Follow the link below for a great article on a scientific investigation on the power of forgiveness.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roy-lloyd/the-science-of-forgivenes_b_613138.html
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Conseqeunces of Sin
The story of sin is the all too common story of human life. We continually sin and fall short of God's commands and expectations for our lives. The consequences of sin can be seen all around us: violence, oppression, greed, jealousy, addiction, brokenness, shattered relationships to name a few. We know that the world is not how God intended it to be and that our choices, both individually and corporately, have lead us to where we are. In the face of sin and brokenness we are called to turn to the Lord, seeking forgiveness and trying to follow the example of Jesus Christ.
The kingdom of God comes into our lives when we move away from our selfish desires and choices, when we move away from a life of sin, and with the power of spirit begin living for the Lord. Jesus' message was clear: the way of sin is death and the way of God is life.
While Jesus' message is clear it is often difficult if not impossible to achieve. The question becomes: must we wait until heaven to live a life without sin? Or even a life with less sin? Can we live more holy and righteous lives here and now?
The stories in Genesis tell us a great deal about the power of sin in our lives. In particular, the story of Cain and Abel is quite illustrative. As Cain and Abel come to worship the Lord, each brings an offering for God. Cain works in the field and brings an offering of "the fruit of the ground" while Abel, a shepherd, brought the "firstlings of his flock." Each gave to the Lord as an act of worship, but God only received the offering of Abel. There is no explanation of why God did not receive Cain's offering in the text. what followed as an interesting exchange between Cain and God.
God is telling Cain that it is possible to live a righteous life; it is possible to "do well." God also warns Cain that the power of sin is lurking at the door and has a desire for you. It is possible to do well (at least in theory) but most strikingly, sin has a desire for Cain. This is a profoundly powerful statement. Sin desires Cain. He can do well, but sin is preying upon him, nudging, pleading, instigating, and tempting him.
The story of what Cain does next is more well known. In anger and jealousy he takes his brother Abel to the field and murders him. While this story is often pointed to as the archetype for sibling rivalry, it is less a story of conflict between Cain and Abel, and much more about the conflict between Cain and God. Further, it is the conflict within Cain over how to handle his sinful desires that leads him astray.
The question for us is: if sin is knocking on our door, desiring to lead us astray, do we have any hope of living life for God? Are we inevitably caught in a life full of sin?
Sin has real power in our lives as it not only leads us away from God spiritually, but has real effects for others and the world. The consequences of sin have lead to violence, oppression, war, greed and so much more. Sin is not just an individual problem it is a world problem.
-Is it possible, through the faith of a few, to make the world more peace and loving?
-Can we through Christ, live lives that are better and make a positive difference?
-Or is our world hopelessly lost and beyond redemption until the Lord returns?
My prayer is that through the grace of God, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, we might live lives worthy of the gospel. That because of Jesus' love for me, I might be more loving. Because of the amazing gift of grace, I might be more gracious. Because God includes me as a child of God, I might includes others in the same way. If we can love like God loves us, I truly believe our world's problems would improve. Perfect and sinless?doubtful. Better and worth working for? absolutely! As the vision for life with Christ found in Ephesians reminds us:
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” Mark 1:14-15
The kingdom of God comes into our lives when we move away from our selfish desires and choices, when we move away from a life of sin, and with the power of spirit begin living for the Lord. Jesus' message was clear: the way of sin is death and the way of God is life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
While Jesus' message is clear it is often difficult if not impossible to achieve. The question becomes: must we wait until heaven to live a life without sin? Or even a life with less sin? Can we live more holy and righteous lives here and now?
The stories in Genesis tell us a great deal about the power of sin in our lives. In particular, the story of Cain and Abel is quite illustrative. As Cain and Abel come to worship the Lord, each brings an offering for God. Cain works in the field and brings an offering of "the fruit of the ground" while Abel, a shepherd, brought the "firstlings of his flock." Each gave to the Lord as an act of worship, but God only received the offering of Abel. There is no explanation of why God did not receive Cain's offering in the text. what followed as an interesting exchange between Cain and God.
The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Genesis 4:6-7
God is telling Cain that it is possible to live a righteous life; it is possible to "do well." God also warns Cain that the power of sin is lurking at the door and has a desire for you. It is possible to do well (at least in theory) but most strikingly, sin has a desire for Cain. This is a profoundly powerful statement. Sin desires Cain. He can do well, but sin is preying upon him, nudging, pleading, instigating, and tempting him.
The story of what Cain does next is more well known. In anger and jealousy he takes his brother Abel to the field and murders him. While this story is often pointed to as the archetype for sibling rivalry, it is less a story of conflict between Cain and Abel, and much more about the conflict between Cain and God. Further, it is the conflict within Cain over how to handle his sinful desires that leads him astray.
The question for us is: if sin is knocking on our door, desiring to lead us astray, do we have any hope of living life for God? Are we inevitably caught in a life full of sin?
Sin has real power in our lives as it not only leads us away from God spiritually, but has real effects for others and the world. The consequences of sin have lead to violence, oppression, war, greed and so much more. Sin is not just an individual problem it is a world problem.
-Is it possible, through the faith of a few, to make the world more peace and loving?
-Can we through Christ, live lives that are better and make a positive difference?
-Or is our world hopelessly lost and beyond redemption until the Lord returns?
My prayer is that through the grace of God, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, we might live lives worthy of the gospel. That because of Jesus' love for me, I might be more loving. Because of the amazing gift of grace, I might be more gracious. Because God includes me as a child of God, I might includes others in the same way. If we can love like God loves us, I truly believe our world's problems would improve. Perfect and sinless?doubtful. Better and worth working for? absolutely! As the vision for life with Christ found in Ephesians reminds us:
You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ. Ephesians 4:13
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Original Sinners
The story of Adam and Eve in the garden is one of mythic proportions. It is a story referred to by many in a variety of forms, and is known both within the church and is part of the collective conscience of our culture. The story of Eden is also tremendously misunderstood, misread (if it is actually read at all), and misapplied. Fundamentally, the story is not about Eve tempting Adam (and by extension how women are inherently wicked and sinful--how some have used this scripture) it is not about the satanic serpent who seduces the otherwise righteous Adam and Eve, and I don't believe it is a story of God entrapping humanity. Rather, Genesis 3 is a powerful story about sin, rebellion, and human nature. The story tells us about ourselves and our deepest and darkest inclinations. It is a story which reminds us that when we go our own way we are in big trouble.
After Eve's conversation with the serpent, when she is told that she could know good and evil and be like God, she and Adam both ate the fruit of the tree. The serpent provides information to them in a seductive way but doesn't have to do much convincing for them to directly defy God's command.
God created Adam and Eve for relationship. They were given all that they needed for life in the garden, and they were given the responsibility to care for it. Within the boundaries that God established, they had absolute freedom. The only restriction was they could not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God designed the relationship with humanity to be one of trust and dependence. God created human beings and asked them to place their complete trust in God. Adam and Even sinned not simply because they ate the forbidden fruit, they sinned because the failed to trust God. They wanted to be like God, having all the knowledge and wisdom of God. With this knowledge, they would no longer be dependent on God, they could could be independent and autonomous. The original sin is to reject relationship with God.
The power of this story lies not in the historicity of Adam and Eve, but in the knowledge the original sin of Adam and Eve is alive and well today. In Genesis 3, we don't read about Adam and Eve, we read about ourselves; we are Adam and Eve. For me, and I believe most of us, the urge for independence, the resistance to be told what to do, the refusal to submit to authority, and the lack of obedience is at its core a rejection of relationship. When I believe that I know best, that I can do it all on my own, that I must be in control, I am incapable of being in a relationship of mutuality and trust.
