for making jam! (Sort of a variant on 'when you're given lemons, make lemonade!) I am immediately reminded that we do not have Kudzu - which, while not thorny, chokes out everything else.... I'm sure there's a parable opportunity there....and perhaps one day when I am giving my Potato Masher Parables talk it will surface....
The soil I want to be is the one who hears, understands, and produces. My pastor-friend from years ago in Montesano taught us that the true translation of the Great Commission is "In your going, disciple." It is a relational directive. We need each other. That is a huge part of walking out our faith. Not just believing, but doing. It is stated as an imperative - not a suggestion.
Moving on, Jesus tells other parables, talks about the kingdom and talks graphically about hell. This was fodder for the hellfire and brimstone sermons from my childhood. I believe it - that's not at all in question - but I've learned from my own life, that I am drawn by His incredible love and grace - not by fear of hell. Yet, Jesus speaks of it plainly. It is not to be ignored.
The very last section of Matthew 13 provides us a reality-check of how Jesus was thought of in his hometown of Nazareth. The recent Olympics are in such contrast. I saw the pictures on TV of an entire little town in Russia who mourned the loss of their hero-son - - and images in Japan documenting their adoration of their 'queen' ice skater with icon-status. But not in Nazareth. God took on the form of man, and walked among them, and they dissed Him. They even admit the evidence of his wisdom and miraculous powers, and rather than thank God for them - and for him - they try to keep him in their box that allowed him to be only a carpenter's son, with 4 biological brother's (in reality half-brother's) and multiple sisters. They epitomized the opinion, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Jesus response: he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Lord, grant me faith to see miracles! I want miracles for His glory - not for a show, not for seeming more 'spiritual' because we have prayers answered - but because in my script, they will draw people to our loving miracle-working God! I know the greatest miracle is a changed life - but I want the physical, tangible miracles as well. I want miracles for people whose hearts yearn for His touch! I get impatient with God. I know He can...it is that middle space between faith and His will that gets fuzzy....
Humor for the day:
A gorgeous young redhead goes into a Doctor's office and says that her body hurts wherever she touches it. "Show me," says the Doctor. The redhead pushes on her left shoulder and screams; then she pushes on her elbow and screams even more. She pushes her knee, and screams; and her ankle, and screams. Indeed, everywhere she touches, it makes her scream out in pain. The doctor says, "You aren't really a redhead, are you?" "Well, no," she replies, "I'm actually a blond." "I thought so," says the doctor. "Your finger is broken."
I do understand the 'big picture' of this lesson of the soils - and it concerns me, particularly in huge services where many people come to the Lord - but are not provided the follow-up of 'another waters' - where they are nurtured, discipled and assisted in their new commitment. I am more concerned about how many become part of a church, rather than how many came forward in a huge, emotion-filled meeting, and that filters down to the local level as well - but I'm not 'going there' though it would be all too easy to do that. Today I am going to take each soil to heart... personally.
Yesterday was diverted for me by one of my 'blessings' - and today the blessing of having a home and maintaining it through necessary chores looms ahead of me. What a day to read this chapter. It brings startling clarity to the parable of the soils! Depending on the day, I can be each of those soils. Oh, I know I am blessed because God opens my eyes to see and my ears to hear...but I also know that some days I am guilty of not being a receptive soil. Verse 22 leaps out to me - and it is one I must pay attention to as a reminder. It is so easy to be consumed by the worries of this life, to be immersed in the comparatively inconsequential and miss the truly important - what I have heard called and now also call 'the tyranny of the urgent.'
When I think about the worries of this life, health leaps out in the forefront - and the reminder of how quickly life can change from seeming secure, to absolute devastation is all too apparent. I am reminded of a lady in our church who just learned last August that she has cancer - and the battle for her life that has been waged ever since. And just yesterday I received an e-mail from a far-away friend telling me her family has been hit hard by sudden tragedy and alarm. One son-in-law's father (a pastor) collapsed Sunday in his pulpit while preaching - and died of a massive heart attack. Her other son-in-law has just been diagnosed with a malignant tumor growing in his jaw. Sometimes life is just too much! And it seems that one person gets more than their share.
