This past week was the Christmas Cantata at Salem. You know, for a small church we have big talent. Props to Bob M. for all his hard work and planning. But no sermon this week leaves me with no topic. As I write this I should be shopping, or baking, or wrapping, or something. Who has time the week before Christmas to sit and write? Well, OK, a writer does. But that group doesn't include me. So why am I spending my time on the computer?
I did something else completely indulgent this week. I started reading a new book - Aleph by Paulo Coehlo. In just the first few pages he struck a chord with this paragraph:
"In magic-and in life-there is only the present moment, the now. You can't measure time the way you measure the distance between two points. "Time" doesn't pass. We human beings have enormous difficulty in focusing on the present; we're always thinking about what we did, about how we could have done it better, about the consequences of our actions, and about why we didn't act as we should have. Or else we think about the future, about what we're going to do tomorrow, what precautions we should take, what dangers await us around the next corner, how to avoid what we don't want and how to get what we have always dreamed of."
It seems to me that was part of George's problem. He was always thinking about his lost plans, or the dark future, evaluating his level of success. He frequently missed the good that was right there in front of him. When he hit a crisis he had nothing to sustain him and get him through, his coping tank was empty. Clarence helped him refocus on all the good that he had, right there, in that very moment. He found his joy.
Just how does this tie in to Christmas, besides the busy part? Throughout all the
stories of Jesus and the disciples it seems Jesus was supremely present
in the moment of their experiences, while the disciples were worried
about something else - food, shelter, storm, impending arrest. I don't really see their worries as irrelative, in fact, I understand them pretty well. But, while the past informs the present and shapes the future, all we really have is right here, right now. The people, the humans, in the Christmas story were able to see that and live it out. Mary accepted the angel's proclamation so easily, Joseph trusted that taking Mary as his wife in her "condition" was the right thing to do, the shepherds left their flocks, the wise men traveled. They were all present, in the moment.
I confess, I am a bit of a Negative Nelly - just ask my family. Living in the here and now doesn't come easily to us (me). I'm not quite sure if it is the human condition or part of our cultural obsessions. The most probable answer is that it is some combination of factors, and I want to attribute that inability to something other than a character flaw. So, I am attempting - operative word attempting - to be present. That's why I am reading, writing, baking, visiting, and not really thinking about what I am going to do tomorrow. OK, I am thinking about it, but really trying to follow the example and be present in the moment. The jury is still out on how I'm doing, but I think it is a valuable exercise. If only Clarence could come help me get focused.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A Clarence Point of View
Here it is, Wednesday, and I am still trying to get words on the screen. I am really struggling with the messages lately and could use someone to help me discuss and process. There is so much competing for my attention right now. Do you feel it too? It doesn't take being in the midst of a crisis like George was with the bank to feel overwhelmed, despondent, lost, helpless and hopeless. If only there were some definitive, finite, subjective way to get it all under control. If I do this, this and this, then everything will be just fine.
That is what was happening in the scripture this week - Phillipians 3:7-14. Paul is talking to the Gentiles in Phillipi who are listening to teachers telling them that if they follow the Jewish law they will get to "be holy" - the focus is on the law . They have lost their perspective. Sure, the laws give them the comfort of concrete steps they can take as the means to a finite end - knowing Christ and God. Paul tells them (and us) clearly that it is a process not a product, a journey not a destination. He even admits that he is not there, but is pressing on towards his goal - having a righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith and knowing Christ.
The pastor used a brilliant illustration for the children's story this week. She tried to take a picture of the children, but had the camera pointed the wrong way. Of course the kids caught it and tried to stop her, but they couldn't. It was easy for them (and the adults) to get the point - she was focused on herself and not others. George Bailey allowed the needs of others to shape his life - staying at the savings and loan when his father died, giving away his honeymoon cash during a bank run, lending to neighbors who were probably bad risks financially but good people. He focuses on making the best success of the savings and loan that he can, and that is how he defines himself. When the deposit is lost and the business is failing, George can see no value in anything he has done. He feels himself a failure with no way out.
When Clarence jumps into the river, he changes George's focus. He immediately goes back to shaping his goals and actions by the needs of others, saving Clarence. God comes to George through Clarence, kind of a "burning bush" moment. When he sees how the town looks without his influence, George realizes that it is not the things he has done, but the people with whom he has been in relationship, and the way he has conducted himself in those relationships that really matters.
All those things competing for my attention, how do I put them aside and get to know Christ, get to holy? The first step is to remember that God comes to each one of us in small ways, every day. We simply need to be open and recognize him. God reached out to Paul and the Phillipians through Jesus, and to George through Clarence, and while we probably aren't going to get a burning bush or Clarence moment, God also reaches out to us first every day. We simply need to accept the invitation and live in relationship. And know that no matter what, you matter.
That is what was happening in the scripture this week - Phillipians 3:7-14. Paul is talking to the Gentiles in Phillipi who are listening to teachers telling them that if they follow the Jewish law they will get to "be holy" - the focus is on the law . They have lost their perspective. Sure, the laws give them the comfort of concrete steps they can take as the means to a finite end - knowing Christ and God. Paul tells them (and us) clearly that it is a process not a product, a journey not a destination. He even admits that he is not there, but is pressing on towards his goal - having a righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith and knowing Christ.
The pastor used a brilliant illustration for the children's story this week. She tried to take a picture of the children, but had the camera pointed the wrong way. Of course the kids caught it and tried to stop her, but they couldn't. It was easy for them (and the adults) to get the point - she was focused on herself and not others. George Bailey allowed the needs of others to shape his life - staying at the savings and loan when his father died, giving away his honeymoon cash during a bank run, lending to neighbors who were probably bad risks financially but good people. He focuses on making the best success of the savings and loan that he can, and that is how he defines himself. When the deposit is lost and the business is failing, George can see no value in anything he has done. He feels himself a failure with no way out.
When Clarence jumps into the river, he changes George's focus. He immediately goes back to shaping his goals and actions by the needs of others, saving Clarence. God comes to George through Clarence, kind of a "burning bush" moment. When he sees how the town looks without his influence, George realizes that it is not the things he has done, but the people with whom he has been in relationship, and the way he has conducted himself in those relationships that really matters.
All those things competing for my attention, how do I put them aside and get to know Christ, get to holy? The first step is to remember that God comes to each one of us in small ways, every day. We simply need to be open and recognize him. God reached out to Paul and the Phillipians through Jesus, and to George through Clarence, and while we probably aren't going to get a burning bush or Clarence moment, God also reaches out to us first every day. We simply need to accept the invitation and live in relationship. And know that no matter what, you matter.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
It's A Wonderful Life!
Do you have expectations of what your life will be? If I work hard, do the right thing, care for my family and others, make healthy choices, then I will have a long, happy, prosperous life. Right? In the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life," George Bailey had expectations for his life. He was going to go off, see the world, do something important with his life. He never really defined what "important" was, but it is understood to be something that cannot be accomplished where he is, in a small town filled with small lives.
As most of us know, life isn't always what we expect it to be. There are bumps, boulders and sometimes mountains to be overcome. Getting over and around the obstacles can set us on a different path than the one we expected. And it is difficult to give up expectations that we have nurtured and cultivated over time. Some of mine have been with me longer than I can remember, they have become an integral part of my mindset and processing.
When Clarence comes to him, George is at a place where nothing has gone as he expected it to go, and he feels utterly lost. We can get mired in that kind of thinking, too. Where is the project that was going to transform lives, make me rich, famous, useful, worthwhile? If I can't accomplish that big, extravagant, "important" thing, then what use is my life? George is so lucky! Clarence helps George define his life affirmatively by allowing him to see what it is not. George's eyes were closed to just how wonderful his life was by the curtain of his expectations. I guess there is nothing wrong with dreams and expectations, unless we allow them to blind us to reality.
Does that apply to our expectations for God as well. If we have big, important expectations of God do they keep us from seeing God in the many small ways he comes to us every day? Think about the Jews as they waited for the Messiah to come based on this prophecy:
Isaiah 9:6-7 New International Version (NIV)
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
I don't know about you, but if I heard those words I would NOT be expecting a baby. Or a man who would willingly, peacefully sacrifice his life. And whenever I see the word zeal, well, I just hold on because I know that means it is going to be quite a ride! So how many people in his day missed Jesus because he just didn't fit their expectation?
The sermons the last two weeks left me with some questions. Like George, I could use some help in defining who the Messiah is that I am expecting. How did and does Christ fulfill that promise? And what exactly does a wonderful life look like? Paul gives us one answer to that last question in Philippians 2:3-4
"3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Maybe imitating the humility of Christ keeps us focused on the "smaller" things, so we can see the forest for the trees. Service to others does make a difference. I keep working on it, but right about now I could use my own personal Clarence.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Third One's The Charm
Wow! Sorry so late, thought I had finished this one. Way back on November 20 we listened to the final in the three sermon series on Matthew 25, preparing and waiting for the coming of Christ. Whether it be the celebration of the coming of the baby, or the second coming, we have been considering how we wait, how we prepare ourselves.
So far in this series I have learned we are responsible for preparing ourselves. No one can do it for us. And we must act, do, use what we have been given. We are to create communities that reflect and project the love of God in to the world. Today we considered how we do that - our attitude toward servitude, having a servant's heart, seriously looking at who or what we serve.
I think a recap will get that done, help reflect on and process some unspoken yet understood messages. First, all people are by nature equally undeserving. There is plenty of scriptural basis for this statement, but it seems to me that in this God-helps-those-who-help-themselves materialistic culture, we (I) often fall into the trap of believing that because I help those less fortunate, because I share, because I support my community of faith, because I do other things I somehow merit special consideration. False. None of us is any more deserving than the other. What makes the difference is not what we do, but what we believe - in God.
Second, because God favors someone else, it does not diminish me, because neither one of us deserved anything to begin with. This one goes back to the parable of the vineyard owner and the workers. I also see this principle in the parable of the talents. There was no jealousy between the workers because of the differing amounts they were given. God gives according to need and ability, and expects us to use what we have been given.
Finally, we choose. God has chosen to offer eternal life, to do right, to give us what we need and can handle. Our actions - and inaction - have consequences. We can be goats or we can be sheep. We can choose to be saved through Jesus, demonstrating by our actions that we understand what we are called to do and who we are called to be. We choose how to invest our lives, but if we choose badly God does not and based on Matthew 25:31-46 will not save us from our bad choices.
So far in this series I have learned we are responsible for preparing ourselves. No one can do it for us. And we must act, do, use what we have been given. We are to create communities that reflect and project the love of God in to the world. Today we considered how we do that - our attitude toward servitude, having a servant's heart, seriously looking at who or what we serve.
I think a recap will get that done, help reflect on and process some unspoken yet understood messages. First, all people are by nature equally undeserving. There is plenty of scriptural basis for this statement, but it seems to me that in this God-helps-those-who-help-themselves materialistic culture, we (I) often fall into the trap of believing that because I help those less fortunate, because I share, because I support my community of faith, because I do other things I somehow merit special consideration. False. None of us is any more deserving than the other. What makes the difference is not what we do, but what we believe - in God.
Second, because God favors someone else, it does not diminish me, because neither one of us deserved anything to begin with. This one goes back to the parable of the vineyard owner and the workers. I also see this principle in the parable of the talents. There was no jealousy between the workers because of the differing amounts they were given. God gives according to need and ability, and expects us to use what we have been given.
Finally, we choose. God has chosen to offer eternal life, to do right, to give us what we need and can handle. Our actions - and inaction - have consequences. We can be goats or we can be sheep. We can choose to be saved through Jesus, demonstrating by our actions that we understand what we are called to do and who we are called to be. We choose how to invest our lives, but if we choose badly God does not and based on Matthew 25:31-46 will not save us from our bad choices.
Ephesians 2:10 New International Version (NIV)
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Time for this goat to get do-ing.
Time for this goat to get do-ing.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Good and Faithful, or Wicked and Lazy?
This week was the second of three sermons looking at Matthew and the topic of preparing to wait. Another one of my least favorites, the Parable of the Talents. Ugh. Another parable that goes against everything I learned.
I have been thinking long and hard about the difference between the three servants. Why did the first two decided to invest the money, while the third one hid it? Since there is no comment about their individual abilities, I have to assume their circumstances were similar. Although he sees them as having different levels of ability, the master trusts all three equally. They begin the "challenge" on even footing.
The difference is not in how the master sees them, but in how they see the master. The first two servants do not appear to fear the master. They took what they had been given and acted. The third not only lacked the faith and confidence to attempt to act, he was paralyzed by his fear. At this point I want to start making excuses for him (me), but I know it won't do any good. The third servant not only let fear prevent him from acting, it prevented him from having any kind of relationship with his master.
