80 in 08 -- Reading the Bible in a Year

December 31

2008-12-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

The Revelation to John -- Triumph of Christ and His Church -- Revelation 19:1-21, 20:1-15, 21:1-8; Glory and Grandeur of Heaven -- Revelation 21:9-27, 22:1-5; Epilogue -- Revelation 22:6-21

Photograph of the actual morning star -- the star that signals the end of the night and ushers in the dawn.

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. [Revelation 22:16]

Jesus' last recorded words in the Bible. He is the morning star -- It is the brilliant star (actually Venus) that appears to signal the end of night and the coming of morning. Jesus has signaled the end of all that is dark and the dawn of a new day of light.

I love Christ's close -- a rich symbol that encompasses our looking forward to the skies for His coming and the hope of heaven. Christ is the morning star and we wait for him to signal the coming dawn.

I also can't help but think of Thoreau's last line in Walden, a literary allusion to this verse: "The sun is but a morning star."

I feel that same sense of satisfaction and joy and hope in the completion of my first read through the Bible, cover to cover, in a year. Somehow it made me feel like an insider. A bit closer to God -- not in understanding Him, because now I think I have even more questions. But closer in spirit and encompassed by His love. I still hold that the Lord is alive in nature and the world around us and we can feel and know Him there. But this does not replace the importance of scripture and His Word. There are times to be in the Book and times to get up and look up and out and beyond the pages to see the Word, living and breathing and moving and at work in the world around us.

December 30

2008-12-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

The Revelation to John -- Hope of the Faithful -- Revelation 14:1-13; Judgment Against Unrighteous -- Revelation 14:14-20, 15:1-8, 16:1-21; Special Judgment upon Babylon -- Revelation 17:1-18, 18:1-24, 19:1-5

The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more.... [Revelation 18:11]

Your merchants were the world's great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. [Revelation 18:23]

Interesting to be reading this during our current economic downturn that was essentially fueled by personal greed -- the greed of individuals and institutions and banks and the government's willingness to empower greed. Instead of Babylon, it's the United States whose greed has lured the nations and our fall has led to the economic troubles of merchants everywhere.

We heralded our bringing of the free economy to the world. But now, in shame, teaching greed has led to everyone's misfortune and trouble.

Are we the modern Babylon?

December 29

2008-12-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

The Revelation to John (continued) -- Wrath of God Against Evil -- Revelation 8:7-13, 9:1-21, 10:1-11, 11:1-14; Righteousness of God Seen in Coming of Christ -- Revelation 11:15-19; Opposition to Christ's Church -- Revelation 12:1-17, 13:1-18

I'm underlining very little here. Just letting the dreamlike waves of scripture wash over me. Here, picking up the name of an angel I'd never heard of before -- "Apollyon." [Revelation 9:11] Letting it wash over and hopefully soak in. I can't always read scripture and assign precise meaning. If I could, than I would know the mind of God and God would be as small and limited as my own mine. Sometimes I can only read and trust the Holy Spirit to bring to me what I need.

And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. [Revelation 12:7-8]

A battle in heaven? How do I understand this? A war in a place of peace and love? A battle of spiritual beings. How does that look and feel? And where is God as Michael fights. Did He avert His gaze as He did with His son on the cross because fighting was so offensive and even pornographic in heaven's peace? The waring of angels. Is it a physical battle or a fight for souls and spirit and mind?

December 28

2008-12-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

The Revelation to John (continued) -- Majesty and Centrality of God -- Revelation 4:1-11, 5:1-14; Destructiveness of Sin -- Revelation 6:1-17, 7:1-17, 8:1-6

...And He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. [Revelation 7:15-17]

There's my tent thing again. This time, however, the tent symbolizes God's care and protection and not a symbol of our temporary dwelling on earth.

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Amazing. How intimate a portrait of God, the creator of the universe. How much He cares for us. How individual, how personal and how He touches us at our most vulnerable moments -- when life overwhelms and the tears come.

December 27

2008-12-24T05:53:00.000-08:00

The Revelation to John -- Revelation 1:1-8; Origin and Purpose of Revelation -- Revelation 1:9-20; Letters to the Seven Churches -- Revelation 2:1-29, 3:1-22

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy.... [Revelation 1:3]

I don't understand much of what I'm reading in Revelation -- what prophecy is fulfilled and what prophecy is yet to be fulfilled and what all of the symbolism means. But I do understand this -- even in reading the words, I am blessed. And I truly feel that. Blessed. Just in the reading. It's difficult to explain. There is an energy here, a positive hopefulness in the power of the Lamb and Lion and Morning Star and Angels. While I might question the meaning, there is no questioning of the outcome. God is in control. Satan has and will be vanquished.

December 26

2008-12-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

First Letter by John -- 1 John 1:1-4; Walking in Light of Righteousness -- 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-17; Warning about Antichrists -- 1 John 2:18-28; Living as Children of God -- 1 John 2:29, 3:1-24; Distinguishing Unbelievers from Believers -- 1 John 4:1-21, 5:1-12; Assurances in Christ -- 1 John 5:13-21

For everything in the world -- the cravings of the sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does -- comes not from the Father but from the world. [1 John 2:16]

What is the first question we [men specifically] typically ask someone when we meet them? What do you do? How do we measure a person's success? To often, what we do and what we have define us in the eyes of people...in the eyes of the world. That's why we miss that the carpenter who wanders with a group of fishermen is really the Christ. Or that the homeless stranger we pass by is an angel...or, at the very list (really, at the very most), is a son of God. What we have and what we do is not who and whose we are. God knows our value. Man's measure is wanting and flawed. Forgive me Lord when I apply man's measure instead of yours.

December 25

2008-12-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Hebrews (continued) -- Exhortation to Continue Faith in Christ -- Hebrews 10:19-39; Examples of Great Faith -- Hebrews 11:1-40; A Call for Steadfast Faith -- Hebrews 12:1-29; Various Exhortations -- Hebrews 13:1-17; Closing Thoughts -- Hebrews 13:18-25

Here's a photo that came up from Flickr when I google-imaged "entertaining angels unaware." It's an encouragement taped by someone to a public phone. It included the encouragement to "Be careful how you treat people, you just might be entertaining angels unaware. You see, the person that you hate, or look down on, could be your blessing."

By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. [Hebrews 11:9-10]

There's that tent thing again that I'm so fond of. Live in a tent for a week if you never have and then read the tent scriptures. You'll have a whole new view after week. It will give you a new perspective of how we should view our stay here in the body on earth.

By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Eqypt and gave instructions about his bones. [Hebrews 11:22]

Ah, it's December and we've come full circle. We're back to Joseph's bones.

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. [Hebrews 13:2]

How do we entertain angels? In church? In Bible study? In meditation on scripture? No, by entertaining strangers...in benevolence. We come in contact with angels in the field of service and not the sanctuary of religion.

December 24

2008-12-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Hebrews (continued) -- Christ Superior to Priesthood -- Hebrews 6:13-20, 7:1-28; Superiority of Christ's Covenant and Sacrifice -- Hebrews 8:1-13, 9:1-28, 10:1-18

Melchizedek? Who is this guy? He's a priest or more precisely -- "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High." [Hebrews 7:1] Ok. So this is a dispensation they didn't talk about in the Jewel Miller filmstrips. (Wow...I googled Jewel Miller filmstrips and there's no official site. That's an opportunity for someone.) Melchizedek is a priest of God...before the priesthood was even set up. He was a priest before there were even Jews. Once again, God can and does anything he wants to do. We want to codify Him and He resists this. That's why the Jews missed Christ. He didn't fit. They didn't see Him because He wasn't within their frame of reference or expectation.

God is exceptional.

December 23

2008-12-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Hebrews -- The Majesty of Christ -- Hebrews 1:1-14, 2:1-18; Christ Superior to Moses -- Hebrews 3:1-19; Christ Superior to Joshua -- Hebrews 4:1-13; Jesus as High Priest -- Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:1-10; Parenthetical Thoughts Regarding Readers -- Hebrews 5:11-16, 6:1-12

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? [Hebrews 1:14]

I like this. Cool, comforting thought. Wonder what my angel's name is? I'll call him Elvis or just E for short. Wonder what E. is up to? I always joked that any angel that had to ride with Mariana (my wife) was probably a chain-smoker. Can just see him shaking and lighting one up after a trip to the grocery store with the wife.

December 22

2008-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Second Letter by Peter -- 2 Peter 1:1-2; Value of True Knowledge -- 2 Peter 1:3-21; Danger of False Teachers -- 2 Peter 2:1-22; Regarding the Second Coming -- 2 Peter 3:1-18

I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. [2 Peter 1:13-15]

I think I've blogged about this before -- but I really appreciate the tent-of-this body concept. A tent is a temporary dwelling. Living in a tent you are intimately aware of the environment and changes in the weather. Things you'd be insulated from in a more permanent dwelling. Maybe if we truly viewed our earthly stay as a temporary dwelling, we'd be more aware of the evil in the world all around us instead of removed and distant. You're not overly concerned with the appearance of your tent either. It's merely a functional piece of equipment. It's not who you are. Who you are is what's protected inside the tent. A tent will be blown away if it's not staked down. Tents need anchors. Also, living in a tent encourages you to simplify your life. When you live in a tent, you don't fill it with a lot of stuff. Because you realize you have to carry everything with you. Stuff is just baggage. So the less the better. Carrying too much inhibits your ability to keep moving ahead.

This metaphor has sooooo many layers of meaning.

Something else interesting about this reading is the end of the verse: "And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things." Peter intends to watch and help them in the next life. I've always imagined that when I die, I'd watch over and help out the ones I love. Perhaps I can. Lord willing. I love this thought and hope.

December 21

2008-12-20T07:18:00.000-08:00

First Letter by Peter -- 1 Peter 1:1-2; The Blessings of Redemption -- 1 Peter 1:3-25, 2:1-10; Glorifying God for Redemption -- 1 Peter 2:11-25, 3:1-12; Steadfastness in Persecution -- 1 Peter 3:13-22, 4:1-19, 5:1-11; Concluding Thoughts -- 1 Peter 5:12-14

"Even angels long to look into these things." [1 Peter 1:12]

Makes you wonder if the angels watch us like we watch television? What do the angels know about the script ahead of time and how much do they sit and watch in wonder? They know how the shows going to end, but it must be interesting to see the plot twists God introduces along the way. Every once in awhile their Father calls them away from the TV. "Hey, Michael, I've got something I want you to do. Can you run down to earth for me?" I wonder if in God's TV Guide our lives are marked drama, action or comedy?

"For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God." [1 Peter 2:19]

I can't help but think of Coach Don Meyer when I read this. He was basketball coach at Lipscomb when I was there. A December 15, 2008, Sports Illustrated article about him, titled The Game of His Life, had this to day about his recent near-fatal car accident:

A Blessing. Even now, three months after the accident nearly claimed his life, Don Meyer calls it a blessing. "You can't look at it any other way," he says. It was a a blessing to crash into a semi that was carrying 90,000 pounds of grain while driving to a team retreat on Sept. 5. It was a blessing to lose his left leg below the knee, to endure eight surgeries, to spend weeks in the hospital fighting pain so intense that he would croak church hymns as tears streamed down his face. It was a blessing, Meyer says, and here's why: If the wreck hadn't happened, if the doctors hadn't performed emergency surgery to remove his spleen and reattach his diaphragm, they wouldn't have discovered the cancer burrowing into his liver and small intestine until it was too late.
It was a blessing to survive, to know what he's facing and now, more than anything else, to coach again. "I just wonder sometimes because I shouldn't be here," says Meyer, the coach at Division II Northern State in Aberdeen, S.D., the man who, with 898 career victories at week's end, needs just five wins to pass Bob knight as the alltime leader among NCAA men's basketball coaches. "There's no realistic way I should be here right now, when you get down to it, unless there's something I've still got to do."

