Acts 9:1-20
One Sunday, as we were discussing major theological issues (wink, wink) with the Youth of a church I was serving, someone said, "There sure are a lot of 'buts' in the bible." Of course, because we were deeply conversed in major theological studies (wink, wink) everybody in the room laughed. "He said butts in the bible." Ah, the energies of 12 and 13 year-olds.
That young man was correct, though, and we began a discussion on just how many times we hear "but" in the bible. We used many examples; Moses, Noah, Jonah, just about every prophet, and even Jesus himself all said, "But, I'm not ready" or, "But, I don't know how", or, "But, are you sure you want me to do this, God?"
Today's passage gives us one of those examples where someone is asked by Jesus to do something, and isn't quite sure he should. Ananias, one of Jesus' disciples, was asked to go see Saul, who is soon to become Paul, to bring him a message that all will be okay. Ananias isn't sure he should do this, after all, Saul was a sworn binder-and-bringer-to-justice-of-Christians kind of guy; not really safe for Ananias. Of course, Jesus says everything will be fine, Ananias does what he is asked, and behold Saul is reborn with new sight.
Along our own path we're sometimes, or often, called to do or say things in the name of Jesus which we're not comfortable doing. Feed the hungry, help the poor, house the orphan, assist the widow, and other such things which make us step outside our comfort zone is exactly what being a Christian is about. Jesus didn't think twice when he stopped to restore sight to the blind or movement to the cripple so neither should we.
So, the next time you're contemplating whether or not you should do something to better someone else's life, instead of saying "but" maybe you should ask, "how?" Just as the answer came to Ananias, it will come to you.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Just A Moment, Please
Psalm 30
This past weekend was a bit of a trying time for my wife and myself. A couple of weeks ago she was on a walk at the beach and fell. Nothing was broken, except maybe her pride, but she did get a couple of light abrasions, what we call "strawberries." We put some ointment and a bandage over the scrapes and within a few days all looked to be good.
Then, last Wednesday the scrape on her forearm seemed to be getting worse, so we put some antibiotic ointment and a bandage on it and things got worse. The scrape became infectious and doubled in size. We went to the emergency room on Friday, was given some antibiotics and a bandage, and was sent home.
By Sunday morning the infection had tripled in size, to about 6-inches long and 3-inches wide. The skin had bubbled and was starting to ooze from some of the bumps. She went back to the ER, was given some antibiotic intravenously, and was sent home with more antibiotics and a bandage. Last night the itch on her arm had become unbearable, we were afraid it was more than it seemed and took one more trip to the ER.
She did, in fact, have a terrible reaction to the ointment we used last week and, as we learned from the doctor last night, these ointments get deep into the tissue of our skin and can take a few days to clear. So, this time we were given some anti-itchy medicine, was sent home without bandages, and this morning I can say the worst of our worries are gone. The infection seems to have stopped spreading, the oozing isn't oozing, and the wound looks to be clearing up; but, we need to still be watchful.
This morning's passage is a good reminder that in time all will be understood, we just need to do our part and be persistent in gaining that understanding. In the lesson of my wife's and my weekend, we kept returning to the place that could give us answers until the answer felt right. In the case of your spirituality, the same can be said. Finding a community of people with whom to share your faith journey towards God, whoever that God may be for you, is not an easy one.
As children we are taught a certain way by our parents and leaders within society that shape us. But if those teachings don't feel right, don't conform for conformity's sake. In time, and with persistence, we will find the place we are comfortable, and that is the place we belong. Sometimes the search will bring personal conflicts and deeply felt pain, but in the end the rewards will be worth it. Like our Psalmist says, "Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning."
Our morning is coming. Be patient, most of all be persistent.
This past weekend was a bit of a trying time for my wife and myself. A couple of weeks ago she was on a walk at the beach and fell. Nothing was broken, except maybe her pride, but she did get a couple of light abrasions, what we call "strawberries." We put some ointment and a bandage over the scrapes and within a few days all looked to be good.
