I have read and re-read chapter 7 and I have tried to concentrate on the first 13 verses to talk about them. But because I suppose of my monumental struggle for last almost 48 years with sin I find myself undeniably drawn to verses 14 - 25 every time I read this.
Paul's language about the struggle of doing what I aught not do when I do what I would not do and do not do what I would do - or something like that - reminded me of several other famous quotes.
“To do is to be.” ---Jean-Paul Sartre
“To be or not to be, that is the question.” --- William Shakespeare
“Sho-be-do-be-do” --- Frank Sinatra
Sorry, you have a very weird pastor.
Anyway, Paul puts into words a struggle that I am painfully familiar with. Too often the good things I long to do in my spirit, in my heart I do not do. Also, the evil I swear I will not do, that I end up doing. Not always, thanks be to God, but more often than I like. Paul concludes that we are a battlefield, the spirit and sin, the Law of God and the law of sin. In a familiar desperation Paul writes (I hear him shouting in a broken heart) "Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" I know the desperation - do you? Paul's words could be our words. And his answer can be our answer! "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Yes, thanks be to God! There is a savior who knows my struggle who provides for my weakness and loves me. The one who knows me best - all of the worst and the best - loves me the most!
As I close this note I want to remind you to re-read these verses tomorrow as you read chapter 8. These words are in my opinion a prologue for what is to follow.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Romans 6
Paul presents here what has become the orthodox view and teaching on baptism as well as a call to righteousness. Paul explains baptism to his readers by telling us that we are buried in baptism with Christ and so we then raise with Christ into new life. This illustration of burial is hard for us in the churches that celebrate infant baptism because of our method. In the church where immersion is practiced the illustration is more obvious - the individual went under the water of baptism and was "buried" there in death only to rise up out of the "grave" of baptism to eternal life. I understand there is a faith community in Central America that celebrates infant baptism in a very dramatic style. On the day of an infants baptism the father of the child carries a small coffin into the sanctuary. The pastor fills the tiny coffin with water as it rests on the communion table. The infant is then immersed in the water of baptism as the pastor says - "In Baptism your are buried with Christ that you might be raised with him also to eternal life." Perhaps this is too graphic for us in this culture, but I bet the worshippers there understand baptism in a different way than the casual on looker in our churches.
Paul said something in vs 5 that catches me up short. He says, "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." The hard part for me is that I don't think I know anyone, or at least not many, whose salvation came "in a death like his". In fact just the opposite is true. Jesus death was passionate and earth shaking and dramatic, while most of us seem to live like our conversion experiences - casual, mundane and shallow. Ouch, did I really just put that into print?
In verses 11 - 13, Paul explains how this view all works towards living righteous lives. He says "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness." I guess today I'll think about places where I have a choice to present myself to sin as an instrument of wickedness or to God as an instrument of righteousness. Lord help me live with passion for you.
Paul said something in vs 5 that catches me up short. He says, "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." The hard part for me is that I don't think I know anyone, or at least not many, whose salvation came "in a death like his". In fact just the opposite is true. Jesus death was passionate and earth shaking and dramatic, while most of us seem to live like our conversion experiences - casual, mundane and shallow. Ouch, did I really just put that into print?
In verses 11 - 13, Paul explains how this view all works towards living righteous lives. He says "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness." I guess today I'll think about places where I have a choice to present myself to sin as an instrument of wickedness or to God as an instrument of righteousness. Lord help me live with passion for you.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Romans 5
"Therefore" is an awkward word to start a chapter with, but that is what we find as we turn to Romans chapter 5. Someone - probably and English teacher or a preacher - told me tat whenever you see the word therefore, back up and ask find the base the next thought or sentence is about to build on. In this case, the "therefore" thought is building on the first four chapters. It is almost like Paul is taking a deep breath after the thesis he has presented in the first four chapters to reveal the target he has been aiming at. And what an important target it is!
"Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1 NRSV
Peace with God. What an amazing, undersold concept for the Christian Church. I do not know anyone that would not like to find peace in their lives. Peace here expressed by the Greek word eirene mirrors the Hebrew word and concept of shalom, or wholeness. Peace here is not just as an absence of conflict, but so much more. Here we find peace conveying a sense of completeness, Godly contentment, justice all around. Peace. Therefore, since we are justified by faith we are made whole, we are completed, we find justice for all who have any need. Peace. I think the Church today is missing a great opportunity to market this faith that brings peace and wholeness to a warring broken humanity.
This chapter is rich with conversation starters and study material. The call by Paul to grow up in faith and give thanks even for suffering. The substitutionary death of Jesus. The fall of the first Adam by which all is lost and the gift of the second Adam (Jesus) through which all is restored. But today, I will concentrate on peace.
"Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1 NRSV
Peace with God. What an amazing, undersold concept for the Christian Church. I do not know anyone that would not like to find peace in their lives. Peace here expressed by the Greek word eirene mirrors the Hebrew word and concept of shalom, or wholeness. Peace here is not just as an absence of conflict, but so much more. Here we find peace conveying a sense of completeness, Godly contentment, justice all around. Peace. Therefore, since we are justified by faith we are made whole, we are completed, we find justice for all who have any need. Peace. I think the Church today is missing a great opportunity to market this faith that brings peace and wholeness to a warring broken humanity.
This chapter is rich with conversation starters and study material. The call by Paul to grow up in faith and give thanks even for suffering. The substitutionary death of Jesus. The fall of the first Adam by which all is lost and the gift of the second Adam (Jesus) through which all is restored. But today, I will concentrate on peace.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Romans 4
What a great weekend! Sunday services were full of energy and I had fun fielding your questions. Thanks for staying in the study even when the material is difficult! This weeks readings are Monday - Romans 4, Tuesday - Romans 5, Wednesday - Romans 6, Thursday - Romans 7, and Friday - Romans 8.
Today as I read Romans 4 I was relieved that Paul had taken a new historic perspective on his grace presentation. He moves here to talk about Israel's history of grace as seen through the patriarch Abraham. Paul uses accounting or market terms in his discussion of Abraham's righteousness and by extension our own righteousness. He says it is reckoned or accounted to Abraham as dikiaosune a Greek version of the Hebrew tsadiqa. In the marketplace when a purchaser struck a bargain with the seller these words were often said over the deal. As the haggling came to a successful climax the seller would offer "tsadiq" and the satisfied buyer would affirm the offer with "tsadiqah"
So here in Romans 4:3 when "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." it is not necessarily saying Abraham is righteous, but that God accepts his belief as righteous. There is a difference.
Paul goes on to point out an interesting theological point - especially interesting to the Jewish and Gentile readers of his day, that Abraham at the time of this pronouncement of righteousness was not yet circumcised. So it was not by any act or work on Abraham's part that he is accounted as righteous, but it is a gift from God.
If this topic sounds familiar, it is because it is just another approach to Paul's arguments in the first few chapters that humanity is not saved by the Good Works of the Gentiles nor are we saved by the Law of the Jews, but by the grace of God through faith.
Today as I read Romans 4 I was relieved that Paul had taken a new historic perspective on his grace presentation. He moves here to talk about Israel's history of grace as seen through the patriarch Abraham. Paul uses accounting or market terms in his discussion of Abraham's righteousness and by extension our own righteousness. He says it is reckoned or accounted to Abraham as dikiaosune a Greek version of the Hebrew tsadiqa. In the marketplace when a purchaser struck a bargain with the seller these words were often said over the deal. As the haggling came to a successful climax the seller would offer "tsadiq" and the satisfied buyer would affirm the offer with "tsadiqah"
So here in Romans 4:3 when "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." it is not necessarily saying Abraham is righteous, but that God accepts his belief as righteous. There is a difference.
