Revelations 21:1-6a
Yesterday one of the students I work with at school shared that her brother had died because of a workplace accident the day before. I asked her why she was in school and she answered that she didn't know where else to go or what else to do. She just wanted to do what she would have normally done.
I admire her courage. She wanted to be in a place, physically and emotionally, that felt comfortable to her. It may have been a good decision because she was able to share in the love and care of everyone around her. Her friends, teachers, and varied random people all came to her to spend a little time with her.
By the end of the day she was feeling a little stronger, able to at least hold her head up and smile; a little. Time will heal the pain she is feeling, and time will take as long, or as short, as it needs to heal. When she gets to the other side of this point in her life she will be able to look back and know she was loved without conditions and without judgment. That's what I think the "new heaven and earth" our passage mentions will look like.
Verse 4a put's the description of this new world in perspective; "he will wipe every tear from their eyes." God comforts us through the people around us. It's when we forget to remain connected to those around us that sometimes makes the journey through that which ails us more difficult.
Whatever your pain, whatever your trials, wherever you find yourself on the journey of life please know you have people who care and a God that loves without end. Hold on to the belief that one day that pain will be gone.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Stop Hiding
Isaiah 25:5-9
As we all, or mostly all, know a massive storm hit the east coast of the United States yesterday. This storm is said to have spread its effects almost 1000 miles across. I've heard there is damage in all areas between Maine and Virginia and into Ohio. Of course, one can't believe everything they read on the internet, but I'm just saying.
Being in Hawaii we get to watch what would be the overnight news on the east coast before we get to bed, and so my wife and I did. We watched as night-vision cameras showed eerie shadows cast in an eerier green backgrounds. We saw the empty streets of New York City lit only by the lights from news organization trucks. We watched as picture after picture taken between midnight and 3 in the morning showed what was obviously going to be days of what they're calling "restoration" efforts.
Suddenly it was 10 pm in Hawaii, and 4 am on the east coast. I had began to fall asleep when I heard a voice other than the woman who was reporting from her news desk for the last 3 hours. This other voice was talking about how their state brought in electrical workers and phone company crews and various other non-safety first responders from other states to help with the task of putting their towns and cities back together.
I went to bed thinking everything is going to be ok. As I sit at the table this morning, listening to more stories of people beginning to come together to help in whatever way they can, I begin thinking definitely that everything will be better than just ok. It's as though those in the storm's path know this isn't about themselves it's about those around them.
As our passage for today says, the sheet that covers all of humanity has been removed. The sheet that is spoken of is the one that divides people. For now, at least, people have stopped hiding behind these sheets and are coming together to help their neighbor. We always say it's too bad disasters have to happen to bring people together in this way. Well, then, let's stop hiding behind the sheets forever.
Right?
As we all, or mostly all, know a massive storm hit the east coast of the United States yesterday. This storm is said to have spread its effects almost 1000 miles across. I've heard there is damage in all areas between Maine and Virginia and into Ohio. Of course, one can't believe everything they read on the internet, but I'm just saying.
Being in Hawaii we get to watch what would be the overnight news on the east coast before we get to bed, and so my wife and I did. We watched as night-vision cameras showed eerie shadows cast in an eerier green backgrounds. We saw the empty streets of New York City lit only by the lights from news organization trucks. We watched as picture after picture taken between midnight and 3 in the morning showed what was obviously going to be days of what they're calling "restoration" efforts.
Suddenly it was 10 pm in Hawaii, and 4 am on the east coast. I had began to fall asleep when I heard a voice other than the woman who was reporting from her news desk for the last 3 hours. This other voice was talking about how their state brought in electrical workers and phone company crews and various other non-safety first responders from other states to help with the task of putting their towns and cities back together.
I went to bed thinking everything is going to be ok. As I sit at the table this morning, listening to more stories of people beginning to come together to help in whatever way they can, I begin thinking definitely that everything will be better than just ok. It's as though those in the storm's path know this isn't about themselves it's about those around them.
As our passage for today says, the sheet that covers all of humanity has been removed. The sheet that is spoken of is the one that divides people. For now, at least, people have stopped hiding behind these sheets and are coming together to help their neighbor. We always say it's too bad disasters have to happen to bring people together in this way. Well, then, let's stop hiding behind the sheets forever.
Right?
Monday, October 29, 2012
Who Do You Hangout With?
Psalm 24
Yesterday, while we were putting the final touches on our church's 20th Annual Community Penny Carnival, I was listening to our youth talk with each other. As they talked with one another they shared a little bit of what their lives are. There was talk about school, friends, food, and the such.
Then they found a common ground - music. They began finding songs they knew, searching for it on their music players, and singing along. The fun really began when they abandoned the music player and just began singing songs they all knew, and there was a lot. They laughed as they sung and danced, and every adult in that room simply smiled and let them be who they are.
To me there is nothing better than the sounds and actions of friendship wrapped in commonality and based in unconditional acceptance. This kind of togetherness is what I think the Psalmist is trying to explain. The Psalmist proclaims God as the ultimate creator and because of God we have many things to be thankful for, not the least of which is being in each other's company while in the presence of God.
In this commonality we find a community of people who love us regardless of belief, economic background, color of skin, gender identification, or any of the other things that separate us from ourselves. It's in this environment we can finally let the walls come down, or the gates lifted up, and live in joyful peace.
I can't think of better place to be, can you?
Yesterday, while we were putting the final touches on our church's 20th Annual Community Penny Carnival, I was listening to our youth talk with each other. As they talked with one another they shared a little bit of what their lives are. There was talk about school, friends, food, and the such.
Then they found a common ground - music. They began finding songs they knew, searching for it on their music players, and singing along. The fun really began when they abandoned the music player and just began singing songs they all knew, and there was a lot. They laughed as they sung and danced, and every adult in that room simply smiled and let them be who they are.
To me there is nothing better than the sounds and actions of friendship wrapped in commonality and based in unconditional acceptance. This kind of togetherness is what I think the Psalmist is trying to explain. The Psalmist proclaims God as the ultimate creator and because of God we have many things to be thankful for, not the least of which is being in each other's company while in the presence of God.
In this commonality we find a community of people who love us regardless of belief, economic background, color of skin, gender identification, or any of the other things that separate us from ourselves. It's in this environment we can finally let the walls come down, or the gates lifted up, and live in joyful peace.
I can't think of better place to be, can you?
Friday, October 26, 2012
Please Stop
I'm not sure If I've ever told you who one of my heroes are. Just in case I haven't his name is Mattie Stepanek. Mattie was born with an incurable form of muscular dystrophy called dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy. The disease slowly took away all of Mattie's muscle control until one day he could no longer breathe on his own. Mattie passed away at the age of 14.
