"So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord...."
So often when we read of the early disciples, we think that we are not at the same level as them. That somehow they must have been holier or better or more equipped to do the ministry of Christ. After all, look at Paul and how he heals the crippled man, but then claims to be a mere mortal. We find it hard to beleive that we might be capable of such healing.
But, friends, we are just like Paul. We are called to be vessels of God's healing love and grace. Scripture proclaims that God works through and among humanity. We are not an exception. By our words and deeds, by our actions and reactions, by our choices and responses, we are to proclaim the love of Christ. Our lives display the healing love of Jesus.
God doesn't call the qualify. God qualifies the called.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
April 29: 1 Kings 1-3; Psallm 98; Acts 13
The wisdom of Solomon. How does he know that the one woman is the mother who holds true love? Her love is found in self-offering, in sacrifice. She is willing to give up the day-to-day life of a mother if it will mean that her son lives. Scripture tells us she was filled with compassion--a reaction whose center is found in the other instead of in self. This is the hallmark of true love---one who loves with the love of God: Putting the other first.
Friday, April 26, 2013
April 26: 2 Samuel 19-21; Psalm 96: Acts 11
"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples."
Evanglize. Sometimes this word frightens people. But it is what we are sent to do: to tell the Good News. Has knowing God, having Jesus as your Lord, changed your life? Has it transformed you? Is it in the process of transforming you? Then, tell that good news. Live that good news.
We promise to share the good news of new life in Jesus through both word and deed in our baptism and confirmation vows. The Psalmist proclaims it as our role as God's people. It is the very thing Peter does; he tells his story of transformation. And because Peter shares his story, people's lives are changed. Their behavior is transformed. The door to salvation is burst open by the human hands which once held it closed to Gentiles, outsiders, the "others."
Sharing our story of transformation in Jesus---both by how we interact and react in the world, and by our words and choices---this is how the world will know, how others will come to believe and know. Share your story.
Evanglize. Sometimes this word frightens people. But it is what we are sent to do: to tell the Good News. Has knowing God, having Jesus as your Lord, changed your life? Has it transformed you? Is it in the process of transforming you? Then, tell that good news. Live that good news.
We promise to share the good news of new life in Jesus through both word and deed in our baptism and confirmation vows. The Psalmist proclaims it as our role as God's people. It is the very thing Peter does; he tells his story of transformation. And because Peter shares his story, people's lives are changed. Their behavior is transformed. The door to salvation is burst open by the human hands which once held it closed to Gentiles, outsiders, the "others."
Sharing our story of transformation in Jesus---both by how we interact and react in the world, and by our words and choices---this is how the world will know, how others will come to believe and know. Share your story.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
April 25: 2 Samuel 16-18; Psalm 95; Acts 10
Acts 10 is an important time in the life of the church; it tells of when the Body of Christ, the church, recognizes that God desires to reconcile all things to God's self. Even the Gentiles. Acts 10 tells of the Holy Spirit falling upon peoples---even before Scripture tells us that they believe what they heard. The Holy Spirit isn't limited to working through believers.
God makes all things new. We claim this as our Truth. Peter proclaims that God has commanded: "What God has made clean, you must not call profane." God makes all things new, all things clean. The Good News of Acts 10 is that the Church need not be the gatekeeper. The Church is to declare that in God's Kingdom "the gates will never be shut." (Revelation 21). As the Body of Christ, our role is to shine the light of this Truth into the darkness and to be agents of this light. God desires that all of Creation be reconciled to God. Don't we think that God is going to get what God wants?
God makes all things new. We claim this as our Truth. Peter proclaims that God has commanded: "What God has made clean, you must not call profane." God makes all things new, all things clean. The Good News of Acts 10 is that the Church need not be the gatekeeper. The Church is to declare that in God's Kingdom "the gates will never be shut." (Revelation 21). As the Body of Christ, our role is to shine the light of this Truth into the darkness and to be agents of this light. God desires that all of Creation be reconciled to God. Don't we think that God is going to get what God wants?