If you haven't read Meyer's story in SI, you can read it all here. It's amazing how what most have perceived as tragedy God and Meyer are turning into a witness to the world on a national stage.

December 20

2008-12-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

Letter by James -- James 1:1; Preparation for Oppression -- James 1:2-18; Consistency Between Faith and Conduct -- James 1:19-27; 2:1-26, 3:1-18; 4:1-12; Exhortations for Suffering Saints -- 4:13-17, 5:1-20; Letter by Jude -- Jude 1:1-25

I'm really struck by this notion of Jesus' brother. Just think about it. Growing up with Jesus. Having him beat you at some kind of ancient Jewish kid's game -- kick ball or Yahtzee (that sounds sort of Jesus and ancient and like casting lots). I bet Jesus won all the time and when you did beat him you were always wondering if He let you win. It blows my mind away when I think of it in real terms and not just as a story in the Bible. Someone actually being a brother to the son of God. There'd be resentment, too. Jesus always doing things perfect. Your mom, Mary, telling you to be more like your brother, Jesus. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.

And then it hits me. We are His brother.

I know scholars have difficulty determining just who wrote the book of James. But I believe it was Christ's brother because of the language. James just sounds like Jesus. So much of what you read here sounds like the Sermon on the Mount. So much of the New Testament outside of the gospel are about doctrine and the church. James, like his brother Jesus, is more concerned about how we live.

Some really, really great stuff in this little book.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord...." [James 1:5-7]

This is why I think we see so few miracles today in America and in Middle Tennessee and the churches of Christ. We do not believe in them. We believe in miracles in the Bible and that God has the power to do miraculous things. But, even when we pray for someone to be healed, it is typically a prayer for the doctor's skill rather than God's miraculous healing. The exception to this seems to be when they are prayers for our loved ones. At any rate, I don't know why we think that God has gotten out of the miracle business. Because we don't see them? Because sometimes God's answer is "No" to our requests for miracles? I believe God can and does do whatever He wants. Without a doubt.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." [James 1:27]

Don't get me started. In brief: one of the only scriptural reasons for collecting money in my reading of the Bible.

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!" [James 2:12-13]

I try to be careful about judging someone else's religious beliefs and rejoice that they have them. I try to preach only Christ and let the rest of the world sort through the instrumental music/hair covering/drinking/divorce issues. I prefer in sermons we talk about what we do that isn't good rather than talk about what we've seen in other congregations. Why? Because I'm looking for a whole lot of mercy.

In Jude, I found the mention in the editor's notes that Jude includes references to "extrabiblical writings (the book of Enoch)" in his letter interesting. I've always wondered if we've got it all, all of what God intended to be in the Bible. And perhaps we had a book or two that He didn't intend to be there. I mean how many classes are taught from or sermons preached from the Song of Solomon?

December 19

2008-12-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

Second Letter to Timothy -- 2 Timothy 1:1-2; Exhortations to Timothy -- 2 Timothy 1:3-18, 2:1-26, 3:1-17, 4:1-8; Concluding Thoughts -- 4:9-22

"Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy." [2 Timothy 1:4]

"May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains." [2 Timothy 1:16]

This murderer of Christians now derives so much joy from his relationships with them. He places so much importance on people. He preaches love and avoiding "quarreling about words" and "godless chatter." How often do our "doctrinal discussions" become "quarreling about words"?

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." [2 Timothy 2:7]

Rightly or wrongly, this is how I've approached my reading of the Bible through the year. I've read, reflected and looked to the Lord for my insight. Yes, there is a place for teachers. I've spent a lifetime listening to them and still on every Sunday of my life. But how much time have I given the Lord to give me his sermon, his insight? Here is my resolution for the new year. Listen less to man and more to the Lord in 2009.

December 18

2008-12-17T03:50:00.001-08:00

Letter to Titus -- Titus 1:1-4; Concerning Church Leaders -- Titus 1:5-2:1; Teaching Various Groups -- Titus 2:2-15; The Christian Life -- Titus 3:1-11; Concluding Thoughts -- Titus 3:12-15

Along with more about avoiding "foolish controversies" and "arguments and quarrels about the law," which echoes yesterday's reading, Paul talks about the real heart of doctrine -- how the gospel inspires us to do good. And it is this good that will do far more to convince people of Whose we are than all of the arguments over what we believe. You can argue with words and beliefs but you can't argue with service. Which is why most members of the Church of Christ have great admiration for Mother Teresa.

Writes Paul:

"I want you to stress these things [doing good], so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law because these are unprofitable and useless." [Titus 3:8-9]

Having said all of this about avoiding quarrels about the law that Paul picks a lawyer out to mention in this letter: "Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer..." [Titus 3:13]

December 17

2008-12-17T03:11:00.000-08:00

First Letter to Timothy -- 1 Timothy 1:1-2; Instructions for the Church -- 1 Timothy 1:3-20, 2:1-15, 3:1-16, 4:1-5; Instructions to Timothy -- 1 Timothy 4:6-16, 5:1-16; Concerning Elders -- 1 Timothy 5:17-22; Advice to Timothy -- 1 Timothy 5:23-25; Instructions to Slaves -- 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Concerning Mercenary Teachers -- 1 Timothy 6:3-19; Concluding Remarks -- 1 Timothy 6:20-21

There is a good deal of talk here about "meaningless talk," "interest in controversies," "quarreling about words," and "godless chatter." This theme can also be found in tomorrows reading of Paul's letter to Titus. It might be an apt criticism of this blog where I've highlighted stories and text that seems to fly in the face of the status quo. It is certainly not my intention. But it is a part of our tradition in the churches of Christ. What we honestly consider to be "rightly dividing the word of truth" and rejecting "false teaching" is often, in my estimation, "godless chatter" and "quarreling about words." We think the excellence of doctrine and ability to follow the letter of the law will save us. If we don't think this, well, we at least model in our actions this is what we believe.

But the real goal of sound doctrine is love. Or as Paul begins his letter to Timothy:

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work -- which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wondered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. they want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm." [1 Timothy 1:3-7]

Do they "not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm" because all of their facts are wrong? Or is it because there doctrine is a "clanging cymbal?" It does not first and foremost honor the command to "love?" Is their teaching and doctrine based on strictly "knowledge?" Or does it come "from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith?" I think we hold up substance too often in our doctrine without love. It's not what's written in the book that matters. It's what written on our heart.

December 16

2008-12-16T03:23:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Philippians -- Philippians 1:1-2; Reflections upon Imprisonment -- Philippians 1:3-26; Various Exhortations -- Philippians 1:27-30, 2:1-30, 3:1; Various Warnings -- Philippians 3:2-21, 4:1; Concluding Thoughts -- Philippians 4:2-23

Paul writes in this reading:

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ...." [Philippians 1:9-10]

Our knowledge and insight are to be based in love. The three are intimately wrapped up together. What would love combined with knowledge and insight mean for our thoughts and words on issues like divorce and homosexuality? The Bible speaks plainly on these issues but do we speak to issues or do we speak to people. I'm not saying that what we know about these issues is incorrect. But we must love first and foremost before anyone will ever care or ask out of genuine interest what our stand is. In advertising the first and foremost challenge is not communicating a message. The first and foremost challenge is breaking through all of the noise and getting people's attention. That's true of God and Christ. The first challenge is not preaching the message. It's getting people's attention. Hence miracles and selfless acts of service.

December 15

2008-12-14T05:03:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Ephesians -- Ephesians 1:1-2 -- Revelation of God's Mystery -- Ephesians 1:3-23, 2:1-22, 3:1-21; Exhortation Regarding the Church -- Ephesians 4:1-16; Exhortation Regarding Personal Righteousness -- Ephesians 4:17-32, 5:1-20; Exhortation Regarding Relationships -- Ephesians 5:21-33, 6:1-9; Exhortation Regarding Relationship with God -- Ephesians 6:10-24

Ah, Jesus is not a big church.

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." [Ephesians 3:17-19]

What surpasses knowledge? What is it that Paul prays for this congregation to have? Great programs? A great building? A great preacher and song leader and worship service?

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in a big church building, may have a powerful preacher, together with a large staff, that grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the sermon necessary to know the Truth that surpasses the Truth that the church down the street is preaching -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of self-satisfaction." Ah, but that's not what it says.

To quote the Beatles, "All we need is love, love. All we really need is love."

December 14

2008-12-14T04:21:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Colossians -- Colossians 1:1-14; The Preeminence of Christ -- Colossians 1:15-29, 2:1-15; Carnality and Spirituality -- Colossians 2:16-23, 3:1-17; Christlikeness in Relationships -- Colossians 3:18-4:1; Concluding Thoughts -- 4:2-18; Letter to Philemon -- Philemon 1:1-25

"Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her house." [Colossians 4:15]

"To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home." [Philemon 1:2]

A memory I hold dear is church at my Grandmother Hughes' house. I remember having church there and then after church the ladies gathering in the kitchen to make lunch. The whole congregation -- just a handful of people -- sat down together and eat a meal together. I only have a memory of going once but it is a powerful one. We should try that North Boulevard -- try dividing up the congregation and have church in various homes. Because there is something unique about having church at your home. Not just a service with your family, but having others there. It gives church less an air of intimacy, of being a part of our lives rather than a ritual that we go to a "church building" to perform. It makes church feel like we're part of an outpost of Christians rather than the establishment.

I think our massive church buildings and congregations have a tendency to insulate us from our personal relationship with God and the radical nature of Christianity. We come together in these huge programmed, churches that have such a staid feel.

December 13

2008-12-14T03:54:00.001-08:00

Voyage to Rome -- Acts 27:1-44, 28:1-15; House Arrest in Rome -- Acts 28:16-31

Paul's shipwreck on Malta commemorated with Malta stamp.

I guess they don't believe Paul when he says they'll be caught in a terrible storm, but they do put faith in what he tells them once the storm hits. We're that way with God. We don't always heed His warnings until we're suffering the consequences. Then we ask Him to save us.

And what faith in Paul it took to cut the ropes that held the lifeboats. It's counterintuitive in the middle of a storm to let go of the one thing that logically might save you, but they do. The centurion has his soldiers cut them to keep everyone on board. They can only be saved together. Paul says, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved." [Acts:27:30-32]

Is this only because of the practical reason they need the crew to sail the ship? Or is it because God wants us to work together to be saved? They also one by one rid themselves of the things that the world holds dear in order to preserve their lives. They through overboard the cargo -- the wealth of the ship. It goes first. Because it's really the most unnecessary of the things we carry, isn't it. They've already cut the lifeboats free. Then they through overboard the life-sustaining grain or food. Now the anchors that keep them from dashing on the rocks. Then the rudder that steers them. They've given up all control over their direction.

Is this just a dramatic metaphor of the only way we can survive the storms of life?

