I was in a conversation yesterday about Lenten disciplines. My conversation partner shared with me, “In the past I have given something up, only to forget after a few days. This year, I took on having a differing attitude.” When I asked how it was going, the response was positive. “I can really tell a difference.”
One of the Greek words used for “faith” is visio. Easily translated as “vision,” this is more than some vision one might have of future events. It can refer to the way in which one sees the world. It has been compared to seeing the world as Christ sees the world.
Changing one’s attitude can easily be translated into visio. Taking on the discipline of seeing as Christ sees, changes how we perceive everything around us. We see transgression as an opportunity for forgiveness to be expressed; we see anger as the outgrowth of insecurity.
We may not be able to change the images which form on our retina, but we can choose how we will interpret what we see. Changing our attitude changes so much about how we respond to what we see.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Devotion - Wednesday, Feb 24
In I Corinthians 2, Paul continues to drive home that it is not our works, our wisdom, nor our personal traits which promote the Word of God. He says, “I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom.” Paul bases his confidence in “Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
I think of all the seminars I have attended which address evangelism. I am not referring to those which are easily labeled as sleazy. I am thinking of those offered with the best and purest of intentions. I wonder, however, if they would stand the test of Paul’s criteria.
As we go about our day (as each of us go about each day) there will be opportunities to make Christ known. We are more apt to reply these chance encounters at the end of the day, thinking to ourselves, “I wish I had said…..” Unsure what to say, we often say nothing at all.
Perhaps we search for eloquent words; maybe we think what we have to offer is insufficient. Paul chose to know one thing, and one thing only- Jesus Christ and him crucified.
I don’t always fully understand the relation between Jesus’ crucifixion and that which concerns the person speaking to me. But that is not my role. I will leave it to God to make those connections. My task is to share with them the good news that God loves us so completely.
It is not our works, our wisdom, nor our personal traits which promote the Word of God; it is the Word of God.
I think of all the seminars I have attended which address evangelism. I am not referring to those which are easily labeled as sleazy. I am thinking of those offered with the best and purest of intentions. I wonder, however, if they would stand the test of Paul’s criteria.
As we go about our day (as each of us go about each day) there will be opportunities to make Christ known. We are more apt to reply these chance encounters at the end of the day, thinking to ourselves, “I wish I had said…..” Unsure what to say, we often say nothing at all.
Perhaps we search for eloquent words; maybe we think what we have to offer is insufficient. Paul chose to know one thing, and one thing only- Jesus Christ and him crucified.
I don’t always fully understand the relation between Jesus’ crucifixion and that which concerns the person speaking to me. But that is not my role. I will leave it to God to make those connections. My task is to share with them the good news that God loves us so completely.
It is not our works, our wisdom, nor our personal traits which promote the Word of God; it is the Word of God.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Devotion - Tuesday, February 23
I Corinthians 1:20-31 could be a tough section of scripture for those of us who live in the university setting. Paul writes, “Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” This could be a tough section; or it could be the very verses which drive us more deeply into our work.
We haven’t done as much with the faith-science debate in recent years. I am forever grateful to the scientist who helped me to understand the difference between science and science-based-technology (SBT for short). Most of what it taught (to undergraduates for sure) is SBT. It is only a few who push the edges of what is known, who delve into pure science.
There is a parallel between this and what happens within the Church. Here, one would separate piety from theology. Theology, like science, is dealt with by a small group. These persons share their findings and use what has been discussed as a way to help us understand our actions. Those actions, the prayers and songs, give expression to the theological tenets. But few of us will delve into the fine points. We say our prayers, lift our voices to God, and go on with our lives. These interactive actions are our piety; the way we pray.
These verses of I Corinthians are not telling us to never seek knowledge or information; they are reminding us that for the knowledge to be useful it must be put into practice. We cannot simply debate, we must also act.
Science leads to SBT; theology gives rise to piety. If we are going to boast, “boast of the Lord,” not our own insights and discoveries.
We haven’t done as much with the faith-science debate in recent years. I am forever grateful to the scientist who helped me to understand the difference between science and science-based-technology (SBT for short). Most of what it taught (to undergraduates for sure) is SBT. It is only a few who push the edges of what is known, who delve into pure science.
There is a parallel between this and what happens within the Church. Here, one would separate piety from theology. Theology, like science, is dealt with by a small group. These persons share their findings and use what has been discussed as a way to help us understand our actions. Those actions, the prayers and songs, give expression to the theological tenets. But few of us will delve into the fine points. We say our prayers, lift our voices to God, and go on with our lives. These interactive actions are our piety; the way we pray.
These verses of I Corinthians are not telling us to never seek knowledge or information; they are reminding us that for the knowledge to be useful it must be put into practice. We cannot simply debate, we must also act.
Science leads to SBT; theology gives rise to piety. If we are going to boast, “boast of the Lord,” not our own insights and discoveries.
Monday, February 22, 2010
My sleep was disturbed last night by the sermon I preached yesterday morning. In that sermon, I drew lines between differing expressions of the Christian Church. In my dream, I was spouting off the “misunderstandings” which have misguided so many of Jesus’ followers. On the faces of my conversation partners (strangers to me) there developed a look of bewilderment. It isn’t those who remain close by who are harmed by our tirades, but those for whom this may be our only encounter.
This morning, as I turned to my lectionary readings, I was directed to I Corinthians 1:1-19. Here, Paul writes, “It has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is much quarreling among you… each one of you says, ‘I belong to Paul,’ …. or ‘I belong to (Peter),’ or ‘I belong to Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
Martin Luther wrote similar words: “I ask that my name should not be mentioned and that we should not be called Lutherans but Christians. I was not crucified for anyone. … How did it come about that I poor, stinking bag of maggots should have the children of God called by my miserable name?”