Relationships of any kind require openness, humility, and trust and reject all forms of domination and subjugation. God calls us into relationship, names us children of God, calls us to trust. We would rather trust ourselves, our possessions, and live independent and autonomous lives. Sin enters the world when we fail to trust because we ourselves are not trustworthy. Left to our devices we make the wrong choices, become fixated and obsessed with status, power and "being successful." When we fail to trust God in our lives we make wrong choices with disastrous consequences. As the apostle Paul reminds us:
But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:4-6
After Eve's conversation with the serpent, when she is told that she could know good and evil and be like God, she and Adam both ate the fruit of the tree. The serpent provides information to them in a seductive way but doesn't have to do much convincing for them to directly defy God's command.
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” Genesis 2:15-17
God created Adam and Eve for relationship. They were given all that they needed for life in the garden, and they were given the responsibility to care for it. Within the boundaries that God established, they had absolute freedom. The only restriction was they could not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God designed the relationship with humanity to be one of trust and dependence. God created human beings and asked them to place their complete trust in God. Adam and Even sinned not simply because they ate the forbidden fruit, they sinned because the failed to trust God. They wanted to be like God, having all the knowledge and wisdom of God. With this knowledge, they would no longer be dependent on God, they could could be independent and autonomous. The original sin is to reject relationship with God.
The power of this story lies not in the historicity of Adam and Eve, but in the knowledge the original sin of Adam and Eve is alive and well today. In Genesis 3, we don't read about Adam and Eve, we read about ourselves; we are Adam and Eve. For me, and I believe most of us, the urge for independence, the resistance to be told what to do, the refusal to submit to authority, and the lack of obedience is at its core a rejection of relationship. When I believe that I know best, that I can do it all on my own, that I must be in control, I am incapable of being in a relationship of mutuality and trust.
Relationships of any kind require openness, humility, and trust and reject all forms of domination and subjugation. God calls us into relationship, names us children of God, calls us to trust. We would rather trust ourselves, our possessions, and live independent and autonomous lives. Sin enters the world when we fail to trust because we ourselves are not trustworthy. Left to our devices we make the wrong choices, become fixated and obsessed with status, power and "being successful." When we fail to trust God in our lives we make wrong choices with disastrous consequences. As the apostle Paul reminds us:
For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14-15
For anyone who has ever tried to live life for God, tried to be a truly good person, or simply reflected deeply on their life, knows the feeling Paul describes. We want to be kind, generous, patient, loving but we often are mean, stingy, ungrateful, angry, jealous, spiteful. We know life with God is better, and yet with consistently fail. The original sin of defiance and autonomy has been repeated so often it seems almost comical to describe it as "original."
The story of Adam and Eve is alive and well in our lives today. We are without doubt no more advanced than the first generation described in Genesis:
The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5
The good news for us and the world is that Jesus Christ delivers us from our sin and from ourselves. Through Christ, the relationship with God which has been severed by sin and found to be irreparable by human effort is restored and renewed by the love of grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus saves us from sin and saves us from ourselves. In Christ we are a new creation, in Christ we are free to love and serve, knowing the certainty and security which comes from God's love. May we trust in the Lord with all our heart, mind, and body and know with certainty that our salvation rests in the arms of a loving and merciful God.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
In the Beginning
The story of creation found in Genesis 1 and 2 is a story about beginnings; the beginning of life, time, and the created world. The creation story tells us that God is the creator of everything and all of life. God is the source, the originator, the unmoved mover. The creation story tells us that all that God created was "good" and was pleasing to God. The nature of creation is ordered and done with intention and purpose. The creation story also tells us who we are as human beings. We are created "in the image of God" (1:27) and endowed us with special powers and responsibilities to care for and be stewards of creation. The story of creation is powerful, rich, and has profound implications for who we understand ourselves and God to be.
The story of creation is also highly debated and discussed. In our day, the ongoing battle between creationism and evolution have dominated the conversation of these ancients texts. In the midst of the squabbling, yelling, and politicking have we missed the point? Do our ancient stories tells us something even more important than how creation came to be? For me the short answer is yes. The creation story gives an answer to the existential question of why. Why do we exist? What is the point of life? Who am I? What is the meaning of life? If we get bogged down in endless and nonsensical debates over what really happened, we miss the much larger point Genesis 1-2 is trying to make. So let us look to the scriptures themselves and see what God is really up to.
God is the creator of all things and began creation with the power of the holy spirit and the word of God. It is the wind from God which creates the conditions necessary for creation to commence. In Hebrew, the word ruah means: wind, breath, or spirit. So literally it is a wind/breath/spirit of God which causes creation to begin. This is profoundly important. The spirit of God comes over the face of the waters and starts it all. All of creation, all of life begins with the Spirit of God. Similarly, in Genesis 2, the first man comes alive only when the breath/spirit of God is given.
Creation begins with the spirit and human life begins with the spirit. It is the spirit of God which brings life, renewal, and restoration to creation. Without the spirit we are like dried up and left for dead bones. (see Ezekiel 37)
The other key element of the story of creation is how God creates. In Genesis 1, God creates by speaking. God repeatedly says: "let there be....and there was..." God literally calls things into existence by the power of God's word. This is profoundly important because as Christians we understand Jesus to be the living embodiment of God's word.
God creates by speaking the word and the word is Jesus Christ. It is through Christ and the Spirit that creation came be (how about that for an explanation of the trinity). God's word literally has the power to create reality, the power to take potential and make it actual, the power to transform lives.
The story of creation firmly establishes God as creator and tells us a great deal about God and the creation. The story of creation also tells us a lot about human nature and the meaning of life. To be created in God's image implies an intimate connection between God and humanity that is not found elsewhere in creation. Human beings are set apart and given power and responsibility for the creation. (we do really well with the power side, not so much with the responsibility side) God also allows Adam to participate in creation by naming the animals (2:19-20). As such human beings can be understood as participants with God in the ongoing creation of the world and can be seen as created co-creators.
God created us for relationship, to live together in harmony with the created world and live in harmony with the Lord. The story of creation tells us fundamentally that we created for relationship with God, given powers and responsibilities to be stewards of creation, and to live within the boundaries God sets before us. As we begin to see in Genesis 3, it doesn't take long for this good and pleasing creation to lose focus and become askew. That story will have to wait.
The story of creation is also highly debated and discussed. In our day, the ongoing battle between creationism and evolution have dominated the conversation of these ancients texts. In the midst of the squabbling, yelling, and politicking have we missed the point? Do our ancient stories tells us something even more important than how creation came to be? For me the short answer is yes. The creation story gives an answer to the existential question of why. Why do we exist? What is the point of life? Who am I? What is the meaning of life? If we get bogged down in endless and nonsensical debates over what really happened, we miss the much larger point Genesis 1-2 is trying to make. So let us look to the scriptures themselves and see what God is really up to.
"In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light." Genesis 1:1-3
God is the creator of all things and began creation with the power of the holy spirit and the word of God. It is the wind from God which creates the conditions necessary for creation to commence. In Hebrew, the word ruah means: wind, breath, or spirit. So literally it is a wind/breath/spirit of God which causes creation to begin. This is profoundly important. The spirit of God comes over the face of the waters and starts it all. All of creation, all of life begins with the Spirit of God. Similarly, in Genesis 2, the first man comes alive only when the breath/spirit of God is given.
"Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being." Genesis 2:7
Creation begins with the spirit and human life begins with the spirit. It is the spirit of God which brings life, renewal, and restoration to creation. Without the spirit we are like dried up and left for dead bones. (see Ezekiel 37)
The other key element of the story of creation is how God creates. In Genesis 1, God creates by speaking. God repeatedly says: "let there be....and there was..." God literally calls things into existence by the power of God's word. This is profoundly important because as Christians we understand Jesus to be the living embodiment of God's word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people...And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-4,14
God creates by speaking the word and the word is Jesus Christ. It is through Christ and the Spirit that creation came be (how about that for an explanation of the trinity). God's word literally has the power to create reality, the power to take potential and make it actual, the power to transform lives.
