We do good to recognize that all of the gifts that we give to our God are small, but not too small. It's a delicate balance between recognizing the value or our gifts as well as the fact that we are never able to give anything valuable enough to God... anything truly worthy of His majesty.
Whether we give Him a temple or a couple of coins, it is the heart that matters... God looks at the heart and sees what others cannot see. He looks for the joy of the giver and their worshipful attitude.
The Seemingly Second-Rate
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. -1 Kings 8:27-30
In this passage, Solomon has just finished building a temple for the Lord- adorned with wooden carvings (as we saw yesterday) and the finest material. This was certainly no small gift! The time, effort, energy, and monetary costs were all great! But, Solomon does well here to recognize that this temple in all its beauty and splendor is not even enough for the majesty of our Lord and king. He has another dwelling in the highest heavens, that makes this one look positively second-rate. Yet he asks God to come into this dwelling and to hear the prayers of His people that will come their to this place.
And the Lord's response:
"I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. -1 Kings 9:3
When we give with all of our heart, even though it can never be enough... the Lord will hear our prayers and He will honor the simple gifts that we give to honor Him.
The Seemingly Small
1As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.[a] 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." -Luke 21:1-4
More evident is the story of the poor widow and the offering plate. This familiar short account is told during many offertory remarks. And it serves to underline the fact that it is quality not quantity in the gifts that we give to the Lord. The rich gave based on quantity... the size and the value of their offerings. But the widow's offering was of quality. She gave 'out of her poverty' and 'put in all she had to live on.'
Even though my gifts to the church, to my friends, to individuals in need, may seem small, I pray that they may be of quality... giving out of my stipend, I pray that God would use what I have for His glory. This weekend it was so humbling to receive such generous gifts from so many... and gifts from those who are facing a move, a new child, paying for classes while working. Their gifts mean so much, because I know they come from the heart. I pray that God would teach me that type of generosity. And in some small way, I pray that our registration with idofoundation.org would help our wedding to share gifts with those who need so much more than we do, even in a small way... perhaps this is a seemingly small gift that we can give to God, by giving to His children.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Places of Honor
This morning as I was running, I listened to the song by Relient K, "Getting Into You," a song that reminds me how humbling it is that God, in all His glory and honor chooses to love me.
"I've been a liar and I'll never amount to
The kind of person you deserve to worship you
You say you will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do, you say
I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into"
Though we can never be the kind of person God deserves to worship Him, as the song says, we're "gonna love him with [our] li[ves]". And that means, continually reminding ourselves and finding ways to worship our God who deserves the highest place of honor in our hearts, our homes, our banquets, our churches.
Place of Honor in the Church
23 In the inner sanctuary he made a pair of cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits [l] high. 24 One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing five cubits—ten cubits from wing tip to wing tip. 25 The second cherub also measured ten cubits, for the two cherubim were identical in size and shape. 26 The height of each cherub was ten cubits. 27 He placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple, with their wings spread out. The wing of one cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the other touched the other wall, and their wings touched each other in the middle of the room. 28 He overlaid the cherubim with gold.
29 On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers. 30 He also covered the floors of both the inner and outer rooms of the temple with gold. -1 Kings 6:23-30
This part of Kings goes into detail about everything that was decorating the temple: the carvings, the decorations, the size, where they were placed, because it was important to these people. Isn't it true? We write about and talk about what is vitally important to our lives. I talk a lot about my friends and family, and other people who have met their cousins just once can't understand why I would talk about all of my cousins so often. I talk about church, about God, even in my courses. It comes up, because it's who I am.
And we put our money where our mouth is... we put time, effort, money into those things that we value. $100 shoes might be crazy to someone who isn't a runner. And as a non-movie fan, $50/month on movies seems strange. And hopefully we do the same thing with our Christian lives... giving to the causes that we feel led to give to, taking care of our brothers and sisters in the congregations and the needs of the church itself. Both my church at home and my Iglesia here both recently invested in a nice new technology system. My uncle said, "There was no contention. After all, who wouldn't want to make worship a more pleasant?" For those in attendance... and most importantly, for the one we give the glory to. When we value our time of worship, all that we do is a special way of creating a more beautiful place of honor for our Lord, who deserves the very best.
Place of Honor at the Banquets
45While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." -Luke 20:45-47
Oftentimes, however, we forget that God deserves the place of honor in everything... in our homes, in our banquets, in our ceremonies. I am reminded of the Jewish tradition to leave one seat empty- for Elijah. I wonder if we should not leave one seat empty to remember that our triune God deserves the best place.
As we plan our wedding ceremony, Brad and I are trying to make sure that God stays at the center of this holy worship ceremony when we thank God for bringing us together and ask Him to bless our marriage and keep us united in Him. And importantly, I pray that He would be the center of our hearts, our home and our marriage... always, everywhere, the most important place belongs to Him.
"I've been a liar and I'll never amount to
The kind of person you deserve to worship you
You say you will not dwell on what I did but rather what I do, you say
I love you and that's what you are getting yourself into"
Though we can never be the kind of person God deserves to worship Him, as the song says, we're "gonna love him with [our] li[ves]". And that means, continually reminding ourselves and finding ways to worship our God who deserves the highest place of honor in our hearts, our homes, our banquets, our churches.
Place of Honor in the Church
23 In the inner sanctuary he made a pair of cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits [l] high. 24 One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing five cubits—ten cubits from wing tip to wing tip. 25 The second cherub also measured ten cubits, for the two cherubim were identical in size and shape. 26 The height of each cherub was ten cubits. 27 He placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple, with their wings spread out. The wing of one cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the other touched the other wall, and their wings touched each other in the middle of the room. 28 He overlaid the cherubim with gold.
29 On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers. 30 He also covered the floors of both the inner and outer rooms of the temple with gold. -1 Kings 6:23-30
This part of Kings goes into detail about everything that was decorating the temple: the carvings, the decorations, the size, where they were placed, because it was important to these people. Isn't it true? We write about and talk about what is vitally important to our lives. I talk a lot about my friends and family, and other people who have met their cousins just once can't understand why I would talk about all of my cousins so often. I talk about church, about God, even in my courses. It comes up, because it's who I am.
And we put our money where our mouth is... we put time, effort, money into those things that we value. $100 shoes might be crazy to someone who isn't a runner. And as a non-movie fan, $50/month on movies seems strange. And hopefully we do the same thing with our Christian lives... giving to the causes that we feel led to give to, taking care of our brothers and sisters in the congregations and the needs of the church itself. Both my church at home and my Iglesia here both recently invested in a nice new technology system. My uncle said, "There was no contention. After all, who wouldn't want to make worship a more pleasant?" For those in attendance... and most importantly, for the one we give the glory to. When we value our time of worship, all that we do is a special way of creating a more beautiful place of honor for our Lord, who deserves the very best.
Place of Honor at the Banquets
45While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." -Luke 20:45-47
Oftentimes, however, we forget that God deserves the place of honor in everything... in our homes, in our banquets, in our ceremonies. I am reminded of the Jewish tradition to leave one seat empty- for Elijah. I wonder if we should not leave one seat empty to remember that our triune God deserves the best place.
As we plan our wedding ceremony, Brad and I are trying to make sure that God stays at the center of this holy worship ceremony when we thank God for bringing us together and ask Him to bless our marriage and keep us united in Him. And importantly, I pray that He would be the center of our hearts, our home and our marriage... always, everywhere, the most important place belongs to Him.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
More Than I Could Wish For...
We're all familiar with the fairy tale of the genie and the lamp. "What do you wish of me?" You'd be asked to make 3 careful wishes... and no wishing for more wishes. In real life, we don't get such wishes, but we do ask things of our Father in heaven, and He grants unbelievable blessings. Just like Solomon, He gives us even more than we ask
1 Kings 3:5-15
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
6 Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.
I felt rather like Solomon this weekend. I asked for something simple- for a future husband who would love the Lord. But, like Solomon, I was granted so much more. I was given family and friends who love me and share in my joy with me. On Sunday I was overwhelmed by the beauty of seeing so many friends and family come together to shower me with gifts of love, time, and so much more. Their love and generosity were so humbling, offering me so much that is so helpful right now. Their generous gifts are enough for us to get a bed! It may sounds silly, but that is a huge relief right now, one less thing to worry about as we look for places, think about downpayments and everything else.
I told my mom that I would've been fine with something much simpler, but she said, "Everyone knows that. But they all love you, and they wanted to do this for you." I feel so very loved and blessed... by the "moreover" gifts given to me (which remind me of the gifts given to Solomon). I asked for a simple gathering, but moreover- I was showered with love, the presence of so many people that I love and care about- some traveling so far to see me, generous gifts that will help us in our new step, time and effort of the preparations for the beautiful party- lovely flowers, a scrapbook that I will treasure forever, delicious food, fun Katie O trivia! So many blessings, so much love... I am humbled by the gift of friendship and family ties which I saw so vividly on Sunday, reminding me of the best gift that God has given to us... each other, and the command to love one another. That is the most perfect gift that I was reminded of on Sunday.
And now I ask that in my marriage, God would grant me the discerning heart of Solomon, to continue to follow Him and do His work.
1 Kings 3:5-15
5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
6 Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.
I felt rather like Solomon this weekend. I asked for something simple- for a future husband who would love the Lord. But, like Solomon, I was granted so much more. I was given family and friends who love me and share in my joy with me. On Sunday I was overwhelmed by the beauty of seeing so many friends and family come together to shower me with gifts of love, time, and so much more. Their love and generosity were so humbling, offering me so much that is so helpful right now. Their generous gifts are enough for us to get a bed! It may sounds silly, but that is a huge relief right now, one less thing to worry about as we look for places, think about downpayments and everything else.
I told my mom that I would've been fine with something much simpler, but she said, "Everyone knows that. But they all love you, and they wanted to do this for you." I feel so very loved and blessed... by the "moreover" gifts given to me (which remind me of the gifts given to Solomon). I asked for a simple gathering, but moreover- I was showered with love, the presence of so many people that I love and care about- some traveling so far to see me, generous gifts that will help us in our new step, time and effort of the preparations for the beautiful party- lovely flowers, a scrapbook that I will treasure forever, delicious food, fun Katie O trivia! So many blessings, so much love... I am humbled by the gift of friendship and family ties which I saw so vividly on Sunday, reminding me of the best gift that God has given to us... each other, and the command to love one another. That is the most perfect gift that I was reminded of on Sunday.
And now I ask that in my marriage, God would grant me the discerning heart of Solomon, to continue to follow Him and do His work.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
You're the man? He's the man.
By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works. —Ephesians 2:8-9
In recent times, "You're the man!" has become a common slang turn of phrase to declare someone 'cool' or 'in' or 'great.' We emphasis 'the' and turn it into a superlative. Not just a man, but THE man.
Monday night, we talked about the need not to make too much of our gifts or too little of our gifts. Making too little of our gifts dishonors the giver, our Lord who blessed us greatly with gifts and talents to use in our service to him. Making too much of our gifts, however, is another dangerous tendency. That might lead us to foolish self-reliance and the idea that we can be saved through our works and what we do.
In today's reading, there are two examples of places in our lives where we might make too much of ourselves... thinking we're the (wo)man instead of recognizing that He's the "man"... the one who has made all things possible.