Mattie is one of my heroes because along the journey of his life he found ways to overcome his abilities and bring a new, positive view of life to everyone he met. Mattie is probably best known for the poems he wrote. His poems are filled with insight, acceptance and true love of self and others people 4 times his age are just beginning to understand.
It's in one of Mattie's poems I found myself launching through a wall that had previously stopped me from understanding how best to bring peace to the world. So, in the place in which we find ourselves today, when it seems to me that the world is becoming more and more divisive, I want to share that poem with you.
Words from an 11-year old man who just wanted it all to stop. Mattie said that his life's goal is to be a peacemaker.Why don't we do our best today to help Mattie achieve his dream of making peace in our world a reality.
Mattie is one of my heroes because along the journey of his life he found ways to overcome his abilities and bring a new, positive view of life to everyone he met. Mattie is probably best known for the poems he wrote. His poems are filled with insight, acceptance and true love of self and others people 4 times his age are just beginning to understand.
It's in one of Mattie's poems I found myself launching through a wall that had previously stopped me from understanding how best to bring peace to the world. So, in the place in which we find ourselves today, when it seems to me that the world is becoming more and more divisive, I want to share that poem with you.
For Our World We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment...
Before anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else.
We need to be silent.
Just silent.
Silent for a moment...
Before we forever lose
The blessing of songs
That grow in our hearts.
We need to notice.
Just notice.
Notice for a moment...
Before the future slips away
Into ashes and dust of humility.
Stop, be silent, and notice...
In so many ways, we are the same.
Our differences are unique treasures.
We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts
To nurture, to offer, to accept.
We need to be.
Just be.
Be for a moment...
Kind and gentle, innocent and trusting
Like children and lambs,
Never judging or vengeful
Like the judging and vengeful.
And now, let us pray,
Differently, yet together,
Before there is no earth, no life,
No chance for peace.
Words from an 11-year old man who just wanted it all to stop. Mattie said that his life's goal is to be a peacemaker.Why don't we do our best today to help Mattie achieve his dream of making peace in our world a reality.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
You Can See! Now What?
Mark 10:46-52
I was deeply touched by that open letter I posted yesterday. The words in that letter from a young man in response to hate speech stayed in my heart all day long. It stayed with me in a way that I felt the need to do something about it - so I did.
In every conversation I had along my day I was sure to ask, "Did you see that letter by that man? No, let me show it to you." The reaction to the words written in a tweet that spewed hate was all the same; disgust. The response of each person I shared the letter with was the same; hope.
They saw, without a doubt, how our communities are becoming one of individuals who care only for themselves and think they can do or say anything they want; sort of a societal anarchy. The people I was in conversation with yesterday also saw how a few words by those who are hurt the most by hatred and division can not only show a willingness to forgive, but also offer the love they feel around them each day.
As I sat and watched people read through that letter I saw an awakening of sorts. I can't say what that awakening will lead to, but I can say that their hearts, minds, and souls have seen the truth and I can only hope they decide to follow what is right and just, or as we say in Hawaii - pono.
I was deeply touched by that open letter I posted yesterday. The words in that letter from a young man in response to hate speech stayed in my heart all day long. It stayed with me in a way that I felt the need to do something about it - so I did.
In every conversation I had along my day I was sure to ask, "Did you see that letter by that man? No, let me show it to you." The reaction to the words written in a tweet that spewed hate was all the same; disgust. The response of each person I shared the letter with was the same; hope.
They saw, without a doubt, how our communities are becoming one of individuals who care only for themselves and think they can do or say anything they want; sort of a societal anarchy. The people I was in conversation with yesterday also saw how a few words by those who are hurt the most by hatred and division can not only show a willingness to forgive, but also offer the love they feel around them each day.
As I sat and watched people read through that letter I saw an awakening of sorts. I can't say what that awakening will lead to, but I can say that their hearts, minds, and souls have seen the truth and I can only hope they decide to follow what is right and just, or as we say in Hawaii - pono.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
An Open Letter
Hebrews 7:23-28
Please follow the link to read an open letter by John Franklin Stephens. Mr. Stephens is a young man who champions the view points of people living with intellectual disabilities. He is also the Global Spokesperson for Special Olympics.
When you're done following the link please read today's passage and ask yourself, "Are we subjected to the same weaknesses as this young man and do we find ways to rise above those weaknesses to be the best person we know how?"
That's really all I got. This young man says it all for me, and for all people.
http://specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/an-open-letter-to-ann-coulter/
Please follow the link to read an open letter by John Franklin Stephens. Mr. Stephens is a young man who champions the view points of people living with intellectual disabilities. He is also the Global Spokesperson for Special Olympics.
When you're done following the link please read today's passage and ask yourself, "Are we subjected to the same weaknesses as this young man and do we find ways to rise above those weaknesses to be the best person we know how?"
That's really all I got. This young man says it all for me, and for all people.
http://specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/an-open-letter-to-ann-coulter/
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Happy Is As Happy Does
Jeremiah 31:7-9
I will put yesterday down as one of the better days in my recent life. I actually made it through the day without a single grouchy moment. Normally I would have at least one of those moments, usually when I'm in the middle of doing something and I get interrupted more times than I want to or when I'm trying to help someone understand something and they just don't understand. Yesterday, however, it seems that everything went smoothly.
Thinking back to how yesterday was different than any other day I have to say I'm not sure. I was interrupted many times and there was more than one moment in which my instructions weren't being understood, but I didn't get grouchy. What, then, was the difference?
This morning's passage helps me to better understand why my yesterday was better. I can honestly say everything I did was for someone else, and when I did do something for myself it didn't interrupt anyone else.
It would seem that these past few weeks I've done what I often do; forget to accept help in the things I need to get done. This eventually makes me want to be isolated, which is never a good thing for me or others around me. Yesterday I did things for others, without thought to myself, and in a way that invited everyone to be included. I didn't allow myself to be isolated. In the relationships I experienced yesterday I found a peace that brought with it honest happiness.
Not only was I happy, but those I interacted with seemed to find comfort in the things they came for help with. In today's passage Jeremiah reminds us that things are bad and might get worse, but we have a God whom we can go to with our troubles and that our God will take us in, hold us tight, take us through our trials, and bring us out on the other side.
Relationships are important, especially those with God and others and our selves.
I will put yesterday down as one of the better days in my recent life. I actually made it through the day without a single grouchy moment. Normally I would have at least one of those moments, usually when I'm in the middle of doing something and I get interrupted more times than I want to or when I'm trying to help someone understand something and they just don't understand. Yesterday, however, it seems that everything went smoothly.
Thinking back to how yesterday was different than any other day I have to say I'm not sure. I was interrupted many times and there was more than one moment in which my instructions weren't being understood, but I didn't get grouchy. What, then, was the difference?