December 12

2008-12-12T04:15:00.000-08:00

Paul Before Felix, Festus and Agrippa -- Acts 24:1-27, 25:1-27, 26:1-32

Paul before the rulers, witnessing to them as individuals and so, as we say, sowing the seeds of the kingdom. Surely he could see the Lord's hand. The irony of it all is expressed by Agrippa:

"Agrippa said to Festus, 'This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.'" [Acts 26:32]

Did Paul have an inkling of this? Was his appeal to Caesar spoken in a rash moment, in fear of his life, in desperate move that at first saved but later condemned? Did he ever realize he had sacrificed his freedom and eventually his life? What dark journey of the soul did he take before he was able to write to the Philippians -- "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ." [Philippians 1:12-13]

He will accomplish his heart's desire. He will go to Rome. How did he reconcile his prayer's answer? We know how he reconciles it in his writings. He is a step closer to heaven. But how did his heart come to this place of piece. I wonder. I would have rethought, regretted and, perhaps, even renounced God's love in this answer. How do I resolve to make His will, His gain enough?

December 11

2008-12-10T04:41:00.000-08:00

Acts continued -- Paul's Arrest and Trial -- Acts 21:17-40, 22:1-30, 23:1-35

Ironically, Paul who preached living quiet lives in peace generates a whole lot of emotion and violent outrage with his views. How much of an uproar and concern does his preaching produce? Consider the Roman guard that travels with him to Caesarea for his transfer to Governor Felix:

"Then he [a Roman commander] called two of his centurions and ordered them, 'Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.'" [Acts 23:23-24]

That's 470 men...just to protect 1 soldier of the cross.

December 10

2008-12-10T03:54:00.000-08:00

Acts continued -- Acts 20:3-38, 21:1-16

This pie chart is from urbanministry.org. I don't know how accurate the percentages are but it has been my personal experience that the overall spirit and direction this graph implies is accurate.

It's poignant. Paul knows through the Spirit of his impending imprisonment. It's ironic. He wants to go to Rome. He's told the Christians there that he wants the opportunity to see them. His imprisonment will be that opportunity. Great sacrifice is required to accomplish great things.

Passages I underlined:

"...We must help the weak remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" [Acts:20:35]

I wrestle with the subject of giving a good deal. The giving stressed and commanded in the Bible is largely for the weak, widows, orphans and aliens. What I struggle with is not giving so much as my responsibility in the stewardship of the resources I've been blessed with. How is the money I give used? How much am I responsible for how it is used? If I give 10 percent to a church that only uses 20 percent or less of those funds to take care of the needs the Bible truly outlines as worthy of giving is that a responsible use of my resources? Or is it better to ensure 80 percent or even 100 percent of the money goes directly to the need by giving to Christian orphanages and health organizations and relief? I know those organizations have infrastructure costs, too. But the percentages seem a whole lot better. Would the Church be a charity worthy of our investment if we really analyzed what percentage of our giving actually met the needs outlined in the Bible. I often cringe at the prayer before the offering when we mindlessly and ignorantly (innocently ignorant -- but that's my analysis and not necessarily the truth) imply through how the prayer is offered that the money will help those in need. Will it? And how much of it?

I find I give cheerfully if I give to those in need rather than have my resources applied to a church tax of overhead and infrastructure.

The Lord has a whole lot of real estate in Rutherford County...but is that what He wants?

Another passage:

"Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied." [Acts 21:8-9]

Wow, how progressive for a Church of Christ. Imagine.

December 9

2008-12-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Romans continued -- Christian Life and Conduct -- Romans 12:1-21, 13:1-14; Regarding Mutual Responsibility -- 14:1-23, 15:1-13; Closing Remarks -- 15:14-33, 16:1-27

Hmmmm, we are best to leave our thoughts on disputable issues between ourselves and God. The kingdom isn't about issues it's about righteousness, peace and joy. We don't need to let minor disputes and issues stand in the way between our brothers and God. I guess I'm lucky there's not that many people logging into this blog.

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." [Romans 14:17-18]

"So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves." [Romans 14:22]

December 8

2008-12-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Romans -- Regarding the Jewish Experience -- Romans 9:1-33, 10:1-21, 11:1-36

There are some tough verses in this reading if you have questions regarding the God Sovereignty/our selection versus our free will/and the question of whether or not God love everyone...really. Verses like:

"...Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad -- in order that God's purpose in election bight stand: not by works but by Him who calls -- she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.' Just as it is written: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.'

What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses,

'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,

and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.'"

"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden." [Romans 9:10-18]

The reading of this entire section in the Bible did more from my understanding than anything before. It was hard to read this passage and then later read in this same book by this same author:

"...if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." [Romans 10:9]

"...the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" [Romans 10:12-13]

"And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again." [Romans 11:23]

Wait a minute...so what is it? Does God elect the saved or are those that believe and call on Him are saved?

For me, the lightbulb went off when I realized this book was written to try and reconcile Gentile and Jewish Christians by trying to explain that God has extended his salvation beyond the Israelites. They, the Jews, were His chosen people before. Now he choses all people. Salvation has been extended to the Gentiles. God, the scriptures seem to argue, can save who He wants to. So who does He want to save? Obviously, both Jews and Gentiles. But there is something required of us. Acknowledgement. Acceptance. That's why, Paul explains that even though the Jews were hardened and so rejected and the joy of Christ was then extended to the Gentiles, the Jews can still be recovered. That's why Paul still preaches to Jews as well as Gentiles:

"I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?" [Romans 11:13-15]

"For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that He may have mercy on them all." [Romans 11:32]

Yes, God loves all, wants all and sent his son for all.

December 7

2008-12-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

Letter of the Romans continued -- Righteousness of God -- Romans 3:21-31, 4:1-25, 5:1-21, 6:1-23; Freedom from the Law -- 7:1-25; Freedom from Death -- 8:1-39

I googled "God's love" and I got 3.4 million sites. I googled "Obama love" and the search came back with 137 million sites. Any questions?

I think of the sacrifice of Christ and it strikes me that we don't know the immense power of His sacrifice. But Paul tries to put into perspective for us. I fear we try to limit its limits and effect. It continues to amaze me and gives me hope for the breadth of those His salvation will reach.

"For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many." [Romans 5:15]

I pray always Heaven through wide your pearly gates.

I am confident that God's love is sufficient, that it will cover far more than we give it credit.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 8:38-39]

December 6

2008-12-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Letters to the Romans -- Romans 1:1-17; Judgement of God -- Romans 1:18-32, 2:1-29, 3:1-20

David Lipscomb College in 1979, the campus I remember.

It seems like the Church of Christ discovered Grace when I was growing up. When I went to Lipscomb, Dr. Harvey Floyd's class on Romans was what folks were oooohing and ahhhing about. It's funny, I just googled "Romans and Harvey Floyd" and a lot of interesting stuff popped up. Including this from an essay by Jay Guin entitled, Do We Preach 'Another Gospel'?:

I remember sitting in Bible class at David Lipscomb College. While I owe a lot to DLC, including meeting my wife, the fact is that most of the Bible classes were boring and badly taught -- little better than poorly taught Sunday School classes. But the class I was in was different. Dr. Harvey Floyd was teaching a class on Romans, and for the first time in my experience, a college Bible teacher was actually teaching on the college level.

Dr. Floyd was a brilliant man. Some of us spent weeks trying to find the same translation he was teaching from, only to learn that he taught straight from the Greek and translated as he went along.

That day's lesson was on grace. I knew what grace meant: "unmerited favor," and in more practical terms, that if I attained a certain level of holiness, God would make up the difference and treat me as perfect and so saved. But I could never figure out just what level I had to attain to earn God's grace. And I couldn't tell from reading the Scriptures why some doctrines, like instrumental music in worship, would damn you if you were wrong; while so many other doctrines, such as the indwelling of the Spirit, permitted differences of opinion.

That day Dr. Floyd explained that grace is a gift, not something you earn. And gifts are by very definition free (Rom. 7:23). They may have conditions attached, such as faith, but nothing of intrinsic merit, such as works, or else grace and salvation just wouldn't be gifts.

As he led the class through Romans 3 and 4, for the first time in my life I felt 100% ironclad, totally saved. I had been baptized when I was eight! And yet for over a dozen years had never felt saved! But I did that day. Indeed, it was the only day in my life when I felt like my feet didn't touch the ground. I felt as though physically lifted six inches off the ground -- as though the heaviest of all possible weights had been lifted off my shoulders."

- p. 15, Do We Preach "Another Gospel"? by Jay Guin [Here's a link to his blog, One in Jesus and a pdf of the entire essay, Do We Preach "Another Gospel"?]

No offense to Dr. Floyd or Jay Guin -- I enjoyed Harvey Floyd's teaching as well and I'm thankful we finally discovered grace -- it's just I'm always amazed how we land on a teaching and go off on it and celebrate it and pronounce it's singular truth and proudly congratulate ourselves for having recognized it. Grace has been there from the beginning. Other religious groups, other people have recognized this before us. The truth does not exist because we find it or because it's suddenly vogue. It is and always was and will be. I think love of doctrine is a problem. It is part of the Pharisee's dna. It creates pride in self for seeing and understanding. I'm talking about the love of doctrine. I'm glad, too, that Jay felt saved. But I'm not sure his teaching is any more advanced than those Lipscomb Bible classes he criticized as "boring and badly taught -- little better than poorly taught Sunday School classes." I cringed when I read that. Jay, someone could be reading your teaching and thinking the same thing. Sometimes I think we've traded in works for I.Q. Jay's attitude about those teachers says more about his teaching than his well-worded arguments. And I know and confess my own sin of pride and that what I've said about Jay could be said about me and my questioning in this blog.

It's not about doctrine. It's not even about the Bible or grace or works. It's about Christ and knowing and celebrating and telling the world about Him. All Paul does. All any scripture does is point us to the essential truth the "yes" of Christ. We have only to look to our hearts to find the heart of that message. It is that completely evident in my way of thinking. There is too much talk. Too much doctrine. Too little Christ.

How much do we really need to know to know God? Paul writes that God is made plain to everyone.

"...Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

[Romans 1:19-20]

And then:

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)"

[Romans 2:13-15]

Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for scripture and God having made himself known and plain. I just grieve what we do with it. With knowledge and understanding and promoting our understanding to others. Instead of introducing them to Christ and let Him do the talking.

All I ever need to know is all around me and on my heart. Yes, scripture helps me to see, but it's not the thing I am to see.

December 5

2008-12-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians continued -- Defense of Paul's Apostleship -- 2 Corinthians 10:1-18, 11:1-33, 12:1-21, 13:1-14; Acts 20:2-3

I found this icon when I googled "Super Apostles." It was linked to a Super Apostle Detector. Some fun. Knock yourself out.

Nowadays, Paul is just an accepted, even revered, apostle and major contributor to the cannon. It's hard to imagine how controversial he must have been in his day -- a killer of Christians now proclaimed to be an Apostle. The first century was far from perfect. How long did perfection on Earth and in the church last? There never was a perfect moment -- Christ's followers doubted till the end and then even at the beginning with Christ raised.

There will always be human imperfection in the church, in marriage and in life. Acknowledging the imperfection can transform church, marriage and self.

So Paul feels obligated to spend several chapters defending himself from the "Super Apostles." How did that make him feel? But even as he defends, he leaves us with words that centuries later we find comfort in:

"...There was give me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. [ah, my earlier question is answered. There is perfection in this weakness. The weakness of the church is not exclusive of its perfection. It is part of it.]"