1 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
4 "Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him."
5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity."
7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.'
11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' "
13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." -2 Samuel 12:1-13
David seemed to think that he was "the man." He was given gifts aplenty... annointed as the king, wives, palace, etc. But he wanted more. Covetousness is the sign of a lack of contentment with what we have. And perhaps a part of David's fall was the fact that he thought more highly of himself than he ought to. If we aren't arrogant, we won't think that we deserve- the perfect house, another car, a better job, a more beautiful table. But... the interesting thing to point out here is that the Lord states that He "would've given [David] more." But the fact that David took without asking was the upsetting part... the fact that David thought he was the one in charge.
In my life, I've experienced so much of this. Only in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be able to make it in grad school, that I'd have a chance to continue studying in a top PhD program, to serve God in Brazil, to have a future husband who loves God and is so very attractive as well! I certainly would've been content with the change to use my bachelor's degree, with BVS even in the States, with a husband who loved God and wasn't quite so handsome. But, God gave me more... more than I could've dreamed for myself. He's the man! He has given me my dreams, blessings, talents... and for that reason, I desire to give it all back to Him... in His service.
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
13"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. -Luke 16:10-14
Money is another great trap for our egos, for making ourselves feel that we 'earned' something or 'deserve' something. This world teaches us that our money is ours. We work hard for it, so it's ours to use. It also tricks us into thinking that it's the only economy that matters... that money can buy all that we need- protection, sustenance, security. But time after time... we learn of all the things that money cannot buy.
Though we give money so much value, it is not what Good highly values. In fact... it is detestable in God's sight! Those are some pretty strong words! It's strange for a lot of girls to deal with me- an uncommon bride. I'm not really into a lot of the 'things' in the wedding. I can make fast decisions about things, because I never dreamed of my wedding. Ever since I can remember I'd say... "if I get married" when people would ask me about "when I get married." I only would get married if I really knew it was right. I never took it as a given, and I never thought up plans like I guess other girls do. So, for me... what I look forward to is the marriage, and the chance to celebrate that marriage with all the people that I love. And for me, all the special 'material things' in the wedding come attached to some special people in my life. And for me... those special relationships are all connected to my Father who has given me such a supportive and wonderful community to love me through all these years, and now to love both Brad and myself in our new life together. Another gift from my Father... the gift of community... He's the man!
In recent times, "You're the man!" has become a common slang turn of phrase to declare someone 'cool' or 'in' or 'great.' We emphasis 'the' and turn it into a superlative. Not just a man, but THE man.
Monday night, we talked about the need not to make too much of our gifts or too little of our gifts. Making too little of our gifts dishonors the giver, our Lord who blessed us greatly with gifts and talents to use in our service to him. Making too much of our gifts, however, is another dangerous tendency. That might lead us to foolish self-reliance and the idea that we can be saved through our works and what we do.
In today's reading, there are two examples of places in our lives where we might make too much of ourselves... thinking we're the (wo)man instead of recognizing that He's the "man"... the one who has made all things possible.
1 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
4 "Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him."
5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity."
7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.'
11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' "
13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." -2 Samuel 12:1-13
David seemed to think that he was "the man." He was given gifts aplenty... annointed as the king, wives, palace, etc. But he wanted more. Covetousness is the sign of a lack of contentment with what we have. And perhaps a part of David's fall was the fact that he thought more highly of himself than he ought to. If we aren't arrogant, we won't think that we deserve- the perfect house, another car, a better job, a more beautiful table. But... the interesting thing to point out here is that the Lord states that He "would've given [David] more." But the fact that David took without asking was the upsetting part... the fact that David thought he was the one in charge.
In my life, I've experienced so much of this. Only in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be able to make it in grad school, that I'd have a chance to continue studying in a top PhD program, to serve God in Brazil, to have a future husband who loves God and is so very attractive as well! I certainly would've been content with the change to use my bachelor's degree, with BVS even in the States, with a husband who loved God and wasn't quite so handsome. But, God gave me more... more than I could've dreamed for myself. He's the man! He has given me my dreams, blessings, talents... and for that reason, I desire to give it all back to Him... in His service.
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
13"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. -Luke 16:10-14
Money is another great trap for our egos, for making ourselves feel that we 'earned' something or 'deserve' something. This world teaches us that our money is ours. We work hard for it, so it's ours to use. It also tricks us into thinking that it's the only economy that matters... that money can buy all that we need- protection, sustenance, security. But time after time... we learn of all the things that money cannot buy.
Though we give money so much value, it is not what Good highly values. In fact... it is detestable in God's sight! Those are some pretty strong words! It's strange for a lot of girls to deal with me- an uncommon bride. I'm not really into a lot of the 'things' in the wedding. I can make fast decisions about things, because I never dreamed of my wedding. Ever since I can remember I'd say... "if I get married" when people would ask me about "when I get married." I only would get married if I really knew it was right. I never took it as a given, and I never thought up plans like I guess other girls do. So, for me... what I look forward to is the marriage, and the chance to celebrate that marriage with all the people that I love. And for me, all the special 'material things' in the wedding come attached to some special people in my life. And for me... those special relationships are all connected to my Father who has given me such a supportive and wonderful community to love me through all these years, and now to love both Brad and myself in our new life together. Another gift from my Father... the gift of community... He's the man!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Rejoice in the Light
Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. —Matthew 10:27
speak a word in season to him who is weary -Isaiah 50:4
Matthew reminds us that we are to speak in the light (or in the public) whatever we are told in the dark (in private). Now, the other day we reflected on the importance of speaking harsh words, when necessary. But we need to be careful of getting to far over that side of the fence, because we also need to speak of joy. Some times it's all too tempting to enter into the culture of complaining.
In the past 2 years I've met my share of disgruntled grad students. In fact, when you hear a grad student speak pleasantly about their program, it's surprising. Just Friday at our GCF meeting, Mike teased me, when I began talking excitedly about Deborah's theories of conversation analysis and studies on high/low involvement speakers:
Mike- How's that PhD going for you, Katie?
Katie- Well... I'm not in the program yet.
Mike- Too bad.... You know, the life of a grad student, it isn't a bad life.
Can we too stop our complaining for a moment to "speak a word in season to him who is weary"? Can we take a break from the whining to see the joy and beauty and blessings which God has given to us? Let's take our example from David and the parables that Jesus told this morning, where we see outward expressions of joy... joy that is felt in the dark (inwardly) but expressed in the light (outwardly).
Rejoicing in Dance
16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
17 They brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings [f] before the LORD. 18 After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD Almighty. 19 Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes.
20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!"
21 David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor." -2 Samuel 6:16-22
Just before this, David almost became disheartened when Urrah touched the ark and was struck dead. He wondered, "Will the ark of the covenant of the Lord ever reach me?" Perhaps we can relate to this, "Will ____ ever?" disheartened, wondering feeling.
I felt the same way myself as I moved here to Tucson, beginning to wonder, "Will I ever find someone? How could I ever find someone if I continue to move about every year?" Perhaps God's plan in bringing me here was to get me into a program that would keep me in the same place for more than 6 months. But when He brought Brad into my life, there was no end to my 'leaping' and 'dancing.' Of course, it was just figurative. But you could see it on my face. Brad asked my parents in NJ before he officially asked me, and we promised to only tell the family after he officially asked me. But my mom told me as we went to see the family, "They're going to know. You're just radiant!" With my big goofy smile, I must've looked as foolish as David, with his dancing. But I didn't care. I couldn't wait to tell everyone, for everyone to see how God had blessed me, how my wondering became a fulfillment of His promises.
Just as David mentions... it didn't matter if he himself looked foolish or became humiliated, which has its root in humility. We are to always humble ourselves before the Lord... and this means in our rejoicing as well! God's blessings are perhaps the most humbling... knowing that we could never have planned something so beautiful for ourselves, knowing that we don't deserve this but He gives it to us anyways. I am so filled with joy that God has brought me together with Brad. He blessed me with everything I could ever want for myself and more:
a man who loves God
a man who serves others
a man who cares for me
a man who sings me to sleep and calms my fears
a man who listens to me and takes me into account when we make decisions
a man who is very handsome in face and character
a man who speaks Spanish and Portuguese
a man who attends Bible studies and church with me
a man who loves me... for better or for worse
Rejoicing Together
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." -Luke 15:1-10
These two parables are very similar, but what's interesting in light of today's theme is the part that I've highlighted. They are most similar in the fact that the person doesn't just rejoice alone (in the dark, inwardly). The individual upon finding what was lost, goes and calls their friends and neighbors together and says, rejoice with me! There is value in rejoicing together... recognizing God's blessings multiplies the blessing within the community!
That is one thing that I have loved about our Romans Bible Study group this year. The whole group is so wonderful, and we've been able to learn so much from Romans. I'll certainly miss everyone over the summer. But, this year we've been able to rejoice with those who are rejoicing- with Jenn when she got her apartment set up, with Shijie when she got accepted to the Law Journal Review, with Blake when an article he wrote got accepted for publication. There are so many wonderful things that are happening in our lives, and when we share them... we can all share in that joy and together praise God for all He is doing.
Similarly, I'm looking forward to the (hopefully un-showery) wedding shower this weekend, just like the upcoming wedding in June. It'll be a moment when I can take my joy from the dark into the light... we can together rejoice in the beautiful union that God has created between Brad and myself. I'm so happy to call together my neighbors, friends family and say, "Rejoice with me; I have found the one God intended for me!"
speak a word in season to him who is weary -Isaiah 50:4
Matthew reminds us that we are to speak in the light (or in the public) whatever we are told in the dark (in private). Now, the other day we reflected on the importance of speaking harsh words, when necessary. But we need to be careful of getting to far over that side of the fence, because we also need to speak of joy. Some times it's all too tempting to enter into the culture of complaining.
In the past 2 years I've met my share of disgruntled grad students. In fact, when you hear a grad student speak pleasantly about their program, it's surprising. Just Friday at our GCF meeting, Mike teased me, when I began talking excitedly about Deborah's theories of conversation analysis and studies on high/low involvement speakers:
Mike- How's that PhD going for you, Katie?
Katie- Well... I'm not in the program yet.
Mike- Too bad.... You know, the life of a grad student, it isn't a bad life.
Can we too stop our complaining for a moment to "speak a word in season to him who is weary"? Can we take a break from the whining to see the joy and beauty and blessings which God has given to us? Let's take our example from David and the parables that Jesus told this morning, where we see outward expressions of joy... joy that is felt in the dark (inwardly) but expressed in the light (outwardly).
Rejoicing in Dance
16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
17 They brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings [f] before the LORD. 18 After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD Almighty. 19 Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women. And all the people went to their homes.
20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!"
21 David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor." -2 Samuel 6:16-22
Just before this, David almost became disheartened when Urrah touched the ark and was struck dead. He wondered, "Will the ark of the covenant of the Lord ever reach me?" Perhaps we can relate to this, "Will ____ ever?" disheartened, wondering feeling.