The story of creation firmly establishes God as creator and tells us a great deal about God and the creation. The story of creation also tells us a lot about human nature and the meaning of life. To be created in God's image implies an intimate connection between God and humanity that is not found elsewhere in creation. Human beings are set apart and given power and responsibility for the creation. (we do really well with the power side, not so much with the responsibility side) God also allows Adam to participate in creation by naming the animals (2:19-20). As such human beings can be understood as participants with God in the ongoing creation of the world and can be seen as created co-creators.
God created us for relationship, to live together in harmony with the created world and live in harmony with the Lord. The story of creation tells us fundamentally that we created for relationship with God, given powers and responsibilities to be stewards of creation, and to live within the boundaries God sets before us. As we begin to see in Genesis 3, it doesn't take long for this good and pleasing creation to lose focus and become askew. That story will have to wait.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Day 7: Exit Strategy
Read John 13:31-35; 14:15-31
It is my hope that over the past week you have truly enjoyed digging in to the scriptures and that God has revealed, through the stories of Jesus' life and ministry, the love and grace of God. We have seen how Jesus truly loved all people and how he gave us an example of how to live. In today's reading we find Jesus preparing to be arrested, face trial, and be crucified. Jesus knew what God's plan was and that he had very little time. Jesus takes time with the disciples to share last minute wisdom, instruction, and encouragement.
Jesus knew the challenges the disciples were going to face in both the short and long term. In the days ahead, the disciples would face: the threat of similar arrest and persecution, sorting out the meaning of Jesus death and resurrection, and begin deciding what to do next. Their challenge for the long term would be continuing the ministry of Jesus, by sharing the good news with all people and starting the Christian church. Jesus knew these challenges could overwhelm the disciples, so he wanted to share two key nuggets of wisdom: love and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus gives the ultimate reminder of what his ministry was all about when we offers a "new" commandment:
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Jesus wants the disciples to not only love one another, but to love each other as he loved them. In addition, this love is not a private love but a public love which would be seen by others. Jesus wants them to love to the extent that they become known by their love. To be a disciple we must learn to love as Jesus loved, we must love who Jesus loved. Jesus loved everyone everywhere and loved from the center of his being. Jesus gave his whole self to loving others, without holding back. If we truly want to be followers of Jesus, we must love, without holding back, all people. What is holding you back?
Jesus also knew that the disciples would face challenges from both within their community and from outside. Loving others is the mandate, but Jesus also provided the Holy Spirit to empower their work, provide guidance, comfort, and truth.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you...I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." John 14:15-17, 25-26
It is my hope that over the past week you have truly enjoyed digging in to the scriptures and that God has revealed, through the stories of Jesus' life and ministry, the love and grace of God. We have seen how Jesus truly loved all people and how he gave us an example of how to live. In today's reading we find Jesus preparing to be arrested, face trial, and be crucified. Jesus knew what God's plan was and that he had very little time. Jesus takes time with the disciples to share last minute wisdom, instruction, and encouragement.
Jesus knew the challenges the disciples were going to face in both the short and long term. In the days ahead, the disciples would face: the threat of similar arrest and persecution, sorting out the meaning of Jesus death and resurrection, and begin deciding what to do next. Their challenge for the long term would be continuing the ministry of Jesus, by sharing the good news with all people and starting the Christian church. Jesus knew these challenges could overwhelm the disciples, so he wanted to share two key nuggets of wisdom: love and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus gives the ultimate reminder of what his ministry was all about when we offers a "new" commandment:
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Jesus wants the disciples to not only love one another, but to love each other as he loved them. In addition, this love is not a private love but a public love which would be seen by others. Jesus wants them to love to the extent that they become known by their love. To be a disciple we must learn to love as Jesus loved, we must love who Jesus loved. Jesus loved everyone everywhere and loved from the center of his being. Jesus gave his whole self to loving others, without holding back. If we truly want to be followers of Jesus, we must love, without holding back, all people. What is holding you back?
Jesus also knew that the disciples would face challenges from both within their community and from outside. Loving others is the mandate, but Jesus also provided the Holy Spirit to empower their work, provide guidance, comfort, and truth.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you...I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." John 14:15-17, 25-26
The work that God called the disciples to do would be challenging, difficult, and dangerous. Jesus reminds them that, although he won't be physically present, the Holy Spirit will lead them, guide them, remind them, and comfort them. The Holy Spirit will provide everything they need. So it is with us as well. God has called us to participate in God's mission in the world. It can be challegning and difficult, but we are equipped to do so and empowered by the Holy Spirit. May God continue to inspire, enlighten, and support in our journey of discipleship!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 6: Identity Crisis
Read John 10:22-42
As Jesus became more and more popular with the people, and his healings and teachings began to be made known, he was increasingly viewed as a threat to the religious leaders. The “Jews” as John refers to Jesus’ opponents is really a description of the religious elites (Pharisees, priests, and scribes) not the Jewish people themselves (remember Jesus and his disciples were all Jewish). As Jesus grew in notoriety, more and more people came to believe that he was the Messiah. The confrontation in this story between Jesus and the religious leaders is fundamentally about who Jesus really is.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:24-30
As Jesus became more and more popular with the people, and his healings and teachings began to be made known, he was increasingly viewed as a threat to the religious leaders. The “Jews” as John refers to Jesus’ opponents is really a description of the religious elites (Pharisees, priests, and scribes) not the Jewish people themselves (remember Jesus and his disciples were all Jewish). As Jesus grew in notoriety, more and more people came to believe that he was the Messiah. The confrontation in this story between Jesus and the religious leaders is fundamentally about who Jesus really is.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus performed miracles and signs that were interpreted as acts of God. He brought sight to the blind, helped the lame walk, fed the multitudes, and brought the dead back to life. For Jesus, his signs were evidence that he was doing the work of the Father and that he was the Son of God.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:24-30
Despite the skepticism and lack of faith of the leaders, Jesus tells them the truth. He is the long awaited and promised Messiah and that he and the Father are one. For the religious leaders this is blasphemy. No one could claim to be God and Jesus was clearly making this point. Jesus uses the signs and miracles he performed as evidence of his identity as the Messiah. The religious leaders are forced to renounce their religious traditions (by believing that God had taken on human form) and believe Jesus, or renounce Jesus and try to discredit him. We know of course the path the leaders chose, and their rejection of Jesus leads him to the cross.
Ultimately the question Jesus asks the religious leaders is the same question he asks each of us: who do you say I am? Who is Jesus to you and what difference does it make? The leaders were either unwilling or unable to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and God incarnate. They had too much invested in their religion and their place of power to receive the truth. Believing in Jesus would have meant contradicting their long-held religious beliefs, which they had built a career sharing with the people and defending. Jesus was asking them to believe despite the high cost.
For us the question is just as pressing. Do we really believe that Jesus was the Messiah? Are we willing to order our life around this truth? What is the cost to us for living our life with a robust Christian faith? Many people claim to be Christian but their lives don’t reflect it. To be a disciple of Christ means that each day we are learning to be more and more like Jesus. It means we are willing to risk for our faith and stand up for God even when it is unpopular and inconvenient. It means placing God at the center of our lives and that all our decisions are filtered through our faith. As Christians we know that Jesus paid the highest cost for us and for the world. Jesus is calling us into a life-changing relationship which asks us to put God first. Are we willing to take the risk and pay the cost? Are we willing to say who Jesus is for us?