[2 Corinthians 12:8-9]

For all of the humbling and sorrowful moments he experienced on this earth, I'm confident that Paul has seen more than recompense in heaven and with his Lord.

December 4

2008-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Second Letter to the Corinthians -- 2 Corinthians 1:1-24, 2:1-13; Regarding Paul's Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, 3:1-18, 4:1-18, 5:1-21, 6:1-18, 7:1-16, 8:1-24, 9:1-15

Cliche, I know, but how can you mention God and poetry and not show a tree? And look closely at this tree. I think God has a wonderful sense of humor. I hear Him when He makes a tree like this...by accident.

I was reading poetry in the bathtub. I think it was Mariana's grandmother, Molly, one of those southern ladies who as she aged lost the gentility assigned to the region of her birth and spoke her mind, who said that one shouldn't ever talk about bathing or showering because it inspires unbecoming pictures in the mind. Thank you, Molly.

I was relaxing, reading poetry. A popular poet -- which to some is mutually exclusive words -- named Billy Collins. Reading good poetry makes me feel good. Something about how it does put pictures in my mind and in the painting of those pictures let's me see meaning vivid detail. Here's a poem I like by Collins. Reminds me of my English teaching days at Lipscomb High:

Introduction to Poetry

By Billy Collins

I ask them to take a poem

and hold it up to the light

like a color slide

or press an ear against its hive.

I say drop a mouse into a poem

and watch him probe his way out,

or walk inside the poem's room

and feel the walls for a light switch.

I want them to waterski

across the surface of a poem

waving at the author's name on the shore.

But all they want to do

is tie the poem to a chair with rope

and torture a confession out of it.

They begin beating it with a hose

to find out what it really means.

I was reading poetry just before I picked up The Daily Bible to read today's reading. Maybe it's like how eating one food will change the taste of the next thing you put into your mouth -- never eat onion before drinking milk -- so reading poetry seemed to change the taste of Paul's letter in my mind. And I heard Paul's poetry this time. I know this isn't a big revelation that there's poetry in Paul's writing. Just something that piqued my interest today. I've never been a big fan of Paul's. He's so passionate, so sure, telling people whether or not to get married and how to cut their hair. Maybe a big braggadocios though they say it's not bragging if it's true. But Paul the poet I find I like.

He who has ears to hear, listen to the many small poems in today's reading [the line breaks are mine]:

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ.

And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God."

[2 Corinthians 1:20]

"But we have this treasure in jars of clap

to show that this all-surpassing power is

from God and not from us.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not in despair;

persecuted, but not abandoned;

struck down, but not destroyed."

[2 Corinthians 4:7-9]

"Therefore we do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

Yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."

[2 Corinthians 4:16]

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed,

we have a building from God,

an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."

[2 Corinthians 5:1]

"...through glory and dishonor,

bad report and good report,

genuine, yet regarded as imposters;

known, yet regarded as unknown;

dying and yet we live on;

beaten, and yet not killed;

sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;

poor, yet making many rich;

having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

[2 Corinthians 6:8-10]

December 3

2008-12-03T04:35:00.000-08:00

Regarding the Resurrection -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; Closing Personal Thoughts -- 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Acts 19:23-41, 20:1

Ok, I promise, I'm not going to touch baptism for the dead [1 Corinthians 15:29] or Paul's assertion that Peter was first to see Christ after his resurrection [1 Corinthians 15:5]. I had my fill of controversy yesterday.

What caught my eye and ear in this reading was:

"But some may ask, 'How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?' How foolish! When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as He has determined, and to each kind of He gives its own body." [1 Corinthians 15:35-38]

We are just seeds of ourselves. I wonder what we will grow in to? So our life -- like the life of a plant before it seeds -- is to store up what we will need in the next life. And what is it we are here to store up? What is it we have here that we will need to blossom in our next life? Knowledge of God? Or experience with God? I wonder. And I laugh. As I age, at various points, I can't help but think my life is drawing to a close. But, I'm wrong.

I'm just going to seed.

December 2

2008-12-03T03:40:00.000-08:00

Regarding Body Unity and Fellowship -- 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Regarding Spiritual Gifts -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 13:1-13, 14:1-40

Well, I guess there are some people who don't realize this speaking in tongues thing is pretty controversial. They wear their belief on their shirt sleeves. Well, to be accurate, they wear it on their t-shirted chests. These and other tongue-inspired tees are available at HolyGhostTees.com. The tees are a steal at $37 a shirt plus $8.95 shipping and handling. I think the price says it all.

Ok, I'm going to avoid the whole spiritual gift thing. Although when I read:

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." [1 Corinthians 14:1]

"Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers;" [1 Corinthians 14:22]

"When you come together everyone has a hymn or a world of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." [1 Corinthians 14:26]

"Therefore, my brothers be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues." [1 Corinthians 14:39]

What am I suppose to think? Of course in my conservative fellowship, the argument has always been something like: Paul is speaking specifically to the Corinthians in their day. The age of miraculous gifts has passed. It ended with the laying on of hands by the Apostles.

I believe God can do anything He wants to do when He wants to do it. He can say everyone will surely die and then Enoch and Elijah don't. He can set the sun and moon in motion and then stop them.

Has the age for miracles ceased or are we a town or a time or a people that Jesus couldn't perform miracles in because of our lack of faith? [Mark 6:4-6]

But I'm not going to speak about any of this.

What I wanted to point out is the image of the first century church. The teaching and/or preaching seems to be more of a dialogue instead of our monologue. "Two or three prophets should speak and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." [1 Corinthians 14: ]

I like that. I want to go to a service like that. Of course, with our hypersensitivity to order and control, we'd think even the above situation with multiple speakers and people rising from the audience to give a revelation would constitute disorder. We need more dialog in the church and less monolog and pronouncement. I always enjoy it when a minister gets up after a minister and lets the congregation know what a powerful service it's been. It's like the Florida Chamber of Commerce telling you it's sunny outside. Dialog. Dialog. Then elders and ministers would know exactly where the church is at instead of being content that the "core" "gets it." Maybe I should have focused on spiritual gifts instead.

Sorry. That's just my read. At any rate, when all is said and done, as today's reading of the 13th chapter points out, the only important thing is love. Surely we can agree on that.

December 1

2008-11-30T18:12:00.000-08:00

Regarding Immorality -- 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 6:1-20; Regarding Marriage and Singleness -- 1 Corinthians 7:1-40; Regarding Mutual Submission -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, 9:1-27; 1 Corinthians 10:1-33, 11:1; Regarding Role Distinctions -- 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

"Do you not know that we will judge the angels?" [1 Corinthians 6:3]

Whoa, there. Is this a bit of well-placed Pauline hyperbole? Me judge an angel? I just want to see one. And is that angels both good and fallen angels? Are we going to get a quick peek at history and how both the angels of the Lord and the angels of Satan intervened? But now instead of going about their work unnoticed by the bulk of us, we see what really happened and judge. Or is just the good guys and we're just judging as in rating them like Dancing with the Stars? I'd be happy turning my "judge" role over to the Lord. I just want to see them. Get them to autograph something -- a judgement day game program, an angel trading card or maybe my heart. I want to see angels. See if the artist got it right. Sometimes when I read these descriptions of angels with multiple wings it sounds more insect than bird like.

Now none of that may be intellectual sound. But this book is more about heart than head. And at the heart of this readings practical suggestions and admonitions is, well, the heart.

And so Paul writes:

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." [1 Corinthians 8:1]

"The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But he man who loves God is known by God." [1 Corinthians 8:2-3]

"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge of eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge." [1 Corinthians 8:9-11]

In God's great celestial card game, love seems to trump knowledge every time. I know, I know, I'm still on my anti-scholar bias here. But I believe in God's view, love is knowledge. Love is the knowledge of God.

November 30

2008-11-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

First Letter to the Corinthians [Or should we call it the First Recorded Letter to the Corinthians?] -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-31, 2:1-16, 3:1-23, 4:1-21

I really, really, really like 1 Corinthians. Ok, I admit it. It speaks to a bias I have. I am decidedly anti-scholar, anti-intellectual and anti-the-mind-is-the-seat-of-the soul [Oh, we say we know that but have you ever looked at our approach to Jesus and God's word? It seems to be all about what you know, not who you know.] I do not equate I.Q. with inspiration or scholarship with discipleship.

Paul, who given his pedigree could have argued his own learning and intellectual status, turns away from it to write in today's reading:

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel -- not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." [1 Corinthians 1:17]

"Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world. For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." [1 Corinthians 1:20-21]

Paul lumps the wisdom of the religious leaders of his day into this catch-all "wisdom of the world" because in the next sentence he will decry both Jew and Greek. I think we place too much emphasis on scholarship instead of the leading of the Spirit and God's wisdom. This emphasis on scholarship tends to drive us to a rage for correctness that our fellowship has long been noted for.

Simple lives of love and service are the greatest of sermons and express the true knowledge of Christ and His Kingdom.

Paul points out to the Corinthians: "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." [1 Corinthians 1:26-27]

I don't know if we hold the same beliefs.

Even of his learned self, Paul writes. "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." [1 Corinthians 2:2-5]

I like it. I believe you can read the Bible and it will speak to you in this day and time where you are. Yes, you can learn the Greek and Hebrew and that will bring you closer to the precise meaning of the words. Nothing wrong with that. But you can know Jesus without knowing Greek and Hebrew. They are still translations of God's words. God's word, His son is the original text that we follow.

As Paul writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." [1 Corinthians 4:20]

November 29

2008-11-29T03:57:00.000-08:00

Second Letter to the Thessalonians -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, 2:1-17, 3:1-18; Acts 18:12-22; Third Missionary Journey -- Acts 18:23-28, 19:1-22

There are some verses in 2 Thessalonians that might make one believe that God choses or selects us. A congregation we once attended preached God's Sovereignty to the point and extent that man can do absolutely nothing that God selects us for salvation. Because of their zealous excitement over discovering a "new" truth in the scripture, they even taught this doctrine to the young people of the congregation. One of my children was among them. That child's innocent and believing heart, so wanting to accept what the elders and teachers presented to them, made my precious child miserable because of two concerns that nagged at their soul: 1. Had God selected them? 2. What about others? Is there nothing they could do? Didn't God love everyone? I don't think my child has ever entirely recovered from this teaching. Should my child fall because of this teaching, I plan to hand out some millstones.

I think my child's reaction and questions are the best proof and evidence against this teaching. It goes against the essential fact at the heart of all scripture -- God is love and He sent His son for the whole world. I know the Sovereign faction has their way of refuting this. That we don't and can't understand the wisdom of God and God's love and that He sent his son for the whole world that He selected. Somehow, I laugh, they understand the wisdom of God that man can't understand. There was always a conceit to their teaching. It wasn't love.

But I rest secure in one thing -- God's love. As does the whole world, whether they know it or not. They rest in God's love. And in land's where people are starving and don't have all of the "blessings" we have and seem closer to God, perhaps its because of their faith and the fact they have too little time to think too much.

I pray for my child. I pray for those who teach our children.

Speaking of wild teachings, we have the introduction of the prayer cloth in Acts 19. "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were take to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them." Thus, the prayer cloth. I have a feeling Paul didn't charge for his. Some how these "free gifts" always come tied to a "free will offering." And so it goes.