That really hit home for me. Having been raised in a hell-fire-brimstone church, I was sure that God was always ready to punish, and I would never be "good enough." It has been a struggle to work through that and find a loving God. It's like the struggle to see setbacks and obstacles in life as opportunities. I know from personal experience that how you see God shapes your relationship with God and also your actions (or inaction). I do understand why the third servant hid the talent.
But, at the end of the day the message I'm getting in this study is that we are expected to use what has been given to us to further the work of God. The kingdom is here, and not yet. We must work to create communities that reflect and allow a peek at the kingdom yet to come. When we use what we have been given - creating communities of love, justice, compassion, welcome, peace - we demonstrate our faith in a loving and just God in unmistakeable actions. Guess I had better get busy... After all, I need to be responsible for getting myself ready, while I'm waiting.
I have been thinking long and hard about the difference between the three servants. Why did the first two decided to invest the money, while the third one hid it? Since there is no comment about their individual abilities, I have to assume their circumstances were similar. Although he sees them as having different levels of ability, the master trusts all three equally. They begin the "challenge" on even footing.
The difference is not in how the master sees them, but in how they see the master. The first two servants do not appear to fear the master. They took what they had been given and acted. The third not only lacked the faith and confidence to attempt to act, he was paralyzed by his fear. At this point I want to start making excuses for him (me), but I know it won't do any good. The third servant not only let fear prevent him from acting, it prevented him from having any kind of relationship with his master.
That really hit home for me. Having been raised in a hell-fire-brimstone church, I was sure that God was always ready to punish, and I would never be "good enough." It has been a struggle to work through that and find a loving God. It's like the struggle to see setbacks and obstacles in life as opportunities. I know from personal experience that how you see God shapes your relationship with God and also your actions (or inaction). I do understand why the third servant hid the talent.
But, at the end of the day the message I'm getting in this study is that we are expected to use what has been given to us to further the work of God. The kingdom is here, and not yet. We must work to create communities that reflect and allow a peek at the kingdom yet to come. When we use what we have been given - creating communities of love, justice, compassion, welcome, peace - we demonstrate our faith in a loving and just God in unmistakeable actions. Guess I had better get busy... After all, I need to be responsible for getting myself ready, while I'm waiting.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Preparing For... What?
Friday I was preparing for a road trip and desperately wanted to download a new song for the ride. It is a new, jazz version of a Javier Mendoza song I already have. Despite my best efforts and persistence, I was not able to download the file and had to make the trip without it. I was really looking forward to the music distracting me from my current worries, worries that I have been allowing to dominate my thoughts. Frustrating.
I was finally able to download and listen to the song this morning. I love the tune and the new arrangement is so cool. The words are authentic, a bit seedy, but the underlying message is about being careful to not value temporal, transient, material things. While I was listening I had a thought to do a Facebook search for someone I knew a long time ago. I thought I found him, but as a board member of a non-profit based in Washington state. A little confusing since he lives in Bolivia.
Of course I had to read up on the non-profit, and discovered it was in memory and honor of a young girl who died in a tragic accident while living in South America as an exchange student. Since she lived in the same town I had lived in, and was basically on a trip very similar to one I had taken, it really struck home with me. I felt like there was a message coming through for me, but it wasn't quite clear.
All I needed was a little clarification, and wouldn't you know it, the message in service provided that. The upcoming sermons will be looking at how we wait and prepare for the coming of Christ, and how and where God comes to us. First up - the parable of the ten bridesmaids. Remember? They were told to be ready for the bridegroom but didn't know when he would arrive. When he did arrive, the five wise bridesmaids had enough oil for their lamps and were prepared, but the other five - the foolish ones - had to go out and get more oil. While they were out buying oil they missed out on the wedding feast.
One of the most troubling aspects of this parable for me has always been that the five wise bridesmaids did not share with the others. Even when they asked. In the back of my mind my German-Anlgo-Saxon-pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps-charity-begins-at-home upbringing was satisfied with the story. After all, they each got what they deserved, right? But what about loving others as yourself? Wouldn't that require sharing with those who didn't have enough? The wise bridesmaids were welcomed to the feast, legitimizing their failure to share. I find it uncomfortable to consider that there are negative consequences for our actions (or failures to act), even though cognitively I know there are always consequences.
The pastor offered an explanation that I have not considered. The bridesmaids had to prepare themselves. Those who had oil could not prepare, or save, those who ran out of oil. They had to be responsible for their own actions, their own soul, be ready, because you never know when or where God will speak to you. Hearing the word, then acting, doing - this prepares you so that you can recognize the presence of God in your life.
Thwack. The 2x4 hit home, up side of my head. But I think I got the message. Be ready, take care of preparing yourself and your spirit. Be ready and open to the many different ways God is acting in your life. Be ready to recognize God in whatever way he shows up. As I listened to that song this morning I realized that I have been preparing for sorrow, loss, failure. But this mother who lost her child is preparing for hope, joy, service. What an example! I am taking steps to change that, and one of them is to strongly encourage you to read Etta's story at http://ettaprojects.org/, and then act as you are moved to act.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Generosity Game Plan
It is football season, and I confess that while I enjoy watching the games I know enough to know that I don't know enough. For instance, I know almost nothing about the game plan. I wondered what kind of process the coaches go through and found this very brief, incomplete but somewhat comprehensible summary.
Like anything else you start out with a goal - winning. A head coach has a playbook with about 1,000 plays in it, plays he has developed and accumulated. At the beginning of the season the coaching staff will go through a critical self-analysis of the previous season - what worked well, what didn't work, and what and how they need to change. They will further refine and whittle down the number of plays they use based on their personnel and their strengths. Then comes the teaching, the practicing, everybody on the same page, working together toward that common goal. They will further refine and reduce the number of plays they use based on the player-leaders' preferences, strengths and insights. And finally, they will choose plays for each game based on their opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and go through a similar process of adjustment throughout each game.
I don't know about you, but I have similar plans and processes in place for parts of my life. (I know, control freak.) Especially for projects, getting things done around the house, getting the kids through college. I think we all plan, and pretty carefully sometimes, for the things that are important to us, that we value, even if we don't consciously name them. I am going to be painfully honest here and admit that I never really thought about being intentional about faith and church and giving. It really is a lot more comfortable to just kind of let it happen, what will be will be, and besides, God is in charge of it all so it will be just fine, right? I'm supposed to give up control to God.
Wow! Look at how easy it is to talk myself into something. OK, so I admit, as an individual I have a long way to go. I think I would be willing to start down the path if I had encouragement, didn't feel like I would be judged, was in a community that values progress not perfection. What do you think? I've been digesting the last four weeks of study, trying to summarize for myself as much as for the blog. I'll spout off here and let you comment and continue the discussion:
As a faith community we need to have a game plan. Our goal? Giving our best in order to change lives and make disciples. Our play book includes scripture, but it also includes naming our faith values, being intentional about what beliefs and values shape our plans and actions. We can whittle and refine what plays we use based on what we have done in the past, what worked, what no longer works, how to change. Teaching and practicing includes discussion, missions, programs and the tithe, focusing on the giver's need to give and valuing progress. Once we get into the game we need to continuously look at the personnel available to us, our strengths, evaluating everything we do and then be prepared to tweak or eliminate those things that are not getting us to our goal.
Of course that is a lot quicker and easier than reality. One of the most difficult things to get over is the great faith that is required for extravagant generosity. With a football game plan you have immediate feedback. You either won or you didn't. Giving, tithing, ministries, and missions require us to plant the seeds of fruit that we may never see. In our consumerist, goal-driven, results-based society where value, self-definition, and self-worth rest on material possessions and measurable things, extravagant generosity is often regarded as foolishness. Can thoughtful, planned, designed, calculated intentional giving free us to delight in giving from what comes first, to live in a sense of gratitude? It can't hurt.
Like anything else you start out with a goal - winning. A head coach has a playbook with about 1,000 plays in it, plays he has developed and accumulated. At the beginning of the season the coaching staff will go through a critical self-analysis of the previous season - what worked well, what didn't work, and what and how they need to change. They will further refine and whittle down the number of plays they use based on their personnel and their strengths. Then comes the teaching, the practicing, everybody on the same page, working together toward that common goal. They will further refine and reduce the number of plays they use based on the player-leaders' preferences, strengths and insights. And finally, they will choose plays for each game based on their opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and go through a similar process of adjustment throughout each game.
I don't know about you, but I have similar plans and processes in place for parts of my life. (I know, control freak.) Especially for projects, getting things done around the house, getting the kids through college. I think we all plan, and pretty carefully sometimes, for the things that are important to us, that we value, even if we don't consciously name them. I am going to be painfully honest here and admit that I never really thought about being intentional about faith and church and giving. It really is a lot more comfortable to just kind of let it happen, what will be will be, and besides, God is in charge of it all so it will be just fine, right? I'm supposed to give up control to God.
Wow! Look at how easy it is to talk myself into something. OK, so I admit, as an individual I have a long way to go. I think I would be willing to start down the path if I had encouragement, didn't feel like I would be judged, was in a community that values progress not perfection. What do you think? I've been digesting the last four weeks of study, trying to summarize for myself as much as for the blog. I'll spout off here and let you comment and continue the discussion:
As a faith community we need to have a game plan. Our goal? Giving our best in order to change lives and make disciples. Our play book includes scripture, but it also includes naming our faith values, being intentional about what beliefs and values shape our plans and actions. We can whittle and refine what plays we use based on what we have done in the past, what worked, what no longer works, how to change. Teaching and practicing includes discussion, missions, programs and the tithe, focusing on the giver's need to give and valuing progress. Once we get into the game we need to continuously look at the personnel available to us, our strengths, evaluating everything we do and then be prepared to tweak or eliminate those things that are not getting us to our goal.
Of course that is a lot quicker and easier than reality. One of the most difficult things to get over is the great faith that is required for extravagant generosity. With a football game plan you have immediate feedback. You either won or you didn't. Giving, tithing, ministries, and missions require us to plant the seeds of fruit that we may never see. In our consumerist, goal-driven, results-based society where value, self-definition, and self-worth rest on material possessions and measurable things, extravagant generosity is often regarded as foolishness. Can thoughtful, planned, designed, calculated intentional giving free us to delight in giving from what comes first, to live in a sense of gratitude? It can't hurt.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
What Do You See?
We were asked this week to imagine
what are our hopes and visions for our church. It required thinking about where we are right now and then envisioning a future that is realistic but also idealistic. Community, ministries, outreach, education... I can see them all. I have an idea of what I would like to see, and I am sure that there are as many visions as there are members of our church.
That got me thinking, what are our hopes and visions for ourselves? Whether conscious or subconscious, we all have a mental (ideal) self-image of ourselves, both physical and spiritual. Think about it. What do you look like in your mind's eye? What do you want to look like? For all of my life I have battled my weight. Even at my heaviest I saw myself as a tall, willowy beautifully coordinated floating being, graceful and flowing. And of course she is as gentle and generous as Snow White or Cinderella, everyone and everything good and kind love her. I could see that watercolor being even if I couldn't make her completely real.
The reality was a bit different. I was wider than I am tall, frumpy, clumsy, and heavy-footed thanks to bad knees. A clomping schlub. I have been working really hard to change that, changing habits, exercising, eating better. As for disposition, in reality I am closer to a compulsive, critical, perfectionist with control issues, not the loving, generous sprite. But I know that if I visualize that other me, and work hard, I can become more like the luminous being I know is inside me.
Is that why we give? What do we get from giving? I wonder what possessed the widow to give all she had (Luke 21:1-4), why did Zacchaeus make such a radical change, what was the Good Samaritan thinking when he cared for the stranger? Could it be that they had a self-image that transcended reality, and in giving they were able to become that person? Generosity allowed them to achieve God's purpose in them - to become doers of the Word, not just hearers? Giving (tithing) is not just what God wants us to do, it is about who God wants us to become. God has a bigger, better vision for us than we do for ourselves. In order to achieve that vision we have to practice and work hard. We have to choose to be grateful, generous, content, believe that our needs will be provided in order to suppress and resist our all too human tendency to be anxious, fearful, driven by a need to possess.
Giving doesn't give us a golden ticket. Holding on to things will only prevent us from growing in our relationship with God. Practicing generosity, really practicing because none of us is perfect, will help us enjoy giving, let us glimpse God's vision for us and the world, maybe incarnate God for each other, and allow us to become who we were made to be.
That got me thinking, what are our hopes and visions for ourselves? Whether conscious or subconscious, we all have a mental (ideal) self-image of ourselves, both physical and spiritual. Think about it. What do you look like in your mind's eye? What do you want to look like? For all of my life I have battled my weight. Even at my heaviest I saw myself as a tall, willowy beautifully coordinated floating being, graceful and flowing. And of course she is as gentle and generous as Snow White or Cinderella, everyone and everything good and kind love her. I could see that watercolor being even if I couldn't make her completely real.