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
April 24: 2 Samuel 13-15; Psalm 94; Acts 9
The conversion of Saul reminds us that being a disciple is no light thing. It isn't simply a matter of trying to do "the best we can." It isn't simply a matter of trying to be better, to be the best person we can be....and that will have to do. It isn't simply a matter of doing good works. It isn't simply a matter of going to church.
Conversion is the process of turning our entire lives over to God---to go to church and give thanks to God for all that we have through praise and worship---and thereby declaring that in God we trust. We go to church in order to participate in the sacraments, receiving the grace of God--ingesting the Holy Spirit---and to let the Word have its way with us so that we can be transformed and changed. To become our true selves.
Yes, conversion is about becoming better; yes, conversion is about doing better; yes, conversion is about "being the best we can be." But, not by our own doing. But by God's doing. And Conversion means that we must submit all that we are, all that we have, all of who we are in order for this to happen. It is the very sacrificial giving of our lives into God's hands for the benefit of others---which then, of course, will be for our benefit. "Not my will, but thine, Lord" So, what scales need to fall from our eyes---how must our hearts be circumcised--to embrace the truth of conversion?
Conversion is the process of turning our entire lives over to God---to go to church and give thanks to God for all that we have through praise and worship---and thereby declaring that in God we trust. We go to church in order to participate in the sacraments, receiving the grace of God--ingesting the Holy Spirit---and to let the Word have its way with us so that we can be transformed and changed. To become our true selves.
Yes, conversion is about becoming better; yes, conversion is about doing better; yes, conversion is about "being the best we can be." But, not by our own doing. But by God's doing. And Conversion means that we must submit all that we are, all that we have, all of who we are in order for this to happen. It is the very sacrificial giving of our lives into God's hands for the benefit of others---which then, of course, will be for our benefit. "Not my will, but thine, Lord" So, what scales need to fall from our eyes---how must our hearts be circumcised--to embrace the truth of conversion?
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
April 23: 2 Samuel 10-12; Psalm 93; Acts 8
Today in Acts we hear clearly that proclaiming the Good News can be dangerous. Not only can it be perceived as dangerous to others, but it can be dangerous for the one who proclaims as well. Why is this "Good News" so threatening?
The Good News in Christ calls us to change, to be transformed, to live in a whole other way. For those of us who are comfortable (or at least mostly comfortable), there isn't a real good reason to want to change. After all, we're doing all right.
For those in power, there is definitely no good reason to change. If we change things, those in power and authority may have to give up their power and authority.
But Philip reminds us why we might listen to and be transformed by this Good News: Love. Philip reminds us that Jesus laid down his life for us. God does this so that all may know peace. All may have enough. The abundance of Creation will be shared justly. That a New Creation may rise---where there will be no more hunger, no more thirst, and our tears will be wiped away. Of course, this New Creation requires that all power and authority lay in God's hands. Are we brave enough?
The Good News in Christ calls us to change, to be transformed, to live in a whole other way. For those of us who are comfortable (or at least mostly comfortable), there isn't a real good reason to want to change. After all, we're doing all right.
For those in power, there is definitely no good reason to change. If we change things, those in power and authority may have to give up their power and authority.
But Philip reminds us why we might listen to and be transformed by this Good News: Love. Philip reminds us that Jesus laid down his life for us. God does this so that all may know peace. All may have enough. The abundance of Creation will be shared justly. That a New Creation may rise---where there will be no more hunger, no more thirst, and our tears will be wiped away. Of course, this New Creation requires that all power and authority lay in God's hands. Are we brave enough?
April 22: 2 Samuel 7-9; Psalm 92; Acts 7
Stephen tells the people their own story---a story of time and again turning from God. A story of time and again people telling God: Thanks, but no thanks, we know what to do. We got this, God. We'll let you know when we need you.
Stephen tells our story; let's not deceive ourselves. Since this story happened so long ago and to the Hebrews, we can fool ourselves into thinking that this story isn't talking about us. But, this is humanity's story. Since the beginning we have been seeking to take God out of the center of Creation and to put ourselves there.
