I Am Not A NT Scholar, But...

On a personal note I'm fighting a cold today and although it's not as bad as it was yesterday I'm still feeling tired and weak. With that said I really felt an emptiness from not doing my devotions yesterday, so today I will push through and just do this.

As you may or may not know I'm in my final year of a Master's education in Divinity. I have as my New Testament professor a brilliant man who, in my opinion, truly understands how the messages of the gospels are intended to be understood by the generation and communities in which we live. His scholarship is one of taking a look at the "historical Jesus" which teaches to look at more than just the words given to us within the bible, but to also understand the entire history of the people who wrote the words as well as the people for which they were originally written.

In this type of study we are asked to look at things such as literary style and genre, socio-economics at the time the words were written, possible redaction and editing, clues to underlying messages, and other things which might not be considered in the reading of the bible. We're also asked to take a look at alternate meanings of the Greek words as used and to fit those alternate words into the reading to see if the readings make more sense. This is what I did today and if you'll allow me to be "scholarly" I will attempt to walk you through a new understanding to an old verse.

Please read Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 and focus especially on verse 21. This verse has been used by those opposing what I will now call relationship equality (formally known as homosexuality). In the opposing of relationship equality we are all told that the word "fornication" refers to Jesus speaking out against such acts as gay/lesbianism, bestiality, incense, and the like. However, when I decided to see if there are any alternative meanings to this word I found this (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4202&t=KJV): 

2) metaph. the worship of idolsa) of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered to idols 

 The word fornicate is sometimes used as a metaphor for a form of idolatry by eating the sacrifices offered to idols. Now, reread the entire passage and insert this meaning of the word when you get to fornication. I ask you, which makes more sense? Which meaning of the word falls directly in line with what the argument with the Pharisees and Jesus is about?

Being a Christian means truly understanding what Jesus is talking about and what his message is. Jesus is not admonishing the actions of people. Jesus is admonishing the actions of the Pharisees in sticking to their antiquated principles and policies and not helping the people they are supposed to be a spiritual leader to understand that it's not what goes in to us, but what comes out from us that dictates who, or what we are.

I'm not asking you to take my meaning of the word as used in this passage to be the absolute truth. I'm just saying this is how I now understand it. If you disagree with me I actually think that's a good thing because it's through disagreement and the conversations done with kindness and acceptance of each other's view which come from that disagreement that true spiritual growth happens.

Maybe next time we can talk about some of the other words in that verse.

What Are We Producing

Sometimes when I read the scripture passage for my day's devotions I see a single verse that creates in me a single mindset. As that mindset ingrains itself into my heart I find myself unable to see, or hear, anything else the reading may have to say. Today is one of those days.

James 1:17-27 has within it these words from verse 20 - for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. The verse before it mentions being quick to listen and slow to speak, slow to anger. The verses after it talk about how to be an effective listener and a call to do what is good in the eyes of God. But that single verse, those seven simple words really just stick with me.

Yesterday I was observing one of the students I help. We were in his math class and one of the two teachers was in the front of the class explaining a problem the kids had a question with. The other teacher came to where I was standing and began to complain under her breath that they were running out of time. She grew more impatient as time went on, actually voicing comments such as, "just give them the answer, they can figure it out themselves", or, "we need to move on, if they need help they can come to tutoring."

The teacher at the front of the class was doing her best to help the students understand, and she was making headway. The teacher in the back, however, became more and more impatient. A student close to the teacher in the back turned to her and asked if he could be moved closer to the board because he couldn't see. Her reply was, "Why don't you just get glasses." The student immediately shut down.

There's a saying we have in the customer service industry; behavior breeds behavior. How you treat someone will be how you get treated. The fruits of your words and actions are what those around you will ingest, and if those words are sweet or bitter will be completely up to you.

Just remember that whatever you produce will be a vindication of who, and what, you are. So our thought for today is to be aware of what it is we share with those around us and to do everything we can to share the best we have to offer.

Don't Forget

For everything we state to be our beliefs, whether it's with our religion, politics, philosophies, or lifestyle choices I feel as though we sometimes put our "doctrines" before what we have witnessed with our eyes and hearts. If you'll allow me a moment to tell a personal story maybe it would help explain what I mean.