I've been there - and sometimes even when things are going well, I have a sense of 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' because life is tenuous. (Yet, no matter how fragile it is on the individual level, reminders of the devastation of war and of the recent earthquakes and natural disasters take tenuous to another sphere and demand I attempt to develop a more expansive perspective.)
As for money, the deceit of wealth is a huge risk in our society. The deceit lies in a sense of self-sufficiency with the security of what money can do/buy/influence. But, as we have seen in the recent and on-going economic downturn, wealth is not where we need to have our security. Our only security is in the Lord God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and earth. It is He who made us. In Him we live and move and breathe and have our being. We are not our own - we are bought with a price.
This one simple verse brings it all into focus: the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth are the briars that choke the plant as it tries to grow, and keep it from being fruitful. I suppose everyone who has grown things in the Pacific Northwest has a clear picture of briars. We have more than our share of varieties of wild, thorny blackberries. They do choke out everything else - - but at least they are good for making jam! (Sort of a variant on 'when you're given lemons, make lemonade!) I am immediately reminded that we do not have Kudzu - which, while not thorny, chokes out everything else.... I'm sure there's a parable opportunity there....and perhaps one day when I am giving my Potato Masher Parables talk it will surface....
The soil I want to be is the one who hears, understands, and produces. My pastor-friend from years ago in Montesano taught us that the true translation of the Great Commission is "In your going, disciple." It is a relational directive. We need each other. That is a huge part of walking out our faith. Not just believing, but doing. It is stated as an imperative - not a suggestion.
Moving on, Jesus tells other parables, talks about the kingdom and talks graphically about hell. This was fodder for the hellfire and brimstone sermons from my childhood. I believe it - that's not at all in question - but I've learned from my own life, that I am drawn by His incredible love and grace - not by fear of hell. Yet, Jesus speaks of it plainly. It is not to be ignored.
The very last section of Matthew 13 provides us a reality-check of how Jesus was thought of in his hometown of Nazareth. The recent Olympics are in such contrast. I saw the pictures on TV of an entire little town in Russia who mourned the loss of their hero-son - - and images in Japan documenting their adoration of their 'queen' ice skater with icon-status. But not in Nazareth. God took on the form of man, and walked among them, and they dissed Him. They even admit the evidence of his wisdom and miraculous powers, and rather than thank God for them - and for him - they try to keep him in their box that allowed him to be only a carpenter's son, with 4 biological brother's (in reality half-brother's) and multiple sisters. They epitomized the opinion, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Jesus response: he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Lord, grant me faith to see miracles! I want miracles for His glory - not for a show, not for seeming more 'spiritual' because we have prayers answered - but because in my script, they will draw people to our loving miracle-working God! I know the greatest miracle is a changed life - but I want the physical, tangible miracles as well. I want miracles for people whose hearts yearn for His touch! I get impatient with God. I know He can...it is that middle space between faith and His will that gets fuzzy....
Humor for the day:
A gorgeous young redhead goes into a Doctor's office and says that her body hurts wherever she touches it. "Show me," says the Doctor. The redhead pushes on her left shoulder and screams; then she pushes on her elbow and screams even more. She pushes her knee, and screams; and her ankle, and screams. Indeed, everywhere she touches, it makes her scream out in pain. The doctor says, "You aren't really a redhead, are you?" "Well, no," she replies, "I'm actually a blond." "I thought so," says the doctor. "Your finger is broken."
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Day 10 leading to Easter
My chapter for Day 10 is Matthew 12.
Once more I am incredulous just how much Matthew congests into one chapter. We are reminded that our Christian walk is a matter of the heart - not of doing - and that what God yearns for from us is mercy, which is only achieved in relationship....