Then, last Wednesday the scrape on her forearm seemed to be getting worse, so we put some antibiotic ointment and a bandage on it and things got worse. The scrape became infectious and doubled in size. We went to the emergency room on Friday, was given some antibiotics and a bandage, and was sent home.
By Sunday morning the infection had tripled in size, to about 6-inches long and 3-inches wide. The skin had bubbled and was starting to ooze from some of the bumps. She went back to the ER, was given some antibiotic intravenously, and was sent home with more antibiotics and a bandage. Last night the itch on her arm had become unbearable, we were afraid it was more than it seemed and took one more trip to the ER.
She did, in fact, have a terrible reaction to the ointment we used last week and, as we learned from the doctor last night, these ointments get deep into the tissue of our skin and can take a few days to clear. So, this time we were given some anti-itchy medicine, was sent home without bandages, and this morning I can say the worst of our worries are gone. The infection seems to have stopped spreading, the oozing isn't oozing, and the wound looks to be clearing up; but, we need to still be watchful.
This morning's passage is a good reminder that in time all will be understood, we just need to do our part and be persistent in gaining that understanding. In the lesson of my wife's and my weekend, we kept returning to the place that could give us answers until the answer felt right. In the case of your spirituality, the same can be said. Finding a community of people with whom to share your faith journey towards God, whoever that God may be for you, is not an easy one.
As children we are taught a certain way by our parents and leaders within society that shape us. But if those teachings don't feel right, don't conform for conformity's sake. In time, and with persistence, we will find the place we are comfortable, and that is the place we belong. Sometimes the search will bring personal conflicts and deeply felt pain, but in the end the rewards will be worth it. Like our Psalmist says, "Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning."
Our morning is coming. Be patient, most of all be persistent.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Friday Musings
From his
light (from The Poem of the Sufi Way)
-by Umar
Ibn al-Farid
From his
light,
the niche of my essence enlightened me;
by means of me,
my nights blazed morning bright.
I made
me witness my being there
for I was he;
I witnessed him as me,
the light, my splendor.
By me
the valley was made holy,
and I flung my robe of honor --
my "taking off of sandals"
--
on those summoned there.
I
embraced my lights
and so was their guide;
how wondrous a soul
illuminating lights!
I set
firm my many Sinais
and there prayed to myself;
I attained every goal,
as my being spoke with me.
My full
moon never waned;
my sun, it never set,
and all the blazing stars
followed my lead.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Believe In The Light
John 20:19-31
Yesterday, as a colleague and I were waiting for a friend of the church to pick up a file cabinet, a conversation ensued on what we believe to be our favorite Gospel. We talked about the similarities and differences between the four official ones, and decided they were all good in their own way. To be honest I had never really given any thought to what my "favorite" Gospel is, but given the time which has passed after that conversation I do have to admit I'm leaning towards John.
I am understanding the Gospel of John to be something completely different than how it was taught to me in my early years. I had always been told that John is the Gospel we most use to defend the fact that Jesus is the one and only way. I had been asked to memorize the fact that if I don't believe in Jesus my life will perish. I have always thought the "light" spoken about in John is a good thing, a light we should seek to live under.
In the past year I have seen John in a different light; one which is meant to expose those who do not believe as opposed to a light that is inviting and all-encompassing. I am beginning to understand that John is written by a Jewish Synagogue who thought their small community to be threatened by outsiders intent on out-casting them from the rest of society simply because of their belief that Jesus Christ is the messiah.
Today's passage asks us to be among the believers. We may have doubts and require proof in order to believe, but there's nothing wrong with that. In my opinion, questioning your belief is good. You see, in the example from John we read today we see that all of the disciples who were there, or already a part of the community, believed as soon as they saw Jesus. It is the one, the outsider, who didn't believe what he was told, but did believe as soon as he saw Jesus as well.