The reality was a bit different. I was wider than I am tall, frumpy, clumsy, and heavy-footed thanks to bad knees. A clomping schlub. I have been working really hard to change that, changing habits, exercising, eating better. As for disposition, in reality I am closer to a compulsive, critical, perfectionist with control issues, not the loving, generous sprite. But I know that if I visualize that other me, and work hard, I can become more like the luminous being I know is inside me.
Is that why we give? What do we get from giving? I wonder what possessed the widow to give all she had (Luke 21:1-4), why did Zacchaeus make such a radical change, what was the Good Samaritan thinking when he cared for the stranger? Could it be that they had a self-image that transcended reality, and in giving they were able to become that person? Generosity allowed them to achieve God's purpose in them - to become doers of the Word, not just hearers? Giving (tithing) is not just what God wants us to do, it is about who God wants us to become. God has a bigger, better vision for us than we do for ourselves. In order to achieve that vision we have to practice and work hard. We have to choose to be grateful, generous, content, believe that our needs will be provided in order to suppress and resist our all too human tendency to be anxious, fearful, driven by a need to possess.
Giving doesn't give us a golden ticket. Holding on to things will only prevent us from growing in our relationship with God. Practicing generosity, really practicing because none of us is perfect, will help us enjoy giving, let us glimpse God's vision for us and the world, maybe incarnate God for each other, and allow us to become who we were made to be.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Who (What) Do You Love?
When talking about money, it is easy to see what an organization or an individual values. Take a look at their budget. I have yet to participate in a budgeting process that, if examined closely, doesn't reveal firm statements about what it's author holds important. There are some mandatory expenses, you have to pay the utilities, right? But if you look at the different line items you can figure out where the discretionary spending choices had to be made, and the results reveal what is valued. For instance, as my knees get more arthritic, I value really good, supportive shoes. That is in my budget. I am also very attached to my image as a mom, it is scary to think about changing that after XX years. So in order to hang on to that I budget for repairs to the mini van that is fading almost as fast as my memory. As the Bishop says, "Every time we spend money, we make a statement about what we value."
I am still working through my financial budget to see what I value. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? Subconsciously, belief systems shape our decisions, but what happens if we are intentional about uncovering and understanding those beliefs and values? It can be a bit uncomfortable. Of course, budgeting and money go back to the last discussion. They are black and white, cut and dried, objective and measurable. Easy to identify, and then (maybe) change if needed. I worry that focusing only, or mostly, on money has the potential to lead us back to mechanical stewardship.
I am more intrigued by what our actions say about what we value. Or who. Our study of extravagant generosity isn't just about money. For me, it is coming down to how what I do and believe shapes what I give. I think that was a part of the first week's discussion, but sometimes I can be a little slow to get on board. Looking at the examples in the book, the fiddler who was transformed worked tirelessly to improve his music when he realized his life was worth claiming for the effect he could have by using his gift of music. The custodian gave to the homeless person without strings because of what the gift did for him, knowing he could answer for what he had done. The ministries and churches we have come from the generosity of those who went before us. Like the whitewater rafters, they intentionally "paddled" their gifts so they would go in the direction of the things and people they valued. I wonder, which came first - the desire to give or the giving? Does it matter?
I am still working through my financial budget to see what I value. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? Subconsciously, belief systems shape our decisions, but what happens if we are intentional about uncovering and understanding those beliefs and values? It can be a bit uncomfortable. Of course, budgeting and money go back to the last discussion. They are black and white, cut and dried, objective and measurable. Easy to identify, and then (maybe) change if needed. I worry that focusing only, or mostly, on money has the potential to lead us back to mechanical stewardship.
I am more intrigued by what our actions say about what we value. Or who. Our study of extravagant generosity isn't just about money. For me, it is coming down to how what I do and believe shapes what I give. I think that was a part of the first week's discussion, but sometimes I can be a little slow to get on board. Looking at the examples in the book, the fiddler who was transformed worked tirelessly to improve his music when he realized his life was worth claiming for the effect he could have by using his gift of music. The custodian gave to the homeless person without strings because of what the gift did for him, knowing he could answer for what he had done. The ministries and churches we have come from the generosity of those who went before us. Like the whitewater rafters, they intentionally "paddled" their gifts so they would go in the direction of the things and people they valued. I wonder, which came first - the desire to give or the giving? Does it matter?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Practicing Generosity
If you would like to follow along with us, for the next few weeks we will be reading the book "Practicing Extravagant Generosity" by Robert Schnase. We began the series this past Sunday, but each week will stand alone, so join us for one or all.
Some of the discussion this first week centered around the definition of the terms and understanding how the phrase extravagant generosity relates to stewardship and giving. Merriam Webster online defines the words individually in this way:
Extravagant=exceeding the limits of reason or necessity
Generosity=marked by abundance or ample proportions
Most of the discussion really focused in on the differences between the terms stewardship and generosity. In both cases, though, the consensus was that we don't really talk about giving.
I confess I had trouble getting into that discussion. My mind wandered off, as it often does, and i got stuck wondering why we don't talk about giving? I believe part of the reason is that our tradition has been one of stewardship. Stewardship is concrete, mechanical, observable, measurable... objective. Any objective can be impartially measured. Either you are or you are not giving. Either you are or you are not tithing. Black and white, cut and dried, measured and judged.
Ouch. Who wants to talk about something when the likelihood is that either you or others will judge you a failure? Even if the only other person who knows you aren't tithing is the financial secretary, well, the two of you know you are a failure. Right? Scripture tells us to tithe. It's measurable, laid out as the first ten percent.
One of the things I value most about being a Methodist is the emphasis on a personal relationship with God. Our beliefs force you to figure out what faith and discipleship mean for you. There is a quote that has been attributed to John Wesley that, for me, summarizes Methodism: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity." If we are in firm agreement and unison on the essentials, there is room for personal interpretation on the non-essentials. And there must be charity in determining what is essential and what is non-essential.
So, here is my non-essential. Scripture also tells us that we give not because the church needs the money (although it has been my experience that there was a lot of that in scripture, too), but because of what it says about our relationship with God. I always remember the widow who gave her last coin, the parable of the servants and the talents, the disciples leaving behind not just their possessions, but their families too, the prodigal son. These are about a strong faith and spirit of generosity to which I only aspire. These are about extravagant generosity. And it is a topic I think is easier to discuss, too. There really is room to be proportional, to consider what and why you give instead of being locked in to the success-failure measures.
Before I close this week, I want to be very clear that these are the ramblings and interpretations of one person. I know only enough to know that I don't know enough. The best I can do is articulate questions and offer personal observations and thoughts. I can't quote scripture, I can't recite the United Methodist theology, but I know what I believe and hope you will engage with me in conversation that will enrich and deepen all of our understanding. My hope is that by practicing together we can find a spirit of generosity that will enhance and reflect our personal relationship with God and that we will be comfortable discussing with others.
Some of the discussion this first week centered around the definition of the terms and understanding how the phrase extravagant generosity relates to stewardship and giving. Merriam Webster online defines the words individually in this way:
Extravagant=exceeding the limits of reason or necessity
Generosity=marked by abundance or ample proportions
Most of the discussion really focused in on the differences between the terms stewardship and generosity. In both cases, though, the consensus was that we don't really talk about giving.
I confess I had trouble getting into that discussion. My mind wandered off, as it often does, and i got stuck wondering why we don't talk about giving? I believe part of the reason is that our tradition has been one of stewardship. Stewardship is concrete, mechanical, observable, measurable... objective. Any objective can be impartially measured. Either you are or you are not giving. Either you are or you are not tithing. Black and white, cut and dried, measured and judged.
Ouch. Who wants to talk about something when the likelihood is that either you or others will judge you a failure? Even if the only other person who knows you aren't tithing is the financial secretary, well, the two of you know you are a failure. Right? Scripture tells us to tithe. It's measurable, laid out as the first ten percent.
One of the things I value most about being a Methodist is the emphasis on a personal relationship with God. Our beliefs force you to figure out what faith and discipleship mean for you. There is a quote that has been attributed to John Wesley that, for me, summarizes Methodism: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity." If we are in firm agreement and unison on the essentials, there is room for personal interpretation on the non-essentials. And there must be charity in determining what is essential and what is non-essential.
So, here is my non-essential. Scripture also tells us that we give not because the church needs the money (although it has been my experience that there was a lot of that in scripture, too), but because of what it says about our relationship with God. I always remember the widow who gave her last coin, the parable of the servants and the talents, the disciples leaving behind not just their possessions, but their families too, the prodigal son. These are about a strong faith and spirit of generosity to which I only aspire. These are about extravagant generosity. And it is a topic I think is easier to discuss, too. There really is room to be proportional, to consider what and why you give instead of being locked in to the success-failure measures.
Before I close this week, I want to be very clear that these are the ramblings and interpretations of one person. I know only enough to know that I don't know enough. The best I can do is articulate questions and offer personal observations and thoughts. I can't quote scripture, I can't recite the United Methodist theology, but I know what I believe and hope you will engage with me in conversation that will enrich and deepen all of our understanding. My hope is that by practicing together we can find a spirit of generosity that will enhance and reflect our personal relationship with God and that we will be comfortable discussing with others.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Faith or Action - or Balancing Both?
We have finished the sermon series on the book of James, looking forward to starting on Extravagant Generosity next week. (Read: Come and Join Us!) Since I had to miss a couple of weeks, in order to come up with something for this post I tried to do a little research and learned that James is a pretty controversial book. Some interpret his writings to be in direct opposition to Paul's doctrine of justification through faith alone. Others find that James actually reconciles the differences between Paul/faith and The Law/Acts. Bible .org has an outline and summary by Daniel Wallace that lists eight theses about the book of James:
1) James does not deny the necessity of faith, only its inadequacy.
2) James is addressing the fruit of salvation, while Paul is addressing the root of salvation.
3) In keeping with other biblical writers, James does not use "works" as a criterion for judging others, but as a criterion for judging oneself.
4) For James, the faith which does not save is intellectual assent; for Paul the faith which does save is a heart-response to God's call- it is trust in, not just belief that. Thus, they are not talking about the same thing.
5) For James, "justified" means either "vindicated" or "eschatologically justified"; for Paul, it means "declared righteous." Thus, they are not taking about the same thing,
6) For James, "works" means good deeds-charity, Christian love, etc.; for Paul, it means works of the Law which some see as necessary for salvation, rendering the cross-work of Christ as less than adequate. Thus, once again, they are not taking about the same thing.
7) James seems to look at how our spiritual status is seen and approved/disapproved by others, while Paul looks at how it is seen and initiated by God.
8) Both James and Paul would agree with the statement that genuine, saving faith results in works. Or that sola fide, properly understood, means that we are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not alone.
I think I like those eight theses because they sum up the book in a way that says to me James is trying to lay down some guidelines that will help the new church find a way to live in community with each other and with non-believers. He is looking to reconcile the converted Jews who are holding on to the Law, and the gentile believers who clutch at justification by faith since they didn't have the law. It seems to me that an over-zealous embrace of Paul's doctrine would lead to self-centered faith, one that focuses inward and doesn't encourage believers to reach out to others, to walk the walk.
And walking the walk is such a blessing. When we live our faith, our actions are a reflection and a response to the gift God gives us. Each small daily act becomes an act of worship, and also has the potential to incarnate God for others. In helping others, we ourselves are helped and changed. It seems to me that James just wanted to be sure the pendulum didn't go too far in either direction - works or faith.
1) James does not deny the necessity of faith, only its inadequacy.
2) James is addressing the fruit of salvation, while Paul is addressing the root of salvation.
3) In keeping with other biblical writers, James does not use "works" as a criterion for judging others, but as a criterion for judging oneself.
4) For James, the faith which does not save is intellectual assent; for Paul the faith which does save is a heart-response to God's call- it is trust in, not just belief that. Thus, they are not talking about the same thing.
5) For James, "justified" means either "vindicated" or "eschatologically justified"; for Paul, it means "declared righteous." Thus, they are not taking about the same thing,
6) For James, "works" means good deeds-charity, Christian love, etc.; for Paul, it means works of the Law which some see as necessary for salvation, rendering the cross-work of Christ as less than adequate. Thus, once again, they are not taking about the same thing.
7) James seems to look at how our spiritual status is seen and approved/disapproved by others, while Paul looks at how it is seen and initiated by God.
8) Both James and Paul would agree with the statement that genuine, saving faith results in works. Or that sola fide, properly understood, means that we are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not alone.
I think I like those eight theses because they sum up the book in a way that says to me James is trying to lay down some guidelines that will help the new church find a way to live in community with each other and with non-believers. He is looking to reconcile the converted Jews who are holding on to the Law, and the gentile believers who clutch at justification by faith since they didn't have the law. It seems to me that an over-zealous embrace of Paul's doctrine would lead to self-centered faith, one that focuses inward and doesn't encourage believers to reach out to others, to walk the walk.