Today, Stephen says to us: "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do!"
So, today, let us take some time to sit still and listen for the Spirit. Let us call upon the Spirit, our Advocate, to direct our words, our thoughts, and our choices so that today we may head in the Lord's direction. And tomorrow? Tomorrow is another day in which to choose.
Stephen tells our story; let's not deceive ourselves. Since this story happened so long ago and to the Hebrews, we can fool ourselves into thinking that this story isn't talking about us. But, this is humanity's story. Since the beginning we have been seeking to take God out of the center of Creation and to put ourselves there.
Today, Stephen says to us: "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do!"
So, today, let us take some time to sit still and listen for the Spirit. Let us call upon the Spirit, our Advocate, to direct our words, our thoughts, and our choices so that today we may head in the Lord's direction. And tomorrow? Tomorrow is another day in which to choose.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
April 20: 2 Samuel 4-6; Psalm 91; Acts 6
In Acts 6, we see the early church beginning to understand that in order for the Body of Christ to do all the works needed by the Body of Christ, people were going to have to step into their roles. Each of us, due to our gifts, our resources, our capabilities, and our passions, has a different role to play in order for us to be agents of God's Kingdom. The church is at its best---and heaven is exposed---when we recognize this truth and each take up our role.
Sometimes, our roles may change; sometimes not. In Acts 6, we get the first ordination of deacons---those who are set apart as servants, bringing the world and its needs, to the church and God. Ordination is for life, so as a deacon, their particular focus ministry may change, but they will be a deacon forever.
We also see what happens within a church when one of us excels. While many are happy and joyful about one's successful ministry, others may become jealous. Jealousy comes from us not accepting the particular role we are called to---maybe we think it is not important enough or it is not as influential as we would like. Every role is important; every piece is needed. We all work together for the glory of God, not our own glory. As we see in Acts 6 today, sometimes this is difficult to remember.
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 832)
Sometimes, our roles may change; sometimes not. In Acts 6, we get the first ordination of deacons---those who are set apart as servants, bringing the world and its needs, to the church and God. Ordination is for life, so as a deacon, their particular focus ministry may change, but they will be a deacon forever.
We also see what happens within a church when one of us excels. While many are happy and joyful about one's successful ministry, others may become jealous. Jealousy comes from us not accepting the particular role we are called to---maybe we think it is not important enough or it is not as influential as we would like. Every role is important; every piece is needed. We all work together for the glory of God, not our own glory. As we see in Acts 6 today, sometimes this is difficult to remember.
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 832)
Friday, April 19, 2013
April 19: 2 Samuel 1-3; Psalm 90; Acts 5
In 2 Samuel we see the continuation of what happens when humanity makes another human their king, instead of living and acting as God as their King. Our allegiances fall in the wrong places; we begin to see people as "the other" and the "enemy." As soon as we can see another human people as something less than how we see ourselves, we allow the belief that it's justified to destroy the enemy---since they are less than----to take root in our minds and hearts.
We see this same sense of self-protection in the book of Acts. Ananias and Saphhira do not completely trust God as their king. They cannot completely trust that God's abundance will be shared with them. Therefore, they use God's abundance as if it is only their own; they hold some of it back (ensuring they have enough...only reasonable, right?) and this leads to death.
We may find it unbelievable since people do not normally just drop dead due to greed (imagine if that were the literal truth!) No, but death comes in many forms. As soon as greed and self-protection become our leading truth, then the image of God within us begins to dim. Our identity as Christ's own begins to gasp for breath. And someone, somewhere, who needs the very items we are hoarding as our own (food, water, riches, talents, gifts of any kind)----that someone is losing his/her life. Because we fear we won't have enough. We fear that God's abundance won't find its way to our table, so we keep food and water from someone else's table. Death comes in many forms.
We see this same sense of self-protection in the book of Acts. Ananias and Saphhira do not completely trust God as their king. They cannot completely trust that God's abundance will be shared with them. Therefore, they use God's abundance as if it is only their own; they hold some of it back (ensuring they have enough...only reasonable, right?) and this leads to death.