November 28

2008-11-26T21:22:00.000-08:00

First Letter to the Thessalonians -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, 2:1-20, 3:1-13, 4:1-18, 5:1-28

Test everything. [1 Thessalonians 5:21]

Ok, good.

November 27 -- Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Second Missionary Journey -- Acts 15:36-41, 16:1-40, 17:1-34, 18:1-11

Again, some humanity shows through here. Paul and Barnabas argue and separate. Paul has Timothy circumcised "because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all know that his father was a Greek." Wait a minute, Paul, in yesterday's reading you said, "I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law." [Galatians 5:2] And then, again, "Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ." [Galatians 6:12] Isn't Paul doing the very thing he said not to do? Am I missing something here?

I think on this day of thanksgiving we need to be thankful that God is forgiving.

November 26

2008-11-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

Letter to the Galatians -- Galatians 1:1-24, 2:1-21, 3:1-29, 4:1-31, 5:1-26, 6:1-18

This is the book where our minister John Risse gets his phrase "the right hand of fellowship." [Galatians 2:9] Of course, he uses it as a euphemism for smacking someone who needs smacking.

I like it that all James, Peter and John, the pillars of the church, ask Paul to do is "remember the poor." [Galatians 2:10] Service to the poor, not building buildings and setting up programs, seems central to the gospel. The other things we do should be a tool to service. Too often, I think we do things that make us more comfortable. All it takes to serve is willingness and time. they are tools to make us comfortable. If the age of miracles has past so has the age of buildings and tabernacles for God's glory. He sent His son for His glory and His disciples met from house to house. In the end, I think we do what we want to do, what culture encourages us to do, and God forgives us.

A lot of the human character of the apostles exhibited here. They didn't become perfect on the Day of Pentecost. Their examples aren't without fault. In this reading, Paul rebukes Peter from drawing back from the uncircumcised for fear of those Jewish Christians who thought the Gentiles should be circumcised. Then Paul writes a sarcastic, brutal little remark that makes me laugh and consider whether this crass comment is divinely inspired. Of those who want the Gentiles to be circumcised, Paul writes "As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves." [Galatians 5:12] Ah, Paul, can you tell us how you really feel?

I must watch my own sarcasm and criticism of the congregation I'm apart of -- never mind that a preacher mentioned twice in derision in his last sermon people setting in front of their 48-inch flat screen televisions -- this in a church populated with various flat screen televisions throughout the building -- there I go again. I must watch my critical eye because Paul lists dissensions in a list of acts of the sinful nature that also includes sexual immorality, idolatry and witchcraft. [Galatians 5:19-21] And so it goes.

November 25

2008-11-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

First Missionary Journey -- Acts 13:1-52, 14:1-28; The Jerusalem Conference -- Acts 15:1-35

Ok, so this doesn't have anything to do with today's reading, but you don't get anything really useful when you google "Christian Pharisee." It just comes out being Pharisee. Hmmm, makes sense really.

In Antioch in the region of Pisidian, the Gentiles seem to receive the good news better than the Jews. It's almost an inherent truth in life that the outsider is more open than those closer to a thing. So it is true here.

In Jerusalem, the question is decide whether the Gentile Jews need to be circumcised and follow the law. Note that it is some of the Pharisee believers that push this requirement:

"Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, 'The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.'" [Acts 15:5]

"Believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees" -- we don't become Christians without some baggage. And the Pharisees bring to their Christianity a bit of their law-conscious rage for correctness. It seems religion has always been plagued by a rage for correctness which I don't think should be confused by a rage for God-likeness or closeness to God.

November 24

2008-11-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

First Gentile Converts -- Acts 9:32-43, 10:1-48, 11:1-30; Persecution by Herod Agrippa I -- Acts 12:1-25

God, you gotta love Him. So the first gentile he picks isn't just a Gentile, it's a Roman soldier, a centurion. Just goes to show -- no matter who you are -- if you keep following after God, you'll find Him. Or, better put, He'll reveal Himself to you. God, as the Jews would see it, goes plainly against His law by reaching out to the Gentiles. But He had said that Abraham's seed would be a blessing to all nations. Not only does Jesus not set up a military rule -- He reaches out through Peter to the military rulers of the day. Of course, the church questions this. Peter answers and the question is put to rest. It's not bad to have questions, but you must be willing to listen to the answers. Sometimes we question not for answers but simply to question. I admit I'm too often a victim of this in my nature.

Peter at the door is a funny story to me. Ok, James, the brother of John, has been killed by Herod. Peter is in prison and awaits his death. The believers are at the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, praying. Peter knocks and the servant girl recognizes his voice but doesn't open the door, just goes running back to the people. They don't believe he's there. He has to keep pounding on the door. Just funny they've been praying for his release and don't believe there prayers have been answered. A little like when we pray for healing and don't really believe God heals people...[or only through the skill of the doctor, many just pray that God will "help" or "be with" the doctor.]

I believe God can and will do it anyway He wants to! And often, He prefers to be the exception rather than the rule.

November 23

2008-11-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Persecution and Preaching -- Acts 8:1-40; Conversion of Saul -- Acts 9:1-31

Once again, God does not color inside the lines. He seems always to be the exception and not just the rule. How else could we marvel at His exceptionalness? So the promise was to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, right? Well, why do the Samaritans not receive the Holy Spirit when they're baptized? It requires Peter and John to leave Jerusalem and go to them and lay hands on them to receive the Spirit. Why? Was it more for the benefit of Peter and John than the Samaritans? Did they have to actually see them receive the Spirit since they weren't pure Jews? And why is it that we read so much now about Philip and Saul and Ananias and not the apostles doing the amazing stuff? The leadership of the church has so quickly moved beyond the apostles. The other example of God coloring outside of the lines is Saul. Ok, now we're going to 13 apostles rather than the prescribed 12. Why? Why couldn't Saul be like Philip and preach and be a disciple? Why does Paul have to be an apostle? An as an apostle, he is definitely an exception. He didn't follow Christ in life. Christ revealed himself to him. God does things His way. And there's not nearly the nice little tidy pattern that makes us so comfortable. God's way is exceptional.

November 22

2008-11-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Martyrdom of Stephen -- Acts 6:8-15, 7:1-60, 8:1

Religious hatred and the cruel will of a crowd continue even to our day. These pictures are from 2007 when a girl was killed in Iraq for dating a Sunni boy. I could have illustrated today's reading with an artist illustration or Lego depiction of Stephen's death. But this far better communicates the true honor and makes more remarkable Stephen's desire that the crowd be forgiven. Forgive us, Lord, that the killing of innocents continues.

The death of Stephen and the introduction to Saul. Stephen, like Peter and John, convicts the Jews of Jesus' death. Why was it Stephen's time to die? Did his testimony and death plant a seed in the heart of Saul? It is impossible to read the mind of God, to know the whys of life and death. Stephen sees the glory of God and Jesus just before he dies. And, like Christ, he asks for the forgiveness of those who slay him.

I want to see the glory of God. I want to see Christ. Before I die.

November 21

2008-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Growth of the Early Church -- Acts 3:1-26, 4:1-37, 5:1-42, 6:1-7

Ok, so I Google Image-ed "God's Word"and this is one of the images that came up. Really, it's not just for Skid. I guess it's because the word is God's sword. And wouldn't God's sword be a light saber?

I'm not a scholar or even a really deep thinker or a reader of Hebrew and/or Greek. I can't tell you how the original language of the verse gives you deeper, richer meaning. So if you're looking for that, you won't find it here. Not that I downplay any of those things. It's just not me. I am just a reader and a writer. And I believe the scripture speaks to all ages, all people of all languages. That what you really need, you'll find here without benefit of the wisdom of man. That knowing God isn't a matter of I.Q. or reading ability. It's a matter of the heart. I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and convict us. I believe in miracles. I'll warn you. I tend to see the miraculous in everything. And the few miracles I've been apart of I can't prove beyond a shadow of a doubt. But if doubt didn't maintain its shadow, there would be no faith.

So what you have here is not my studied interpretation of the scriptures. Just my take as a person reading the Bible through in 2008 for the first time.

Here's a verse in today's reading that put to mind all that I've said in my opening above.

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

[Acts 4:13]

At the end of the day, I don't care how great a scholar or thinker people might think I am. I want them to note that I've been with Jesus.

In today's reading, I see men so changed by the power of Christ's resurrection that they can't contain themselves. Peter and John's preaching comes from the overflow of a joy that I want to know. They are still basking in the glow of the wonder of it all, 40 days with the risen Savior. They can't do anything but preach. And the rulers and elders and Sanhedrin can't stop them. They've barely begun and they already have a congregation bigger than ours at North Boulevard. And no worries about a church building. Ha, they live in a borrowed building.

"The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade." [Acts 5:12]

How do the religious leaders ignore these miracles? I know they're afraid of this movement and trying to stop it. But do they really want to plot the deaths of the apostles? The crucifixion of Christ didn't turn out so well, did it?

But even with the apostles leading and miracles and signs being done, there is still disagreement in the church. And, instead of being ignored, it is embraced and dealt with. The Grecian Jews felt their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. From it's very first days, service was at the heart of the church.

November 20

2008-11-21T18:11:00.001-08:00

Christ's Church and the Apostles (Ca. A.D. 30-100) Acts of the Apostles -- Acts 1:1-5; Power of the Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-47

So why is Luke the only one writing now? Why four gospels but only one Acts?

I like the simplicity of activity among the earliest believers as recorded in Acts:

FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. [Acts 2:42-47]

Teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, sacrificing to help one another, doing amazing things, eating together, praising God and so inspiring other people. That's it? That's all we really need to do. I'll go first.

November 19

2008-11-21T04:54:00.000-08:00

Jesus' Resurrection and Appearances -- Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-44; John 20:1-29, 21:1-24; Final Instructions and Ascension -- Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:45-53; Acts 1:6-26; Conclusion to the Gospel Accounts -- John 20:30-31, 21:25

Don't recognize this guy? Hey, it's Matthias.

In contrast to His trial, crucifixion and death, there are some light, heartwarming moments during His appearances among His followers. I think Jesus is having fun now. And, because of Him, shouldn't we all?

Here are some of the moments that I think are fun. It is powerful that the women are the first to see Him risen. There is Peter and John's foot race to the tomb [won by John as he points out]. Jesus walking on the road to Emmaus with Cleopas and another -- so he appears to women and non-apostles first -- and they don't even know who He is until He breaks the bread [flashback to the Lord's supper]. He appears to Peter alone apparently and there is no descriptive record of that meeting...but you wonder if it was a private moment where Peter confessed his sorrow and over the denial and asked for forgiveness? What would have been Peter's first words to Christ alone? Then His appearances to the whole group -- and His moment with Thomas. Then, by the Sea of Tiberias in a sort of a reenactment of the scene when Christ called them years ago to be fishers of men, He tells them to cast their nets on the other side while they are fishing. There are so many fish they can't haul in their nets and Peter knows, "It is the Lord!" Then Jesus has a breakfast of fish cooked over a fire on the shore...what an intimate moment captured with the Christ. Then there is the ascension before many.

Jesus didn't just appear briefly or for a day and then head off to heaven. He appeared over a long period of time -- 40 days -- to different people in different situations -- walking, eating, fishing, locked in a room. He spent time with them. Again, there is not enough detail revealed for my liking. I want to know every, every minute what happened and what people thought when Christ was there. John anticipates me and says the world couldn't contain that book. Yeah, but a few more details would have been nice. I am jealous of those who saw Him and had the faith to follow Him.