Ultimately the question Jesus asks the religious leaders is the same question he asks each of us: who do you say I am? Who is Jesus to you and what difference does it make? The leaders were either unwilling or unable to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and God incarnate. They had too much invested in their religion and their place of power to receive the truth. Believing in Jesus would have meant contradicting their long-held religious beliefs, which they had built a career sharing with the people and defending. Jesus was asking them to believe despite the high cost.
For us the question is just as pressing. Do we really believe that Jesus was the Messiah? Are we willing to order our life around this truth? What is the cost to us for living our life with a robust Christian faith? Many people claim to be Christian but their lives don’t reflect it. To be a disciple of Christ means that each day we are learning to be more and more like Jesus. It means we are willing to risk for our faith and stand up for God even when it is unpopular and inconvenient. It means placing God at the center of our lives and that all our decisions are filtered through our faith. As Christians we know that Jesus paid the highest cost for us and for the world. Jesus is calling us into a life-changing relationship which asks us to put God first. Are we willing to take the risk and pay the cost? Are we willing to say who Jesus is for us?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Day 5: Judgement and Grace
Read John 8:1-11
It is in the gospel stories that we learn who Jesus is most clearly. Throughout his life and ministry he interacts with all sorts of people from all walks of life. Jesus did not confine himself to relating to those who were like him, he did not follow the rules that governed social interaction. Instead Jesus, time and time again, goes out his way to relate to those outside of his social network in order to show that God's love and grace is for everyone, everywhere. The story of the woman caught in adultery exemplifies how Jesus breaks through barriers to share the love and grace of God in a profound and transformational way.
As Jesus is teaching in the temple, the Pharisees bring before him a "woman caught in adultery." The Pharisees ask Jesus if the woman ought to be stoned to death as Hebrew law required (see Deut. 22:22, Lev. 20:10). They asked Jesus, not because they were confused on the law itself, but because they wanted to "test" him. If Jesus allows the woman to be stoned his popularity with the people and the compassion he so frequently demonstrated would be compromised. If he bars the stoning he is violating the law. The Pharisees were trying to discredit Jesus' authority because he was becoming more and more popular as religious leader, thus jeopardizing the Pharisees position of power and influence in Jewish society.
Jesus responds to the trick question as he so often does, by turning it back to the questioner. Jesus tells the Pharisees and the crowd: "let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." The judgment, anger, and blood lust of the crowd is turned away from the woman and back toward themselves. Jesus refused to validate the question about the law, and instead focuses on the judgmental anger of the Pharisees. In doing so, he offers a tremendous gift of grace for the woman and a valuable lesson for us all.
To be a disciple of Jesus we must learn more and more to think and act like Jesus. In this situation while the majority of people were filled with judgment, Jesus was filled with love, grace, and compassion. After each of the people depart, leaving Jesus and the woman standing alone, he says to her:
In a situation where it would be incredibly easy to judge the woman, Jesus refuses to do so. There is no question in the story about whether or not the woman is guilty, as she was caught in the "very act" of adultery. Jesus is not at all interested in determining what actually happened or where blame deserved to be placed (notice however that the man who was caught in the act is no where to be seen--this seems a bit unfair doesn't it?). Jesus wants this woman to know that she is not condemned, that she remains a person of value and dignity. He tells her to go and sin no more. Jesus offers the gift of grace, a gift which transforms people at their very core. No doubt she left this encounter with Jesus a changed person, fully aware of the amazing and life-changing gift of God's love and grace.
As I reflect on this powerful story of Jesus, I cannot help but place myself in the story. If I am honest, I realize that sometimes I am just like the Pharisees. I can easily cast judgment on others and become focused on determining who is right and who is wrong in a situation. We rarely want to see ourselves as the judgers, but most of us are rather judgmental (whether we admit it or not). Jesus is calling us to move beyond such judgments, even when those judgments seems fully justified. After all, Jesus stands in our place so that we are not judged. We ought to be so grateful that judgment doesn't come our way that we steadfastly refuse to judge others. Imagine what our lives could be like if judging of others didn't take place....
Similarly, I can easily see myself as the woman in this situation. I have sinned and fallen short in life again and again. I deserve judgment and condemnation for all I have done and left undone. And yet, Christ comes to me, comes to us, and refuses to condemn. Instead of judgment, Jesus offers us an invitation to a new way of life. In Christ we no longer are defined by what we have done well or poorly, we are no longer defined by our ability or inability to live perfectly. In Christ we are defined by the life-giving and awesome gift of God's grace. Through Christ I am forgiven, through Christ I am transformed, through Christ I am free.
So let us receive anew the gift of grace and let God give us the strength and courage to be gracious to one another.
It is in the gospel stories that we learn who Jesus is most clearly. Throughout his life and ministry he interacts with all sorts of people from all walks of life. Jesus did not confine himself to relating to those who were like him, he did not follow the rules that governed social interaction. Instead Jesus, time and time again, goes out his way to relate to those outside of his social network in order to show that God's love and grace is for everyone, everywhere. The story of the woman caught in adultery exemplifies how Jesus breaks through barriers to share the love and grace of God in a profound and transformational way.
As Jesus is teaching in the temple, the Pharisees bring before him a "woman caught in adultery." The Pharisees ask Jesus if the woman ought to be stoned to death as Hebrew law required (see Deut. 22:22, Lev. 20:10). They asked Jesus, not because they were confused on the law itself, but because they wanted to "test" him. If Jesus allows the woman to be stoned his popularity with the people and the compassion he so frequently demonstrated would be compromised. If he bars the stoning he is violating the law. The Pharisees were trying to discredit Jesus' authority because he was becoming more and more popular as religious leader, thus jeopardizing the Pharisees position of power and influence in Jewish society.
Jesus responds to the trick question as he so often does, by turning it back to the questioner. Jesus tells the Pharisees and the crowd: "let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." The judgment, anger, and blood lust of the crowd is turned away from the woman and back toward themselves. Jesus refused to validate the question about the law, and instead focuses on the judgmental anger of the Pharisees. In doing so, he offers a tremendous gift of grace for the woman and a valuable lesson for us all.
To be a disciple of Jesus we must learn more and more to think and act like Jesus. In this situation while the majority of people were filled with judgment, Jesus was filled with love, grace, and compassion. After each of the people depart, leaving Jesus and the woman standing alone, he says to her:
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”
John 8:10-11
In a situation where it would be incredibly easy to judge the woman, Jesus refuses to do so. There is no question in the story about whether or not the woman is guilty, as she was caught in the "very act" of adultery. Jesus is not at all interested in determining what actually happened or where blame deserved to be placed (notice however that the man who was caught in the act is no where to be seen--this seems a bit unfair doesn't it?). Jesus wants this woman to know that she is not condemned, that she remains a person of value and dignity. He tells her to go and sin no more. Jesus offers the gift of grace, a gift which transforms people at their very core. No doubt she left this encounter with Jesus a changed person, fully aware of the amazing and life-changing gift of God's love and grace.
As I reflect on this powerful story of Jesus, I cannot help but place myself in the story. If I am honest, I realize that sometimes I am just like the Pharisees. I can easily cast judgment on others and become focused on determining who is right and who is wrong in a situation. We rarely want to see ourselves as the judgers, but most of us are rather judgmental (whether we admit it or not). Jesus is calling us to move beyond such judgments, even when those judgments seems fully justified. After all, Jesus stands in our place so that we are not judged. We ought to be so grateful that judgment doesn't come our way that we steadfastly refuse to judge others. Imagine what our lives could be like if judging of others didn't take place....
Similarly, I can easily see myself as the woman in this situation. I have sinned and fallen short in life again and again. I deserve judgment and condemnation for all I have done and left undone. And yet, Christ comes to me, comes to us, and refuses to condemn. Instead of judgment, Jesus offers us an invitation to a new way of life. In Christ we no longer are defined by what we have done well or poorly, we are no longer defined by our ability or inability to live perfectly. In Christ we are defined by the life-giving and awesome gift of God's grace. Through Christ I am forgiven, through Christ I am transformed, through Christ I am free.
