March 26: Joshua 23-24, Psalm 44, 1 Corinthians 11
March 27: Judges 1-3, 1 Corinthians 12
March 28: Judges 4-5, Psalms 39 and 41, 1 Corinthians 13
IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU
Joshua 23:15 ...
"But in the same way that every good thing that the Lord your God promised about you has been fulfilled, so the Lord could bring against you every bad thing as well. He could wipe you out from this fertile land that the Lord your God has given you."
Read: I brought you into this world and I can take you out. That's what I heard when I read this verse the first time through. These early days of the Israelites were filled with constant reminders to reflect on all they've experienced. The point is NOT to then conclude that they (or we) are all that. The point is to learn of God's character, to gain deeper confidence in God as a promise-keeper, to bank on the next promise though it may require some crazy trust from them (us).
Isn't it just like us to experience a little success, get the big head about how it all came about, and forget just who the opportunity, the wisdom, the strength, the courage, and the victory all came from? God knew His people would make that turn and Joshua's words were supposed to serve as a warning. Funny how that warning can't be heeded if the person(s) won't listen. Like running the hair dryer while you're enjoying that nice hot bath, we often think little and remember even less.
I believe that this short verse tucked into Joshua's strong call to remembrance is a warning against our sense of entitlement and arrogance. And, both of those rear their ugly heads in our relationship with God. God's lovingkindness extended again and again becomes an expected commodity in our lives as we grow to believe we deserve ... whatever. It's really not about you (except that God loves you enough to send Jesus for you and to you, over and over again). The way we hang on to that immeasurable gift of love, though, is stop thinking about how good we are or are not. You're not. I'm not. It's not about you or me. It's about God.
FOLLOW THE LEADER
Judges 2:16, 19
"Then the Lord raised up leaders to rescue them from the power of these raiders ... But then when the leader died, they would once again act in ways that weren't as good as their ancestors', going after other gods, to serve them and to worship them. They wouldn't drop their bad practices or hardheaded ways."
Sad, but true. As long as the teacher/leader/project manager/parent, etc. is in front of us, we believe we're enough on our own; but, as soon as they exit, we're in a turmoil. Before we "tsk tsk" at our early brothers and sisters, let's remember in our own lives how crunch time has come and we panicked at least on the inside, often defaulting to what comes easily and what's lived out in front of us. Examples: we want to allow the Spirit to tame our tongue, but when the gossip gets juicy, I jump in without thinking, even if it's just to listen. Though I know that one more cookie is not good for my waistline or my blood pressure, "just this once"...
We need companions in this life. Of all creation, God only says it's NOT good once ... when Adam was alone. We need each other. You can be strong when I'm not feeling it; I can remind you of who and Whose you are when you've lost your way, and we can be that example for one another that jogs our memory and our commitment.
This independent, selfish culture that's got it's hooks in us would tell us that we should be able to figure life out on our own, that we deserve the opportunity to make our own way. Phooey. I tend to side with Admiral Richard Byrd who said that "we must learn from the mistakes of others; none of us have enough time to make them all on our own." (Soapbox Alert ... Parents who want their children to make up their own minds about religion or whatever else drive me crazy. For fear of unduly influencing your children, you forget that: 1. they will make up their own mind one day with or without your help, 2. God has entrusted them to you and is waiting for you to give them a headstart by standing for something, and 3. the world and someone in their lives will step in to teach them where you won't step up.)
Truth in a nutshell, in my humble opinion, is that effective leadership is rooted in committed follower-ship. More specifically, how in the world will I be able to lead anyone else, if I have no real clue how to be led? And, how will I learn better how to be led unless I give myself to One who will lead me will without leading my astray?
Friend, choose carefully the One whom you will follow.
YOU GO, GIRL!
Judges 4:9 ...
"Deborah answered, 'I'll definitely go with you. However, the path you're taking won't bring honor to you, because the Lord will hand over Sisera to a woman.' Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh."
Quick recap. God gave clear commands and promises to everyone, especially leadership. God expected that the Israelites would follow those commands and trust those promises to the letter. Barak had received a command from God concerning standing against Jabin's army and Barak was too chicken to go without Deborah. The verse above is her answer to Barak.
Quick spoiler. Barak does what God told him to do with his friend, Deborah, marching into battle with him and he's not worried about who gets the honor or the credit. But, it's not the one you think! It's not Deborah, but another strong woman who decides to act instead of waiting for someone to do it for her, or for God's people.
Though I'm female clergy and our ranks are small in numbers compared to our brothers, this is not work built on or for comparisons. I'm not a banner-waver or a drum-beater because to swing the pendulum of thought or action too far in 'the other direction' isn't helpful either. Suffice it to say: God loves us all, has empowered and gifted us all equally yet differently, and God longs for each of us to step up and out in faith to be used for God's glory and for the healing of the world. You get the picture.
Judges sets the stage for that very picture of a God who commands and calls, who gives Himself away and trusts in the abilities assigned to each of us to make us that same kind of living example. Think back in your reading (or go back and read it for yourself). In 5 short chapters ...
- Achsah (Caleb's daughter), who was to be property, basically, given by her dad to the warrior-victor who captured a specific town turns the tables and becomes, with her father, the arbiter of property lines to ensure the health and success of her 'new family'
- Deborah becomes a trusted and wise judge/prophet for the Israelites ... at the same time she is the wife of another trusted leader of the Israelites. Maybe the first dual-income household, by God's ordination ... they figured out how to share work and ministry. AND, she marched in battle with Barak. Hmmm.
- Jael remembered when other Israelites had forgotten ... she knew her God, she trusted His commands and his promises. And, she became a warrior in her own home, not hesitating to do what God commanded though she must have been surprised, too, that stopping Sisera became her work when Barak was too chicken. Not your average Suzy Homemaker.
All of these people were unlikely choices to do amazing things in the name of and by the power of God. They were able to live into their moments because they knew who God is and were not worried about what they might be lacking. Doesn't matter what you and I lack; God lacks nothing. Doesn't matter what others think of us; only matters that God does think of each us. Highly, I believe.
So, you go girl. You go, fella. Not on your own or for yourself. Go with God!
Lord Jesus, your Word is absolute wisdom and hope, encouragement and challenge. I am filled with gratitude for the boldness of Achsah, the strength of Deborah (especially in how she gave herself away in so many ways), and the deep, simple trust Jael shows for you. Help me be like them. Not for my own sake, but the sake of being your follower first so that others might be encouraged, too. That's the only way that I can ever make a difference in my own family, my own community, my own church/Your Church, this ol' world. Have your way in me, God, and I trust you enough to follow that way ... if you'll help me. I love you, Lord. Let it be.
March 21 - Joshua 9-11, 1 Corinthians 6
Joshua 9
Yeah, I picked the whole chapter. The story is that important. It couldn't come at a better time for me because it reminds me of the preaching text I've chosen for tomorrow. So, if you're game, you've got another passage to look at: the parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16:1-13. The parable is one of Jesus' hardest teachings and I'm almost giddy to find another place in scripture that bears out God's truth.