About a week ago I was still in my "the world is ending, be prepared, be prepared O young people" funk. I was so engrossed in what the scripture was saying, so enveloped in bringing my personal message to those around me I had forgotten to take a look at what was happening with those people who were around me. Every conversation I was in I turned to, "So, do you think we're ready for the impending change in history?" Every though every thought in my head was, "What can I do to bring awareness to this problem?" Every feel in my heart was that of sadness and deep concern that we're not going to be able to "defeat" the "enemy" when it comes. (Why is everything I'm writing have air bunnies.)

I had immersed myself in the doctrine of the scripture and began to believe it was my role to get the message out. I had forgotten, no, worse, ignored what was happening right in front of me. Today's lectionary reading from Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 talks about just this thing. In the passage we hear Moses as he speaks to the gathered people about the statutes and ordinances they are being taught. Moses uses this speech to ask for obedience to the law as passed down to him by God.

However, stuck right there in the middle of his speech, and at the end of our lectionary passage, we see this: "But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life." In other words, yes, these are good laws I've presented to you, but never forget the things you have seen with your own eyes and how God has worked in your lives. 

And there it is - I had forgotten to be a witness of the things that are happening around me. Since I've decided to get off my "end of the world" way of life (last week Thursday, I think) I've been able to see some of the pain the youth I work with everyday are going through and have been able to be the presence of Christ I strive to be in their lives. I had never stopped loving them, I had just forgotten to walk with them as they go through their lives. 

I'm in a better place now, but that place isn't "my" place; it's a place I can share with those around me and my God. Want to come in and sit a while?

Where Will They Live?

Maybe it's because I'm watching the morning news and their talking about the National Convention for the Republican Party and Hurricane Isaac, but I can't help to hear today's passage from Psalm 15 speak directly to our nation's, and maybe our world's, leaders. Firstly, let me say that my prayers go out to all of creation in the path of Hurricane Isaac. I was watching one report say that this hurricane is taking the same path and behaving exactly as Hurricane Katrina did in 2005. In fact, the report said Isaac is currently projected to make landfall on August 29, which would be the exact same date Katrina hit land. I can't help but think that's eerie and so I send prayers and thoughts to all of God's creation which may be in the path of that terrible storm.

Secondly, let me say that I'm thankful those in charge of the National Republican Convention (NRC) have decided to postpone today's beginning of the convention to see exactly what the storm will be doing. I must admit I thought they would hold the NRC no matter what, which would be in line with their outward persona  of putting profits before people. Their postponing this convention brings to me a glimmer of hope that in at least some cases people do come first.

Thirdly, I am curious to see what happens after the storm passes and the NRC goes on. While it's certain hurricane Isaac will not be hitting Tampa, Florida it will be hitting approximately the same area Katrina did. At what point in this week will those who want to lead our country and contribute in a positive way to our world show what, or who, they truly are? Will they find a way to be compassionate to others, even if it means changing the convention? Will they make a call to service to help those affected by this storm? Or will they go forward with whatever they have planned, no matter what is happening, as long as it doesn't affect them? 

Today's Psalm talks about where one will live in God's kingdom. I wonder where those who are making the decisions, and those who decide to follow what is decided, will live. As today's Psalm asks, in which tent will they abide. The Psalm clearly spells out who will be able to live in God's tent; the blameless, truthful, and honorable. Those who dwell on God's hill will be the people who "stand by their oath, even to their hurt." (verse 4b) 

This is going to be another interesting week. 

Above All Else

After the past two weeks of being on my "be ready for the change" rant and finally coming to the realization that God is in control, I had a chance yesterday to just be me. I didn't have any thoughts of the impending unknown fogging my thoughts nor did I have any feelings of anxiousness crowding my soul. With my mind and heart uncluttered I just went about my day with the insight into others God has gifted me.

With my newly found (for the umpteenth time) openness for and with others I had the opportunity to sit with students and talk about life as a teenager. I listened to stories of sadness due to a fight with boyfriends, hate at parents for making life hard, stress brought on by teachers assigning too much work, and more. I had forgotten how I truly enjoy listening to these stories. Ahhh, teenagers, such a wonderful group of people.

