Luke 9:51-62
Most of us are familiar with the saying "All In." For those of us not, it's a poker term which states you are going to place all of your money on one hand. The hope is that you win, of course, but it's in the strategies of going All In that can be found interesting.
Most poker players will tell you the act of going all in is done only when you are certain, absolutely certain, the other player cannot win. Notice I did not say if you can win, rather if you think the other player cannot.
I have seen players who are holding nothing more than a pair go all in and win a hand because they knew for certain the other player didn't have enough confidence that they were holding a better hand. This action is better known as "the bluff."
Playing a poker hand and going all in takes courage, confidence, and, most of all, the willingness to lose everything. As a friend of mine puts it, "You live by the bluff, you die by the bluff."
In our passage today I see a Jesus who is willing to go all in, every time. I think the difference here is that he holds a hand that will always win. Jesus is approached by two people in this passage. The first commits to Jesus that he will follow Jesus anywhere. Jesus tells him that he actually has nowhere to go.To put it in poker terms, Jesus has no chips.
The second person invited by Jesus to follow him. The response is one of uncertainty and doubt. Jesus tells him that there's no room for doubt on this journey. In both instances Jesus calls their bluff. In doing so Jesus has won the hand with less than a pair, and although he plays with no chips his winnings exceed all expectations.
If we are going to follow Jesus we have to be willing to go all in, all the time. Jesus gives us the courage, strength, and willingness to travel the road with him regardless of how many chips we have. As long as we have the love of God as one of our cards we can never lose.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Freedom Is Calling
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
"To those whom much is given, much is required." Some attribute this quote to John F. Kennedy, others remember it from the passage in Luke 12:48. Either way the saying holds true. To those whom much is given, much is required.
Paul reminds us that we are called to freedom. What does it mean to be called, though? Is it when someone shouts out your name? Perhaps it's when your cell phone rings during a movie.
When Paul speaks about a "call" here he is using the word as defined this way: to invite. I believe that Paul is telling us that the freedoms we enjoy are gifts we are being asked to participate. But how does one participate in freedom?
The last thing I saw before going to bed last night was a news story about a Democratic Senator from Texas who was filibustering a vote to narrow that state's abortion laws. I won't pretend to understand all that is involved in the decision of having an abortion, but I do know women who have been through it. The decisions are never easy, and no matter what the decision is, it always come with moments of fear and regret. It's a decision that is truly best left to the mother and those in which she chooses to make that decision with.
It's in our freedoms true peace can be found. When our freedoms are taken away or diminished we begin to harbor feelings and thoughts we think may get us ostracized. Sometimes we just look for alternate ways to live our freedoms, such as the underground abortion clinics before 1973.
Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) understood this as she spoke out as a minority party member in her Senate chamber and did everything she could to halt that vote. Miss Davis fought for freedom. Miss Davis ensured the rights and freedoms of those she represented were not taken away. Miss Davis participated in the call to freedom.
In our passage Paul gives us two lists. He also gives us a summary of what the lists can be defined as. He says, "For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (5:14) Let us all do our part in remembering that with our freedoms comes the great responsibilities to fight for the freedoms of all.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Sometimes Separation Is Good
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Today will be spent balancing getting ready for my week-and-a-half trip to California and spending each moment I can with my wife. I won't lie, I will miss her a lot. It would seem that for the month of June I would have spent exactly the same amount of days with her and away from her.
Being separated doesn't mean the same thing as it once used to. In my younger days we didn't have cell phones and video-chat on our computers. We didn't even have computers. Most times if one was away from one's friends and family a phone call from the hotel room on occasion would be the best any could hope for. We worried a little, prayed a lot, and watched the television for any news from home. The adage "no news is good news" really had meaning.
On one trip I missed my wife so much I wrote a poem on the trip back home which told of how I longed to be in her presence. But, as I said, being separated doesn't hold the same meaning as it once did. These days I can hear her voice anytime I want and see her face each night before I go to bed; unless the power goes out (sigh).
