Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4
Right after Thanksgiving, on Black Friday, many people run to the stores to gather up all the high priced and desirable things of this world. Whether it be the most recent technological wonder, the most expensive designer handbag, the latest best seller or the most unique toy, we humans tend to be drawn to these things. We will drive distances, wait outside the doors of stores in the cold or rain, and even fight over the merchandise.
While we are doing this, today's scripture shares what God is choosing--the lowly and despised things.
So I started thinking about this. What do I consider low? What do I despise?
I don't like things that are stinky, dirty or used. I don't like stinky trash. I don't like dirty laundry or dirty dishes. I don't like used, stained or marred clothing or furniture.
We all have trouble engaging with people who are different, either in looks, mannerisms or customs. We despise people who are difficult, who disagree with us or make us uncomfortable. We long to be around people who will bump up our social standing and avoid those who would be "social suicide" to hang around.
God loves the ones who realize their spiritual decay, stink and dirt. God loves the broken, sick and lonely. God loves the poor, the outcast and the "least."
While we run after things which will not satisfy, God is running after us. For while we are yet sinners, Christ died for us.
It was on a Black Friday when God went out and bought the world. Christ traveled all the way from heaven, stood outside the door of our hearts in the rain and fought like the dickens to grab us out of the hand of Satan.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Day 331: Life Long Learner
Today's Reading: Acts 18:19-19:41
Today, it is very chic to claim the title of "Life Long Learner." We are impressed with people who read a lot, who expand their skills, who travel and meet new people, and who are open to learning something new which might change the way they think or act.
This idea of being able to change your mind, to be teachable, is a value indeed.
The Bible calls this process "conversion." Romans 12: 2 states it this way:
One of the main characters in our text today had this wonderful attribute. Apollos was "teachable." We learn from 18:24-26 that even though he was "eloquent," "well versed in the Scriptures," "instructed in the Way of the LORD," and had great "enthusiasm," he was still open to what others had to teach him.
Priscilla and Aquilla pulled him aside and taught him more "accurately." The word here in Greek means more "exactly" or "more precisely." He knew "only in part."
As the Body of Christ, each of us as individuals knows "only in part." It is wonderful to have one another to sharpen us; "as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." (Proverbs 27:17)
Gisbertus Voetius, a Dutch Calvinist theologian coined this Latin phrase: "ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda secundum verbum Dei" which means "the church reformed, always just about to be reformed according to the Word of God." It is important to clarify reformation. We are not to be reformed to any new idea but only to the word of God; the Word of God alone brings life.
So how do we interpret the phrase "Word of God?" Does this just refer to the closed canon of Scripture, or does it refer to the "Word who became flesh," even Jesus Christ; and is one more precise--accurate--from the other?
When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he warned them in chapter four:
All of this, then, demands the question: What if believers disagree on the interpretation of scripture? What if one person wants to teach who, though eloquent and well versed, is not the most accurate? How does one discern if one needs to be reformed or if one is already standing with scripture?
These are hard questions for believers who face hard situations. The answers and the path are not always crystal clear. Verses 17-18 help us with this. We need to confess our weaknesses, our sins and our struggles to one another and be willing to be transparent with one another. We also need to be willing to "throw off" what we once held dear if the Holy Spirit so convicts us.
As we fellowship with one another and with Christ, the Holy Spirit will make the way clear. We need to speak the truth in love with one another. We need to be humble and teachable.
Being a life long learner as a disciple is not always as easy as just picking up a newspaper to gain facts. It takes prayer to the Father for wisdom, listening to the Holy Spirit for discernment and trust in Jesus Christ for light upon the path.
Today, it is very chic to claim the title of "Life Long Learner." We are impressed with people who read a lot, who expand their skills, who travel and meet new people, and who are open to learning something new which might change the way they think or act.
This idea of being able to change your mind, to be teachable, is a value indeed.