We may find it unbelievable since people do not normally just drop dead due to greed (imagine if that were the literal truth!) No, but death comes in many forms. As soon as greed and self-protection become our leading truth, then the image of God within us begins to dim. Our identity as Christ's own begins to gasp for breath. And someone, somewhere, who needs the very items we are hoarding as our own (food, water, riches, talents, gifts of any kind)----that someone is losing his/her life. Because we fear we won't have enough. We fear that God's abundance won't find its way to our table, so we keep food and water from someone else's table. Death comes in many forms.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
April 18: 1 Samuel 31: Psalm 89:19-52; Acts 4
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they wer uneducated and ordinary men...." (Acts 4:13)
God doesn't only choose extraordinary and uncommon people to reveal God's love and power. When God works through us, the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the common is made uncommon.
God doesn't only choose extraordinary and uncommon people to reveal God's love and power. When God works through us, the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the common is made uncommon.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
April 17: 1 Samuel 28-30; Psalm 89:1-18; Acts 3
What! Saul consults a witch? What? What's the Truth in this story?
Saul, like the rest of us, doesn't like what his future holds. He is trying to avoid the obvious results of his consequences, so he is doing something he says he will not do (after all, he is the one who expelled the witches, mediums, wizards). He has come to that point we all know so well, when he is willing to do pretty much anything to avoid facing up to the consequences of his actions.
Saul, like the disciples (No, Lord, I will never betray you), ends up doing something he could not conceive of himself doing because he is driven by fear, by self-protection, by maintaining the world as he desires it to be-----regardless of what God has asked of him. Regardless of where God has led him. Saul, like Adam and Eve, continues to demand that he knows the best way forward, that he is in control, not God.
Yes, we may struggle to "believe" or "accept" this story of the witch of Endor, but we cannot deny that we understand, and have experienced, the Truth of this story. The Truth is what we need to hang on to, learn from, and believe. The Truth will set us free.
Saul, like the rest of us, doesn't like what his future holds. He is trying to avoid the obvious results of his consequences, so he is doing something he says he will not do (after all, he is the one who expelled the witches, mediums, wizards). He has come to that point we all know so well, when he is willing to do pretty much anything to avoid facing up to the consequences of his actions.
Saul, like the disciples (No, Lord, I will never betray you), ends up doing something he could not conceive of himself doing because he is driven by fear, by self-protection, by maintaining the world as he desires it to be-----regardless of what God has asked of him. Regardless of where God has led him. Saul, like Adam and Eve, continues to demand that he knows the best way forward, that he is in control, not God.
Yes, we may struggle to "believe" or "accept" this story of the witch of Endor, but we cannot deny that we understand, and have experienced, the Truth of this story. The Truth is what we need to hang on to, learn from, and believe. The Truth will set us free.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
April 16: 1 Samuel 25-27; Psalm 88; Acts 2
The Psalms are the human voice of praise and despair; joy and doubt; fear and faith lifted up to God. In the 88th Psalm, the Psalmist begins in confidence: "O LORD, God of my salvation, when, at night, I cry out in your presence, let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry."
The Psalmist begins with the hopeful faith that it is God who saves him/her, and it is God who will hear his/her cry. God will answer the offered prayer.
But then, life with its troubles and sorrows enters in and causes the Psalmist to doubt. Yes, we understand this. When our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears and remain unanswered, we too begin to question:"Why do you cast me off? Why do you hide your face from me?" Like the Psalmist, we often blame God as well: "Your wrath has swept over me; your dread assaults destroy me."
When we read the Psalms, perhaps they can help us to hear and see ourselves, to hear and see our faulty reasoning. Humans are a funny lot. It's important to us that God give us free will----the power to choose and decide for ourselves----yet when things go wrong, we want to be able to blame God. After all, these things can not be the consequences of our actions, can they? Bad things can't be the result of us living in an imperfect and broken world.......someone has to be at fault, right?