The all-exposing light of John takes one last shine on the unbeliever and as Thomas is exposed to the light so does he come to understand. The light will shine on all of us and all of our doubts will be shown for all to see. That's okay, because you are part of a community that welcomes you; a community of people who always lives in the light and in the understanding that in this light we find the love of God shown to us through the life of Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, as a colleague and I were waiting for a friend of the church to pick up a file cabinet, a conversation ensued on what we believe to be our favorite Gospel. We talked about the similarities and differences between the four official ones, and decided they were all good in their own way. To be honest I had never really given any thought to what my "favorite" Gospel is, but given the time which has passed after that conversation I do have to admit I'm leaning towards John.
I am understanding the Gospel of John to be something completely different than how it was taught to me in my early years. I had always been told that John is the Gospel we most use to defend the fact that Jesus is the one and only way. I had been asked to memorize the fact that if I don't believe in Jesus my life will perish. I have always thought the "light" spoken about in John is a good thing, a light we should seek to live under.
In the past year I have seen John in a different light; one which is meant to expose those who do not believe as opposed to a light that is inviting and all-encompassing. I am beginning to understand that John is written by a Jewish Synagogue who thought their small community to be threatened by outsiders intent on out-casting them from the rest of society simply because of their belief that Jesus Christ is the messiah.
Today's passage asks us to be among the believers. We may have doubts and require proof in order to believe, but there's nothing wrong with that. In my opinion, questioning your belief is good. You see, in the example from John we read today we see that all of the disciples who were there, or already a part of the community, believed as soon as they saw Jesus. It is the one, the outsider, who didn't believe what he was told, but did believe as soon as he saw Jesus as well.
The all-exposing light of John takes one last shine on the unbeliever and as Thomas is exposed to the light so does he come to understand. The light will shine on all of us and all of our doubts will be shown for all to see. That's okay, because you are part of a community that welcomes you; a community of people who always lives in the light and in the understanding that in this light we find the love of God shown to us through the life of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
From The Alpha To The Omega
Revelation 1:4-8
I learned many things during my New Testament studies that I had to forget some of them in order to remember most of it. (Thank you, Harry, for filling my brain. I mean it.) One of those things I've forgotten but am able to recall is how the term alpha and omega would have been recognized at the time the book of Revelation was written.
Some, or most, or maybe all of you will know that alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and omega is the last. When used in the Euro-Western way of thinking we are urged to interpret its meaning as the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Therefore, once again in the Euro-Western way of thought, according to Revelation God is it, the end, nothing more, that's all there is; no room for any other way of thinking.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
If we read verse 8 in its entirety we'll see that the writer also says that our Lord God is "who is, who was, and who is to come." Please note that in this idea of time there is a beginning and there is no ending. Please also note that there is a middle. Time, in the Jewish way of thinking, is what the scholars call circulinear. Not to be confused with the math term, circulinear time-lines have a beginning, but have no end, rather it circles around as it moves forward. Maybe the best example I can give is that of a coil of wire that goes on forever (think never-ending slinky).
With this understanding of time let's take a look at the Hebrew alphabet, more so how it's used in this passage. When the Hebrew people used their alphabet in this way, alpha and omega, they meant it to be an all-inclusive term. The correct way to interpret this is to say alpha to omega, and everything in between. When the writer follows the use of the alphabet in this way with their idea of how time is understood what the writer is really saying is that God is an all-inclusive God which has been around since the beginning of time, is here now, and will be here forever.
We combine this thought with the understanding that through the love of our Christ Jesus and his unselfish act at the cross, God's true intention of all of humanity living as one people, or under one kingdom as verse 6 reminds us, is the goal we should all be working towards. It's time we begin doing our best to help fulfill God's intention, don't you think?
Accept all people as God accepts us. Love others in the way Jesus loved. Live in a way that says we are one people.
I learned many things during my New Testament studies that I had to forget some of them in order to remember most of it. (Thank you, Harry, for filling my brain. I mean it.) One of those things I've forgotten but am able to recall is how the term alpha and omega would have been recognized at the time the book of Revelation was written.