I am a rule follower. That is a statement of fact. It's just always been a part of who I am. I believe we are to render to Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which is God's. I believe God calls Christians to be above reproach in every way possible. I believe that even in the New Testament, where mercy is proclaimed over and over again, there is still evidence of acute consequences for not being obedient where God calls us to be. That said, I also know God pleads for us to have mercy - and lately I seem to be getting lots of opportunities to practice that. I know I haven't perfected the trait yet - but God is working with me on it. It is a challenge to find a balance between being a loving 'prophet' (speaking truth when God calls me to) and extending loving mercy once I have said what I felt compelled to pass along. I have decided I am accountable to God for the part He asks of me in the process, but I am not responsible for the outcome. Sometimes the required result is walking away; sometimes it is just to smile and extend mercy. The solution is a close walk with the Lord, so it is Him doing the leading, not me.
Daily walking close to Thee. Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Verse 13 brings us to the 'beginning of the end' for Jesus' life on this earth. He healed a man's withered hand - and the Pharisees' reaction was to begin plotting to find a way to kill him. What a reality check for me. I know my own heart - and know my intentions - and want too often to defend myself when I am misunderstood, maligned and misrepresented - but what a model Jesus is. This chapter points out some of the ways in which He was misunderstood, maligned and misrepresented, yet his response was to minister....to meet people at the level of their need.
We pray to be like Him - but when things get tough for us - as they did for Him - we don't get it that going through the tough stuff (with Him by our side, and in His grace) is part of being like Him as well.... I frankly want to opt out for that part.
I love the quote from Isaiah. Jesus had his affirmation - not from the religious leaders of his day, but from men of God who preceded Him, as recorded in scripture: "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations...In his name the nations will put their hope."
I love those words! I would love to hear them spoken to me: one I love, in whom I delight. Oh, to live so God would be delighted with me! I know He is when we follow Him, because He sees us through the filter of His Son - yet know I have a long way to go to reach that goal! Lord, my hope is in You! I'm reminded again of the athletes who train for years for their few minutes of actually racing. That is something worth paying attention to: we are in a race - but we are also in training....and sometimes we place people in positions prematurely, setting them up for failure. They need their training time....definite bunny trail, there....
Leaping forward to verse 30, "He who is not with me is against me, and He who does not gather with me scatters." That's straightforward, and compelling. And then we learn from Jesus himself just what sin is unforgivable: blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. When I was one of the Youth Advisors for Monte Pres back in the late 80's, I wrote a song for the kids for one of our Youth Group services that addressed the issue of God's name being so popular on the street, in the movies, at the bars - - with a refrain that asked, "Why are you so popular when they don't even know who you are?" It was when I wrote that song that I realized very clearly, it is no accident that the name of the Holy Spirit is not one of the curse words used in the everyday vernacular of the world. They curse God, Jesus, Judas' priest; call several things holy that aren't and send a lot of things to hell - but they don't swear against the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not accidental. It is very intentional. People can even be very angry at God and walk away from Him - and it isn't unforgivable. But for those who absolutely intentionally turn their back on God knowing what they are walking away from - there is some point that is irreversible.
Man's greatest arrogance, of course, is thinking that he doesn't need God - - but blasphemy is far more than just that. A lot of pre-Christians don't know they need God - and only need to hear the truth about the One who is Truth - God incarnate - Jesus Christ - and once they hear, come running to Him, in response to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. It's a miracle every time it happens.
Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks...soooooooooo true.
My day didn't start as planned. I had made a mistake last night in trying to send out my link - - decided as long as I am writing I might as well be brave and open the opportunity to most of my e-mail list. Soooo - this morning I corrected my mistake - then got diverted very early to a project for Lynley. Sometimes getting sucked into others' lives can be overwhelming - but for the most part, my heart is in the right place, and I do so willingly. Now it's time to head out and pick up kids so I won't have time to re-read what I wrote....but will later and edit if necessary.