So let us receive anew the gift of grace and let God give us the strength and courage to be gracious to one another.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Day 4: Salty Light
Read Matthew 5:1-48
The fifth chapter of Matthew marks the beginning of what is called “The Sermon on the Mount” and contains some of the key teachings of Jesus. If we want to become followers of Jesus, this chapter is absolutely pivotal to not only understand, but to live out. In this sermon, Jesus offers us: the Beatitudes which give us a vision of who is blessed in God’s kingdom, ethical teachings, biblical instruction, advice on how to live faithfully, and much more. I would go so far as to suggest that this one chapter of scripture is the most important in terms of learning to become a disciple.
Matthew 5 has so many powerful teachings about discipleship that I cannot reflect on it all. Rather, I want to pick up on a key theme which woven throughout this important chapter. Jesus wants the crowd (and us) to understand that when we are in relationship to God it should make a profound difference in how we live our lives. In other words, if you are a person of faith you should behave differently in the world. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in world, to live among others but through our actions give witness to the transforming power of God’s love (Matthew 5:13-16). In order to live this out, Jesus reminds us that it is not enough to follow the letter of the law (think 10 commandments), we must also live up to the spirit of the law. The life of faith is not simply about believing Jesus is Lord, it is about placing God at the center of our lives and living life accordingly.
Jesus uses salt and light as metaphors for living the faithful life.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
When we think about salt we sometimes think in negative terms. Too much salt in your diet can indeed be unhealthy. Nonetheless, we need salt both in the food we eat and our bodies themselves. The key is having the right amount of salt. Think about a meal that is overly bland and how the addition of salt can make all the difference. Salt makes a difference and is noticed, but salt is also among things that are not salt. We wouldn’t eat salt on it s own—unless it was a dare—it is always mixed in with other ingredients. Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the world, but to be wary of losing our saltiness.
To be salt means we must live the life of faith in the world, among those who are not following Jesus. To be salt means that others will “see our good works” and the way we live our lives and want to be part of it. A person of faith doesn’t have the option of retreating from the world or only associating with other Christians. We must share our life and share our faith, and let our “salty” actions bear witness to the love and grace of God. Jesus also warns us that as salt we cannot lose our saltiness or we become useless. If we are living among those who are not in relationship with God, but we lose our faithfulness and people cannot tell the difference God makes, then we have lost our saltiness.
Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes on to re-interpret the classic teachings and understandings of the commandments. In a series of “you have heard it said, but now I tell you” statements, Jesus demonstrates what it means to be salt and light in the world. It is easy not to murder, anyone can restrain themselves from murder, but Jesus tells us that anger in our heart is what we must extinguish. Similarly, Jesus doesn’t simply affirm the prohibition against adultery; he also tells us that lust in our heart is the real issue. On several key issues, Jesus raises the expectations of what it means to be faithful. In essence he is calling us to live life with love in our hearts for all people. When someone wrongs you, don’t take revenge, pray for them. If someone takes your coat, give them your cloak as well. Jesus raises the expectations not only because it will be noticeable, but more importantly because the world desperately needs the love of God.
The life Jesus is calling us to live is truly radical and counter cultural. If we take him seriously, if we work on our relationship with God, we can begin more and more to live life differently. We can be in the world but not of it. We can be salt and light. Being a disciple means following Jesus and he is leading us to the cross, where true transformation happens. Jesus is calling you to be salty and be a light to a dark troubled world. I pray God gives us the strength and courage to be salty light.
The fifth chapter of Matthew marks the beginning of what is called “The Sermon on the Mount” and contains some of the key teachings of Jesus. If we want to become followers of Jesus, this chapter is absolutely pivotal to not only understand, but to live out. In this sermon, Jesus offers us: the Beatitudes which give us a vision of who is blessed in God’s kingdom, ethical teachings, biblical instruction, advice on how to live faithfully, and much more. I would go so far as to suggest that this one chapter of scripture is the most important in terms of learning to become a disciple.
Matthew 5 has so many powerful teachings about discipleship that I cannot reflect on it all. Rather, I want to pick up on a key theme which woven throughout this important chapter. Jesus wants the crowd (and us) to understand that when we are in relationship to God it should make a profound difference in how we live our lives. In other words, if you are a person of faith you should behave differently in the world. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in world, to live among others but through our actions give witness to the transforming power of God’s love (Matthew 5:13-16). In order to live this out, Jesus reminds us that it is not enough to follow the letter of the law (think 10 commandments), we must also live up to the spirit of the law. The life of faith is not simply about believing Jesus is Lord, it is about placing God at the center of our lives and living life accordingly.
Jesus uses salt and light as metaphors for living the faithful life.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
To be salt means we must live the life of faith in the world, among those who are not following Jesus. To be salt means that others will “see our good works” and the way we live our lives and want to be part of it. A person of faith doesn’t have the option of retreating from the world or only associating with other Christians. We must share our life and share our faith, and let our “salty” actions bear witness to the love and grace of God. Jesus also warns us that as salt we cannot lose our saltiness or we become useless. If we are living among those who are not in relationship with God, but we lose our faithfulness and people cannot tell the difference God makes, then we have lost our saltiness.
Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes on to re-interpret the classic teachings and understandings of the commandments. In a series of “you have heard it said, but now I tell you” statements, Jesus demonstrates what it means to be salt and light in the world. It is easy not to murder, anyone can restrain themselves from murder, but Jesus tells us that anger in our heart is what we must extinguish. Similarly, Jesus doesn’t simply affirm the prohibition against adultery; he also tells us that lust in our heart is the real issue. On several key issues, Jesus raises the expectations of what it means to be faithful. In essence he is calling us to live life with love in our hearts for all people. When someone wrongs you, don’t take revenge, pray for them. If someone takes your coat, give them your cloak as well. Jesus raises the expectations not only because it will be noticeable, but more importantly because the world desperately needs the love of God.
The life Jesus is calling us to live is truly radical and counter cultural. If we take him seriously, if we work on our relationship with God, we can begin more and more to live life differently. We can be in the world but not of it. We can be salt and light. Being a disciple means following Jesus and he is leading us to the cross, where true transformation happens. Jesus is calling you to be salty and be a light to a dark troubled world. I pray God gives us the strength and courage to be salty light.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Day 3: The Transformational Power of Healing
Read Mark 5:1-20
I love this scripture in Mark because it so powerfully demonstrates the love that Jesus has for all people. This scripture involves Jesus healing a man who has been possessed by a demon. Jesus specifically seeks out this man in order to restore him to health. It was no accident that Jesus went to the "other side" of the Sea of Galilee. He went there to find this strange and troubled man, and to restore him to health and wholeness. In healing this demon possessed man, Jesus not only saves a life he also shows us that no one is beyond redemption, no one is forgotten by God, all people matter and are deserving respect and dignity.
I also love this scripture because it is so strange, and it is one of many examples of Jesus interacting with demons. Until I really began to take seriously the power of darkness in the world, I would quickly dismiss stories in scripture about demons. But the reality is that each of us, at some level, must deal with the darkness in our own lives. And if our life isn't centered in Christ, we are vulnerable to over taken by it. For Jesus, the powers of darkness were very real and he constantly fought against them. In our modern world, with science, technology, and psychology are we too quick to dismiss demons? What are the demons that are present in our life? I believe Jesus has a lot to tell us in this scripture.