Some, or most, or maybe all of you will know that alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and omega is the last. When used in the Euro-Western way of thinking we are urged to interpret its meaning as the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Therefore, once again in the Euro-Western way of thought, according to Revelation God is it, the end, nothing more, that's all there is; no room for any other way of thinking.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
If we read verse 8 in its entirety we'll see that the writer also says that our Lord God is "who is, who was, and who is to come." Please note that in this idea of time there is a beginning and there is no ending. Please also note that there is a middle. Time, in the Jewish way of thinking, is what the scholars call circulinear. Not to be confused with the math term, circulinear time-lines have a beginning, but have no end, rather it circles around as it moves forward. Maybe the best example I can give is that of a coil of wire that goes on forever (think never-ending slinky).
With this understanding of time let's take a look at the Hebrew alphabet, more so how it's used in this passage. When the Hebrew people used their alphabet in this way, alpha and omega, they meant it to be an all-inclusive term. The correct way to interpret this is to say alpha to omega, and everything in between. When the writer follows the use of the alphabet in this way with their idea of how time is understood what the writer is really saying is that God is an all-inclusive God which has been around since the beginning of time, is here now, and will be here forever.
We combine this thought with the understanding that through the love of our Christ Jesus and his unselfish act at the cross, God's true intention of all of humanity living as one people, or under one kingdom as verse 6 reminds us, is the goal we should all be working towards. It's time we begin doing our best to help fulfill God's intention, don't you think?
Accept all people as God accepts us. Love others in the way Jesus loved. Live in a way that says we are one people.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
The Boulder Rolls Downhill
Acts 5:27-32
One thing I have found to be true in my lifetime is that once a movement begins it is unstoppable until that movement is obstructed by a force stronger than the movement itself. When a boulder rolls down a hillside it will not stop until it reaches the bottom of the hill or it hits a tall, wide, strong tree. Once a ball is thrown it won't stop until it reaches the hands of the one catching it or gravity brings it to the ground. Nothing can stop a movement unless it is stronger than the movement itself.
This law of physics, if you want to call it that, can also be applied to social movements. Women were given the right to vote because they, and those who believed in them, kept pushing society until it realized the women were, and always have been, entitled to that right. African-Americans, and those who believed in them, pushed society until it realized that they were always entitled to the same rights as every other human. Currently, society is recognizing that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual people are also, and have always been, an equal part of our communities.
Such was what the Christianity movement experienced in the first century of its existence. The apostles were teaching about Jesus Christ and they wanted all people to know that there was a new way, a way filled with unconditional acceptance where all people were welcome to be the people they were and know that all they had to do was accept others in the same way. In this way life would become filled with peace and joy.
For their beliefs and teachings these followers of Christ, or apostles, were jailed, beaten, outcast, had all their property seized, and more in an attempt to stop these new Christians from all their false teachings. At least that was the viewpoint of leaders of society at the time. In retrospect we can see how that fight for equality by the early Christians was too powerful to stop and it was not going to meet a force more powerful to stop its momentum. The Christian movement had become a boulder no tree or bottom of the hill could halt.
Christians, at least those who really understand the love of God as shown to us through Jesus, know what it's like to be prejudiced against. We also understand that there is only one way to get through the prejudices being shown in current societal human right issues - unconditional, unabated love.
Be a love-filled boulder and never stop rolling downhill. Not until all people are treated equally, anyway.
One thing I have found to be true in my lifetime is that once a movement begins it is unstoppable until that movement is obstructed by a force stronger than the movement itself. When a boulder rolls down a hillside it will not stop until it reaches the bottom of the hill or it hits a tall, wide, strong tree. Once a ball is thrown it won't stop until it reaches the hands of the one catching it or gravity brings it to the ground. Nothing can stop a movement unless it is stronger than the movement itself.