The Bible calls this process "conversion." Romans 12: 2 states it this way:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
One of the main characters in our text today had this wonderful attribute. Apollos was "teachable." We learn from 18:24-26 that even though he was "eloquent," "well versed in the Scriptures," "instructed in the Way of the LORD," and had great "enthusiasm," he was still open to what others had to teach him.
Priscilla and Aquilla pulled him aside and taught him more "accurately." The word here in Greek means more "exactly" or "more precisely." He knew "only in part."
As the Body of Christ, each of us as individuals knows "only in part." It is wonderful to have one another to sharpen us; "as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." (Proverbs 27:17)
Gisbertus Voetius, a Dutch Calvinist theologian coined this Latin phrase: "ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda secundum verbum Dei" which means "the church reformed, always just about to be reformed according to the Word of God." It is important to clarify reformation. We are not to be reformed to any new idea but only to the word of God; the Word of God alone brings life.
So how do we interpret the phrase "Word of God?" Does this just refer to the closed canon of Scripture, or does it refer to the "Word who became flesh," even Jesus Christ; and is one more precise--accurate--from the other?
When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he warned them in chapter four:
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
All of this, then, demands the question: What if believers disagree on the interpretation of scripture? What if one person wants to teach who, though eloquent and well versed, is not the most accurate? How does one discern if one needs to be reformed or if one is already standing with scripture?
These are hard questions for believers who face hard situations. The answers and the path are not always crystal clear. Verses 17-18 help us with this. We need to confess our weaknesses, our sins and our struggles to one another and be willing to be transparent with one another. We also need to be willing to "throw off" what we once held dear if the Holy Spirit so convicts us.
As we fellowship with one another and with Christ, the Holy Spirit will make the way clear. We need to speak the truth in love with one another. We need to be humble and teachable.
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.James 1: 19-20
Being a life long learner as a disciple is not always as easy as just picking up a newspaper to gain facts. It takes prayer to the Father for wisdom, listening to the Holy Spirit for discernment and trust in Jesus Christ for light upon the path.
Day 330: Work, Labor and Endurance
Today's Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-5, 2 Thessalonians 1-3
Paul, educated in the very best schools of his day, is masterful in his writing. His letters each read like mini dissertations, encouraging, arguing, explaining and pointing people to a more accurate way of following Christ.
The letters to the church at Thessalonica is packed with information about life together, death, resurrection and endurance. One could spend a lot of time in these letters. One could stuff them in one's pocket and take them out, reading and re-reading them.
Once again, a phrase, or should I say, as trio of phrases lept out at me. Right from the start, I was blessed by this statement:
For the early church, much of prayer was remembering each other before God. While in prayer, a parade of people marched through the disciples' minds. They lifted up these dear ones to "our God and Father."
I was fascinated by Paul's "faith, hope, love" trio in this verse. The order is changed from the 1 Corinthians 13 passage to "faith, love, and hope." These three seem to be the major attributes of Paul's understanding of discipleship.
As I pondered this phrase, I noticed something in the English translation which did not make sense to me. Paul remembers in prayer the "work," the "labor," and the "endurance." "Work" and "labor" seem synonomous to me. What is the difference?
Back to the Greek I go.
The word for "work" is ergon. This means what I would think the word "work" implies---enterprise, employment, business. The work of the disciple is "produced by" faith. In other words, as the disciple moves into the "harvest fields" (as Jesus called them), the work is not necessarily the sweat of the brow and the toil of the muscles, but the sweat of faith, the sheer belief in the power of Jesus Christ and the certainty of the backing of the throne of God. It is trusting that whatever is done in the name of Jesus Christ and by the will of the Father is not in vain. Faith is the fuel which powers the believer in their ministry of work.
So, then, what is "labor?" To the English ear, it sounds just like "work," but in the Greek it means "a beating," "trouble," "grief and sorrow," and "weariness." "Labor" was a constant in the early church. Persecution was on every side. Believing in Christ was dangerous to one's family, one's body and one's life. Sacrificial love sustained this kind of labor. As God birthed the church, the disciples labored like a womb's muscles. They were pressed, squeezed and cramped up at times. There was great pain which evoked great cries to God. Only love continued their participation--love for their Savior and love for the lost.