In chapter 5 of Mark, Jesus and his disciples travel by boat to the country of the Gerasenes, a great distance from their normal travels. When they arrive the text says:
A significant detail here is that demon possessed man lives among the tombs. In Jewish culture, associating with the dead in any way was a major taboo and to live among the dead would be a guaranteed way to both be left alone and raise significant questions within the community. The demoniac has either been pushed out of the community or voluntarily removed himself. The text implies that this man was well known to be demon possessed, and no doubt stories, rumors, and legends of this man with demons were well known. Yet, Jesus seems to seek out intentionally this man. He specifically comes to this strange land to met and heal this strange man. A man who has been left for dead and forgotten by the world.
It is no accident that Jesus has come to this place and is meeting with this man. In Mark however, it is part of a theme where Jesus consistently interacts with demons (cf. 1:21-28; 3:7-12; 7:24-30; 9:14-29). Jesus has power and authority over the demons and they seem to know exactly who he really is. This is quite remarkable because in Mark there is a continual theme of people not understanding who Jesus really is. Yet the demons know Jesus and they are scared of his power. In this episode, the demons have fully taken over the man. Jesus does not address the man because the man doesn't exist in his demon possessed state. When demons are allowed to take over and become powerful, the person hosting the demons for all practical purposes ceases to exist. In the end, Jesus confronts the demons and casts them out, into a herd of pigs which are cast into the sea (vv. 10-13), restoring the man to health and wholeness. The demoniac has been restored and his transformation is so dramatic that the crowds are in disbelief and fear. (vv. 14-16) The man asks Jesus if he can become a follower and assist in his ministry. Jesus refuses, telling the man to tell his story of transformation and healing to all of his friends.
For me, this strange and bizarre story of demons exemplifies Jesus' earthly ministry. Time and time again Jesus searches out the most vulnerable, forgotten, and marginalized members of society. He spends time with the blind, the deaf, the lame, the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, and demon possessed. He seeks out the forgotten and acknowledges their humanity, giving them dignity and respect. Jesus never gives up on anyone, no one is ever beyond the miraculous healing power of God.
What would our world look like if we took this example seriously? Who are the forgotten ones in our world today and what are we doing to acknowledge their humanity?
Today we might label a demon possessed person as mentally ill, epileptic, addicted, or eccentric. These labels may give us some level of understanding, but there are whole segments of our world that are forgotten and marginalized. Jesus' ministry calls us to love and serve all people, with particular emphasis and passion for the forgotten.What would this mean for us? How can we actualize this in our life today?
I love this scripture in Mark because it so powerfully demonstrates the love that Jesus has for all people. This scripture involves Jesus healing a man who has been possessed by a demon. Jesus specifically seeks out this man in order to restore him to health. It was no accident that Jesus went to the "other side" of the Sea of Galilee. He went there to find this strange and troubled man, and to restore him to health and wholeness. In healing this demon possessed man, Jesus not only saves a life he also shows us that no one is beyond redemption, no one is forgotten by God, all people matter and are deserving respect and dignity.
I also love this scripture because it is so strange, and it is one of many examples of Jesus interacting with demons. Until I really began to take seriously the power of darkness in the world, I would quickly dismiss stories in scripture about demons. But the reality is that each of us, at some level, must deal with the darkness in our own lives. And if our life isn't centered in Christ, we are vulnerable to over taken by it. For Jesus, the powers of darkness were very real and he constantly fought against them. In our modern world, with science, technology, and psychology are we too quick to dismiss demons? What are the demons that are present in our life? I believe Jesus has a lot to tell us in this scripture.
In chapter 5 of Mark, Jesus and his disciples travel by boat to the country of the Gerasenes, a great distance from their normal travels. When they arrive the text says:
And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Mark 5:2-8
A significant detail here is that demon possessed man lives among the tombs. In Jewish culture, associating with the dead in any way was a major taboo and to live among the dead would be a guaranteed way to both be left alone and raise significant questions within the community. The demoniac has either been pushed out of the community or voluntarily removed himself. The text implies that this man was well known to be demon possessed, and no doubt stories, rumors, and legends of this man with demons were well known. Yet, Jesus seems to seek out intentionally this man. He specifically comes to this strange land to met and heal this strange man. A man who has been left for dead and forgotten by the world.
It is no accident that Jesus has come to this place and is meeting with this man. In Mark however, it is part of a theme where Jesus consistently interacts with demons (cf. 1:21-28; 3:7-12; 7:24-30; 9:14-29). Jesus has power and authority over the demons and they seem to know exactly who he really is. This is quite remarkable because in Mark there is a continual theme of people not understanding who Jesus really is. Yet the demons know Jesus and they are scared of his power. In this episode, the demons have fully taken over the man. Jesus does not address the man because the man doesn't exist in his demon possessed state. When demons are allowed to take over and become powerful, the person hosting the demons for all practical purposes ceases to exist. In the end, Jesus confronts the demons and casts them out, into a herd of pigs which are cast into the sea (vv. 10-13), restoring the man to health and wholeness. The demoniac has been restored and his transformation is so dramatic that the crowds are in disbelief and fear. (vv. 14-16) The man asks Jesus if he can become a follower and assist in his ministry. Jesus refuses, telling the man to tell his story of transformation and healing to all of his friends.
For me, this strange and bizarre story of demons exemplifies Jesus' earthly ministry. Time and time again Jesus searches out the most vulnerable, forgotten, and marginalized members of society. He spends time with the blind, the deaf, the lame, the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, and demon possessed. He seeks out the forgotten and acknowledges their humanity, giving them dignity and respect. Jesus never gives up on anyone, no one is ever beyond the miraculous healing power of God.
What would our world look like if we took this example seriously? Who are the forgotten ones in our world today and what are we doing to acknowledge their humanity?
Today we might label a demon possessed person as mentally ill, epileptic, addicted, or eccentric. These labels may give us some level of understanding, but there are whole segments of our world that are forgotten and marginalized. Jesus' ministry calls us to love and serve all people, with particular emphasis and passion for the forgotten.What would this mean for us? How can we actualize this in our life today?
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day 2: Let's Get it Started!
Read Mark 1:16-28
As Jesus began his public ministry he traveled throughout Galilee proclaiming the good news of God: "the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe the good news." (Mark 1:15) Jesus was saying that now was the time to turn back to God, now was the time to change your life because the promises of God were about to be fulfilled. No doubt this was a powerful message which inspired hope and transformation. And as Jesus traveled, sharing the good news, more and more people received the message and began to follow. But perhaps evenmore powerful than the message of Jesus, was who he shared the message with and who he included as his followers.
When Jesus comes to the Sea of Galilee he sees a group of fishermen and immediately calls his first disciples: "follow me and I will make you fish for people." (1:17) Simon, Andrew, James, and John all abandon their boats and begin to be Jesus' disciples. Perhaps we have heard this story so many times that we fail to see how revolutionary Jesus' actions truly were. Most rabbis spent years working with the absolute best students to cultivate a group of dedicated disciples. Jesus simply walks up to a group of strangers and says "follow me." It is the most bizzare and powerful recruiting speech ever! Jesus doesn't tell them about the benefits of being a disciple, or warn them of their impending hardships, he simply invites a group of fishermen to leave their life behind and follow him.
Now fishermen were not an educated group. Most likely they had long prior dropped out of school and were never even considered by their teachers to be candidates as disciples. In their culture, the expectation was working the family business, starting a family, and being part of society. Jesus calls them out of the life they knew and they all willingly and immediately left it behind. Jesus called together the most unlikely group of disciples and for three years they followed Jesus, were taught by Jesus, mentored by Jesus, and empowered by Jesus. This unlikely group went on, after Jesus' death and resurrection, to start the Christian church and change the world. Where others saw deficiency, Jesus saw potential. Where others saw the uneducated, Jesus saw faith. Jesus, time after time, saw potential and value in the most unlikely people. He sees it in you. What do you see?