The Psalmist has it so right to turn to God for his/her prayer, his/her plea and need. But, like the Psalmist, when we begin to think that God's job is to keep us from all harm and suffering, that God's job is to wall us off from the consequences of living--instead of empowering and enabling us to embrace life by bringing forth God's light into the shadows of life---then we need to recognize our veering off the path of discipleship. We need to be able to identify our faulty understanding of how God acts and how God moves in our lives.
The Psalms are wonderful writings that enable us to hear ourselves as we speak with God. The Psalms can help us to discern where and when we are in alignment with God's Kingdom and where and when we have become lost.
The Psalmist begins with the hopeful faith that it is God who saves him/her, and it is God who will hear his/her cry. God will answer the offered prayer.
But then, life with its troubles and sorrows enters in and causes the Psalmist to doubt. Yes, we understand this. When our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears and remain unanswered, we too begin to question:"Why do you cast me off? Why do you hide your face from me?" Like the Psalmist, we often blame God as well: "Your wrath has swept over me; your dread assaults destroy me."
When we read the Psalms, perhaps they can help us to hear and see ourselves, to hear and see our faulty reasoning. Humans are a funny lot. It's important to us that God give us free will----the power to choose and decide for ourselves----yet when things go wrong, we want to be able to blame God. After all, these things can not be the consequences of our actions, can they? Bad things can't be the result of us living in an imperfect and broken world.......someone has to be at fault, right?
The Psalmist has it so right to turn to God for his/her prayer, his/her plea and need. But, like the Psalmist, when we begin to think that God's job is to keep us from all harm and suffering, that God's job is to wall us off from the consequences of living--instead of empowering and enabling us to embrace life by bringing forth God's light into the shadows of life---then we need to recognize our veering off the path of discipleship. We need to be able to identify our faulty understanding of how God acts and how God moves in our lives.
The Psalms are wonderful writings that enable us to hear ourselves as we speak with God. The Psalms can help us to discern where and when we are in alignment with God's Kingdom and where and when we have become lost.
Monday, April 15, 2013
April 15: 1 Samuel 22-24; Psalm 87; Acts 1
"The king said to the guard who stood around him, 'Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David;"(1 Samuel 22:17)
Anger, jealousy, desire for power....these are seeds that can lead us down the wrong path. In our baptisms we promise to renounce evil---to turn away from these ways of death and turn toward life---to reaffirm our loyalty to Christ.
How often do we, in our anger or jealousy, feel justified to sanction another person's hurt...another person's downfall...another person's loss? In this story of the misuse of power by Saul, we may get so caught up in Saul's outrageous actions that we miss how closely they often mirror our own.
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world
which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your
Savior?
Answer I do.
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer I do.
Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer I do.
---Holy Baptism, the Book of Common Prayer
Anger, jealousy, desire for power....these are seeds that can lead us down the wrong path. In our baptisms we promise to renounce evil---to turn away from these ways of death and turn toward life---to reaffirm our loyalty to Christ.
How often do we, in our anger or jealousy, feel justified to sanction another person's hurt...another person's downfall...another person's loss? In this story of the misuse of power by Saul, we may get so caught up in Saul's outrageous actions that we miss how closely they often mirror our own.
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world
which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your
Savior?
Answer I do.
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer I do.
Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer I do.
---Holy Baptism, the Book of Common Prayer
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
April 13: 1 Samuel 19-21; Psalm 86; John 21
"Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication. In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me."(Psalm 86:6-7)
The Psalmist's words betray a beautiful trust that God does answer our pleas. God does keep God's promises. Sometimes, it is hard to believe. I think this is often because we hold our vision of what the answer to our prayer will look like so close that we cannot see or recognize God's answer when it comes in another form.
But consider Peter in John 21. Peter had declared Jesus Messiah, had proclaimed his undying loyalty....and then he betrayed his Lord three times. I bet Peter simply wanted the chance to prove his love for Jesus. And this is exactly what Jesus provides. Three times he asks Peter to declare his love; three proclamations that erase the earlier three betrayals.