In reading this morning's passage I got the same feeling for God. I can remember days when I felt very much separated from God. I have felt separated to the point that I didn't think God existed. These days I don't feel as separated. I've built my relationship with God to the point where I can call God anytime to hear God's voice and see God's face.
The poet Lord Byron says, "Absence is the common cure for love." It's very true that when we're away from that which we love, or that which loves us, we feel as though something is missing - an emptiness. It's just as true that when we reconnect with that which is love we feel that emptiness fill.
In the days ahead I will miss those I love very much. I will worry about their well-being and pray that their lives find joy and peace. Maybe in that way I won't be as separated from them.
Today will be spent balancing getting ready for my week-and-a-half trip to California and spending each moment I can with my wife. I won't lie, I will miss her a lot. It would seem that for the month of June I would have spent exactly the same amount of days with her and away from her.
Being separated doesn't mean the same thing as it once used to. In my younger days we didn't have cell phones and video-chat on our computers. We didn't even have computers. Most times if one was away from one's friends and family a phone call from the hotel room on occasion would be the best any could hope for. We worried a little, prayed a lot, and watched the television for any news from home. The adage "no news is good news" really had meaning.
On one trip I missed my wife so much I wrote a poem on the trip back home which told of how I longed to be in her presence. But, as I said, being separated doesn't hold the same meaning as it once did. These days I can hear her voice anytime I want and see her face each night before I go to bed; unless the power goes out (sigh).
In reading this morning's passage I got the same feeling for God. I can remember days when I felt very much separated from God. I have felt separated to the point that I didn't think God existed. These days I don't feel as separated. I've built my relationship with God to the point where I can call God anytime to hear God's voice and see God's face.
The poet Lord Byron says, "Absence is the common cure for love." It's very true that when we're away from that which we love, or that which loves us, we feel as though something is missing - an emptiness. It's just as true that when we reconnect with that which is love we feel that emptiness fill.
In the days ahead I will miss those I love very much. I will worry about their well-being and pray that their lives find joy and peace. Maybe in that way I won't be as separated from them.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
I Haven't Been Spanked Since...
Galatians 3:23-29
I can remember growing up and literally fearing the sound of a belt buckle. Of course, the punishment was never severe, never. I would get one or two whacks on the buttocks with the strap of the belt and as far as I can recall it never left more than a bright red mark which hurt for 15 or 20 minutes.
Me and my brother both knew we were in trouble when we heard these words of warning from our mom, "I'm telling your dad when he gets home." We were sent to our rooms to await the moment dad came home. We could here him go into their bedroom, open the closet, grab the belt and walk towards our room with the sound of that buckle jingling. As a 6 or 7 year old child, that sound can be very terrifying.
As I write this I can honestly say I haven't been spanked since the age of 6 or 7. In fact I can't recall being spanked more than 2 or 3 times. I can also honestly say the spankings served as a lesson as to how to make better choices in my life. Other types of discipline were used in the following years which worked just as well; being grounded, getting sent to my room (in those days we didn't have anything but books in our rooms), and not being able to talk on the phone, listen to my albums, or watch TV.
As I got older and into relationships with people other than my family the disciplines changed. They became more of a self-awareness that I had hurt someone's feelings, something I knew I didn't want to do. I would see how my words and actions resulted in a physical and emotional rift in the relationship. As I began to understand what I said or did to hurt others I learned not to do the things which brought even the slightest of pain to my friends or family.
I wasn't always successful, I don't think we can ever reach a place where we never hurt those we love, but I became better at recognizing how my actions and words could hurt people and worked on changing how I acted and re-acted to and in different situations. I would think my words before saying them and I would think my actions all the way through before doing them.
I also began asking those around me to stop doing the things I thought were offensive to others, and were definitely offensive to me. I asked people to stop swearing and telling racist jokes. I talked to young men and women about the cause and effects of early sexual behaviors. I called my parents to say hello more. I paid more attention to my wife.