As I went through my day I began to hear all the passages that have accumulated in me over the past few weeks. It would seem that once I was able to honestly ingest what I was being taught about walking with God on whatever journey my life is currently on and just trusting that God will get me through any difficulties, just as God has always done, the person I am came alive.

Some of you know, or maybe don't know, in fact I'm going to say most of you don't know I am a quote guy. I like looking up quotes to see what else has been said about what I'm thinking.The quote I want to use to emphasize today's thought is an extension, or alternate, of the one by Hardy Jackson about being true to yourself ("Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart into it, take yourself out of it"). Howard Thurman, a great theologian, gives us this great quote to think about over the weekend: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who come alive."

Nuff said.

To Whom Can We Go?

Wow. I read today's passage from John 6:56-69 and it just brought everything together for me. This week has been one of contemplating where to turn to in times of trouble. I found myself at a crossroads and having to make a choice on which way to go and wondering if I am ready to go there. I found inner strength in the knowledge that God gives to me gifts to use in order that I may make the right choice and understand I am never without love.

The struggle for me this week has been with trying to get the message across to others that we need to be ready for whatever is coming. Today's passage gave to me the inner peace I've been seeking for the past two weeks. Not necessarily the answer, but a realization, and a reminder, that it's not about me.

With the simplest of responses by 12 men who decided to stay with Jesus while all others left him I found a calmness for my heart and soul. Jesus once again speaks about eating his flesh and drinking his blood as the only way to eternal life. As I mentioned in a post last week John is using that image as a metaphor for fully ingesting what it is he's trying to teach. It would seem, though, that his disciples have had enough of this kind of talk and leave - except for the twelve. To be honest I was beginning to feel the same way.

The twelve are then asked if they wish to leave as well, to which their response is "why, where else can we go." Actually, their words are, "To whom can we go." With this simple response of five words I am reminded that God is in control. I had forgotten that, and so I was living each day for the past two weeks with my soul and heart in turmoil over what I feel is coming and my need to prepare others for that change. I had forgotten to trust that God has already done that.

My refuge is in God, I choose God, Jesus helps dress me with the shoes I need to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. I trust completely in that knowledge and with that trust I begin to feel my soul calm and my heart mend.

Protection From _________ (Fill In The Blank)

The lectionary reading for the past 2 weeks have really been sending a rather unique message to me. It's spoken of impending change, storms, being at a crossroads, making choices, and a clear declaration that there are going to be people who will need help getting through it all. It's spoken of God's unconditional acceptance and never-ending love and how we, a part of all creation, will have to decide who we are and what we'll do for one another. It's been one passage after another filled with images of battles, both inward and outward.

So I find it only fitting that today's passage from Ephesians 6:10-20 talks about donning the "armor of God". We all know how it goes; belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, etc. What we often miss, or have glazed over for us, is who the enemy we're fighting is. Yes, I know we've been told the enemy is "The Enemy", but really, who is the enemy.

 What we read today is very clear on this. Ephesians 6:12 says as straightforward as it can that our struggle is "not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

I've read this passage a hundred times (okay, maybe not) and today is the first time I've actually realized just who our enemies are. I will not argue that our fight is against things which try to separate us from our relationships.  It's in today's reading I see the one, or ones, who are continuously trying to separate us; who it is that "evil" is working through.

Please don't take my next comment to be political in any way, please.

It would seem that we are being separated from one another by those whom we have entrusted our lives to. Not just our community, city, state, and country leaders or the leaders of our military, but also some of our everyday leaders. Those we call our boss, those we call our teachers or mentors, and even those we call our friends. Now, I want to say that a vast majority of those who are leading us do so with as much dedication to peace through unity and justice as possible. It's the very few who that aren't I'm talking bout.

We all have, somewhere in our lives, someone who is motivated by being a force of division. These are the people we need to protect ourselves from. We need to be able to wrap ourselves with the truth and fend off any attempt to create a division between ourselves, our neighbors, creation and God with what we know to be right and just.

My request for today is to be on the lookout for these people, as few as they may be, and do as Ephesians says; "As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace."