Matthew 17:1-9
This week I've been focused on how to walk our journey while the path isn't clear. The image of being in a cloud was prevalent in all the passages to this week; today's one included. The difference between today's passage and the others, though, is that we are actually invited to be inside the cloud instead of be a witness of it from afar.
I've had the privilege of driving through clouds, and really should have remembered that one can see in a cloud, maybe just not that far ahead. Depending on how thick the cloud is, one can actually see quite a bit - especially things that are up close. Just as the disciples saw Moses and Elijah as much as Jesus, when you're inside a cloud you can see the things closest to you.
What you can't see are the things further away. This makes the travel a little more dangerous, but not altogether impossible. One just has to travel a little slower and with an enhanced focus on their surroundings. Sometimes while we're in this heightened state of awareness we can see, or in the case of today's passage, hear things we might not have heard before.
When we trust in God's guidance we can find our way through the cloud and know that eventually we will safely emerge from the unknown. It's within the cloud that we're invited to slow down and pay attention to our surroundings so that we are able to see Jesus close to us and hear God's call for us to trust in where Jesus is leading us.
The next time things aren't clear and you don't know where to turn or where to go, listen for the voice of God to lead you towards Jesus. Then, trust in where Jesus is leading you.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
What Do You See?
2 Peter 1:16-21
As I reflected on this morning's passage I thought about all the times I've wrongly perceived certain situations. You know, those times when we judge people based on what we think is going on instead of trying to understand why first.
I especially thought about this one time I went to the supermarket. I only had one or two items to get for dinner, so it should have been quick. I found a great parking spot, which usually means the store is empty. I walked in and sure enough, there were no lines at the register and I could barely see anyone in the store.
This would be a quick stop, so I thought.
After I got my items I stood in the shorter of two lines. There was a young lady with her son at the front of the line, an older couple with 3 or 4 things in their cart, then me. The young lady was having some kind of trouble, looking through her bag for something. Her son was being a brat, pulling at her shirt and begging to go home. She looked up again at the cashier, a look of desperation on her face.
I looked at what she was buying: milk, toilet paper, and a candy bar. She looked down the line and said she was sorry for the hold up. She then told the cashier to put back the candy bar. With those words her son got irritated, crying out for the lady to not do that, to please buy the candy bar. She leaned into her son and said to him they couldn't get it today, but she promised that the next time they could get it.
It was obvious to us that this young woman didn't have enough money to buy her items, let alone the candy bar. My heart sank as I listened to the boy cry, and watched as his mother did her best to comfort him. The cashier starting getting impatient, as did the people behind me. I must admit, until the point where I understood she didn't have enough money I was getting impatient as well.
Then, from nowhere, the man in front of me pulled out a five-dollar bill and asked the cashier to please take it. The young woman argued, but he ignored her, speaking only to the cashier. She quickly finished the transaction and proceeded to give the change to the older couple. He smiled, took the change (which was a dollar bill and some coins), and looked down at the little boy, who was now sniffling back his tears.
The young lady said thank you and told the boy to do the same. The little boy looked up at the couple, smiled as best as he could through his sniffling and tears, then hugged the legs of the older man. Nobody felt impatient anymore, all we felt was the unconditional love between two strangers.
It's difficult to feel anything but the need to spread this kind of love after witnessing it. To know that a simple action like that can bring joy and peace is the thing hope is made of.
As I reflected on this morning's passage I thought about all the times I've wrongly perceived certain situations. You know, those times when we judge people based on what we think is going on instead of trying to understand why first.
I especially thought about this one time I went to the supermarket. I only had one or two items to get for dinner, so it should have been quick. I found a great parking spot, which usually means the store is empty. I walked in and sure enough, there were no lines at the register and I could barely see anyone in the store.
This would be a quick stop, so I thought.
After I got my items I stood in the shorter of two lines. There was a young lady with her son at the front of the line, an older couple with 3 or 4 things in their cart, then me. The young lady was having some kind of trouble, looking through her bag for something. Her son was being a brat, pulling at her shirt and begging to go home. She looked up again at the cashier, a look of desperation on her face.
I looked at what she was buying: milk, toilet paper, and a candy bar. She looked down the line and said she was sorry for the hold up. She then told the cashier to put back the candy bar. With those words her son got irritated, crying out for the lady to not do that, to please buy the candy bar. She leaned into her son and said to him they couldn't get it today, but she promised that the next time they could get it.
It was obvious to us that this young woman didn't have enough money to buy her items, let alone the candy bar. My heart sank as I listened to the boy cry, and watched as his mother did her best to comfort him. The cashier starting getting impatient, as did the people behind me. I must admit, until the point where I understood she didn't have enough money I was getting impatient as well.
Then, from nowhere, the man in front of me pulled out a five-dollar bill and asked the cashier to please take it. The young woman argued, but he ignored her, speaking only to the cashier. She quickly finished the transaction and proceeded to give the change to the older couple. He smiled, took the change (which was a dollar bill and some coins), and looked down at the little boy, who was now sniffling back his tears.
The young lady said thank you and told the boy to do the same. The little boy looked up at the couple, smiled as best as he could through his sniffling and tears, then hugged the legs of the older man. Nobody felt impatient anymore, all we felt was the unconditional love between two strangers.
It's difficult to feel anything but the need to spread this kind of love after witnessing it. To know that a simple action like that can bring joy and peace is the thing hope is made of.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Through The Cloud
Psalm 99
So far, this week is a reminder to be patient. Let me explain.
On Sunday I wanted nothing more than to take a nap in the afternoon. I looked forward to this nap from the moment I woke up that morning. As it would happen there were errands to run, and things at home to do before I could lay down for my nap, which was nowhere as long as I had hoped it would be.
Yesterday afternoon I was asked to get a student from a class to bring him in to prepare for a test. He had to fill out a few pages on the test packet which was supposed to be done last week. I get to his class and realize they're on a different bell schedule and half way through his class, so we can't pull him out. I go back across campus to tell the teacher we can't pull him out, she says okay, then asks me to take her laptop back across campus to get it updated. I return from dropping off the laptop only to realize I need to go back across campus to check on something else.
This morning, I'm looking for my electric shaver in all the places I usually leave it. I can't find it anywhere. I even looked in places I wouldn't have left it. Just when I'm ready to give up I go to wipe my hands after washing them and notice an electric cord plugged into the wall. It's then I remember I had to charge my shaver and the plug I used is hidden behind the hand towel.
Sigh.
These things aren't major, just small events which test my patience; what I will call being in my cloud moments. When things aren't clear or don't make sense or don't go as planned we can feel as though we're in a cloud; unable to see what's going on around us or what's ahead of us. Working ourselves out of the cloud takes patience, sometimes lots of patience.
On our life's journey we are sometimes led into the cloud. We might not know where we are or where we're headed. Our instincts tell us to run in any direction until the cloud clears. The truth is that it's in the cloud God hopes to meet us. If we can stay in one place, sit quietly, and recognize that God is with us, we have a better chance of coming out of that cloud facing the right direction to move forward in our life.
I eventually got to take my nap, and oh was it a good one. I also enjoyed the moments in the sun during my walk yesterday and right now my face is cleanly shaven. I made it through my cloudy moments, and so will you.
So far, this week is a reminder to be patient. Let me explain.
On Sunday I wanted nothing more than to take a nap in the afternoon. I looked forward to this nap from the moment I woke up that morning. As it would happen there were errands to run, and things at home to do before I could lay down for my nap, which was nowhere as long as I had hoped it would be.
Yesterday afternoon I was asked to get a student from a class to bring him in to prepare for a test. He had to fill out a few pages on the test packet which was supposed to be done last week. I get to his class and realize they're on a different bell schedule and half way through his class, so we can't pull him out. I go back across campus to tell the teacher we can't pull him out, she says okay, then asks me to take her laptop back across campus to get it updated. I return from dropping off the laptop only to realize I need to go back across campus to check on something else.
This morning, I'm looking for my electric shaver in all the places I usually leave it. I can't find it anywhere. I even looked in places I wouldn't have left it. Just when I'm ready to give up I go to wipe my hands after washing them and notice an electric cord plugged into the wall. It's then I remember I had to charge my shaver and the plug I used is hidden behind the hand towel.
Sigh.
These things aren't major, just small events which test my patience; what I will call being in my cloud moments. When things aren't clear or don't make sense or don't go as planned we can feel as though we're in a cloud; unable to see what's going on around us or what's ahead of us. Working ourselves out of the cloud takes patience, sometimes lots of patience.
On our life's journey we are sometimes led into the cloud. We might not know where we are or where we're headed. Our instincts tell us to run in any direction until the cloud clears. The truth is that it's in the cloud God hopes to meet us. If we can stay in one place, sit quietly, and recognize that God is with us, we have a better chance of coming out of that cloud facing the right direction to move forward in our life.
I eventually got to take my nap, and oh was it a good one. I also enjoyed the moments in the sun during my walk yesterday and right now my face is cleanly shaven. I made it through my cloudy moments, and so will you.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Into The Unknown
Exodus 24:12-18
As the weeks pass after my Ecclesiastical Council, I find myself living in yet another holding pattern. For those who don't know what an ecclesiastical council is, it's a meeting of churches within my denomination who decide whether or not I can move forward to accept a call to become a minister within our denomination. That decision is the next-to-final step in becoming ordained.
As I await a call I am fully aware I don't just sit and wait. There are things I need to do, steps I need to take, and these are the final steps before entering the time when I truly wait for God's plan for me to come to fruition. In a way, it's like what Moses is going through in today's passage.
Moses is at the end of a journey, well, almost at the end. God has summoned Moses to a mountain in order to pass on further instructions. In reading this passage I noticed that Moses traveled with companions along the way, especially two of his most trusted: Aaron and Joshua. But, in the end, it is Moses who needs to complete the task on his own.
When Moses get's to the waiting area atop the mountain, God sends a cloud to cover the mountain and Moses, keeping him in that cloud for 6 days. Imagine what that might have been like; staying in a cloud on a mountain with no companionship for 6 days. Adding to this is that Moses really has no idea what's coming next. I mean, he knows that God will eventually give him those tablets as promised, but God never says when.
Moses is in a holding pattern.
Being in a holding pattern takes patience as much as it takes an increased awareness as to what the next step on the journey is supposed to be. The holding patterns also take faith in the knowledge that God has a plan for you, and when that plan is ready to be put into place, it will happen.
A lot of times it's not those in the holding patterns who need to be prepared. I think about all the people who traveled with Moses to this point and how they felt when Moses went up the mountain by himself, became covered by a huge cloud, then disappears for a month and a half. I'm sure their lives went through some soul-searching as well.
A journey into the unknown is never easy, but it does get easier. Complete trust in God that God won't lead you somewhere until you're ready, then be with you all the way, helps. Just as God never left Moses on that mountain, in the end being Moses' only companion, God never leaves us.
As the weeks pass after my Ecclesiastical Council, I find myself living in yet another holding pattern. For those who don't know what an ecclesiastical council is, it's a meeting of churches within my denomination who decide whether or not I can move forward to accept a call to become a minister within our denomination. That decision is the next-to-final step in becoming ordained.
As I await a call I am fully aware I don't just sit and wait. There are things I need to do, steps I need to take, and these are the final steps before entering the time when I truly wait for God's plan for me to come to fruition. In a way, it's like what Moses is going through in today's passage.
Moses is at the end of a journey, well, almost at the end. God has summoned Moses to a mountain in order to pass on further instructions. In reading this passage I noticed that Moses traveled with companions along the way, especially two of his most trusted: Aaron and Joshua. But, in the end, it is Moses who needs to complete the task on his own.
When Moses get's to the waiting area atop the mountain, God sends a cloud to cover the mountain and Moses, keeping him in that cloud for 6 days. Imagine what that might have been like; staying in a cloud on a mountain with no companionship for 6 days. Adding to this is that Moses really has no idea what's coming next. I mean, he knows that God will eventually give him those tablets as promised, but God never says when.
Moses is in a holding pattern.
Being in a holding pattern takes patience as much as it takes an increased awareness as to what the next step on the journey is supposed to be. The holding patterns also take faith in the knowledge that God has a plan for you, and when that plan is ready to be put into place, it will happen.
A lot of times it's not those in the holding patterns who need to be prepared. I think about all the people who traveled with Moses to this point and how they felt when Moses went up the mountain by himself, became covered by a huge cloud, then disappears for a month and a half. I'm sure their lives went through some soul-searching as well.
A journey into the unknown is never easy, but it does get easier. Complete trust in God that God won't lead you somewhere until you're ready, then be with you all the way, helps. Just as God never left Moses on that mountain, in the end being Moses' only companion, God never leaves us.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Love In Such A Way
Matthew 5:38-48
I've been a part of a Sunday afternoon study group at my church for close to 5 months now. The study we're doing is called Living the Questions and is for those of us who have a difficult time understanding the literal translations of the bible and the fundamental teachings of some churches. What this study does is show us the historical settings of the stories in the bible and how the development of dogma influences current Christian thinking.
It's an interesting study, challenging our beliefs of topics such as the risen Christ and the virgin birth, as well as current views on women in the church, homosexuality, and the second coming of Jesus. The one thing this study has taught most of us is that there are many thoughts about these topics as much as there are people in the room. It's been refreshing, if not affirming, to the study group that we can all have varying degrees of belief about the topics and still be accepting of one another's views.
A few weeks ago the topic was A Kingdom Without Walls. That particular topic dealt with bringing everyone we meet into the love of God through Christ; also called evangelism. However, we weren't shown how to approach someone and ask if they've been saved then tell them if they weren't Christian they would be headed towards certain death in this life and the next one, rather we were to simply be with people in their everyday lives and find a way to share ourselves. It was pointed out that Jesus never asked people what their religious affiliation was, rather he just found ways to be a presence in their lives.
This type of evangelism was phrased as "Loving in such a way as to not make anyone your enemy." As we discussed that phrase we began to recognize that in today's culture the term "Christian" holds with it a lot of bad connotations; pushy, in your face, unwilling or unable to compromise, judgmental, uncaring, unaccepting.
These were words we didn't see ourselves as, nor did we want these words to identify the kind of Christian we are. Instead we want to be known as Christians who love unconditionally and are willing to share our views on Christianity as much as we want to hear your views on whatever your religion is, even if it's a different kind of Christianity.
That kind of environment is what we saw as being in a place where we could love one another without creating enemies. In other words, we would be able to love our enemies to the point where we would no longer be enemies. We understood what Jesus meant when he said the sun shines on everyone as much as the rain falls on us as well.
We are all one people under one love. All we need to do is understand what that means and help change the world, one enemy at a time.
I've been a part of a Sunday afternoon study group at my church for close to 5 months now. The study we're doing is called Living the Questions and is for those of us who have a difficult time understanding the literal translations of the bible and the fundamental teachings of some churches. What this study does is show us the historical settings of the stories in the bible and how the development of dogma influences current Christian thinking.
It's an interesting study, challenging our beliefs of topics such as the risen Christ and the virgin birth, as well as current views on women in the church, homosexuality, and the second coming of Jesus. The one thing this study has taught most of us is that there are many thoughts about these topics as much as there are people in the room. It's been refreshing, if not affirming, to the study group that we can all have varying degrees of belief about the topics and still be accepting of one another's views.
A few weeks ago the topic was A Kingdom Without Walls. That particular topic dealt with bringing everyone we meet into the love of God through Christ; also called evangelism. However, we weren't shown how to approach someone and ask if they've been saved then tell them if they weren't Christian they would be headed towards certain death in this life and the next one, rather we were to simply be with people in their everyday lives and find a way to share ourselves. It was pointed out that Jesus never asked people what their religious affiliation was, rather he just found ways to be a presence in their lives.
This type of evangelism was phrased as "Loving in such a way as to not make anyone your enemy." As we discussed that phrase we began to recognize that in today's culture the term "Christian" holds with it a lot of bad connotations; pushy, in your face, unwilling or unable to compromise, judgmental, uncaring, unaccepting.
These were words we didn't see ourselves as, nor did we want these words to identify the kind of Christian we are. Instead we want to be known as Christians who love unconditionally and are willing to share our views on Christianity as much as we want to hear your views on whatever your religion is, even if it's a different kind of Christianity.
That kind of environment is what we saw as being in a place where we could love one another without creating enemies. In other words, we would be able to love our enemies to the point where we would no longer be enemies. We understood what Jesus meant when he said the sun shines on everyone as much as the rain falls on us as well.
We are all one people under one love. All we need to do is understand what that means and help change the world, one enemy at a time.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
It's All About You, Really, It Is
1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
As I usually do each morning I went through the last few hours of social media posts, just to see what my family and friends on the mainland are doing. It's a great way for me to start the day as I contemplate the morning's passage.
As I browsed and perused I came across a meme by a close friend who I've rarely seen these past years. She recently joined the social media crowd, and I truly appreciate her recipe posts and words of encouragement. One of her posts this morning was a repost from "Diary of an Alcoholic". The meme read:
We can rest in the knowledge that our foundation will never deteriorate, because God's love never ends. Once we repair and re-lay our bricks, the temple which is us will once again stand tall and strong. When we let those around us help rebuild our temple, and when we ourselves can repair some of those bricks, we'll see just how much love surrounds us.
As I usually do each morning I went through the last few hours of social media posts, just to see what my family and friends on the mainland are doing. It's a great way for me to start the day as I contemplate the morning's passage.
As I browsed and perused I came across a meme by a close friend who I've rarely seen these past years. She recently joined the social media crowd, and I truly appreciate her recipe posts and words of encouragement. One of her posts this morning was a repost from "Diary of an Alcoholic". The meme read:
When I look back on my life I see the pain I caused, I see the wreckage I created, I see the mistakes I made, I see the misery was a product of who I was. Today, I own it, take responsibility for it, change myself completely, know that I was the problem and no one else, and forgive myself.The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are the temples built upon the foundation of Christ. Jesus loves unconditionally and that love lays the ground on which the bricks of our life are put together to build our temple. When we allow our bricks to be decayed or broken, our temple begins to crumble. It's in those times, times of pain and hurt, we should do our best to reach out to others and let them repair our bricks and rebuild our temples.
We can rest in the knowledge that our foundation will never deteriorate, because God's love never ends. Once we repair and re-lay our bricks, the temple which is us will once again stand tall and strong. When we let those around us help rebuild our temple, and when we ourselves can repair some of those bricks, we'll see just how much love surrounds us.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Somebody Help
Psalm 119:33-40
I did something today I wish I didn't do, but am glad I did - I went to work. I say this because I was beginning to feel under the weather again, perhaps getting a relapse from last week's bout with the flu. The first few hours at work were rough; sneezing, coughing, sniffles, cold sweats. The last 90 minutes, however, made it all worthwhile.
I was asked to supervise one of our students while she performed her detention. In our class students are given detention if they're tardy, whether it's just after the bell rings or 45 minutes. If they are tardy the student will be asked to stay back and help clean the room for 10 minutes. This particular student had 3 tardies to work off, which translated to 30 minutes of room cleaning.
As she wiped the dust and pencil marks off tables, I followed her around, picking up little things here and there. She began to talk about things, mostly school-related. Then she dropped a bomb: she was moving to Samoa in 4 days. Nobody knew about this, nobody had an idea this was going to happen.
She told me the reason was so that she would be able to graduate high school on time with the current amount of credits she would be getting. A part of that felt true, but I think there was something more to it. I took her at her word, not prying, choosing instead to listen as she told me about how she would miss her friends, and her family. Apparently her family wasn't moving with her and she would be living with an aunt.
She was trying to hide the pain she was going through, but I could tell she was hurting. She didn't say it, but I felt as though she thought she was being abandoned. Her words and actions were those I've seen many times before from young people in the same situations.
Before we knew it her 30 minutes became an hour and she said she needed to go to an after school tutoring class. As she walked down the hall I waved bye and she waved back with a smile as genuine as she could make it.
I tell this story because of yesterday's passage about keeping God's law of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves and how it relates to today's Psalm about keeping God's laws and living them wholeheartedly. There are moments in my life when I get to be with someone, and I treasure those moments dearly. I didn't ask questions, I didn't pass judgment, I didn't say much; I was just there.
It's in those moments I feel as though God's promise of a life of peace and joy through love is alive and being realized. It's in those moments I am happy to be a part of the body of Christ as I share the message, albeit unspoken, that love is there for everyone, regardless of who or what you are.
I did something today I wish I didn't do, but am glad I did - I went to work. I say this because I was beginning to feel under the weather again, perhaps getting a relapse from last week's bout with the flu. The first few hours at work were rough; sneezing, coughing, sniffles, cold sweats. The last 90 minutes, however, made it all worthwhile.
I was asked to supervise one of our students while she performed her detention. In our class students are given detention if they're tardy, whether it's just after the bell rings or 45 minutes. If they are tardy the student will be asked to stay back and help clean the room for 10 minutes. This particular student had 3 tardies to work off, which translated to 30 minutes of room cleaning.
As she wiped the dust and pencil marks off tables, I followed her around, picking up little things here and there. She began to talk about things, mostly school-related. Then she dropped a bomb: she was moving to Samoa in 4 days. Nobody knew about this, nobody had an idea this was going to happen.
She told me the reason was so that she would be able to graduate high school on time with the current amount of credits she would be getting. A part of that felt true, but I think there was something more to it. I took her at her word, not prying, choosing instead to listen as she told me about how she would miss her friends, and her family. Apparently her family wasn't moving with her and she would be living with an aunt.