I began to notice people around me beginning to behave differently. When I was able to work into a conversation why that was, I was simply told they wanted to respect my choices. My hope is that somehow some of the people who's behavior and words changed out of their respect to me would begin a reaction which would cause others to change their words and behaviors. I also noticed those around me began to enjoy my presence a little more. I would like to think that's because I was pleasant to have around.
I tell this story to reflect on how Paul is trying to say the same thing to the church in Galatia about the God they follow through law and punishment, and the God he follows through the example of Christ. Paul points out that the God they follow is no longer needed as a disciplinarian if they choose to accept the belief that Jesus lived and gave his life to help us understand that love is the way to live in the joy and peace of God.
Which way will you choose?
I can remember growing up and literally fearing the sound of a belt buckle. Of course, the punishment was never severe, never. I would get one or two whacks on the buttocks with the strap of the belt and as far as I can recall it never left more than a bright red mark which hurt for 15 or 20 minutes.
Me and my brother both knew we were in trouble when we heard these words of warning from our mom, "I'm telling your dad when he gets home." We were sent to our rooms to await the moment dad came home. We could here him go into their bedroom, open the closet, grab the belt and walk towards our room with the sound of that buckle jingling. As a 6 or 7 year old child, that sound can be very terrifying.
As I write this I can honestly say I haven't been spanked since the age of 6 or 7. In fact I can't recall being spanked more than 2 or 3 times. I can also honestly say the spankings served as a lesson as to how to make better choices in my life. Other types of discipline were used in the following years which worked just as well; being grounded, getting sent to my room (in those days we didn't have anything but books in our rooms), and not being able to talk on the phone, listen to my albums, or watch TV.
As I got older and into relationships with people other than my family the disciplines changed. They became more of a self-awareness that I had hurt someone's feelings, something I knew I didn't want to do. I would see how my words and actions resulted in a physical and emotional rift in the relationship. As I began to understand what I said or did to hurt others I learned not to do the things which brought even the slightest of pain to my friends or family.
I wasn't always successful, I don't think we can ever reach a place where we never hurt those we love, but I became better at recognizing how my actions and words could hurt people and worked on changing how I acted and re-acted to and in different situations. I would think my words before saying them and I would think my actions all the way through before doing them.
I also began asking those around me to stop doing the things I thought were offensive to others, and were definitely offensive to me. I asked people to stop swearing and telling racist jokes. I talked to young men and women about the cause and effects of early sexual behaviors. I called my parents to say hello more. I paid more attention to my wife.
I began to notice people around me beginning to behave differently. When I was able to work into a conversation why that was, I was simply told they wanted to respect my choices. My hope is that somehow some of the people who's behavior and words changed out of their respect to me would begin a reaction which would cause others to change their words and behaviors. I also noticed those around me began to enjoy my presence a little more. I would like to think that's because I was pleasant to have around.
I tell this story to reflect on how Paul is trying to say the same thing to the church in Galatia about the God they follow through law and punishment, and the God he follows through the example of Christ. Paul points out that the God they follow is no longer needed as a disciplinarian if they choose to accept the belief that Jesus lived and gave his life to help us understand that love is the way to live in the joy and peace of God.
Which way will you choose?
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
A Fair Swap
Galatians 2:15-21
One of my favorite commercials is the one which shows a group of women who have apparently met as part of a book club. The commercial begins with one of them saying, "Forget the book, tell us about your date." After which another woman begins to describe what seems to be a bad date.
While she's explaining how her night began, another woman in the group decides she needs a snack and makes a choice between a healthy or unhealthy one. She chooses the healthy snack and has taken advantage of what is called a "Swapportunity", which is defined as the opportunity to swap one choice for another. At the end of the commercial she glances at the unhealthy snacks, heart-shaped cookies, and notice they are broken in half.
Although it is widely recognized that swapportunity is not a word, I can say that in my lifetime I have seen words which began as urban descriptions actually make it into the dictionary. So, in risking a few comments about word choice I want to call what Paul is talking about today a swapportunity.
