"This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep."
- Nehemiah 8
When Ezra the Scribe brought the word of the Law to the people, and read it to them (at the Water Gate), they were so moved that they began to weep. But the Levites said: "This day is holy to the Lord. Do not mourn or weep." And they were instructed to go out and eat fat, to have feasts and to have great joy.
In the Lectionary, we follow Christmas with Epiphany. It is a time, prior to Lent, when we should still be rejoicing, still reading the Good News, still feasting.
And the Word of God should, at this time, fill us with joy.
The Hebrews had gone some time since they were a devout people. The Word of God had been ignored, for generations. Imagine the people just mocking it, as people today mock the American Founding Fathers, and the Christian Scriptures. They had studied it enough to point out the inconsistencies, with mirth.
But this only set them up to be conquered. And once humiliated for a generation or two, they were once again ready to listen and obey.
And so it is today. You can hear the Word of God, and let it affect you harshly, so that your conviction makes you cry. Or you can rejoice that the Word is still here for you.
And so be it. Let your commitment be renewed . . . even if already you have departed from your New Year's Resolution. Stay in the Word of God. And rejoice.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
"Do not lord it over those in your charge ..."
- I Peter 5
The account of Peter, when placed all together as it is in today's lessons (on the Feast of Peter) brings into focus an ordinary man that became extraordinary, because he had been with Christ and believed in Him.
Peter's teachings stressed servanthood. He was a man's man, by all accounts. Very handy, hard-working, a leader, a successful fisherman. He was a family man, with a wife, and probably, many children (I am going to want to meet them some day).
But his trusting heart, his passionate swagger, but most of all, his humility, endears him to us.
"Don't be bossy," is basically what it's saying. A current meme going around Facebook talks about girls pushing back when they are called "bossy," and insisting that they have leadership skills.
Whatever. Nobody likes anybody that's "bossy" whether male or female. And that's what Peter is saying.
Lead, but don't be bossy. Leaders do, they set the example, they serve. They set out a course and ask people to follow. But bosses order people around. They take whatever position they have, either formal, or based on their size, or bank accounts, and start lording it over people. They are insecure and small. But telling people to do something, and they do it, makes them feel important.
Don't be like that.
- I Peter 5
The account of Peter, when placed all together as it is in today's lessons (on the Feast of Peter) brings into focus an ordinary man that became extraordinary, because he had been with Christ and believed in Him.
Peter's teachings stressed servanthood. He was a man's man, by all accounts. Very handy, hard-working, a leader, a successful fisherman. He was a family man, with a wife, and probably, many children (I am going to want to meet them some day).
But his trusting heart, his passionate swagger, but most of all, his humility, endears him to us.
"Don't be bossy," is basically what it's saying. A current meme going around Facebook talks about girls pushing back when they are called "bossy," and insisting that they have leadership skills.
Whatever. Nobody likes anybody that's "bossy" whether male or female. And that's what Peter is saying.
Lead, but don't be bossy. Leaders do, they set the example, they serve. They set out a course and ask people to follow. But bosses order people around. They take whatever position they have, either formal, or based on their size, or bank accounts, and start lording it over people. They are insecure and small. But telling people to do something, and they do it, makes them feel important.
Don't be like that.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Holy Spirit = Unity
"...and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit."
- 1 Corinthians 12
Earlier this year, we discussed the prayer of Peter and John, that the Samaritans would "receive the Holy Spirit." But here it says that if you say "Jesus is Lord," the Holy Spirit made you do it.
This is good and it clarifies things. If you are in Christ, it implies, then you're okay. That is: saved, forgiven, will inherit eternal life.
But now, "receive" the Holy Spirit may be something else: that thing that manifests itself in the acts of Christ Himself: healing, prophesying, teaching, leading, serving.
The passage talks about the value of all of the members of the Body of Christ. You should not focus on what divides you from other believers (i.e., politics). Even the "far right" or "far left" denomination or church has a place with you.
And maybe this is the ultimate Holy Spirit evidence: unity.
- 1 Corinthians 12
Earlier this year, we discussed the prayer of Peter and John, that the Samaritans would "receive the Holy Spirit." But here it says that if you say "Jesus is Lord," the Holy Spirit made you do it.
This is good and it clarifies things. If you are in Christ, it implies, then you're okay. That is: saved, forgiven, will inherit eternal life.
But now, "receive" the Holy Spirit may be something else: that thing that manifests itself in the acts of Christ Himself: healing, prophesying, teaching, leading, serving.
The passage talks about the value of all of the members of the Body of Christ. You should not focus on what divides you from other believers (i.e., politics). Even the "far right" or "far left" denomination or church has a place with you.
And maybe this is the ultimate Holy Spirit evidence: unity.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Even Beasts
"...you save both man and beast, O Lord."
- Psalm 36
Continuing with the thread of God's filial love for His people; He loves us so much, He wants to marry us. But not, obviously, in a human, or carnal sense, which would be "eros" love, but in a godly, unselfish, "agape" love form.
He wants us exceedingly happy. But He wants us to be dignified, humble creatures, as He is. And He wants us to be humble, not so He can feel more puffed up and superior around us. Rather, because God knows that humility is the way to be happy. If you seek nothing in return, if you just want to give, and if your love is not motivated by the physical or sensual response we are likely to get in return, well . . . that's not "love" at all. Yes, our society is in the middle of a historically-distracting conversation about the meaning of "love," and we're defining it the wrong way. We're letting the most human conception of "love," even drive public policy!
An interesting statement in today's reading: to the questions: are animals saved? Will we see our favorite pets in eternity? No question. God wants us happy. But it says here, that God saves the "beast" as well as humanity.
"Beast" covers a lot of territory. For, when they kill, for survival, "they know not what they do."
Interesting . . .
- Psalm 36
Continuing with the thread of God's filial love for His people; He loves us so much, He wants to marry us. But not, obviously, in a human, or carnal sense, which would be "eros" love, but in a godly, unselfish, "agape" love form.
He wants us exceedingly happy. But He wants us to be dignified, humble creatures, as He is. And He wants us to be humble, not so He can feel more puffed up and superior around us. Rather, because God knows that humility is the way to be happy. If you seek nothing in return, if you just want to give, and if your love is not motivated by the physical or sensual response we are likely to get in return, well . . . that's not "love" at all. Yes, our society is in the middle of a historically-distracting conversation about the meaning of "love," and we're defining it the wrong way. We're letting the most human conception of "love," even drive public policy!
An interesting statement in today's reading: to the questions: are animals saved? Will we see our favorite pets in eternity? No question. God wants us happy. But it says here, that God saves the "beast" as well as humanity.
"Beast" covers a lot of territory. For, when they kill, for survival, "they know not what they do."
Interesting . . .
Monday, January 11, 2016
Marriage
"...for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married."
- Isaiah 62
The ultimate wish for God and Israel, is to become "married" to the land of Israel.
What? If marriage is defined as we have come to define it in human history, then the connotation is all sexual. It's what people do, not when they're really "in love," but when they can't wait any longer to consummate their relationship. Or if they have already done that ahead of time, it gives their relationship some legitimacy. That is, if the copulating couple have scruples.
No, that can't be what is meant by "marriage," in God's eyes. It does make sexual activity "legal."
But there is much more. It's a full union. Something that cannot be separated. Period.
What we want is for someone that will never leave us. That's love./
Never. Leave. Us.
That's what God promises. It's the solution to all our insecurities. It's our deepest desire.
It's love.
It's marriage.
- Isaiah 62
The ultimate wish for God and Israel, is to become "married" to the land of Israel.
What? If marriage is defined as we have come to define it in human history, then the connotation is all sexual. It's what people do, not when they're really "in love," but when they can't wait any longer to consummate their relationship. Or if they have already done that ahead of time, it gives their relationship some legitimacy. That is, if the copulating couple have scruples.
No, that can't be what is meant by "marriage," in God's eyes. It does make sexual activity "legal."
But there is much more. It's a full union. Something that cannot be separated. Period.
What we want is for someone that will never leave us. That's love./
Never. Leave. Us.
That's what God promises. It's the solution to all our insecurities. It's our deepest desire.
It's love.
It's marriage.
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Receiving the Holy Spirit. Hmmm . . .
"The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit . . . "
- Acts 8
Here we have Peter and John, having heard that people in Samaria were accepting Christ, going on down to see for themselves. They found out that as yet, the people had only been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. So . . . therefore . . .
They laid hands on the people and prayed that they receive the Holy Spirit.
Then what? They received the Holy Spirit.
When's the last time you prayed that someone receive the Holy Spirit? Very interesting. It does not mean they necessarily began speaking in tongues, or healing the sick. In this case, it does not mean anything in particular, except that the received the Holy Spirit.
And so I got to thinking - perhaps I will try praying that others receive the Holy Spirit, and kinda leave it at that!
What do you think? Have you received the Holy Spirit? Do you dare ask someone to lay hands on you and ask that you have that very experience? It would be something!
- Acts 8
Here we have Peter and John, having heard that people in Samaria were accepting Christ, going on down to see for themselves. They found out that as yet, the people had only been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. So . . . therefore . . .
They laid hands on the people and prayed that they receive the Holy Spirit.
Then what? They received the Holy Spirit.
When's the last time you prayed that someone receive the Holy Spirit? Very interesting. It does not mean they necessarily began speaking in tongues, or healing the sick. In this case, it does not mean anything in particular, except that the received the Holy Spirit.
And so I got to thinking - perhaps I will try praying that others receive the Holy Spirit, and kinda leave it at that!
What do you think? Have you received the Holy Spirit? Do you dare ask someone to lay hands on you and ask that you have that very experience? It would be something!
Friday, January 8, 2016
Water
"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters" - Psalm 29
The baptism of Christ.
Throughout Scripture, water is viewed as central to nature, and to redemption.
Water is a powerful, destructive force. It also is the source of life. If water is present, then life can thrive.
What a great analogy to God's word, His love, His plan!
How can a loving God permit . . . ?
Indeed. How can such a pure, essential element as water, also be so terrifyingly deadly?
And that would seem to be the point.
The baptism of Christ.
Throughout Scripture, water is viewed as central to nature, and to redemption.
Water is a powerful, destructive force. It also is the source of life. If water is present, then life can thrive.
What a great analogy to God's word, His love, His plan!
How can a loving God permit . . . ?
Indeed. How can such a pure, essential element as water, also be so terrifyingly deadly?
And that would seem to be the point.
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