She was trying to hide the pain she was going through, but I could tell she was hurting. She didn't say it, but I felt as though she thought she was being abandoned. Her words and actions were those I've seen many times before from young people in the same situations.
Before we knew it her 30 minutes became an hour and she said she needed to go to an after school tutoring class. As she walked down the hall I waved bye and she waved back with a smile as genuine as she could make it.
I tell this story because of yesterday's passage about keeping God's law of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves and how it relates to today's Psalm about keeping God's laws and living them wholeheartedly. There are moments in my life when I get to be with someone, and I treasure those moments dearly. I didn't ask questions, I didn't pass judgment, I didn't say much; I was just there.
It's in those moments I feel as though God's promise of a life of peace and joy through love is alive and being realized. It's in those moments I am happy to be a part of the body of Christ as I share the message, albeit unspoken, that love is there for everyone, regardless of who or what you are.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Laws of Love
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
It has always been interesting to me how some people choose which Levitical laws should be adhered to without question, while others are shunned as not important or irrelevant to today's culture. Take for instance the laws about homosexuality and how they are to be adhered to regardless of circumstances. Then there's the laws about infidelity and extra-marital encounters which we are told don't apply in today's culture. On the one hand we're told of how homosexuality will decay the moral fiber of the world, while on the other hand we're told that being unfaithful to your partner or engaging in pre-marital relationships are okay.
Today's passage shows us a grouping of laws from Leviticus which most definitely would enhance today's societies as much as it was meant to enhance the Hebrew societies for which it was written. Yet, we don't hear these laws preached about, nor are they heralded as something which would better the moral fiber of our world as much as it would better the lives of the people within the societies of our world.
Laws such as not taking everything for profit and giving some of what's produced to the poor or the stranger for free sound good to me. The other laws which make good sense in this passage are the ones about not stealing or telling lies; not profiting at the expense of others; being fair and just with our neighbors; and not hating, taking vengeance, or slandering others. All good laws to follow, but laws which aren't being followed or preached as being important. Our culture has made it so that as long as we're successful it doesn't really matter who we hurt along the way - as long as we don't get caught.
It's true that the laws within the Hebrew Bible were written a long time ago, in a time when these laws were necessary to hold together a society that was oppressed and dispersed. The laws in Leviticus were especially written as a moral code for the Levite priests to live by and uphold. It's also true that some of these laws are outdated, while some still make sense for us today. What's important to note is how today's passage ends in order to help understand which laws are still relevant - "you shall love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Love for others, love for self, and love for God are the main focus for any "laws" we choose to follow as a society. If the ways we govern our lives don't include at least one of those commands, then maybe it shouldn't be something we live by.
It has always been interesting to me how some people choose which Levitical laws should be adhered to without question, while others are shunned as not important or irrelevant to today's culture. Take for instance the laws about homosexuality and how they are to be adhered to regardless of circumstances. Then there's the laws about infidelity and extra-marital encounters which we are told don't apply in today's culture. On the one hand we're told of how homosexuality will decay the moral fiber of the world, while on the other hand we're told that being unfaithful to your partner or engaging in pre-marital relationships are okay.
Today's passage shows us a grouping of laws from Leviticus which most definitely would enhance today's societies as much as it was meant to enhance the Hebrew societies for which it was written. Yet, we don't hear these laws preached about, nor are they heralded as something which would better the moral fiber of our world as much as it would better the lives of the people within the societies of our world.
Laws such as not taking everything for profit and giving some of what's produced to the poor or the stranger for free sound good to me. The other laws which make good sense in this passage are the ones about not stealing or telling lies; not profiting at the expense of others; being fair and just with our neighbors; and not hating, taking vengeance, or slandering others. All good laws to follow, but laws which aren't being followed or preached as being important. Our culture has made it so that as long as we're successful it doesn't really matter who we hurt along the way - as long as we don't get caught.
It's true that the laws within the Hebrew Bible were written a long time ago, in a time when these laws were necessary to hold together a society that was oppressed and dispersed. The laws in Leviticus were especially written as a moral code for the Levite priests to live by and uphold. It's also true that some of these laws are outdated, while some still make sense for us today. What's important to note is how today's passage ends in order to help understand which laws are still relevant - "you shall love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Love for others, love for self, and love for God are the main focus for any "laws" we choose to follow as a society. If the ways we govern our lives don't include at least one of those commands, then maybe it shouldn't be something we live by.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Shocking Love
Matthew 5:21-37
Let me start by wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. I am fully aware that not everyone out there celebrates this day, but I want you to know that there is someone who cares and loves you enough to wish you one anyway.
In fact, I've seen some rather grim posts over the past few days from the anti-Valentine's Day people. One such gave the acronym SAD to this day for people who are celebrating Singles Awareness Day. I also saw a few posts which reminded everyone that this day was given in memory of St. Valentine, a martyr who was beaten and beheaded for his beliefs.
However, the most eye-opening post I've read about Valentine's Day is that it takes 32 gallons of water to grow 12 roses. That's right, for every dozen of roses given around the world today another 32 gallons of water has been removed from our dwindling fresh-water resources.
Shocking news accounts, all of them, BUT, this day is celebrated with love nonetheless. It's in that love we need to look at things in a new way.
The lectionary continues its series on Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount. In this weeks passages we are introduced to a Jesus who can be shocking in his own way. I've read where Matthew was written to bring harmony to a new, emerging group of people known as Judeo-Christians. These are people who were Jewish and therefore still had an adherence to the Mosaic laws, but were also Christian and therefore were trying to understand Jesus' message of the realization of the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of Matthew, therefore, walks a fine line between two worlds. The Sermon on the Mount, then, becomes a sort of "breaking out" for the ministry of Jesus. In this particular passage he brings new meanings to old laws, and he does it in a shocking way. The passage begins with Jesus comparing the "ancient" law of murder to simply becoming angry and how both have the same result. It then goes on to say that everyone is an adulterer so it's best to just gouge your eyes out and cut off your hands. This is followed by reminding us that we all give false oaths, and therefore all our words are from evil.
Talk about shock. I'm not sure about you, but if I was there when this Sermon was given I would've walked out of the church - I like my sermons uplifting and positive.
That's the point. Matthew is trying to say that a life with Jesus means giving up all of our outdated ways of thinking to find a new way of living. I'm sure nobody in that audience wanted to cut off their hands or be associated with evil. I'm also sure the people who were listening to his Sermon would understand it in its context - the old ways are impossible to live up to, but there's a new way that can include everyone.
As we go into this weekend, Valentine's date or not, let's go with a different thinking of what love is. Love is letting go of our outdated ways of thinking - racism, gender inequality, socio-economic separations, etc. - and finding a new way to unite as one people under one love.
Let me start by wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. I am fully aware that not everyone out there celebrates this day, but I want you to know that there is someone who cares and loves you enough to wish you one anyway.
In fact, I've seen some rather grim posts over the past few days from the anti-Valentine's Day people. One such gave the acronym SAD to this day for people who are celebrating Singles Awareness Day. I also saw a few posts which reminded everyone that this day was given in memory of St. Valentine, a martyr who was beaten and beheaded for his beliefs.
However, the most eye-opening post I've read about Valentine's Day is that it takes 32 gallons of water to grow 12 roses. That's right, for every dozen of roses given around the world today another 32 gallons of water has been removed from our dwindling fresh-water resources.