We can split hairs and we can refine our theological thoughts, but we must never, ever allow ourselves to separate ourselves from the body of Christ. We are Christians; we are followers of Christ. We may find differing aspects of Christ’s teachings to emphasize, but we remain united in our one baptism into our one Lord.
Not all who heard my words yesterday will read my thoughts this morning. In my confession, I am reminded of the wisdom of James. The tongue is a wagging fire that sets many ablaze. I will stand by the content of yesterday’s sermon. But God has certainly helped me to reconsider the method of delivery.
I am hoping for a more restful afternoon nap.
This morning, as I turned to my lectionary readings, I was directed to I Corinthians 1:1-19. Here, Paul writes, “It has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is much quarreling among you… each one of you says, ‘I belong to Paul,’ …. or ‘I belong to (Peter),’ or ‘I belong to Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
Martin Luther wrote similar words: “I ask that my name should not be mentioned and that we should not be called Lutherans but Christians. I was not crucified for anyone. … How did it come about that I poor, stinking bag of maggots should have the children of God called by my miserable name?”
We can split hairs and we can refine our theological thoughts, but we must never, ever allow ourselves to separate ourselves from the body of Christ. We are Christians; we are followers of Christ. We may find differing aspects of Christ’s teachings to emphasize, but we remain united in our one baptism into our one Lord.
Not all who heard my words yesterday will read my thoughts this morning. In my confession, I am reminded of the wisdom of James. The tongue is a wagging fire that sets many ablaze. I will stand by the content of yesterday’s sermon. But God has certainly helped me to reconsider the method of delivery.
I am hoping for a more restful afternoon nap.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sermon - Lent 1 - 2/21/10
1st Sunday in Lent – Year C
March 8, 1992
Luke 4:1-13
God Doesn't Leave when Trouble Comes
One of the campus ministry groups with which I meet each week is the Pre-Seminary group. We have seven regular participants, with another four who are sort of interested. With this group, we discuss some of the finer points of theology.
Two weeks ago I hit them with a pretty tough read. It is an article I keep coming back to, particularly as I enter the Lenten journey and discuss what it is all about. The article addressed the popularity of a particular what of thinking about salvation; the growing numbers of Christians who are very comfortable with predestination. Following the acronym “TULIP,” this approach emphasizes the Total depravity; Unconditional election; Limited atonement; Irresistible grace; Perseverance of the saints. My reason for sharing the article with the pre-sem group was both to educate them, but also to test out whether the paper tiger constructed in this article really does exist. I think we found that it does.
This is a complicated theological system and I don’t mean to reduce it to an easy target, but it seems to exposes be yet another indication that there are many in the Christian community who think that so long as you are one of the saved, everything is going to be just fine, that good always triumphs, and that inner strength and conviction will forever win the day.
The Gospel seems to expose a differing way of looking at the world. It challenges our assumptions about life being simple, of life as a bowl full of cherries. Sometimes the progress of a pilgrim looks more like Dante's Inferno than a trip to Disney World.
TULIP suggests that there are many who simply do not want to be reminded of the pain and ambiguity which life represents. The Gospel exposes a different way of thinking. In the story of Jesus’ temptation seems to be saying that things have not been determined from all eternity.
In writing of Jesus’ experience in the wilderness, Mark precedes the description of what is about to happen with two very clear reminders of how it happens. Luke 4, verse 1 begins: Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness. Jesus is "full" of the Spirit; Jesus is "led" by the Spirit. What is about to happen to him is not the result of God's absence; it is the direct result of God's presence.
Led by the Spirit, the Ac¬cuser comes to visit and sets before Jesus options which may prove more appealing, simpler, or easier to understand than the path desired by God. The Accuser encourages Jesus to ignore the complexities and reduce his role in salvation history to some¬thing that could be replayed as a ten second sound bite.
The temptation begins, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Scripture tells us that Jesus was a person of compassion. He heals the sick and binds up the broken. How much of their suffering was the direct result of need? Had the basic necessities of life been available to them, many if not most of their illnesses would have been avoid¬ed. "Command this stone to become a loaf of bread," is more than a temptation for Jesus to satisfy his own hunger. It sets before him the opportunity to eliminate human suffering.
Some of those who call upon the name of Christ would have us believe that Jesus did change the stone into bread. They are the ones who claim that as a result of their faith they have never experienced want or need. They are the ones who tell us that if we give our life to Christ all we could ever want will come our way. They are the ones who celebrate an “Unconditional election.”
Luke's gospel calls a halt to such ways of thinking. Jesus doesn't do it. Jesus understood his mission to be something different. He was not going to eliminate our need or want. He was going to reveal to us the path of faith. Regardless of the claims made by some, Jesus does not take away all our need. He joins us in it. He does not change the stone to bread in order to satisfy our hunger, nor his own.
The next stop on the Tempter's tour is a vantage point from which one sees all the kingdoms of the world. Forget for a mo¬ment the question of ownership, whether these are indeed in the possession of Tempter. The temptation which is set before Jesus is to establish a new world order; to eliminate corrupt governments, to make the kingdom of God synonymous with the kingdoms of this world.
There are expressions of the faith which still see this as their goal. They live out their lives in obedience to the notion that Jesus accepted this temptation and that we are to work to bring it to completion. They want the mission of the Church to be defined as the process of making all persons comply with the wishes of the Church. You see this mind set at work each time someone juxtaposes the Word of God with some piece of legislation. It comes into play whenever someone tries to reduce Jesus' conversation about the kingdom of God into a political agenda or endorsement for some charismatic leader.
It would be a wonderful world if everyone did obey and see themselves as citizens of God's kingdom. But Luke reminds us that Jesus said "No!" He did not agree. As a result we will never live in God's kingdom on earth. Ours is an imperfect world and always will be.
Maybe the Tempter hoped to play upon Jesus' strength of conviction, for the last temptation comes almost as a dare. "Since you are so high and mighty," the Accuser seems to say, “throw yourself down from the pinnacle of the temple. Prove that you are the one sent by God, the one whose Word reveals the way to salvation." Of all the temptations set before Jesus, this is the one that would have done the most to make our job easier. Jesus is being offered the chance to prove that all the things he says are indeed true.
What a missed opportunity. Jesus performs so many other miracles, why won't he do the one that would prove he is who we believe him to be? All it would take would be a little show of power. A simple demonstration that God would protect him and never let any evil come his way. But again Jesus says, "No!" He doesn't do it. And we who call upon his name are forever left with the impossible job of explaining why we believe.
I don't know why Jesus doesn't meet our every need, establish his kingdom, or prove his truth. It would be simpler; it would be easier if only God would. But to each of these tempta-tions Jesus says "No!" And we are left with a call to faith, call to trust that in the midst of our ambiguity, in the midst of our continual pain and suffering, God's will is being done, God's purpose is making itself known.
I also long for the simplicity of tabloid headlines. I wish faith meant no harm would ever come my way. But life is more often like Dante's Inferno than a trip to Disney World. Jesus could have made it simpler or easier but he didn't. As a result, I am left with the complexity and the ambiguity. I don't know why God chose to do things in this way, but I realize how wrong it would be to pretend that God did things differently.
During our forty days of Lent, we will wrestle with the way of the cross. We will struggle to understand why this is the way of God. But we will refuse to ignore or close our eyes to the witness of scripture. Ten second sound bites don't cut it. The way of faith is a life-long pursuit.
Amen.
March 8, 1992
Luke 4:1-13
God Doesn't Leave when Trouble Comes
One of the campus ministry groups with which I meet each week is the Pre-Seminary group. We have seven regular participants, with another four who are sort of interested. With this group, we discuss some of the finer points of theology.
Two weeks ago I hit them with a pretty tough read. It is an article I keep coming back to, particularly as I enter the Lenten journey and discuss what it is all about. The article addressed the popularity of a particular what of thinking about salvation; the growing numbers of Christians who are very comfortable with predestination. Following the acronym “TULIP,” this approach emphasizes the Total depravity; Unconditional election; Limited atonement; Irresistible grace; Perseverance of the saints. My reason for sharing the article with the pre-sem group was both to educate them, but also to test out whether the paper tiger constructed in this article really does exist. I think we found that it does.
This is a complicated theological system and I don’t mean to reduce it to an easy target, but it seems to exposes be yet another indication that there are many in the Christian community who think that so long as you are one of the saved, everything is going to be just fine, that good always triumphs, and that inner strength and conviction will forever win the day.
The Gospel seems to expose a differing way of looking at the world. It challenges our assumptions about life being simple, of life as a bowl full of cherries. Sometimes the progress of a pilgrim looks more like Dante's Inferno than a trip to Disney World.
TULIP suggests that there are many who simply do not want to be reminded of the pain and ambiguity which life represents. The Gospel exposes a different way of thinking. In the story of Jesus’ temptation seems to be saying that things have not been determined from all eternity.
In writing of Jesus’ experience in the wilderness, Mark precedes the description of what is about to happen with two very clear reminders of how it happens. Luke 4, verse 1 begins: Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness. Jesus is "full" of the Spirit; Jesus is "led" by the Spirit. What is about to happen to him is not the result of God's absence; it is the direct result of God's presence.
Led by the Spirit, the Ac¬cuser comes to visit and sets before Jesus options which may prove more appealing, simpler, or easier to understand than the path desired by God. The Accuser encourages Jesus to ignore the complexities and reduce his role in salvation history to some¬thing that could be replayed as a ten second sound bite.
The temptation begins, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Scripture tells us that Jesus was a person of compassion. He heals the sick and binds up the broken. How much of their suffering was the direct result of need? Had the basic necessities of life been available to them, many if not most of their illnesses would have been avoid¬ed. "Command this stone to become a loaf of bread," is more than a temptation for Jesus to satisfy his own hunger. It sets before him the opportunity to eliminate human suffering.
Some of those who call upon the name of Christ would have us believe that Jesus did change the stone into bread. They are the ones who claim that as a result of their faith they have never experienced want or need. They are the ones who tell us that if we give our life to Christ all we could ever want will come our way. They are the ones who celebrate an “Unconditional election.”
Luke's gospel calls a halt to such ways of thinking. Jesus doesn't do it. Jesus understood his mission to be something different. He was not going to eliminate our need or want. He was going to reveal to us the path of faith. Regardless of the claims made by some, Jesus does not take away all our need. He joins us in it. He does not change the stone to bread in order to satisfy our hunger, nor his own.
The next stop on the Tempter's tour is a vantage point from which one sees all the kingdoms of the world. Forget for a mo¬ment the question of ownership, whether these are indeed in the possession of Tempter. The temptation which is set before Jesus is to establish a new world order; to eliminate corrupt governments, to make the kingdom of God synonymous with the kingdoms of this world.
There are expressions of the faith which still see this as their goal. They live out their lives in obedience to the notion that Jesus accepted this temptation and that we are to work to bring it to completion. They want the mission of the Church to be defined as the process of making all persons comply with the wishes of the Church. You see this mind set at work each time someone juxtaposes the Word of God with some piece of legislation. It comes into play whenever someone tries to reduce Jesus' conversation about the kingdom of God into a political agenda or endorsement for some charismatic leader.
It would be a wonderful world if everyone did obey and see themselves as citizens of God's kingdom. But Luke reminds us that Jesus said "No!" He did not agree. As a result we will never live in God's kingdom on earth. Ours is an imperfect world and always will be.
Maybe the Tempter hoped to play upon Jesus' strength of conviction, for the last temptation comes almost as a dare. "Since you are so high and mighty," the Accuser seems to say, “throw yourself down from the pinnacle of the temple. Prove that you are the one sent by God, the one whose Word reveals the way to salvation." Of all the temptations set before Jesus, this is the one that would have done the most to make our job easier. Jesus is being offered the chance to prove that all the things he says are indeed true.
What a missed opportunity. Jesus performs so many other miracles, why won't he do the one that would prove he is who we believe him to be? All it would take would be a little show of power. A simple demonstration that God would protect him and never let any evil come his way. But again Jesus says, "No!" He doesn't do it. And we who call upon his name are forever left with the impossible job of explaining why we believe.
I don't know why Jesus doesn't meet our every need, establish his kingdom, or prove his truth. It would be simpler; it would be easier if only God would. But to each of these tempta-tions Jesus says "No!" And we are left with a call to faith, call to trust that in the midst of our ambiguity, in the midst of our continual pain and suffering, God's will is being done, God's purpose is making itself known.
I also long for the simplicity of tabloid headlines. I wish faith meant no harm would ever come my way. But life is more often like Dante's Inferno than a trip to Disney World. Jesus could have made it simpler or easier but he didn't. As a result, I am left with the complexity and the ambiguity. I don't know why God chose to do things in this way, but I realize how wrong it would be to pretend that God did things differently.
During our forty days of Lent, we will wrestle with the way of the cross. We will struggle to understand why this is the way of God. But we will refuse to ignore or close our eyes to the witness of scripture. Ten second sound bites don't cut it. The way of faith is a life-long pursuit.
Amen.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Devotion - Thursday, February 18
It is encouraging and heartening to overhear conversations about Lenten disciplines. I speak of overhearing, because I overhear more often than engage in direct conversation. There may be a reason for this – a reason which I would like to explore with you now.
I am always, always heartened by conversations about Lenten disciplines, always. But some disciplines would appear to be more beneficial than others. It isn’t simply that we commit ourselves to something; it is that we commit ourselves to that which will deepen our love for God and prepare us to more fully celebrate the Easter Proclamation. (It is tough to address this without sounding critical. Please, do not hear this as a criticism of whatever discipline you have taken on. It is pastoral advice for your spiritual journey.)
A Lenten discipline is not about self-improvement, it is about improving our relationship with God. We are not trying to make ourselves more acceptable to God; we are trying to open ourselves up to the entrance of God into our lives.
In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes: “The emphasis of holiness movements is apt to be that God is producing specimens of holiness to put in His museum. If you go off on this idea of personal holiness, the dead-set of your life will not be for God, but for what you call the manifestation of God in your life.”
A Lenten discipline is not a second take at a New Year’s resolution. It is not about self-improvement. While any discipline will serve to make us more aware of our desire to serve God, not all disciplines have God at the center. A discipline may have may side benefits, but no side benefit should outweigh the central aim. It is not our individual holiness which God seeks; it is a life lived as Christ would have us live.
I am always, always heartened by conversations about Lenten disciplines, always. But some disciplines would appear to be more beneficial than others. It isn’t simply that we commit ourselves to something; it is that we commit ourselves to that which will deepen our love for God and prepare us to more fully celebrate the Easter Proclamation. (It is tough to address this without sounding critical. Please, do not hear this as a criticism of whatever discipline you have taken on. It is pastoral advice for your spiritual journey.)
A Lenten discipline is not about self-improvement, it is about improving our relationship with God. We are not trying to make ourselves more acceptable to God; we are trying to open ourselves up to the entrance of God into our lives.
In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes: “The emphasis of holiness movements is apt to be that God is producing specimens of holiness to put in His museum. If you go off on this idea of personal holiness, the dead-set of your life will not be for God, but for what you call the manifestation of God in your life.”
A Lenten discipline is not a second take at a New Year’s resolution. It is not about self-improvement. While any discipline will serve to make us more aware of our desire to serve God, not all disciplines have God at the center. A discipline may have may side benefits, but no side benefit should outweigh the central aim. It is not our individual holiness which God seeks; it is a life lived as Christ would have us live.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Devotion - Ash Wednesday
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
These are the words with which we begin our Lenten season. They are a reminder of the senselessness of living for ourselves and ourselves alone. They are words of encouragement, encouraging us to seek that which is lasting and eternal.
My friend is quick to remind me, “Don’t make us feel bad about ourselves. We feel bad enough already.” She is right. And she has mis-heard the message of Lent (and the whole Christian message.) It is not to drag us down that these words are spoken; it is to remind us of that to which we can aspire. We came from dust, we were created out of the dirt of the earth. Out of that which is common and ordinary God formed us. It is God’s breath which sent life coursing through us and it was God’s Word which enabled us to speak.
Look at all that has been possible. See all that this “dust” has accomplished. It has all been possible as a result of the one who formed us out of the dirt.
The God who formed us allows us the freedom to set our path. We are free to chose how we will honor that breath, how we will speak the word. We can allow life to slip us by, failing to connect to that which is life-giving, or we can align ourselves with the One who continues to breathe life and speak the Word.
Remember – you have been given a wonderful gift. You have been blessed. What will you do with this blessing? How will you use the gift which you have received.
Remember.
These are the words with which we begin our Lenten season. They are a reminder of the senselessness of living for ourselves and ourselves alone. They are words of encouragement, encouraging us to seek that which is lasting and eternal.
My friend is quick to remind me, “Don’t make us feel bad about ourselves. We feel bad enough already.” She is right. And she has mis-heard the message of Lent (and the whole Christian message.) It is not to drag us down that these words are spoken; it is to remind us of that to which we can aspire. We came from dust, we were created out of the dirt of the earth. Out of that which is common and ordinary God formed us. It is God’s breath which sent life coursing through us and it was God’s Word which enabled us to speak.
Look at all that has been possible. See all that this “dust” has accomplished. It has all been possible as a result of the one who formed us out of the dirt.