I felt the same way myself as I moved here to Tucson, beginning to wonder, "Will I ever find someone? How could I ever find someone if I continue to move about every year?" Perhaps God's plan in bringing me here was to get me into a program that would keep me in the same place for more than 6 months. But when He brought Brad into my life, there was no end to my 'leaping' and 'dancing.' Of course, it was just figurative. But you could see it on my face. Brad asked my parents in NJ before he officially asked me, and we promised to only tell the family after he officially asked me. But my mom told me as we went to see the family, "They're going to know. You're just radiant!" With my big goofy smile, I must've looked as foolish as David, with his dancing. But I didn't care. I couldn't wait to tell everyone, for everyone to see how God had blessed me, how my wondering became a fulfillment of His promises.
Just as David mentions... it didn't matter if he himself looked foolish or became humiliated, which has its root in humility. We are to always humble ourselves before the Lord... and this means in our rejoicing as well! God's blessings are perhaps the most humbling... knowing that we could never have planned something so beautiful for ourselves, knowing that we don't deserve this but He gives it to us anyways. I am so filled with joy that God has brought me together with Brad. He blessed me with everything I could ever want for myself and more:
a man who loves God
a man who serves others
a man who cares for me
a man who sings me to sleep and calms my fears
a man who listens to me and takes me into account when we make decisions
a man who is very handsome in face and character
a man who speaks Spanish and Portuguese
a man who attends Bible studies and church with me
a man who loves me... for better or for worse
Rejoicing Together
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." -Luke 15:1-10
These two parables are very similar, but what's interesting in light of today's theme is the part that I've highlighted. They are most similar in the fact that the person doesn't just rejoice alone (in the dark, inwardly). The individual upon finding what was lost, goes and calls their friends and neighbors together and says, rejoice with me! There is value in rejoicing together... recognizing God's blessings multiplies the blessing within the community!
That is one thing that I have loved about our Romans Bible Study group this year. The whole group is so wonderful, and we've been able to learn so much from Romans. I'll certainly miss everyone over the summer. But, this year we've been able to rejoice with those who are rejoicing- with Jenn when she got her apartment set up, with Shijie when she got accepted to the Law Journal Review, with Blake when an article he wrote got accepted for publication. There are so many wonderful things that are happening in our lives, and when we share them... we can all share in that joy and together praise God for all He is doing.
Similarly, I'm looking forward to the (hopefully un-showery) wedding shower this weekend, just like the upcoming wedding in June. It'll be a moment when I can take my joy from the dark into the light... we can together rejoice in the beautiful union that God has created between Brad and myself. I'm so happy to call together my neighbors, friends family and say, "Rejoice with me; I have found the one God intended for me!"
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Obedience & Humility
Obeying God's Answer in Humility
1 In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked.
The LORD said, "Go up."
David asked, "Where shall I go?"
"To Hebron," the LORD answered.
2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, "The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 7 Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them." -2 Samuel: 1-7
Sometimes I admit, I just wish it were so simple as it appears here. David asked, God answered. And sometimes I think maybe it is. Maybe it's just harder for me to hear God's answer. Or maybe it's harder for me to heed God's answer. Whatever it is, it is important. And the one thing I've learned from all those respected pastors I've asked about a 'calling' is that ... if it's a calling, you won't be able to escape it. You can take the high road, or the low road, but somehow that's where you'll end up.
And in the end, it's comforting to see something similar happen in my own life. Though I took the job teaching at CB, I was quickly rerouted back to my original plan of doing BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) for 2 years. And while I'd thought about the U of A for grad school, I waited a while before getting here. It's interesting to think about calling- is it something that you 'just know'? If you felt that you'd like to be somewhere or do something at a certain point, was it meant? Was it God?
Here I see a great obedience and humility in David. He was appointed to be king. He does not go boasting about it, and he seeks God for discernment.
Obeying God's Invitation in Humility
15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."
16Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
18"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
19"Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20"Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'
21"The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
22" 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
23"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.' " -Luke 14:15-23
And here, we see God's invitation. Some were haughty and proud and so caught up in their own lives, that they did not obey. They did not join the party. And here we also see a high price for those who were invited and didn't come. They won't get a taste. There's no turning back or changing your mind.
He called the humble, because the proud were too haughty to truly recognize the beauty and miraculous calling to be a part of this great banquet, this Kingdom of God, this amazing family.
1 In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked.
The LORD said, "Go up."
David asked, "Where shall I go?"
"To Hebron," the LORD answered.
2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, "The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 7 Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them." -2 Samuel: 1-7
Sometimes I admit, I just wish it were so simple as it appears here. David asked, God answered. And sometimes I think maybe it is. Maybe it's just harder for me to hear God's answer. Or maybe it's harder for me to heed God's answer. Whatever it is, it is important. And the one thing I've learned from all those respected pastors I've asked about a 'calling' is that ... if it's a calling, you won't be able to escape it. You can take the high road, or the low road, but somehow that's where you'll end up.
And in the end, it's comforting to see something similar happen in my own life. Though I took the job teaching at CB, I was quickly rerouted back to my original plan of doing BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) for 2 years. And while I'd thought about the U of A for grad school, I waited a while before getting here. It's interesting to think about calling- is it something that you 'just know'? If you felt that you'd like to be somewhere or do something at a certain point, was it meant? Was it God?
Here I see a great obedience and humility in David. He was appointed to be king. He does not go boasting about it, and he seeks God for discernment.
Obeying God's Invitation in Humility
15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God."
16Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
18"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
19"Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20"Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'
21"The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
22" 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
23"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.' " -Luke 14:15-23
And here, we see God's invitation. Some were haughty and proud and so caught up in their own lives, that they did not obey. They did not join the party. And here we also see a high price for those who were invited and didn't come. They won't get a taste. There's no turning back or changing your mind.
He called the humble, because the proud were too haughty to truly recognize the beauty and miraculous calling to be a part of this great banquet, this Kingdom of God, this amazing family.
Friday, April 16, 2010
It's Friday, But Sunday's Coming
The well-known pastor Tony Campolo has a famous sermon entitled, "It's Friday but Sunday's coming." He uses the analogy of the gloomy "Good" Friday when all was sad and dismal and upsetting and Sunday when there was cause for celebration and rejoicing in order to compare that to situations in our lives today. An example from his sermon might be this...
"It's Friday and... you're upset, you're feeling low, you lost your job, you're ___,
but Sunday's coming!"
No matter what curves and difficulties and "tribulations" (to use the Paulian terminology) might come our way, we as Christians have the promise of a Sunday that is indeed coming, maybe not today or tomorrow but the next day, in our eternal Sunday, our union with Christ in heaven.
Friday of Weeping, Sunday of Rejoicing
3 When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David's two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. -1 Samuel 30:3-6
Sometimes I think the verses in the Bible which display sadness are as comforting as those Psalms which are filled with joy. It just makes it all feel more real. I believe there is a reason that the author did not skip over the intense emotions felt by David and his men who "wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep." In life, we feel sadness, we experience pain. But we can learn a lesson that after that moment of "great distress" was over, "David found strength in the Lord his God."
And that strength brought David from his gloomy Friday to his Sunday where he, with the help of an Egyptian slave, recovered all the plunder they had taken from them... every single person and material possession. (See the rest of this chapter for more of wonderful uplifting story!)
Perhaps one of the moments of greatest distress is that when we lose a loved one. This morning I am reminded of my colleague who has lost his father. One of the most difficult times was when I lost my own cousin, and I remember what is described here- "weeping aloud until [you] have no strength." And in this case, I don't believe the Sunday comes in forgetting that loved one or leaving that pain... but in knowing that you will be reunited again. There is a Sunday we have to look forward to, the ultimate Sunday.
Friday of Working, Sunday of Reaching the Goal
32He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' 33In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! -Luke 13:32-33
And here Jesus talks about that ultimate Sunday. He is working and laboring, healing and driving out demons. Sometimes I imagine it must not have been easy for Jesus, such humility. A King, a Prince, our God really did the unthinkable. He came to earth, with all its problems. He came, not to the most beautiful palace but to the humble places. And even worse, he came to a people who did not widely acknowledge who he was. He was criticized, threatened, chased. Many of Jesus' unpleasant experiences on earth were like a Friday... even before that infamous Friday at Calvary.
But then there was Sunday, and Jesus rose, and proved who He was and did the unthinkable... and His Sunday came with His union with the Father.
It's Friday but Sunday's coming.
"It's Friday and... you're upset, you're feeling low, you lost your job, you're ___,
but Sunday's coming!"
No matter what curves and difficulties and "tribulations" (to use the Paulian terminology) might come our way, we as Christians have the promise of a Sunday that is indeed coming, maybe not today or tomorrow but the next day, in our eternal Sunday, our union with Christ in heaven.
Friday of Weeping, Sunday of Rejoicing
3 When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David's two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. -1 Samuel 30:3-6
Sometimes I think the verses in the Bible which display sadness are as comforting as those Psalms which are filled with joy. It just makes it all feel more real. I believe there is a reason that the author did not skip over the intense emotions felt by David and his men who "wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep." In life, we feel sadness, we experience pain. But we can learn a lesson that after that moment of "great distress" was over, "David found strength in the Lord his God."
And that strength brought David from his gloomy Friday to his Sunday where he, with the help of an Egyptian slave, recovered all the plunder they had taken from them... every single person and material possession. (See the rest of this chapter for more of wonderful uplifting story!)
Perhaps one of the moments of greatest distress is that when we lose a loved one. This morning I am reminded of my colleague who has lost his father. One of the most difficult times was when I lost my own cousin, and I remember what is described here- "weeping aloud until [you] have no strength." And in this case, I don't believe the Sunday comes in forgetting that loved one or leaving that pain... but in knowing that you will be reunited again. There is a Sunday we have to look forward to, the ultimate Sunday.
Friday of Working, Sunday of Reaching the Goal
32He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' 33In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! -Luke 13:32-33
And here Jesus talks about that ultimate Sunday. He is working and laboring, healing and driving out demons. Sometimes I imagine it must not have been easy for Jesus, such humility. A King, a Prince, our God really did the unthinkable. He came to earth, with all its problems. He came, not to the most beautiful palace but to the humble places. And even worse, he came to a people who did not widely acknowledge who he was. He was criticized, threatened, chased. Many of Jesus' unpleasant experiences on earth were like a Friday... even before that infamous Friday at Calvary.
But then there was Sunday, and Jesus rose, and proved who He was and did the unthinkable... and His Sunday came with His union with the Father.
It's Friday but Sunday's coming.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Not Peace, But Division: Family Feud
We have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. —Romans 12:4
Though there is so much packed into today's scripture reading, I'll choose to reflect on one of the more challenging themes, especially challenging for us tried-and-true pacifist Brethren. For in it is one of the verses that challenge the pacifist stance: Luke 12:51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
Interestingly enough, the ODB reflection, included this Romans verse on the members of one body, how we are called to the same function... how we are called to unity, good old Romans. (I've gotten so much out of the insights of our Bible Study this year.) Unity? Division? How does this work? What does this same function have to do with it? I believe today's scriptures can help clarify this unsettling point.
Good Judgment
3 His name was Nabal and his wife's name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings.
14 One of the servants told Nabal's wife Abigail: "David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. 15 Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. 16 Night and day they were a wall around us all the time we were herding our sheep near them. 17 Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him."