First, Luke's telling of Jesus' parable. A manager is rotten at his job - on top of keeping shoddy records, he's probably skimming off the top of astronomical charges to the clients/tenants renting from his boss. When the boss gets wind, he fires the manager, but not before the manager can sit down with each client/tenant and reduce what's owed to the 'master.' I admit that I've struggled with Jesus' commendation of the manager's dishonest behavior especially when the layer of self-service is slathered on top at the end of the story. Just like I remind my congregation when we're dealing with a parable ... Jesus made the story up, telling it ON purpose WITH a purpose. In short, I would argue that the dishonest guy knew he was in trouble and, in the end, knew he had no other alternative but to bank on the boss' mercy and grace which seemed to be plentiful.
Second, the story from Joshua about the folks of Gibeon and their clever dealings with the Israelites. When we pick up the story with chapter 9, they've heard all kinds of tales about the Israelites defeating their enemies handily and know they don't stand a chance against them. The Gibeon-ites' only hope is to strike some sort of peace treaty with the Israelites. They won't even get an audience with the Israelite leadership without a little cunning and deceit. So they pretend to be strangers from far off and argue their desire for a peace agreement. Problem for the Israelites is two-fold: they get the spiritual imperative to offer hospitality to stranger and neighbor alike (same way God was/is hospitable to them) AND they didn't ask for any decision or discernment from God about these people! Truth was that those Gibeon-ites were neighbors, part of the people and land God was giving over to the Israelites, but now the Israelites' word was their bond and they couldn't, wouldn't take down their Gibeon neighbors.
When Joshua asked them why they did it, their answer was basically this: we heard that God was giving you all this land so we knew we didn't stand a chance and this is what we came up with. "Here we are in your power (v. 25)" but we're still alive! With a little help from Michael Frost in his book, Jesus the Fool: The Mission of the Unconventional Christ, I've come to understand that the dishonest manager in Jesus' parable came to the same conclusion - he had no hope in facing the music with his boss, so he banked on the mercy and grace of that man.
For so long this has been a stretch for me, but I'm almost giddy, as I said before! You and I are Gibeon-ites! We are dishonest managers. We recognize (because we're smart like that) that on our own we are inept, powerless, and defenseless. If we really are 'smart like that' we'll do whatever is necessary to lean into God's grace and mercy. After all, that's Who God has shown Himself to be ... Grace and Mercy. Trouble with me is, I keep wanting to show God how good I am on my own when both of us know differently. Oh, to be as clever as a Gibeon-ite or that silly manager that Jesus made up. Oh, to be clever enough to realize how desperately I NEED God!
Lord Jesus, you were the clever one telling the story of my life and lead me to the realization that I'm not all that. How slow I am to realize that my intellect and strength and cunning are not trustworthy, but your grace and mercy always are. You, in your fullness, are trustworthy. Teach me, Lord, to lean first on you instead of on self. Thank you for your patience and understanding and your limitless love. Let it be so ...
March 13: Deuteronomy 22-24, Galatians 4
Instead of one verse or a short passage jumping out from today's readings, what caught my attention in the three chapters of Deuteronomy are these two words: REMOVE and REMEMBER.
Throughout our "early history" we find sweeping passages that echo warnings and encouragements over and over again. So, the echoes in these three chapters aren't new, but the Spirit showed me something today that is clarifying. So many times through the Old Testament we hear the familiar "don't do this," or "you MUST do this." And, like yesterday's reading, we're often reminded of what God is giving us - battle victories, safe places to be and build community, freedom in place of slavery, and on and on.
It dawned on me today that these two words describe a large part of our work. God is busy going before us, preparing the way to give us this promised land. Trusting God and marching where, how, and when God says march is certainly part of our work. We march with confidence because of the covenant relationship we have with God. And, God has given us responsibility in this covenant relationship with God and with each other.
Remember. Remember where you've come from, remember Whose you are, remember what I've done before you, remember the promises I've made to you, remember, remember, remember. I've often said that God made us to be remember-ers. (That's why forgive-and-forget will never hold water; we can't do it.) So, remembering who and Whose we are is a huge part of our relationship with God and our relationships with one another. Why? Our identity determines how we are in relationship with any one, so it stands to reason that remembering who and how I am (how I came to be, how I am transforming, toward what end I am striving, etc.) affects all my other thoughts and behaviors.
Remove. Several times, at least in these three chapters, God says "remove such evil from your community." This is where it would be nice for Batman or Captain America to show and take care of all the evil, but God seems to be trusting His folks to be able to recognize what is of God and what is not. And, to maintain or honor this standard of sorts that has been set. To NOT do so threatens not only my own spiritual health, but that of my community, too. Remove. Not set aside, lock away, ignore. Remove. And, God really is trusting me to speak to and act toward evil. Yikes.
Both of these words are action words. Both actions are my responsibility and, so, can/should originate with me. I don't have to wait for someone to tell me what to remember or what threat should be removed. I am responsible and aware enough of the Source of my identity and all that threatens my health that I can do this work. But, will I? Do I really believe that I have the ability, the responsibility, or that the threat is real? While my circumstances may look completely different from those of the Israelites settling into new places, I can give you this simple example from my own life. I am created by the God of the Universe and created in His image, designed to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. Chips and dip, while tasting of heaven, are not good for me ... especially when moderation is thrown out the window! But, I eat them anyway. And, they elevate my weight, my cholesterol level, and all manner of other things we won't discuss.
Where did I fail? Me? A temple of God's Spirit? What would He want with me?! Or, there's no real threat here toward my overall health; these little ol' chips barely drug through Pancho's cheese dip couldn't possibly do any harm if I just have a few once in a while.
You get where I'm going. You and I have to decide whether we believe God's claim on us. I have a friend who is known to say, especially to those who work with him, "what you do determines what I do." If I believe God has a claim on me, then my work is clear. Trust, yes. Suit up and march into certain battles, you betcha. Remember who and Whose I am, absolutely. Remove evil from my path and from my community, that, too. Time to get busy.
Lord Jesus, I pray for deep conviction of who and Whose I am. That identity sets my mind as well as my hands and feet to holy work, beginning with remembering who I am in and because of your immeasurable love. The power that comes with that love will be what I need to remove evil from my path. And, you've promised to cover the gaps in my ability and my sight. I pray for your protection, Lord, but I'm also glad that you don't let me off the hook. I will do my part in this relationship you've extended to me. With your strength, I will do my best. Amen.
March 12: Deuteronomy 19-21, Galatians 3
"When you march out to battle your enemies and you see horses, chariots, and a fighting force larger than yours, don't be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, the one who brought you up from Egypt, is with you."
Deuteronomy 20:1
Man, this verse is packed full! I bet I know the part of the verse you love as much as me ... the Lord is with us! That's good news. That we still so easily forget that God's ALWAYS with us baffles me, but the truth is He's a constant companion, whether we face good or bad.
There's still more to unpack, though. And, at first glance, it's not-so-good news. The hard truth we gotta face?
- there are times you have to do battle
- you will have enemies
- sometimes your enemies will be better prepared to fight than you
One of those truths alone would be enough to send us back in the house. We would prefer life to be easy (or someone else do the hard part for us), we would rather think we have no enemies (if you're kind enough to not have made an enemy for yourself by now, you'll have 'em anyway just because of the One to whom you belong ... well, if others know you belong to Him), and we're smart enough to know that when we're overpowered, the fight's not worth it.
The Truth that trumps them all, though, is the one we celebrated at the beginning: God is always with us ... even when He sends us into battle, even when we face the Enemy, and especially when that Enemy seems to be better prepared for the scrap. God promised the Israelites that He was giving them the battle against these enemies. Well ...