And yet, true love requires more than words. The real answer to "Do you love me?" lies in Peter's response to Jesus' command: Feed my sheep. This is what Jesus wants from his followers: that we love one another as Jesus loves us. God answers our prayers. God keeps God's promises. Because we love God, we do the same by: continuing in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, in the prayers. Resisting evil and returning to the Lord. Proclaiming by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. Seeking and serving Christ in all others, loving our neighbors as ourselves. Striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being.
We do with God's help.
The Psalmist's words betray a beautiful trust that God does answer our pleas. God does keep God's promises. Sometimes, it is hard to believe. I think this is often because we hold our vision of what the answer to our prayer will look like so close that we cannot see or recognize God's answer when it comes in another form.
But consider Peter in John 21. Peter had declared Jesus Messiah, had proclaimed his undying loyalty....and then he betrayed his Lord three times. I bet Peter simply wanted the chance to prove his love for Jesus. And this is exactly what Jesus provides. Three times he asks Peter to declare his love; three proclamations that erase the earlier three betrayals.
And yet, true love requires more than words. The real answer to "Do you love me?" lies in Peter's response to Jesus' command: Feed my sheep. This is what Jesus wants from his followers: that we love one another as Jesus loves us. God answers our prayers. God keeps God's promises. Because we love God, we do the same by: continuing in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, in the prayers. Resisting evil and returning to the Lord. Proclaiming by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. Seeking and serving Christ in all others, loving our neighbors as ourselves. Striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being.
We do with God's help.
Friday, April 12, 2013
April 12: 1 Samuel 16-18; Psalm 85; John 20
So many
interesting things in today's readings.
"for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on
the outward appearances, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
Imagine what the world might look like if we had God's
eyes---if we could consider one another's heart, and not just the outward
appearance.
"Let David remain in my service..." (1 Samuel
16:21).
Here we have the past
(Saul) and the future (David) working together. A hard thing to do.
It is difficult for the past to watch the future do things differently,
change what has been.....and so we see it is for Saul. In the end, they part---and not
amicably. We see Saul seeking the
end of David. Saul cannot see
David with God's eyes, the heart of David, only that David has something that
he, Saul, does not have. Greed and
jealousy enter the picture.
"Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other." (Psalm 85:10)
But here, my beloved, is what happens when we see with God's
eyes, when we consider one another's hearts, when we live the life of salvation
that God offers. Steadfast love,
faithfulness, righteousness and peace.
What a promise! Do we dare
to take God up on this promise?
Thursday, April 11, 2013
April 11: 1 Samuel 13-15; Psalm 84; John 19
John 19: 25-27: "Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ 27Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home."
Here is the start of the church...the start of forgiving one another, serving one another, loving one another....practicing resurrection by choosing life-sustaining actions instead of divisive, destructive actions. This is what the church is: taking one another into our homes, seeing to one another's security and future.....living in community. And it all began here----at the foot of the cross.
Here is the start of the church...the start of forgiving one another, serving one another, loving one another....practicing resurrection by choosing life-sustaining actions instead of divisive, destructive actions. This is what the church is: taking one another into our homes, seeing to one another's security and future.....living in community. And it all began here----at the foot of the cross.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
April 10: 1 Samuel 10-12; Psalm 83; John 18
"As he turned away to leave Samuel, God gave him [Saul] another heart." (1 Samuel 10:9)
How interesting. God doesn't want to give the Hebrews a king, but they demand one. So, God is going to give them a king---Saul. And God knows that why lies before Saul is going to be hard---impossible even---so God gives him a new heart. In fact, the Hebrew reads: God is turning for him another heart.
Getting a new heart always requires turning. Turning away from a life that isn't centered on God and God's ways; turning toward the Way of Life----living like Jesus. What might our lives look like if every day we wake and ask God to give us a new heart---like Saul---in order to do the impossible? To be who we were made to be; to live as we have been made to live---like Jesus. Oh God, grant us a new heart.
How interesting. God doesn't want to give the Hebrews a king, but they demand one. So, God is going to give them a king---Saul. And God knows that why lies before Saul is going to be hard---impossible even---so God gives him a new heart. In fact, the Hebrew reads: God is turning for him another heart.