Shocking news accounts, all of them, BUT, this day is celebrated with love nonetheless. It's in that love we need to look at things in a new way.
The lectionary continues its series on Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount. In this weeks passages we are introduced to a Jesus who can be shocking in his own way. I've read where Matthew was written to bring harmony to a new, emerging group of people known as Judeo-Christians. These are people who were Jewish and therefore still had an adherence to the Mosaic laws, but were also Christian and therefore were trying to understand Jesus' message of the realization of the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of Matthew, therefore, walks a fine line between two worlds. The Sermon on the Mount, then, becomes a sort of "breaking out" for the ministry of Jesus. In this particular passage he brings new meanings to old laws, and he does it in a shocking way. The passage begins with Jesus comparing the "ancient" law of murder to simply becoming angry and how both have the same result. It then goes on to say that everyone is an adulterer so it's best to just gouge your eyes out and cut off your hands. This is followed by reminding us that we all give false oaths, and therefore all our words are from evil.
Talk about shock. I'm not sure about you, but if I was there when this Sermon was given I would've walked out of the church - I like my sermons uplifting and positive.
That's the point. Matthew is trying to say that a life with Jesus means giving up all of our outdated ways of thinking to find a new way of living. I'm sure nobody in that audience wanted to cut off their hands or be associated with evil. I'm also sure the people who were listening to his Sermon would understand it in its context - the old ways are impossible to live up to, but there's a new way that can include everyone.
As we go into this weekend, Valentine's date or not, let's go with a different thinking of what love is. Love is letting go of our outdated ways of thinking - racism, gender inequality, socio-economic separations, etc. - and finding a new way to unite as one people under one love.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Working Together
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
It's been said that the moments we share in one another's lives are but pearls on each other's necklace. What this means is that no one of us will have a complete effect on someone else, rather the things we share in those moments help to build each other into the person we are.
About 5 or 6 years ago I had a retail job selling a language learning program out of a kiosk in a very busy shopping center. I did fairly well financially, but as anyone in commission-based sales will tell you, there are good months and there are bad months. It was during one of those days in the middle of one of those bad months that I had an amazing encounter with someone who put a pearl on my necklace of life.
I was in a place in my life where things were difficult to keep up with. My income wasn't enough to cover all our bills, my seminary studies were falling behind to almost non-existent because I was holding down 2 full-time jobs, and things at home were suffering from my lack of time there.
As I opened my kiosk, contemplating what direction to go in, a young man sat on the stone wall next to my kiosk, He watched me work, which kind of creeped me out, and whenever I looked at him he smiled, which creeped me out a little more. On one of those times we exchanged smiles he wished me a good morning, which I returned.
We engaged in simple conversation - hello, how are you, do you think the weather is going to hold out - then, seemingly out of nowhere, he says to me, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?" Oh no, I thought, if the next question is "are you saved?" I really didn't know what to do.
I said I did and he proceeded to tell me how he just came to know Jesus at a fellowship service a church was holding in the beach park close by. He went on to say how he was homeless, but how that didn't matter because he had good friends, a good pastor, a new family in his church, and he had God in his life.
I mostly listened as he went on about how he came to Hawaii and ended up homeless. He was an interesting young man, and the more I listened the happier I became that I decided to pay attention to him. He asked me about my church experiences, which I shared with him. He seemed to genuinely want to know about the United Church of Christ's beliefs and how they differed from a fundamental way of thinking. He asked questions and listened intently to the answers.
I didn't realize when it happened, but I began to notice I was telling him about what I was going through. He listened as I told him about the job, and the other job, and bills, and feeling bad about not being home enough. He sat there without judgment and just listened.
After about 30 minutes he said he had to go. Before he left he asked if we could pray together, I said it was fine. After we prayed he said to me, "God has a message for you. Sometimes God makes our lives empty in order that there can be more room for him." Then, just like that, he was gone.
He was the much-needed water for the seed within me that was having a difficult time growing.
It's been said that the moments we share in one another's lives are but pearls on each other's necklace. What this means is that no one of us will have a complete effect on someone else, rather the things we share in those moments help to build each other into the person we are.
About 5 or 6 years ago I had a retail job selling a language learning program out of a kiosk in a very busy shopping center. I did fairly well financially, but as anyone in commission-based sales will tell you, there are good months and there are bad months. It was during one of those days in the middle of one of those bad months that I had an amazing encounter with someone who put a pearl on my necklace of life.
I was in a place in my life where things were difficult to keep up with. My income wasn't enough to cover all our bills, my seminary studies were falling behind to almost non-existent because I was holding down 2 full-time jobs, and things at home were suffering from my lack of time there.
As I opened my kiosk, contemplating what direction to go in, a young man sat on the stone wall next to my kiosk, He watched me work, which kind of creeped me out, and whenever I looked at him he smiled, which creeped me out a little more. On one of those times we exchanged smiles he wished me a good morning, which I returned.
We engaged in simple conversation - hello, how are you, do you think the weather is going to hold out - then, seemingly out of nowhere, he says to me, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?" Oh no, I thought, if the next question is "are you saved?" I really didn't know what to do.
I said I did and he proceeded to tell me how he just came to know Jesus at a fellowship service a church was holding in the beach park close by. He went on to say how he was homeless, but how that didn't matter because he had good friends, a good pastor, a new family in his church, and he had God in his life.
I mostly listened as he went on about how he came to Hawaii and ended up homeless. He was an interesting young man, and the more I listened the happier I became that I decided to pay attention to him. He asked me about my church experiences, which I shared with him. He seemed to genuinely want to know about the United Church of Christ's beliefs and how they differed from a fundamental way of thinking. He asked questions and listened intently to the answers.
I didn't realize when it happened, but I began to notice I was telling him about what I was going through. He listened as I told him about the job, and the other job, and bills, and feeling bad about not being home enough. He sat there without judgment and just listened.
After about 30 minutes he said he had to go. Before he left he asked if we could pray together, I said it was fine. After we prayed he said to me, "God has a message for you. Sometimes God makes our lives empty in order that there can be more room for him." Then, just like that, he was gone.
He was the much-needed water for the seed within me that was having a difficult time growing.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Please Don't Leave Me
Psalm 119
Working at a high school gives me multiple opportunities to talk with young men and women about relationships. For the most part the relationships I see on a daily basis are good; they talk, cuddle, play, laugh. I can also say how impressed I am with these couples in the way they are able to work through any problems that might come up. Most of the teenagers at my school are open and honest with each other, and when they cant's resolve their problems they have friends who are willing to help.
Once in a while there will be a problem so divisive that nothing can bring the couple back together. Usually it's because one of them has fooled around or cheated on the other. It would seem that the rules of the relationships I see are few, mostly it's mutual respect and they can have friends, just as long as they don't have or do anything more.
I have to say that on the occasion the couples do break up it's usually because either a)someone fooled around, or b)the girl sees no future in the boy. Sorry, guys, but as girls get older they really do want someone who can support them in their endeavors, not someone who's good at Grand Theft Auto or Madden. To a woman, the relationship eventually becomes more than "he makes me smile and I feel good around him."
I would say that in 90% of those break ups the boy says, "I will change, I promise, just don't leave me." Almost never, though, does the boy change. I mean, they do for a little while, and the girl does take them back, but the relationship falls back into the same routines and the girl leaves again.