- how can you be victorious in battle if you won't go to battle? And,
- how will God be glorified in your life if you won't lean on His power and wisdom over your own?
My temptation (yours, too, probably) is to pick the battles I know I can win ... emphasis on the "I can." And, my primary Enemy (yours, too) would love nothing better than for us to forget that God goes before us, has given us those spiritual battles and a few others thrown in for good measure, so it doesn't matter what power any enemy brings against us ... God is All-Power.
No doubt, you are just like me ... your life has been touched by diseases like cancer and addiction, you have known more than your share of discord and disappointment, and you've been complicit, if not the cause of such more than once. You know what it's like to feel powerless. All the more reason to anticipate the need for and claim God's power, that promised power that will secure the important victories in your life and in mine.
God's promise is sure; He is with you. Now, receive your marching orders and get going!
Lord Jesus, lots of folks struggle with this ready-to-do-battle God of the Old Testament all the while discounting the battles we face every day. Thank you for your promise to always be my companion. And, for the promise that the toughest battles are already won because you have secured that victory for me, despite me! .. for that I am forever grateful. I need your courage to suit up and march into battle, especially when I see how well armed the Enemy is. You are All-Power, though, and if I'll keep my eyes on you neither the piddly power of the Enemy nor my own ineptitude will defeat me. Thank you, in advance, for your love and watch-care. I love you, Lord!
March 10 ... Deuteronomy 11-15, Galatians 1
"You heard about my previous life in Judaism, how severely I harassed God's church and tried to destroy it ... But God had set me apart from birth and called me through his grace. He was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might preach about him to the Gentiles." Galatians 1:13, 15-16
It's obvious, I know, but must be said: Paul's response to God's call has two distinct seasons. His life in Judaism, as he calls it in the Common English translation, and his life after the Damascus Road experience with Jesus. But, what I love about this short passage can be easily missed. Paul acknowledges that though his expression of love for God and his commitment to serve God were very different in those two seasons, God's design for Paul's life was the same since the beginning. God's call on Paul never changed; it unfolded, it took twists and turns, but God - and that call - never changed. As he was writing these words, Paul could recognize how drastically his ministry had changed from when he was studying with Gamaliel, and when he was chasing down people of The Way. And, in these words he recognizes that the shift in understanding and living out of ministry is fulfillment of what God wanted from the beginning.
The challenge for me (and, I would dare say ANY of us) is the tendency to qualify what is on either side of a shift as good or bad, right or wrong. We even think about our life's work (what DID you want to be when you grew up?) as if there's one right answer to the question. I would dare say that all the education and experiences that led Paul to the abrupt change on the Damascus Road were instrumental in how he would live out this very different expression of love for God wherever he went. They weren't wasted because he was now doing something very different. But, isn't that our temptation? When change happens, to think of all that went before it as a waste, not worth anything ... at least, not now.
But it is. All that God leads me to and all that God leads me through works to make me who and Whose I am. And, that makes all the difference in everything I do. Today, my life is nothing like I thought it might be when I was dreaming at 12 years of age. Or, at 21. Even 30. That's not good or bad, right or wrong. It just IS ... wonderful. Because at every turn, whether my life changes or it's more of the same, I can see that God has been leading and companioning me all the while. From birth, God knew what I'd be doing, what I am capable of, what stirs the passion deep within me and what makes my blood boil. Every experience that you and I have is working to prepare us for what is yet to come. So ...
Thank you, Lord, for giving me what I need for what will come my way. Help me to receive it fully, trusting that the experiences, knowledge, people, and tasks are gifts from you to me. You know me better than I know myself and, so, you certainly know what I need. My challenge is to think of changes and surprises in my life as new chapters, same story ... or, new territory on the map, same destination. And, because of your love, mercy, and grace, I will be ready for whatever comes next. Thank you, Lord, again for knowing me and loving me so well. Let it be!
Back in the saddle ...
March 9: Deuteronomy 10-12, Mark 16
"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they could go and anoint Jesus' dead body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. They were saying to each other, 'Who's going to roll the stone away from the entrance for us?' " Mark 16:1-3
What an act of faith! Of course, we know how much these women - like so many others - loved Jesus because of His deep love for them, for all of us really. We could excuse their actions as going through the motions of right response in the grip of grief, of desperation seeking relief or resolution. It would be blind and heartless, I think, but we could even consider them as unthinking that Sunday morning, to have no clue how they were gonna pull this off.
I choose, however, to consider what those women did as a great act of faith. They walked anyway. They haven't figured out how that stone was gonna get moved. They had no sure contact who could help, had no plan A really to get to Jesus that they might anoint him. But, they walked anyway. It was the right thing to do, what they wanted to do for Jesus. And, this is where I find myself convicted. I am guilty of waiting ... waiting until I know the plan is foolproof and sure. Waiting until I know I will be successful, or, at least, be able to finish the task (and get credit for trying). These gals didn't know if they'd even be able to begin their task, but they walked anyway.
After having spent time with Jesus - hearing him teach with authority, seeing him love without boundaries, watching him hold others in love just as surely as he held them accountable (thank you, Bishop Carder!), and watching him just be Who is was/is/will always be - they could do nothing less than walk anyway. They were determined to love and, so, trusted God would enable or empower them by making the best way possible. I want to live with that kind of trust. I'll be more specific: I want to live with that kind of confidence in the trustworthiness of God (because God always is) and in God's crazy bent to trust me to be faithful in following Jesus (even though I mess that up regularly).
Patient and Loving God, you already know before I confess how hesitant I am. I often chicken out of walking in faith; instead, I wait for evidence that the plan will lead to a favorable outcome and, so, the walking is no risk. Mustard seed faith, the kind Jesus says any of us - even me - can have, tells us to start walking and let God work out the rest. I want that kind of bold faith, Lord. Thank you for not giving up on me, for giving me chance after chance to experience this kind of courageous faith. Here I go, Lord; go before me, get my back, and better still ... walk with me. Please. Let it be so.
Whew! It's been a few days. I haven't felt my best in the last few days and, in light of my thoughts tonight, I'll say that trying to make sense of what God was whispering to me as I meditated on His Word is, at times, a futile effort. I've kept those thoughts to myself in the last week, but am anxious to get started again. So, here we go...
January 16 ... Genesis 39-41, Luke 16
Since I discovered it the first time, I've always thought that the story of Joseph in Potiphar's house was a little creepy. I get that God shows favor to those whose hearts belong to Him in ways that are inexplicable to those who won't or can't see, but that wife of Potiphar's!
Genesis 39:6 ... "So [Potiphar] handed over everything he had to Joseph and didn't pay attention to anything except the food he ate."
On the surface, one might be amazed at the trust that Potiphar showed in Joseph. Here he is - Joseph, that is - not just a 'foreigner' in this household, but a foreigner often defined by culture as a strange-r, one to be skeptical of and to keep one's eye on. And here he is, Joseph, entrusted with EVERYTHING in Potiphar's household except his mac-n-cheese.
A similar first glance might even lead you to think first about Joseph's trustiworthiness both in human relationship and in his relationship with God. You might admire his intelligence and wisdom and skill as a manager of many aspects of daily life, his own and that of the Potiphar household.