Getting a new heart always requires turning. Turning away from a life that isn't centered on God and God's ways; turning toward the Way of Life----living like Jesus. What might our lives look like if every day we wake and ask God to give us a new heart---like Saul---in order to do the impossible? To be who we were made to be; to live as we have been made to live---like Jesus. Oh God, grant us a new heart.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
April 9: 1 Samuel 7-9; Psalm 82; John 17
"Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them." (1 Samuel 8:7) So says God to Samuel. The people have rejected God as their king. They forsake God and serve other gods....they want to be "like other nations."
Oh me, this is our story, isn't it? Whom or what do we serve as king? What or whom gets our attention, our time, our money, and our achievements? Is it our comfort? Our financial security? Our possessions? Even our families can threaten to become our king.
God provides enough for all to have enough. This is what a king does: a king provides for the king's people. Of course, if there is greed or hoarding....if there are people who put themselves first and leave others in the ditch....then it will not matter how much the king provides. Those who serve themselves--those who do not serve the king, but serve themselves---they will turn the King's abundance into paucity.
We are called to live an alien lifestyle---a lifestyle that doesn't look anything like what the world would have us do. "Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
We do not belong to the world; we are sanctified---set apart--resident aliens in this world. How will you live this truth today?
Oh me, this is our story, isn't it? Whom or what do we serve as king? What or whom gets our attention, our time, our money, and our achievements? Is it our comfort? Our financial security? Our possessions? Even our families can threaten to become our king.
God provides enough for all to have enough. This is what a king does: a king provides for the king's people. Of course, if there is greed or hoarding....if there are people who put themselves first and leave others in the ditch....then it will not matter how much the king provides. Those who serve themselves--those who do not serve the king, but serve themselves---they will turn the King's abundance into paucity.
We are called to live an alien lifestyle---a lifestyle that doesn't look anything like what the world would have us do. "Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
We do not belong to the world; we are sanctified---set apart--resident aliens in this world. How will you live this truth today?
Monday, April 8, 2013
April 8: 1 Samuel 4-6; Psalm 81; John 16
Oh my goodness! We sure had much to consider over my vacation, didn't we? The end of Judges, the book of Ruth, the beginning of Samuel's story...and then the wonderful story of the end of Jesus' ministry and his farewell to his disciples in John's Gospel. So, today, this blog may be a bit longer as I want to touch on a few things we read over this week.
The Book of Ruth: such a beautiful parable/story of what it means to be the church. A blessed community that blesses. Did you notice that Ruth asks God to bless Boaz, and then she takes actions that make that prayer of blessing come true (marriage and children) for Boaz? And Boaz asks God to bless Ruth and Naomi, and then he takes action to make that blessing come true for them as well? This is what it means to be the church---to take in foreigners (Ruth) as family, to provide security and a future for others, and to act in ways that God's blessing on them may be their truth. To act in accordance with: "Your people will be my people, and your God, my God." (Ruth 1:16)
And then in 1 Samuel, we get the wonderful story of Hannah, who pours out her heart to the LORD. Hannah's song in chapter 2 parallels the Magnificat of Mary which Luke tells us in his gospel---a song of the reversal of fortunes that signify the nearness of God's Kingdom. (2:4-8)
And then, when Eli's sons are corrupting their power and status, Eli warns them and asks: "If someone sins against someone else, God can intercede; but if someone sins against the LORD, who will intercede for them?"
A good question, and one which God answers: I will establish for myself a trustworthy priest who will act in accordance with my thoughts and desires. (2:35)
We who live post-Resurrection, we know that this trustworthy priest is Christ---our great high priest---who acts according to God's will. And because Jesus acts in this way, and because we are commanded to be as Jesus, this call (heard by Samuel) is our call---to act in accordance with God's thoughts and desires.