This morning's passage helps me to better understand why my yesterday was better. I can honestly say everything I did was for someone else, and when I did do something for myself it didn't interrupt anyone else.
It would seem that these past few weeks I've done what I often do; forget to accept help in the things I need to get done. This eventually makes me want to be isolated, which is never a good thing for me or others around me. Yesterday I did things for others, without thought to myself, and in a way that invited everyone to be included. I didn't allow myself to be isolated. In the relationships I experienced yesterday I found a peace that brought with it honest happiness.
Not only was I happy, but those I interacted with seemed to find comfort in the things they came for help with. In today's passage Jeremiah reminds us that things are bad and might get worse, but we have a God whom we can go to with our troubles and that our God will take us in, hold us tight, take us through our trials, and bring us out on the other side.
Relationships are important, especially those with God and others and our selves.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Do You Remember Laughter?
Psalm 126
My all-time favorite rock band is Led Zepplin. To this day I find inspiration in many of their songs. Just a month ago I listened as Thank You was played at a wedding reception, bringing with it an understanding of love so deep that it will last for all time.
In the reflection of today's Psalm I can only hear Robert Plant's voice chuckling an echo of a line from the live version of their most famous song; Stairway to Heaven. The verse I'm referring to is this:
God gives us every opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest. The Psalmist understood this. The Psalmist also understood that sometimes we have to go through a difficult time in life. It's in this understanding the Psalmist tells of hope in a God that will bring us through times of hurt or sadness or doubt and into a much better time filled with deep, personal rewards.
We find the hope of the Psalmist in the final line of our Psalm. "Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves." Whatever your day is like, wherever you find yourself today try your best to remember that you have a God who loves you dearly and wants nothing but you to be happy in life.
While you're at it, find something to laugh at.
My all-time favorite rock band is Led Zepplin. To this day I find inspiration in many of their songs. Just a month ago I listened as Thank You was played at a wedding reception, bringing with it an understanding of love so deep that it will last for all time.
In the reflection of today's Psalm I can only hear Robert Plant's voice chuckling an echo of a line from the live version of their most famous song; Stairway to Heaven. The verse I'm referring to is this:
And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tuneThen the piper will lead us to reason.And a new day will dawn for those who stand longAnd the forests will echo with laughter.Of course the line that was echoed after this verse was sung is "Do you remember laughter?" Which brings to heart the reality of that question. Do you remember laughter?
God gives us every opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest. The Psalmist understood this. The Psalmist also understood that sometimes we have to go through a difficult time in life. It's in this understanding the Psalmist tells of hope in a God that will bring us through times of hurt or sadness or doubt and into a much better time filled with deep, personal rewards.
We find the hope of the Psalmist in the final line of our Psalm. "Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves." Whatever your day is like, wherever you find yourself today try your best to remember that you have a God who loves you dearly and wants nothing but you to be happy in life.
While you're at it, find something to laugh at.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Happy Spirit Day
Don't adjust your screen. Yes, this post is in purple. It's in purple because today is National Spirit Day, a day when we are asked to focus on the effects of bullying within the Youth culture.
Bullying is an all too real thing which happens everyday in every state, in every district, in every school. Unfortunately, bullying happens to those who are deemed "different" by society. I personally know youth who are homeless, have gone through abortions, are in same sex relationships, have been kicked out of their homes, live with drug-addicted parents, are living in abusive foster homes, and so much more who are just trying to deal with their everyday realities.
These youth sometimes choose to be quiet or alone. They sometimes wear clothing that doesn't fall in line with what the norm is considered. These youth listen to their own music, have their own language, and choose their friends very carefully. Sometimes these friends are just like them and are their only path to not taking their own lives one day.
Bullying is real. Bullying is unacceptable. Bullying is un-accepting. If you know of anyone who is a bully, tell them to stop. If you know someone who is being bullied, tell them you accept them unconditionally. Be the friend who will end the cycle.
For all of you who have been or are being bullied it is you who I find to be the strongest, most caring people on the planet. I mean that and believe that with every ounce of my being. Thank you for being you and not pretending to be anything else.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
What Was That Golden Rule Again?
Mark 10:35-45
After yesterdays revelation that one feels called into a life's work by the ignition of deep passions to make people's lives better, today's passage comes as almost a shock. The words of Jesus' own followers asking him to "do for us whatever we ask of you" keeps echoing in my head. I mean, really, who is calling whom? To me, these words tell of where our society currently resides. We truly have become a what's-in-it-for-me culture.
Yesterday I met with my tutor and dear friend and we had the most wonderful conversation on the meaning of spirituality and the definition (as far as one is possible) of spirit. We touched on topics ranging from self worth to communal reliance. The understanding that as individuals we are nothing until we become a part of a community, and yet we cannot become part of a community until we find our self was discussed for close to an hour. As we talked more about humanity and individuality and community we were greatly reminded that the one thing which ties it all together is our God.
Somehow, and for whatever reasons, we have become a society that has forgotten community is more important than individualism. Those words spoken by followers of our Christ show it was happening back then just as it is happening now. However, Jesus being Jesus he gives them a reply that says to them, and to us, what the importance is of being called. He says that he is in the world not to "be served, but to serve."
As followers of Jesus, children of God, or just part of a community we need to begin to put others first. It's what we, humanity and caretakers of creation, are being asked to do.
After yesterdays revelation that one feels called into a life's work by the ignition of deep passions to make people's lives better, today's passage comes as almost a shock. The words of Jesus' own followers asking him to "do for us whatever we ask of you" keeps echoing in my head. I mean, really, who is calling whom? To me, these words tell of where our society currently resides. We truly have become a what's-in-it-for-me culture.
Yesterday I met with my tutor and dear friend and we had the most wonderful conversation on the meaning of spirituality and the definition (as far as one is possible) of spirit. We touched on topics ranging from self worth to communal reliance. The understanding that as individuals we are nothing until we become a part of a community, and yet we cannot become part of a community until we find our self was discussed for close to an hour. As we talked more about humanity and individuality and community we were greatly reminded that the one thing which ties it all together is our God.
Somehow, and for whatever reasons, we have become a society that has forgotten community is more important than individualism. Those words spoken by followers of our Christ show it was happening back then just as it is happening now. However, Jesus being Jesus he gives them a reply that says to them, and to us, what the importance is of being called. He says that he is in the world not to "be served, but to serve."
As followers of Jesus, children of God, or just part of a community we need to begin to put others first. It's what we, humanity and caretakers of creation, are being asked to do.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
The Phone Is Ringing
Hebrews 5:1-10
Someone asked me the other day why I'm interested in becoming a minister. I answered "I just feel called to become one." The look on this person's face was priceless as the eyebrows furrowed and nose crinkled just as the word, "huh?" came through pursed lips.