Speaking of those who witnessed and followed, what about the selection of Matthias? Why was it so important to have 12 apostles? Just to fulfill prophesy or keep up the symbolism -- 12 tribes, 12 apostles? Was there any more practical reason? Because there were witnesses beyond the 12. So what happened to Joseph-Barsabbas-Justus who wasn't selected and what happened to Matthias who was? How would the Gospel of Justus or Matthias read?

November 18

2008-11-21T04:02:00.000-08:00

The Crucifixion of Jesus -- Matthew 27:33-56; Mark 15:23-41; Luke 23:32-49; John 19:18-37; The Burial of Jesus -- Matthew 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42

This is an image from the Philippines where on Good Friday they issue health warnings for people who will be reenacting the crucifixion by having themselves nailed to a cross. This is no joke. Really, no joke at all. Note: On Google Images, if you search the crucifixion there are 277,000 images but if you search Super Bowl, you get 3,050,000 images.

This is it? I've read thousands of pages leading up to this moment in history only to find little more than 3 pages on his death and burial and tomorrow 6 pages on his resurrection and appearances as the risen Christ? I ache for more detail. I read the Old Testament anticipating the New and this moment. And it's over. Now there will be hundreds of pages helping us to understand the implications of His life, death and resurrection. But the moment itself passes so quickly. James Joyce's Uylsses follows one day in the life of Buck Mulligan and it's over 700 pages, depending on the edition. This day in the life of the savior of the world deserves more than a few pages. They were there. They saw it. Why couldn't they give us more? Why so little? But then, as few pages as it is, how many of us have read the full account of his death? There is no Linus on a stage reading about the death, burial and resurrection of Christ for us like there is His birth. So it goes.

I am amazed how much this is the story of the other people than it is about Christ. Christ is at the focal point but the story is filled with people and it is there presence at the cross that, for me, keeps the fantastic, human. How else could we really fathom the death and resurrection of the Son of the Creator without people to anchor us and give us a point of reference. And there are so many people and so many points of reference. There is Pilate and the chief priests arguing over the inscription fastened to the cross. Soldiers crucifying Him and gambling for His garments, piercing His side, announcing that truly this was God's son, guarding the tomb and being paid to lie about His resurrection. The crowd mocking, always there mocking. The two thieves talking with Him -- one rejecting and one accepting. The women who were always there -- His mother, His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene -- at the foot of the cross. John, calling himself only "the disciple whom He [Jesus] loved," I'm not sure out of humility or our of pride, but he is given care of Jesus' mother. Joseph of Arimathea daring to ask for the body and then he and Nicodemus prepare and burying Christ. Why so much about the others and so little in comparison about Christ? Was it too terrible at the time? Did the writers and God avert their eyes? Did they look at the people around the cross rather than stare at the awful scene before them?

But what is here is like poetry, powerful in what goes unsaid, powerful in that a few words serve as many. Seven lines of poetry.

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.

Dear woman, here is your son. Here is your mother.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

I am thirsty.

It is finished.

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.

November 17

2008-11-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

Trial Before Pilate -- Matthew 27:2-32; Mark 15:1-22; Luke 23:1-31; John 18:28-40, 19:1-17

Pilate is looking for every excuse not to kill Christ. But he's not a strong leader. Pilate's wife even warns him about condemning Christ. She says she's suffered a dream about Christ. Interesting that Pilate's wife should have this kind of premonition. You have to wonder why her?

It's interesting to me too that Pilate tries to skirt the issue by sending Him to Herod and Herod sidesteps the whole deal by sending Him back to Pilate dressed in an elegant robe. And then this weird little piece of scripture -- "That day Herod and Pilate became friends -- before this they had been enemies." [Luke 23:11-12] Intriguing. What was their relationship based on? Did Pilate find Herod's dressing Christ in an elegant robe amusing? Does misery like company? Odd that their friendship should be marked by the moment that Jesus is tried.

November 16

2008-11-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Betrayal and Arrest -- Matthew 26:38-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:40-53; John 18:1-12; Trial Before Sanhedrin -- John 18:12-27; Matthew 26:57-75, 27:1-10; Mark 14:53-72, 15:1; Luke 22:54-71

The statue purportedly at the place where the cock crowed after Peter denied Christ.

There are so many stories going on here -- Jesus and Peter, how Peter deals with his denial of Christ and how Judas deals with his denial of Christ. The reaction of the Jewish religious leaders to their Messiah -- their Messiah.

We focus so much on Peter and his denial and watching Christ from afar. What about "another disciple"? "Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside." Who is this other disciple? John is writing this. Is it John? John stays with Jesus if he is the unnamed disciple. He doesn't flee.

The way this chronological reading puts things together it looks like Peter actually denied Christ six times and not just three. He denied Him twice as many times as Christ prophecied. I don't think this is a condemnation of Christ's ability to see the future. Instead, it is an insight into His grace and His desire not to destroy Peter.

The six denials don't seem to be six individual events and not just retellings by the other gospel writers. Let's look at them:

1. Peter is questioned by a girl at Annas' door and Peter says, "I am not [one of Christ's disciples].

2. Peter sets down at a fire in the courtyard at Caiaphas' house and a servant girl says he was with Christ. Peter says, "Woman I don't know him."

3. Then when Peter goes out Caiaphas' gate another girl said he was with Jesus, Peter says, "I don't know the man!"

4. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." And Peter says, "Man I am not!"

5. About an hour later, still at Caiaphas', people standing in the courtyard say to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away." And Peter calls down curses and swears, "I don't know the man!"

6. Finally, one of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenges Peter, saying, "Didn't I see you with Him in the olive grove?" And even to this man who is a specific witness to the truth, Peter replies, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!"

Six times and the cock crows. Peter leaves weeping. Judas when he realizes that Jesus will die, admits his sin and hangs himself. So who truly feels the weight of his sin? Is Peter the better for having been able to deal with his sin than Judas who can't handle the horror of his actions? What makes Peter's story different than Judas'? That Judas' story ends right there? That Peter lives to let repentance work in his life?

November 15

2008-11-18T04:43:00.000-08:00

Final Discourse -- John 15:1-27, 16:1-33, 17:1-26

The Mount of Olives from Mount Zion

Why is John the only one to record these teachings, these final words to His apostles?

What precious words as they walk together as they have walked together so many times with the Lord speaking and teaching and they not fully understanding and He knowing and loving them still. He has so much to say, so much comfort to give, so desperately wanting them to know that it must happen and that there will be good and joy come from this moment. What an intimate and powerful portrait of the last moments of God among us. A moment of love so soon to be interrupted by blood and hate and shame but ultimately victory. What did they remember and think on from this last walk before they hid in the shadows and watched Christ's walk to the cross? He walked to find and name them. He walked to teach them. He walked to the hill with the cross to save them.

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." [John 16:33]

Then Jesus prays for them and He prays specifically for me, that my following him will be further fulfillment of who He was and is. And so it is.

November 14

2008-11-18T04:12:00.000-08:00

The Upper Room -- Luke 22:14-39; Matthew 26:20-35; Mark 14:17-31; John 13:1-38, 14:1-31

The institution of the Lord's supper is such a brief passage, so quick and matter of fact. Did they realize the real significance? Did they focus or were they lost in their own thoughts and conversation around the table? This is not really Christ's last supper -- with this full assembled group, yes. But He will appear to some of them on the shore and eat fish with them after His resurrection.

With the washing of the apostles feet, Jesus again shows them the proper role of leaders rather than that modeled by the religious leaders of the day. Judas is there. He hasn't fled yet. What transpired between Christ and Judas as Christ humbles Himself to wash His betrayers feet? Did the intimacy fill Judas with shame or did it blind him with a rage that Christ could not be the messiah, the king that would free them militarily, if he took such a vulnerable and humble position?

And now, as the moment for our betrayal approaches, Christ gives us this new commandment: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." [John 13:34-35]

Simon is ready to lay down his life for Christ's. But what he is asked to do is live for Christ and that is far more difficult as Simon's denouncement will soon prove.

And then comes one of the most comforting verses in all the New Testament, a promise of a place and isn't that what we're all searching for in this world? A place and love. And here it is.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." [John 14:1-4]

What a powerful act of love -- the condemned is comforting those He leaves behind.

Before they go to the Mount of Olives, they sing a hymn together. I wonder what the words to that song were? What clues did it give? Wouldn't it be powerful to know that song? To sing the song that Christ sang?

November 13

2008-11-17T19:45:00.000-08:00

Final Week -- Tuesday Afternoon -- Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Mark 14:1-2, 10-11; Luke 22:1-6; Final Week -- Wednesday -- Luke 21:37-38, 22:7-13; John 12:37-50; Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16

What did Judas know? Did he know he was condemning Christ to death...or just arrest? Did he act on his own or did the devil enter and control him? Or had he given himself up to evil so completely that he already ceded his will?

Jesus prepares for His death...by teaching. Every day He is teaching in the Temple and every night he teaches on the Mount of Olives. And then there is this startling verse: "Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in Him." [John 12:37] They saw the signs and still didn't believe. We see the signs and still don't believe.

November 12

2008-11-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

Discourse of Future Events -- Matthew 24:1-51, 25:1-46; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36

Some say Christ's prophecies have been fulfilled. Others, that they have yet to be fulfilled. Hopefully the apostles he was talking to knew. I don't. I know only that he wanted us to be watchful and prepared for the end.

People look with scholarly interest to the earthquakes and wars and "the abomination that causes desolation" that some feel will herald the end of the age or earth. I'm more intrigued by this simple warning: "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." We live in an anxious age, a time when worries of global warming and the stock crisis might weigh us down and move us to find solace in escape. We need to look only to Him.

Jesus closes his warnings with the plea for service. No one can fault service. Even the non-Catholic admire Mother Teresa and well we should. The apostles have come to Christ wanting to know about the end of the age and perhaps His ascendency and He points them instead to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and the imprisoned and asks how have they served them? That's all we should concern ourselves with. Instead of our scholarly pursuits to answer the great questions, we should study how best to serve. [Matthew 25:31-46]

Which is the best testament to Christ -- our intimate knowledge of the word or putting it humbly in practice? Service presumes you know the word well enough that you embody it.

November 11

2008-11-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

Final Week -- Tuesday Morning -- Matthew 21:20-46, 22:1-46, 23:1-39; Mark 11:20-33, 12:1-44; Luke 20:1-28, 20:39-47

You can buy a widow's mite pendant today from the Jerusalem Gift Shop for only $27.95...or you can honor her spirit and teaching and give the money to God.

What do I think about the power of prayer? Really? When I pray for the sick, do I believe the Lord will heal them? Do I say the age of miracles has passed and then pray for healing? But Jesus says with prayer I can throw the mountain into the sea. [Matthew 21:21-22] My prayers aren't quite so bold. And, perhaps, that is the problem. As He prepares to leave, He arms them with prayer.

When Jesus tells the parable about the murderous tenants [Mark 12:1-9], the chief priests and Pharisees know He is talking about them. Are they amazed by His knowledge of their minds and hearts? No. They only plot the more to do away with Him. When confronted, do we acknowledge or try to silence that which contemns us?