The God who formed us allows us the freedom to set our path. We are free to chose how we will honor that breath, how we will speak the word. We can allow life to slip us by, failing to connect to that which is life-giving, or we can align ourselves with the One who continues to breathe life and speak the Word.
Remember – you have been given a wonderful gift. You have been blessed. What will you do with this blessing? How will you use the gift which you have received.
Remember.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Devotion - Tuesday, February 16
In Philippians 3, Paul writes these words: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
This is one of those verses which I can understand the words, but the commitment which lies behind it is tough to embrace. Paul is stating how completely he depends upon Christ; how everything in his life is pointed and directed to Christ.
I understand this; I desire this kind of faith; it is a struggle to live this way.
There are moments when I am with Paul. There are times when I am able to set everything else aside. But there are longer periods of time when I allow my selfish goals to dominate. There are far too many instances in which I ask, “How will this benefit me?” rather than thinking how this will build up the Body of Christ.
On this Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras, we drink in all the riches of God’s creation. We empty our houses of the leaven used to make cakes (pancakes) so that during the 40 days of Lent we will live a simpler life. The loss of a few niceties is supposed to remind us of the great loss suffered by Jesus. We are about to enter that period in the Church Year in which we seek to “count as loss” everything to which we have attached great value. It is a time to try to increase those moments when we do think of Christ first, and ourselves second. It is an opportunity to further the struggle and live in a way which reveals our love and dedication to Christ.
Get ready for tomorrow (and the beginning of Lent) by noting throughout the day the various ways in which you put yourself first.
This is one of those verses which I can understand the words, but the commitment which lies behind it is tough to embrace. Paul is stating how completely he depends upon Christ; how everything in his life is pointed and directed to Christ.
I understand this; I desire this kind of faith; it is a struggle to live this way.
There are moments when I am with Paul. There are times when I am able to set everything else aside. But there are longer periods of time when I allow my selfish goals to dominate. There are far too many instances in which I ask, “How will this benefit me?” rather than thinking how this will build up the Body of Christ.
On this Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras, we drink in all the riches of God’s creation. We empty our houses of the leaven used to make cakes (pancakes) so that during the 40 days of Lent we will live a simpler life. The loss of a few niceties is supposed to remind us of the great loss suffered by Jesus. We are about to enter that period in the Church Year in which we seek to “count as loss” everything to which we have attached great value. It is a time to try to increase those moments when we do think of Christ first, and ourselves second. It is an opportunity to further the struggle and live in a way which reveals our love and dedication to Christ.
Get ready for tomorrow (and the beginning of Lent) by noting throughout the day the various ways in which you put yourself first.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Devotion - Monday, February 15
Transfiguration Sunday marks a significant change. Things are different after Jesus comes down from that mountain. One of the Gospel accounts say that his “face was set for Jerusalem.” He begins to teach the disciples that he will be rejected, condemned, and crucified.
Everything changes at the Transfiguration.
In our faith journey, things are about to change, too. The disciplines of Lent are about to begin. Reserving tomorrow for that one last enjoyment of fat things, today is the day to make our plans and establish our Lenten discipline.
What will it be? How will you use the 40 days of Lent to deepen your faith and increase your devotion to Christ?
Of all the gimmicks and devices, there is nothing better than returning to the basics. Set aside an extra fifteen minutes to read your Bible. Give up those few extra minutes of lying in the bed in the morning, or reading Facebook in the evening. Read your bible, and then find some opportunity during the day to share what you read. When we share what we have read, we are more likely to remember it.
Things have changed, and are about to change even more. Prepare yourself for what is about to come. Take on the tasks associated with the life of faith.
Everything changes at the Transfiguration.
In our faith journey, things are about to change, too. The disciplines of Lent are about to begin. Reserving tomorrow for that one last enjoyment of fat things, today is the day to make our plans and establish our Lenten discipline.
What will it be? How will you use the 40 days of Lent to deepen your faith and increase your devotion to Christ?
Of all the gimmicks and devices, there is nothing better than returning to the basics. Set aside an extra fifteen minutes to read your Bible. Give up those few extra minutes of lying in the bed in the morning, or reading Facebook in the evening. Read your bible, and then find some opportunity during the day to share what you read. When we share what we have read, we are more likely to remember it.
Things have changed, and are about to change even more. Prepare yourself for what is about to come. Take on the tasks associated with the life of faith.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Devotion - Thursday, February 11
A couple of replies to yesterday’s devotion prompted me to remember a topic I write on often, but bears repeating. Remember that I wrote of Jacob’s lying to his father in order to obtain the blessing which was intended for his older brother. I asked how a lie could figure so heavily in to the process which leads to the naming of Jacob among The Patriarchs of Israel’s history.
This story helps remind us of the difference between being a hero and doing the heroic thing.
Heroes are perfect. Heroes are ideal. Heroes hardly ever occur. It is tough to be perfect. Even Jesus rejects the suggestion that he is “perfect.” He says, “Why do you call me perfect? There is but One who is perfect.” Heroes are rare, if they ever occur. But many persons will do the heroic thing. When faced with an opportunity or a challenge, they will step to the front and do that which needs to be done.
Keeping this lesson in mind is instructive to us and to our own lives. It the goal is to “be a hero,” we will always see ourselves as wanting. Who among us is so blind to our own dark thoughts and actions as to believe we are a “hero”? But many of us – all of us – can look to those moments in our lives when we were courageous enough to do the right thing. We can recall the moment when our actions resulted in a greater good. We did the heroic thing.
God does not ask us to be heroes; God’s hope is that we will do the heroic thing. God lifts up Jacob, and so many other wonderful characters, so that we might understand this. God would prefer that we not put ourselves through the turmoil of pretending to be perfect; God hopes that we will live in the moment and do the right thing.
This story helps remind us of the difference between being a hero and doing the heroic thing.