Being called is not easily defined in today's culture. Many of us fall into our career choices. We have gifts we understand to be unique or we have desires we hope to achieve or we follow the paths laid before us in education and end up somewhere we feel happy, or not, as a career.
We become firefighters, office managers, mechanics, engineers, computer programmers, fry cooks, and/or retail managers because of where we end up or because of where we're taken. This is what I would define as being led by events and people along your journey into a life's choice that economically befits your chosen lifestyle. The dictionary can better define a career than I could ever hope to: an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training followed as one's lifework.
A calling is more like a vocation, which is similarly defined as a career with one twist; a strong impulse to follow one's lifework. If you become a firefighter it's because deep inside you feel the need to save lives. If you become a mechanic it's because you have a passion to keep cars in their best condition in order that those driving them are ensured safety. If you become a retail manager it's because within you lays the desire to accomplish goals with and through the help of others.
Becoming a minister, to me, is a deep desire to share in the journey of those around me in order that a relationship with God, one another, and themselves can become a reality. Becoming a minister is a calling and the call comes from my God. All that my life is, everything which has provided me with the abilities I posses, has prepared me for what will become my lifework and it all comes from God.
It's taken me a while to answer this call. For some reason every time the "phone" rang I saw the caller ID and decided to ignore it. Now that I've answered the call there's a new life which has been born within me. It's been a long journey, one filled with many life lessons. I thank God everyday that I've come through all of that and into a place where the lessons I've learned can best be used to help others.
Wait, what's that noise. Sorry, gotta go...the phone is ringing.
Someone asked me the other day why I'm interested in becoming a minister. I answered "I just feel called to become one." The look on this person's face was priceless as the eyebrows furrowed and nose crinkled just as the word, "huh?" came through pursed lips.
Being called is not easily defined in today's culture. Many of us fall into our career choices. We have gifts we understand to be unique or we have desires we hope to achieve or we follow the paths laid before us in education and end up somewhere we feel happy, or not, as a career.
We become firefighters, office managers, mechanics, engineers, computer programmers, fry cooks, and/or retail managers because of where we end up or because of where we're taken. This is what I would define as being led by events and people along your journey into a life's choice that economically befits your chosen lifestyle. The dictionary can better define a career than I could ever hope to: an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training followed as one's lifework.
A calling is more like a vocation, which is similarly defined as a career with one twist; a strong impulse to follow one's lifework. If you become a firefighter it's because deep inside you feel the need to save lives. If you become a mechanic it's because you have a passion to keep cars in their best condition in order that those driving them are ensured safety. If you become a retail manager it's because within you lays the desire to accomplish goals with and through the help of others.
Becoming a minister, to me, is a deep desire to share in the journey of those around me in order that a relationship with God, one another, and themselves can become a reality. Becoming a minister is a calling and the call comes from my God. All that my life is, everything which has provided me with the abilities I posses, has prepared me for what will become my lifework and it all comes from God.
It's taken me a while to answer this call. For some reason every time the "phone" rang I saw the caller ID and decided to ignore it. Now that I've answered the call there's a new life which has been born within me. It's been a long journey, one filled with many life lessons. I thank God everyday that I've come through all of that and into a place where the lessons I've learned can best be used to help others.
Wait, what's that noise. Sorry, gotta go...the phone is ringing.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Who Is "He"?
Isaiah 53:4-12
I found a way to confuse myself this morning, not just once, but twice. I began reading the passage for today and immediately started thinking, "Why is the second passage of the week from the New Testament, it's usually from the Old...hmm" So I re-check the passage, re-open my bible, and re-read the same words.
Unable to understand what I'm reading as being from the words of Old Testament, I double check the book, chapter, and verse of today's passage to be sure I'm on the right page. I finally give in to the fact that I'm in the right place and continue reading, all the time thinking, "Isaiah must be a great prophet to be talking about the life of Jesus hundreds of years before that life was to take place.
Indeed, Isaiah is a great prophet. Indeed, Isaiah is believed to be foretelling the coming life of the Messiah. Indeed, when you read the same passage you may very well say that Isaiah's words are uncanny and is most definitely talking about Jesus.
Or maybe not.
After I accepted this passage to be the words from the prophet Isaiah and put it into context I felt a different message in my heart. This portion of Isaiah, known as Deutero-Isaiah, or Second Isaiah (chapters 40-55), is written in a time when the people of Judea were experiencing the second exile of their people from their land. The introduction of a "servant" actually occurs very early in this section of Isaiah and continues throughout.
This servant is said to be sent from God to be with God's people in this time of turmoil. Not only is this servant sent directly from God, but is also just like them, feeling the same anxieties and fears. This servant also has the strength and courage to not just endure the unknown, but to also find a way to lead them into a better place.
Sometimes when we take a step back and try to separate our personal beliefs from that the message the bible is trying to give us we see a new enlightening. In today's case I see the words of a God who promises that we are never alone in the trials we face. If we allow ourselves to be open enough in our hearts and minds we will see that our lives are filled with "servants" sent by God to share in our suffering as well as be the strength we need to get through it.
Whatever you are going through, whatever you may be experiencing, please know that you have a God that never leaves your side.
I found a way to confuse myself this morning, not just once, but twice. I began reading the passage for today and immediately started thinking, "Why is the second passage of the week from the New Testament, it's usually from the Old...hmm" So I re-check the passage, re-open my bible, and re-read the same words.
Unable to understand what I'm reading as being from the words of Old Testament, I double check the book, chapter, and verse of today's passage to be sure I'm on the right page. I finally give in to the fact that I'm in the right place and continue reading, all the time thinking, "Isaiah must be a great prophet to be talking about the life of Jesus hundreds of years before that life was to take place.
Indeed, Isaiah is a great prophet. Indeed, Isaiah is believed to be foretelling the coming life of the Messiah. Indeed, when you read the same passage you may very well say that Isaiah's words are uncanny and is most definitely talking about Jesus.
Or maybe not.
After I accepted this passage to be the words from the prophet Isaiah and put it into context I felt a different message in my heart. This portion of Isaiah, known as Deutero-Isaiah, or Second Isaiah (chapters 40-55), is written in a time when the people of Judea were experiencing the second exile of their people from their land. The introduction of a "servant" actually occurs very early in this section of Isaiah and continues throughout.
This servant is said to be sent from God to be with God's people in this time of turmoil. Not only is this servant sent directly from God, but is also just like them, feeling the same anxieties and fears. This servant also has the strength and courage to not just endure the unknown, but to also find a way to lead them into a better place.
Sometimes when we take a step back and try to separate our personal beliefs from that the message the bible is trying to give us we see a new enlightening. In today's case I see the words of a God who promises that we are never alone in the trials we face. If we allow ourselves to be open enough in our hearts and minds we will see that our lives are filled with "servants" sent by God to share in our suffering as well as be the strength we need to get through it.