Paul goes on to point out an interesting theological point - especially interesting to the Jewish and Gentile readers of his day, that Abraham at the time of this pronouncement of righteousness was not yet circumcised. So it was not by any act or work on Abraham's part that he is accounted as righteous, but it is a gift from God.
If this topic sounds familiar, it is because it is just another approach to Paul's arguments in the first few chapters that humanity is not saved by the Good Works of the Gentiles nor are we saved by the Law of the Jews, but by the grace of God through faith.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Romans 3
As you read today's chapter you will be faced with the dilemma that has faced theologians for generations when we deal with the apostle Paul's writings. They are amazingly precise and complex! Paul writes like a first century lawyer, and that is in fact what he is. As a Pharisee by training, Saul of Tarsus was a debater and theologian by training and experience. Now as he moves into the life of the new faith community he sits to write the letter to Rome. It is a complicated well reasoned position paper arguing his theological position in typical Rabbinic style.
When I was in college I took 3 years of New Testament Greek. The text for the first year was the Gospel of John. It was exciting to read the Bible in the Greek language! I decided after just over a semester of study to delve into Paul's writings. I was completely lost. When I asked Dr. Gould - my Greek professor - why I was so over matched he explained that John's Gospel was like reading Dick and Jane, and Paul's writings were like reading law texts. I write this as a way to encourage you to hang in there!
In chapter 3 Paul seems to want to continue his argument regarding our sinfulness and God's gift of salvation made available to us through Jesus Christ. Verses 21-26 tell us that all who believe are given the gift of the righteousness of God through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Paul concludes, there is no room for boasting because apart from the law or good works we are justified by the law of faith. So it is not the law for Jews of good works for Gentiles that bring us to a place of peace with God, it is God's gift through faith alone.
Welcome to theology 101, 201, 301 etc.!
When I was in college I took 3 years of New Testament Greek. The text for the first year was the Gospel of John. It was exciting to read the Bible in the Greek language! I decided after just over a semester of study to delve into Paul's writings. I was completely lost. When I asked Dr. Gould - my Greek professor - why I was so over matched he explained that John's Gospel was like reading Dick and Jane, and Paul's writings were like reading law texts. I write this as a way to encourage you to hang in there!
In chapter 3 Paul seems to want to continue his argument regarding our sinfulness and God's gift of salvation made available to us through Jesus Christ. Verses 21-26 tell us that all who believe are given the gift of the righteousness of God through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Paul concludes, there is no room for boasting because apart from the law or good works we are justified by the law of faith. So it is not the law for Jews of good works for Gentiles that bring us to a place of peace with God, it is God's gift through faith alone.
Welcome to theology 101, 201, 301 etc.!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Romans 2
Before I comment on Romans 2 I want to give a brief update to those of you who have been reading along on the meeting we had last night in Syracuse around the Call to radical Christianity document. We had between 85 and 100 people in attendance and all of them seemed VERY interested. Someone commented after the 2+ hour meeting that it was one of the first conference meetings they could remember where the participants were actually on the edge of their seats leaning in for the entire meeting. We limited discussion to the intent of the document and not the content, and we also asked people not to impugn anyone in our NCNY Conference leadership. For the most part, these guidelines were followed.
One of the biggest surprises (and the nicest surprise I might add) of the night was the arrival of our Bishop Violet Fisher! We had not had any communication from her or her office since we mailed her the document in late November, early December. I was overjoyed that she came, she spoke to the gathered clergy at our insistence as we began and she participated in the small group process (she was in my small group and I could feel her energy and encouragement!) Another quick observation from my experience of the night. I was completely calm and relaxed all day and felt like I was surrounded by the prayers of the saints (you folks!) through the entire process. Thank-you, and thanks be to God.
Now, about Romans 2! As Mark observed yesterday, Paul comes out swinging! interesting that he swings hardest at any who would presume to stand in judgement of others! Too often Paul's writings are twisted and used as weapons against one group or another. The people that do that must not have read chapter 2 of Romans. I believe Paul wants us to face sin and confess it and repent but only OUR OWN SIN! Why are we so quick to identify the sins of others and ignore our own? Maybe the answers to that hypothetical question is obvious - but it is never right to judge others!
Paul concludes his lambasting (did I really just use that word?) of all hypocrites by turning us to examine our own hearts. In fact in vss 27 - 29 says "Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you that have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart--it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God. " There is the tension in this walk of faith. It is not simply about what we know in our heads, although learning and knowledge is good, it is, after all, about the condition of our heart. I hear Psalm 51 echoing in Paul's letter to Rome - "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and restore a new and right Spirit within me."
One of the biggest surprises (and the nicest surprise I might add) of the night was the arrival of our Bishop Violet Fisher! We had not had any communication from her or her office since we mailed her the document in late November, early December. I was overjoyed that she came, she spoke to the gathered clergy at our insistence as we began and she participated in the small group process (she was in my small group and I could feel her energy and encouragement!) Another quick observation from my experience of the night. I was completely calm and relaxed all day and felt like I was surrounded by the prayers of the saints (you folks!) through the entire process. Thank-you, and thanks be to God.
Now, about Romans 2! As Mark observed yesterday, Paul comes out swinging! interesting that he swings hardest at any who would presume to stand in judgement of others! Too often Paul's writings are twisted and used as weapons against one group or another. The people that do that must not have read chapter 2 of Romans. I believe Paul wants us to face sin and confess it and repent but only OUR OWN SIN! Why are we so quick to identify the sins of others and ignore our own? Maybe the answers to that hypothetical question is obvious - but it is never right to judge others!
Paul concludes his lambasting (did I really just use that word?) of all hypocrites by turning us to examine our own hearts. In fact in vss 27 - 29 says "Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you that have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart--it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God. " There is the tension in this walk of faith. It is not simply about what we know in our heads, although learning and knowledge is good, it is, after all, about the condition of our heart. I hear Psalm 51 echoing in Paul's letter to Rome - "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and restore a new and right Spirit within me."
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Romans 1
Welcome to Romans! This complex book written by the Apostle Paul has been called Paul's theology book. Many books have been written over the centuries as the church has tried to come to grips with what Paul says here. You are welcome to weigh in as you wrestle with this letter.
Paul likely wrote the book of Romans towards the end of his life as he prepared to travel to Rome and, he hoped, beyond. It is believed he wrote this letter from Corinth. Martin Luther called the book of Romans "the chief part of the New Testament," and the words here had profound impact on Augustine, Luther,Calvin Wesley and many of our greatest Christian thinkers. I believe the road to the New Testament and understanding our faith leads through these pages!
Paul begins this work with his characteristic salutation. He gives thanks for the Roman church and recounts their fame amongst the early church believers.
I love vss 16 and 17 as Paul says "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jews first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, 'The one who is righteous will live by faith.'"
Today is an important day for me, and I pray that I will not shrink from God's call. I am not ashamed of the Gospel, it is the power of God for salvation in my life and in the world!
I am anxious to read this theology book with you and to listen as the Spirit of God blows through our fellowship!
Paul likely wrote the book of Romans towards the end of his life as he prepared to travel to Rome and, he hoped, beyond. It is believed he wrote this letter from Corinth. Martin Luther called the book of Romans "the chief part of the New Testament," and the words here had profound impact on Augustine, Luther,Calvin Wesley and many of our greatest Christian thinkers. I believe the road to the New Testament and understanding our faith leads through these pages!