Just has powerful and unorthodox was Jesus' next stop. After gathering a group of disciples, Jesus heads to the local synagogue to teach the Word of God. The people are amazed at his teachings, as he taught "as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (1:22) In other words, Jesus was not simply offering the same old interpretation of the scriptures, he was bringing something new, something challenging, and something radical. Nonetheless, the people received Jesus' teaching and were beginning perhaps to understand what the kingdom of God was all about.
While at the synagogue, and while teaching, a man with an unclean spirit (demon possessed) proclaims "what have you to do with Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are the Holy One of God." (1:24) Jesus then casts out the demon and restores the man to health and wholeness. While it is quite fascinating that over and over, the demons recognize Jesus for who is really is (this is another topic for another day), what is truly remarkable is that Jesus even takes the time. To be a man with an unclean spirit meant that everyone would be afraid and unwilling to associate with you. Not only is the man considered unclean, he is also possessed by a demon and potentially dangerous. It is no mistake that this is the first healing story of Jesus. He restores and renews a man his society had deemed untouchable and invisible. In doing so, Jesus reveals his heart for the "least of these" in society. Jesus loves the unlovable, heals the broken, retores the hopeless, and transforms the hard-hearted. Where is our heart? Who are the forgotten and the invisible in our life?
So what is God up to?
Jesus is calling the unlikely, teaching the hard-hearted, healing the forsaken, and transforming lives.
As Jesus began his public ministry he traveled throughout Galilee proclaiming the good news of God: "the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe the good news." (Mark 1:15) Jesus was saying that now was the time to turn back to God, now was the time to change your life because the promises of God were about to be fulfilled. No doubt this was a powerful message which inspired hope and transformation. And as Jesus traveled, sharing the good news, more and more people received the message and began to follow. But perhaps evenmore powerful than the message of Jesus, was who he shared the message with and who he included as his followers.
When Jesus comes to the Sea of Galilee he sees a group of fishermen and immediately calls his first disciples: "follow me and I will make you fish for people." (1:17) Simon, Andrew, James, and John all abandon their boats and begin to be Jesus' disciples. Perhaps we have heard this story so many times that we fail to see how revolutionary Jesus' actions truly were. Most rabbis spent years working with the absolute best students to cultivate a group of dedicated disciples. Jesus simply walks up to a group of strangers and says "follow me." It is the most bizzare and powerful recruiting speech ever! Jesus doesn't tell them about the benefits of being a disciple, or warn them of their impending hardships, he simply invites a group of fishermen to leave their life behind and follow him.
Now fishermen were not an educated group. Most likely they had long prior dropped out of school and were never even considered by their teachers to be candidates as disciples. In their culture, the expectation was working the family business, starting a family, and being part of society. Jesus calls them out of the life they knew and they all willingly and immediately left it behind. Jesus called together the most unlikely group of disciples and for three years they followed Jesus, were taught by Jesus, mentored by Jesus, and empowered by Jesus. This unlikely group went on, after Jesus' death and resurrection, to start the Christian church and change the world. Where others saw deficiency, Jesus saw potential. Where others saw the uneducated, Jesus saw faith. Jesus, time after time, saw potential and value in the most unlikely people. He sees it in you. What do you see?
Just has powerful and unorthodox was Jesus' next stop. After gathering a group of disciples, Jesus heads to the local synagogue to teach the Word of God. The people are amazed at his teachings, as he taught "as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (1:22) In other words, Jesus was not simply offering the same old interpretation of the scriptures, he was bringing something new, something challenging, and something radical. Nonetheless, the people received Jesus' teaching and were beginning perhaps to understand what the kingdom of God was all about.
While at the synagogue, and while teaching, a man with an unclean spirit (demon possessed) proclaims "what have you to do with Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are the Holy One of God." (1:24) Jesus then casts out the demon and restores the man to health and wholeness. While it is quite fascinating that over and over, the demons recognize Jesus for who is really is (this is another topic for another day), what is truly remarkable is that Jesus even takes the time. To be a man with an unclean spirit meant that everyone would be afraid and unwilling to associate with you. Not only is the man considered unclean, he is also possessed by a demon and potentially dangerous. It is no mistake that this is the first healing story of Jesus. He restores and renews a man his society had deemed untouchable and invisible. In doing so, Jesus reveals his heart for the "least of these" in society. Jesus loves the unlovable, heals the broken, retores the hopeless, and transforms the hard-hearted. Where is our heart? Who are the forgotten and the invisible in our life?
So what is God up to?
Jesus is calling the unlikely, teaching the hard-hearted, healing the forsaken, and transforming lives.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Day 1: Tempting Jesus
Read Luke 4:1-13
The story of Jesus' temptation is a powerful reminder of the humaness of Jesus, and how easily we can be distracted from God's purpose for our life. Jesus was given a divine mission to share God's Word, bring healing and wholeness to the poor, oppressed, and broken hearted and to give himself on the cross for all of humanity. Jesus understood God's plan for his life and knew the sacrifice, focus, and dedication it would require. The temptation of Jesus was an attempt by Satan to distract, distort, and derail Jesus. Jesus' temptation was real and his success in overcoming temptation is inspiring.
At baptism, Jesus receives the power of the Holy Spirit. This power would enable him to do his earthly ministry and complete his mission on the cross.
Here we have Jesus filled and empowered by the Spirit, but also driven to the desert by the Spirit. It is almost as if the Spirit wants and needs Jesus to endure the temptation by Satan. At the same time, while Jesus is attacked by Satan's temptations, he also filled up with the Spirit. Perhaps Jesus needed to successfully go through temptation in the desert, so that he would be able to overcome the later temptation to abandon God' plan of pain and suffering to be endured on the cross.
The circumstances of Jesus' temptation are important to note. It is only after 40 days of living in the desert without food, that his temptation begins. Jesus was at his absolute weakest when he was tempted. He was physically weak and after so much time in the desert he must have been emotionally fragile as well. For many of us, our temptations come when we are at our weakest; when we are tired, emotionally and physically spent, or when we have lost a sense of who we are.
It is also important to see the kinds of temptations Jesus goes through. He is tempted with food, earthly power, and divinity. Satan tries to get Jesus to use his divine powers to help himself. If Jesus had done so he would have jeopardized God's mission. Jesus resists the temptations of Satan by drawing upon the strength of his faith by quoting the scriptures (Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:13, 6:16 respectively). In our lives, Satan will use whatever means necessary to lead us off track. Some of us are tempted by money and power, others pleasure, food, sex, popularity, affection, or acceptance. Whenever we act out against God and against who God created us to be, we are giving into temptation.
I am more and more convinced that the closer we get to fulfilling God's purpose for our life, the more temptations come our way. Think about it. If we start fulfilling God's purpose for our life and participating in God's mission in the world, Satan will lose! As we start being more and more faithful, temptations increase. The story of Jesus illustrates this increasing level of temptation (Jesus will continually be tempted to use his power and to reveal himself before the time is right, and he was most certainly tempted to avoid the pain and suffering of the cross). As we grow in our faith, deepen our committment to Christ, and become disciples we too can expect temptation to come our way. But like Jesus, we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, given the gift of God's Word, and the knowledge that with God on our side we can and will do amazing things.
The story of Jesus' temptation is a powerful reminder of the humaness of Jesus, and how easily we can be distracted from God's purpose for our life. Jesus was given a divine mission to share God's Word, bring healing and wholeness to the poor, oppressed, and broken hearted and to give himself on the cross for all of humanity. Jesus understood God's plan for his life and knew the sacrifice, focus, and dedication it would require. The temptation of Jesus was an attempt by Satan to distract, distort, and derail Jesus. Jesus' temptation was real and his success in overcoming temptation is inspiring.
At baptism, Jesus receives the power of the Holy Spirit. This power would enable him to do his earthly ministry and complete his mission on the cross.