Heroes are perfect. Heroes are ideal. Heroes hardly ever occur. It is tough to be perfect. Even Jesus rejects the suggestion that he is “perfect.” He says, “Why do you call me perfect? There is but One who is perfect.” Heroes are rare, if they ever occur. But many persons will do the heroic thing. When faced with an opportunity or a challenge, they will step to the front and do that which needs to be done.
Keeping this lesson in mind is instructive to us and to our own lives. It the goal is to “be a hero,” we will always see ourselves as wanting. Who among us is so blind to our own dark thoughts and actions as to believe we are a “hero”? But many of us – all of us – can look to those moments in our lives when we were courageous enough to do the right thing. We can recall the moment when our actions resulted in a greater good. We did the heroic thing.
God does not ask us to be heroes; God’s hope is that we will do the heroic thing. God lifts up Jacob, and so many other wonderful characters, so that we might understand this. God would prefer that we not put ourselves through the turmoil of pretending to be perfect; God hopes that we will live in the moment and do the right thing.
Devotion - Wednesday, Feb 10
Jacob not only obtains his older brother’s birthright, he also manages to steal their father’s blessing.
In Genesis 27 we read of Isaac’s instructions to Esau to go, hunt and prepare a feast so that he may receive the blessing. While Esau is out hunting, their mother takes a goat from the herd and prepares a meal that will please Isaac. Jacob takes this meal in to his father. In order not to be discovered, Jacob and his mother attach the skin of the goat to Jacob’s smooth hands. After he has eaten, Isaac blesses Jacob.
As a child, there were two things about this story that I struggled to understand. The first is the honoring of one who lies. My moral instruction included warnings against lying – particularly lying to one’s parents. How is it that the third in the group of four called the Patriarchs moves into that prominent role as a result of deception?
I still search for an answer. My Old Testament professor eased some of the edges by teaching us, “The Bible is more honest than we about the humanness of our heroes.” We want them to be perfect; in the Bible they follow God.
The second had to do with why Isaac couldn’t just offer another blessing to Esau. I couldn’t understand how a few spoken phrases would mean so much.
But a few spoken phrases can mean that much. And words, once spoken, can never be reclaimed. I relive the experience at the communion rail when I extend my hand, receive the bread and hear the phrase which delights me to the core – “This is the body of Christ, given for you.” I relive my own baptism each time I watch the anointing and the repeating of those words, “You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” Words, just words? Hardly. Once spoken, they can never be taken back.
I will forever struggle to understand, fully, the story in Genesis 27. However, I will take from this story the assurance that being human (and prone to sinfulness) does not remove me from the list of those who serve God; and, I am prevented from underestimating the words spoken over me as I bow before the One who is my Lord.
In Genesis 27 we read of Isaac’s instructions to Esau to go, hunt and prepare a feast so that he may receive the blessing. While Esau is out hunting, their mother takes a goat from the herd and prepares a meal that will please Isaac. Jacob takes this meal in to his father. In order not to be discovered, Jacob and his mother attach the skin of the goat to Jacob’s smooth hands. After he has eaten, Isaac blesses Jacob.
As a child, there were two things about this story that I struggled to understand. The first is the honoring of one who lies. My moral instruction included warnings against lying – particularly lying to one’s parents. How is it that the third in the group of four called the Patriarchs moves into that prominent role as a result of deception?
I still search for an answer. My Old Testament professor eased some of the edges by teaching us, “The Bible is more honest than we about the humanness of our heroes.” We want them to be perfect; in the Bible they follow God.
The second had to do with why Isaac couldn’t just offer another blessing to Esau. I couldn’t understand how a few spoken phrases would mean so much.
But a few spoken phrases can mean that much. And words, once spoken, can never be reclaimed. I relive the experience at the communion rail when I extend my hand, receive the bread and hear the phrase which delights me to the core – “This is the body of Christ, given for you.” I relive my own baptism each time I watch the anointing and the repeating of those words, “You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” Words, just words? Hardly. Once spoken, they can never be taken back.
I will forever struggle to understand, fully, the story in Genesis 27. However, I will take from this story the assurance that being human (and prone to sinfulness) does not remove me from the list of those who serve God; and, I am prevented from underestimating the words spoken over me as I bow before the One who is my Lord.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Devotion - Tuesday, February 9
John 8 contains the story of the woman caught in adultery. The legalists of Jesus’ day (the Pharisees) bring this woman to Jesus, point out that the law of Moses commanded that she be stoned to death, and asked Jesus what he had to say about the matter.
All of this was a test. They were looking for a way to trap Jesus. Nevertheless, what Jesus says to her has lived on as one of the guiding stories for the Christian Church.
Jesus says to them, “Let him among you is without sin cast the first stone.”
We are sometimes so preoccupied with the sins of others that we fail to acknowledge the sin in our own lives. We suffer from the mistaken notion that we will look better in God’s eyes, when our eyes are set upon that which is lacking in the life of another. We suffer from the illusion that our guilty conscience will go away if we find reasons why others ought to be “guiltier.”
Confession is the act by which sin is forgiven. We cannot confess the sins of a sister or brother, our talk of their sin can only accuse. The crowd who brought the woman to Jesus was eager to deal with her sin, but not their own. Jesus reminds them that God’s children are those who use their tongues to confess, not to condemn.
All of this was a test. They were looking for a way to trap Jesus. Nevertheless, what Jesus says to her has lived on as one of the guiding stories for the Christian Church.
Jesus says to them, “Let him among you is without sin cast the first stone.”
We are sometimes so preoccupied with the sins of others that we fail to acknowledge the sin in our own lives. We suffer from the mistaken notion that we will look better in God’s eyes, when our eyes are set upon that which is lacking in the life of another. We suffer from the illusion that our guilty conscience will go away if we find reasons why others ought to be “guiltier.”