And walking the walk is such a blessing. When we live our faith, our actions are a reflection and a response to the gift God gives us. Each small daily act becomes an act of worship, and also has the potential to incarnate God for others. In helping others, we ourselves are helped and changed. It seems to me that James just wanted to be sure the pendulum didn't go too far in either direction - works or faith.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Sorry I haven't updated this for quite a while now. I was waiting to see what would happen with our Wednesday Bible Study (not starting up yet), the sermon series (I have missed two), and life. I have asked another contributor to get us some information on the sermon series - Faith and Action - but I invite you to go on Sunday morning and check it out for yourself!
Faith and Action. I have always thought talk was cheap, and we (I) need to act and live out our (my) beliefs. But have you ever noticed that is easier said than done? There are always so many "good" excuses. At least there are in my head. How about yours? Sometimes I listen to the small, quiet voice that tells me to talk to the person who looks so sad, to offer help to the woman in the parking lot, to offer a silent prayer for the harried mother who is losing her temper at the grocery store. But most of the time, I admit, I rush through life, not paying attention to anything or anyone that doesn't fit into my list for the day.
Faith and Action. When I hear those words I think of the huge, grandiose, news-grabbing projects. Habitat. Rebuilding. Joplin Mission Trips. While I really like to do those things, I have to balance it with my other commitments. And the voice inside mt head says if I can't do those wonderful works, then I can't act. I am not faithful. True?
FALSE! Some of you may think I am just trying to make myself feel better, and part of me is. But as I worked on this piece I tried to honestly consider my own experiences and what I know of the experiences of others. As I weighed them I came to firmly believe it is the small, daily, thoughtful acts that matter the most. When I focus on a thoughtful, kind, generous attitude it changes my whole day, my whole outlook, my whole life. Don't get me wrong, I am no saint and not able to sustain that attitude over extended periods of time. The euphoria and adrenaline that accompany those really big works last only a short while. Even when I reflect back on them, look at the pictures, talk with other participants, it isn't the same. But, by just trying to have an attitude of generosity I change my whole outlook.
Faith and Action. I can act, out my own personal faith every single day. I can do something for others. And I have found that it changes me more than those around me.
Faith and Action. I have always thought talk was cheap, and we (I) need to act and live out our (my) beliefs. But have you ever noticed that is easier said than done? There are always so many "good" excuses. At least there are in my head. How about yours? Sometimes I listen to the small, quiet voice that tells me to talk to the person who looks so sad, to offer help to the woman in the parking lot, to offer a silent prayer for the harried mother who is losing her temper at the grocery store. But most of the time, I admit, I rush through life, not paying attention to anything or anyone that doesn't fit into my list for the day.
Faith and Action. When I hear those words I think of the huge, grandiose, news-grabbing projects. Habitat. Rebuilding. Joplin Mission Trips. While I really like to do those things, I have to balance it with my other commitments. And the voice inside mt head says if I can't do those wonderful works, then I can't act. I am not faithful. True?
FALSE! Some of you may think I am just trying to make myself feel better, and part of me is. But as I worked on this piece I tried to honestly consider my own experiences and what I know of the experiences of others. As I weighed them I came to firmly believe it is the small, daily, thoughtful acts that matter the most. When I focus on a thoughtful, kind, generous attitude it changes my whole day, my whole outlook, my whole life. Don't get me wrong, I am no saint and not able to sustain that attitude over extended periods of time. The euphoria and adrenaline that accompany those really big works last only a short while. Even when I reflect back on them, look at the pictures, talk with other participants, it isn't the same. But, by just trying to have an attitude of generosity I change my whole outlook.
Faith and Action. I can act, out my own personal faith every single day. I can do something for others. And I have found that it changes me more than those around me.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Speed Bumps and Sinkholes
This Learner has been struggling with so many questions lately. Some of them are speed bumps like the person who just cut me off in rush hour traffic, the lost dry-cleaning, the 6,439th break down of my sixteen-year-old car. Some of them are sinkholes like why do parents get ill, suffer, die; why are young people struck with disabling, life-threatening or life-claiming illness; why do people who have fought and worked hard all their lives have to face more adversity in their "golden years"; why do loyal, hard workers lose their job; why is life so hard for some people; why are some left behind, even when they are ready to move on to the next life; why can't I have control of any of these issues? I have an abundance of why's. Unfortunately, I am not hearing any answers right now.
In my head I know that faith is accepting that there will be questions, there are answers, I just don't always get to know what they are. Faith, for me, is about living with the questions, talking about the questions. Faith is also about being OK with the fact that my heart still really wants the answers, and wants them badly enough to get really angry when I don't get to know them. Some days I honestly feel like stomping my foot and shaking my fist at heaven, or throwing myself on the ground in a full out, rolling, squirming, crying, wailing, two-year-old tantrum. Cognitively I know that neither will do me one bit of good, but emotionally I know either would release some of the frustration and maybe allow me to move one.
I have been trying to look for more positive, productive, socially-acceptable ways of coping with the questions. In my quest to help a friend with the same issue I came across the following, attributed to St.Francis de Sales:
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from all suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually:
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me, but in me and I in Him."
That last part has been my mantra this week, and it does seem to be helping. Hasn't really reduced my road-rage issue, but it is helping with the bigger questions. Slowly, but helping. That leaves me wondering how do you deal with the questions? What helps you get through the issues in life, not just the speed bumps, but also the ones that are more like sinkholes that could swallow you and your entire life whole?
In my head I know that faith is accepting that there will be questions, there are answers, I just don't always get to know what they are. Faith, for me, is about living with the questions, talking about the questions. Faith is also about being OK with the fact that my heart still really wants the answers, and wants them badly enough to get really angry when I don't get to know them. Some days I honestly feel like stomping my foot and shaking my fist at heaven, or throwing myself on the ground in a full out, rolling, squirming, crying, wailing, two-year-old tantrum. Cognitively I know that neither will do me one bit of good, but emotionally I know either would release some of the frustration and maybe allow me to move one.
I have been trying to look for more positive, productive, socially-acceptable ways of coping with the questions. In my quest to help a friend with the same issue I came across the following, attributed to St.Francis de Sales:
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from all suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually:
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me, but in me and I in Him."
That last part has been my mantra this week, and it does seem to be helping. Hasn't really reduced my road-rage issue, but it is helping with the bigger questions. Slowly, but helping. That leaves me wondering how do you deal with the questions? What helps you get through the issues in life, not just the speed bumps, but also the ones that are more like sinkholes that could swallow you and your entire life whole?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Prodigal God #6 - The Elder Brother
Today was our last sermon on the Prodigal God, so NOTE! Next week we return to our regular schedule - 8:15 Worship Service, 9:30 Sunday School for all ages, 10:30 Worship Service. I thought I got the message last week, about being narrow and refusing to accept the invitation because it didn't fit my definition. OK, that is all about being responsible for myself. But then, today, the pastor discussed the elder brother in the context of his responsibility to the family. Sounded like I was going to have some 'splaining to do.
One of the things I like about Bible study and discussion is that there is a leader who can supply the context, the societal cues that we no longer understand. Did you know that in Victorian times flowers had a meaning that was conveyed by senders to recipients through the combinations included in nosegays? In some cultures wearing a name tag on the left means you are in a relationship, taken, while wearing it on the right means you are available. There are so many subtle clues and communications unique to each culture and time. We may know our own very well, but those that came before us are usually lost.
So it is with the parables, and while it may be uncomfortable, I appreciated the point that was made this morning. The people listening to the parable of the prodigal son would have known immediately that it was the responsibility of the elder brother to go looking for the "lost son." It was his job to keep the family together, no matter the cost to him personally. That was the societal norm, expectation, standard, whatever you want to call it. But in the parable, not only does the elder brother not go looking for his brother, he pouts and refuses to celebrate when he returns. I think that would make him a bit of a pariah in the community, don't you?
If you associate God with the father in the parable, then clearly Jesus becomes the "good" elder brother, who not only went looking for all of us, but paid the ultimate price to keep us in relationship with the family. The more uncomfortable question for me is what to do depending on which brother I identify with personally? I think we have all been both at one time or another, but if I am honest with myself I know I feel more like the elder brother than the younger. Then the question becomes, would I be willing to take on that responsibility, to go looking for my lost brothers at any cost? It makes his pouting a little less offensive if I put myself in those shoes.
So what if those of us who are "churched" are the elder brothers? How do we go about looking for our lost brothers and bring them back into the fold? What is the current societal norm, and what is God's expectation? I thought today would tie things up with a nice bow for me, but it seems I am left with more questions, more uncomfortable questions, than at the beginning of the series. The one thing I do see more clearly is the prodigal nature of God, and for that I give thanks (and a sigh of relief).
One of the things I like about Bible study and discussion is that there is a leader who can supply the context, the societal cues that we no longer understand. Did you know that in Victorian times flowers had a meaning that was conveyed by senders to recipients through the combinations included in nosegays? In some cultures wearing a name tag on the left means you are in a relationship, taken, while wearing it on the right means you are available. There are so many subtle clues and communications unique to each culture and time. We may know our own very well, but those that came before us are usually lost.
So it is with the parables, and while it may be uncomfortable, I appreciated the point that was made this morning. The people listening to the parable of the prodigal son would have known immediately that it was the responsibility of the elder brother to go looking for the "lost son." It was his job to keep the family together, no matter the cost to him personally. That was the societal norm, expectation, standard, whatever you want to call it. But in the parable, not only does the elder brother not go looking for his brother, he pouts and refuses to celebrate when he returns. I think that would make him a bit of a pariah in the community, don't you?
If you associate God with the father in the parable, then clearly Jesus becomes the "good" elder brother, who not only went looking for all of us, but paid the ultimate price to keep us in relationship with the family. The more uncomfortable question for me is what to do depending on which brother I identify with personally? I think we have all been both at one time or another, but if I am honest with myself I know I feel more like the elder brother than the younger. Then the question becomes, would I be willing to take on that responsibility, to go looking for my lost brothers at any cost? It makes his pouting a little less offensive if I put myself in those shoes.
So what if those of us who are "churched" are the elder brothers? How do we go about looking for our lost brothers and bring them back into the fold? What is the current societal norm, and what is God's expectation? I thought today would tie things up with a nice bow for me, but it seems I am left with more questions, more uncomfortable questions, than at the beginning of the series. The one thing I do see more clearly is the prodigal nature of God, and for that I give thanks (and a sigh of relief).
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Prodigal God - Number 5
Today was our penultimate discussion of The Prodigal God. (I always look for opportunities to use that word ever since I learned it. So much classier that next to last.) We were discussing chapters 6 and 7, but we really focused in on home. We had a report from our mission team who worked on making a home for Margaret, a victim of the Joplin tornado, so it seemed very appropriate. Both of the sons in the parable were seeking home, we humans always seem to long for home, but how do you define home?
I was particularly intrigued by Keller's assertion on page 101, "If we read the narrative in light of the Bible's sweeping theme of exile and homecoming we will understand that Jesus has given us more than a moving account of individual redemption. He has retold the story of the whole human race, and promised nothing less than hope for the world." His argument is that we were created to live in the garden of Eden with God, but we are separated from God by the brokenness within us and around us. We can try with all our might to recreate home, but all we will find are exiles and returns, much like we see in the history of Israel in the Bible. Only the final reconciliation with God, when we return to live in the shade of the Tree of Life, will fill the need for home that exists in all of us.
Well, that was the story for the younger son in the parable, but not the elder son. At least, that was not his story at the end of the parable. What made home for the sons? Clearly the sons each "felt" home differently. The younger son was happy to be an employee, as long as he was with his father and family. And he was happy to accept the father's unqualified invitation. The elder son found home in possessions, and maybe that is why he couldn't go in to the party. He couldn't accept the invitation because it would mean giving up too much of this world. It did not fit his definition of home. What makes home for you? Our discussion focused on good memories of safety, comfort, love, people, relationships. Our images and feelings were pretty homogenous. But what about those who don't have that experience? What about people who have never known love without abuse, never felt safe, never lived in comfort? What kind of home do they long for?
As Christians our ultimate home is with God. There is a homing beacon built into us that makes us long for that return. It is comforting and hopeful to know that God accepts each of us, with our own unique understanding of home. God is waiting for us all, we just need to accept the invitation. For me, I think the lesson is to remember that sometimes I define that return very narrowly, within the scope of my own personal experience. If we are to incarnate God for one another, until that final return home, I need to keep the circle open and remember that we are all in equal need of God's grace. (Sigh) Some days it is so hard to guard against becoming an elder brother...
And then I opened my FB page to find this quote from Paulo Coehlo:
"Today don’t beg, don’t ask, just thank God in silence for all the blessings in your life.”