Whatever you are going through, whatever you may be experiencing, please know that you have a God that never leaves your side.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Safety
Psalm 91:9-6
I write this post with the thought that a new friend is preparing for an exploratory surgery for what is believed to be the return of cancerous cells. Before the weekend it was obvious she was keeping a lot of her anxieties bottled up and, knowing her for as little time as I have, I understood this to mean only that she doesn't want to burden anyone with what she is going through.
One of the things she has been wanting to do for the few months I've known her is get back to church. Every time I talked about whatever the newest thing I learned in my classes were or what we talked about in church she always stated that she really missed the fellowship and relationships her church offered. She finally went back last week Sunday, not sure about yesterday.
I see in her an awareness of how strength can be found in God and in others. This strength is so much more needed when we feel like the strength we have within ourselves is somewhat diminished because of our fears or lack of understanding of the unknown. I also see in her the acceptance that we find the courage we need by being with God through others.
If you read this I ask that you pray for my friend, not so much for safety or healing, but for helping us remember that God is our refuge and that God is always with us.
I write this post with the thought that a new friend is preparing for an exploratory surgery for what is believed to be the return of cancerous cells. Before the weekend it was obvious she was keeping a lot of her anxieties bottled up and, knowing her for as little time as I have, I understood this to mean only that she doesn't want to burden anyone with what she is going through.
One of the things she has been wanting to do for the few months I've known her is get back to church. Every time I talked about whatever the newest thing I learned in my classes were or what we talked about in church she always stated that she really missed the fellowship and relationships her church offered. She finally went back last week Sunday, not sure about yesterday.
I see in her an awareness of how strength can be found in God and in others. This strength is so much more needed when we feel like the strength we have within ourselves is somewhat diminished because of our fears or lack of understanding of the unknown. I also see in her the acceptance that we find the courage we need by being with God through others.
If you read this I ask that you pray for my friend, not so much for safety or healing, but for helping us remember that God is our refuge and that God is always with us.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Lost and Found
I went through a major change this week. I left one of my part time jobs. I say this is major not because my finances will be tight, or because I've never quit a job before without hating that job. I say this is major because I'm trusting more of my life to God.
In that job I was making an extra $250 a month which helped with making ends meet and being able to take my wife out for a nice date. Recently we paid off a rather large bill and even with the purchase, lease actually, of a new car we found ourselves saving about $250 a month. So what was financially necessary from that part time job was no longer needed. Of course, just as most of you do, I worry if the extra money would still be useful.
The decision to leave that job wasn't mainly financial, though. It had more to do with me needing the time to finish my studies on time in order to graduate this school year. That, above all else, is becoming a driving factor in the decisions I make for my life these days. It would seem that all other things are becoming an afterthought, which is good in one sense and not so good in others.
Parts of my life are falling behind, I'm forgetting other deadlines, I'm not as organized as I would like to be. But I am also surrounded by caring, loving, understanding people who share the path I'm on and that is where I find the strength to keep going.
Although I'm in a place that might be considered "darkness" (not too dark, though), I have many points of light leading me through it. My life is about following Jesus, and the sacrifices I'm making are well worth it.
In that job I was making an extra $250 a month which helped with making ends meet and being able to take my wife out for a nice date. Recently we paid off a rather large bill and even with the purchase, lease actually, of a new car we found ourselves saving about $250 a month. So what was financially necessary from that part time job was no longer needed. Of course, just as most of you do, I worry if the extra money would still be useful.
The decision to leave that job wasn't mainly financial, though. It had more to do with me needing the time to finish my studies on time in order to graduate this school year. That, above all else, is becoming a driving factor in the decisions I make for my life these days. It would seem that all other things are becoming an afterthought, which is good in one sense and not so good in others.
Parts of my life are falling behind, I'm forgetting other deadlines, I'm not as organized as I would like to be. But I am also surrounded by caring, loving, understanding people who share the path I'm on and that is where I find the strength to keep going.
Although I'm in a place that might be considered "darkness" (not too dark, though), I have many points of light leading me through it. My life is about following Jesus, and the sacrifices I'm making are well worth it.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Giving Up
Mark 10:17-31
Today's passage is another one of my favorites. The story of the rich man and his inability to part with his possessions in order to follow Christ and Jesus' comment about a camel passing through the eye of a needle sort of gives me a chuckle. Maybe that's because I'm not rich.
Before you start saying, "Even Randy is beginning to use class division in his rhetoric" let me say I know lots of rich people who are most definitely going to see the kingdom of God. These people will get there because they have decided to make a commitment to following Christ, regardless of the costs.
This passage has always carried with it the connotation that in order to follow Christ we need to give up everything. I don't think that's the message at all. I believe this passage is asking us to be willing to give up everything. I will agree the rich man is being told to sell everything and give the money to the poor, but the message is not in the asking, it's in the reaction. The man was unwilling to do what was necessary.
In his point of view the man was already following the law, and shouldn't that have been enough? Apparently not. At times we are asked to give up everything in order to do what Christ is asking us to do. We cancel meetings to be with a friend who's lover just left them, we get only one hour of sleep because we stayed up all night talking with a family member who is losing their home, we give up our pocket money and skip lunch because someone who is more hungry than you asks for a few dollars to get a meal.
Christ's message is not that we have to become destitute in order to get to the kingdom of God. All we have to be is willing; truly willing because that day may come.
Today's passage is another one of my favorites. The story of the rich man and his inability to part with his possessions in order to follow Christ and Jesus' comment about a camel passing through the eye of a needle sort of gives me a chuckle. Maybe that's because I'm not rich.
Before you start saying, "Even Randy is beginning to use class division in his rhetoric" let me say I know lots of rich people who are most definitely going to see the kingdom of God. These people will get there because they have decided to make a commitment to following Christ, regardless of the costs.
This passage has always carried with it the connotation that in order to follow Christ we need to give up everything. I don't think that's the message at all. I believe this passage is asking us to be willing to give up everything. I will agree the rich man is being told to sell everything and give the money to the poor, but the message is not in the asking, it's in the reaction. The man was unwilling to do what was necessary.
In his point of view the man was already following the law, and shouldn't that have been enough? Apparently not. At times we are asked to give up everything in order to do what Christ is asking us to do. We cancel meetings to be with a friend who's lover just left them, we get only one hour of sleep because we stayed up all night talking with a family member who is losing their home, we give up our pocket money and skip lunch because someone who is more hungry than you asks for a few dollars to get a meal.
Christ's message is not that we have to become destitute in order to get to the kingdom of God. All we have to be is willing; truly willing because that day may come.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
What Color is Your Stone?