Trap after trap they spring on Christ -- the chief priests, the elders, the Pharisees and even the Sadducees. Jesus condemns the religion of elitism, legalism, injustice, hypocrisy and persecution. And aren't these the natural traps that all religions organized and run by man falls into. They try to spring traps on Christ while they have already try fallen into the trap of religious power and stature and establishment. Jesus instead points to the humble, the lowly of title and place, those with little to give -- the widow and her last pennies given. Who are the Pharisees and Chief Priests in our midst and who are the widows offering their mite...or should it be widow's might?

November 10

2008-11-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Triumphant Entry -- Sunday -- John 12:12-16; Matthew 21:1-11, 17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; Final Week -- Monday -- Matthew 21:18-19, 12-16; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48; John 12:20-36

Some people see Jesus in this x-ray. It seems like we're looking for Him everywhere.

Jesus comes into Jerusalem. Can you imagine the irony He is feeling and how His knowledge must plague Him. Yet He does bristle and rail and fume and condemn. He is so popular the rulers fear. But on both Sunday and Monday, He escapes the city at night and returns to Bethany. It must have been a special place for Him with Mary and Martha and Lazarus there. There friendship was surely a source of strength as was His father in these last days.

It is all going so quickly now.

November 9

2008-11-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

The Final Journey -- Matthew 19:3-30, 20:17-28; Mark 10:2-45; Luke 18:15-34, 19:1-10; Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43, 19:11-28; John 11:55-57, 12:1-11; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9

Wow, the pressure and antagonism leading up to Christ's last week on earth are amazing. He has the religious leaders plotting against Him, trying to trip Him up and questioning him at every turn. At the same time, his closest apostles are arguing over who is the greatest among them. How refreshing Zacchaeus reaction to His teaching and Mary's loving outpouring of perfume must have been. Zacchaeus succeeds where the rich young ruler failed. He gives up his possessions to follow Christ. You wonder what all of these minor characters to the Christ story must have felt when they see Jesus murdered. You wonder about the rest of their stories.

Ahhhh, and here it is, I suggested it in my last commentary -- they do plot to kill Lazarus because he his living, breathing proof that Jesus is the Christ and has power over death. lol So what made them think if they murdered Lazarus that Jesus would let him stay dead? I'm sure the thought crossed their mind.

November 8

2008-11-08T05:40:00.000-08:00

Return to Judea to Raise Lazarus -- John 11:1-53

Jesus had friends. He had students and followers and people who hung around Him for what He could do for them. He had enemies and jealous peers and family and brothers and sisters. But He also had friends -- Lazarus, Mary and Martha. This is an amazing story because of the friendship it reveals and because of the emotion it reveals. Jesus weeps even though He knows the final outcome and that He has power over death. It is one of the most beautiful scenes in scripture. These friends mourning together while on the fringes a few Jews criticize that Jesus didn't get their earlier to heal Lazarus before he died.

What was Lazarus' life after this moment? Did anyone outside of his family have anything to do with him? Did they whisper behind his back? How long did he live? A long, long time so that everyone wondered if he would ever die? And what were the circumstances of his eventual death? Did they plot to kill him to alter what Christ had done. Maybe because Christ raised him he never died? It's just not recorded that like Enoch he was no more. He simply disappeared from this life. Maybe.

Can you imagine the moment that Lazarus stepped out of the tomb and fell into the arms of his friend, trailing the burial clothes? Can you imagine the fear, the thrill, the rejoicing. A peak perhaps of what we will experience on resurrection day.

Lazarus Lives!

November 7

2008-11-07T03:03:00.000-08:00

The Perean Ministry -- Luke 13:22-35, 14:1-35, 15:1-32, 16:1-31, 17:20-35, 37, 18:1-14, Matthew 20:1-16

Imagine Jesus coming to eat with you and He makes the whole meal an object lesson. He comments on the place of honor at the table and how you shouldn't seek the chief seat but humble yourself. I wonder how the guy in the place of honor felt? Then Jesus looks around at the guests and councils them that when they give a banquet they should invite the poor and crippled and blind and lame. I wonder if He ever got invited to that man's house again? Jesus' idea of propriety and decorum was/is different than ours. Reminds me a bit of Calvin's sermon at North Boulevard this past Sunday. You could be outraged and think Jesus' behavior is offensive while He thinks the real offense is how we throw parties and lavish blessing on our friends and family and those who don't truly need it while the poor go without. Which is the greater offense?

So many of the parables and lessons in this reading revolve around our use of resources. The Parable of the Banquet [Luke 14:25-33], Parable of the Lost Coin [Luke 15:8-10], Parable of the Lost Son or what we more commonly refer to as the Prodigal Son [Luke 15:11-32], Parable of the Dishonest Manager [Luke 16:1-13] a hard one for me to fathom, Rich Man and Lazarus [Luke 16:19-31], Vineyard Worker [Matthew 20:1-16].

Basically, money isn't the object. The heart is the thing of concern. We express our heart through our use of resources. A man might build a big house at God's expense just as a congregation might build a big church at God's expense. What if we were satisfied with a humble home and a small church that planted other churches as it grew?

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last?" [Matthew 20:16]

November 6

2008-11-06T03:43:00.000-08:00

Ministry from Galilee to Judea -- Matthew 19:1-2; Mark 10:1; Luke 9:51-56, 17:11-19, 10:1-42; Matthew 11:20-30; Luke 11:1-13 In Jerusalem for Feast of Dedication -- John 10:22-42

Find this Christian comic here.

One of my favorite stories is in this reading -- the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers and only one returning to thank him. I think gratitude and expression of gratitude are such an easy thing, such a powerful thing and yet so overlooked. I try to say thank you often. I want the people I work with to know me as person that thanked them.

November 5

2008-11-06T03:04:00.000-08:00

In Jerusalem for Feast of Tabernacles (continued) -- John 8:12-59, 9:1-41, 10:1-21

The Pharisees -- Muppet Style

The Pharisees continue to challenge Jesus again and again. How frustrating is that? He's come to save. He knows the price He will pay because He's already talking about it. I wonder at what moment specifically in His life did Jesus understand that saving the world would require a sacrifice and that sacrifice would be Him? Did He regret leaving? Had He grown so close to the people here -- to Peter, James and John, to Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene -- that He was sad to go? Did He fear the pain and the shame? I would like to know the heart and soul of Christ. I know -- that requires reading and prayer and serving, walking in His steps to know His heart. But in addition to that, I would like a vision and a voice. But wouldn't we all?

The essential story in this reading -- sad, funny and poignant -- is the story of the blind man healed by Christ. It seems unfeeling that instead of asking Christ to heal the man born blind they seem to clinically ask whose sin caused him to be blind -- his own or his parents? Are people just projects to Christians? They are people to Christ. Jesus says its not their sin, "this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." A hard teaching...but there are some challenges in our life that are there to point to God. So Jesus heals him.

The the fun begins.

The people can't believe it. They don't think it's the same man. The Pharisees question him and his parents. The parents are afraid of the Pharisees and their motives. The man is very, very cool. He's bold, sarcastic even funny with the religious leaders. I like this guy.

When they question him again, he says, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples, too?" [John 9:27]

lol I just love that. He throws them into a conniption fit. This lowly blind man against the establishment. And then what a testimony follow from this man blind from birth to the well-educated and powerful Pharisees who have lived with every advantage and, yet, who don't know where Christ comes from.

The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not fro God, he could do nothing." [John 9:30-33]

For his faith and boldness, this former blind man will see not only the truth but the Truth. Jesus will make another appearance to him and reveal to him who He truly is, let him see what the Pharisees are blind to see.

November 4

2008-11-04T04:39:00.000-08:00

In Jerusalem for Feast of the Tabernacles -- John 7:2-53, 8:1-11

Today is election day. I pray for the safety of our President and our country.

November 3

2008-11-04T03:57:00.000-08:00

Preparation of Apostles for the End -- Matthew 16:13-28, 17:1-27, 18:1-35; Mark 8:27-38, 9:1-50; Luke 9:18-50, 17:1-10

Jesus is never what we expect.

So much here. I'm sure the apostles heads are in a whirl. Jesus trying to explain His death and resurrection. The transfiguration on the mountain with the mysterious appearance of Moses and Elijah and the second pronouncement of God that Jesus is His son. Their attempts to heal a demon-possessed boy and failure because they don't believe. And the everyday sorts of surprises that living with Jesus just naturally crop up. Did they ever get used to Him knowing what they were thinking and saying? He answers the question about the Temple tax before Peter asks Him about it. He knows they've been arguing over who the greatest is and so He uses a child to explain. I don't think He picks a child because of their humility and innocence as many have suggested. I think He picks a child because they are insignificant and unimportant and overlooked. That would be consistent with the way Jesus did things. It would be surprising that He held something up someone non-important as important to Him.

But in all of this, the story that has always reached out to me is Jesus words on those outside the perceived chosen group -- the people driving out demons in Jesus name that John wants to put a stop too because "he was not one of us." [Mark 9:38-41] Lol. First of all, here's someone with enough faith -- a greater faith than the apostles -- because they had tried and failed to heal a demon-possessed boy and this person was succeeding. Christ views them as one of His. The way God views His people is different than how we view His people. He draws His circle of the saved differently than we would draw it.

Praise God that the decision is in His hands and not ours.

November 2

2008-11-02T21:05:00.000-08:00

Extensive Tour Throughout Galilee -- Matthew 15:21-39, 16:1-12; Mark 7:24-37, 8:1-26

Is there some irony here that Jesus asks the deaf mute He heals not to talk to anyone about what has happened? Surely He already knew they couldn't keep a secret. So why does He say it? Is it His human side trying to avoid the inevitable?

There's a lot of faith shown on the part of the people here. The woman who begs Jesus for the scraps from His table and the 4,000 who have been with Jesus for three days without benefit of food. Jesus show compassion and feeds them.

Then there's the curious story about the blind man who Jesus has to heel twice. Why does Jesus have to touch him twice? Why didn't He heal the man with one touch? Why did it require Him to touch him twice? Was it for the man's benefit? To give him time to acclimate? Did Jesus make a mistake the first time around? There's a lot of scholarly debate about what's going on or not going on here. Was it Christ's human side showing itself again?

I don't know. But I love the line:

...Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" He [the blind man] looked up and said, "I see people, they look like trees walking around." [Mark 8:23-24]

People looking like trees walking around. Love that image.

November 1

2008-11-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

Miracles and Multitudes -- Matthew 14:14-36, 15:1-20; Mark 6:34-56, 7:1-23; Luke 9:11-17; John 6:2-71, 7:1

There's a lot in this reading but I want to focus on just one miracle. One of the often-cited miracles in Jesus' ministry, a miracle that continues to captivate and intrigue us -- Jesus walking on the water. What was that like? Did his feet fall the waterline or step along the surface of the raging, hilly, storm-tossed sea? Jesus walks on the water for three or three and a half miles. Were His feet wet when He finally climbed into the boat? Wouldn't you like to walk on water? It was so amazing, so shocking, so other-worldly, that the apostles in the boat think He's a ghost.

You have to hand it to Peter, even though he eventually sinks and Jesus has to help Him back up, Peter shows incredible daring by stepping out of the boat in the first place.

October 31

2008-11-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

Sending Out Apostles -- Matthew 9:35-38, 10:1-42, 11:1, 14:1-13; Mark 6:6-33; Luke 9:1-11; John 6:1

Jesus sends his apostles out two by two without Him. I wonder what they thought about that? They came to follow Him and now He sends them away. And I wonder what the people thought about all of these others doing miracles, too? It couldn't have been commonplace for so much news traveling around about these men healing people.