One thing I've learned in life is that if someone doesn't change for themselves, the change won't stick. Maybe this is what our Psalmist is going through. The last line of today's passage has the Psalmist begging God to not leave him. If we read the rest of this Psalm we'll hear the voice of someone who really wants to change. The Psalmist cries out to God to teach him, to show him what is expected. This Psalm is a plea from someone who really wants to change, and wants God's help in doing so.
Are there relationships you need to reconcile? What is it that you need to change in order to heal that relationship? How is it that those around you and God can help?
Don't be afraid of change, change for the right reasons is a good thing. Change isn't easy, but there are so many people who want to be there for you, all you need to do is let them in.
Working at a high school gives me multiple opportunities to talk with young men and women about relationships. For the most part the relationships I see on a daily basis are good; they talk, cuddle, play, laugh. I can also say how impressed I am with these couples in the way they are able to work through any problems that might come up. Most of the teenagers at my school are open and honest with each other, and when they cant's resolve their problems they have friends who are willing to help.
Once in a while there will be a problem so divisive that nothing can bring the couple back together. Usually it's because one of them has fooled around or cheated on the other. It would seem that the rules of the relationships I see are few, mostly it's mutual respect and they can have friends, just as long as they don't have or do anything more.
I have to say that on the occasion the couples do break up it's usually because either a)someone fooled around, or b)the girl sees no future in the boy. Sorry, guys, but as girls get older they really do want someone who can support them in their endeavors, not someone who's good at Grand Theft Auto or Madden. To a woman, the relationship eventually becomes more than "he makes me smile and I feel good around him."
I would say that in 90% of those break ups the boy says, "I will change, I promise, just don't leave me." Almost never, though, does the boy change. I mean, they do for a little while, and the girl does take them back, but the relationship falls back into the same routines and the girl leaves again.
One thing I've learned in life is that if someone doesn't change for themselves, the change won't stick. Maybe this is what our Psalmist is going through. The last line of today's passage has the Psalmist begging God to not leave him. If we read the rest of this Psalm we'll hear the voice of someone who really wants to change. The Psalmist cries out to God to teach him, to show him what is expected. This Psalm is a plea from someone who really wants to change, and wants God's help in doing so.
Are there relationships you need to reconcile? What is it that you need to change in order to heal that relationship? How is it that those around you and God can help?
Don't be afraid of change, change for the right reasons is a good thing. Change isn't easy, but there are so many people who want to be there for you, all you need to do is let them in.
Monday, February 10, 2014
I Choose...
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
I set a new milestone yesterday. For the past 11 or 12 years I've been in pursuit of becoming ordained as a minister in my denomination. One of the steps towards ordination is what our denomination calls an Ecclesiastical Council. It's a meeting of local churches on our island who are introduced to my theology, how I've come to believe the things I do, and decide whether or not I would be a fair representative of the denomination as a whole.
Along the way I've had to make many choices, most of which set personal and family time against providing for my family while still pursuing my education. In each decision along the way I had to decide whether my going to school and getting my M. Div. was worth spending less time with my wife. Every time that decision had to be made I would include my wife in the conversation, and each time she would say the same thing: "God has called you to do something, go do it."
Along the way there were times when I wanted to give up or slow down a lot. At each one of those times someone came into my life to remind me of the reasons I was walking the path I was on. Each time those people came into my life I had a deeper understanding that the choice to keep going was something I am truly called to.
In this morning's passage, Moses is telling those who have followed him all those years through the desert to make a similar choice. He tells them that one path will bring them the life that was promised to them, while the other choice will send them down a path of sure destruction. Moses pleads with the people to make the right choice, and choose life.
How many times in your journey are you asked to make the same choices? There are decisions along our way that will change our life in ways unforeseen. Deep down we know that one decision will make our lives better in the long run, while the other won't. Those are the decisions which are never easy; the life-changing ones. How we come to these decisions are done in different ways - we talk to loved ones, we seek guidance from professionals such as pastors or therapists, we pray to whatever higher-being we believe in, we find a quiet corner and think for hours.
No one way is the right way. Neither is the choice we make always the one we want. A lot of times we make decisions because of those around us and how it impacts them. Either way, and for whatever reason, the only thing being asked of you is to make a choice that pursues life; a decision that will in some way further the love of God.
Life-changing decisions aren't easy to make. I can attest to that first-hand. If you stay true to the one thing that really matters, the furthering of unconditional love, then the decision you make will be the right one.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Friday Findings
A few quotes to get me through the weekend.
While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation. – Maya Angelou
The meaning of life is contained in every single expression of life. It is present in the infinity of forms and phenomena that exist in all of creation. – Michael Jackson
Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you. – Thomas Jefferson
Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action. – Mother Teresa
In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision. – Dalai Lama
Every one rushes elsewhere and into the future, because no one wants to face one's own inner self. – Michel de Montaigne
Skin is not only an envelope protecting the inner body, or a membrane that allows exchange between exterior and interior of the body. It also serves as a mingling point between the outer world and inner self, and between body and soul. – Miru Kim
While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation. – Maya Angelou
The meaning of life is contained in every single expression of life. It is present in the infinity of forms and phenomena that exist in all of creation. – Michael Jackson
Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you. – Thomas Jefferson
Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action. – Mother Teresa
In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision. – Dalai Lama
Every one rushes elsewhere and into the future, because no one wants to face one's own inner self. – Michel de Montaigne
Skin is not only an envelope protecting the inner body, or a membrane that allows exchange between exterior and interior of the body. It also serves as a mingling point between the outer world and inner self, and between body and soul. – Miru Kim
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Make It Happen
Matthew 5:13-20
There are some things that Jesus says which tend to boggle my mind. The overall message I get from the teachings of Jesus are to live with compassion, to seek justice, and to build our relationships with one another and ourselves through God. I'm sure there's more to his message than that, but I think that's a pretty good place to start.
Sometimes, though, Jesus comes right out and says or does something that just doesn't quite make sense. That is until I dig deeper into what is being said to whom.
Jesus is a Jew. From all accounts he's an educated Jew, at least by his knowledge of scripture. So, when Jesus says that he's "come to fulfill the laws" he's saying quite a lot. Let's take a closer look at the word "fulfill". The Greek word used in this passage is plēroō, which has a few meanings, among which are to make full, to complete, or to carry into effect or to make happen. That last definition, to make happen is what I would like to focus on.
Let's replace the word "fulfill" with the definition of the word and try it again. Jesus says that he's "come to make the laws happen." In other words, following a more grammatical version, Jesus has come to be an example of the true meanings of the laws.
This passage from Matthew follows last week's Beatitudes. For Matthew this is Jesus' shining moment. This is where the readers of his Gospel will learn everything they need to know about Jesus before he goes out and lives by example the words he speaks here. This is Matthew's portrayal of the Sermon on the Mount, or a part of it. Those who will read this Gospel, the Jews for whom it was written, will understand this to be a way of Jesus saying that he has come to this world to go against the current culture which the Pharisees and Scribes are teaching. Jesus is going to be the way God intended by finding a way to bring righteousness to the world.
There's another word I want to look at. Righteousness is represented by the Greek word dikaiosynē which is defined as integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness; correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting. In the biblical sense all of this would be done so as to be acceptable to God (a hint of Paul there, eh).