I have to tell you this: even though today was a bit rushed, I am loving this process. I find I look at the passage ever so much more carefully, knowing I am going to choose something that jumps out at me to write about. To those who are popping in - thank you. Your comments are blessing me back!
Humor for the day:
A priest and a pastor from the nearby town are standing by the side of the road holding up signs that read, "THE END IS NEAR" and 'TURN BACK BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!"
"Leave us alone, you religious nuts!" yelled the first driver as he sped by.
From around the curve, they heard screeching tires and a big splash. "Do you think, " said one clergyman to the other, "we should just hold up a sign that says 'Bridge Out' instead?"
Once more I am incredulous just how much Matthew congests into one chapter. We are reminded that our Christian walk is a matter of the heart - not of doing - and that what God yearns for from us is mercy, which is only achieved in relationship....
I am a rule follower. That is a statement of fact. It's just always been a part of who I am. I believe we are to render to Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which is God's. I believe God calls Christians to be above reproach in every way possible. I believe that even in the New Testament, where mercy is proclaimed over and over again, there is still evidence of acute consequences for not being obedient where God calls us to be. That said, I also know God pleads for us to have mercy - and lately I seem to be getting lots of opportunities to practice that. I know I haven't perfected the trait yet - but God is working with me on it. It is a challenge to find a balance between being a loving 'prophet' (speaking truth when God calls me to) and extending loving mercy once I have said what I felt compelled to pass along. I have decided I am accountable to God for the part He asks of me in the process, but I am not responsible for the outcome. Sometimes the required result is walking away; sometimes it is just to smile and extend mercy. The solution is a close walk with the Lord, so it is Him doing the leading, not me.
Daily walking close to Thee. Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Verse 13 brings us to the 'beginning of the end' for Jesus' life on this earth. He healed a man's withered hand - and the Pharisees' reaction was to begin plotting to find a way to kill him. What a reality check for me. I know my own heart - and know my intentions - and want too often to defend myself when I am misunderstood, maligned and misrepresented - but what a model Jesus is. This chapter points out some of the ways in which He was misunderstood, maligned and misrepresented, yet his response was to minister....to meet people at the level of their need.
We pray to be like Him - but when things get tough for us - as they did for Him - we don't get it that going through the tough stuff (with Him by our side, and in His grace) is part of being like Him as well.... I frankly want to opt out for that part.
I love the quote from Isaiah. Jesus had his affirmation - not from the religious leaders of his day, but from men of God who preceded Him, as recorded in scripture: "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations...In his name the nations will put their hope."
I love those words! I would love to hear them spoken to me: one I love, in whom I delight. Oh, to live so God would be delighted with me! I know He is when we follow Him, because He sees us through the filter of His Son - yet know I have a long way to go to reach that goal! Lord, my hope is in You! I'm reminded again of the athletes who train for years for their few minutes of actually racing. That is something worth paying attention to: we are in a race - but we are also in training....and sometimes we place people in positions prematurely, setting them up for failure. They need their training time....definite bunny trail, there....
Leaping forward to verse 30, "He who is not with me is against me, and He who does not gather with me scatters." That's straightforward, and compelling. And then we learn from Jesus himself just what sin is unforgivable: blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. When I was one of the Youth Advisors for Monte Pres back in the late 80's, I wrote a song for the kids for one of our Youth Group services that addressed the issue of God's name being so popular on the street, in the movies, at the bars - - with a refrain that asked, "Why are you so popular when they don't even know who you are?" It was when I wrote that song that I realized very clearly, it is no accident that the name of the Holy Spirit is not one of the curse words used in the everyday vernacular of the world. They curse God, Jesus, Judas' priest; call several things holy that aren't and send a lot of things to hell - but they don't swear against the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not accidental. It is very intentional. People can even be very angry at God and walk away from Him - and it isn't unforgivable. But for those who absolutely intentionally turn their back on God knowing what they are walking away from - there is some point that is irreversible.