Paul points out that the people in Galatia have 2 choices; they can follow the Jewish laws of their day or believe in the way of Jesus. Both will help the Galatians to live a life without sin, but only one will bring them closer to the love of God. Paul makes the argument that by following the law we discover our sins, but through Christ those sins are justified; made right in the eyes of God.
The question for us, then, is what becomes our swapportunities? What things can you exchange in your life to bring you closer to the love of God. It's true that there are some things you'll have to give up in order to be in that love, but the things you give up just might be the things you need to break from.
One of my favorite commercials is the one which shows a group of women who have apparently met as part of a book club. The commercial begins with one of them saying, "Forget the book, tell us about your date." After which another woman begins to describe what seems to be a bad date.
While she's explaining how her night began, another woman in the group decides she needs a snack and makes a choice between a healthy or unhealthy one. She chooses the healthy snack and has taken advantage of what is called a "Swapportunity", which is defined as the opportunity to swap one choice for another. At the end of the commercial she glances at the unhealthy snacks, heart-shaped cookies, and notice they are broken in half.
Although it is widely recognized that swapportunity is not a word, I can say that in my lifetime I have seen words which began as urban descriptions actually make it into the dictionary. So, in risking a few comments about word choice I want to call what Paul is talking about today a swapportunity.
Paul points out that the people in Galatia have 2 choices; they can follow the Jewish laws of their day or believe in the way of Jesus. Both will help the Galatians to live a life without sin, but only one will bring them closer to the love of God. Paul makes the argument that by following the law we discover our sins, but through Christ those sins are justified; made right in the eyes of God.
The question for us, then, is what becomes our swapportunities? What things can you exchange in your life to bring you closer to the love of God. It's true that there are some things you'll have to give up in order to be in that love, but the things you give up just might be the things you need to break from.
An Open Invitation
Isaiah 65:1-9
Firstly, let me say I have not given up on writing my thoughts for the day. I've just been in places where my thoughts could not be written, literally. I just spent the last 5 days on a mountain top in Kauai with the Youth and Young Adults from our church. The cabins we were staying in had no cellphone coverage, nor did it have any internet access. It was the best 5 days ever.
Actually, I got back home yesterday, but because I was away from my wife for 4 days I decided I would remain "off-line" and spend the day with her. We had breakfast at home together, went to her father's graveside, had lunch, walked around the mall, and ended the day with a doctor's visit. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, or what some might call "special", but it was very special to us.
As we spent the day talking, walking, and holding hands we shared in one another's spirit. It was as though we were welcomed into each other's life after a long time being apart. This is what I imagine Isaiah is saying to the people of Israel - to welcome the presence of God's love into their lives. However, as Isaiah points out, the people to whom he walks around with his hands held out in an attempt to welcome them back into the love of God only shun and scorn him.
Isaiah is trying to invite the people of Israel back into the love of God, noting that the relationships between themselves and God are growing further apart. This is something we can take a look at in our lives today. How is our relationship with God? Is it being separated by the things we clutter our lives with and the rules we make for ourselves, or is it growing closer through our personal commitment in putting aside the time to be in relationship with God?
One of the recurring themes on the trip I took with our Youth and Young Adults this past weekend focused on how it felt to be in some kind of relationship. At one point or another every one of them either said it was great to be away from their daily grind and in God's creation, or how good it was to be bonding with their friends. My guess is they also had a chance to be with their self as well, discovering a little bit more of the person they are.
These are the relationships we need to strengthen. These are the relationships Isaiah is warning God's people they are in danger of destroying. These are the relationships we are being invited to take part of and grow.
Firstly, let me say I have not given up on writing my thoughts for the day. I've just been in places where my thoughts could not be written, literally. I just spent the last 5 days on a mountain top in Kauai with the Youth and Young Adults from our church. The cabins we were staying in had no cellphone coverage, nor did it have any internet access. It was the best 5 days ever.
Actually, I got back home yesterday, but because I was away from my wife for 4 days I decided I would remain "off-line" and spend the day with her. We had breakfast at home together, went to her father's graveside, had lunch, walked around the mall, and ended the day with a doctor's visit. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, or what some might call "special", but it was very special to us.