Hebrews 4:12-16
I long for the days when a mood ring would tell us all we needed to know about ourselves. (Raise your hand if you remember mood rings.) One look at the stone's color would tell me exactly how I needed to make adjustments to myself. A black stone meant I needed to take a break, an orange stone meant you better back off. A purple stone meant I was in a lovey-dovey mood, a green stone meant all was as should be.
On the rainbow of colors a stone could be, today it would be yellow; distracted, unsettled. Of course, as I write this it is possible that my stone would turn from yellow to blue because for some reason when I connect with you and God through Christ in these writings I always feel happy and a calmness comes over me.
Today's passage reminds me that God is like the mood rings of old. God can see our moods, God knows what we're going through, and before God "no creature is hidden." For no particular reason I find comfort in the knowledge that God knows me that well. It brings me a sense of inner peace in knowing I don't have to be, or behave in, a certain way other than the way that is true to myself. That, my friends is enough to begin to improve my mood.
Look, it's turning blue!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Which Way Did He Go?
Job 23:1-9, 16,17
Here's a clip of one of the most said sayings of my childhood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs-Q0JmWjj0
You can watch the full episode if you want, it's actually very funny.
Of course, in today's passage we see the opposite of funny. I don't know how else to say it except that Job is lost, completely lost. Not only is Job lost but he also feels alone. Job is in a state of despair, needing a word of encouragement from his God and it would seem his God is nowhere to be found. Not that Job isn't doing his best to find God, it's just that for some reason God can't be found.
Actually, if we read the passage closer we discover that Job cannot "perceive" him or "see" him. This passage doesn't say God wasn't there, it just says Job couldn't see God. A closer look at this passage has us realizing it's in the middle of Job's defense against his closest friends who are faulting, if not downright blaming, all of Job's recent downfall on his lack of faith and belief in God.
Things don't look good for Job right now and if we take a look at where we are in our lives we see that sometimes we feel just as lost as Job does. So, what do we do when we feel like we're at the lowest point in our life? We keep moving forward, that's what. The story of Job is well known to many Christians. The moral of the story is that no matter what if we keep our faith in God we will get through whatever our "trials" may be and in the end God will reward us with so much more than we lost.
There, my friends, is the most difficult thing to do. When we're at our lowest, when the pain is so deep we don't feel anything and when the numbness of a life with no meaning is all we understand we want very much to give up. The thing is we don't. Somehow we find that inner strength, somehow we begin to see those around us who are trying to help, somehow we begin to see the light through the thickest darkness.
If you find yourself wanting to vanish into that darkness, it's okay, we've all been there or will be there at least once in our lives. Just please understand there are people who love you and a God who stands with you along the journey.
Here's a clip of one of the most said sayings of my childhood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs-Q0JmWjj0
You can watch the full episode if you want, it's actually very funny.
Of course, in today's passage we see the opposite of funny. I don't know how else to say it except that Job is lost, completely lost. Not only is Job lost but he also feels alone. Job is in a state of despair, needing a word of encouragement from his God and it would seem his God is nowhere to be found. Not that Job isn't doing his best to find God, it's just that for some reason God can't be found.
Actually, if we read the passage closer we discover that Job cannot "perceive" him or "see" him. This passage doesn't say God wasn't there, it just says Job couldn't see God. A closer look at this passage has us realizing it's in the middle of Job's defense against his closest friends who are faulting, if not downright blaming, all of Job's recent downfall on his lack of faith and belief in God.
Things don't look good for Job right now and if we take a look at where we are in our lives we see that sometimes we feel just as lost as Job does. So, what do we do when we feel like we're at the lowest point in our life? We keep moving forward, that's what. The story of Job is well known to many Christians. The moral of the story is that no matter what if we keep our faith in God we will get through whatever our "trials" may be and in the end God will reward us with so much more than we lost.
There, my friends, is the most difficult thing to do. When we're at our lowest, when the pain is so deep we don't feel anything and when the numbness of a life with no meaning is all we understand we want very much to give up. The thing is we don't. Somehow we find that inner strength, somehow we begin to see those around us who are trying to help, somehow we begin to see the light through the thickest darkness.
If you find yourself wanting to vanish into that darkness, it's okay, we've all been there or will be there at least once in our lives. Just please understand there are people who love you and a God who stands with you along the journey.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Who's Leading
Psalm 126
Yesterday our church celebrated World Communion Sunday with more than just communion. In the spirit of being one family in Christ we also shared a rather large pot luck lunch where the food varied from baked spaghetti to Chinese chicken salad to homemade pumpkin crunch with macadamia nuts.
The talent show was just as varied with singing, ukulele playing, magic, and dancing, we even had someone blow a Shofar to begin the show. One of the most interesting performances was that of a couple doing an unchoreographed West Coast Swing. In the description of the dance we learned that this style of dance has the partners actually vying for the lead during the dance.
It was interesting to watch and try to guess when the lead changed and who was in charge. Of course, as the introduction to the dance taught us, a well performed dance is done in such a way that we won't be able to tell when the lead changes. This dance was done very well.
Today's Psalm reminds me of that dance. In the decisions we make for our everyday lives we sometimes let God lead and sometimes we take the lead and it can be difficult for us to see who is leading. My guess is that if everything turns out well and if everyone involved in the decision is happy, then most likely God was in the lead.
I have to admit, I m not always aware of when God is in the lead or when I am, so today I'm going to make an extra effort. Want to come along?
Yesterday our church celebrated World Communion Sunday with more than just communion. In the spirit of being one family in Christ we also shared a rather large pot luck lunch where the food varied from baked spaghetti to Chinese chicken salad to homemade pumpkin crunch with macadamia nuts.
The talent show was just as varied with singing, ukulele playing, magic, and dancing, we even had someone blow a Shofar to begin the show. One of the most interesting performances was that of a couple doing an unchoreographed West Coast Swing. In the description of the dance we learned that this style of dance has the partners actually vying for the lead during the dance.
It was interesting to watch and try to guess when the lead changed and who was in charge. Of course, as the introduction to the dance taught us, a well performed dance is done in such a way that we won't be able to tell when the lead changes. This dance was done very well.
Today's Psalm reminds me of that dance. In the decisions we make for our everyday lives we sometimes let God lead and sometimes we take the lead and it can be difficult for us to see who is leading. My guess is that if everything turns out well and if everyone involved in the decision is happy, then most likely God was in the lead.
I have to admit, I m not always aware of when God is in the lead or when I am, so today I'm going to make an extra effort. Want to come along?
Friday, October 5, 2012
Joined
Mark 10:2-16
Wow, I can't believe it's already Friday. I have to say I had a great week. I've had time to rest, made headway in some of the projects I've set out to do, and for the most part am very satisfied with where I am and the things I've done. I didn't achieve any of this alone, though. I spent a lot of time with my wife, friends, and family. I also spent a lot of time with myself and with my God. Not that anything was different in the things I did, I was just able to do it at a more leisurely pace.