I was particularly intrigued by Keller's assertion on page 101, "If we read the narrative in light of the Bible's sweeping theme of exile and homecoming we will understand that Jesus has given us more than a moving account of individual redemption. He has retold the story of the whole human race, and promised nothing less than hope for the world." His argument is that we were created to live in the garden of Eden with God, but we are separated from God by the brokenness within us and around us. We can try with all our might to recreate home, but all we will find are exiles and returns, much like we see in the history of Israel in the Bible. Only the final reconciliation with God, when we return to live in the shade of the Tree of Life, will fill the need for home that exists in all of us.
Well, that was the story for the younger son in the parable, but not the elder son. At least, that was not his story at the end of the parable. What made home for the sons? Clearly the sons each "felt" home differently. The younger son was happy to be an employee, as long as he was with his father and family. And he was happy to accept the father's unqualified invitation. The elder son found home in possessions, and maybe that is why he couldn't go in to the party. He couldn't accept the invitation because it would mean giving up too much of this world. It did not fit his definition of home. What makes home for you? Our discussion focused on good memories of safety, comfort, love, people, relationships. Our images and feelings were pretty homogenous. But what about those who don't have that experience? What about people who have never known love without abuse, never felt safe, never lived in comfort? What kind of home do they long for?
As Christians our ultimate home is with God. There is a homing beacon built into us that makes us long for that return. It is comforting and hopeful to know that God accepts each of us, with our own unique understanding of home. God is waiting for us all, we just need to accept the invitation. For me, I think the lesson is to remember that sometimes I define that return very narrowly, within the scope of my own personal experience. If we are to incarnate God for one another, until that final return home, I need to keep the circle open and remember that we are all in equal need of God's grace. (Sigh) Some days it is so hard to guard against becoming an elder brother...
And then I opened my FB page to find this quote from Paulo Coehlo:
"Today don’t beg, don’t ask, just thank God in silence for all the blessings in your life.”
Monday, July 18, 2011
Prodigal God Series - No. 4 Discussion
Good afternoon!
Yesterday (7/18/2011) we completed our Fourth in a series of Six discussion events relative the the "Prodigal God" series and again it was extremely interesting. Questions and discussions were still flowing as we approached our 11:00 AM quit time, and Pastor Lyons had to regrettably stop the group so we could go home!
The worship service and discussion sessions focused on Chapter 5 of "The Prodigal God" book and the concepts of "Living out of Gratitude" and "The True Elder Brother". Both topics focused on identifying living, and being thankful for, a life based upon what we have rather than focusing on what we do not have. In the Prodigal Son parable, both sons (The younger and older) are dissatisfied with what they have and devise separate plans to correct what they believe to be shortcomings with what they have received from their Father. The Younger son fails in his attempt to find satisfaction and returns home to his Father; while the Elder Son become bitter and resentful because of what he sees to be an injustice done to him.
Both the worship service and the discussion group focused on the Elder Brother as we looked at how the Elder Son should have responded, using Christ as our example. Jesus is the Son of God, and each of us are children of God; therefore, we are sisters and brothers with Christ. God (the Father) elects out of His Grace to forgive all His sisters and brothers (you and me) and Christ participates by letting Himself be the sacrifice to make it all possible. In the parable, the Elder Brother hesitates to sacrifice his possessions to help the redemption of his younger brother. This hesitancy is totally different than Christ's reaction to God forgiving us, because Christ freely becomes the "sacrificial lamb".
Timothy Keller in his Fifth Chapter is communicating to us how we as Christians are to be elder brothers, in the spirit of Christ, by sharing our lives we have in Christ with those who are still lost; and to do so without hesitation. We are not to look at what we have in a selfish light as did the Elder Brother and withhold what God has given to us. Rather we are to respond as did Christ by offering to share all we have with those who are seeking a relationship with the Father.
Pastor Lyons shared we must be careful at times in teaching others about this repentance factor when helping those who have been mistreated physically by others. It is very difficult many times to ask someone who has been abused to look at their life in a positive light and then live their life out of gratitude. The problem often is the abused person's view of the world around them has been drastically altered and their subsequent ability to understand the positive aspects is very difficult to accomplish. We must rely upon God and be patient with both God and the abused person. We cannot and should not attempt to resolve the issue within our own time frame. We must let the Holy Spirit lead us as we, out of God's love, attempt to help those in need.
God is seeking relationships with us and in turn He is asking us to develop positive relationships with people we encounter. Not judgemental relationships, but relationships the encourage the other person(s) to seek and find their own relationship with God and then respond accordingly.
In the closing sentences of the Prodigal Son parable, the Elder Son is struggling in his relationship with his Father because of the Elder Son's focus on his selfish view. We do not know what the Elder Son ultimately elected to do, but we can look at our own lives and make a decision as to how we want to respond to our heavenly Father. Do we stand outside the door and grumble about what we do not have or do we faithfully walk forward into God's presence and accept all He has to give to us. The choice is ours.
Next week we will be looking into Chapter Six of The Prodigal God series and reviewing how Hope plays a role in our experience with God.
In the meantime - Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Yesterday (7/18/2011) we completed our Fourth in a series of Six discussion events relative the the "Prodigal God" series and again it was extremely interesting. Questions and discussions were still flowing as we approached our 11:00 AM quit time, and Pastor Lyons had to regrettably stop the group so we could go home!
The worship service and discussion sessions focused on Chapter 5 of "The Prodigal God" book and the concepts of "Living out of Gratitude" and "The True Elder Brother". Both topics focused on identifying living, and being thankful for, a life based upon what we have rather than focusing on what we do not have. In the Prodigal Son parable, both sons (The younger and older) are dissatisfied with what they have and devise separate plans to correct what they believe to be shortcomings with what they have received from their Father. The Younger son fails in his attempt to find satisfaction and returns home to his Father; while the Elder Son become bitter and resentful because of what he sees to be an injustice done to him.
Both the worship service and the discussion group focused on the Elder Brother as we looked at how the Elder Son should have responded, using Christ as our example. Jesus is the Son of God, and each of us are children of God; therefore, we are sisters and brothers with Christ. God (the Father) elects out of His Grace to forgive all His sisters and brothers (you and me) and Christ participates by letting Himself be the sacrifice to make it all possible. In the parable, the Elder Brother hesitates to sacrifice his possessions to help the redemption of his younger brother. This hesitancy is totally different than Christ's reaction to God forgiving us, because Christ freely becomes the "sacrificial lamb".
Timothy Keller in his Fifth Chapter is communicating to us how we as Christians are to be elder brothers, in the spirit of Christ, by sharing our lives we have in Christ with those who are still lost; and to do so without hesitation. We are not to look at what we have in a selfish light as did the Elder Brother and withhold what God has given to us. Rather we are to respond as did Christ by offering to share all we have with those who are seeking a relationship with the Father.
Pastor Lyons shared we must be careful at times in teaching others about this repentance factor when helping those who have been mistreated physically by others. It is very difficult many times to ask someone who has been abused to look at their life in a positive light and then live their life out of gratitude. The problem often is the abused person's view of the world around them has been drastically altered and their subsequent ability to understand the positive aspects is very difficult to accomplish. We must rely upon God and be patient with both God and the abused person. We cannot and should not attempt to resolve the issue within our own time frame. We must let the Holy Spirit lead us as we, out of God's love, attempt to help those in need.
God is seeking relationships with us and in turn He is asking us to develop positive relationships with people we encounter. Not judgemental relationships, but relationships the encourage the other person(s) to seek and find their own relationship with God and then respond accordingly.
In the closing sentences of the Prodigal Son parable, the Elder Son is struggling in his relationship with his Father because of the Elder Son's focus on his selfish view. We do not know what the Elder Son ultimately elected to do, but we can look at our own lives and make a decision as to how we want to respond to our heavenly Father. Do we stand outside the door and grumble about what we do not have or do we faithfully walk forward into God's presence and accept all He has to give to us. The choice is ours.
Next week we will be looking into Chapter Six of The Prodigal God series and reviewing how Hope plays a role in our experience with God.
In the meantime - Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Prodigal God Series - No. 3 Discussion
Good Afternoon! This is Terry Pursley writing this blog because Cindy was unable to attend the "Prodigal God" discussion session this past (July 10, 2011) Sunday and she asked me to take on the task. Therefore; if you do not like the way this blog edition is produced you should blame Cindy because 1) she failed to attend the class and 2) and her poor judgement in selecting her replacement!
This week's discussion of the "Prodigal God" was very interesting with numerous people joining in on the discussion. The theme of both the worship service sermon as well as the discussion session was "He Refused to Go In" and related to the situation where, per the parable, the elder son is standing outside the room wherein the father is hosting a party for his returned Younger son, but the Elder son is mad and debating whether he will attend the party or stay away as a means of protesting his Father's actions.
The discussion group initially focused on how important "possessions" where to both sons and how easy it was for the sons, and us, to focus on our possessions. The Elder son is clearly upset by the fact he is losing some of his promised possessions because in essence the Father is giving a part of them to the returned Younger son. This is extremely irksome to the Elder son because in his mind he has earned, by his hard work, the "right" to receive these possessions whereas the Younger son has simply squandered away the possessions the Father had previously given to him. Both sons were therefore more focused on the possessions rather than the relationship with their Father.
The Discussion Group then asked the question - How do we, as modern day Christian value our possessions relative to our relationship with Christ? Do we value our possessions over our relationship with Christ, or do we value our relationship with Christ over our possessions? The Discussion Group generally agreed we all struggle with this "possession vs Christ" issue and is indeed a part of our lives we need to improve upon.
It was pointed out on page 43 of the book "The Prodigal God" the author Timothy Keller summarizes a key issue with respect to sin and the parable of the Prodigal Son. In summary Keller says "...sin is not just breaking the rules, it is putting yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge...." In the parable, both sons, as a result of their desire for possessions, proceeded to place their judgement above that of their Father and began to pursue courses of action to accomplish their own selfish judgement rather than follow the judgement of their Father. That is what Keller is stating sin is. The Elder son stands outside the party refusing to come in even though his Father has invited him in. The Elder son is sinning, not because he is standing outside the room, but because he is refusing to obey his Father. Similarly in our own lives, acquiring and enjoying possessions is not a sin, but if we do so in any specific instance in direct violation of our heavenly Father's instructions - then we sin. The Elder brother wanted what he determined was his "birth right" because in his mind "he had earned them" and the Elder brother was unable to understand that all of the possessions came from his Father - out of the Father's Grace.
When we as modern day Christians can stand outside our Father's door and agree to enter into his presence on His terms we will find an inner peace that will allow us to reach out to others in the Love of Christ. Just like the two brothers of the parable, we all are at times lost and the parable tells us when we find ourselves in this situation we should simply listen to our Father and joyfully accept his instructions for our lives.
I hope you enjoy this summary and I encourage everyone to come join us to share by both speaking and listening to the deeper meanings of this great parable. Until then -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
This week's discussion of the "Prodigal God" was very interesting with numerous people joining in on the discussion. The theme of both the worship service sermon as well as the discussion session was "He Refused to Go In" and related to the situation where, per the parable, the elder son is standing outside the room wherein the father is hosting a party for his returned Younger son, but the Elder son is mad and debating whether he will attend the party or stay away as a means of protesting his Father's actions.
The discussion group initially focused on how important "possessions" where to both sons and how easy it was for the sons, and us, to focus on our possessions. The Elder son is clearly upset by the fact he is losing some of his promised possessions because in essence the Father is giving a part of them to the returned Younger son. This is extremely irksome to the Elder son because in his mind he has earned, by his hard work, the "right" to receive these possessions whereas the Younger son has simply squandered away the possessions the Father had previously given to him. Both sons were therefore more focused on the possessions rather than the relationship with their Father.
The Discussion Group then asked the question - How do we, as modern day Christian value our possessions relative to our relationship with Christ? Do we value our possessions over our relationship with Christ, or do we value our relationship with Christ over our possessions? The Discussion Group generally agreed we all struggle with this "possession vs Christ" issue and is indeed a part of our lives we need to improve upon.
It was pointed out on page 43 of the book "The Prodigal God" the author Timothy Keller summarizes a key issue with respect to sin and the parable of the Prodigal Son. In summary Keller says "...sin is not just breaking the rules, it is putting yourself in the place of God as Savior, Lord, and Judge...." In the parable, both sons, as a result of their desire for possessions, proceeded to place their judgement above that of their Father and began to pursue courses of action to accomplish their own selfish judgement rather than follow the judgement of their Father. That is what Keller is stating sin is. The Elder son stands outside the party refusing to come in even though his Father has invited him in. The Elder son is sinning, not because he is standing outside the room, but because he is refusing to obey his Father. Similarly in our own lives, acquiring and enjoying possessions is not a sin, but if we do so in any specific instance in direct violation of our heavenly Father's instructions - then we sin. The Elder brother wanted what he determined was his "birth right" because in his mind "he had earned them" and the Elder brother was unable to understand that all of the possessions came from his Father - out of the Father's Grace.