Man's greatest arrogance, of course, is thinking that he doesn't need God - - but blasphemy is far more than just that. A lot of pre-Christians don't know they need God - and only need to hear the truth about the One who is Truth - God incarnate - Jesus Christ - and once they hear, come running to Him, in response to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. It's a miracle every time it happens.
Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks...soooooooooo true.
My day didn't start as planned. I had made a mistake last night in trying to send out my link - - decided as long as I am writing I might as well be brave and open the opportunity to most of my e-mail list. Soooo - this morning I corrected my mistake - then got diverted very early to a project for Lynley. Sometimes getting sucked into others' lives can be overwhelming - but for the most part, my heart is in the right place, and I do so willingly. Now it's time to head out and pick up kids so I won't have time to re-read what I wrote....but will later and edit if necessary.
I have to tell you this: even though today was a bit rushed, I am loving this process. I find I look at the passage ever so much more carefully, knowing I am going to choose something that jumps out at me to write about. To those who are popping in - thank you. Your comments are blessing me back!
Humor for the day:
A priest and a pastor from the nearby town are standing by the side of the road holding up signs that read, "THE END IS NEAR" and 'TURN BACK BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!"
"Leave us alone, you religious nuts!" yelled the first driver as he sped by.
From around the curve, they heard screeching tires and a big splash. "Do you think, " said one clergyman to the other, "we should just hold up a sign that says 'Bridge Out' instead?"
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day 9 leading to Easter
My chapter for Day 9 is Matthew 11.
Because of his own depressing, distressing, discouraging circumstances John the Baptist questioned whether Jesus was the One who was to come - or whether they should expect someone else. John's followers had just made their report to John regarding all of the amazing miracles that were happening - a good report - and John's response was, "Go ask him if he is the one who was to come, or if we should expect another?" I can barely believe that John had doubts. He was 'the voice of one calling in the wilderness,' preparing the way for the Lord. He is the one who said "One comes after me whose sandals I am not even worthy to untie." John said, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world." John, in obedience, baptized Jesus in the river Jordan, and heard the voice of God saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." John's whole life and whole purpose in life was linked to Jesus - and John doubted.
Permit me a bunny trail here. I am sooooooooo grateful that Matthew and Luke record this accurately. My husband is not a believer - and one of his beliefs is that 'a bunch of people got together and wrote the Bible - made up a lot of stories - and that's all it is - stories.' I cannot be his Holy Spirit - but I certainly can contest that statement. If the Bible was just a bunch of stories written to deceive people into believing in something that is not true, the writers of such fiction certainly wouldn't have had one of the heroes doubting. What purpose would that have served their narrative?
The bunny trail continues: Jesus calls John the Baptizer 'the Elijah who was to come.' Elijah is one of my favorite people, because his humanity is evident. He had some amazing successes - including the most salient one on Mt Carmel, when Jehovah G-D of the Tetragrammaton YHWH (which was absolutely an unspeakable word because it was held in such holy reverence), came with promised fire and burned up not only the sacrificial bulls, but the multiple buckets of water, the rocks, and even the very soil beneath the altar. As part of that event, Elijah sat back coolly, watching his foes, watching them cut themselves, watching them grow louder and louder calling on false gods, taunting them and needling them to further 'devotion.' Their gods didn't show up, but his did - with a dramatic display of power! Justice was served. God won! Which meant Elijah won - - and you know what he did right after the carnage on that hill was completed? He ran and hid in a cave, fearing for his life - - and wanted to die.... But that wasn't the end of Elijah's story. Elijah got past that period with God's help - and ultimately was caught up into heaven without dying.... His life story is amazing.