Maybe it was the week I had, the time I had to enjoy it, or the focus I've had on the passages from this week's lectionary but I have to admit I truly see more than ever how we, as humanity, are dependent on one another. Take a look at your life and the things you've done recently. Can you honestly say that you've done anything alone - anything.
The answer should be no because even if you were camping deep in a forest with nothing but a tent and a campfire, you were surrounded by God's creation and therefore surrounded by God. Of course, even if you spent the week in a complete vacuum you were still with someone; you. Many years ago when I attended college the professor in my logic class made a statement which I think is a quote from someone famous. He said, "No matter where you go, you are there." That statement was meant to remind us that there is no escaping ourselves, that no matter what happens we will have to eventually understand it is us, as individuals, who are responsible for the things we do.
You see, our lives are what we make our lives to be. When we make decisions we make them with at least a small thought as to what's in it for us. That's just being human and there's nothing wrong with that. I will say, though, that the less you think of yourself in making decisions the happier it would seem you are, at least in my opinion. And that, I think, is what today's passage reminds me of.
God has put us together for a reason, and we don't always know what that reason is. If we accept the fact that we are in each other's lives for a reason, though, and are willing to open our hearts and minds to what those reasons may be, we get to the heart of what today's passage speaks to; that God put us together and we don't have the right to divide that unification.
To live in unity we have to find peace with one another. To find peace with one another we need to recognize it's God who brings us together. To recognize it's God who puts us together we need to empty ourselves of any and all blockades in order that we can be unconditionally accepting of one another.
It's a journey, join me on the path.
Wow, I can't believe it's already Friday. I have to say I had a great week. I've had time to rest, made headway in some of the projects I've set out to do, and for the most part am very satisfied with where I am and the things I've done. I didn't achieve any of this alone, though. I spent a lot of time with my wife, friends, and family. I also spent a lot of time with myself and with my God. Not that anything was different in the things I did, I was just able to do it at a more leisurely pace.
Maybe it was the week I had, the time I had to enjoy it, or the focus I've had on the passages from this week's lectionary but I have to admit I truly see more than ever how we, as humanity, are dependent on one another. Take a look at your life and the things you've done recently. Can you honestly say that you've done anything alone - anything.
The answer should be no because even if you were camping deep in a forest with nothing but a tent and a campfire, you were surrounded by God's creation and therefore surrounded by God. Of course, even if you spent the week in a complete vacuum you were still with someone; you. Many years ago when I attended college the professor in my logic class made a statement which I think is a quote from someone famous. He said, "No matter where you go, you are there." That statement was meant to remind us that there is no escaping ourselves, that no matter what happens we will have to eventually understand it is us, as individuals, who are responsible for the things we do.
You see, our lives are what we make our lives to be. When we make decisions we make them with at least a small thought as to what's in it for us. That's just being human and there's nothing wrong with that. I will say, though, that the less you think of yourself in making decisions the happier it would seem you are, at least in my opinion. And that, I think, is what today's passage reminds me of.
God has put us together for a reason, and we don't always know what that reason is. If we accept the fact that we are in each other's lives for a reason, though, and are willing to open our hearts and minds to what those reasons may be, we get to the heart of what today's passage speaks to; that God put us together and we don't have the right to divide that unification.
To live in unity we have to find peace with one another. To find peace with one another we need to recognize it's God who brings us together. To recognize it's God who puts us together we need to empty ourselves of any and all blockades in order that we can be unconditionally accepting of one another.
It's a journey, join me on the path.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Just Like One Of Us
Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12
This passage is a wonderful bridge, if you will, between the message of God's intention for us having partners to share our lives with and how Jesus' life is meant to mirror that. The wonderful imagery painted by the author of of Hebrews reminds us that God thinks highly about humankind. The writer also reminds us that God placed humankind as the primary caretakers of God's creation, stating that "God left nothing outside their control."
What we also see in this passage from Hebrews is how Jesus was sent to us by God to be an example of what God's intentions are.There is no doubt that Jesus lived life as a human and as such was fully exposed to all that humans endure; love, hatred, unity, division, companionship, loneliness, devotion, betrayal.
What I think we're to see in this passage is how Jesus truly was like one of us. The life of Jesus is filled with many of the same stories ours are filled with and for the most part Jesus reacted how we react. The difference may be that Jesus never forgot that God was always with him. Unfortunately, as the humans we are, we sometimes forget that important fact. There are times when we feel alone, unloved, unimportant, or non-existent. It's in those times we forget that God is standing right next to us, arm on our shoulder, ready to give us an encouraging word when we're ready to hear it.
Compassion is something we all crave. We want people to share in our life just as much as we want to share in the lives of others. It's just that sometimes, when we're at our lowest, we don't see how much people really care about us. This passage in Hebrews does well to remind us that "we do see Jesus", though. It's in our Christ we are able to realize that we're never alone in whatever we go through because in the story of Christ we understand that even in the end, when Jesus was facing death, he fully understood that there was still a God who loved him, and he still had himself.
It's in the 3-person approach to relationships we find peace. Never forget that as much as God and others love you, you need to love yourself.
This passage is a wonderful bridge, if you will, between the message of God's intention for us having partners to share our lives with and how Jesus' life is meant to mirror that. The wonderful imagery painted by the author of of Hebrews reminds us that God thinks highly about humankind. The writer also reminds us that God placed humankind as the primary caretakers of God's creation, stating that "God left nothing outside their control."
What we also see in this passage from Hebrews is how Jesus was sent to us by God to be an example of what God's intentions are.There is no doubt that Jesus lived life as a human and as such was fully exposed to all that humans endure; love, hatred, unity, division, companionship, loneliness, devotion, betrayal.
What I think we're to see in this passage is how Jesus truly was like one of us. The life of Jesus is filled with many of the same stories ours are filled with and for the most part Jesus reacted how we react. The difference may be that Jesus never forgot that God was always with him. Unfortunately, as the humans we are, we sometimes forget that important fact. There are times when we feel alone, unloved, unimportant, or non-existent. It's in those times we forget that God is standing right next to us, arm on our shoulder, ready to give us an encouraging word when we're ready to hear it.
Compassion is something we all crave. We want people to share in our life just as much as we want to share in the lives of others. It's just that sometimes, when we're at our lowest, we don't see how much people really care about us. This passage in Hebrews does well to remind us that "we do see Jesus", though. It's in our Christ we are able to realize that we're never alone in whatever we go through because in the story of Christ we understand that even in the end, when Jesus was facing death, he fully understood that there was still a God who loved him, and he still had himself.