And for a time, Jesus is on His own. Was He preparing the apostles for the time when He wouldn't be with them in the flesh? Just trying to getaway Himself? Or was it so that more people would be healed? Was it all out of compassion for the crowds? I wonder what sorts of miracles the apostles did? And what did they think when the power that was in Jesus was now in them? Is this, there ability to do miracles, why they'd later argue over who was the greatest? They reported what the did to Jesus but that's all that is revealed. We can only wonder.

October 30

2008-11-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

Performing Miracles -- Matthew 8:18-34, 9:18-34, 13:53-58; Luke 9:57-62, 8:22-56; Mark 4:35-41; 5:1-43; 6:1-6

After the slow plodding and genealogies and lists of tribes and numbering of people and the enumeration of laws in the Old Testament, the story of Jesus is a whirlwind of activity. Miracle after miracle and so many are probably not even recorded. From time to time, there is a verse that says that Jesus healed the sick that were brought to Him and you wonder how long the line was.

One of the miracles that has always intrigued me is the woman who reaches out and touches the hem of Jesus' garment and is healed.

She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getter better she grew worse. [Mark 5:26]

Sorry, doctors. But there's so much you don't know. The language of your profession is poignant. Medicine is a practice and we are described as patients. Perhaps because we deal with your practice with all patience.

But Jesus is different. Why does he note this woman's touch when He's in a crowd and obviously so many other people are touching him. Why is her touch different? Is it her desire? Is it her belief that after seeking so many cures she has finally found someone who can actually heal her? It's incredible that after spending so much time and money she still reaches out to Jesus. I admire her for her determination. It was just whose garment she touched. It was also about her and a heart that was touched by Jesus.

Jesus feels the power go out of Him. Was He genuinely startled to the feel the power flow out of Him undirected by himself? Perhaps Jesus can't help himself in the face of real faith and desire to come in contact with Him. In such instances, the power just naturally flows out of Him.

I can't but wonder, too, about all of the people who wanted to be healed, who wanted to touch and be touched by Jesus, but were unable to fight the crowds or travel to see Him or perhaps even to find him as He traveled from town to town and from side to side of the lake. Is our opportunity to find and be touched by Jesus in life just a matter of being in the right place at the right time? Or is there something more at work.

October 29

2008-11-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

Teaching Through Parables -- Matthew 13:10-52; Mark 4:10-34; Luke 8:9-18, 13:18-21

Jesus taught in stories. In fact, God's greatest teaching came in the form of His son who lived with us and became part of human history and story.

As a writer and creative director at a public relations and advertising firm, I appreciate the power of stories. In stories, we step outside of ourselves to see truths that might be to close to observe in our own lives. In stories, the emotion is engaged as well as the mind. In stories, we can paint a picture of things otherwise difficult to hold in the mind. And so, Jesus tries to explain the Kingdom of God by telling story of weeds and a mustard seed and a lighted lamp and yeast and hidden treasure.

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. [Mark 4:33-34]

Stories speak louder than statements. And so actions speak louder than words. From story, Jesus moves to miracles in the next reading.

October 28

2008-11-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

Luke 11:37-54, 12:1-59, 13:1-17

Jesus really doesn't like hypocrisy which appears to be an occupational hazard of religious leaders. We want to draw lines, pronounce judgements, have others live the way that we think is write and we're incapable of following the lines and judgements and way that we prescribe ourselves. And so we're hypocrites. We are better to point people to Jesus and let him lead then to stand between them and God. People aren't stupid and God doesn't hide himself from those who seek. Just point them to Jesus and let him sort out whether they need to wash their hands or if it's ok to heal on the Sabbath opt to worship with a guitar.

Lawyers get the shout out from Jesus in this reading, too.

"And to you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." [Luke 11:46]

Do we use our knowledge of God's word to do the same thing? Then we don't have knowledge of God's word, which isn't a book it's a person.

October 27

2008-10-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Ministry Continues -- Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-50; Matthew 11:2-19; Luke 8:1-3; Matthew 12:22-50; Mark 3:20-35; Luke 11:14-23, 11:29-32, 11:24-28, 8:19-21, 11:33-36

A drawing of Mary Magdalene rendered by Leonardo DaVinci

After the slow going of the Old Testament, everything seems to be moving so fast. It's like we were slowly walking through the Bible and now we're hurtling headlong to it's inevitable conclusion. Jesus' righteousness is just unfathomable and threatening and outright offensive to the religious people of His day. Are they really trying? In this reading, a Pharisee invites Him to his house. And Jesus openly tells him that the woman of questionable character that the Pharisee is uncomfortable with has done the right thing while the Pharisee has failed to.

The role of women in Jesus' ministry is touched on in this reading, too. We have Jesus defending the sinful woman at the Pharisee's house and we also have a note on the women who are supporting Jesus financially. This seems like this would have been controversial in His day. Herod's got to love the fact his own household is involved.

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Luke 8:1-3

October 26

2008-10-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Sermon on the Mount -- Matthew 5:1-48, 6:1-34, 7:1-29; Luke 6:20-49

So if God could pre-empt our favorite television show to say a few words, what would they be? If He could do a public service announcement, pen a rock opera, give a speech, write a letter, txt message 160 words from on high or preach a sermon, what would He say? He said it all in a word...the word. Sometimes the best form of communication isn't spoken. It's body language and just being there. God sent His son.

And most of His son's teaching, it seems, was delivered in small bites served up in poignant moments on the road, in a boat, along the way. You'd think God would have put together a slew of sermons, a series, a baker's dozen, at least. But all we have is this one and it's not even recorded in all four gospels. A sermon shorter than most delivered on Sundays. A meandering cavalcade of admonitions and advice, wisdom and warnings, poetry and promise, tips and wishes for our brightest future. Words on how to pray and how to live and how to stay married and how to be salt and light and life and how to ask, seek, knock and keep dust out of your eyes and how to take a punch and how to handle worry and what to consider a treasure. All of the stuff we really, really, really need. I am struck by how straightforward and honest it all is. And so were they, astonished by its authority.

If we were God is this what we would have said and how we would have said it? It's brevity, it's simplicity, its focus and subject are remarkable and surprising considering this is God's word to us.

It's interesting that on the same day our reading was the sermon on the mount our church had us go out into the community and minister to our neighbors as part of a program called W.A.T.S. -- We Are The Sermon. Jesus Is the Word and We Are The Sermon.

October 25

2008-10-26T11:02:00.001-07:00

The Rise of Opposition -- Matthew 9:9-17; Mark 2:13-22; Luke 5:27-28; John 5:1-3, 5:5-47; Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 2:23-28, 3:1-19; Luke 6:1-19

It is the religious who oppose Jesus. Jesus is called into question because He does good on the Sabbath. Legalism. We think God wants us to obey rules when what He wants is us to draw close to Him. And we argue rules among followers instead of coming together as followers in praise of the ruler.

One of the verses I find poignant is in this reading:

"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."

John 5:39-40

It's not about knowing scripture. It's about knowing Christ.

October 24

2008-10-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Beginning of the Great Galilean Ministry -- Matthew 4:12-22; Mark 1:14-28; Luke 4:14-30, 5:1-11, 4:31-37; Matthew 8:14-17, 4:23-25, 8:1-4, 9:1-8; Mark 1:29-45, 2:1-12; Luke 4:38-44, 5:12-26

There's a whole lot of miracles going on. Personally, I do not think the age of miracles has ceased...just our ability to believe. Certainly God can and does whatever He wants when He wants. In this reading, Jesus explains to Nazareth why they will not see Him do what they've heard happened in Capernaum. They think they "know" Jesus but they're not open to knowing the real Jesus. As Jesus explains, "No prophet is accepted in his hometown. " [Luke 4:24] And then He gives the examples of Elijah and Elisha who went away to perform their miracles. We think we know Jesus and God and their abilities. And so do they go elsewhere in this world to perform their miracles?

October 23

2008-10-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Early Work in Judea, Samaria, and Galilee -- John 1:35-51, 2:1-25, 3:1-36, 4:1-54; Luke 3:19-20

Bruce Marchiano's powerful portrayal of Christ as infectiously happy

I wonder why John is the only one to record this part of Jesus' life? Why did John think it so important and why did the others think that it wasn't? John includes this portion of Jesus life and leaves out so much that the other writers include.

Were the others embarrassed, as some of us now are, that the savior of the world's first recorded miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding feast at his mother's request? It seems a bit frivolous on the surface. It was the last bit of wine and as the master of the banquet remarks to the bridegroom: "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and the the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink...." [John 2:10] This remark suggests two things that we might not appreciate from our 21st century abstinence-minded and somewhat puritanical cultural bent. First of all, the wine of Jesus' day was intoxicating. Some have argued that the wine consumed was simply grape juice. Yes, I know there's too much in scripture to suggest otherwise. As Psalm 104, verses 14 and 15, proclaim: "He [God] makes... wine that gladdens the heart of man...." Then there is a fact that Jesus has made his wine at a point in the party when they'd had enough to drink that traditionally their senses were dulled. I'm not suggesting they were drunken, but they had enough to drink that they were feeling the effects. And it is at this point that Jesus makes His wine.

I think Jesus was more fun and cooler than we can possibly imagine or allow ourselves to think. And, if my view of the Christ is flawed, God forgive me. Someone once said to me when I brought this up that "Yeah, He made wine and like to hang around the beach." There is also that Toby Keith song, If I Was Jesus. Here are the lyrics:

If I was Jesus, I'd have some real long hair.

A robe and some sandals is exactly what I'd wear.

I'd be the guy at the party turnin' water to wine.

Yeah, me and my disciples, we'd have a real good time.

Oh and I'd lay my life down for you,

And I show you who's the boss.

I'd forgive you and adore you

While I was hangin' on your cross.

If I was Jesus.

I'd have some friends that were poor.

I'd run around with the wrong crowd. Man, I'd never be bored.

Then I'd heal me a blind man. Get myself crucified

By politicians and preachers, who got somethin' to hide.

Oh and I'd lay my life down for you,

And I show you who's the boss.

I'd forgive you and adore you

While I was hangin' on your cross.

If I was Jesus.

If I was Jesus, I'd come back from the dead,

And I'd walk on some water just to mess with your head.

I know your dark little secrets. I'd look you right in the face

And I'd tell you I love you with amazing grace.

Oh and I'd lay my life down for you,

And I'd show you who's the boss.

I'd forgive you and adore you

While I was hangin' on your cross.

If I was Jesus.

There was a reason some of the Jews thought Jesus and His disciples were drunkards and too fun-loving compared to the more sober John the Baptist in his camel hair clothes and locust-eating diet. [Matthew 11:18-19] Who are we?

I love Bruce Marchiano's interpretation of Christ as a laughing, joyous man of passion whose happiness was infectious in the movie, "The Gospel of Matthew." It's Jesus' happiness that so many critics have pointed out and what makes him the light of the world and what makes His eventual death far more emotionally tragic. As one reviewer has stated, "Jesus is portrayed by Bruce Marchiano as affectionate and joyful. As the actor himself has said, 'This is a Jesus who smiles, laughs and rolls up his sleeves to work and play with those he loves.' "

Here's a little sermon I found called, "The Party's at God's House." Cheers.