Paul begins this work with his characteristic salutation. He gives thanks for the Roman church and recounts their fame amongst the early church believers.
I love vss 16 and 17 as Paul says "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jews first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, 'The one who is righteous will live by faith.'"
Today is an important day for me, and I pray that I will not shrink from God's call. I am not ashamed of the Gospel, it is the power of God for salvation in my life and in the world!
I am anxious to read this theology book with you and to listen as the Spirit of God blows through our fellowship!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Call to Radical Christianity
I have a bonus post for you all today. Several weeks ago my covenant group - the crazy preachers I went to Uganda with last October and that I meet with every month for prayer and accountability - produced a manifesto of sorts. It was sent to our Bishop and her cabinet under the title "A Call to Radical Christianity".
After we sent it to our Bishop and her cabinet, we mailed a copy to all of the pastors in the North Central New York Annual Conference. Tomorrow night, Wednesday January 23rd, we have invited any interested pastors to join us in Syracuse at Christ Community United Methodist Church to dream and discuss.
The link below will take you to a site where you can read the document. Make comments, and pray for us tomorrow night as we try to lean in to the call God has placed upon us as disciples of His Son.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhjm6jn5_0cx22q77g
In His Service,
Bill
After we sent it to our Bishop and her cabinet, we mailed a copy to all of the pastors in the North Central New York Annual Conference. Tomorrow night, Wednesday January 23rd, we have invited any interested pastors to join us in Syracuse at Christ Community United Methodist Church to dream and discuss.
The link below will take you to a site where you can read the document. Make comments, and pray for us tomorrow night as we try to lean in to the call God has placed upon us as disciples of His Son.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhjm6jn5_0cx22q77g
In His Service,
Bill
Mark 16
CONGRATULATIONS!! We have made it through the first of our New Testament books! Today you will read, or have read Mark 16, the final chapter in Marks Gospel. This chapter has been a concern for me for over 30 years. Not any great earth shaking problems, just a historic disagreement on how the gospel ends.
If you read the footnotes in most Bibles you will get a fairly good read on the different options and opinions on how the writer of Mark ended the gospel. I have read and re-read the endings and substituted all of the options in different orders and combinations and I have come to the conclusion that it just doesn't matter. At least it doesn't matter much to me. What does matter very much is that Jesus who was crucified and died has risen from the dead! Now that changes everything for me.
As I read the 16th chapter I notice that the women are again setting the standard for faithfulness - they arrive first thing Sunday morning to anoint Jesus' dead body and finish caring for him. The young man or angel in the tomb tells them to "go, tell his disciples and Peter" that he has gone ahead of them to Galilee. I wonder why Peter is separated here from the disciples. Could it be his denials of Jesus? or perhaps an elevated status?
If there is some confusion in the accounts of that resurrection morning I completely understand. I can only imagine that they all must have been in a mixed mess of grief and shock and fear and hope. How could anything make sense on a day like this. It is hard for us to understand with almost 2000 years and all of our traditions and preconceived ideas to insulate us and buffer us from the actual raw emotions. For these women and men, they had walked with Jesus, they had loved him and been loved by him, they watched him as he was beaten and crucified and some of them watched him die! How could they possibly know how to process the events of that first Resurrection Sunday?
If you read the footnotes in most Bibles you will get a fairly good read on the different options and opinions on how the writer of Mark ended the gospel. I have read and re-read the endings and substituted all of the options in different orders and combinations and I have come to the conclusion that it just doesn't matter. At least it doesn't matter much to me. What does matter very much is that Jesus who was crucified and died has risen from the dead! Now that changes everything for me.
As I read the 16th chapter I notice that the women are again setting the standard for faithfulness - they arrive first thing Sunday morning to anoint Jesus' dead body and finish caring for him. The young man or angel in the tomb tells them to "go, tell his disciples and Peter" that he has gone ahead of them to Galilee. I wonder why Peter is separated here from the disciples. Could it be his denials of Jesus? or perhaps an elevated status?
If there is some confusion in the accounts of that resurrection morning I completely understand. I can only imagine that they all must have been in a mixed mess of grief and shock and fear and hope. How could anything make sense on a day like this. It is hard for us to understand with almost 2000 years and all of our traditions and preconceived ideas to insulate us and buffer us from the actual raw emotions. For these women and men, they had walked with Jesus, they had loved him and been loved by him, they watched him as he was beaten and crucified and some of them watched him die! How could they possibly know how to process the events of that first Resurrection Sunday?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Mark 15
We are beginning the third week of our through the New Testament study together. It is not too late to join in - invite a friend to journey with us! This weeks readings are: Monday - Mark 15, Tuesday - Mark 16, Wednesday - Romans 1, Thursday - Romans 2, Friday - Romans 3.
Mark takes us quickly through the trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus all in chapter 15. Mark moves so quickly here, and I am so familiar with the other gospel accounts, that I find myself trying to fill in details as I read. In Mark's account, the trial and crucifixion follow each other quickly. The passion here is condensed, perhaps because Mark has received it second hand, perhaps because it is simply Mark's style.
In verse 21 Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross for Jesus. Cyrene is a city in Libya in northern Africa. There was a large Jewish diaspora community there and Simon and his sons were likely in Jerusalem on a pilgrimage to celebrate passover. The text says Jesus was crucified and 9AM and at noon darkness covered the whole land until 3PM. At this point Jesus cries out in anguish quoting Psalm 22 and soon after dies.
Joseph of Arimathea "goes boldly" and asks permission to bury Jesus' body and having wrapped the body in linen laid it in a tomb. As Jesus dies, and as he is buried the faithful women that have followed him and provided for him in his ministry are noted as being ever present. None of the disciples are so noted.
It is easy to stand up and be counted among the followers of Jesus when the crowds are cheering, when the hungry are fed. How many of us will follow to the cross, to the tomb? These faithful women show a courage driven by love that inspires me. I pray that I will stand for Jesus in the face of disappointment and trial as well as I do when the crowds are cheering. Lord, help me to be faithful.
Mark takes us quickly through the trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus all in chapter 15. Mark moves so quickly here, and I am so familiar with the other gospel accounts, that I find myself trying to fill in details as I read. In Mark's account, the trial and crucifixion follow each other quickly. The passion here is condensed, perhaps because Mark has received it second hand, perhaps because it is simply Mark's style.
In verse 21 Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross for Jesus. Cyrene is a city in Libya in northern Africa. There was a large Jewish diaspora community there and Simon and his sons were likely in Jerusalem on a pilgrimage to celebrate passover. The text says Jesus was crucified and 9AM and at noon darkness covered the whole land until 3PM. At this point Jesus cries out in anguish quoting Psalm 22 and soon after dies.
Joseph of Arimathea "goes boldly" and asks permission to bury Jesus' body and having wrapped the body in linen laid it in a tomb. As Jesus dies, and as he is buried the faithful women that have followed him and provided for him in his ministry are noted as being ever present. None of the disciples are so noted.
It is easy to stand up and be counted among the followers of Jesus when the crowds are cheering, when the hungry are fed. How many of us will follow to the cross, to the tomb? These faithful women show a courage driven by love that inspires me. I pray that I will stand for Jesus in the face of disappointment and trial as well as I do when the crowds are cheering. Lord, help me to be faithful.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Mark 14
The account of the anointing at Bethany is one of many moving moments in the passion week. A woman pours out her most valuable gift in response to her love for Jesus. My wife and daughters have a CD by CeCe Winans with the title song "Alabaster Box" that is very moving. The song identifies the woman who anoints Jesus as Mary, the sister of Lazarus. If you read Mark carefully you'll see that the woman's name is not given, but Mary is identified as the woman in John 12. An approximate cost in denari is given in Mark that would set the value at more than a years wages for a laborer. The song moves beyond the monetary value of the contents of the box to say "No one knows the cost of the oil in my alabaster box."