But, what catches my attention is that Potiphar had decided - perhaps because Joseph was who he was - that there was no need for him to pay attention to anything other than what went into his belly. Nothing got his concern or even a second glance, except his ribs and what he wanted sticking to 'em. Nothing.
O.K., so confession time. I'm too much of a control freak to let someone take that much responsibility for too much that's supposed to be on my plate. They might not do it well. They might not do it right (read: my way). I can't for the life of me imagine Potiphar letting everything go except for his plate. Doesn't make what his wife did right by any stretch, but sure takes the surprise out of it ... at least for me.
The application I take from this surprising revelation regarding Pharaoh's chief officer is less about Potiphar or his wife or even Joseph. There are responsibilities entrusted to me that I take way too serious and I want to learn to let a Joseph (someone God raises up in my life that's trustworthy even though different from me) help me out some. There are responsibilities, too, that only I can take care of and, further HOW I care for them is important, too.
The word "priority" isn't mentioned in this passage but it is the foundation of it all. Joseph knew his priority - his relationship with God - and attending to that first made him ready for everything that came his way, and I mean everything. What gets my attention makes all the difference in this life I am living, and maybe in someone else's (like Potiphar, or his wife, or those unnamed servants, even a Pharaoh down the road), too.
Lord God, my attention is often distracted, sporadic, and at times withheld from that which You see as important. By the same token, I keep a death-grip on things that I really could let go of ... at least for a while. Give me wisdom as you set under me a firm foundation of relationship that will put everything else in its rightful place and perspective. And, teach me trust as I let you set my priorities for each day you give me. I want to pay attention to the things that bind our hearts together, so show me, Lord. Amen.
In order to be clear about what should get my attention from the way-too-long-list-of-things-to-do, I must yield my own list of priorities and trust God to show me what comes first.
January 7 ... Genesis 18-19, Psalm 3, Luke 7
I'm torn today, just saying. Luke's telling of the woman who anointed Jesus is one of my favorite passages and I love the boldness of the centurion who understood authority - especially the authority of Jesus - because he 'lived under authority, too.'
But, in the Common English translation, what grabs my attention first is Abraham's conversation with God. Abraham makes two statements that, I believe, ought to be hallmarks for any Jesus follower:
Genesis 18:25 ..."It's not like you to do this ... It's not like you!"
Genesis 18:27b ... "... even though I'm just soil and ash, ..."
Just to establish the background, God has announced a plan to destroy Sodom and Abraham begins to engage God in conversation because of what he was hearing.
Abraham knew God well enough to know that the destruction of innocents along with those who are guilty was not God's M.O. That simple statement gets me to thinking ... do I, do you know God well enough to know it's not like God to do this or it's JUST LIKE God to do that? Have we paid enough attention to God within us and God around us to know that we know that we know ...
... God is always present, never leaves us.
... God loves us, period.
... God is merciful and gracious, watching out for us and providing just what we need.
... God in Christ is calling us to something bigger than we could ever do, know, be on our own.
... God in Christ expects that loving God means nothing without loving each other.
Abraham's statement is confirmation for himself AND for God that this relationship they share is real, lively, organic. And, the very reason Abraham can make the second statement. After all, he was talking with THE God of the Universe and, in a fairly bold way, letting God know that He couldn't/shouldn't act un-Godly like He was intending ...
Abraham knew that he was just soil and ash, that God was infinitely bigger. Abraham knew, too, that he was potentially overstepping his bounds with God by challenging God's intent, as if A's opinion mattered. Turns out, Abraham's thoughts, feelings, experience of God Himself, questions, hopes and dreams, fears, etc. DO matter to God. Yours do, too. And mine. God , I believe, longs for us to be willing to be audacious - not disrespectful, now, but audacious YES - in our intimacy with God. After all, prayer is not about changing God's heart and mind, but rather being open to understanding God's heart and mind (and, so, being changed because of it!). I believe that God longs for us to trust Him and the relationship we share to the point that we will engage him like Abraham did.
So, I double-dog dare ya ... make your own short list of what you know (that you know that you know) about God. Let that be your confidence when things - even those coming from God - seem squirrely.
Lord God, I want to know you, really know you. Even more, I want that confident knowledge to deepen our relationship. Thank you already for revealing yourself to me. Teach me to trust what I see, hear, and know of you. In Christ, let it be.
In order for me to grow in my undeniable knowledge of God, I must yield my fear, pride, and pretense to let God closer still (trusting that He will love me period) and, then, walk by faith.
January 6... Genesis 15-17, Luke 6
Genesis 15:1... "After these events, the LORD's word came to Abram in a vision, 'Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your protector. Your reward will be very great.' "
Honestly, my gut response to God's pronouncement about being Protector is two-fold: one, really? Abram hears his family's been taken hostage, goes after these kings Chuck Norris style and does it with just a few hundred LOYAL folks ... he needs a protector? (Sure he does; you only need to read a few verses farther to be reminded that Abram has his knucklehead moments just like you and me. Of course he needs a protector.) And, two, whew! If God stands by Abram, surely He stands by me, too.
When I consider what it means for God to be my protector, I have to admit that my next thoughts were surprising. See if you can follow this train. One of my biggest problems is that I still want to do everything myself, usually my way. So, I'd rather think I need no protection ... until I find myself in one of those moments when I cannot do it myself, regardless of what IT is. (Then, I'd rather like a Superhero Savior who comes in to save the day!) But, God knows my stubbornness; as a matter of fact, God intends that you and I have a choice in the matter - relying on our own limited strength, wisdom, etc., or submitting ourselves to Him and knowing the power of His strength, the depth of His wisdom, etc. Instead of scrapping as hard as I can only to give up when I can't do it on my own, God has made a way for me to know the superhero kind of strength and wisdom all the time. The armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) is the way I live under God's protection every moment of every day. Get this: "...be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. Put on God's armor so that ..." Ephesians 6:10-11a.
Just like Abram was able to retrieve his family and all that belonged to him/them with only a small army, you and I can successfully do battle against all that would stand between us and God every day. Instead of putting on my own strength, etc., God has blessed us with Truth, justice, a spiritual readiness that comes with knowing the gospel, faith, salvation and God's Word. All of these are God's gifts to each of us, designed to protect us against the Enemy. Newsflash: they won't work if you don't put them on.
God does intervene in miraculous ways at times - I've read it in Scripture and known it in my own life. Day in and day out, it is still true that God is my protector ... and yours, too. Letting Him be that begins with submitting myself, ourselves to HIS Truth, HIS justice, HIS Word, faith and salvation and spiritual readiness that come through Jesus Christ.
Lord God, you already know how stubborn I am and how I want to do it myself. I'm weary of being weary because I fight under my own steam and my own insight. I need you to be my Protector and I'm so glad that you want to be that for me. Teach me how to yield myself to you - your wisdom, your power, your Truth, your everything. I trust you God. Amen.
In order for me to know the confidence and the reality of this Divine Protection, I have to yield to God my own best ideas (some really are good, but the idea is for them to be God's always!) and my own puny strength (feel free to imagine your own version of a Hans and Franz skit right here; just be sure to see yourself and your own scrawny arms to get the picture). Only in this yielding am I ready to receive HIS best in return.
January 4 ... Genesis 9-11, Luke 4
This is one of those "days" that could keep me reading and writing for days more. What with the resolution of the flood and the re-boot of human culture (with some pretty nasty residue of what God wanted to wipe away), not to mention Jesus' time of temptation in the wilderness ... much has my attention.