18 Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs [b] of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 Then she told her servants, "Go on ahead; I'll follow you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
32 David said to Abigail, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. 33 May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. 34 Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak." -1 Samuel 25: 3,14-19,32-34
I love the story of Abigail- that girl had strength, wisdom, and definitely good judgment. And David recognized this- ten days later, when Nabal her "Foolish" husband died, he took her as his wife.
The division is clear in this story. There is a division between the purposes of the earthly family of husband and wife- Nabal and Abigail. Nabal's purpose is to keep everything for himself, not trusting who he'd be giving his meat and bread and water to someone he didn't know. It's interesting also to note that Nabal didn't seem concern for his own well-being or that of his servants or his family, nor do we see the servants confide in him about the danger of the situation. Perhaps this was left out or perhaps it speaks of his division and separation from his servants.
Abigail's purpose on the other hand, was to watch over her 'extended family.' Although she was divided in purpose and goal with her husband, she was united with concern for the well-being of her servants and her family, as well as David and those who had watched over her livestock.
Additionally, while there was a noticeable division in the household, there was at the same time a peace that came from this literal 'peace offering.' David praises Abigail from 'keeping [him] from bloodshed" (33) and this is presented as a very good thing.
To me, this outlines the importance of unity of spirit across the lines of the mere 'nuclear family.' Hopefully the nuclear family will also have the same purposes and goals, but if they don't... we need to have the greater good in mind... using good judgment for the peace and unity of the 'whole' Christian family, even if it at times causes division.
We are called to use good judgment, to be peacemakers, understanding that our care for our family does not just mean our closest relatives as determined by our DNA strand. This was wildly misinterpreted throughout the history of the COB, when individuals would interpret the church as "siding with the enemy" just because they appeared "on the fence" and refused to pick sides in war situations. In fact, Christopher Sauer's printing press, worth $5000 was destroyed because of his refusal to openly side with the 'Tories' during the Civil War. Countless other histories, including that of the famous John Kline, demonstrate how individuals didn't understand this broader definition of unity of which he wrote in his journal in 1849, "love truly virtuous... in its most comprehensive sense takes in the whole human family."
Good Stewardship
42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." -Luke 12:49-52
Here we have a hard verse to deal with, but I believe that some further context, as well as the story of Abigail, as cited above, will help to clarify the peace/division and unity/against dichotomy.
Here we must point out that though many of the 'headings' and chapter divisions in the Bible might prove useful, they were not there in the original text. They were later added, and are therefore relatively arbitrary. It's important to remember this and cross the lines of the context which we include in our readings of passages. So, the parable that Jesus tells previous to his comments on division might very well be a prelude to it.
In fact, in those days it would be rather uncommon to have a household with one single servant. Instead, there would be various servants to perform different tasks (many members of one body with the same overriding purpose to care for the home, if you will). That was how it was meant to me, at least. However, some of the servants were divided against their own house. They weren't performing their tasks, while they felt that their master wasn't watching.
Imagine your frustration. Your advisor has to go to a conference, but he also has a lot of prep to do on finalizing a research project. He splits the work evenly, and some of you work diligently all summer. However, a few choose to put off the work. The advisor isn't around after all, and 'he's taking a long time in coming.' I'm pretty sure this would cause division among the ranks, provided the RAs didn't actually get their work done.
We each have purposes and through prayer and Bible study, we know God's will, at least to a certain extent. And I'm sure that God has 'given you much,' so we are asked much. We all have a responsibility to our entire Christian family... to use those gifts and talents for the good of our kingdom... this would be good stewardship... doing what you can with what you've got. When you're not giving all that you have to the glory of God, you are creating a divide between your Christian family and your own family.
I believe this is what Jesus means when he says, "They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." Not that there is a need for division, but in our decisions to be good stewards of what God has given to us or not, we decide to create or abolish a divide.
I thank God that He has given me a beautiful faithful family, and I've experienced very little division within my earthly family, but I do remember a bit of tension when I went off to Brazil, very far away, or when I thought of moving to Mexico. I remember the harsh comment, "Well, you can come back for our funerals." Now I don't want you to think it was this way forever. My family usually comes around after warming up to an idea, but it was hard for them to recognize that I might have to leave them in order to follow Jesus' leading. However, when they saw me and heard how God was using my different gifts and talents and love of people and cultures and language in those settings, they were pleased... we were filled with love and unity and peace... as one body with the same purpose.
Though there is so much packed into today's scripture reading, I'll choose to reflect on one of the more challenging themes, especially challenging for us tried-and-true pacifist Brethren. For in it is one of the verses that challenge the pacifist stance: Luke 12:51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
Interestingly enough, the ODB reflection, included this Romans verse on the members of one body, how we are called to the same function... how we are called to unity, good old Romans. (I've gotten so much out of the insights of our Bible Study this year.) Unity? Division? How does this work? What does this same function have to do with it? I believe today's scriptures can help clarify this unsettling point.
Good Judgment
3 His name was Nabal and his wife's name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings.
14 One of the servants told Nabal's wife Abigail: "David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. 15 Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. 16 Night and day they were a wall around us all the time we were herding our sheep near them. 17 Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him."
18 Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs [b] of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 Then she told her servants, "Go on ahead; I'll follow you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
32 David said to Abigail, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. 33 May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. 34 Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak." -1 Samuel 25: 3,14-19,32-34
I love the story of Abigail- that girl had strength, wisdom, and definitely good judgment. And David recognized this- ten days later, when Nabal her "Foolish" husband died, he took her as his wife.
The division is clear in this story. There is a division between the purposes of the earthly family of husband and wife- Nabal and Abigail. Nabal's purpose is to keep everything for himself, not trusting who he'd be giving his meat and bread and water to someone he didn't know. It's interesting also to note that Nabal didn't seem concern for his own well-being or that of his servants or his family, nor do we see the servants confide in him about the danger of the situation. Perhaps this was left out or perhaps it speaks of his division and separation from his servants.
Abigail's purpose on the other hand, was to watch over her 'extended family.' Although she was divided in purpose and goal with her husband, she was united with concern for the well-being of her servants and her family, as well as David and those who had watched over her livestock.
Additionally, while there was a noticeable division in the household, there was at the same time a peace that came from this literal 'peace offering.' David praises Abigail from 'keeping [him] from bloodshed" (33) and this is presented as a very good thing.
To me, this outlines the importance of unity of spirit across the lines of the mere 'nuclear family.' Hopefully the nuclear family will also have the same purposes and goals, but if they don't... we need to have the greater good in mind... using good judgment for the peace and unity of the 'whole' Christian family, even if it at times causes division.
We are called to use good judgment, to be peacemakers, understanding that our care for our family does not just mean our closest relatives as determined by our DNA strand. This was wildly misinterpreted throughout the history of the COB, when individuals would interpret the church as "siding with the enemy" just because they appeared "on the fence" and refused to pick sides in war situations. In fact, Christopher Sauer's printing press, worth $5000 was destroyed because of his refusal to openly side with the 'Tories' during the Civil War. Countless other histories, including that of the famous John Kline, demonstrate how individuals didn't understand this broader definition of unity of which he wrote in his journal in 1849, "love truly virtuous... in its most comprehensive sense takes in the whole human family."
Good Stewardship
42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! 51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." -Luke 12:49-52
Here we have a hard verse to deal with, but I believe that some further context, as well as the story of Abigail, as cited above, will help to clarify the peace/division and unity/against dichotomy.
Here we must point out that though many of the 'headings' and chapter divisions in the Bible might prove useful, they were not there in the original text. They were later added, and are therefore relatively arbitrary. It's important to remember this and cross the lines of the context which we include in our readings of passages. So, the parable that Jesus tells previous to his comments on division might very well be a prelude to it.
In fact, in those days it would be rather uncommon to have a household with one single servant. Instead, there would be various servants to perform different tasks (many members of one body with the same overriding purpose to care for the home, if you will). That was how it was meant to me, at least. However, some of the servants were divided against their own house. They weren't performing their tasks, while they felt that their master wasn't watching.
Imagine your frustration. Your advisor has to go to a conference, but he also has a lot of prep to do on finalizing a research project. He splits the work evenly, and some of you work diligently all summer. However, a few choose to put off the work. The advisor isn't around after all, and 'he's taking a long time in coming.' I'm pretty sure this would cause division among the ranks, provided the RAs didn't actually get their work done.
We each have purposes and through prayer and Bible study, we know God's will, at least to a certain extent. And I'm sure that God has 'given you much,' so we are asked much. We all have a responsibility to our entire Christian family... to use those gifts and talents for the good of our kingdom... this would be good stewardship... doing what you can with what you've got. When you're not giving all that you have to the glory of God, you are creating a divide between your Christian family and your own family.
I believe this is what Jesus means when he says, "They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." Not that there is a need for division, but in our decisions to be good stewards of what God has given to us or not, we decide to create or abolish a divide.
I thank God that He has given me a beautiful faithful family, and I've experienced very little division within my earthly family, but I do remember a bit of tension when I went off to Brazil, very far away, or when I thought of moving to Mexico. I remember the harsh comment, "Well, you can come back for our funerals." Now I don't want you to think it was this way forever. My family usually comes around after warming up to an idea, but it was hard for them to recognize that I might have to leave them in order to follow Jesus' leading. However, when they saw me and heard how God was using my different gifts and talents and love of people and cultures and language in those settings, they were pleased... we were filled with love and unity and peace... as one body with the same purpose.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
He Never Sleeps
He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. —Psalm 121:3
What are the reasons behind a sleepless night? Well, recently it has been allergies for me, since the pollen count around here has been up to 10. But, usually it boils down to worries about protection (safety and generally everything being 'ok') and provision (making the grade, making the budget, making the plan work out, solving the problem). But our Father is like my father, who would always sing me a song to lull me to sleep, when anxious. He'd calm my fears so that I wouldn't have a sleepless night. Now I have someone else to sing me a calming lullaby, but even if it's not a lullaby that we can audibly hear, reading the Bible, praying or singing a hymn remind us of our Father who spends sleepless nights so that we don't have to.
In Tri-County choir, I remember singing, "He watches over Israel, slumbers not nor sleeps." Sung softly and sweetly, it is perhaps one of the most pleasant lullabies I know, that reminds me of our Father who promises to protect and provide.
He Watches & Protects
15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." 18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh. -1 Samuel 23:15-18
This is a hard verse for me to read this morning, not because it's difficult to take, but just difficult in the context of what's going on in my family. David is being chased by Saul and his armed men. Even reading through chapter 23 can make you feel a bit anxious about the situation. They're trying to elude him on the other side of the mountain, never knowing if he's just a step behind, how to get away. And Jonathan talks with David, telling him not to be afraid. Jonathan has the end in mind. He knows how the story will turn out and reminds David of this... you will be king! Saul won't harm you!
The reason this is so hard for me right now is that this verse provides protection. But right now one of my family members is being followed, as David was followed by Saul. I want to say to her- Don't be afraid. He won't harm you. You will be safe. Our God is watching over you. And I give her into His hands, praying daily for the protection that I know only God can give. I pray that God would protect her anxiety and protect her physically... knowing that God has the power to protect His little ones. And I trust that He will, because He knows this family, and I don't believe that God would give us more than we can bare.