What we have now is Jesus saying that he's come to live out the examples of integrity by behaving in such a way as to be pleasing to God. What, then, is pleasing to God? For the answer to that we go back to our first passage of the week where Isaiah says, speaking on behalf of God, that we should "share [our] bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into [our] house; when [we] see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide [ourself] from [our] own kin?" as a way of loosening "the bonds of injustice."
To be a Christian is to follow Jesus' examples and teachings. Let's begin to live in such a way as to be pleasing to God. I guess I'm not as boggled as I thought.
There are some things that Jesus says which tend to boggle my mind. The overall message I get from the teachings of Jesus are to live with compassion, to seek justice, and to build our relationships with one another and ourselves through God. I'm sure there's more to his message than that, but I think that's a pretty good place to start.
Sometimes, though, Jesus comes right out and says or does something that just doesn't quite make sense. That is until I dig deeper into what is being said to whom.
Jesus is a Jew. From all accounts he's an educated Jew, at least by his knowledge of scripture. So, when Jesus says that he's "come to fulfill the laws" he's saying quite a lot. Let's take a closer look at the word "fulfill". The Greek word used in this passage is plēroō, which has a few meanings, among which are to make full, to complete, or to carry into effect or to make happen. That last definition, to make happen is what I would like to focus on.
Let's replace the word "fulfill" with the definition of the word and try it again. Jesus says that he's "come to make the laws happen." In other words, following a more grammatical version, Jesus has come to be an example of the true meanings of the laws.
This passage from Matthew follows last week's Beatitudes. For Matthew this is Jesus' shining moment. This is where the readers of his Gospel will learn everything they need to know about Jesus before he goes out and lives by example the words he speaks here. This is Matthew's portrayal of the Sermon on the Mount, or a part of it. Those who will read this Gospel, the Jews for whom it was written, will understand this to be a way of Jesus saying that he has come to this world to go against the current culture which the Pharisees and Scribes are teaching. Jesus is going to be the way God intended by finding a way to bring righteousness to the world.
There's another word I want to look at. Righteousness is represented by the Greek word dikaiosynē which is defined as integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness; correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting. In the biblical sense all of this would be done so as to be acceptable to God (a hint of Paul there, eh).
What we have now is Jesus saying that he's come to live out the examples of integrity by behaving in such a way as to be pleasing to God. What, then, is pleasing to God? For the answer to that we go back to our first passage of the week where Isaiah says, speaking on behalf of God, that we should "share [our] bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into [our] house; when [we] see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide [ourself] from [our] own kin?" as a way of loosening "the bonds of injustice."
To be a Christian is to follow Jesus' examples and teachings. Let's begin to live in such a way as to be pleasing to God. I guess I'm not as boggled as I thought.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Spirituality
1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
The Apostle Paul had a difficult task. He was trying to bring people together who had no intention of compromising to do so. On the one hand Paul's church in Corinth strongly believed that a strict adherence to the laws which have always worked for them should be followed. On the other side were those who said only a complete understanding, shown to us by signs and wonders, would complete our belief.
In the middle, though, were Christians who were developing the belief that both sides can be correct, but don't necessarily have to be. These were the "spiritual ones" to whom Paul refers. Those who have found a way to live among each other, regardless of belief or practice, to create a community where all are included and all have something to contribute.
Being filled with the Spirit, as Paul puts it, is to him a way in which people can be filled with something other than the things which divide them. Eating the right foods, being circumcised, looking for absolute proof, and the notion that one had to be on this side or that was beginning to break the church at Corinth apart. Paul tries to explain to the church that it's not these things that help people find unity in love, rather it's allowing the Spirit of Christ, the inner-life example which Jesus brought into this world, that helps us become one people.
This same message can be given to our society today. I read this morning that a state who recently had their ban on same-sex marriage lifted by the state supreme court is now looking into banning all marriages. The idea is that if they can't stop one group of people from expressing their love and affection, they will stop all expressions of love and affection. These law-makers believe that love for none is better than love for all. this is how they view justice and equality.
It's a sad statement to make that in our time, in the 21st century, people still adhere to the "it's my way of thinking because my way is right" mentality. However, as we can see this kind of thinking goes back 2000 years, at least. We could say it goes back even further if we take into account the words and actions of the Hebrew prophets.
Which brings about my thought for today - When will it stop?
I heard it said that there were many people walking the earth sharing the same message at the same time Jesus did. So, why is it Jesus' message lived on. maybe it's because Jesus didn't reach ot to change the minds of those in power, maybe it's because Jesus changed the hearts of those who were powerless. He brought together the hopeless and gave them hope. He brought together the downtrodden and gave them joy. He brought together the worried and gave them peace.
Jesus brought people together in love, and Paul was trying to do the same. Shouldn't we?
The Apostle Paul had a difficult task. He was trying to bring people together who had no intention of compromising to do so. On the one hand Paul's church in Corinth strongly believed that a strict adherence to the laws which have always worked for them should be followed. On the other side were those who said only a complete understanding, shown to us by signs and wonders, would complete our belief.
In the middle, though, were Christians who were developing the belief that both sides can be correct, but don't necessarily have to be. These were the "spiritual ones" to whom Paul refers. Those who have found a way to live among each other, regardless of belief or practice, to create a community where all are included and all have something to contribute.
Being filled with the Spirit, as Paul puts it, is to him a way in which people can be filled with something other than the things which divide them. Eating the right foods, being circumcised, looking for absolute proof, and the notion that one had to be on this side or that was beginning to break the church at Corinth apart. Paul tries to explain to the church that it's not these things that help people find unity in love, rather it's allowing the Spirit of Christ, the inner-life example which Jesus brought into this world, that helps us become one people.
This same message can be given to our society today. I read this morning that a state who recently had their ban on same-sex marriage lifted by the state supreme court is now looking into banning all marriages. The idea is that if they can't stop one group of people from expressing their love and affection, they will stop all expressions of love and affection. These law-makers believe that love for none is better than love for all. this is how they view justice and equality.
It's a sad statement to make that in our time, in the 21st century, people still adhere to the "it's my way of thinking because my way is right" mentality. However, as we can see this kind of thinking goes back 2000 years, at least. We could say it goes back even further if we take into account the words and actions of the Hebrew prophets.
Which brings about my thought for today - When will it stop?
I heard it said that there were many people walking the earth sharing the same message at the same time Jesus did. So, why is it Jesus' message lived on. maybe it's because Jesus didn't reach ot to change the minds of those in power, maybe it's because Jesus changed the hearts of those who were powerless. He brought together the hopeless and gave them hope. He brought together the downtrodden and gave them joy. He brought together the worried and gave them peace.
Jesus brought people together in love, and Paul was trying to do the same. Shouldn't we?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Awe-some, Awe-full
Psalm 112
Once again we're faced with the word "fear" as it pertains to humanity's reaction to God. This word has been the cause of my, as well as others, reason for living a life afraid of a God who exists to pass judgment.
If the church I belonged to in my youth looked at this Psalm, the message we would hear is that we have to live in such a way as to never sin or when Jesus returns to take away the righteous we'll be left behind. Nobody wanted to be left behind, especially in the kind of world the church described. Nobody wants to live with their teeth gnashing as their bodies melt away.