"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil." Luke 4:1-2
Here we have Jesus filled and empowered by the Spirit, but also driven to the desert by the Spirit. It is almost as if the Spirit wants and needs Jesus to endure the temptation by Satan. At the same time, while Jesus is attacked by Satan's temptations, he also filled up with the Spirit. Perhaps Jesus needed to successfully go through temptation in the desert, so that he would be able to overcome the later temptation to abandon God' plan of pain and suffering to be endured on the cross.
The circumstances of Jesus' temptation are important to note. It is only after 40 days of living in the desert without food, that his temptation begins. Jesus was at his absolute weakest when he was tempted. He was physically weak and after so much time in the desert he must have been emotionally fragile as well. For many of us, our temptations come when we are at our weakest; when we are tired, emotionally and physically spent, or when we have lost a sense of who we are.
It is also important to see the kinds of temptations Jesus goes through. He is tempted with food, earthly power, and divinity. Satan tries to get Jesus to use his divine powers to help himself. If Jesus had done so he would have jeopardized God's mission. Jesus resists the temptations of Satan by drawing upon the strength of his faith by quoting the scriptures (Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:13, 6:16 respectively). In our lives, Satan will use whatever means necessary to lead us off track. Some of us are tempted by money and power, others pleasure, food, sex, popularity, affection, or acceptance. Whenever we act out against God and against who God created us to be, we are giving into temptation.
I am more and more convinced that the closer we get to fulfilling God's purpose for our life, the more temptations come our way. Think about it. If we start fulfilling God's purpose for our life and participating in God's mission in the world, Satan will lose! As we start being more and more faithful, temptations increase. The story of Jesus illustrates this increasing level of temptation (Jesus will continually be tempted to use his power and to reveal himself before the time is right, and he was most certainly tempted to avoid the pain and suffering of the cross). As we grow in our faith, deepen our committment to Christ, and become disciples we too can expect temptation to come our way. But like Jesus, we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, given the gift of God's Word, and the knowledge that with God on our side we can and will do amazing things.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Discipleship Challenge
Would you like to become closer to God? Would you like to better understand your purpose in life and how you can make a difference? Would you like your faith to grow and become a bigger part of your life? If so, the 40 days of Lent this year are for you!
Growing up the first thing I learned about Lent was it was time when you had to give something up. Whether it was chocolate, pop, TV, or something else, the emphasis was always on taking some away. When such sacrifices are done with the right spirit it can be liberating and edifying, but more often than not these Lenten sacrifices ring hallow, and not just because we aren’t very successful at keeping them. I would like to suggest that this year be a year where we focus intentionally on growing in our faith. This year I hope you will join in 40 Days of Discipleship.
Over the 40 days of Lent, I ask you to prayerfully consider taking time to grow your relationship with Christ and take the Discipleship Challenge. I believe that we can grow in our relationship to God by pursuing a path of discipleship; when we work at our faith and our spiritual life we will become closer to Jesus and be blessed. To be a disciple means to be a follower of Jesus, it means connecting to God in serious, disciplined, and intentional ways. When we make the time for God in our life and work at our spiritual lives, God will work and transform us in amazing ways.
Here is how the Discipleship Challenge will work. During the 6 weeks of Lent, intentional time will be given to each Mark of Discipleship. The Marks of Discipleship are areas of our spiritual lives that if we work on will help us grow closer to God. The Marks of Discipleship are: prayer, bible study, service, generous financial giving, spiritual friendships, and worship. Each week you will focus on a different mark and take time for God in that area.
Week 1 (February 21-27) Prayer: Take time each day, at the same time, for at least 10-20 minutes of personal prayer time. Multiple times a day is preferred.
Week 2 (February 28-March 6) Bible Study: Take time each day for 30-45 minutes of focused time for devotional bible study. You can read any scriptures you wish. The goal of devotional reading is not acquiring knowledge but growing in God’s Word.
Week 3 (March 7-13) Service: Take time and energy do something each day to serve the needs of someone else. Be creative and try to serve someone else you normally would not connect with.
Week 4 (March 14-20) Generous Financial Giving: Each day find some way to give money to someone in need. Whether this giving is to an individual or through an organization doesn’t matter. Give generously and give until you feel it. Consider giving away whatever money you might normally spend on entertainment, dining out, shopping, or any other extraneous spending. (I know this one is tough—they are supposed to be!)
Week 5 (March 21-27) Spiritual Friendships: Take time each day to check in spiritually with a friend. This is not a conversation about how busy you are. This is a conversation about your prayer life, what God is up to, or scripture. Your spiritual friend can be a spouse, small group member, or friend. If you currently do not have someone in your life who is a spiritual friend, consider asking someone.
Week 6 (March 28-April 3) Worship: Take time each day to worship the Lord. This can include but is not limited to organized worship services (this is Holy Week and we have worship Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday). You can worship on your own or with family or friends at your home. Read scripture, pray, listen or play inspiring music and you have worship!
After 40 days of intentional work on your faith, I guarantee you will grow closer to the Lord. I pray you will take the Discipleship Challenge and see how God will work in your life!
Growing up the first thing I learned about Lent was it was time when you had to give something up. Whether it was chocolate, pop, TV, or something else, the emphasis was always on taking some away. When such sacrifices are done with the right spirit it can be liberating and edifying, but more often than not these Lenten sacrifices ring hallow, and not just because we aren’t very successful at keeping them. I would like to suggest that this year be a year where we focus intentionally on growing in our faith. This year I hope you will join in 40 Days of Discipleship.
Over the 40 days of Lent, I ask you to prayerfully consider taking time to grow your relationship with Christ and take the Discipleship Challenge. I believe that we can grow in our relationship to God by pursuing a path of discipleship; when we work at our faith and our spiritual life we will become closer to Jesus and be blessed. To be a disciple means to be a follower of Jesus, it means connecting to God in serious, disciplined, and intentional ways. When we make the time for God in our life and work at our spiritual lives, God will work and transform us in amazing ways.
Here is how the Discipleship Challenge will work. During the 6 weeks of Lent, intentional time will be given to each Mark of Discipleship. The Marks of Discipleship are areas of our spiritual lives that if we work on will help us grow closer to God. The Marks of Discipleship are: prayer, bible study, service, generous financial giving, spiritual friendships, and worship. Each week you will focus on a different mark and take time for God in that area.
Week 1 (February 21-27) Prayer: Take time each day, at the same time, for at least 10-20 minutes of personal prayer time. Multiple times a day is preferred.
Week 2 (February 28-March 6) Bible Study: Take time each day for 30-45 minutes of focused time for devotional bible study. You can read any scriptures you wish. The goal of devotional reading is not acquiring knowledge but growing in God’s Word.
Week 3 (March 7-13) Service: Take time and energy do something each day to serve the needs of someone else. Be creative and try to serve someone else you normally would not connect with.
Week 4 (March 14-20) Generous Financial Giving: Each day find some way to give money to someone in need. Whether this giving is to an individual or through an organization doesn’t matter. Give generously and give until you feel it. Consider giving away whatever money you might normally spend on entertainment, dining out, shopping, or any other extraneous spending. (I know this one is tough—they are supposed to be!)
Week 5 (March 21-27) Spiritual Friendships: Take time each day to check in spiritually with a friend. This is not a conversation about how busy you are. This is a conversation about your prayer life, what God is up to, or scripture. Your spiritual friend can be a spouse, small group member, or friend. If you currently do not have someone in your life who is a spiritual friend, consider asking someone.
Week 6 (March 28-April 3) Worship: Take time each day to worship the Lord. This can include but is not limited to organized worship services (this is Holy Week and we have worship Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday). You can worship on your own or with family or friends at your home. Read scripture, pray, listen or play inspiring music and you have worship!
After 40 days of intentional work on your faith, I guarantee you will grow closer to the Lord. I pray you will take the Discipleship Challenge and see how God will work in your life!
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