When we as modern day Christians can stand outside our Father's door and agree to enter into his presence on His terms we will find an inner peace that will allow us to reach out to others in the Love of Christ. Just like the two brothers of the parable, we all are at times lost and the parable tells us when we find ourselves in this situation we should simply listen to our Father and joyfully accept his instructions for our lives.
I hope you enjoy this summary and I encourage everyone to come join us to share by both speaking and listening to the deeper meanings of this great parable. Until then -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The Prodigal God #2 - Coming to Our Senses
What does it mean when the younger brother in the parable comes to his senses? (Luke15:17) I really have to sit and consider the implications behind that verse, and wonder if the imagery was more clear for those listening to the parable first hand? Those words almost write off the actions of the younger brother as a phase, a good kid who made some bad choices. I have heard and seen and been that before, haven't you? In some ways that is comforting, to think that even if I make bad choices God will be waiting for me to come to my senses.
The next part makes sense, where else would you go but home? I suppose he could have stayed in that country and made some more bad choices, or gone on to another, farther place, but he chooses to go home. In addition, he formulates a plan that will allow him to repay the financial/material debt he owes his father. He realizes that he cannot undo his actions, take back the disrespect, and he does not expect any more than what he has seen his father offer to others. That speaks of humility and a change of heart to me. And I wonder what there was in his relationship with his father that allows him to believe that his father will consider and honor his plan? He must have had a better relationship than we would assume based on his actions.
When he does return, what he receives is so much more than he had any right to expect. It shows us that we need God, we need grace, and we need to be open to it in whatever form it comes. No expectations. There may be big moments with rings and robes and sandals, but they are more likely to be small, daily whisperings that are easy to miss if we go around looking for burning bushes. No expectations.
I don't know about you, but I feel like I have been drilled and also drilled my kids that there are consequences for what we do. If x then y. That works in the physical world, but not in the spiritual world. It is difficult to comprehend that God loves us so much, that we cannot do anything to earn God's love, we simply have it, that all we can is respond to that love. When I try to wrap my mind around that, I often find that our rituals and habits get in the way. They give a false sense of security.
Sometimes I do a little research to help clarify and expand my understanding, and in that process this week I found the following information:
http://wmson.wordpress.com/2006/10/17/tim-keller-the-discipline-of-gospel-repentance/
It gives some suggestions on how to consider and evaluate our own behavior and then seek what Keller calls gospel repentance. This is about earnest, honest, hard work. I think sometimes the words fall off my tongue too quickly and too glibly. Too much of a Pharisee... Since I am hardheaded I guess it takes hard work in order to get me to come to my senses.
The next part makes sense, where else would you go but home? I suppose he could have stayed in that country and made some more bad choices, or gone on to another, farther place, but he chooses to go home. In addition, he formulates a plan that will allow him to repay the financial/material debt he owes his father. He realizes that he cannot undo his actions, take back the disrespect, and he does not expect any more than what he has seen his father offer to others. That speaks of humility and a change of heart to me. And I wonder what there was in his relationship with his father that allows him to believe that his father will consider and honor his plan? He must have had a better relationship than we would assume based on his actions.
When he does return, what he receives is so much more than he had any right to expect. It shows us that we need God, we need grace, and we need to be open to it in whatever form it comes. No expectations. There may be big moments with rings and robes and sandals, but they are more likely to be small, daily whisperings that are easy to miss if we go around looking for burning bushes. No expectations.
I don't know about you, but I feel like I have been drilled and also drilled my kids that there are consequences for what we do. If x then y. That works in the physical world, but not in the spiritual world. It is difficult to comprehend that God loves us so much, that we cannot do anything to earn God's love, we simply have it, that all we can is respond to that love. When I try to wrap my mind around that, I often find that our rituals and habits get in the way. They give a false sense of security.
Sometimes I do a little research to help clarify and expand my understanding, and in that process this week I found the following information:
http://wmson.wordpress.com/2006/10/17/tim-keller-the-discipline-of-gospel-repentance/
It gives some suggestions on how to consider and evaluate our own behavior and then seek what Keller calls gospel repentance. This is about earnest, honest, hard work. I think sometimes the words fall off my tongue too quickly and too glibly. Too much of a Pharisee... Since I am hardheaded I guess it takes hard work in order to get me to come to my senses.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Prodigal God, Part One SSS
Today we started a sermon series base on the book, "The Prodigal God" by Timothy Keller, roughly corresponding to the intro and Chapter One of the book. In these posts I will do my best to summarize the sermon, discussion and maybe add a few thoughts.
The pastor began the sermon be recapping the author's statement that there are two basic ways of finding happiness - moral conformity (elder brother, Pharisees, us?) or self discovery (younger brother, tax collectors and sinners, the un-churched?), and the followers of each believe their way to be exclusive. In the parable Jesus says that both ways are wrong, because they focus on human acts earning happiness, God's grace. The parable begins by stating there was a man who had two sons... and neither one could earn their father's love, they had it no matter what. When they rejected, disrespected, and dishonored their father he still invited them to be in relationship with him, without condition. He loves them for just who they are, just as they are.
Then the pastor chose to illustrate this point by comparing us to sheep! Yes, sheep! Now, I grew up in the city, in an apartment, so I had no idea that sheep are not the sharpest tools in the shed. Evidently, if they run off the shepherd must chase them down, then carry them home because they won't follow, they will just run off again. And this is where those three s's come in - Sheep-Shepherd-Search. Can you make the connection? We are the sheep, of course God is the shepherd, and the search? It is not just God offering us grace, no matter what. It is also about being in community with each other.
In looking over the notes from the discussion it seems that everyone else was pretty much feeling the same way I was. We are, by and large, a part of that solid, middle ground, taught from infancy that if you work hard and live right it will all be good in the end, you will be taken care of. But the point of this parable is not the profligate younger brother being taken back into the fold, but how much more dangerous is the position of the elder brother, thinking he has earned his inheritance, then turning away from his father out of anger and resentment. He did what he should do, his brother did not, and it burns his biscuits that the brother was welcomed home, extravagantly. Just like the Pharisees, the "good" brother was in relationship with his father not out of love for his father, but because of the tangible reward he expected. That hit just a little too close to home to be a comfortable thought.
Throughout this first session we were confronted with dichotomies - the Pharisees and the sinners, the older brother and the younger brother, grace through works and grace through love, moral conformity and self discovery, the sheep and the shepherd. I'm not sure it has to be either-or. I can honestly say I have felt like both brothers at some point in my life. I would be much more comfortable if I could be confident that it was either or, because then my efforts at being in relationship with God would mean that I was OK. The problem with that is the other side of that belief dichotomy - those who aren't trying are not OK. It's kind of like if I say "There but for the grace of God go I" flips over to mean that God's grace is not with the other person. Ugh, that is ugly. I don't think I'll be using that saying any more, and maybe (underscore maybe) I will think about how I participate in the suffering of others. (Also uncomfortable.) Sometimes people feel the flip side of our beliefs, even if we don't consciously speak them.
Finally, exactly what does prodigal mean? According to Merriam Webster it means recklessly extravagant, having spent everything. It is amazing to think that God would treat me in that way, and that is just how I want to think I will be treated. It is just selfish to not want the same for everyone else. And I think it is miserly to think that God isn't big enough to be recklessly extravagant with everyone else and still have enough left for me. Looks like I have some work to do...
I am doing my best to take verbatim notes of the discussion. If you would like a PDF copy of the notes from the discussion after the service (which will include the questions from the handout) please send an email to shallow.minds.deep.thoughts@gmail.com with PDF in the subject line.
If you would like an email notification of new posts please send an email to shallow.minds.deep.thoughts@gmail.com with Post Notification in the subject line.
And if you would like to experience it for yourself join us at Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church this Sunday morning at 9:00 am for the service, discussion following.
The pastor began the sermon be recapping the author's statement that there are two basic ways of finding happiness - moral conformity (elder brother, Pharisees, us?) or self discovery (younger brother, tax collectors and sinners, the un-churched?), and the followers of each believe their way to be exclusive. In the parable Jesus says that both ways are wrong, because they focus on human acts earning happiness, God's grace. The parable begins by stating there was a man who had two sons... and neither one could earn their father's love, they had it no matter what. When they rejected, disrespected, and dishonored their father he still invited them to be in relationship with him, without condition. He loves them for just who they are, just as they are.
Then the pastor chose to illustrate this point by comparing us to sheep! Yes, sheep! Now, I grew up in the city, in an apartment, so I had no idea that sheep are not the sharpest tools in the shed. Evidently, if they run off the shepherd must chase them down, then carry them home because they won't follow, they will just run off again. And this is where those three s's come in - Sheep-Shepherd-Search. Can you make the connection? We are the sheep, of course God is the shepherd, and the search? It is not just God offering us grace, no matter what. It is also about being in community with each other.
In looking over the notes from the discussion it seems that everyone else was pretty much feeling the same way I was. We are, by and large, a part of that solid, middle ground, taught from infancy that if you work hard and live right it will all be good in the end, you will be taken care of. But the point of this parable is not the profligate younger brother being taken back into the fold, but how much more dangerous is the position of the elder brother, thinking he has earned his inheritance, then turning away from his father out of anger and resentment. He did what he should do, his brother did not, and it burns his biscuits that the brother was welcomed home, extravagantly. Just like the Pharisees, the "good" brother was in relationship with his father not out of love for his father, but because of the tangible reward he expected. That hit just a little too close to home to be a comfortable thought.
Throughout this first session we were confronted with dichotomies - the Pharisees and the sinners, the older brother and the younger brother, grace through works and grace through love, moral conformity and self discovery, the sheep and the shepherd. I'm not sure it has to be either-or. I can honestly say I have felt like both brothers at some point in my life. I would be much more comfortable if I could be confident that it was either or, because then my efforts at being in relationship with God would mean that I was OK. The problem with that is the other side of that belief dichotomy - those who aren't trying are not OK. It's kind of like if I say "There but for the grace of God go I" flips over to mean that God's grace is not with the other person. Ugh, that is ugly. I don't think I'll be using that saying any more, and maybe (underscore maybe) I will think about how I participate in the suffering of others. (Also uncomfortable.) Sometimes people feel the flip side of our beliefs, even if we don't consciously speak them.
Finally, exactly what does prodigal mean? According to Merriam Webster it means recklessly extravagant, having spent everything. It is amazing to think that God would treat me in that way, and that is just how I want to think I will be treated. It is just selfish to not want the same for everyone else. And I think it is miserly to think that God isn't big enough to be recklessly extravagant with everyone else and still have enough left for me. Looks like I have some work to do...
I am doing my best to take verbatim notes of the discussion. If you would like a PDF copy of the notes from the discussion after the service (which will include the questions from the handout) please send an email to shallow.minds.deep.thoughts@gmail.com with PDF in the subject line.
If you would like an email notification of new posts please send an email to shallow.minds.deep.thoughts@gmail.com with Post Notification in the subject line.
And if you would like to experience it for yourself join us at Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church this Sunday morning at 9:00 am for the service, discussion following.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Keep Your Humor
Well, friends, here it is Thursday morning so I guess I will attempt a post in order to stay in practice. This week, looking and listening for the signs, it seems I need to deal with anger. I was fixing dinner and had the TV on in the background for "white noise". It was a replay of Oprah's interview with David Arquette, and for some reason a quote he offered in discussing his own problems really jumped out at me. He couldn't offer a source, and despite a search I couldn't find a definitive source, but will offer it anyway. "Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."
I know very few people who have never been angry with someone. And holding a grudge is just destructive to the holder, it doesn't touch the grudge-ee. Feeling angry all the time is a miserable way to live. I do agree with that quote - in terms of human relationships. But what about being angry with God? If I am angry with God do I really expect God to die? We don't talk much about dealing with anger toward God, almost making it unacceptable. But there are plenty of examples in the Bible of people who get angry, who question, and God is big enough to take it. In my opinion, dealing with not getting the answer you want is a bigger problem than actually being angry with God. It is hard to be thankful and in relationship with God when God's answer is not the one you want.
Seems I keep getting the message over and over to be thankful, anyway. This week brought more bad news, horrific news actually. A friend of my daughter, 22 years old, brilliant, sweet, talented, generous, is fighting one of the most deadly forms of brain cancer. (I ask that you add Kim and her family to your prayers today, as she bravely faces this opponent down.) I am going to be honest, at first I was really, really sad. But then I got really, really angry. At God. Why do these things keep happening?
News like that just points out how blatantly good my life is, how very grateful I should be. Sure, my kids are far away (having the time of their lives), my work and day-to-day activities aren't the dream life society tells me I "should" have, but I have it good. For now we have a comfortable home, transportation, food, health care, family, church, community, safety,...health. What is there to be angry about? Really?