How could they continue in this "work" and "labor?" Hope. Hope inspired by the very person of their Lord Jesus Christ. Those who caught the vision and essence of the gospel knew the labors were not forever and the work was not in vain. Though they might not live to see the results, they knew by hope the fruits of their work and labor would come to full maturity. Thus, they could endure, patiently waiting with constancy and steadfastness.
LORD,
Grow in me your faith,
love,
and hope.
I long to be a part
of the birthing of your will.
Paul, educated in the very best schools of his day, is masterful in his writing. His letters each read like mini dissertations, encouraging, arguing, explaining and pointing people to a more accurate way of following Christ.
The letters to the church at Thessalonica is packed with information about life together, death, resurrection and endurance. One could spend a lot of time in these letters. One could stuff them in one's pocket and take them out, reading and re-reading them.
Once again, a phrase, or should I say, as trio of phrases lept out at me. Right from the start, I was blessed by this statement:
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For the early church, much of prayer was remembering each other before God. While in prayer, a parade of people marched through the disciples' minds. They lifted up these dear ones to "our God and Father."
I was fascinated by Paul's "faith, hope, love" trio in this verse. The order is changed from the 1 Corinthians 13 passage to "faith, love, and hope." These three seem to be the major attributes of Paul's understanding of discipleship.
As I pondered this phrase, I noticed something in the English translation which did not make sense to me. Paul remembers in prayer the "work," the "labor," and the "endurance." "Work" and "labor" seem synonomous to me. What is the difference?
Back to the Greek I go.
The word for "work" is ergon. This means what I would think the word "work" implies---enterprise, employment, business. The work of the disciple is "produced by" faith. In other words, as the disciple moves into the "harvest fields" (as Jesus called them), the work is not necessarily the sweat of the brow and the toil of the muscles, but the sweat of faith, the sheer belief in the power of Jesus Christ and the certainty of the backing of the throne of God. It is trusting that whatever is done in the name of Jesus Christ and by the will of the Father is not in vain. Faith is the fuel which powers the believer in their ministry of work.
So, then, what is "labor?" To the English ear, it sounds just like "work," but in the Greek it means "a beating," "trouble," "grief and sorrow," and "weariness." "Labor" was a constant in the early church. Persecution was on every side. Believing in Christ was dangerous to one's family, one's body and one's life. Sacrificial love sustained this kind of labor. As God birthed the church, the disciples labored like a womb's muscles. They were pressed, squeezed and cramped up at times. There was great pain which evoked great cries to God. Only love continued their participation--love for their Savior and love for the lost.
How could they continue in this "work" and "labor?" Hope. Hope inspired by the very person of their Lord Jesus Christ. Those who caught the vision and essence of the gospel knew the labors were not forever and the work was not in vain. Though they might not live to see the results, they knew by hope the fruits of their work and labor would come to full maturity. Thus, they could endure, patiently waiting with constancy and steadfastness.
LORD,
Grow in me your faith,
love,
and hope.
I long to be a part
of the birthing of your will.
Day 329: The Very Religious
Today's Reading: Acts 17-18:18
There is a difference between being "spiritual" and "religious," and being a "Christian."
Being "spiritual" means you have an intuition that something bigger and more complex is driving the universe and people's motives. Most spiritual people want to be kind, open and loving toward other people. They are seeking "truth" in many forms. They are also seeking pleasant and meaningful experiences. You can be "spiritual" and not be a Christian.
Being "religious" means you honor traditions, customs and rituals. You like the structure of a system which brings you to a place of worship. You have words and rhythms which are important to you. You seek order and want a moral code by which to live. You can be "religious" and not be a Christian.