We see in chapters 4-6 of 1 Samuel, through the people's beliefs and actions, their continuing fear toward God's power---their fear about encountering God in close proximity. Oh, how this must have grieved God. The people think they must provide a sacrifice....but the only sacrifice God asks of us is to allow our hearts to be transformed---changed into the heart of Jesus. Jesus, who tore the temple curtain, who removed all obstacles between humanity and God. Because God deeply desires to be in intimate relationship with us---Incarnation. "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." (John 14:9)
The Book of Ruth: such a beautiful parable/story of what it means to be the church. A blessed community that blesses. Did you notice that Ruth asks God to bless Boaz, and then she takes actions that make that prayer of blessing come true (marriage and children) for Boaz? And Boaz asks God to bless Ruth and Naomi, and then he takes action to make that blessing come true for them as well? This is what it means to be the church---to take in foreigners (Ruth) as family, to provide security and a future for others, and to act in ways that God's blessing on them may be their truth. To act in accordance with: "Your people will be my people, and your God, my God." (Ruth 1:16)
And then in 1 Samuel, we get the wonderful story of Hannah, who pours out her heart to the LORD. Hannah's song in chapter 2 parallels the Magnificat of Mary which Luke tells us in his gospel---a song of the reversal of fortunes that signify the nearness of God's Kingdom. (2:4-8)
And then, when Eli's sons are corrupting their power and status, Eli warns them and asks: "If someone sins against someone else, God can intercede; but if someone sins against the LORD, who will intercede for them?"
A good question, and one which God answers: I will establish for myself a trustworthy priest who will act in accordance with my thoughts and desires. (2:35)
We who live post-Resurrection, we know that this trustworthy priest is Christ---our great high priest---who acts according to God's will. And because Jesus acts in this way, and because we are commanded to be as Jesus, this call (heard by Samuel) is our call---to act in accordance with God's thoughts and desires.
We see in chapters 4-6 of 1 Samuel, through the people's beliefs and actions, their continuing fear toward God's power---their fear about encountering God in close proximity. Oh, how this must have grieved God. The people think they must provide a sacrifice....but the only sacrifice God asks of us is to allow our hearts to be transformed---changed into the heart of Jesus. Jesus, who tore the temple curtain, who removed all obstacles between humanity and God. Because God deeply desires to be in intimate relationship with us---Incarnation. "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." (John 14:9)
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
April 1: Judges 10-12; Psalm 76; John 10
The Good Shepherd Passage: we love this. So much assurance and comfort here...the Lord knows us. The Lord protects us and keeps us. The Lord lays down his life for us.
"I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice."
This sixteenth verse is challenging to us. Who might Jesus be talking about? Who might we consider outside the group of believers---outside the saved---that Jesus must bring in? It seems that Jesus' requirement is that they listen to his voice? What might this look like to us---in the world? Perhaps, Jesus is talking about people who follow the Way of Jesus---the way of forgiveness, compassion, love, mercy, and reconciliation---even if they haven't been to Sunday School or church or....?
What do you think? Can people live the Way and come to know Jesus in a different way than we have? Can people live the Way without knowing the Way? What about someone like Mahatma Gandhi? He seems to have lived in a way of reconciliation, mercy, love, compassion, forgiveness....and he wasn't Christian. Might he be one who "do not belong to this fold" and yet Jesus "must bring them also?" Or is Jesus, here, simply referring to the Gentiles? This is a challenging verse. What will we do with it?
"I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice."
This sixteenth verse is challenging to us. Who might Jesus be talking about? Who might we consider outside the group of believers---outside the saved---that Jesus must bring in? It seems that Jesus' requirement is that they listen to his voice? What might this look like to us---in the world? Perhaps, Jesus is talking about people who follow the Way of Jesus---the way of forgiveness, compassion, love, mercy, and reconciliation---even if they haven't been to Sunday School or church or....?
What do you think? Can people live the Way and come to know Jesus in a different way than we have? Can people live the Way without knowing the Way? What about someone like Mahatma Gandhi? He seems to have lived in a way of reconciliation, mercy, love, compassion, forgiveness....and he wasn't Christian. Might he be one who "do not belong to this fold" and yet Jesus "must bring them also?" Or is Jesus, here, simply referring to the Gentiles? This is a challenging verse. What will we do with it?
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