Father, I know that You watch over us and never sleep. I pray that You care for Your precious daughter. Surround her with love and protection. Help to take the fear from her and disband the evil that chases these girls. Aid those who can help in believing and trusting and doing whatever they can to solve this situation, with Your aid and Your strong and mighty protecting arm, Lord. We've seen You do this for David, and I pray that You do this for my cousin.
He Watches & Provides
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. - Luke 12:22-31
If it is not protection we worry about, it is often provision. Sometimes I wonder what our anxious minds must sound like on those sleepless nights.
"How am I going to pay that bill now that they 'downsized' my job?"
"What about that family vacation I promised the kids?"
"Will I be able to be a good father?"
"How will I ever finish this exam question on time?"
"Am I really cut out for a PhD program?"
"How are we going to have bible studies next year?"
Although this verse points out the material things- clothes, drink, food- I believe it can also relate to the non-material things that we need that are related to those. People often worry about work or money, which are related to those necessary material needs: food, water, clothing, shelter.
Sometimes I do worry too much. I admit that this is a weakness for me. I've been known to dream about "the verb give" or whatever paper I tend to be writing at the moment, sleeping very restlessly during finals. It's a wonder I get those papers written at all, on little and poor sleep. But somehow, the papers always get written, the bills always get paid. We always have far more than enough.
Somehow the mention of these simple necessities: food, water, clothing, remind me of how we have so very much more than what we need. Food, water, clothing is enough. We have enough. Praise the Lord for that. The rest, is just extra blessings, extra provisions from our heavenly Father.
Ever since I was around high school age, I've had a strong sense of the injustice that exists int the world, where we have more than enough... and so many do not even have these simple 3 basic needs. I ask God to use me and show me how I could help His provision meet those who need it. Because what I have is not my own, it's only gifts from the Father... which He means for all His children. Lord, let me be a good steward of Your blessings, and show me how I might be able to get Your blessings to all of Your children in need, to whom they rightly belong.
What are the reasons behind a sleepless night? Well, recently it has been allergies for me, since the pollen count around here has been up to 10. But, usually it boils down to worries about protection (safety and generally everything being 'ok') and provision (making the grade, making the budget, making the plan work out, solving the problem). But our Father is like my father, who would always sing me a song to lull me to sleep, when anxious. He'd calm my fears so that I wouldn't have a sleepless night. Now I have someone else to sing me a calming lullaby, but even if it's not a lullaby that we can audibly hear, reading the Bible, praying or singing a hymn remind us of our Father who spends sleepless nights so that we don't have to.
In Tri-County choir, I remember singing, "He watches over Israel, slumbers not nor sleeps." Sung softly and sweetly, it is perhaps one of the most pleasant lullabies I know, that reminds me of our Father who promises to protect and provide.
He Watches & Protects
15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." 18 The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh. -1 Samuel 23:15-18
This is a hard verse for me to read this morning, not because it's difficult to take, but just difficult in the context of what's going on in my family. David is being chased by Saul and his armed men. Even reading through chapter 23 can make you feel a bit anxious about the situation. They're trying to elude him on the other side of the mountain, never knowing if he's just a step behind, how to get away. And Jonathan talks with David, telling him not to be afraid. Jonathan has the end in mind. He knows how the story will turn out and reminds David of this... you will be king! Saul won't harm you!
The reason this is so hard for me right now is that this verse provides protection. But right now one of my family members is being followed, as David was followed by Saul. I want to say to her- Don't be afraid. He won't harm you. You will be safe. Our God is watching over you. And I give her into His hands, praying daily for the protection that I know only God can give. I pray that God would protect her anxiety and protect her physically... knowing that God has the power to protect His little ones. And I trust that He will, because He knows this family, and I don't believe that God would give us more than we can bare.
Father, I know that You watch over us and never sleep. I pray that You care for Your precious daughter. Surround her with love and protection. Help to take the fear from her and disband the evil that chases these girls. Aid those who can help in believing and trusting and doing whatever they can to solve this situation, with Your aid and Your strong and mighty protecting arm, Lord. We've seen You do this for David, and I pray that You do this for my cousin.
He Watches & Provides
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. - Luke 12:22-31
If it is not protection we worry about, it is often provision. Sometimes I wonder what our anxious minds must sound like on those sleepless nights.
"How am I going to pay that bill now that they 'downsized' my job?"
"What about that family vacation I promised the kids?"
"Will I be able to be a good father?"
"How will I ever finish this exam question on time?"
"Am I really cut out for a PhD program?"
"How are we going to have bible studies next year?"
Although this verse points out the material things- clothes, drink, food- I believe it can also relate to the non-material things that we need that are related to those. People often worry about work or money, which are related to those necessary material needs: food, water, clothing, shelter.
Sometimes I do worry too much. I admit that this is a weakness for me. I've been known to dream about "the verb give" or whatever paper I tend to be writing at the moment, sleeping very restlessly during finals. It's a wonder I get those papers written at all, on little and poor sleep. But somehow, the papers always get written, the bills always get paid. We always have far more than enough.
Somehow the mention of these simple necessities: food, water, clothing, remind me of how we have so very much more than what we need. Food, water, clothing is enough. We have enough. Praise the Lord for that. The rest, is just extra blessings, extra provisions from our heavenly Father.
Ever since I was around high school age, I've had a strong sense of the injustice that exists int the world, where we have more than enough... and so many do not even have these simple 3 basic needs. I ask God to use me and show me how I could help His provision meet those who need it. Because what I have is not my own, it's only gifts from the Father... which He means for all His children. Lord, let me be a good steward of Your blessings, and show me how I might be able to get Your blessings to all of Your children in need, to whom they rightly belong.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Words We Don't Want to Say
Sometimes in the Bible I believe it's so easy to see the many good and pleasing words, which are certainly there, no doubt. However, at times we look over the words that we don't want to say... today's scripture readings hold two examples. First we have Jonathan who must bid farewell to his dear friend, denying his own desire for companionship to protect his friend. Secondly, Jesus shares harsh words of correction at a dinner party.
I pray that God may teach me when I need to speak and what I need to speak, even when it is not what I want to say... when they are words that sidestep my own desires or words that may include harsh correction.
Good-bye
Words that We Don't Want
Then Jonathan said to David: "Tomorrow is the New Moon festival. You will be missed, because your seat will be empty. 19 The day after tomorrow, toward evening, go to the place where you hid when this trouble began, and wait by the stone Ezel. 20 I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I were shooting at a target. 21 Then I will send a boy and say, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I say to him, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them here,' then come, because, as surely as the LORD lives, you are safe; there is no danger. 22 But if I say to the boy, 'Look, the arrows are beyond you,' then you must go, because the LORD has sent you away. 23 And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the LORD is witness between you and me forever."...
30 Saul's anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, "You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don't I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? 31 As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send and bring him to me, for he must die!"
32 "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?" Jonathan asked his father. 33 But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.
34 Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the month he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father's shameful treatment of David.
35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, 36 and he said to the boy, "Run and find the arrows I shoot." As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy came to the place where Jonathan's arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, "Isn't the arrow beyond you?" 38 Then he shouted, "Hurry! Go quickly! Don't stop!" The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. 39 (The boy knew nothing of all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, "Go, carry them back to town."
41 After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.
42 Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.' " Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. -1 Samuel 20:18-23, 30-42
The parting of Jonathan and David certainly is not easy. Jonathan would not like his friend to have to leave his side, but his love and concern for his friend is greater than the importance of his own desires. This is rather easy to talk about, but when it's something deep, it's harder to set it aside. This reminds me of my dear friend Kammy, who was here last year and brightened up my life. I miss her so much. She was a wonderful friend to me, but she had her husband waiting at home, her life waiting at home, and now she is happy there with him and her new little baby girl who is absolutely precious. The farewell was hard, but it has been good for her.
Still, it's important to note that this 'giving up of ones' own desires' is not always a physical good-bye. It might also be a good-bye to a previous plan. Before this Fall, I'd planned on going back home to PA to teach for a while before continuing my studies. Though it's sad not to be at home, it's for the good of my new young marriage and for my own good in a way. God has given me other wonderful opportunities that I myself didn't plan out- an amazing husband-to-be who loves me so much and acceptance into a top program with wonderful colleagues, supportive professors, interesting classes and a variety of expansive opportunities.
I guess another example is that I was hoping to go to Guatemala this summer (while Brad's in Brazil) and visit a project that I love there called Education and Hope, that's actually where we signed up for a registry. In fact, it's one of my dreams to possibly set up or work with a similar program somewhere, perhaps in the DR with our church. To me the DR stands out, since so many Haitians (without DR citizenship) have no right to an education. But, there's a lot going on this summer, along with a lot of expenses tied up with a new home, etc... so I might not make the trip this summer. It's hard to not do something that would be a great experience, but I have new priorities coming my way, a new family I'm starting... and this I love.
Woe
Words of Correction
37When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised.
39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41But give what is inside the dish [b] to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
42"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
43"Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.
44"Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it."
45One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also."
46Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.
47"Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your forefathers who killed them. 48So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 49Because of this, God in his wisdom said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.' 50Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.
52"Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering."
53When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, 54waiting to catch him in something he might say. -Luke 11:37-53
I was especially struck by these words this morning. For all the times we read of a gentle Jesus with quiet and loving and mild mannered words, these words are striking. I'm reminded that Jesus was anything but silent. When he noticed that something was amiss, he called it out. When he believed that something wasn't correct, he mentioned it. I pray that God may give me wisdom when I need to speak out, and when I should remain quiet.
Sometimes it's hard to speak out. We don't want to create 'conflict.' But being pacifist is not being 'passive,' though that's the common myth. Actually "pacifism" does not just mean peace but "peace making"- note the active verb in the second part of this definition. Pacifists were always rather countercultural... taking punishment and persecution without resorting to the "(carnal) sword" as they put it, their actions spoke as loudly as their words. They spoke out with words and their ways that they believed in a Jesus who asked us to 'turn the other cheek' and 'love our enemies.' In fact, that is one of the reasons the COB still exists today, a strong belief that a historical tradition of Biblical pacifism (in addition to radical discipleship) is a unique and significant witness, described in Dale Brown's book "Biblical Pacifism" as a "faithful prophetic minority [that] provide[s] a needed alternative model."
In a more day to day context, we might think about when God is asking us to challenge our brothers and sisters, remind them of the blessings of corporal worship and bible studies, and invite them to participate in prayer groups, etc.
Lord, teach us when we need to say what we might not need to say- whether words that go against our own desires or words that correct.
I pray that God may teach me when I need to speak and what I need to speak, even when it is not what I want to say... when they are words that sidestep my own desires or words that may include harsh correction.
Good-bye
Words that We Don't Want
Then Jonathan said to David: "Tomorrow is the New Moon festival. You will be missed, because your seat will be empty. 19 The day after tomorrow, toward evening, go to the place where you hid when this trouble began, and wait by the stone Ezel. 20 I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I were shooting at a target. 21 Then I will send a boy and say, 'Go, find the arrows.' If I say to him, 'Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them here,' then come, because, as surely as the LORD lives, you are safe; there is no danger. 22 But if I say to the boy, 'Look, the arrows are beyond you,' then you must go, because the LORD has sent you away. 23 And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the LORD is witness between you and me forever."...
30 Saul's anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, "You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don't I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? 31 As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send and bring him to me, for he must die!"
32 "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?" Jonathan asked his father. 33 But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.