Confession is the act by which sin is forgiven. We cannot confess the sins of a sister or brother, our talk of their sin can only accuse. The crowd who brought the woman to Jesus was eager to deal with her sin, but not their own. Jesus reminds them that God’s children are those who use their tongues to confess, not to condemn.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Devotion - Monday, February 8
Genesis 25:19-34 contains the early stories of Esau and Jacob. Recorded here are their births, and the note that one was pleasing to mom, the other to dad. By the end of the reading, we are to that infamous event in which Esau returns from the fields to find his younger brother cooking. Famished, Esau asks for some pottage.
“First sell me your birthright,” Jacob asks. “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Esau replies.
When we retell this story in Sunday school, we are more inclined to speak Jacob as the actor. We speak of his “stealing the birthright of his older brother.” This is not the summation offered in the Genesis. Verse 34 reads, “Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
“Despised” is a rather strong word. But what happens deserves strong words. Esau was entitled to inherit all that his father possessed. (Inheritance laws were quite different in this culture at this time.) Esau knew this, so did Jacob. Esau had been promised to receive it all. And yet, he thumbed his nose at it. He turned his back on it. For the sake of that which was immediate he gave it all away.
He was young. Long-term gratification is a difficult concept. We see this kind of behavior all the time.
The story in the Bible certainly illustrates how destructive it is to lack a vision for the long-term. The one who gives up his birthright for a moment of satisfaction is spoken of in the most unkind words.
We must always be on guard against sort-term gratification; particularly when it has long-term consequences. We cannot allow the pleasure of the moment to forsake that which is our birthright.
In our baptism God promised us everything; we are valued, we are appreciated, we are accepted. This is our birthright. How sad it is when those who have this birthright risk it for the sake of a short-term promise. The culture around us would offer us many trinkets. But as the country-western song points out, “Everything that glitters is not gold.”
Hold on to your birthright. It is worth a whole lot more than those who would encourage you to trade it in are able to pay.
“First sell me your birthright,” Jacob asks. “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Esau replies.
When we retell this story in Sunday school, we are more inclined to speak Jacob as the actor. We speak of his “stealing the birthright of his older brother.” This is not the summation offered in the Genesis. Verse 34 reads, “Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
“Despised” is a rather strong word. But what happens deserves strong words. Esau was entitled to inherit all that his father possessed. (Inheritance laws were quite different in this culture at this time.) Esau knew this, so did Jacob. Esau had been promised to receive it all. And yet, he thumbed his nose at it. He turned his back on it. For the sake of that which was immediate he gave it all away.
He was young. Long-term gratification is a difficult concept. We see this kind of behavior all the time.
The story in the Bible certainly illustrates how destructive it is to lack a vision for the long-term. The one who gives up his birthright for a moment of satisfaction is spoken of in the most unkind words.
We must always be on guard against sort-term gratification; particularly when it has long-term consequences. We cannot allow the pleasure of the moment to forsake that which is our birthright.
In our baptism God promised us everything; we are valued, we are appreciated, we are accepted. This is our birthright. How sad it is when those who have this birthright risk it for the sake of a short-term promise. The culture around us would offer us many trinkets. But as the country-western song points out, “Everything that glitters is not gold.”
Hold on to your birthright. It is worth a whole lot more than those who would encourage you to trade it in are able to pay.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Devotion - Thursday, February 4
For the past couple of days, there has been a hum of deep theological discussion surrounding the issues of salvation. It began with last Wednesday’s powerful presentation by our guest, Pastor Casey Callahan. It was furthered with my decision to follow up on Pastor Callahan’s comments by asking the Pre-Seminary Group to read and discuss an article on Neo-Calvinism. All of this has lead to what might be called a rather theoretical and somewhat esoteric discussion of how salvation happens and how it is determined who is saved and whether a particular person has been saved.
This morning, my Bible brought me to a verse which serves as the perfect correction to this abstract discussion. Hebrews 12:1 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Yes, it is important to understand the how’s and why’s of Christian Theology. It is a nagging question to understand why some respond to God’s invitation and others to not. But in the end, what matters most is our own willingness to follow. And, by virtue of being on the receiving end of this electronic message which implies that somehow you are a part of the community of faith known as Lutheran Campus Ministry-Clemson, you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Ask your questions; seek your answers – but lay aside the weights which would encumber you and run with perseverance the race set before you.
Spend some time today thinking about salvation and how it has come into your life. Spend some time on this, but not much. Use the remainder of your time doing the things Christ would have you to do – responding to the needs of others, reaching out to those who are lonely or lost, caring for your family and friends, looking for ways to help the poor.
“I don’t know,” is an okay response to the questions we are asked. What isn’t acceptable is “I won’t serve.”
This morning, my Bible brought me to a verse which serves as the perfect correction to this abstract discussion. Hebrews 12:1 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Yes, it is important to understand the how’s and why’s of Christian Theology. It is a nagging question to understand why some respond to God’s invitation and others to not. But in the end, what matters most is our own willingness to follow. And, by virtue of being on the receiving end of this electronic message which implies that somehow you are a part of the community of faith known as Lutheran Campus Ministry-Clemson, you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Ask your questions; seek your answers – but lay aside the weights which would encumber you and run with perseverance the race set before you.
Spend some time today thinking about salvation and how it has come into your life. Spend some time on this, but not much. Use the remainder of your time doing the things Christ would have you to do – responding to the needs of others, reaching out to those who are lonely or lost, caring for your family and friends, looking for ways to help the poor.
“I don’t know,” is an okay response to the questions we are asked. What isn’t acceptable is “I won’t serve.”
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Devotion - Wednesday, February 3
I have written of faith for several days now. This morning, I wanted to share insights to the workings of faith from the opening prayer of my devotional book. Faith should not be thought of merely as something we have, or something that we obtain, or something that we do. It is that thing within us which activates our response to God. It is the origin of our ability to see as if through the eyes of God; to hear as with God’s ears.