However, one thing really catches my eye. Genesis 9:20-23 ... "Noah, a farmer, made a new start and planted a vineyard. He drank some of the wine, became drunk, and took off his clothes in his tent. Ham, Canaan's father, saw his father naked and told his two brothers who were outside. Shem and Japheth took a robe, threw it over their shoulders walked backward, and covered their naked father without looking at him because they turned away."
What comes in the verses just following this short passage is a curse on Canaan's family because of what his dad, Ham, did. Even though he couldn't un-see his dad's unfortunate condition, easily he could have just covered him and exited without saying a word.
It has been my experience - and I include myself - that often in the Church we say waaay too much about others, the situations they are enduring, and our evaluation about the person and/or the circumstance. Our words are often disguised as prayer or the request for prayer for that person or persons; truth is, those details usually don't make a difference in the way I pray ... I just like knowing the details.
Knowing details about someone's life is either a trust he or she has placed in you OR the result of someone else's telling. Maybe that telling was very well measured and serves the individual in question well; may telling somebody else's stuff is indiscriminate and hurtful. We have to be clear for ourselves about why we are talking before the words ever spill out. I'm guessing that Ham's intention was NOT to dishonor his dad; he just couldn't believe what had happened and was, in a way, enlisting their help. Let's learn from Ham and realize that just because we can do something (share details, offer an opinion, make a point, shut someone down, etc., etc.) doesn't mean that I should.
Lord God, I often forget the power of my words - a power that you gave us when you gave us language. Help me measure my words very carefully and honor those around me, both friend and enemy the same. Often, my well-intended actions and words hurt others because I just don't realize the impact of what I say and do. Teach me, Lord, how to edit myself and all that I do, so that my words and actions only bring glory and honor to you, and respect and love for all others. In the name of Christ, AMEN.
In order to learn this important lesson, I will have to yield the power that I feel in knowing information about others and the pride that comes when I can show what I know by sharing it with others. In place of that misused power and pride, I trust that God will fill me with Divine mercy and grace.
Here we go again.
I've awakened the sleeping blog and I'm ready to begin (again) something else, too ... those of us at Cook's UMC who are up for the challenge are ready to be In The Word and On Our Knees in 2015. So, the majority of my posts will be in line with these two parts of our challenge: to follow the LifeJournal Bible reading plan (and use the SOAPY method to solidify all we're discovering) daily and to pray daily for God to have His way in and through us at Cook's UMC. (If you want to know more about any of the things I've mentioned here, please feel invited and welcome to contact me or the church for more information ... we'd love for you to join us!)
When I blog about the day's scripture reading, I'll make reference to the breadth of our reading and, then, the specific word/phrase/verse/portion that caught my attention. I'm using the Common English translation for the most part. And, lastly, I'll do my best to model the SOAPY method in my post (S=scripture, O=observation, A=application, P=prayer, Y=yield). Here goes ...
January 3: Genesis 6-8, Luke 3
Genesis 6:9 "...Noah was a moral and exemplary man; he walked with God."
I LOVE the picture that this simple phrase paints of Noah. And, it's not the first time in scripture that this phrase is used; the same is said of Enoch toward the end of chapter 5. The reason this catches my attention so? I loved to walk with my Daddy. Mostly we hiked trails and walked through fields and pastures and I loved every minute of it. Well, not EVERY minute, but most of 'em. As we walked, Daddy was always teaching and listening. Showing us how to distinguish trees from one another, to read the sky for weather signs, to not miss the tiny things growing on the forest floor, to be glad for the busyness and the blessings of farm life, etc. There were times that I struggled to walk beside my Daddy because his stride was so much greater than mine. And, there were times that I needed to learn to step it up.
However, there were many more times that Daddy slowed his pace in order that he might accompany me, especially when I was going as fast as my short legs would take me. God is like that. Imagine yourself strolling with God just like the Bible says was the case for Enoch and Noah. Spending time together, figuring out life, learning and listening. Be sure of this: God intends to have that time with you, God longs to accompany you and me in life. Jennifer Kennedy Dean says it this way: "God was willing to calibrate his stride for Enoch's sake." (Praying the Promises of God) And, God is willing to calibrate his stride for YOUR sake; I believe it might be God's greatest desire for you ... to spend time together. As we begin this meaty challenge to shift our focus on a daily level, never lose this picture. For, we will be walking with God AND God will be walking with you! With us!
Lord God, I stand in awe that you love each of us so much that you long to spend time with us, just walking through life. Help me be mindful of your deep love and your desire to spend time with me. And, teach me more every day what it means for us to walk together. The discipline will be hard; there are lots of "to do's" in my life. I want this joy of spending time with you to be priority. Help me make it so by calling me to you and walking with me. I love you, Lord. Amen.
In order for God to work in my life through His Word and the ministering of the Holy Spirit, I must yield my calendar and my schedule to give God priority even over the other important stuff. Yikes!
"Happy are those servants whom the master finds waiting up when he arrives. I assure you that, when he arrives, he will dress himself to serve, seat them at the table as honored guests, and wait on them. Happy are those whom he finds alert, even if he comes at midnight or just before dawn." Luke 12:37-38 (CEB)
I confess ... I have seen an episode or two of Duck Dynasty and I get Phil Robertson's expression of contentment and gratitude: happy, happy, happy. Usually, he utters those words around a lovely experience of family, of teaching/learning a life lesson that's steeped in God's grace, or of a great bowl of Mrs. Kay's gumbo. Truth be told, when we - no, I'll own it - when I consider myself "happy, happy, happy" it's generally because my needs have been met, my preferences have been recognized, or those 'things' that bring me joy and contentment have come to me.
That's the reason Jesus' words here really grab my attention. If things really are according to my own experience(s), shouldn't he have said something to the effect of ... 'happy is the master who finds his servants behaving well when he arrives"? Happiness here is not about getting what you want or expect or what you think IS the right thing; happiness here is about discovering a new depth of relationship with one's master.
So, I'm led to recognize that MY happiness is not just about ME. If I dare consider myself a servant of Christ, Master Jesus is telling me that there is a happiness I can't even imagine. A happiness that I will experience when I see and know my Master in a new, intimate way. The Master isn't into passing out pats on the back, or bonus checks, or new titles just because we've been vigilant in our work and kept at it no matter how long it takes for him to show up. The Master, instead, gives us himself in a new way. Face-to-face, intentional places of honor ... he serves those who have shown their love for and commitment to him by serving him.
Lord Jesus, forgive me for seeking, wanting, embracing happiness that's basically about my own appetites being satiated and about me finding comfort. Forgive me for that because it's a settling for things, though wonderful, that are not deep-well happiness that comes in my relationship with you. You want me to know a deep happiness that comes in feasting and fellowship with you in ways that come only when you set the table. So, Lord, give me courage and energy to serve however I'm asked or needed, knowing that there is a fellowship coming with you that is sweeter, deeper than I can even imagine or ask. And, help me remember that the deep sweetness of that fellowship comes in waiting on you, waiting for you .. sure of your unpredictable coming, surer still of your love for me. Let it be so.
"Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees - I mean, the mismatch between their hearts and lives ... whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and whatever you have whispered in the rooms deep inside the house will be announced from the rooftops." Luke 12:1b, 3 (CEB)
Oops. Jesus just called us out on our own arrogance ... thinking that I can think one thing and actually be another. It just doesn't work that way.