In my own defense, I am going to lay some of this at the feet of the media. We are constantly inundated with all the bad news, all the things going wrong, making it easy to fall into a mind set of scarcity and fear. In a culture of negativity it is difficult to be positive. In a culture that focuses on me-me-me, it is difficult to remember that we are each fighting our own battles. For instance, the person who just cut me off on "Manslaughter Road" may be rushing to the hospital to see to a loved one, not just trying to make me really, really angry. The volunteer who failed to show up may have just learned that they are very, very sick. Gosh, I can think up generous, "forgivable" reasons for the things that make me angry instead of always going to the negative and looking at how it impacts me.
One of my favorite Bette Midler songs, "Laughing Matters", sums it up for me. I offer those lyrics here as a reminder to myself - keep it in perspective, and keep your humor. And be thankful, I really do have it pretty good.
Live at Five and CNN
Keep us all abreast
of breaking stories that can tend
to make us anxious and depressed.
Problems with no answers hang on like some chronic cough
And every day, some brand new issue,
Rears it's head to piss you off.
Bad guys win.
Optimism's wearing thin.
Things are spinning out of control.
Cynicism's all the fad.
World events can make us mad as hatters.
Almost every day,
Some underpinning slips away.
Friends, these aren't laughing matters.
Time bombs tick.
People keep on getting sick.
And a nickel's not worth a cent.
Wickedness and greed abound.
Just as peace is gaining ground it's shattered.
Hate is here to stay,
And justice goes to those who pay.
Friends, these aren't laughing matters.
The truth is scarier by far
Than anything that Stephen King could write.
The stories in the paper are
The daily small decline and fall
Spelled out in black and white.
Oh what to do, what to do?
How to take a brighter view
When your noodle's totally fried?
Human spirits need to be
Leavened with a little levity.
So take those blues and bounce them off the wall.
Keep your humor, please,
'Cause don't you know it's times like these when
Laughing matters most of all.
I know very few people who have never been angry with someone. And holding a grudge is just destructive to the holder, it doesn't touch the grudge-ee. Feeling angry all the time is a miserable way to live. I do agree with that quote - in terms of human relationships. But what about being angry with God? If I am angry with God do I really expect God to die? We don't talk much about dealing with anger toward God, almost making it unacceptable. But there are plenty of examples in the Bible of people who get angry, who question, and God is big enough to take it. In my opinion, dealing with not getting the answer you want is a bigger problem than actually being angry with God. It is hard to be thankful and in relationship with God when God's answer is not the one you want.
Seems I keep getting the message over and over to be thankful, anyway. This week brought more bad news, horrific news actually. A friend of my daughter, 22 years old, brilliant, sweet, talented, generous, is fighting one of the most deadly forms of brain cancer. (I ask that you add Kim and her family to your prayers today, as she bravely faces this opponent down.) I am going to be honest, at first I was really, really sad. But then I got really, really angry. At God. Why do these things keep happening?
News like that just points out how blatantly good my life is, how very grateful I should be. Sure, my kids are far away (having the time of their lives), my work and day-to-day activities aren't the dream life society tells me I "should" have, but I have it good. For now we have a comfortable home, transportation, food, health care, family, church, community, safety,...health. What is there to be angry about? Really?
In my own defense, I am going to lay some of this at the feet of the media. We are constantly inundated with all the bad news, all the things going wrong, making it easy to fall into a mind set of scarcity and fear. In a culture of negativity it is difficult to be positive. In a culture that focuses on me-me-me, it is difficult to remember that we are each fighting our own battles. For instance, the person who just cut me off on "Manslaughter Road" may be rushing to the hospital to see to a loved one, not just trying to make me really, really angry. The volunteer who failed to show up may have just learned that they are very, very sick. Gosh, I can think up generous, "forgivable" reasons for the things that make me angry instead of always going to the negative and looking at how it impacts me.
One of my favorite Bette Midler songs, "Laughing Matters", sums it up for me. I offer those lyrics here as a reminder to myself - keep it in perspective, and keep your humor. And be thankful, I really do have it pretty good.
Live at Five and CNN
Keep us all abreast
of breaking stories that can tend
to make us anxious and depressed.
Problems with no answers hang on like some chronic cough
And every day, some brand new issue,
Rears it's head to piss you off.
Bad guys win.
Optimism's wearing thin.
Things are spinning out of control.
Cynicism's all the fad.
World events can make us mad as hatters.
Almost every day,
Some underpinning slips away.
Friends, these aren't laughing matters.
Time bombs tick.
People keep on getting sick.
And a nickel's not worth a cent.
Wickedness and greed abound.
Just as peace is gaining ground it's shattered.
Hate is here to stay,
And justice goes to those who pay.
Friends, these aren't laughing matters.
The truth is scarier by far
Than anything that Stephen King could write.
The stories in the paper are
The daily small decline and fall
Spelled out in black and white.
Oh what to do, what to do?
How to take a brighter view
When your noodle's totally fried?
Human spirits need to be
Leavened with a little levity.
So take those blues and bounce them off the wall.
Keep your humor, please,
'Cause don't you know it's times like these when
Laughing matters most of all.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Messages and Signs and Finding Balance
I am a huge fan of a book I recently read, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo. The underlying premise is that the Universe (God) gives us signs and directs us on our own personal journeys, but we need to be vigilant, open to seeing the signs and faithful enough to follow them. Reflecting back on some of my most meaningful experiences hindsight tells me that the premise is correct, so I have been trying to do that. Like everything else in life, though, some days it is more difficult to see the signs than others, but this week I got the proverbial 2x4 up side of my head. Again.
I know I said last time that I was going to be thankful, and I have been. But, being human, I have also been petulant, pouty, disappointed that things haven't gone just the way I wanted them to go. I didn't actually complain, but I haven't been very nice, either. I believe that we all go through periods of time when we focus too much on ourselves, our own wants and other times when we focus too much on others. If only we could find a balance between "me" and "everyone else", stopping the pendulum from constantly swinging too far in one direction and then back, too far the other way.
My wake up call this week came early - literally. One morning at the gym one of my friends approached to tell me that his wife has been diagnosed with cancer, they would appreciate prayers. At 82, after having had other health issues and surgeries, she was now staring down yet another lethal opponent. And I was feeling angry because I couldn't have the day go just the way I wanted it to go. OK, I get the message, I really don't need another whack.
The good news is that there is reason to be hopeful, good reports from the doctor and treatable disease. In addition to all the others we have on our lists, PH and her family, all the people in Joplin, Massachusetts, whoever is on your own personal list, please add Pat B. and her family. I plan to also offer thanks that I was able to see the sign and get the message, but ask for lots and lots of help remembering it, finding that balance more often than not.
I know I said last time that I was going to be thankful, and I have been. But, being human, I have also been petulant, pouty, disappointed that things haven't gone just the way I wanted them to go. I didn't actually complain, but I haven't been very nice, either. I believe that we all go through periods of time when we focus too much on ourselves, our own wants and other times when we focus too much on others. If only we could find a balance between "me" and "everyone else", stopping the pendulum from constantly swinging too far in one direction and then back, too far the other way.
My wake up call this week came early - literally. One morning at the gym one of my friends approached to tell me that his wife has been diagnosed with cancer, they would appreciate prayers. At 82, after having had other health issues and surgeries, she was now staring down yet another lethal opponent. And I was feeling angry because I couldn't have the day go just the way I wanted it to go. OK, I get the message, I really don't need another whack.
The good news is that there is reason to be hopeful, good reports from the doctor and treatable disease. In addition to all the others we have on our lists, PH and her family, all the people in Joplin, Massachusetts, whoever is on your own personal list, please add Pat B. and her family. I plan to also offer thanks that I was able to see the sign and get the message, but ask for lots and lots of help remembering it, finding that balance more often than not.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Giving Thanks, Asking for Miracles
We cancelled our meeting this week because of the threat of impending foul weather, and it was a good call. The sirens were going off all afternoon and evening, it seemed. I'm sure we are all giving thanks that in our immediate area there was no major damage.
Other areas not so far away have not been that fortunate. Indeed, one of our church members still has a family member missing after the storms on Monday in Joplin. Unfortunately, the other side of being thankful for having been spared is a heart breaking for those who were not. I don't know about you, but I will be offering flip-flopping prayers. Giving thanks for what I have received (without knowing why I should have received it) and asking for miracles for those who are suffering. The hard part is accepting the answer if it isn't the one I anticipate.
Our group is finished meeting for the summer, but we will begin a church-wide sermon and study series on June 26 - The Prodigal God. I am intrigued by the title alone. I think we will use this forum as follow up so that those who have vacation and other commitments can follow along even if we have to miss a Sunday or two. In the meantime, all you will get is my crazy musings unless someone else would care to weigh in...?
Other areas not so far away have not been that fortunate. Indeed, one of our church members still has a family member missing after the storms on Monday in Joplin. Unfortunately, the other side of being thankful for having been spared is a heart breaking for those who were not. I don't know about you, but I will be offering flip-flopping prayers. Giving thanks for what I have received (without knowing why I should have received it) and asking for miracles for those who are suffering. The hard part is accepting the answer if it isn't the one I anticipate.
Our group is finished meeting for the summer, but we will begin a church-wide sermon and study series on June 26 - The Prodigal God. I am intrigued by the title alone. I think we will use this forum as follow up so that those who have vacation and other commitments can follow along even if we have to miss a Sunday or two. In the meantime, all you will get is my crazy musings unless someone else would care to weigh in...?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Let's Go Fishing,Or...
We have been looking at the story of the risen Jesus, what it took for the disciples to believe in the resurrection, and what it takes for us to believe. This week we looked at John 21, after the empty tomb, after Jesus reveals himself, after he breathes on them and gives them the Holy Spirit, after Thomas feels the wounds. And what did the group do next? They went fishing.
As I reflected on the group dynamics going on at that time, it occurred to me that I probably would have been more comfortable engaging in an activity that could be explained as necessary, that would allow me to avoid thinking about everything that had just happened, and that would perhaps restore some of my lost self-image and self-worth. I am definitely more Martha than Mary, always busy, seeing and feeling the value of doing. As fishermen, even though they had spent the last three years in ministry, I think that same work-ethic-comfort would have been deeply ingrained in the disciples.
By this time it was clear that Peter was going to be one of the leaders, if not the leader. But how could he effectively lead when he had denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times? If he doubted himself and his worthiness to serve, how could he lead? How could he ever redeem himself from that awful betrayal? In the face of all that tumult, emotion, doubt, misery why not go fishing? It was something concrete, familiar, comforting, that he knew how to do well, that could help him retrieve a little self respect. I imagine the others felt the same way because they just went along. No discussion, just followed.
And what happens? Peter and the others are a failure, catching no fish all night. Nada. Zip. Zero. None. BUT, when they listen to the stranger on the shore and face the failure the net comes back full. There are many explanations for the significance of the number of fish - 153 - but I think it really means that there were so many it could have broken the net. And it didn't. They trusted and followed, from where they were, engaged in a familiar activity in which they were proficient and comfortable, in their broken, dejected confused and overwhelmed state.
When they recognize Jesus he doesn't chastise them for fishing instead of following the commission he gave them. First he tells them what to do in order to be successful, then he sets the stage, a charcoal fire on the beach that mirrors the fire where Peter denied him. And then three times He asks the question, and three times Peter answers, finally feeling the redemption from his betrayal. No matter what state of broken-ness, doubt, failure, Jesus still sees value and cares about each one. Each one still has the ability to go out and carry The Message to the world. And I can't help wondering, if Jesus reached out and thoroughly redeemed Peter then what will He do for us? For me?
As I reflected on the group dynamics going on at that time, it occurred to me that I probably would have been more comfortable engaging in an activity that could be explained as necessary, that would allow me to avoid thinking about everything that had just happened, and that would perhaps restore some of my lost self-image and self-worth. I am definitely more Martha than Mary, always busy, seeing and feeling the value of doing. As fishermen, even though they had spent the last three years in ministry, I think that same work-ethic-comfort would have been deeply ingrained in the disciples.
By this time it was clear that Peter was going to be one of the leaders, if not the leader. But how could he effectively lead when he had denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times? If he doubted himself and his worthiness to serve, how could he lead? How could he ever redeem himself from that awful betrayal? In the face of all that tumult, emotion, doubt, misery why not go fishing? It was something concrete, familiar, comforting, that he knew how to do well, that could help him retrieve a little self respect. I imagine the others felt the same way because they just went along. No discussion, just followed.
And what happens? Peter and the others are a failure, catching no fish all night. Nada. Zip. Zero. None. BUT, when they listen to the stranger on the shore and face the failure the net comes back full. There are many explanations for the significance of the number of fish - 153 - but I think it really means that there were so many it could have broken the net. And it didn't. They trusted and followed, from where they were, engaged in a familiar activity in which they were proficient and comfortable, in their broken, dejected confused and overwhelmed state.