That word has been the cause of fear for much too long. What if, just what if we replaced the word "fear" with another, perhaps more appropriate definition of the Hebrew word "yare"; to be in awe of or to show reverence. If we did that, the opening verses of our Psalm would read, "Praise the Lord! Happy are those who are in awe of the Lord."
In our afternoon study group we were talking about moments when we absolutely knew God was present. I mentioned a time when my wife and I were sitting at a beach on the northwest shores of our island. The beach is usually empty, with maybe 1 or 2 families at the most. The beach sits a couple hundred yards from the mountainside and is literally at the end of a road, unless you have a dirt-bike or are willing to hike.
As we sat on the beach, enjoying our bento, we listened as the wind blew through the trees and the waves crashed to shore. We felt the warmth of the sun as a cool breeze brushed against our face. A family could be heard laughing in the distance as the singing of birds rode through the sky.
Then suddenly, all became still. There was no wind, there was no sound - not the waves crashing on the shore, not the leaves rustling in the wind, nothing; even the breeze stopped blowing. It was as though the earth decided to take a breath and for a moment, for a brief moment everything was absolutely still.
In that moment I knew, absolutely knew that God existed and was there at that beach. In that moment I was in awe of my God.
Our Psalm reminds us that those of us who live in awe of God and live a life of making things right, a life of seeking justice, will live lives filled with joy and peace. That kind of life is found through the unconditional love of God, the same love our Christ lived while on this earth.
Be in awe of God, marvel in God's wonders. More than that, live in such a way as those around you can come to know this same God you are in awe of.
Once again we're faced with the word "fear" as it pertains to humanity's reaction to God. This word has been the cause of my, as well as others, reason for living a life afraid of a God who exists to pass judgment.
If the church I belonged to in my youth looked at this Psalm, the message we would hear is that we have to live in such a way as to never sin or when Jesus returns to take away the righteous we'll be left behind. Nobody wanted to be left behind, especially in the kind of world the church described. Nobody wants to live with their teeth gnashing as their bodies melt away.
That word has been the cause of fear for much too long. What if, just what if we replaced the word "fear" with another, perhaps more appropriate definition of the Hebrew word "yare"; to be in awe of or to show reverence. If we did that, the opening verses of our Psalm would read, "Praise the Lord! Happy are those who are in awe of the Lord."
In our afternoon study group we were talking about moments when we absolutely knew God was present. I mentioned a time when my wife and I were sitting at a beach on the northwest shores of our island. The beach is usually empty, with maybe 1 or 2 families at the most. The beach sits a couple hundred yards from the mountainside and is literally at the end of a road, unless you have a dirt-bike or are willing to hike.
As we sat on the beach, enjoying our bento, we listened as the wind blew through the trees and the waves crashed to shore. We felt the warmth of the sun as a cool breeze brushed against our face. A family could be heard laughing in the distance as the singing of birds rode through the sky.
Then suddenly, all became still. There was no wind, there was no sound - not the waves crashing on the shore, not the leaves rustling in the wind, nothing; even the breeze stopped blowing. It was as though the earth decided to take a breath and for a moment, for a brief moment everything was absolutely still.
In that moment I knew, absolutely knew that God existed and was there at that beach. In that moment I was in awe of my God.
Our Psalm reminds us that those of us who live in awe of God and live a life of making things right, a life of seeking justice, will live lives filled with joy and peace. That kind of life is found through the unconditional love of God, the same love our Christ lived while on this earth.
Be in awe of God, marvel in God's wonders. More than that, live in such a way as those around you can come to know this same God you are in awe of.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Making A Choice
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
About a month ago we had a breakfast gathering for our youth and young adults at church. Instead of bible studies and personal stories we had eggs and sausages. It was the last Sunday of the year and to be honest I didn't feel like planning a class. So instead I planned a breakfast at which we could share one another's stories of how the past year was like and what we were looking forward to in the coming year.
As usual we had left over food. After offering everyone to take the food home and being told everyone was heading off to a lunch of some sort, I took the food home to give to my wife who stayed home that day with a touch of the flu and a fever just above 100. I wasn't sure if she had breakfast, or lunch for that matter, so I though the food would be good for her.
On my way home I stopped by a drug store in the area to see if there was anything my wife might need. The parking lot was full and as I drove around looking for a space and hoping something would open up soon, I noticed a man sitting in a side driveway, his back to the wall, his knees pulled up to his chest, and his head resting on his knees.
His clothing was dirty, his hair disheveled. It was raining lightly and I could tell he was trying to get as much shelter as he could. As people walked by he would raise his head, and from the warm dryness of my car I could see his mouth move as his hand went out. I watched as person after person walked by or walked around.
My heart dropped as I deeply wished I could help. Then I remembered the plate of eggs and sausages in my trunk. Without a second thought I drove up to this man as he sat on the ground. I got out of my car and walked around to the back as he sat straighter, becoming more aware of what was happening. As I lifted my trunk lid I noticed there were other cars stacking up behind me.
I called him over and offered him my apologies for not having a fork for him to eat this with. He smiled and simply said it was ok. As I got back in my car I heard a small whisper in my ear say thank you. I'm not sure who said it, as there was nobody else in or near the car, but I know for a fact that someone said it.
As I drove away I became overwhelmed by emotion, actually crying so hard that I had to pull over to the curb to try and calm down enough to drive. I can't explain what happened in that moment, but I can tell you that my yoke was removed and my heart was lightened.
God's love is always with us, let's look for reasons to share it.
About a month ago we had a breakfast gathering for our youth and young adults at church. Instead of bible studies and personal stories we had eggs and sausages. It was the last Sunday of the year and to be honest I didn't feel like planning a class. So instead I planned a breakfast at which we could share one another's stories of how the past year was like and what we were looking forward to in the coming year.
As usual we had left over food. After offering everyone to take the food home and being told everyone was heading off to a lunch of some sort, I took the food home to give to my wife who stayed home that day with a touch of the flu and a fever just above 100. I wasn't sure if she had breakfast, or lunch for that matter, so I though the food would be good for her.
On my way home I stopped by a drug store in the area to see if there was anything my wife might need. The parking lot was full and as I drove around looking for a space and hoping something would open up soon, I noticed a man sitting in a side driveway, his back to the wall, his knees pulled up to his chest, and his head resting on his knees.
His clothing was dirty, his hair disheveled. It was raining lightly and I could tell he was trying to get as much shelter as he could. As people walked by he would raise his head, and from the warm dryness of my car I could see his mouth move as his hand went out. I watched as person after person walked by or walked around.
My heart dropped as I deeply wished I could help. Then I remembered the plate of eggs and sausages in my trunk. Without a second thought I drove up to this man as he sat on the ground. I got out of my car and walked around to the back as he sat straighter, becoming more aware of what was happening. As I lifted my trunk lid I noticed there were other cars stacking up behind me.
I called him over and offered him my apologies for not having a fork for him to eat this with. He smiled and simply said it was ok. As I got back in my car I heard a small whisper in my ear say thank you. I'm not sure who said it, as there was nobody else in or near the car, but I know for a fact that someone said it.
As I drove away I became overwhelmed by emotion, actually crying so hard that I had to pull over to the curb to try and calm down enough to drive. I can't explain what happened in that moment, but I can tell you that my yoke was removed and my heart was lightened.
God's love is always with us, let's look for reasons to share it.
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