Bishop Bill McAlilly recently said in a sermon that it's just not possible to "think your way into a new way of walking. We must walk our way into a new way of thinking." The transformation of our minds, of our thought life is an issue Paul deals with, too: Don't conform to the world's way of doing things (read: being comfortable with mismatched hearts and lives), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2) And, Jesus, challenged those who would/could hear him to love God with all our mind (Matthew 22), not just our heart, soul, and strength as the Shema bids us in Deuteronomy 6. Attitude makes all the difference in the world. And, what is attitude but my thoughts and beliefs about myself, about you, about life, about the world, about God ... ?
The mismatch that Jesus called out was the belief that it's okay to harbor those whispered dark thoughts whether they ever cross our lips or simply jump around the synapses of our brains. He even said, you read it, that those things we whisper to ourselves or to others in the quiet, dark places of our living will be as if they're shouted from the rooftops.
Uh-oh. Most of my thoughts? That's not gonna be a problem. They won't be very interesting; as a matter of fact, the simplicity of them might be frustrating for you, embarrassing for me. But, there are a few. In moments of anger and disappointment, when I don't gee-haw with someone and when I've been hurt, in those moments, my thoughts and sometimes my words ... Well, let's just say I wouldn't want those shouted from the rooftops. My guess is ('cause I've read the book of James), you've got the same problem.
Lord Jesus, it's true that we are what we eat; truer still that we are what we think. But, we fool ourselves into believing that since nobody "heard" that, they'll never know. But, the thought/beliefs/words that roll around in our minds determine our attitude and sometimes those words spill out of our mouths doing even more damage. What's worse, I know that those thoughts and beliefs take root in our hearts. Uproot anything that doesn't match you, Jesus. I don't want to be mismatched in heart and life; I want you to be the center and reflection of all that I think, say, and do! Transform my mind, teach me how to love you with my mind to that end ... that all of who I am matches for the world to see that I belong to you! Let it be so.
"When an unclean spirit leaves a person, it wanders through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn't find any. Then it says, 'I'll go back to the house I left.' When it arrives it finds the house cleaned up and decorated. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself. They go in and make their home there ..." Luke 11:24-26a (CEB)
Jesus has been talking about spiritual awareness and preparation when this passage shows up in Luke's gospel. The frankness of Jesus' warning is disturbing at the least. Two challenges I hear in his brief exchange around unclean spirits in the average Joe and Jane ...
One, WHEN an unclean spirit leaves makes it sound like the coming and going of such is no surprise, at least to Jesus. His words are a reminder to me that Pierre Tielhard de Chardin's words are true: "we are not human beings have a spiritual experience; we have spiritual beings having a human experience." There is constantly spirit-ual work going on around us and within us, but often I'm just glad to get through the day fairly unscathed and give no thought to what or Who drives, leads, guides, teaches, pushes, influences and companions me.
Second, when 'someone' is finally rid of that unclean spirit ... you/I have to do more than tidy up in order to gain ground. I love the CEB translation as it describes the house as "cleaned up and decorated." It's almost as if Jesus is hinting at the kind of fasting that folks like me often participate in. I uncomfortably deprive myself of something that is of little consequence to me (chip and dip, etc.) but replace it with nothing that's specifically and especially of God (more time in the Word, or praying, or serving the poor, etc.). Almost like I'm holding my breath until I can get through the season. I clean myself up, decorate the place, but it's still as empty as can be. Jesus talks about insides and outsides with the Pharisees, challenging them to remember that just because the inside is hidden doesn't mean that it won't be known for what it is. That spirit that's still looking for a place to reside will appreciate the new decor, the spring-cleaning that makes it more comfortable to take up residence in the space that hasn't changed emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.
Jesus' words are a great reminder for me that if there's not more of Jesus in me as I grow in Him, the changes are little more than sprucing up and redecorating. I want Jesus to live in every corner of who I am ... but, that's gonna mean I've got to let him see the cobwebs and junk drawers that, until now, I would have sworn didn't exist.
Lord Jesus, come into every corner of my life. Convert every corner and every closet and drawer of my life into your residence. May the world look at me and know that I belong to you because of my words, my attitudes, my actions, my countenance. Boy, do you have your work cut out for you - cleaning all the junk out. I'm glad to help, but you'll have to push me because I'm embarrassed and afraid of what I see in me. But, I don't the void to be left. No kidding, fill me with the Spirit so that there is only room for your peace, your grace, your love ... for you. Let it be so.
"A Samaritan, who was on a journey, came to where the man was. But when he saw him, he was moved with compassion." Luke 10:33 (CEB)
You know the story, is my guess, just by the mention of his ethnic background. The good Samaritan's story teaches us from our earliest days about doing good for others. The measure with which this man in Jesus' story does good is astounding! He deals with his "enemy" with kindness and generosity seemingly without a second thought or a cringe (even when he saw the final bill!). I think the treasured lesson for maturing Jesus-followers is deeper still.
It's hard to move past the fact that there are two others, both of whom one would think know better this business of kindness and generosity like God doles out. The priest and the Levite are both Jews answering a call by God on their lives and they are on the same road as their 'brother' who's been beaten to a pulp and left for dead. Maybe it's a fair assumption that the priest was about priestly business and the Levite on his way to do what Levites do. They both crossed over to the other side, presumably to keep from being made unclean, or contaminated, by the misfortune and brokenness of this man. Whether it's fair or not to assume so of these two, it is indesputable that Jesus paints an entirely different picture of the Samaritan about his own business.
The CEB translation says he was on a journey. He had some intention toward which he was travelling - a place, a task, a hope; whatever it was, he was on his way. He came to the same place - a realization, a horror, a dilemma - just as the others before him did. But. BUT. BUT, the Samaritan was moved with compassion. He must act. He can't leave this fella here alone, unattended, at death's door. He set aside everything in and for that moment. His journey, his business, his possible prejudice about his 'enemy,' maybe more. He set it aside because of compassion.
Sympathetic concern for another's sufferings and misfortunes. That's what pushed this Samaritan to act with such kindness and generosity. Compassion made him set everything aside to pay attention to this beaten, broken, dying man. I struggle to make eye contact with the man who stands with the cardboard sign at Highland and Sam Cooper as I drive by most mornings. I may not be travelling by on the other side, but I keep my window rolled up and avert my eyes so as not to be distracted from my business or moved by my brother's misfortune. And, there are a jillion other examples I could give of how folks like you and me work hard to keep from being moved by compassion.
My guess is that we're afraid of the cost of being moved by compassion. Thank God, compassion was more important than convenience or comfort as Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem and began that last journey toward the cross.
Lord Jesus, 'thank you!' sounds so empty in the face of the kindness and generosity that cost you everything ... on my behalf. For your compassion I will be forever grateful; teach me to show that gratitude in the way I am moved by compassion for my brothers and sisters. Teach me to be like the Samaritan who knew what was truly important and not count the cost of loving my neighbor. I guess what I'm asking is that you would change my mind and my heart that I would love like you love me. Let it be so ...