The people of Athens were spiritual and religious. They were sensitive to the fact that there was an unexplained force in the world. They acknowledged many gods, even acknowledged there might be a god they did not know. They loved to offer their sacrifices and move through the practices of the religions around them. They appreciated objects of worship. But they did not know the one true God.
Paul noticed the idol to the Unknown God and used this as an entry point to speak about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He shared the story of God from creation through resurrection. He started where people were and shared the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Christians might be spiritual. Christians might be religious. Christians, though, always know their God is Christ.
There is a difference between being "spiritual" and "religious," and being a "Christian."
Being "spiritual" means you have an intuition that something bigger and more complex is driving the universe and people's motives. Most spiritual people want to be kind, open and loving toward other people. They are seeking "truth" in many forms. They are also seeking pleasant and meaningful experiences. You can be "spiritual" and not be a Christian.
Being "religious" means you honor traditions, customs and rituals. You like the structure of a system which brings you to a place of worship. You have words and rhythms which are important to you. You seek order and want a moral code by which to live. You can be "religious" and not be a Christian.
The people of Athens were spiritual and religious. They were sensitive to the fact that there was an unexplained force in the world. They acknowledged many gods, even acknowledged there might be a god they did not know. They loved to offer their sacrifices and move through the practices of the religions around them. They appreciated objects of worship. But they did not know the one true God.
Paul noticed the idol to the Unknown God and used this as an entry point to speak about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He shared the story of God from creation through resurrection. He started where people were and shared the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Christians might be spiritual. Christians might be religious. Christians, though, always know their God is Christ.
Day 328: Abba, Father
Today's Reading: Galatians 4-6
Abba, Father,
I did not know
when I called you Daddy
it meant I no longer
held the place
of an ignorant child
unaware of her inheritance
but the place of
a daughter
with her eyes wide open
with a royal crown
on her brow.
Abba, Father,
I now know
when I call you Daddy
it means I forever
can throw away the status
of slave or servant
to the law of duty
and instead can
join in the household tradition
of serving and being
because I have grown
into full maturity in
love.
Abba, Father,
thank you for including me
in your will and testament
to receive this great
inheritance.
Teach me to be
a good steward of your love;
investing it
sharing it
delighting in
giving it away
and realizing
how much is continually
poured into
my account.
Abba, Father,
I did not know
when I called you Daddy
it meant I no longer
held the place
of an ignorant child
unaware of her inheritance
but the place of
a daughter
with her eyes wide open
with a royal crown
on her brow.
Abba, Father,
I now know
when I call you Daddy
it means I forever
can throw away the status
of slave or servant
to the law of duty
and instead can
join in the household tradition
of serving and being
because I have grown
into full maturity in
love.
Abba, Father,
thank you for including me
in your will and testament
to receive this great
inheritance.
Teach me to be
a good steward of your love;
investing it
sharing it
delighting in
giving it away
and realizing
how much is continually
poured into
my account.
Day 327: Pleased to Reveal
Today's Reading: Galatians 1-3
As a child, I liked watching Let's Make a Deal and To Tell the Truth. In both shows, the highlight would be when what was behind the chosen door or who the mystery person truly was was revealed. The waiting was over!
In today's gospel, Paul shares a very important idea: the concept of revelation. He shares how he was raised in a belief system and brought up in a tradition which was very near and dear to his heart until God "was pleased to reveal his Son in me." He says, "The gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from anyone, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."
Paul did not know that he did not know until God opened his eyes to the gospel. Paul could not see what he could not see--Paul could not hear what he could not hear--until it pleased God to reveal it to him.
In many ways, this is helpful as we share our faith and live together in the church. We all need to share what we believe according to the scriptures and as we share, realize each of us must be open to the revelation from Jesus Christ.
God is pleased to reveal this to us in God's own time. This not only means God takes pleasure in the revelation, but God reveals when God chooses, determines or is willing to reveal his son and the gospel to us.