34 Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the month he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father's shameful treatment of David.
35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, 36 and he said to the boy, "Run and find the arrows I shoot." As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy came to the place where Jonathan's arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, "Isn't the arrow beyond you?" 38 Then he shouted, "Hurry! Go quickly! Don't stop!" The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. 39 (The boy knew nothing of all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, "Go, carry them back to town."
41 After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.
42 Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.' " Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. -1 Samuel 20:18-23, 30-42
The parting of Jonathan and David certainly is not easy. Jonathan would not like his friend to have to leave his side, but his love and concern for his friend is greater than the importance of his own desires. This is rather easy to talk about, but when it's something deep, it's harder to set it aside. This reminds me of my dear friend Kammy, who was here last year and brightened up my life. I miss her so much. She was a wonderful friend to me, but she had her husband waiting at home, her life waiting at home, and now she is happy there with him and her new little baby girl who is absolutely precious. The farewell was hard, but it has been good for her.
Still, it's important to note that this 'giving up of ones' own desires' is not always a physical good-bye. It might also be a good-bye to a previous plan. Before this Fall, I'd planned on going back home to PA to teach for a while before continuing my studies. Though it's sad not to be at home, it's for the good of my new young marriage and for my own good in a way. God has given me other wonderful opportunities that I myself didn't plan out- an amazing husband-to-be who loves me so much and acceptance into a top program with wonderful colleagues, supportive professors, interesting classes and a variety of expansive opportunities.
I guess another example is that I was hoping to go to Guatemala this summer (while Brad's in Brazil) and visit a project that I love there called Education and Hope, that's actually where we signed up for a registry. In fact, it's one of my dreams to possibly set up or work with a similar program somewhere, perhaps in the DR with our church. To me the DR stands out, since so many Haitians (without DR citizenship) have no right to an education. But, there's a lot going on this summer, along with a lot of expenses tied up with a new home, etc... so I might not make the trip this summer. It's hard to not do something that would be a great experience, but I have new priorities coming my way, a new family I'm starting... and this I love.
Woe
Words of Correction
37When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised.
39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41But give what is inside the dish [b] to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
42"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
43"Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.
44"Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it."
45One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also."
46Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.
47"Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your forefathers who killed them. 48So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 49Because of this, God in his wisdom said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.' 50Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.
52"Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering."
53When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, 54waiting to catch him in something he might say. -Luke 11:37-53
I was especially struck by these words this morning. For all the times we read of a gentle Jesus with quiet and loving and mild mannered words, these words are striking. I'm reminded that Jesus was anything but silent. When he noticed that something was amiss, he called it out. When he believed that something wasn't correct, he mentioned it. I pray that God may give me wisdom when I need to speak out, and when I should remain quiet.
Sometimes it's hard to speak out. We don't want to create 'conflict.' But being pacifist is not being 'passive,' though that's the common myth. Actually "pacifism" does not just mean peace but "peace making"- note the active verb in the second part of this definition. Pacifists were always rather countercultural... taking punishment and persecution without resorting to the "(carnal) sword" as they put it, their actions spoke as loudly as their words. They spoke out with words and their ways that they believed in a Jesus who asked us to 'turn the other cheek' and 'love our enemies.' In fact, that is one of the reasons the COB still exists today, a strong belief that a historical tradition of Biblical pacifism (in addition to radical discipleship) is a unique and significant witness, described in Dale Brown's book "Biblical Pacifism" as a "faithful prophetic minority [that] provide[s] a needed alternative model."
In a more day to day context, we might think about when God is asking us to challenge our brothers and sisters, remind them of the blessings of corporal worship and bible studies, and invite them to participate in prayer groups, etc.
Lord, teach us when we need to say what we might not need to say- whether words that go against our own desires or words that correct.
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Space In Between: Least/Greatest, Sinful/Holy
It's probably true of most of us that we neither feel the least nor the greatest, neither completely sinful nor completely holy. Instead, we find ourselves in the precarious position somewhere in between. For when we allow ourselves to be the least, we are often lifted up to be the greatest. When we recognize our sin and God's amazing grace to cover that, His holy spirit makes us holy.
The power of the least...
The beauty of the sinful...
Our Bible reveals the lovely, surprising and amazing power that Jesus has to change and transform the labels we fit into.
From the Least
A Scaredy Cat and a King
17 Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the LORD at Mizpah 18 and said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.' 19 But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans."
20 When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. 21 Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. 22 So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?"
And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."
23 They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. 24 Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people."
Then the people shouted, "Long live the king!"
25 Samuel explained to the people the regulations of the kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the LORD. Then Samuel dismissed the people, each to his own home.
26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. -1 Samuel 10:17-27
Amazing but true. Here we find an example of a scared-y cat. I'm sure Saul would've been made fun of on the playground for his antics. He was hiding behind the luggage when Samuel appointed him king in front of the people! Could you imagine: Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you... the president of the United States of America. And there he is, hiding among the hedges in the rose garden... walking out timidly as his name is mentioned. I'm sure that our response might be similar: "How can this fellow lead us?"
But here lies the beauty of God's power to take the least and transform it into the greatest. Moses, Saul, Joseph, Mary... in Mary's song, she praises God for how He takes His humble servant and lifts her up to a place of honor. And He still does this today. Are you feeling a little downtrodden, a little less-than at work, at home, at school? Do you feel that people say,
"How can this little fellow/lady ______?"
do a PhD
lead a congregation
sell timeshares in a bad economy
complete comprehensive exams
The answer is clear... God's power will take any "little fellow" to the place of greatness... allow Him to work through you.
A Child and Jesus
46An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."
49"Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."
50"Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." -Luke 9:46-49
Again, it's important to remember that during this time children and women had no place at all. They weren't allowed to speak in the presence of adults. They belonged to a very different sphere. Jesus here lifts up two very important different types of people: children and outsiders.
The children, who were not even a part of society yet, are placed in a place of honor. After all... "welcoming a child" is like "welcoming [Jesus]". How important it becomes to treat someone that would be shut out of the conversation in a respectful way. I don't believe that here Jesus is only referring to children, but all of those that would be shut out of the conversation.
And the second, the outsider, mentioned just after this portion of scripture would confirm this. The disciples knew what Jesus wanted them to do, but they were upset and others, outsiders, who were doing things in Jesus name. Was this allowed? How could this be? Wasn't this "their" job? But Jesus tells them to 'let them be.' These 'outsiders' may not be outsiders at all. After all, the blessing of Jesus gift is that there are no longer any outsiders... we are all welcomed in... strangers, children, weak, young... there are no excluding factors.
From the Sinful
Sinful but Serving
20 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." -1 Samuel 12:20-25
Sinful but Following
41"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."-Luke 9:41
57As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
58Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
59He said to another man, "Follow me."
But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."
62Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."-Luke 9:57-62
The power of the least...
The beauty of the sinful...
Our Bible reveals the lovely, surprising and amazing power that Jesus has to change and transform the labels we fit into.
From the Least
A Scaredy Cat and a King
17 Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the LORD at Mizpah 18 and said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.' 19 But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans."
20 When Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. 21 Then he brought forward the tribe of Benjamin, clan by clan, and Matri's clan was chosen. Finally Saul son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. 22 So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?"
And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."
23 They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. 24 Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people."
Then the people shouted, "Long live the king!"
25 Samuel explained to the people the regulations of the kingship. He wrote them down on a scroll and deposited it before the LORD. Then Samuel dismissed the people, each to his own home.
26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. -1 Samuel 10:17-27
Amazing but true. Here we find an example of a scared-y cat. I'm sure Saul would've been made fun of on the playground for his antics. He was hiding behind the luggage when Samuel appointed him king in front of the people! Could you imagine: Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you... the president of the United States of America. And there he is, hiding among the hedges in the rose garden... walking out timidly as his name is mentioned. I'm sure that our response might be similar: "How can this fellow lead us?"
But here lies the beauty of God's power to take the least and transform it into the greatest. Moses, Saul, Joseph, Mary... in Mary's song, she praises God for how He takes His humble servant and lifts her up to a place of honor. And He still does this today. Are you feeling a little downtrodden, a little less-than at work, at home, at school? Do you feel that people say,
"How can this little fellow/lady ______?"
do a PhD
lead a congregation
sell timeshares in a bad economy
complete comprehensive exams
The answer is clear... God's power will take any "little fellow" to the place of greatness... allow Him to work through you.
A Child and Jesus
46An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."
49"Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."
50"Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." -Luke 9:46-49
Again, it's important to remember that during this time children and women had no place at all. They weren't allowed to speak in the presence of adults. They belonged to a very different sphere. Jesus here lifts up two very important different types of people: children and outsiders.
The children, who were not even a part of society yet, are placed in a place of honor. After all... "welcoming a child" is like "welcoming [Jesus]". How important it becomes to treat someone that would be shut out of the conversation in a respectful way. I don't believe that here Jesus is only referring to children, but all of those that would be shut out of the conversation.
And the second, the outsider, mentioned just after this portion of scripture would confirm this. The disciples knew what Jesus wanted them to do, but they were upset and others, outsiders, who were doing things in Jesus name. Was this allowed? How could this be? Wasn't this "their" job? But Jesus tells them to 'let them be.' These 'outsiders' may not be outsiders at all. After all, the blessing of Jesus gift is that there are no longer any outsiders... we are all welcomed in... strangers, children, weak, young... there are no excluding factors.
From the Sinful
Sinful but Serving
20 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." -1 Samuel 12:20-25
Sinful but Following
41"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."-Luke 9:41
57As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
58Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
59He said to another man, "Follow me."
But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."
62Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."-Luke 9:57-62
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
"Oh, Alright" - Obeying When It's Not Fun
I wonder if you are as familiar with the "Oh, alright" response as I am. It's what you say when...
you'd rather continue pulling your sister's hair
you'd rather finish watching the basketball game instead of helping set the table
you'd rather sleep in on Sunday morning instead of preparing a lesson
you'd rather not make dinner for a huge group of people
you'd rather not take the 'open door'
But it needs to be done, and you're willing. While we're sometimes displeased and sometimes not thrilled with the idea, there is value in our obedience, even when we'd rather...
And Samuel and the disciples demonstrate the value of obedience even when you're displeased, even when it's not easy.
When You're Displeased...
6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."...
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king."
Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Everyone go back to his town." -1 Samuel 8:6-9,19-21
I was immediately struck by this situation. Samuel was displeased, even so... he prayed about it. And he was open to to listen to God's will for him. Even though it wasn't what he wanted to hear, that was what he heard.
Sometimes I feel like I resist what God's telling me if I'm displeased with it. Now, I am extremely excited about the PhD program I'm entering- the wonderfully sweet SLAT community, the exciting research opportunities, the diversity of experiences and interdisciplinary nature of the program, but it was something that I resisted for a while. I got on a listserv for different jobs in the area, searched on several other job sites, etc. But, I didn't want to hear that the PhD was for me. Finally, it seemed like the open door... and so that's where I am. After talking with Dr. Waugh and other grad students, I feel very much at peace with my decision and pleased with the opportunities and preparation that SLAT will provide for me. But, I resisted. I was initially displeased, and I didn't want to hear anything other than what I wanted to hear.
So I must tell you that I greatly admire Samuel this morning... and his obedience, in spite of his displeasure- to go and pray to God and to be so open to His leading.