"Jesus called the Twelve together and he gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal sicknesses. He sent them out to proclaim God's kingdom and to heal the sick..." Luke 9:1-2 (CEB)
"He replied, 'You give them something to eat.' But they said, 'We have no more than ...' " Luke 9:13 (CEB)
" 'I begged your disciples to throw [the spirit] out, but they couldn't.' " Luke 9:40 (CEB)
[Words appearing in italics and emboldened appear so by my own choice.]
As defined by Webster, power is "the ability to do or act; vigor; force; strength." And authority? Permission, invitation, or the right to act. Jesus gave his disciples both. Through Christ, they had the ability and the invitation to act on his behalf, to do things that only Christ could do. I would argue that all Jesus' disciples have been given those two 'things." Ability and permission, invitation.
Funny how the picture of the Twelve reflects the very struggle that you and I live in as modern-day disciples. Having been blessed, empowered, and dispatched, they lived for a short season in that power and authority and, then, forgot who and whose they were. The disciples recognized the people's physical hunger as surely as they witnessed the spiritual hunger being fed in Jesus' presence that day. Jesus says, in essence, YOU do it, YOU feed them ... and all they could see was their lack. "We have no more than ..." Truth is they had much more than fish and bread, but forgot what they'd been given.
Need another example? While Peter, James, and John are with Jesus as he's transfigured before their eyes, the other disciples are with others, maybe even alone at the foot of that mountain. And, one of those others is a man whose son has been tormented maybe his whole life. He begs the disciples to deliver his son from this disease/demon and it just doesn't happen. Truth is they had been given the power and authority (the ability and the permission, even invitation) to heal ... and they just couldn't do it.
Maybe the deeper understanding of the gap we experience in the disciples' faith journeys is found in our own encounters with the world as Jesus-followers. Power is most often defined or lived out in the world as power OVER something or someone. Authority, in cultural perspective, is about being the expert voice ... with little regard, if any, for the invitation or permission to speak into a situation or to a person as if we had authority. We want to exert control, to manage the people and the circumstances of our lives; we want to be powerful, but it is my conviction that we don't see our power as a gift from God for the greater good, for ushering in the kingdom. We want to be strong enough to persevere, yes. But, that's about ourselves, and rarely about anyone else, much less the full kingdom of God.
And, authority. We're experts on everything ... on the self-inflicted plight of Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus; on keeping up with the Kardashians and every other celebrity personality; on political squabbles within and beyond our own country; and, certainly on what's wrong with the Church today. We're mouthy but we do not live with authority. As you may have read in my Luke 7 post, I believe our biggest challenge is that we do not live a life of faith in an authoritative way because we have little idea at all what it means to be under authority. We're our own bosses. It's not their own authority that Jesus intended that the disciples live by ... he gave them his. That's the only way healing and wholeness are found, that the Truth is spoken, that those bound and captivated by other than God are set free. Not by our strength, but by God's through us.
Bottom line - you cannot give away what you do not have. The disciples couldn't feed those hungry people because they couldn't see that they had at their disposal (not for their own good, but for the good of the world) the Bread of Life. They couldn't deliver that boy from his demons because they had to be delivered from their own first, that of fear. We think of young David as audacious in his faith as he found his way in front of Goliath, but really he was living into the power and authority given to God's people by their Creator. The promise had already been made, all the Israelite army had to do was step into the promise and pick up their armor. Nobody remembered the promise but David; he was only there to deliver groceries, but seems he was the only agent of God who could pronounce deliverance by defeating Goliath. It was his stone alright, but thrown in God's power and authority that brought Goliath down.
Lord Jesus, I want to live an authoritative, powerful life. Not as if I'm some superhero with my cape flapping in the breeze ready to tackle anything and anyone in life. No, but as a child of yours, standing firm in your tender grace because that's enough. Give me power, not for myself or for my life circumstance, but power for your kingdom, your world because mine is not enough. Not enough to stand against evil, to speak your Truth over the voices of compromise, to remember and claim victory in the uphill battle that is life on this side of glory. But, YOU are enough. And, you are audacious enough to share your power and authority with folks like little ol' me. Help me live a life worthy of your love and mercy, sweet Jesus. Let it be so.
"In front of everyone, she explained why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed. 'Daughter, your faith has healed you,' Jesus said. 'Go in peace.' " Luke 8:47b-48
The worship design team had planned a particular worship experience around the central theme of recognizing the presence of God in our daily living. We all agreed that asking some of our congregants to share their 'cardboard testimony' would be a great witness to such recognition of the transforming presence of God. There are no adequate words to describe the emotions behind the words in those conversations I had with about 40 folks, explaining what we wanted to do, why I was calling them, etc. In essence, I knew a little of their stories and was God's choice in helping them tell it more fully.
The Sunday morning came and at the close of the sermon, everyone took their place ... and it didn't look like the start of a livestock sale as about 40 folks got up and took their place just stage left of the worship platform. When the music began, so did their little parade. It was amazing! Each person walked to center-platform and held for their church family to read the few words or phrase that described his/her life before the presence of Christ. After a few seconds, they flipped the cardboard over to reveal the transformation in them because of Christ. One by one our friends bore witness to the transformation that Jesus brought to their lives; there are so many stories still etched in my minds with those scant words matched to faces that represent such journeys!! But, one in particular stops me in my tracks every time I hear this story of this encounter in scripture.
That Sunday morning, Jamie took center stage. She was a young mom facing her third recurrence of cancer. Struggling to figure out how to stay strong, to try hard yet again. She showed us the first side of her testimony: SCARED TO DEATH. No joke, who wouldn't be. Those who knew Jamie that morning began to cry because they were scared, too. As she turned her piece of cardboard over to reveal the impact of Christ's presence in her life, you could see it on her face and in her body before we read the words. As sick as she was, her backbone straightened a bit and that broad, beautiful smile of hers lit up the whole sanctuary. "TOUCHED THE HEM OF HIS ROBE." We all felt it, even those who didn't know her; we felt the victory that Jamie was claiming in Jesus Christ.
Jamie knew that healing was hers if she could just touch the hem of his robe. And, Jesus lets us do that. Man-handle him, that is. Touch, tug on, plead with, question and lean on ... he lets us do that just like he let that woman in the marketplace and the young woman dying because of cancer. But, Jamie learned that day when she felt the power of Jesus course through her that physical healing was but a smidgen of what Jesus is offering you and me ... and Jamie.
I know this: if I could just... is possible when I step out in faith. Jamie showed me how.
Lord Jesus, I feel you smiling on me, on us with the same kind of smile you gave Jamie. I am so very blessed that I got to see that marketplace walk right in front of me with her courage and determination to get to you no matter what. Give me what you gave Jamie, please? Not just for my own healing, but so that I can be that same example of courage and strength can mean. Amen.
"Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? ..." Luke 7:44a (CEB)
Most folks who know me know that this experience with Jesus is one of my favorites. A Pharisee has invited Jesus to his own home for dinner (with a hidden agenda not named in scripture, I'm certain). Surrounded by his friends and co-workers at this dinner party, he's not much of a host. Perhaps they're all accustomed to his cutting of corners in the hospitality department, but Jesus takes note of it. Not because the world would stop spinning just because Simon didn't provide a basin for Jesus to wash his feet or didn't greet him with a kiss. The hidden agenda was held, it seems, against most everybody Simon determined to be less than him.