In a recent time of deep discouragement - not questioning my faith, but questioning God's current purpose in my life and questioning where I belong, including literally feeling I don't 'belong' anywhere - God 'gave me' Elijah for encouragement. It's O K to be human. We can't help it. But our answer is secure. And the end of Matthew 11 provides our solace: "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. "
I have an antique yoke. And I know how they were used. A stronger, older, wiser animal was often yoked with a younger animal who needed the elder for training. The younger animal learned to keep pace with the older stronger one, but the older one also shouldered more than its share of the burden. It makes 'yoked together with Christ' a beautiful graphic. I am never in the yoke alone. I am never the one carrying the greater portion of the burden. He is always there right beside me - pulling the greater part of the load. If I falter, He waits a moment for me to get back in step, and together we go forward.
Ahhhh. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!
Back to John.... Jesus' response to John was not the litany enumerating proofs we might have expected, but a directive pointing John again to the very miracles being performed. "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." Their message to John was a repetition of what they had already reported to him, except for one final addition that Jesus added for John's encouragement, "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
John was discouraged enough to 'fall away.' John.... Elijah, too. But we have their stories and the model of their lives as encouragement. John had unmet expectations of how Jesus was to 'be' as the Savior of the world, and Jesus clearly was not performing according to the script John had in mind. I find myself in that spot more often than I like. I create expectations of how I think Jesus/ God should act - and I am disappointed. Often following a wonderful God-directed mountain top 'success' the proverbial rug is pulled out from beneath me and I plummet into the valley at the speed of the luge. (Yes - I watched many hours of the winter Olympics). But - and this is huge - I KNOW that my Redeemer lives. And that He has a plan. And that like John, I am too immersed in being in the process to see the whole picture. Knowing that mighty men of God got discouraged gives them a human face - and gives me added hope.
As a reality check, I have had legitimate reasons for the discouragements - but God's word to me last fall was 'PERSEVERE' and today is a day of HOPE. I'm excited to see what God is going to do - and I want to partner with Him in that, yet, at the same time, not get in his way by pre-supposing what that will be or how He will accomplish His will. I just want to be faithful - and I want to finish strong. The Winter Olympics were a real reminder for hanging in there, staying strong, finishing the course...but that would lead to another bunny trail....
Lord, lead me. Show me clearly. Help me stay in step with You in the yoke.
(P S - - I LOVE this chapter!)
Humor for the day:
A teacher was teaching her students about whales. She said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because, even though a whale is a very large mammal, its throat is too small.
A little girl in the class proclaimed, "Jonah was swallowed by a whale."
The teacher reiterated, "That's impossible."
The little girl responded, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah."
The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"
"Then you can ask him," the little girl replied.
(O K - - feedback, please: I love jokes -obviously - but want to know if you think this one 'steps over the line.' I'm finding the little girl's reply bothers me today - - so this can be a teachable moment. Is it offensive? I can easily delete it and replace it with a different bit of humor - but I want the feedback.) Thanks for the responses! The joke stays....
Because of his own depressing, distressing, discouraging circumstances John the Baptist questioned whether Jesus was the One who was to come - or whether they should expect someone else. John's followers had just made their report to John regarding all of the amazing miracles that were happening - a good report - and John's response was, "Go ask him if he is the one who was to come, or if we should expect another?" I can barely believe that John had doubts. He was 'the voice of one calling in the wilderness,' preparing the way for the Lord. He is the one who said "One comes after me whose sandals I am not even worthy to untie." John said, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world." John, in obedience, baptized Jesus in the river Jordan, and heard the voice of God saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." John's whole life and whole purpose in life was linked to Jesus - and John doubted.
Permit me a bunny trail here. I am sooooooooo grateful that Matthew and Luke record this accurately. My husband is not a believer - and one of his beliefs is that 'a bunch of people got together and wrote the Bible - made up a lot of stories - and that's all it is - stories.' I cannot be his Holy Spirit - but I certainly can contest that statement. If the Bible was just a bunch of stories written to deceive people into believing in something that is not true, the writers of such fiction certainly wouldn't have had one of the heroes doubting. What purpose would that have served their narrative?