When It's Not Easy...
23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." -Luke 9:23-27
Additionally, we have the disciples who are told to-
daily take up their cross
follow
lose their life
They were told to give up everything they had- their career, their material possessions- and follow. They were told to take up their cross- a physical burden symbolizing perhaps the weight of their responsibility. They were told to lose their life- making others and the work of the kingdom more important than themselves.
This is not an easy message, but the disciples obeyed.
I pray to day that even when we are not thrilled with what we need to do, that we might say, "Oh, alright" and give it to God.
you'd rather continue pulling your sister's hair
you'd rather finish watching the basketball game instead of helping set the table
you'd rather sleep in on Sunday morning instead of preparing a lesson
you'd rather not make dinner for a huge group of people
you'd rather not take the 'open door'
But it needs to be done, and you're willing. While we're sometimes displeased and sometimes not thrilled with the idea, there is value in our obedience, even when we'd rather...
And Samuel and the disciples demonstrate the value of obedience even when you're displeased, even when it's not easy.
When You're Displeased...
6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."...
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king."
Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Everyone go back to his town." -1 Samuel 8:6-9,19-21
I was immediately struck by this situation. Samuel was displeased, even so... he prayed about it. And he was open to to listen to God's will for him. Even though it wasn't what he wanted to hear, that was what he heard.
Sometimes I feel like I resist what God's telling me if I'm displeased with it. Now, I am extremely excited about the PhD program I'm entering- the wonderfully sweet SLAT community, the exciting research opportunities, the diversity of experiences and interdisciplinary nature of the program, but it was something that I resisted for a while. I got on a listserv for different jobs in the area, searched on several other job sites, etc. But, I didn't want to hear that the PhD was for me. Finally, it seemed like the open door... and so that's where I am. After talking with Dr. Waugh and other grad students, I feel very much at peace with my decision and pleased with the opportunities and preparation that SLAT will provide for me. But, I resisted. I was initially displeased, and I didn't want to hear anything other than what I wanted to hear.
So I must tell you that I greatly admire Samuel this morning... and his obedience, in spite of his displeasure- to go and pray to God and to be so open to His leading.
When It's Not Easy...
23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." -Luke 9:23-27
Additionally, we have the disciples who are told to-
daily take up their cross
follow
lose their life
They were told to give up everything they had- their career, their material possessions- and follow. They were told to take up their cross- a physical burden symbolizing perhaps the weight of their responsibility. They were told to lose their life- making others and the work of the kingdom more important than themselves.
This is not an easy message, but the disciples obeyed.
I pray to day that even when we are not thrilled with what we need to do, that we might say, "Oh, alright" and give it to God.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
For This I Have God
I don't know if this happens to everyone, but sometimes I just feel so small. I feel the world and everything is so big. Little me... I can't handle anything. The ODB reflection tells of a sermon in which the pastor suggested to make our mantra, "For this, I have God."
In the middle of your daughter's temper tantrum, "For this, I have God."
At the start of your written comprehensive exams, "For this, I have God."
Before a cross country move, "For this, I have God."
During your 10th job interview, "For this, I have God."
God's power is what we need in these situations, and it is recounted in many lovely stories in the Bible. The story of the Ark of the Lord shows how God protected the Israelites, and Luke 9 tells of the power Jesus gave to the disciples to preach.
Power for Protection
19 But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy [i] of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them, 20 and the men of Beth Shemesh asked, "Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?"
21 Then they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to your place." -1 Samuel 6:19-21
This story is quite amazing. They moved the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Israel, and bad things happened wherever they took it. What I get from this story is that even though the Israelites were powerless to keep the ark in their possession, powerless to fight against the Philistines, God's power fought for them. However, I can't ignore this ending verse either... God struck down the men who looked into the ark, and their response was mourning but also awe and wonder... "Who can stand in the presence of the holy God?"
I fear that sometimes we make people to big and God too small. We fail to recognize with every day how much power God to do every single thing, to create every single things, to undo every single thing! His power is amazing... and His love is amazing in that in spite of His power and authority, He chooses to love each of us and use His power to protect and love His people.
Power for Preaching
1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." 6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him. -Luke 9:1-9
I love these verses too, especially the beginning verse. How can we fear what God sends us to do, when we know that He will protect and empower and enable us to do that for which He commands us. We don't need any material things, perhaps no training even... we just go where He sends us and allow His power to work through us.
Where are you called to ministry? A supportive women's group? A coffee time before worship at church? Going around to your neighborhood homes and praying for families? A prayer group? A Bible Study? Remember, "For this, you have God." Pray that He may enable you with the power of His Holy Spirit in order to further His ministry here on earth.
In the middle of your daughter's temper tantrum, "For this, I have God."
At the start of your written comprehensive exams, "For this, I have God."
Before a cross country move, "For this, I have God."
During your 10th job interview, "For this, I have God."
God's power is what we need in these situations, and it is recounted in many lovely stories in the Bible. The story of the Ark of the Lord shows how God protected the Israelites, and Luke 9 tells of the power Jesus gave to the disciples to preach.
Power for Protection
19 But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy [i] of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them, 20 and the men of Beth Shemesh asked, "Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?"
21 Then they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to your place." -1 Samuel 6:19-21
This story is quite amazing. They moved the ark of the covenant of the Lord from Israel, and bad things happened wherever they took it. What I get from this story is that even though the Israelites were powerless to keep the ark in their possession, powerless to fight against the Philistines, God's power fought for them. However, I can't ignore this ending verse either... God struck down the men who looked into the ark, and their response was mourning but also awe and wonder... "Who can stand in the presence of the holy God?"
I fear that sometimes we make people to big and God too small. We fail to recognize with every day how much power God to do every single thing, to create every single things, to undo every single thing! His power is amazing... and His love is amazing in that in spite of His power and authority, He chooses to love each of us and use His power to protect and love His people.
Power for Preaching
1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." 6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him. -Luke 9:1-9
I love these verses too, especially the beginning verse. How can we fear what God sends us to do, when we know that He will protect and empower and enable us to do that for which He commands us. We don't need any material things, perhaps no training even... we just go where He sends us and allow His power to work through us.
Where are you called to ministry? A supportive women's group? A coffee time before worship at church? Going around to your neighborhood homes and praying for families? A prayer group? A Bible Study? Remember, "For this, you have God." Pray that He may enable you with the power of His Holy Spirit in order to further His ministry here on earth.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Praise: Why, When, Who
Praise is a common "church word." Just say the word and millions of word associations form in our mind-
"Praise Him, Praise Him, all the little children.."
"Praise the Lord."
"I will praise him, for all of my days..."
"worthy of praise..."
But, there's a lot to this that we refer to as praise, and the Bible is brimming with information on praise. Why is it right to offer praise? When should we offer praise? Who should we praise?
Why
The Lord has anointed Me . . . to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. —Isaiah 61:1,3
While this topic deserves a 20 page paper, I believe that at least one of the reasons behind praise is inherent in this verse. God desires to give the world beauty for ashes, joy for mourning. In praising God, we are completing His will for the world. We are doing what He has ordained to be done... we are offering a bit of God Himself. Our praise is beautiful, our praise is joyful. We exchange the ashes for the beauty and the mourning for the joy in our decision to praise the Lord.
When
25 When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. -1 Samuel 1:25-28
This morning I am again struck by Hannah's faithfulness. God knows first hand how difficult it is to give up a child, and Hannah had promised her first born to the Lord, so that is what she did. Not only did she give her son in service to the Lord, she worshiped the Lord for His blessing... instead of mourning the loss of her child. I cannot think of a more beautiful depiction of turning her joy into morning that the lovely song of praise in 1 Samuel 2.
Who
38The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.- Luke 8:38-39
Additionally, this verse reminds me this morning that we are not simply to praise anyone or anything. Praise in a Biblical sense is meant of the one who is worthy of praise, the Lord our God. Now I think it's important to note here that the man, as many in that day, may not have recognized Jesus as Lord, as a part of the Holy Trinity. Or perhaps he did. These two verses hold a certain essence of ambiguity. Does Luke mean to tell us that in telling about "how much Jesus had done for him," the man was recognizing Jesus' power. Or was he missing the point and not treating Jesus as God?
This Sunday, I painted Easter Eggs with the children in the church, and we talked about its symbol of the trinity- shell, white yolk/ father, son, holy spirit. Whether we praise either one of these with words, we are in essence praising the whole... and our praise should be offered to God- father, son and holy spirit... not to some other third party such as money, wealth, fame, ambition, etc.
Praise!
Because it shows who God is and completes His purpose,
Praise!
Even difficult times,
Praise!
The Lord, God of all- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
"Praise Him, Praise Him, all the little children.."
"Praise the Lord."
"I will praise him, for all of my days..."
"worthy of praise..."
But, there's a lot to this that we refer to as praise, and the Bible is brimming with information on praise. Why is it right to offer praise? When should we offer praise? Who should we praise?
Why
The Lord has anointed Me . . . to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. —Isaiah 61:1,3
While this topic deserves a 20 page paper, I believe that at least one of the reasons behind praise is inherent in this verse. God desires to give the world beauty for ashes, joy for mourning. In praising God, we are completing His will for the world. We are doing what He has ordained to be done... we are offering a bit of God Himself. Our praise is beautiful, our praise is joyful. We exchange the ashes for the beauty and the mourning for the joy in our decision to praise the Lord.
When
25 When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. -1 Samuel 1:25-28
This morning I am again struck by Hannah's faithfulness. God knows first hand how difficult it is to give up a child, and Hannah had promised her first born to the Lord, so that is what she did. Not only did she give her son in service to the Lord, she worshiped the Lord for His blessing... instead of mourning the loss of her child. I cannot think of a more beautiful depiction of turning her joy into morning that the lovely song of praise in 1 Samuel 2.
Who
38The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.- Luke 8:38-39
Additionally, this verse reminds me this morning that we are not simply to praise anyone or anything. Praise in a Biblical sense is meant of the one who is worthy of praise, the Lord our God. Now I think it's important to note here that the man, as many in that day, may not have recognized Jesus as Lord, as a part of the Holy Trinity. Or perhaps he did. These two verses hold a certain essence of ambiguity. Does Luke mean to tell us that in telling about "how much Jesus had done for him," the man was recognizing Jesus' power. Or was he missing the point and not treating Jesus as God?
This Sunday, I painted Easter Eggs with the children in the church, and we talked about its symbol of the trinity- shell, white yolk/ father, son, holy spirit. Whether we praise either one of these with words, we are in essence praising the whole... and our praise should be offered to God- father, son and holy spirit... not to some other third party such as money, wealth, fame, ambition, etc.
Praise!
Because it shows who God is and completes His purpose,
Praise!
Even difficult times,
Praise!
The Lord, God of all- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Friday, April 2, 2010
But I Don't Understand...
Hmm... the things that we don't understand. We are hesitant to admit what we don't understand, anxious to either change it, ignore it or conquer it. Children are great to be around, because they are less inhibited. It's still "ok" for them not to understand. They can ask, "Why," "Why," Why?" over and over again, sometimes to their parents', teachers' and sunday school teachers' dismay. But if we listen a little more closely, they have something important to teach us... we don't understand everything.