A woman whose has been rescued by Jesus' love and grace makes her way into the party to love Jesus with her very best. She washes his feet with her tears, dries them with her hair, anoints him with what could very well be the key to her livelihood ... what she used to make herself attractive to her business partners, shall we say, she now lavished on Jesus only for the sake of love. It's Jesus' question that slays me ... do you see this woman? Really?!? She's probably the only one in the room, she's got the ugly girl-cry going on, and she's broken open an entire box of perfume. Yet, they didn't see her.
They didn't see her love for Jesus, they didn't see her bent toward hospitality when it wasn't even her turf, and they didn't see who she was becoming ... because they thought they already knew her and had judged her accordingly.
Hmmm.
Help me see your children, Lord, for who and whose they really are. We're all wrestling with something and somedays on the losing side of it. Those who stand on corners with cardboard signs, those who show up for the second time this week at a food pantry, those who are angry and defensive at every system that robs them of themselves and makes them a number or a category ... Thank you, Lord Jesus, for seeing me when others can't or won't.
I've heard it said that what others think of me is not my business. But, what I think of others is nobody's business BUT mine. Give me eyes that see like you see and a heart full of love for others, all others. A heart after your own. Deeper still, help me understand the full measure of love you hold for me, God, and be willing to share that with others no matter what, no strings attached. Let it be so.
"Just say the word and my servant will be healed. I'm also a man appointed under authority, with soldiers under me. I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and the servant does it." When Jesus heard these words, he was impressed with the centurion. He turned to the crowd following him and said, 'I tell you, even in Israel I haven't found faith like this.' " Luke 7:7b-9 (CEB)
I think this experience, Jesus with the centurion, is crucial for anyone who calls himself or herself a disciple of Jesus Christ. For, in it the centurion boldly recognizes what many of us fail to recognize, or at best wrestle with, the length of our spiritual journey. Jesus is a man who lives in the balance of being under authority and wielding authority. The centurion is a man who lives in the balance of being under authority and wielding authority. We have evidence of Jesus living in that balance with grace and courage even when his expression of authority is challenging to the reader of the Word (even more so to the one who decides to follow). We don't have evidence of the centurion doing that, but the One who can and did discern the thoughts and attitudes of those who come to him is impressed. Just lip service by the centurion? I don't think so.
Leaves me wondering ... what does it look like for you and me, regular Joes and Janes, to live under authority? Two things, just to get started:
- I'm not THE authority on anything no matter how long I've walked with Jesus, how deep my education, or THAT I've been ordained to work on His behalf. My experience, and so my knowledge, are limited at best. So, not everything or everybody is my business.
- I have been, according to scripture, been gifted with skills, talents, passions that are from God and, along with the fruits that the Spirit is growing in me, I am called and blessed to serve. But, I'm not ALL that ... there are great gaps in what I bring and what I do. It's my responsibility and privilege to receive what others bring to our common work and to celebrate how God works outside of me, too.
I would suggest that if we never learn how to live under the authority of our Creator-Redeemer-Sustainer, we will never get to the place of living out our authority with grace and Divine boldness. Living under authority is not the same as living under the thumb of a demanding God who cares little about the spirit and soul of His underlings but neither is it behaving like a spoiled brat who never gets past asking (demanding) what he/she wants and pouting, even running away from home for some length of time, because you or I didn't get what we want.
Once we can begin to figure out what living UNDER authority looks and feels like, we are expected to live OUT OF the authority that's been shared with us as those-who-follow-Jesus. Jesus gave his first disciples the authority to cast out demons, to heal, and to speak transforming Truth when they were sent out in Jesus' name. I'm thinking our marching orders are the same. Yes, we're to make disciples (not members!!), baptizing and teaching them. Are we teaching and modeling a tender-yet-bold way of living out our authority ... listening to people, loving people, but never fearing to speak the Truth, the bind and cast out all that is not of God, claiming healing and wholeness in the name of Jesus, and trusting His peace? Seems to me you can't speak the Truth if you don't know it, you can't give away that of God that you have not experienced, and you cannot claim for another person that of which you are not convinced is God's dream for each of us.
Guess we've gotta work on that ... if we're gonna get this authority balance down.
Lord Jesus, I cannot do what you do. Yet, you invite me, push me, trust me to try. Like Peter climbing out of the boat, I would rather figure it out and know how the healing, the truth-telling, the bold living, and the water-walking is gonna work BEFORE I step out there. I am coming to understand that living under your authority is a simply a life of surrender ... I give you my heart, my mind, my hands and feet and mouth so that through me you can love this world in all the ways it needs to be loved. I know that means I'll change in the process. For in surrendering I will know a new power from you, through you, that will propel me to love you more deeply, think like you, love like you as I stay connected to you. I'm getting it ... in surrendering to your authority, you enable to live with your authority. Help me keep that straight, my Savior, that your authority is a gift, not a perk and it all begins with surrender. I place myself under your authority, Jesus, even now. Amen.
"Looking around at them all, [Jesus] said to the man, 'Stretch our your hand.' So he did and his hand was made healthy. They were furious and began talking with each other about what to do to Jesus." Luke 6:10-11 (CEB)
All of this business started because Jesus perceived a need and was determined to meet it ... on the Sabbath. Actually, there were many needs that Sabbath day; Jesus could perceive the withered hearts gathered in the same space as that withered hand. What he offered could have been healing salve for them, too, but they couldn't receive. Thought they were too good. That they were right.
Secretly, I feel the need to acknowledge what has always bothered me: at first read, the man with the withered hand is almost manhandled for the sake of healing. He didn't ask for it, the Pharisees in the crowd were using his need to bait Jesus, and Jesus called him out without any discussion (or seeming compassion either). That said, Jesus knows he has/is what the man needs. He is what all of us need desperately. And, I'm glad that Jesus doesn't wait for me to call on Him to offer what I need that only He can provide.
Back to the fella and his hand. The lesson that haunts me is hidden in verse 11. They watch this "friend" restored in front of their very eyes and that restoration wasn't just a physical restoration. The healing would, in fact, have restored him to his family, to his faith community, and possibly to work and some new level of civic life. Yet ... they would not celebrate with their friend or praise God as the Source of this healing. They couldn't because they simply couldn't get past the rules that, in their minds, were broken to get to the place of redemption and renewal.
Be honest. It's the rules, mostly unwritten or scribed only in our own minds, that trip us up, too. "She" doesn't deserve the accolades, the attention, the appreciation that she's receiving; "he" shouldn't have been picked or promoted; don't you know who he is and what he's done ... where he's been?! I don't mean the Pharisees thought this fella didn't deserve healing. But again, isn't that what they mean by asserting that the Sabbath and its rules are more important than this broken man. The lesson haunts me because what's hidden in that closing verse is the reflection of my own sin, the sin of believing I know better that God.
Lord Jesus, I am so very glad that you don't wait on me to ask for all that I need. I am forever grateful that you pour yourself out for me and into me that I can know healing and hope for brokenness that I can't even name yet. My brother that Luke talks about ... he reminds me that there is more pharisee in me than I am comfortable admitting. And, so I'm asking ... restore my withered attitudes and hopes and fit me with blinders. Blinders that will keep me keenly focused on your healing presence and no longer distracted by extraneous rules, expectations, and false wisdom that would lead me to believe that I know better. You wisdom is always higher and I yield myself to you. The truth is I want to learn to celebrate all healing, all redemption, and all restoration. Refresh my withered spirit and I can ... let it be. Let it be.