“O God, thou that wilt not flatter us who love flattery, and dost offer us toil who love ease, open our eyes that we may see what thou wouldst have us see in all the world around us, and our ears that we may hear what thou wouldst speak in him who is that Word, even Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.”
Faith is a gift from God. Faith becomes a part of our lives and nudges us in the direction which is pleasing to God. It is the very presence of God which opens our eyes and unstops our ears.
It is through faith that we are opened up to the vision of God; that we are allowed to share that view in which the fullness of the earth and the goodness of creation is readily seen. Surely this vision also allows us to see hope and potential. It ought to prevent us from thinking arrogant or uncharitable thoughts.
Faith is not merely the goal of our search; faith is the engine which drives our search. We should seek faith; we ought also to offer prayers of thankfulness for the faith which has been planted within us.
“O God, thou that wilt not flatter us who love flattery, and dost offer us toil who love ease, open our eyes that we may see what thou wouldst have us see in all the world around us, and our ears that we may hear what thou wouldst speak in him who is that Word, even Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.”
Faith is a gift from God. Faith becomes a part of our lives and nudges us in the direction which is pleasing to God. It is the very presence of God which opens our eyes and unstops our ears.
It is through faith that we are opened up to the vision of God; that we are allowed to share that view in which the fullness of the earth and the goodness of creation is readily seen. Surely this vision also allows us to see hope and potential. It ought to prevent us from thinking arrogant or uncharitable thoughts.
Faith is not merely the goal of our search; faith is the engine which drives our search. We should seek faith; we ought also to offer prayers of thankfulness for the faith which has been planted within us.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Devotion - Tuesday, February 2
I want to continue to draw insight out of Hebrews, Chapter 11. In the middle verses (13-22,) we are reminded that it was faith which gave Abraham the strength to take his only son to the mountain of sacrifice. Instructed by God to offer up his son, Abraham is obedient.
Setting aside for a moment the horror associated with human sacrifice, it might be helpful to focus on the lesson from Hebrews. Abraham is confident that God can accomplish God’s purposes, even when death enters the picture. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.”
Death is a reality. Each of us will die. Whatever we have accumulated, whatever we have accomplished will one day be passed on to another. In despair, we might consider it all pointless. But by faith, we are confident that nothing, not even death, will separate us from God and God’s promises to us.
Death is a rather uncommon event among college students. For this we can give thanks. However, when death does come into the lives of 18-22 year olds, it is generally linked with a great tragedy. It is tempting to allow despair to emerge.
The faith we share, the faith of the Christian church, needs to be spoken at such times. It is those whose faith has not been shaken who can remind those less confident of the power and guidance of faith. Faith allows us to retain our hope. Faith passes on to us the confidence of Abraham that not even death can stand in the way of God’s purposes.
Setting aside for a moment the horror associated with human sacrifice, it might be helpful to focus on the lesson from Hebrews. Abraham is confident that God can accomplish God’s purposes, even when death enters the picture. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.”
Death is a reality. Each of us will die. Whatever we have accumulated, whatever we have accomplished will one day be passed on to another. In despair, we might consider it all pointless. But by faith, we are confident that nothing, not even death, will separate us from God and God’s promises to us.
Death is a rather uncommon event among college students. For this we can give thanks. However, when death does come into the lives of 18-22 year olds, it is generally linked with a great tragedy. It is tempting to allow despair to emerge.
The faith we share, the faith of the Christian church, needs to be spoken at such times. It is those whose faith has not been shaken who can remind those less confident of the power and guidance of faith. Faith allows us to retain our hope. Faith passes on to us the confidence of Abraham that not even death can stand in the way of God’s purposes.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Devotion - Monday, February 1
This morning I was reading verses recently covered in our Tuesday Bible study. From Hebrews 11, we read the words, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” We discussed these words, a few weeks back. We acknowledged that while this verse is often used as a definition of faith, it is really no definition at all. It is a statement, but it does actually define faith. It points to what it is that faith does for us. Faith is both the aim and the assurance of that in which we hope.
Faith is an important concept. It is an essential word in Protestant theology. But, what is it?
We sometimes confuse faith with belief. This is not the same thing. In the Augsburg Confession, Article XX, the reformers write: “Instruction is also given among us to show that the faith here spoken of is not that possessed by the devil and the ungodly, who also believe the history of Christ’s suffering and his resurrection from the dead, but we mean true faith as believes that we receive grace and forgiveness of sin through Christ…. Augustine also reminds us that we should understand the word ‘faith’ in the Scriptures to mean confidence in God, assurance that God is gracious to us, and not merely such a knowledge of historical events as the devil also possesses.”
To have faith in God is to trust in God; it is to have confidence in God’s promises; it is to live in such a way as to choose the wisdom of God rather than the teachings of the world.
Hebrews 11 points out that it was by faith that Able, Enoch, and Abraham lived a righteous life. It is by faith that they pleased God and received God’s blessings.
Faith is very important to us. Understanding what this word means is important.
Faith is an important concept. It is an essential word in Protestant theology. But, what is it?
We sometimes confuse faith with belief. This is not the same thing. In the Augsburg Confession, Article XX, the reformers write: “Instruction is also given among us to show that the faith here spoken of is not that possessed by the devil and the ungodly, who also believe the history of Christ’s suffering and his resurrection from the dead, but we mean true faith as believes that we receive grace and forgiveness of sin through Christ…. Augustine also reminds us that we should understand the word ‘faith’ in the Scriptures to mean confidence in God, assurance that God is gracious to us, and not merely such a knowledge of historical events as the devil also possesses.”
To have faith in God is to trust in God; it is to have confidence in God’s promises; it is to live in such a way as to choose the wisdom of God rather than the teachings of the world.
Hebrews 11 points out that it was by faith that Able, Enoch, and Abraham lived a righteous life. It is by faith that they pleased God and received God’s blessings.
Faith is very important to us. Understanding what this word means is important.
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