As we move on through the chapter Jesus drops a bomb shell on the disciples during the Passover meal. As they recline at table Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." How devastating! But read carefully here friends, and you'll see their amazing reaction. Yes, they are all distressed at the news, but they do NOT all in one swooshing motion turn and point accusing fingers at Judas. In fact, verse 19 says they all begin to question, "Surely not I?" Perhaps they all knew their frail position and their weak resolve. I wonder if they leaned into Jesus and asked quietly, "It's not me, is it Lord?" I think this reaction cautions me to resist the sin of pointing out other peoples sins and short comings and look within. I also find myself hoarsely whispering, "Not me, Lord, please not me."
Mark very briefly introduces the institution of The Lord's Supper and then leads us quickly into the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus submissive, faithful call to God for this cup to pass if it can echo through the pages. I see these scriptures now through the lens of Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" even when I try not to. Jesus is arrested and taken before the council.
The trial is depicted here briefly as a mockery, and in the face of all that has happened Peter fulfills Jesus' earlier prediction by denying 3 times that he even knew Jesus. The text moves too quickly to contain my emotions, and as it ends I find myself weeping with Peter.
As we move on through the chapter Jesus drops a bomb shell on the disciples during the Passover meal. As they recline at table Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." How devastating! But read carefully here friends, and you'll see their amazing reaction. Yes, they are all distressed at the news, but they do NOT all in one swooshing motion turn and point accusing fingers at Judas. In fact, verse 19 says they all begin to question, "Surely not I?" Perhaps they all knew their frail position and their weak resolve. I wonder if they leaned into Jesus and asked quietly, "It's not me, is it Lord?" I think this reaction cautions me to resist the sin of pointing out other peoples sins and short comings and look within. I also find myself hoarsely whispering, "Not me, Lord, please not me."
Mark very briefly introduces the institution of The Lord's Supper and then leads us quickly into the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus submissive, faithful call to God for this cup to pass if it can echo through the pages. I see these scriptures now through the lens of Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" even when I try not to. Jesus is arrested and taken before the council.
The trial is depicted here briefly as a mockery, and in the face of all that has happened Peter fulfills Jesus' earlier prediction by denying 3 times that he even knew Jesus. The text moves too quickly to contain my emotions, and as it ends I find myself weeping with Peter.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Mark 13
I think the material of Mark 13 has been some of the most fascinating material I have debated and studied over the last 30 or so years, and it has been the most contentious. I have taken strong stands on different aspects of these "end times" doctrines and I have been celebrated and vilified by different people depending on their preferences.
It makes sense for Jesus to address this topic with the disciples as he walks through this last week with them. He is facing his passion and death, and so are they even if they don't want to believe it. I imagine that Jesus desired to give these friends some insight into the bigger picture. My mind spins as I read chapter 13 and hear Jesus speak of the destruction of the temple, the persecution to come, and the "desolating sacrilege that will be set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand)".
Somehow, the end of the chapter gives me comfort as Jesus says, "But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." I am still very interested and I still listen and reason and study, but I no longer feel compelled to take sides on the "end times" issues that I used to draw diagrams and charts about. Instead I try to focus on what I can do, what you and I as Christ followers are instructed to do by Jesus - that is to keep alert, stay awake, and be ready.
Jesus may return today, or tomorrow, or ???????????? My responsibility isn't to know the unknowable, it is to live ready for the Bridegroom of my soul and listen for the call. I saw a cute bumper sticker a few weeks ago, it read "He's gonna toot, and I'm gonna scoot!" Friends, lets live ready for the King's coming.
It makes sense for Jesus to address this topic with the disciples as he walks through this last week with them. He is facing his passion and death, and so are they even if they don't want to believe it. I imagine that Jesus desired to give these friends some insight into the bigger picture. My mind spins as I read chapter 13 and hear Jesus speak of the destruction of the temple, the persecution to come, and the "desolating sacrilege that will be set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand)".
Somehow, the end of the chapter gives me comfort as Jesus says, "But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." I am still very interested and I still listen and reason and study, but I no longer feel compelled to take sides on the "end times" issues that I used to draw diagrams and charts about. Instead I try to focus on what I can do, what you and I as Christ followers are instructed to do by Jesus - that is to keep alert, stay awake, and be ready.
Jesus may return today, or tomorrow, or ???????????? My responsibility isn't to know the unknowable, it is to live ready for the Bridegroom of my soul and listen for the call. I saw a cute bumper sticker a few weeks ago, it read "He's gonna toot, and I'm gonna scoot!" Friends, lets live ready for the King's coming.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Mark 12
Chapter 12 is packed with things I want to write about. It starts out with the heart breaking account of the wicked tenants that refuse to return to the owner what is right. There rebellion leads to insults and murder -- even taking the life of the owners son! This parable serves also to heighten the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day as we head from Palm Sunday towards Good Friday.
I guess the two portions that I will prayerfully wrestle with today are from vss 13 - 17, and vss 28 - 34. For me the issue is similar in these two segments. In the first portion Jesus answers the question on paying taxes with this answer that amazes his listeners, "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." In the second portion Jesus sums up the law with the most familiar of all Hebrew laws the Shemah, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." and he couples it with "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
So, if I render to God what is God's it requires me to Love God with my whole being, and more, to then love my neighbor (I read that all people) as myself. This seems like an all encompassing call that takes up all that I am and ever will be. I fall so short, and yet I am continually drawn back to offer myself again to God and God's service, to engage again. I wonder if I will ever live in this life a life of complete love for God and neighbor. Lord help me to be yours alone.
There is much more to address here from the questions about life in the resurrection (my Mom would have raised her hand and argued with Jesus on this I think), and more conflict with the scribes. I will end with a quick observation on the widow's offering. I have always been intrigued that Jesus commends her offering and does not stop her and say, "Let the rich carry the load, you keep the little you have." That is what I might have done. I think Jesus has a longer view on our stuff and realizes that this widow had chosen to invest herself in eternity, and that she'd be provided for in this life and the next. I often struggle with shortsightedness - I make decisions constrained by this physical existence. Have a blessed day friends!
I guess the two portions that I will prayerfully wrestle with today are from vss 13 - 17, and vss 28 - 34. For me the issue is similar in these two segments. In the first portion Jesus answers the question on paying taxes with this answer that amazes his listeners, "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." In the second portion Jesus sums up the law with the most familiar of all Hebrew laws the Shemah, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." and he couples it with "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
So, if I render to God what is God's it requires me to Love God with my whole being, and more, to then love my neighbor (I read that all people) as myself. This seems like an all encompassing call that takes up all that I am and ever will be. I fall so short, and yet I am continually drawn back to offer myself again to God and God's service, to engage again. I wonder if I will ever live in this life a life of complete love for God and neighbor. Lord help me to be yours alone.
There is much more to address here from the questions about life in the resurrection (my Mom would have raised her hand and argued with Jesus on this I think), and more conflict with the scribes. I will end with a quick observation on the widow's offering. I have always been intrigued that Jesus commends her offering and does not stop her and say, "Let the rich carry the load, you keep the little you have." That is what I might have done. I think Jesus has a longer view on our stuff and realizes that this widow had chosen to invest herself in eternity, and that she'd be provided for in this life and the next. I often struggle with shortsightedness - I make decisions constrained by this physical existence. Have a blessed day friends!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Mark 11
Hi Friends, late again as I was in Oneida all day with our Mohawk District Board of Ministry. I will be there all day tomorrow too, but I will try to blog before I leave the house at 7:30AM.