This law of physics, if you want to call it that, can also be applied to social movements. Women were given the right to vote because they, and those who believed in them, kept pushing society until it realized the women were, and always have been, entitled to that right. African-Americans, and those who believed in them, pushed society until it realized that they were always entitled to the same rights as every other human. Currently, society is recognizing that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual people are also, and have always been, an equal part of our communities.
Such was what the Christianity movement experienced in the first century of its existence. The apostles were teaching about Jesus Christ and they wanted all people to know that there was a new way, a way filled with unconditional acceptance where all people were welcome to be the people they were and know that all they had to do was accept others in the same way. In this way life would become filled with peace and joy.
For their beliefs and teachings these followers of Christ, or apostles, were jailed, beaten, outcast, had all their property seized, and more in an attempt to stop these new Christians from all their false teachings. At least that was the viewpoint of leaders of society at the time. In retrospect we can see how that fight for equality by the early Christians was too powerful to stop and it was not going to meet a force more powerful to stop its momentum. The Christian movement had become a boulder no tree or bottom of the hill could halt.
Christians, at least those who really understand the love of God as shown to us through Jesus, know what it's like to be prejudiced against. We also understand that there is only one way to get through the prejudices being shown in current societal human right issues - unconditional, unabated love.
Be a love-filled boulder and never stop rolling downhill. Not until all people are treated equally, anyway.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Has It Happened Yet?
Psalm 118:14-29
Let me begin by saying it's good to be back. I've honestly missed writing in this journal, but I am very grateful for taking my 2-week vacation from it. It forced me to listen more to what others were saying about their journeys with God and some of those conversations will be held closely in my heart and soul.
If you've been attending church for quite some time you'll note that today's Psalm is filled with many familiar sayings. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD." Are just a few of the recognizable quotes which come from this particular Psalm. There are so many verses to focus on I actually missed what it was that the Psalm begins with.
"The LORD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation."
Has become.
Before going into all the ways God brings meaning to his life, the Psalmist admits, if you will, that God is the reason for the good things which are now a part of his life. The only question I have is has this happened for me yet? Have I allowed God deep enough into my life that I can truly say God is my God and I will stop at nothing to praise all the ways my life has changed because of the love I have found with God?
The answer is a resounding yes! I can honestly say the love of God is alive and well in me, and through me, so that I have become a new person and I have found a new life; a new life shown to me through our Christ Jesus.
The journey is not over. In fact, it may just be beginning. More to being truthful, it feels as though the journey may never be over and is always starting anew. Maybe that's what it's supposed to be like - not so much being on a path which has a beginning or an ending, but on a path that always joins with the paths of others, growing wider and straighter as we join together on our common journey towards finding that which brings us joy and peace.
A journey we travel together towards the love of our God.
Let me begin by saying it's good to be back. I've honestly missed writing in this journal, but I am very grateful for taking my 2-week vacation from it. It forced me to listen more to what others were saying about their journeys with God and some of those conversations will be held closely in my heart and soul.
If you've been attending church for quite some time you'll note that today's Psalm is filled with many familiar sayings. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD." Are just a few of the recognizable quotes which come from this particular Psalm. There are so many verses to focus on I actually missed what it was that the Psalm begins with.
"The LORD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation."
Has become.
Before going into all the ways God brings meaning to his life, the Psalmist admits, if you will, that God is the reason for the good things which are now a part of his life. The only question I have is has this happened for me yet? Have I allowed God deep enough into my life that I can truly say God is my God and I will stop at nothing to praise all the ways my life has changed because of the love I have found with God?
The answer is a resounding yes! I can honestly say the love of God is alive and well in me, and through me, so that I have become a new person and I have found a new life; a new life shown to me through our Christ Jesus.
The journey is not over. In fact, it may just be beginning. More to being truthful, it feels as though the journey may never be over and is always starting anew. Maybe that's what it's supposed to be like - not so much being on a path which has a beginning or an ending, but on a path that always joins with the paths of others, growing wider and straighter as we join together on our common journey towards finding that which brings us joy and peace.
A journey we travel together towards the love of our God.
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