As we spent the day talking, walking, and holding hands we shared in one another's spirit. It was as though we were welcomed into each other's life after a long time being apart. This is what I imagine Isaiah is saying to the people of Israel - to welcome the presence of God's love into their lives. However, as Isaiah points out, the people to whom he walks around with his hands held out in an attempt to welcome them back into the love of God only shun and scorn him.
Isaiah is trying to invite the people of Israel back into the love of God, noting that the relationships between themselves and God are growing further apart. This is something we can take a look at in our lives today. How is our relationship with God? Is it being separated by the things we clutter our lives with and the rules we make for ourselves, or is it growing closer through our personal commitment in putting aside the time to be in relationship with God?
One of the recurring themes on the trip I took with our Youth and Young Adults this past weekend focused on how it felt to be in some kind of relationship. At one point or another every one of them either said it was great to be away from their daily grind and in God's creation, or how good it was to be bonding with their friends. My guess is they also had a chance to be with their self as well, discovering a little bit more of the person they are.
These are the relationships we need to strengthen. These are the relationships Isaiah is warning God's people they are in danger of destroying. These are the relationships we are being invited to take part of and grow.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
How Did You Get That?
2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15
This morning my wife and I watched an episode of Family Affair. For those of you not familiar with the show it was popular in the late 60's and followed the lives of 3 children, 1 older teen, Cissy, and 2 young fraternal twins, Buffy and Jody. The children were left orphaned and split up by the foster system (such that it was in the 60's) until they were all united with their Uncle Bill and his butler, Mr. French.
This particular episode focused on the unfortunate loss of Mrs. Beasley, the young girl's doll. After the doll was lost we are told that Mrs. Beasley was Buffy's only friend while she was separated from her twin brother and older sister. We were reminded that sometimes a doll is more than a doll, especially when it was the only source of comfort for a 6-year old girl.
One can only imagine how sad Buffy was. One can also only imagine how Uncle Bill felt as he realized the doll was the single most important person in his niece's life and made it his single purpose to find Mrs. Beasley.
As a part of that search he noticed a neighbor had given his daughter a doll which was very similar to the one Buffy lost. In desperation he decided to approach his neighbor and confront him about where he had gotten that doll from. The neighbor, his wife, and Uncle Bill decide to let Buffy decide whether or not the doll in question was in fact Mrs. Beasley. As it turns out the doll was not, and so the search went on.
But what would have happened if the doll was Mrs. Beasley? Who would that doll really belong to?
I retell this story because as I read this morning's passage I was reminded that sometimes we acquire things which truly are not ours. When King David had Uriah killed so that he could take Bathsheba as a wife, he took something that wasn't his, nor was it something he needed. David had many wives, he really didn't need another one. But, as the story is told, David became fixated on Bathsheba and had to have her.
God wasn't happy with what David had done. More importantly, God did not like how David had done what he did. As a result, that which was the outcome of what David had done was taken away. Unfortunately a human life was made to pay for how David had separated himself from the relationship between he, Uriah, and Bathsheba.
Human lives are still paying for the acquisition of things we think we need in our lives. The earth is being stripped of its life-giving sources and being replaced with the waste we produce. Plastics and mercury-filled electronics get buried in the soil next to the farms people depend on. Our waters are being poisoned by the carbons which fall from the sky, filling our fish with high levels of toxins and killing the coral our oceans need to live. The air we breathe is slow to regenerate because of the cutting down of oxygen-giving trees in our rain forests. Our planet is slowly degenerating due to a few human's needs for larger TV's, bigger homes, bigger cars, and extravagant parties.
In this morning's episode of Family Affair Mrs. Beasley is found and returned to her rightful owner. Buffy hugs her closest, dearest friend tightly and falls asleep with the world's largest smile. In today's society, if we can begin to understand that the things which we and others have are gifts from God, and should be treated as such, maybe things on our planet will be a little better.
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