WOW - I told you Mark was in a hurry didn't I? How can we already be reading the "Triumphal Entry" scriptures - the day many in the Christian Church call Palm Sunday and our Jewish heritage called Lamb Selection Day.
This is the day prescribed by tradition for the Hebrews to select a lamb for their Passover observation. In the midst of that it is interesting and telling that Jesus offers them himself - "the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the whole world" in John the baptists words from John 1:29. And the crowds select Jesus! They cry out "Hosanna! Save Us!" But they were not looking for the gift that Jesus came to offer. They wanted, for the most part, relief from their immediate struggles caused chiefly by the occupying forces of Rome. Jesus offered them and offers us a peace that goes beyond our categories.
It is interesting to me that in the same way Mark has rushed through 3 years in 10 chapters he no lingers over the next 6 days for 4 chapters and then seems to hurry through the resurrection and ascension.
WOW - I told you Mark was in a hurry didn't I? How can we already be reading the "Triumphal Entry" scriptures - the day many in the Christian Church call Palm Sunday and our Jewish heritage called Lamb Selection Day.
This is the day prescribed by tradition for the Hebrews to select a lamb for their Passover observation. In the midst of that it is interesting and telling that Jesus offers them himself - "the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the whole world" in John the baptists words from John 1:29. And the crowds select Jesus! They cry out "Hosanna! Save Us!" But they were not looking for the gift that Jesus came to offer. They wanted, for the most part, relief from their immediate struggles caused chiefly by the occupying forces of Rome. Jesus offered them and offers us a peace that goes beyond our categories.
It is interesting to me that in the same way Mark has rushed through 3 years in 10 chapters he no lingers over the next 6 days for 4 chapters and then seems to hurry through the resurrection and ascension.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Mark 10
Most of you are getting the hang of this by now, but just in case remember that our scripture readings for this week are Monday - Mark 10, Tuesday - Mark 11, Wednesday - Mark 12, Thursday - Mark 13, and Friday - Mark 14. If you are just starting with us there is still an easy opening here for you to jump in and read the first 9 chapters and join us!
In today's reading my attention is drawn to the account of the Rich man interacting with Jesus in 10:17-31. The man approaches Jesus, and when Jesus engages him in a discussion of keeping all of the law the man says - Been there, done all that! It might have been a great opportunity for Jesus to remind the man of his sins. Jesus could have been specific and embarrassed the man, but instead vs 21 says a neat thing. It says "Jesus, looking at him, loved him..." I really like that! Jesus looks at the man and instead of trying to play gotcha, he let the lie slide (I am presuming the man was a sinner like me)and just love him.
The next thing we see is the man going away grieving because Jesus has instructed him to go and sell all he has and give to the poor and come follow Jesus. My dear friend David Kolassa made an interesting observation and raised a question a few years ago when we studied this account together. David pointed out that the Bible never says the man refused to sell everything - it says he's grieved. Maybe he was grieved because he was leaving to sell everything and he liked his stuff! Just something to consider as you go through your day today.
I am also interested to read the account of Jesus healing a blind man named Bartimaeus. I see that Jesus doesn't follow a formula in the way he deals with people. I like that very much too.
In today's reading my attention is drawn to the account of the Rich man interacting with Jesus in 10:17-31. The man approaches Jesus, and when Jesus engages him in a discussion of keeping all of the law the man says - Been there, done all that! It might have been a great opportunity for Jesus to remind the man of his sins. Jesus could have been specific and embarrassed the man, but instead vs 21 says a neat thing. It says "Jesus, looking at him, loved him..." I really like that! Jesus looks at the man and instead of trying to play gotcha, he let the lie slide (I am presuming the man was a sinner like me)and just love him.
The next thing we see is the man going away grieving because Jesus has instructed him to go and sell all he has and give to the poor and come follow Jesus. My dear friend David Kolassa made an interesting observation and raised a question a few years ago when we studied this account together. David pointed out that the Bible never says the man refused to sell everything - it says he's grieved. Maybe he was grieved because he was leaving to sell everything and he liked his stuff! Just something to consider as you go through your day today.
I am also interested to read the account of Jesus healing a blind man named Bartimaeus. I see that Jesus doesn't follow a formula in the way he deals with people. I like that very much too.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Mark 9
It is later at night than I usually post - sorry if I threw anyone off today by posting late.
As we look into chapter 9 Jesus has taken Peter and James and John - his inner core - up to the top of a high mountain and there he is transfigured before them. He becomes a dazzling bright white, and Moses and Elijah appear with him and are talking to him there. Many of us have heard this scripture and read it so many times we skim over it if we are not careful. Imagine the excitement, the terror, the many emotions that fill these simple fishermen.
I also am always pleased for Moses when I read this account. Moses had led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and had shepherded them for 40 years through their whining and complaining. Just as the Israelites get to the edge of the Promised Land God calls Moses to the top of another mountain. God shows Moses the Promised Land but tells him you will not be going in with my people. One of the most courageous acts of obedience in any book ever written takes place at that point. Without so much as a word of protest or complaint, Deuteronomy 34:5,7 reads "5 Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord's command.7 Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated." In other words he was perfectly healthy, he just died because God told him to!!! Always seemed unfair to me until I realized that God gave him a better gift. Moses had always asked and asked to see God's face. Now, here, on the mountain later called Transfiguration God gives Moses what he always really wanted. How cool is that!
We are completing our second week on this journey friends. I have been blessed by your emails and posts here. Thanks for traveling with me and sharing your faith as we deepen our relationship with each other and more importantly our relationship with our Lord.
As we look into chapter 9 Jesus has taken Peter and James and John - his inner core - up to the top of a high mountain and there he is transfigured before them. He becomes a dazzling bright white, and Moses and Elijah appear with him and are talking to him there. Many of us have heard this scripture and read it so many times we skim over it if we are not careful. Imagine the excitement, the terror, the many emotions that fill these simple fishermen.
I also am always pleased for Moses when I read this account. Moses had led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and had shepherded them for 40 years through their whining and complaining. Just as the Israelites get to the edge of the Promised Land God calls Moses to the top of another mountain. God shows Moses the Promised Land but tells him you will not be going in with my people. One of the most courageous acts of obedience in any book ever written takes place at that point. Without so much as a word of protest or complaint, Deuteronomy 34:5,7 reads "5 Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord's command.7 Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated." In other words he was perfectly healthy, he just died because God told him to!!! Always seemed unfair to me until I realized that God gave him a better gift. Moses had always asked and asked to see God's face. Now, here, on the mountain later called Transfiguration God gives Moses what he always really wanted. How cool is that!
We are completing our second week on this journey friends. I have been blessed by your emails and posts here. Thanks for traveling with me and sharing your faith as we deepen our relationship with each other and more importantly our relationship with our Lord.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Mark 8
We are half way through the gospel today. As I sit here to write my brother BJ is preparing to have eye surgery in Syracuse. My post pneumonia asthma prevents me from being with him physically, but I have been praying for him and trust he'll do fine. It is particularly striking because of the content of chapter 8.
Beginning in vs 22 Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida. Jesus takes him aside and puts saliva on his eyes and the man says "I can see people, but they are like trees walking." So Jesus lays his hands on him again. This time his sight is completely restored and he sees everything clearly. Jesus sends him home instructing him not to even go back into the village.
I wonder how often my healing needs a second touch from Jesus. Things are better, but not quite right yet. Our society trains us to pretend we're fine even when we're not, but I think it is important for us to be honest with ourselves and with Jesus when we're not quite whole yet.
Chapter 8 ends with Peter's declaration about who Jesus is. It's a great question from Jesus to the disciples - one that we all should be confronted with - "Who do YOU say that I am?" Again, Jesus sternly warns them not to tell anyone about him.
We are half way through the Gospel of Mark and Jesus reveals to the disciples his future suffering death and resurrection. This theme will continue now throughout the balance of the gospel until Jesus triumphal Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem.
Beginning in vs 22 Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida. Jesus takes him aside and puts saliva on his eyes and the man says "I can see people, but they are like trees walking." So Jesus lays his hands on him again. This time his sight is completely restored and he sees everything clearly. Jesus sends him home instructing him not to even go back into the village.
I wonder how often my healing needs a second touch from Jesus. Things are better, but not quite right yet. Our society trains us to pretend we're fine even when we're not, but I think it is important for us to be honest with ourselves and with Jesus when we're not quite whole yet.
Chapter 8 ends with Peter's declaration about who Jesus is. It's a great question from Jesus to the disciples - one that we all should be confronted with - "Who do YOU say that I am?" Again, Jesus sternly warns them not to tell anyone about him.
We are half way through the Gospel of Mark and Jesus reveals to the disciples his future suffering death and resurrection. This theme will continue now throughout the balance of the gospel until Jesus triumphal Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Mark 7
Having established Jesus mastery over creation, the spirit world and sickness and disease Mark turns his focus on the relationship between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day - the Scribes and Pharisees.
The religious leaders are shown to be hypocrites who are concerned with appearance rather than substance. They have self serving rules that provide for their advantage while denying justice to the poor and weak. Jesus is not about religion, but relationship.
This is demonstrated in a rather harsh way when he presses the faith of the Syrophoenician woman to its limits before providing for her. I wonder if this wrangling was more about plumbing the depth of the woman's faith than keeping the faith "pure".
Chapter 7 ends with Jesus healing a deaf man and straightening out his speech impediment. Mark is known for his "Hidden Messiah" where Jesus instructs people not to tell what has happened to them. Does Jesus do this because he knows human nature and that having been told to keep a secret they will be more likely to tell, or does he want to buy time for his ministry to come to fruition. I also notice that the crowds have moved from fear to astonishment.
The religious leaders are shown to be hypocrites who are concerned with appearance rather than substance. They have self serving rules that provide for their advantage while denying justice to the poor and weak. Jesus is not about religion, but relationship.
This is demonstrated in a rather harsh way when he presses the faith of the Syrophoenician woman to its limits before providing for her. I wonder if this wrangling was more about plumbing the depth of the woman's faith than keeping the faith "pure".
Chapter 7 ends with Jesus healing a deaf man and straightening out his speech impediment. Mark is known for his "Hidden Messiah" where Jesus instructs people not to tell what has happened to them. Does Jesus do this because he knows human nature and that having been told to keep a secret they will be more likely to tell, or does he want to buy time for his ministry to come to fruition. I also notice that the crowds have moved from fear to astonishment.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Mark 6
In the first five chapters of Marks Gospel we have seen people have many different reactions to Jesus. Most of them have reacted with fear, terror, awe and the like. Here in chapter six Jesus returns home to Nazareth and he has a very strong reaction to the people of his home town. Have you read it yet? Verse 6 chapter 6 says, "And he was amazed at their unbelief."
Wow. That makes me stop and think about what Jesus might be thinking as he watches me. I wonder if Jesus is ever amazed at anything I do. I wonder if he ever shakes his head, I know I do sometimes. I want to amaze Jesus at my faithfulness, how about you. I want my savior to look at me and smile and laugh to himself a little and whisper "Wow - go get 'em Bill." I DO NOT want him to have to be amazed at my unbelief, at my faithlessness.
Later in chapter 6 the disciples ask Jesus if he should release the crowds so they can go into the surrounding area to get something to eat and he says, "YOU give them something to eat." As the story unfolds Jesus takes what little they have, he blesses them and breaks them and then - watch this this is important - he gives the loaves and fishes back to his disciples and sends them to feed the crowds. I believe Jesus still works this way with Christ Followers. He receives our offerings, blesses and multiplies them and gives them back to us and sends us to feed the hungry.
Lets give Jesus the best we have to offer in 2008. I trust God can use what we offer by blessing it, and breaking it and sending us to minister in our world.
Wow. That makes me stop and think about what Jesus might be thinking as he watches me. I wonder if Jesus is ever amazed at anything I do. I wonder if he ever shakes his head, I know I do sometimes. I want to amaze Jesus at my faithfulness, how about you. I want my savior to look at me and smile and laugh to himself a little and whisper "Wow - go get 'em Bill." I DO NOT want him to have to be amazed at my unbelief, at my faithlessness.
Later in chapter 6 the disciples ask Jesus if he should release the crowds so they can go into the surrounding area to get something to eat and he says, "YOU give them something to eat." As the story unfolds Jesus takes what little they have, he blesses them and breaks them and then - watch this this is important - he gives the loaves and fishes back to his disciples and sends them to feed the crowds. I believe Jesus still works this way with Christ Followers. He receives our offerings, blesses and multiplies them and gives them back to us and sends us to feed the hungry.
Lets give Jesus the best we have to offer in 2008. I trust God can use what we offer by blessing it, and breaking it and sending us to minister in our world.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Mark 5
Our assignments for this week are: Monday chapter 5, Tuesday chapter 6, Wednesday chapter 7, Thursday chapter 8 and Friday chapter 9.
We begin week 2 of our journey through the New Testament with an exciting account of Jesus and his power. The chapter divisions in the Bible are arbitrary and having a weekend break between chapters 4 and 5 exacerbates the division between Jesus calming the storm in chapter 4 and the confrontation with the demon possessed man in chapter 5. As Mark wrote this account the events follow each other in series and that is important for us to consider today.
Mark is showing us here that this Jesus of Nazareth is more than an itinerant preacher from Nazareth. Mark is showing us that Jesus has power over the elements, the spirit realm and power over sickness and disease before chapter 5 ends.
Jesus heals a woman who has suffered for 12 years. She is healed by simply touching Jesus in faith. Jairus’ daughter is raised from the dead as the chapter ends. Interesting that the woman had suffered for 12 years and the little girl is 12 years old.
Mark presents his readers with a savior who is powerful and willing and able to save us. This is Jesus our Lord.
We begin week 2 of our journey through the New Testament with an exciting account of Jesus and his power. The chapter divisions in the Bible are arbitrary and having a weekend break between chapters 4 and 5 exacerbates the division between Jesus calming the storm in chapter 4 and the confrontation with the demon possessed man in chapter 5. As Mark wrote this account the events follow each other in series and that is important for us to consider today.
Mark is showing us here that this Jesus of Nazareth is more than an itinerant preacher from Nazareth. Mark is showing us that Jesus has power over the elements, the spirit realm and power over sickness and disease before chapter 5 ends.
Jesus heals a woman who has suffered for 12 years. She is healed by simply touching Jesus in faith. Jairus’ daughter is raised from the dead as the chapter ends. Interesting that the woman had suffered for 12 years and the little girl is 12 years old.