The bunny trail continues: Jesus calls John the Baptizer 'the Elijah who was to come.' Elijah is one of my favorite people, because his humanity is evident. He had some amazing successes - including the most salient one on Mt Carmel, when Jehovah G-D of the Tetragrammaton YHWH (which was absolutely an unspeakable word because it was held in such holy reverence), came with promised fire and burned up not only the sacrificial bulls, but the multiple buckets of water, the rocks, and even the very soil beneath the altar. As part of that event, Elijah sat back coolly, watching his foes, watching them cut themselves, watching them grow louder and louder calling on false gods, taunting them and needling them to further 'devotion.' Their gods didn't show up, but his did - with a dramatic display of power! Justice was served. God won! Which meant Elijah won - - and you know what he did right after the carnage on that hill was completed? He ran and hid in a cave, fearing for his life - - and wanted to die.... But that wasn't the end of Elijah's story. Elijah got past that period with God's help - and ultimately was caught up into heaven without dying.... His life story is amazing.
In a recent time of deep discouragement - not questioning my faith, but questioning God's current purpose in my life and questioning where I belong, including literally feeling I don't 'belong' anywhere - God 'gave me' Elijah for encouragement. It's O K to be human. We can't help it. But our answer is secure. And the end of Matthew 11 provides our solace: "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. "
I have an antique yoke. And I know how they were used. A stronger, older, wiser animal was often yoked with a younger animal who needed the elder for training. The younger animal learned to keep pace with the older stronger one, but the older one also shouldered more than its share of the burden. It makes 'yoked together with Christ' a beautiful graphic. I am never in the yoke alone. I am never the one carrying the greater portion of the burden. He is always there right beside me - pulling the greater part of the load. If I falter, He waits a moment for me to get back in step, and together we go forward.
Ahhhh. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!
Back to John.... Jesus' response to John was not the litany enumerating proofs we might have expected, but a directive pointing John again to the very miracles being performed. "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." Their message to John was a repetition of what they had already reported to him, except for one final addition that Jesus added for John's encouragement, "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
John was discouraged enough to 'fall away.' John.... Elijah, too. But we have their stories and the model of their lives as encouragement. John had unmet expectations of how Jesus was to 'be' as the Savior of the world, and Jesus clearly was not performing according to the script John had in mind. I find myself in that spot more often than I like. I create expectations of how I think Jesus/ God should act - and I am disappointed. Often following a wonderful God-directed mountain top 'success' the proverbial rug is pulled out from beneath me and I plummet into the valley at the speed of the luge. (Yes - I watched many hours of the winter Olympics). But - and this is huge - I KNOW that my Redeemer lives. And that He has a plan. And that like John, I am too immersed in being in the process to see the whole picture. Knowing that mighty men of God got discouraged gives them a human face - and gives me added hope.
As a reality check, I have had legitimate reasons for the discouragements - but God's word to me last fall was 'PERSEVERE' and today is a day of HOPE. I'm excited to see what God is going to do - and I want to partner with Him in that, yet, at the same time, not get in his way by pre-supposing what that will be or how He will accomplish His will. I just want to be faithful - and I want to finish strong. The Winter Olympics were a real reminder for hanging in there, staying strong, finishing the course...but that would lead to another bunny trail....
Lord, lead me. Show me clearly. Help me stay in step with You in the yoke.
(P S - - I LOVE this chapter!)
Humor for the day:
A teacher was teaching her students about whales. She said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because, even though a whale is a very large mammal, its throat is too small.
A little girl in the class proclaimed, "Jonah was swallowed by a whale."
The teacher reiterated, "That's impossible."
The little girl responded, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah."
The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"
"Then you can ask him," the little girl replied.
(O K - - feedback, please: I love jokes -obviously - but want to know if you think this one 'steps over the line.' I'm finding the little girl's reply bothers me today - - so this can be a teachable moment. Is it offensive? I can easily delete it and replace it with a different bit of humor - but I want the feedback.) Thanks for the responses! The joke stays....
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