Therefore, we need to be patient with one another. God will choose when the door is opened or the truth is revealed.
As a child, I liked watching Let's Make a Deal and To Tell the Truth. In both shows, the highlight would be when what was behind the chosen door or who the mystery person truly was was revealed. The waiting was over!
In today's gospel, Paul shares a very important idea: the concept of revelation. He shares how he was raised in a belief system and brought up in a tradition which was very near and dear to his heart until God "was pleased to reveal his Son in me." He says, "The gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from anyone, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."
Paul did not know that he did not know until God opened his eyes to the gospel. Paul could not see what he could not see--Paul could not hear what he could not hear--until it pleased God to reveal it to him.
In many ways, this is helpful as we share our faith and live together in the church. We all need to share what we believe according to the scriptures and as we share, realize each of us must be open to the revelation from Jesus Christ.
God is pleased to reveal this to us in God's own time. This not only means God takes pleasure in the revelation, but God reveals when God chooses, determines or is willing to reveal his son and the gospel to us.
Therefore, we need to be patient with one another. God will choose when the door is opened or the truth is revealed.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Day 326: Sharp disputes and debates
Today's Reading: Acts 15-16
As God moves the community of believers forward in mission, there are times when the movement is so fast and great that many begin to complain, have trouble keeping up and/or begin to murmur. This happened as Moses moved the people in the wilderness, as Joshua moved the people into the promised land, as the prophets moved the people into faithfulness and as Jesus moved the disciples into sacrificial love.
We should not be surprised, then, as the Holy Spirit moves the young church into God's vision of salvation, "sharp disputes and debates" occur.
Some of the believers, holding to the Mosaic law, believed all the Gentiles who became converts to the gospel of Jesus Christ needed to be circumcised. As the understanding of "God's people" expanded, those who had been insiders, lovers of the law and faithful believers began to complain and murmur. Were the leaders of the disciples moving too fast, wandering off the path? Or were they following the leading of the Holy Spirit?
Change is hard.
When it seems as though God is changing, it is not only hard but confusing.
How does one discern when God is doing a new thing or when people of God are randomly doing their own new thing?
If the debate between the "certain people came down from Judea to Antioch" and the Paul/Barnabas team had been based solely on the scripture of the day, the "certain people" would have been claimed the winners of the debate. But Paul and Barnabas were the ones truly following the Holy Spirit.
This makes me uncomfortable. It's hard for me when the rules seem to change. It's hard for me to discern when a new wine skin is needed for new wine. This requires much fasting and prayer.
And might result in sharp disputes and debates...
As God moves the community of believers forward in mission, there are times when the movement is so fast and great that many begin to complain, have trouble keeping up and/or begin to murmur. This happened as Moses moved the people in the wilderness, as Joshua moved the people into the promised land, as the prophets moved the people into faithfulness and as Jesus moved the disciples into sacrificial love.
We should not be surprised, then, as the Holy Spirit moves the young church into God's vision of salvation, "sharp disputes and debates" occur.
Some of the believers, holding to the Mosaic law, believed all the Gentiles who became converts to the gospel of Jesus Christ needed to be circumcised. As the understanding of "God's people" expanded, those who had been insiders, lovers of the law and faithful believers began to complain and murmur. Were the leaders of the disciples moving too fast, wandering off the path? Or were they following the leading of the Holy Spirit?
Change is hard.
When it seems as though God is changing, it is not only hard but confusing.
How does one discern when God is doing a new thing or when people of God are randomly doing their own new thing?
If the debate between the "certain people came down from Judea to Antioch" and the Paul/Barnabas team had been based solely on the scripture of the day, the "certain people" would have been claimed the winners of the debate. But Paul and Barnabas were the ones truly following the Holy Spirit.
This makes me uncomfortable. It's hard for me when the rules seem to change. It's hard for me to discern when a new wine skin is needed for new wine. This requires much fasting and prayer.
And might result in sharp disputes and debates...
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