Mark presents his readers with a savior who is powerful and willing and able to save us. This is Jesus our Lord.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Mark 4
In the parable of the sower in Mark 4 Jesus talks about 4 different results found in the sowing of seeds. Sowing seeds in this culture was a random scattering method where the seeds would be broadly broadcast in an area. Much different than our focused careful planting methods today. In the parable some of the seed fell on the path, some on rocks, some in thorns and some in good soil.
The seeds that fall on the path are quickly plucked up and have no lasting impact. The seeds that fall in the rocks spring up quickly, but because there is no depth of soil in which to root, they soon die off. The seeds that fall in the thorns grow up only to be choked off and killed by the thorns. Finally some seeds fall on good soil and grow and produces 30, 60 and 100 fold increases.
As I read this parable I come back to one of the primary tasks for me as a Christ follower and as a pastor. I find all 4 types of soil in my life and in the lives of the people in my care. There are areas in my life and in the lives of the people I pastor that are hard packed and inflexible, areas that are interested in truth but shallow, areas that are fertile but already preoccupied with non-Kingdom issues, and there are areas of good fertile soil.
I feel my call is to help reclaim all of these fields by working the corner of the vineyard to which I am assigned. I am here to pick rocks, to break up hard hearts, to clear out thorn bushes and nurture the fertile areas – in my life and in the lives I come into contact with where ever and when ever possible. Part of the task is to identify the areas that need attention and fight the complacency in my own life and in the lives of others. The first and hardest task is the work that needs to be done in me.
The seeds that fall on the path are quickly plucked up and have no lasting impact. The seeds that fall in the rocks spring up quickly, but because there is no depth of soil in which to root, they soon die off. The seeds that fall in the thorns grow up only to be choked off and killed by the thorns. Finally some seeds fall on good soil and grow and produces 30, 60 and 100 fold increases.
As I read this parable I come back to one of the primary tasks for me as a Christ follower and as a pastor. I find all 4 types of soil in my life and in the lives of the people in my care. There are areas in my life and in the lives of the people I pastor that are hard packed and inflexible, areas that are interested in truth but shallow, areas that are fertile but already preoccupied with non-Kingdom issues, and there are areas of good fertile soil.
I feel my call is to help reclaim all of these fields by working the corner of the vineyard to which I am assigned. I am here to pick rocks, to break up hard hearts, to clear out thorn bushes and nurture the fertile areas – in my life and in the lives I come into contact with where ever and when ever possible. Part of the task is to identify the areas that need attention and fight the complacency in my own life and in the lives of others. The first and hardest task is the work that needs to be done in me.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Mark 3
As you read the Gospel of Mark, make sure you keep track of the word "immediately". Mark uses this word and others to speed his narrative along. Jesus, or the Pharisees, or others are constantly doing things "immediately".
Yesterday Elizabeth (my brilliant niece)commented, "I always try to imagine how I would respond if someone 1) said they could heal someone on the spot or 2) said they could forgive someone of their sins. Likely, I would meet the person with extreme doubt and skepticism. I try then to realize that I would likely have been a skeptic in Jesus' day too - or like Thomas, I would have certainly wanted to see things with my own eyes."
I have been thinking about that and I agree. I often tell people in our church that Thomas was called the twin because he is my twin. Today Jesus flies in the face of the accepted tradition by healing on the sabbath, and the chapter ends with Jesus disrespecting his mother -- at least that's the way it would have played in my family.
We have the advantage of hind sight as we smugly watch Jesus. We sometimes marvel at the disciples unbelief and ask how they could have been so dense and faithless. But what if we were living it? What if we didn't know how each story ends before it begins?
Let me ask you to live with these question today. What if Jesus is moving around you every day in radical new ways? Will you follow Jesus today? Will you even recognize it if God moves outside of the parameters and prejudices you've accepted? What if God does a new thing among us? Will we walk with God? or will we complain and scoff and "immediately" conspire against him, how to destroy him?
Yesterday Elizabeth (my brilliant niece)commented, "I always try to imagine how I would respond if someone 1) said they could heal someone on the spot or 2) said they could forgive someone of their sins. Likely, I would meet the person with extreme doubt and skepticism. I try then to realize that I would likely have been a skeptic in Jesus' day too - or like Thomas, I would have certainly wanted to see things with my own eyes."
I have been thinking about that and I agree. I often tell people in our church that Thomas was called the twin because he is my twin. Today Jesus flies in the face of the accepted tradition by healing on the sabbath, and the chapter ends with Jesus disrespecting his mother -- at least that's the way it would have played in my family.
We have the advantage of hind sight as we smugly watch Jesus. We sometimes marvel at the disciples unbelief and ask how they could have been so dense and faithless. But what if we were living it? What if we didn't know how each story ends before it begins?
Let me ask you to live with these question today. What if Jesus is moving around you every day in radical new ways? Will you follow Jesus today? Will you even recognize it if God moves outside of the parameters and prejudices you've accepted? What if God does a new thing among us? Will we walk with God? or will we complain and scoff and "immediately" conspire against him, how to destroy him?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Questions from day 1 reading
In a question from day 1 MW asks the following questions:
“Good morning, Pastor :)
I have two questions on our reading.
1. In Mark 1:12 (NKJV), It states that the Spirit "drove" Jesus into the wilderness. I am curious why the word drove is used here. We normally associate that word with driving out demons, or Jesus driving out those who bought and sold in the temple...We know the Spirit leads, directs, tugs, pulls, instills, convicts, etc.
In this verse the Spirit "drove" Jesus...is this significant in this tense?
2. In Mark 1:13 (NKJV), The Angels are "ministering" to Jesus during His 40 days in the wilderness.
How would they minister? In what fashion? We know He fasted, so what needs did the Angels provide?
Thank you for this site, your time, and your love - I look forward to the growth your assignments will provide.
mw”
Great questions! I looked up the Greek word used here for drove. It is the Greek word ekballw. Ekballw is used in scripture about 80 times and in 52 of these instances it is means “to cast out – excommunicate”! I had a New Testament professor who translated it “to hurl or throw”. It is in fact the word used in John 2 when Jesus drives the money changers from the temple and in Mark 16:9 indentifying Mary Magdalene as the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons. I wonder if it implies here that the Spirit compelled him to go.
As for the angels ministering to Jesus, I found some interesting information. The Greek word for ministering used here is diakonew. This is where we get our word Deacon. The NRSV says, “…the angels waited on him.” The same word is used in Hebrews 1:14 where it says of the angels “Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” Perhaps the protection and comfort afforded Jesus in his wilderness experience is available to all of us who by his grace inherit salvation!
“Good morning, Pastor :)
I have two questions on our reading.
1. In Mark 1:12 (NKJV), It states that the Spirit "drove" Jesus into the wilderness. I am curious why the word drove is used here. We normally associate that word with driving out demons, or Jesus driving out those who bought and sold in the temple...We know the Spirit leads, directs, tugs, pulls, instills, convicts, etc.
In this verse the Spirit "drove" Jesus...is this significant in this tense?
2. In Mark 1:13 (NKJV), The Angels are "ministering" to Jesus during His 40 days in the wilderness.
How would they minister? In what fashion? We know He fasted, so what needs did the Angels provide?
Thank you for this site, your time, and your love - I look forward to the growth your assignments will provide.
mw”
Great questions! I looked up the Greek word used here for drove. It is the Greek word ekballw. Ekballw is used in scripture about 80 times and in 52 of these instances it is means “to cast out – excommunicate”! I had a New Testament professor who translated it “to hurl or throw”. It is in fact the word used in John 2 when Jesus drives the money changers from the temple and in Mark 16:9 indentifying Mary Magdalene as the woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons. I wonder if it implies here that the Spirit compelled him to go.