It's in the 3-person approach to relationships we find peace. Never forget that as much as God and others love you, you need to love yourself.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A Partner In The World
Genesis 2:18-24
I was brought up in a Pentecostal home. Our view of religion was whatever the minister said it was. After all, their point of view was authoritative according to the words in the bible, right?
So, imagine my shock when I discovered there were actually two creation stories in the bible. Yes, I know, what the heck are you talking about? When I mentioned this to a group of youth at a church I served a few years ago they actually asked me, "Do you mean earth was created twice?"
It was a difficult idea for me to wrap my head around, but when my heart took over and allowed my mind to open enough to at least listen to what was being said I saw, without a doubt, that there were definitely two stories about the creation of the world. The first story, conveniently told in Genesis 1, talks about the way in which the world was created in a precise, ordered way, giving the Hebrew people the main reasons for following certain rules of the Law.
The second story, as told in (I bet you already guessed where it's told) Genesis 2 is a more poetic telling of a close relationship between God, humankind, and creation. Words such as partner and helper bring with it an image of God working with humankind to take care of our earth. Two other words, however, have been reason to bring division between humankind, and to an extent God; man and woman. It would seem that some people will use this passage as a reason to tell of God's intent for the male to be dominant over all things just as much as it is for the woman to be subservient as she is made last of all creation and comes from man's rib.
Nothing could be further from the truth. If we take a look at the story as told in Genesis 2 we see that man is created first and woman created last. When we look at the word used for man in the Hebrew, 'adam, we see that in a way it's a play on the word for dirt - 'adamah. In contrast the Hebrew word for woman is 'ishsha which literally translates as the opposite of man. A closer look at the two words also reveals that when 'ishsha is used as a pronoun the word defined isn't she, or her...it's every or each; 'adam does not have a pronoun form.
Could it be then that the creation of the opposite of the first created was a partner and helper who was not exactly like the first created, but someone that was an opposite but could still be compatible? Would it be fair to say that the creation of 'ishsha is a culmination of all things and all creation bringing to full circle all of God's creation? Could it be, then, that God's intent for us is to be in relationship with all of creation, all people, and with God?
Could it be?
I was brought up in a Pentecostal home. Our view of religion was whatever the minister said it was. After all, their point of view was authoritative according to the words in the bible, right?
So, imagine my shock when I discovered there were actually two creation stories in the bible. Yes, I know, what the heck are you talking about? When I mentioned this to a group of youth at a church I served a few years ago they actually asked me, "Do you mean earth was created twice?"
It was a difficult idea for me to wrap my head around, but when my heart took over and allowed my mind to open enough to at least listen to what was being said I saw, without a doubt, that there were definitely two stories about the creation of the world. The first story, conveniently told in Genesis 1, talks about the way in which the world was created in a precise, ordered way, giving the Hebrew people the main reasons for following certain rules of the Law.
The second story, as told in (I bet you already guessed where it's told) Genesis 2 is a more poetic telling of a close relationship between God, humankind, and creation. Words such as partner and helper bring with it an image of God working with humankind to take care of our earth. Two other words, however, have been reason to bring division between humankind, and to an extent God; man and woman. It would seem that some people will use this passage as a reason to tell of God's intent for the male to be dominant over all things just as much as it is for the woman to be subservient as she is made last of all creation and comes from man's rib.
Nothing could be further from the truth. If we take a look at the story as told in Genesis 2 we see that man is created first and woman created last. When we look at the word used for man in the Hebrew, 'adam, we see that in a way it's a play on the word for dirt - 'adamah. In contrast the Hebrew word for woman is 'ishsha which literally translates as the opposite of man. A closer look at the two words also reveals that when 'ishsha is used as a pronoun the word defined isn't she, or her...it's every or each; 'adam does not have a pronoun form.
Could it be then that the creation of the opposite of the first created was a partner and helper who was not exactly like the first created, but someone that was an opposite but could still be compatible? Would it be fair to say that the creation of 'ishsha is a culmination of all things and all creation bringing to full circle all of God's creation? Could it be, then, that God's intent for us is to be in relationship with all of creation, all people, and with God?
Could it be?
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Let It Begin With...
Psalm 8
If you follow this post you would remember that last week I bemoaned the Psalms and how they challenged me to find the glories of God amid the "God is our leader in war" talk. I did eventually understand how the Hebrew people needed to remember their history and how it was God who brought them through all of their trials and into a place of peace, even if for a while.
The string of Psalms hailing God as the one who defeats, the one who crushes, and the one who divides gives way this week to a God who is majestic. There's still a line in there about God being on "our side" in our victories, but the overall message is more one of how God thinks about us rather than how we think about God.
Sometimes we forget that we have a God who thinks about us as well as a God who cares for us. We spend a lot of time thinking about the things we need to do to make God happy or what the best way to praise God is that we let the fact that God loves us unconditionally pass us by.
This Psalm reminds us that God put so much faith in humanity that God gave us the daunting task of taking care of God's creation. I use the word daunting because that task is both awe-inspiring as much as it is overwhelming. Taking a look at where creation is now - all of creation which includes the cattle of the ground and the birds of the air and the grass in the field and the fish in the water and the humans who all share it - I, for one, say we've not done as good a job as we should have.
The question now is, "Where do we go from here?" Remember, my friends, all change comes from within. As the song goes..."Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." Take a hard, honest look at where you are, or better, who you are. Then ask yourself, "Do I love unconditionally, or do I pass judgment on others?"
If you believe we are made in the image of God I hope your answer is that you love unconditionally.
If you follow this post you would remember that last week I bemoaned the Psalms and how they challenged me to find the glories of God amid the "God is our leader in war" talk. I did eventually understand how the Hebrew people needed to remember their history and how it was God who brought them through all of their trials and into a place of peace, even if for a while.
The string of Psalms hailing God as the one who defeats, the one who crushes, and the one who divides gives way this week to a God who is majestic. There's still a line in there about God being on "our side" in our victories, but the overall message is more one of how God thinks about us rather than how we think about God.
Sometimes we forget that we have a God who thinks about us as well as a God who cares for us. We spend a lot of time thinking about the things we need to do to make God happy or what the best way to praise God is that we let the fact that God loves us unconditionally pass us by.
This Psalm reminds us that God put so much faith in humanity that God gave us the daunting task of taking care of God's creation. I use the word daunting because that task is both awe-inspiring as much as it is overwhelming. Taking a look at where creation is now - all of creation which includes the cattle of the ground and the birds of the air and the grass in the field and the fish in the water and the humans who all share it - I, for one, say we've not done as good a job as we should have.
The question now is, "Where do we go from here?" Remember, my friends, all change comes from within. As the song goes..."Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." Take a hard, honest look at where you are, or better, who you are. Then ask yourself, "Do I love unconditionally, or do I pass judgment on others?"
If you believe we are made in the image of God I hope your answer is that you love unconditionally.
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