To Conquer
Samson answered her, "If anyone ties me with seven fresh thongs [b] that have not been dried, I'll become as weak as any other man."
8 Then the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh thongs that had not been dried, and she tied him with them. 9 With men hidden in the room, she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" But he snapped the thongs as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered.
10 Then Delilah said to Samson, "You have made a fool of me; you lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied."
11 He said, "If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I'll become as weak as any other man."
12 So Delilah took new ropes and tied him with them. Then, with men hidden in the room, she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" But he snapped the ropes off his arms as if they were threads.
13 Delilah then said to Samson, "Until now, you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied."
He replied, "If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I'll become as weak as any other man." So while he was sleeping, Delilah took the seven braids of his head, wove them into the fabric 14 and [c] tightened it with the pin.
Again she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and pulled up the pin and the loom, with the fabric.
15 Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.
17 So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man."
18 When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, "Come back once more; he has told me everything." So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. 19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. [d] And his strength left him.
20 Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!"
He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.
21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. 22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. -Judges 16:7-22
The story of Samson is a classic case of one where the Philistines tried to conquer what they did not understand. They didn't understand the secret of Samson's strength. Honestly, the story also reminds me of the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me 4 times shame on me." Perhaps it goes to show that Samson, although powerful, was not the brightest crayon in the box. After Delilah setting him up 3 times, he still told her the truth, getting his eyes gouged out in the process.
But even after conquering Samson, the Philistines didn't quite understand the power of his hair. They thought it was the hair upon his head that gave him power, but instead it was the fact that he was set apart as a Nazirite in obedience to the command given to his parents, with a special connection to God. The continuation of the story shows how Samson called out to God for strength and shook the pillars of the palace where they had taken him. It was God, not Samson, that the Philistines didn't understand.
To Ignore or To Believe
11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
14Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." 17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea[a] and the surrounding country-Luke 7:11-17
Here we had a time where Jesus was performing miracles that were even harder to understand. How could this carpenter's son be doing such things? Healing the sick, bringing the dead back to life? While some chose to praise God on account of what they didn't understand, others (the Pharisees) chose to ignore and change and confront Jesus. This had to be stopped, whatever "this" was, "this" person with authority and power they did not understand.
And like Samson, they thought they could conquer him. As they took Jesus and crucified him, they thought they had taken his power away by killing his body. But it was this act of Crucifixion that brought his power to truth, that allowed his power and grace to cover the sins of each and every one of us. The power was not in his earthly body, but his part in the trinity from the Father above.
And this time of the year, this is what we celebrate... this power that we don't understand.
To Conquer
Samson answered her, "If anyone ties me with seven fresh thongs [b] that have not been dried, I'll become as weak as any other man."
8 Then the rulers of the Philistines brought her seven fresh thongs that had not been dried, and she tied him with them. 9 With men hidden in the room, she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" But he snapped the thongs as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered.
10 Then Delilah said to Samson, "You have made a fool of me; you lied to me. Come now, tell me how you can be tied."
11 He said, "If anyone ties me securely with new ropes that have never been used, I'll become as weak as any other man."
12 So Delilah took new ropes and tied him with them. Then, with men hidden in the room, she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" But he snapped the ropes off his arms as if they were threads.
13 Delilah then said to Samson, "Until now, you have been making a fool of me and lying to me. Tell me how you can be tied."
He replied, "If you weave the seven braids of my head into the fabric on the loom and tighten it with the pin, I'll become as weak as any other man." So while he was sleeping, Delilah took the seven braids of his head, wove them into the fabric 14 and [c] tightened it with the pin.
Again she called to him, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and pulled up the pin and the loom, with the fabric.
15 Then she said to him, "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.
17 So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man."
18 When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, "Come back once more; he has told me everything." So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. 19 Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. [d] And his strength left him.
20 Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!"
He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.
21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. 22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. -Judges 16:7-22
The story of Samson is a classic case of one where the Philistines tried to conquer what they did not understand. They didn't understand the secret of Samson's strength. Honestly, the story also reminds me of the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me 4 times shame on me." Perhaps it goes to show that Samson, although powerful, was not the brightest crayon in the box. After Delilah setting him up 3 times, he still told her the truth, getting his eyes gouged out in the process.
But even after conquering Samson, the Philistines didn't quite understand the power of his hair. They thought it was the hair upon his head that gave him power, but instead it was the fact that he was set apart as a Nazirite in obedience to the command given to his parents, with a special connection to God. The continuation of the story shows how Samson called out to God for strength and shook the pillars of the palace where they had taken him. It was God, not Samson, that the Philistines didn't understand.
To Ignore or To Believe
11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."
14Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." 17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea[a] and the surrounding country-Luke 7:11-17
Here we had a time where Jesus was performing miracles that were even harder to understand. How could this carpenter's son be doing such things? Healing the sick, bringing the dead back to life? While some chose to praise God on account of what they didn't understand, others (the Pharisees) chose to ignore and change and confront Jesus. This had to be stopped, whatever "this" was, "this" person with authority and power they did not understand.
And like Samson, they thought they could conquer him. As they took Jesus and crucified him, they thought they had taken his power away by killing his body. But it was this act of Crucifixion that brought his power to truth, that allowed his power and grace to cover the sins of each and every one of us. The power was not in his earthly body, but his part in the trinity from the Father above.
And this time of the year, this is what we celebrate... this power that we don't understand.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Right Reaction
Vengeance
3 Samson said to them, "This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them." 4 So he went out and caught three hundred foxes and tied them tail to tail in pairs. He then fastened a torch to every pair of tails, 5 lit the torches and let the foxes loose in the standing grain of the Philistines. He burned up the shocks and standing grain, together with the vineyards and olive groves.
6 When the Philistines asked, "Who did this?" they were told, "Samson, the Timnite's son-in-law, because his wife was given to his friend."
So the Philistines went up and burned her and her father to death. 7 Samson said to them, "Since you've acted like this, I won't stop until I get my revenge on you." 8 He attacked them viciously and slaughtered many of them. Then he went down and stayed in a cave in the rock of Etam.
9 The Philistines went up and camped in Judah, spreading out near Lehi. 10 The men of Judah asked, "Why have you come to fight us?"
"We have come to take Samson prisoner," they answered, "to do to him as he did to us."
11 Then three thousand men from Judah went down to the cave in the rock of Etam and said to Samson, "Don't you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us? What have you done to us?"
He answered, "I merely did to them what they did to me." -Judges 15:3-11
Oh Samson.... Scholars read him in a variety of ways. In an earlier chapter the author notes that God used Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman as an occasion to confront them. However, I do think it at least sad that Samson has used a great gift from God (his strength) to save his own pride. Perhaps it was also God's vengeance on the Philistines, but in this moment, Samson fails to recognize this and really misses something- "I merely did to them what they did to me."
Perhaps God would have had Samson confront the Philistines, but perhaps in a different way (I have trouble imagining a God who wold want wheat burned or foxes' tails tied together) or with different words (instead of I and me) or explanations, recognizing that this was God's will. And it would've taken on new meaning.
Furthermore, we have to recognize that this vengeance on the Philistines is before the new covenant. In the Old Testament, the plan seems to be- rid the world of evil, the Paganism of the Philistines. In the New Covenant, instead, we are to extend forgiveness to them... for all, Israelites, Philistines, grad students, parents, sales personnel. We are all deserving of God's vengeance, but we are all offered His forgiveness and His love.
Love
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.-Luke 27-36
And this love that God offers us, we are to offer to others as well.
Your 'enemies' might be different denominations pr believers in your own church who fail to agree with you on a hot-button issue. God says, "Love them."
Your 'enemies' might be disrespectful students who no longer seem to take initiative or responsibility for their work. God says, "Love them."
Your 'enemies' might be people on the opposite side of the political spectrum who either want more or less taxes paid for this or that purpose. God says, "Love them."
Your 'enemies' might be ___________________. God says, "Love them."
This morning I thank God that He has loved me just as much as I thank Him for instructing us to love one another, and teaching us that the two are mutually independent. You can't have one without the other.
May this love be reflected in our hearts today as we commemorate Maundy Thursday... in a footwashing service, where we learn that love is serving your sister or brother and putting them before yourself... and where we come together in a simple meal, remembering the love in that community of disciples... breaking bread and drinking the cup that connects the love for each other to the love God has for us and the love we have for Him.
3 Samson said to them, "This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them." 4 So he went out and caught three hundred foxes and tied them tail to tail in pairs. He then fastened a torch to every pair of tails, 5 lit the torches and let the foxes loose in the standing grain of the Philistines. He burned up the shocks and standing grain, together with the vineyards and olive groves.
6 When the Philistines asked, "Who did this?" they were told, "Samson, the Timnite's son-in-law, because his wife was given to his friend."
So the Philistines went up and burned her and her father to death. 7 Samson said to them, "Since you've acted like this, I won't stop until I get my revenge on you." 8 He attacked them viciously and slaughtered many of them. Then he went down and stayed in a cave in the rock of Etam.
9 The Philistines went up and camped in Judah, spreading out near Lehi. 10 The men of Judah asked, "Why have you come to fight us?"
"We have come to take Samson prisoner," they answered, "to do to him as he did to us."
11 Then three thousand men from Judah went down to the cave in the rock of Etam and said to Samson, "Don't you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us? What have you done to us?"
He answered, "I merely did to them what they did to me." -Judges 15:3-11
Oh Samson.... Scholars read him in a variety of ways. In an earlier chapter the author notes that God used Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman as an occasion to confront them. However, I do think it at least sad that Samson has used a great gift from God (his strength) to save his own pride. Perhaps it was also God's vengeance on the Philistines, but in this moment, Samson fails to recognize this and really misses something- "I merely did to them what they did to me."
Perhaps God would have had Samson confront the Philistines, but perhaps in a different way (I have trouble imagining a God who wold want wheat burned or foxes' tails tied together) or with different words (instead of I and me) or explanations, recognizing that this was God's will. And it would've taken on new meaning.
Furthermore, we have to recognize that this vengeance on the Philistines is before the new covenant. In the Old Testament, the plan seems to be- rid the world of evil, the Paganism of the Philistines. In the New Covenant, instead, we are to extend forgiveness to them... for all, Israelites, Philistines, grad students, parents, sales personnel. We are all deserving of God's vengeance, but we are all offered His forgiveness and His love.
Love
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.-Luke 27-36
And this love that God offers us, we are to offer to others as well.
Your 'enemies' might be different denominations pr believers in your own church who fail to agree with you on a hot-button issue. God says, "Love them."
Your 'enemies' might be disrespectful students who no longer seem to take initiative or responsibility for their work. God says, "Love them."
Your 'enemies' might be people on the opposite side of the political spectrum who either want more or less taxes paid for this or that purpose. God says, "Love them."
Your 'enemies' might be ___________________. God says, "Love them."
This morning I thank God that He has loved me just as much as I thank Him for instructing us to love one another, and teaching us that the two are mutually independent. You can't have one without the other.
May this love be reflected in our hearts today as we commemorate Maundy Thursday... in a footwashing service, where we learn that love is serving your sister or brother and putting them before yourself... and where we come together in a simple meal, remembering the love in that community of disciples... breaking bread and drinking the cup that connects the love for each other to the love God has for us and the love we have for Him.
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