As for the angels ministering to Jesus, I found some interesting information. The Greek word for ministering used here is diakonew. This is where we get our word Deacon. The NRSV says, “…the angels waited on him.” The same word is used in Hebrews 1:14 where it says of the angels “Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” Perhaps the protection and comfort afforded Jesus in his wilderness experience is available to all of us who by his grace inherit salvation!
Mark 2
When we come to Chapter 2 we find in the NRSV that Jesus is "at home". I did some research on this and it doesn't seem that the original Greek speaks of Jesus being at a home that he owned, but more implies that they new he was in a home. Some theologians guess that it was the home of Simon Peter. All of this is interesting I suppose, but what really catches me as I read this is the friends of the man in need.
There is a paralyzed man whose friends believe can be helped by Jesus. They are not stopped by the great crowds or any other obstacle in there determined attempts to get their friend to Jesus.
I am struck this morning by my lazy attempts at evangelism compared to these friends.
Do you know someone this morning that could be helped by Jesus? Are you willing to bring that person to meet the Savior? What are you willing to do to make sure your friend receives what they need from the Lord?
It seems to me that casual, incidental faith is not very attractive, nor is it very effective. But these friends, for all their inappropriate behavior, get results!
There is a paralyzed man whose friends believe can be helped by Jesus. They are not stopped by the great crowds or any other obstacle in there determined attempts to get their friend to Jesus.
I am struck this morning by my lazy attempts at evangelism compared to these friends.
Do you know someone this morning that could be helped by Jesus? Are you willing to bring that person to meet the Savior? What are you willing to do to make sure your friend receives what they need from the Lord?
It seems to me that casual, incidental faith is not very attractive, nor is it very effective. But these friends, for all their inappropriate behavior, get results!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Mark 1
Wow, Mark is in a hurry. He begins this book with a loaded sentence and never pauses to unpack it or explain. “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Mark 1:1 NRSV
We have just finished celebrating the birth of Christ with all of the church services and familiar songs. In our church, Advent season is a time when we slowly approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and ponder the second coming of Jesus. Mark doesn’t take any time with shepherds or Bethlehem or angel proclamations. He hurries right into John the Baptist and disciples and preaching tours in Galilee. Unclean spirits are exercised and lepers are cleansed before we get out of chapter one. Mark is in a hurry, and it occurs to me this morning that his gospel approach more closely mirrors my crazy life.
As I turn the calendar into 2008 I would like to make a resolution to hurry less, to take time to ponder and listen more. I would like to promise to myself and to anyone that reads these words that I will take better care of myself and my closest relationships, that I will major in the major things and not the minor ones. I would like to make these promises, and on some level I will, but I know me. I am a lot like Mark. I am in a hurry and I tend to fill my days and weeks until there is little margin for error or even pleasure.
Do you see what Jesus does in the midst of Mark’s hurried presentation? In vs. 35 we find this; “In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 NRSV. OK, this is where I will meditate today. How will I make time to take time to get away and pray, to refocus and commune with God. Where will you make time friend?
We have just finished celebrating the birth of Christ with all of the church services and familiar songs. In our church, Advent season is a time when we slowly approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and ponder the second coming of Jesus. Mark doesn’t take any time with shepherds or Bethlehem or angel proclamations. He hurries right into John the Baptist and disciples and preaching tours in Galilee. Unclean spirits are exercised and lepers are cleansed before we get out of chapter one. Mark is in a hurry, and it occurs to me this morning that his gospel approach more closely mirrors my crazy life.
As I turn the calendar into 2008 I would like to make a resolution to hurry less, to take time to ponder and listen more. I would like to promise to myself and to anyone that reads these words that I will take better care of myself and my closest relationships, that I will major in the major things and not the minor ones. I would like to make these promises, and on some level I will, but I know me. I am a lot like Mark. I am in a hurry and I tend to fill my days and weeks until there is little margin for error or even pleasure.
Do you see what Jesus does in the midst of Mark’s hurried presentation? In vs. 35 we find this; “In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 NRSV. OK, this is where I will meditate today. How will I make time to take time to get away and pray, to refocus and commune with God. Where will you make time friend?
Happy New Year!
As we begin this new year together, we also begin a new adventure. Finally the day has come for us to begin our journey through the New Testament of the Bible together!
There are 260 chapters in the 27 books of the New Testament and this lends itself well to our new program. We will read 1 chapter every week day during 2008. I will post some of my thoughts as I read and I hope you will respond with insights and questions. I am not looking for right and wrong answers, I am looking for an opportunity for us to think together, to confront the Bible and be confronted and comforted by it.
If you would like to join us in this journey simply read 1 chapter each weekday from the assigned text. Feel free to sign on here and ask questions or post your observations. I hope that we will use this site as a safe forum to exchange ideas and express our faith together. We will not agree on every article of faith or interpretation of scripture, and that will bother us more than it will bother God.
We begin our journey in the Gospel of Mark. The assigned readings for this month are simple:
Tuesday January 1 -- Friday January 4 -- Mark chapters 1,2,3 and 4.
Monday January 7 -- Friday January 11 -- Mark Ch. 5,6,7,8 and 9.
Monday January 14 -- Friday January 18 -- Mark Ch. 10,11,12,13 and 14.
Monday January 21 -- Friday January 25 -- Mark Ch. 15,16, Romans Ch. 1,2 and 3
Monday January 28 -- Friday February 1 -- Romans Ch. 4,5,6,7, and 8
Use Saturdays to catch up if you fall behind and join us for worship Sundays where I will preach from the texts we have read that week. I am working on a way to post our Sunday morning worship services on line and I will post the site where you can find this when it becomes available.
I am excited about this opportunity for our extended Church family to read and learn together. I hope you will consider yourself a member of this family even if geographic location prevents you from being physically present with us. Let's begin this journey.
There are 260 chapters in the 27 books of the New Testament and this lends itself well to our new program. We will read 1 chapter every week day during 2008. I will post some of my thoughts as I read and I hope you will respond with insights and questions. I am not looking for right and wrong answers, I am looking for an opportunity for us to think together, to confront the Bible and be confronted and comforted by it.
If you would like to join us in this journey simply read 1 chapter each weekday from the assigned text. Feel free to sign on here and ask questions or post your observations. I hope that we will use this site as a safe forum to exchange ideas and express our faith together. We will not agree on every article of faith or interpretation of scripture, and that will bother us more than it will bother God.
We begin our journey in the Gospel of Mark. The assigned readings for this month are simple:
Tuesday January 1 -- Friday January 4 -- Mark chapters 1,2,3 and 4.
Monday January 7 -- Friday January 11 -- Mark Ch. 5,6,7,8 and 9.
Monday January 14 -- Friday January 18 -- Mark Ch. 10,11,12,13 and 14.
Monday January 21 -- Friday January 25 -- Mark Ch. 15,16, Romans Ch. 1,2 and 3
Monday January 28 -- Friday February 1 -- Romans Ch. 4,5,6,7, and 8
Use Saturdays to catch up if you fall behind and join us for worship Sundays where I will preach from the texts we have read that week. I am working on a way to post our Sunday morning worship services on line and I will post the site where you can find this when it becomes available.
I am excited about this opportunity for our extended Church family to read and learn together. I hope you will consider yourself a member of this family even if geographic location prevents you from being physically present with us. Let's begin this journey.
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