When they recognize Jesus he doesn't chastise them for fishing instead of following the commission he gave them. First he tells them what to do in order to be successful, then he sets the stage, a charcoal fire on the beach that mirrors the fire where Peter denied him. And then three times He asks the question, and three times Peter answers, finally feeling the redemption from his betrayal. No matter what state of broken-ness, doubt, failure, Jesus still sees value and cares about each one. Each one still has the ability to go out and carry The Message to the world. And I can't help wondering, if Jesus reached out and thoroughly redeemed Peter then what will He do for us? For me?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Yet another late post. Better late than never, right? Last Wednesday we tried to discuss the 23rd Psalm. I say tried because even though this is not a shy group when it comes to talking or expressing opinions, last week's session was decidedly quiet.
1The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This comforting psalm is so closely associated with funerals that I find it difficult to think of it in any other context. I did a quick search and found lots of commentary, but the one that intrigued me suggested we see this as a comfort for this life, not the passage into the next, and that it addresses the past, present and future. For instance, loosely paraphrasing:
Past - Because the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want for anything. I shall not want for food because like a sheep he makes me lie down in green pastures. I shall not want for drink because he leads me beside still waters. (Someone told me that sheep will not drink from running water, but I haven't been able to verify that.) God restores my soul, He sees that I have everything I need. By keeping me on the right paths he protects me from danger.
Present - Even though I am in the deepest trouble, walking through the Valley of Death, God is with me to comfort me and protect me, just as He has always done.
Future - I will come out of this trial and God will provide for me, setting a table before me in the presence of my enemies, anointing me with oil to show that I am His. Because I belong to God, His goodness and mercy will follow me until I go to live with Him in the next life, forever. This is the true joy in life, to love and be loved by God.
Pretty basic wants, especially when we are bombarded with messages telling us what we want, what we should want, what we lack. Critical thinking when doing anything these days is essential to identifying what we truly need, and what is media-induced want. Food, water, comfort, safety. Is that all there is?
The other part of this that I find uncomfortable is the submission, as sheep. Everything I have read says that sheep are dumb as a box of rocks and will follow whatever the first one does. So the image of a shepherd caring for His flock implies that the sheep are incapable of caring for themselves, they require a shepherd in order to survive and thrive. In this driven, individualistic society it is difficult to accept or embrace the idea that we cannot do it all for ourselves. That we have to humble and submit and allow God to do things for us.
I can see the different point of view on this psalm now, but I still don't think I can separate it from funerals, from death. How do we break that association in order to use old, familiar things in new, life-giving ways?
1The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This comforting psalm is so closely associated with funerals that I find it difficult to think of it in any other context. I did a quick search and found lots of commentary, but the one that intrigued me suggested we see this as a comfort for this life, not the passage into the next, and that it addresses the past, present and future. For instance, loosely paraphrasing:
Past - Because the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want for anything. I shall not want for food because like a sheep he makes me lie down in green pastures. I shall not want for drink because he leads me beside still waters. (Someone told me that sheep will not drink from running water, but I haven't been able to verify that.) God restores my soul, He sees that I have everything I need. By keeping me on the right paths he protects me from danger.
Present - Even though I am in the deepest trouble, walking through the Valley of Death, God is with me to comfort me and protect me, just as He has always done.
Future - I will come out of this trial and God will provide for me, setting a table before me in the presence of my enemies, anointing me with oil to show that I am His. Because I belong to God, His goodness and mercy will follow me until I go to live with Him in the next life, forever. This is the true joy in life, to love and be loved by God.
Pretty basic wants, especially when we are bombarded with messages telling us what we want, what we should want, what we lack. Critical thinking when doing anything these days is essential to identifying what we truly need, and what is media-induced want. Food, water, comfort, safety. Is that all there is?
The other part of this that I find uncomfortable is the submission, as sheep. Everything I have read says that sheep are dumb as a box of rocks and will follow whatever the first one does. So the image of a shepherd caring for His flock implies that the sheep are incapable of caring for themselves, they require a shepherd in order to survive and thrive. In this driven, individualistic society it is difficult to accept or embrace the idea that we cannot do it all for ourselves. That we have to humble and submit and allow God to do things for us.
I can see the different point of view on this psalm now, but I still don't think I can separate it from funerals, from death. How do we break that association in order to use old, familiar things in new, life-giving ways?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Called... And Equipped
Yes, this post is very late. Life got in the way, as it sometimes does. Our meeting on May 4 focused on the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, a follow up on the previous week's discussion about what it takes for us to believe that Christ rose.
In this story Jesus is equipping the disciples with the tools they will need to carry The Message out into the world. They have learned what to say during their time in ministry with Jesus on Earth. How many times did he sit the group down for a parable or two? After his resurrection they seem in need of focusing. He re-instructs them on the scriptures of the Old Testament that will allow them to connect with the Jews in their audience, but also provide prophecy that anyone could see fulfilled in Jesus. He eats the fish so they can honestly, believingly claim they saw his risen body. He hides his identity from them until they break bread together to give them the understanding that not everyone will recognize him at the same time in the same way. He is teaching them how to say the what.
The infamous "they" say that it takes 21 separate encounters with Christ before a person is ready to make a commitment. This knowledge gives us the opportunity to reflect not only on our own experiences, but how we provide those opportunities for others through the ministry of our congregation. We do a good job of knowing the "what", but I think the "how" is more important. Looking back at how Jesus equipped the people who had walked with him in the flesh helps me remember to be more open and diverse and accepting of the world views I encounter in our community. As "they" say, "God does not call the equipped, he equips the called."
In this story Jesus is equipping the disciples with the tools they will need to carry The Message out into the world. They have learned what to say during their time in ministry with Jesus on Earth. How many times did he sit the group down for a parable or two? After his resurrection they seem in need of focusing. He re-instructs them on the scriptures of the Old Testament that will allow them to connect with the Jews in their audience, but also provide prophecy that anyone could see fulfilled in Jesus. He eats the fish so they can honestly, believingly claim they saw his risen body. He hides his identity from them until they break bread together to give them the understanding that not everyone will recognize him at the same time in the same way. He is teaching them how to say the what.
The infamous "they" say that it takes 21 separate encounters with Christ before a person is ready to make a commitment. This knowledge gives us the opportunity to reflect not only on our own experiences, but how we provide those opportunities for others through the ministry of our congregation. We do a good job of knowing the "what", but I think the "how" is more important. Looking back at how Jesus equipped the people who had walked with him in the flesh helps me remember to be more open and diverse and accepting of the world views I encounter in our community. As "they" say, "God does not call the equipped, he equips the called."
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Show Me!
Missouri is the Show Me State. It is that strong, solid, Midwestern, down to earth, nose to the grindstone, show me ethic that gives us our sensibility and stubbornness. The state animal is the Missouri Mule. So, I think you should have a pretty good idea of what to expect if you ask one of us what it takes for us to believe something. Proof.
Our new study is focusing on the resurrection story and what it took for the Disciples to believe Jesus had risen. If you read the different versions in each of the four gospels it becomes clear that the apostles did not have a common understanding of the event. There are significant differences from one to the next. The individual accounts are probably also colored by the audience for whom they were writing - Matthew's focus on the fulfillment of prophecy indicates a Jewish audience; Mark's fact-based Greek gospel implies non-Jewish Christians, maybe Romans; Luke's writing for the Gentiles; and John seeks to reach all people, expanding from the "what" to the "why" of Jesus. But in each account the witnesses leave the tomb believing in a very unnatural event.
I couldn't help but think they had a big advantage over us. They had been traveling with Jesus for three years, they had seen miracles first hand. I am sure I have seen miracles, but none like those described in Jesus' ministry. Even though they had seen Jesus' work and been told that this would happen, they still just thought the body had been stolen when they found the empty tomb. Despite their own unique experience and understanding, they took a while to get past "show-me." So maybe I'm not that bad after all.
What does it take for us to believe the story? While thinking about just what it takes for us to believe is a very valuable exercise, I think the take-away for me tonight was about the need to differentiate the message. That has been a hot button word in education recently, and it basically means offering material in several different ways, at several different levels, so that it both challenges and advances the skills and knowledge of each student at an individually appropriate level. Differentiation honors that fact that not all students are at the same level of understanding, interest, and ability at the same time and allows them to progress at their own level, at a pace that will allow success.
Sometimes we aren't willing to differentiate The Message as we go out to make disciples. We get an almost OCD-like compulsion, seeing only one way to do things. Our way. And yet, God differentiated the Gospels in order to reach more people. God differentiated the way he reached and reaches out to us, willing to meet us where we are and allow us to progress at our own pace. Why is it so difficult for us to do the same? Not only for others, but for ourselves?
Our new study is focusing on the resurrection story and what it took for the Disciples to believe Jesus had risen. If you read the different versions in each of the four gospels it becomes clear that the apostles did not have a common understanding of the event. There are significant differences from one to the next. The individual accounts are probably also colored by the audience for whom they were writing - Matthew's focus on the fulfillment of prophecy indicates a Jewish audience; Mark's fact-based Greek gospel implies non-Jewish Christians, maybe Romans; Luke's writing for the Gentiles; and John seeks to reach all people, expanding from the "what" to the "why" of Jesus. But in each account the witnesses leave the tomb believing in a very unnatural event.
I couldn't help but think they had a big advantage over us. They had been traveling with Jesus for three years, they had seen miracles first hand. I am sure I have seen miracles, but none like those described in Jesus' ministry. Even though they had seen Jesus' work and been told that this would happen, they still just thought the body had been stolen when they found the empty tomb. Despite their own unique experience and understanding, they took a while to get past "show-me." So maybe I'm not that bad after all.
What does it take for us to believe the story? While thinking about just what it takes for us to believe is a very valuable exercise, I think the take-away for me tonight was about the need to differentiate the message. That has been a hot button word in education recently, and it basically means offering material in several different ways, at several different levels, so that it both challenges and advances the skills and knowledge of each student at an individually appropriate level. Differentiation honors that fact that not all students are at the same level of understanding, interest, and ability at the same time and allows them to progress at their own level, at a pace that will allow success.
Sometimes we aren't willing to differentiate The Message as we go out to make disciples. We get an almost OCD-like compulsion, seeing only one way to do things. Our way. And yet, God differentiated the Gospels in order to reach more people. God differentiated the way he reached and reaches out to us, willing to meet us where we are and allow us to progress at our own pace. Why is it so difficult for us to do the same? Not only for others, but for ourselves?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Waving Palms, Lifting Psalms
As we prepare for Easter, remembering the events of Holy Week, it seems fitting that we start out with a study of Psalm 103. This is the epitome of the praise Psalms. You can read it on my favorite online tool, Bible Gateway. Before you click on the link, though, think about the most wonderful, marvelous thing that has ever happened to you. Then compare that to the gift of grace and salvation. How does your experience measure up to God's gift to us?
The Psalmist begins and ends the Psalm with praise and blessing of God. The filling in this praise sandwich tells us just how God saves us, the five (or in some versions six) steps in salvation - forgiving, healing, redeeming, crowning with mercy, satisfying your desires. The actions of God are followed by a description of God that seems to me totally NOT Old Testament. The image is of a loving, forgiving, patient, generous God. Creator of all, Lord of all, Redeemer of all who love him.
So, is this the God that the people saw when they laid down the palms for Jesus? They were expecting a military leader, one who wold overthrow the kingdoms of this world and make their lives better. When he turned out to not be what they expected, they turned on him. I could see them offering up this Psalm on one day, and then cursing him the next. How intolerant and fickle we can be!
If I am honest, I feel guilty when I think about that. I get angry when I don't get the answer I want to my prayers, or when I don't feel any answer at all. I try to remember to be thankful, praise-ful, give up my need for control even though it is really, really difficult. But, I hope like you, I am not perfect. I am not always successful. The good news, and the Psalmist reminds me, is that God is forgiving. God will heal my hurts, in mercy Jesus redeems my soul, and the desires of my soul that are good for my soul will be satisfied. Yours, too.
The Psalmist begins and ends the Psalm with praise and blessing of God. The filling in this praise sandwich tells us just how God saves us, the five (or in some versions six) steps in salvation - forgiving, healing, redeeming, crowning with mercy, satisfying your desires. The actions of God are followed by a description of God that seems to me totally NOT Old Testament. The image is of a loving, forgiving, patient, generous God. Creator of all, Lord of all, Redeemer of all who love him.
So, is this the God that the people saw when they laid down the palms for Jesus? They were expecting a military leader, one who wold overthrow the kingdoms of this world and make their lives better. When he turned out to not be what they expected, they turned on him. I could see them offering up this Psalm on one day, and then cursing him the next. How intolerant and fickle we can be!
If I am honest, I feel guilty when I think about that. I get angry when I don't get the answer I want to my prayers, or when I don't feel any answer at all. I try to remember to be thankful, praise-ful, give up my need for control even though it is really, really difficult. But, I hope like you, I am not perfect. I am not always successful. The good news, and the Psalmist reminds me, is that God is forgiving. God will heal my hurts, in mercy Jesus redeems my soul, and the desires of my soul that are good for my soul will be satisfied. Yours, too.
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